bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human, All Too Human: Do We Lose Free Spirit in the Digital Age?
Authors: Sushchenko Aleksandra , Yatsenko Olena
Published: January 2025

This article engages in a philosophical dialogue with Nietzsche’s views on the discourse of power, examining the rising concerns surrounding the digitization and algorithmization of society in the context of advancements in robotics and AI. It highlights human agency through Nietzsche’s perspective on creative culture as a space for individuals to actively engage in free thought and action, with responsibility as the key foundation of social resilience. By approaching metaphysical systems through the discourse of power, Nietzsche emphasizes that humanity can overcome system-driven delusions through reason, which he understands as the form of critical reflection existing solely in the domain of creative culture. We assert that Nietzsche’s arguments offer alternative perspectives on the ethics of technology, particularly through the dialectics of “weak and strong types of behavior”. It allows us to explore how resistance—existing in creative culture—can serve as a vital counterbalance to the mechanization of social life. Such dialectics provide a strong foundation for supporting algorithmic resistance by inspiring ethical frameworks rooted in individuality and emotional depth, challenging the homogenizing tendencies of digitization and algorithmization. It emphasizes the importance of subjective stories, emotions, and compassion, forming human-centered ethical principles that preserve the richness of individual experiences and protect against system-driven delusions.
Encouraging Confidence: The Impact of an Online Peer Mentoring Program on Women Peer Mentees in STEM at Two HBCUs
Authors: Jones Vivian O. , Wendt Jillian L.
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this project was to examine the impact of participation in an online peer mentoring program on peer mentees in an effort to broaden participation of racially and ethnically minoritized women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degree programs. A total of 22 students identifying as women who were enrolled in STEM degree programs at one of two participating historically Black institutions participated in the program. After participating in an online peer mentee training program and engaging in peer mentoring relationships over the course of one academic year, interviews and focus groups were conducted to determine the impact of participation in the program on mentees’ STEM self-efficacy, sense of community, STEM identity, and intent to persist in their STEM degree programs. Following a case study approach, findings demonstrated that peer mentees reported overall positive outcomes from participation in the program to include increased STEM self-efficacy, increased sense of belonging, increased STEM identity, and increased intent to persist. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Effect of American-Based Professional Development Program on Acculturation Strategies of Kazakhstan Mathematics Faculty
Authors: Li Yiran , Lyublinskaya Irina
Published: January 2025

The views and practices of teaching mathematics are significantly influenced by the cultural and social contexts, resulting in differences in teaching traditions among countries. Thus, when evaluating the effectiveness of professional development (PD) programs, it is crucial to consider differences in teaching traditions between PD participants and providers. There is limited research that examines PD participants’ acculturation strategies in such circumstances. This case study examines the influence of the PD program that introduced current teaching traditions in American mathematics education to Kazakhstan’s university mathematics faculty on their perceptions and practices of teaching discrete mathematics to aspiring mathematics teachers. The PD program focused on connecting abstract mathematical concepts to real-life applications, and integrating technology and STEM applications using inquiry-based strategies. The study findings indicate that, while PD enhanced faculty knowledge and attitudes toward technology integration, it did not significantly alter their views on teaching practices. A traditional teacher-centered approach persisted even when technology was incorporated, highlighting the deeply ingrained nature of educational traditions and their resilience to change. This underscores the importance of considering the cultural context and addressing deeply held beliefs in professional development initiatives, especially when aiming for substantial shifts in teaching practices.
Customers’ Preferences for Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia L.) Across Geographical Regions: Evidence from China
Authors: Hao Siwen , Zhang Donglin , Wen Yafeng
Published: January 2025

Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia L.), as a popular ornamental plant, holds significant importance in residents’ daily lives by supporting ecosystem services, enhancing urban aesthetics, and even impacting biological health. There are notable variations among crape myrtle species across different geographical distributions. However, potential differences in residents’ preferences for observing crape myrtle in various regions have not been thoroughly investigated. This study, based on a comprehensive analysis of 700 survey responses from diverse regions in China, sought to determine if discernible patterns exist in residents’ preferences for crape myrtle. The results revealed that residents across different regions exhibited distinct preferences for various ornamental characteristics of crape myrtle. These differences were particularly pronounced in intangible aspects such as cultural expression, ecological value, and economic value. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that the factors driving market demand for ornamental crape myrtle varied substantially across different regional populations. In north China, the flowering period and leaf size were identified as the primary factors influencing market interest. For south China, both the flowering period and flower size were crucial determinants. In central China, the key factors were the flowering period and flower color. The market demand in east China was largely driven by flower size and the flowering period. In northeast China, flower color and planting form played pivotal roles, while in northwest China, spatial ambiance and plant phenotype were significant in shaping preferences. Finally, in southwest China, landscape type and fruit color were the primary factors influencing market demand. These findings provide valuable insights into the relationship between regional preferences and the prevalence of crape myrtle, highlighting the potential factors that shape aesthetic choices in different parts of China.
Advancing Glycyrrhiza glabra L. Cultivation and Hairy Root Transformation and Elicitation for Future Metabolite Overexpression
Authors: Afsharzadeh Negin , Paltram Renate , Jungwirth Arne , Tabrizi Leila , Nazeri Vahideh , Kalantari Hadi , Halbwirth Heidi , Samiei Leila , Sheehan Hester , Shokrpour Majid
Published: January 2025

The production of valuable bioactive compounds in the medicinal plant Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (G. glabra) would benefit from biotechnological approaches for the cultivation and induction of metabolite-producing hairy roots. Germination trials were tested to overcome seed dormancy, achieving high germination rates with sulfuric acid treatment. Hairy root cultures of cotyledons using Rhizobium rhizogenes strain 1724 showed the highest transformation efficiency. A fast-growing line, line S, was subsequently exposed to light treatments (red, blue, and blue and red combined) to evaluate their effects on growth, phenolic content, and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP). Hairy root cultures grown in blue light and in blue and red light combined had higher growth rates than those grown in red light only or in control conditions (dark). FRAP increased over time under all light treatments, including the control, and those cultures exposed to blue and red light combined had higher FRAP than the control. These findings provide valuable insights into conditions for optimal seed germination and hairy root transformation. Treatment of the line S with different qualities of light induced changes in antioxidant capacity and phenolic content, indicating promise for its use in upregulating secondary metabolite production in G. glabra for future biotechnological applications.
Modeling Groundwater Resources in Data-Scarce Regions for Sustainable Management: Methodologies and Limits
Authors: Borzì Iolanda
Published: January 2025

Groundwater modeling in data-scarce regions faces significant challenges due to the lack of comprehensive, high-quality data, impacting model accuracy. This systematic review of Scopus-indexed papers identifies various approaches to address these challenges, including coupled hydrological-groundwater models, machine learning techniques, distributed hydrological models, water balance models, 3D groundwater flow modeling, geostatistical techniques, remote sensing-based approaches, isotope-based methods, global model downscaling, and integrated modeling approaches. Each methodology offers unique advantages for groundwater assessment and management in data-poor environments, often combining multiple data sources and modeling techniques to overcome limitations. However, these approaches face common challenges related to data quality, scale transferability, and the representation of complex hydrogeological processes. This review emphasizes the importance of adapting methodologies to specific regional contexts and data availability. It underscores the value of combining multiple data sources and modeling techniques to provide robust estimates for sustainable groundwater management. The choice of method ultimately depends on the specific objectives, scale of the study, and available data in the region of interest. Future research should focus on improving the integration of diverse data sources, enhancing the representation of complex hydrogeological processes in simplified models, and developing robust uncertainty quantification methods tailored for data-scarce conditions.
Comparative Electrocardiographic Analysis Between Physical Exercise Practitioners and Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Helbok Ottavia V. Z. , Sousa Luiz V. A. , Herdy Artur H. , Laporta Gabriel Z. , Raimundo Rodrigo D.
Published: January 2025

The trained heart adapts through geometric changes influenced by concentric and eccentric hypertrophy, depending on the predominance of the isometric or dynamic components of the exercise performed. Additionally, alterations in heart rhythm may occur due to increased vagal system activity. Cardiological evaluation with an electrocardiogram (ECG) aims to identify cardiac conditions that could temporarily or permanently disqualify an athlete from competition. This study sought to compare electrocardiographic findings in regular exercisers with those observed in athletes and to correlate these findings with training duration and load. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 154 participants divided into two groups: exercisers (EG) and athletes (AG). Data were collected on exercise type, weekly training time and practice duration. Each participant underwent a resting ECG, analyzed by two independent physicians, with a third review in case of disagreement. The Seattle criteria were applied to categorize ECG changes as physiological, borderline or abnormal. The findings revealed that 75% of athletes exhibited ECG changes, with left and/or right ventricular hypertrophy and incomplete right bundle branch block (IRBBB) being the most prevalent. Age (PR = 0.92; p = 0.004) and exercise duration (PR = 1.00; p = 0.004) significantly influenced the observed electrocardiographic changes. The majority of both regular exercisers and athletes displayed ECG alterations, with the prevalence increasing with age and training duration.
GmGIF5 Promotes Cell Expansion by Negatively Regulating Cell Wall Modification
Authors: Jin Hongmiao , Gao Shiyu , Xia Yingtao , Hu Meiling , Zheng Yueping , Ye Shenhua , Zhan Yihua , Yan Mengyuan , Liu Hongbo , Gan Yi , Zheng Zhifu , Pan Tian
Published: January 2025

Soybean is an important and versatile crop worldwide. Enhancing soybean architecture offers a potential method to increase yield. Plant-specific transcription factors play a crucial, yet often unnoticed, role in regulating plant growth and development. GRF-INTERACTING FACTOR (GIF) genes are plant-specific transcription factors; however, their functions in soybean remain poorly understood. Eight GmGIF members were identified in soybean (Glycine max L.). Phylogenetic analysis divided the eight GmGIF proteins into three groups. In this study, we focused on the role of GmGIF5 owing to its high expression level in the meristem. Subcellular localization and transcriptional activity analysis showed that GmGIF5 was localized to the nucleus and has self-transactivation ability. To elucidate the biological function of GmGIF5, we constructed transgenic Arabidopsis lines overexpressing the gene. Phenotype observations indicated that the overexpression of GmGIF5 contributed to larger leaves, higher plants, wider stems, and larger seeds. The organs of GmGIF5 overexpression lines exhibited larger sizes primarily due to an increase in cell size rather than cell number. RNA sequencing was performed to investigate the underlying mechanism for these effects, showing that differentially expressed genes in overexpression lines were mainly enriched in cell wall modification processes. Our study provides new clues for an understanding of the roles of the GmGIF family in soybean, which can promote the further application of these genes in genetic breeding.
Sonic Hedgehog Determines Early Retinal Development and Adjusts Eyeball Architecture
Authors: Azuma Noriyuki , Tadokoro Keiko , Yamada Masao , Nakafuku Masato , Nishina Hiroshi
Published: January 2025

The eye primordium of vertebrates initially forms exactly at the side of the head. Later, the eyeball architecture is tuned to see ahead with better visual acuity, but its molecular basis is unknown. The position of both eyes in the face alters in patients with holoprosencephaly due to Sonic hedgehog (Shh) mutations that disturb the development of the ventral midline of the neural tube. However, patient phenotypes vary extensively, and microforms without a brain anomaly relate instead to alternation of gene expression of the Shh signaling center in the facial primordia. We identified novel missense mutations of the Shh gene in two patients with a dislocated fovea, where the photoreceptor cells are condensed. Functional assays showed that Shh upregulates Patched and Gli and downregulates Pax6, and that Shh mutations alter these activities. Gain of function of Shh in a chick embryo retards retinal development and eyeball growth depending on the location of Shh expression, while loss of function of Shh promotes these features. We postulate that a signaling molecule like Shh that emanates from the face controls the extent of differentiation of the neural retina in a position-specific manner and that this may result in the formation of the fovea at the correct location.
Cell Membrane-Integrated Neuroligin-1 Regulates the Anti-Inflammatory Effects of CRC Cell-Derived Exosomes
Authors: Mahmoudian Mohammad , Trotta Francesco , Raimondo Stefania , Bussolino Federico , Arese Marco
Published: January 2025

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are one of the most abundant cell types in the colorectal cancer (CRC) tumor microenvironment (TME). CRC cell-derived exosomes support macrophage polarization toward an M2-like phenotype, which leads to tumor growth and metastasis. Neuroligin 1 (NLG1) is a transmembrane protein critical in synaptic function. We reported that NLG1 via an autocrine manner promotes CRC progression by modulating the APC/β-catenin pathway. This study aimed to answer whether NLG1 is involved in the exosome-mediated intercellular cross-talk between CRC and TAMs. Our results showed that exosomes of NLG1-expressing CRC cells induce M2-like (CD206high CD80low) polarization in macrophages. On the other hand, we found that the exosomes of the NLG1 knocked-down CRC cells reinforce the expression of CD80 and pro-inflammatory genes, including IL8, IL1β, and TNFα, in the macrophages, indicating an M1-like phenotype polarization. In conclusion, NLG1, as a cell-membrane-integrated protein, could be a therapeutic target on the surface of the CRC cells for developing clinical treatments to inhibit exosome-induced anti-inflammatory immune responses in TME.
Mendelian Randomization Study on hs-CRP and Dyslipidemia in Koreans: Identification of Novel SNP rs76400217
Authors: Huang Ximei , Han Youngmin , Kim Minjoo
Published: January 2025

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a marker of systemic inflammation and is associated with developing dyslipidemia. However, the causality between hs-CRP and dyslipidemia remains unresolved. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hs-CRP concentrations and dyslipidemia and to explore the potential causal link using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. A nested case–control study was conducted with 1174 participants, and genotype data were analyzed using the Korean Chip. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified rs76400217 as a suitable instrumental variable (IV) due to its significant association with hs-CRP (p < 10−8). Logistic regression models, adjusted for confounders, were used to evaluate the association between hs-CRP and dyslipidemia. An MR analysis was performed using a two-stage least squares (2SLS) method, with rs76400217 as the IV to assess causality. Logistic regression showed a significant association between hs-CRP concentrations and dyslipidemia (OR 2.08, 95% CI: 1.81–2.39, p < 0.001). This association remained significant after adjusting for factors such as age, sex, alcohol consumption, and BMI. The MR analysis using rs76400217 as the IV confirmed the strong associations with hs-CRP concentrations (p < 0.001) in all models, but the causality between hs-CRP and dyslipidemia was not statistically significant. Thus, no evidence of a causal relationship between hs-CRP and the risk of dyslipidemia was found in the Korean population. The strong association observed between hs-CRP and dyslipidemia may be due to other contributing factors rather than a direct cause.
Advanced Large-Stokes-Shift Fluorescent Probe for the Detection of Biothiols: Facilitating Accurate Indirect Measurement of β-Lactamases
Authors: Liu Likun , Yan Dongling , Ma Yukun , Hou Peng , Qi Pengfei , Zhang Xue , Liu Yitong , Chen Song
Published: January 2025

A novel fluorescent probe, Bibc-DNBS, based on the combination of the PET (photoinduced electron transfer) and ESIPT (excited-state intramolecular proton transfer) mechanisms, was designed and synthesized. Bibc-DNBS exhibited a Stokes shift of 172 nm in the fluorescence detection field. In addition, the probe exhibited good performance in key parameters in bioassays such as sensitivity, specificity, and response time. Based on these properties, Bibc-DNBS successfully monitored the biothiol levels in live cells and zebrafish models, providing an effective analytical tool for real-time monitoring of biothiols. More importantly, Bibc-DNBS could be useful for indirectly detecting β-lactamases. Bibc-DNBS(3-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-4′-cyano-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonate) facilitated the screening of β-lactamase inhibitors, using tazobactam and clavulanic acid as model compounds, with respective semi-inhibitory concentration values of 31.32 μM and 2.26 μM, respectively. It might also be applied to distinguish sensitive strain Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 and drug-resistant strain Enterobacter cloacae ATCC 13047, which could provide strong support for the clinical application of antibiotics and the development of new drugs.
Plant-Growth-Promoting Microorganisms: Their Impact on Crop Quality and Yield, with a Focus on Rice
Authors: Ríos-Ruiz Winston Franz , Jave-Concepción Henry Giovani , Torres-Chávez Edson Esmith , Rios-Reategui Franz , Padilla-Santa-Cruz Euler , Guevara-Pinedo Nelson Elias
Published: January 2025

This article presents a systematic review of the ecophysiological mechanisms underpinning the essential role of plant-growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) in improving rice yield and quality. The scientific literature is thoroughly reviewed, highlighting how PGPMs positively influence the growth, development, and health of rice plants. Key aspects, such as nitrogen fixation, nutrient solubilization, hormone production, and disease resistance induction, are emphasized. Additionally, technological advancements related to PGPM use are analyzed, including the identification of effective strains, the formulation of enhanced biofertilizers, and genetic engineering. The article concludes that PGPMs represent a promising tool with which to boost the sustainability and productivity of rice cultivation, providing a robust foundation for future research and practical applications in a field crucial to global food security.
Bibliometric Analysis on ChatGPT Research with CiteSpace
Authors: Nan Dongyan , Zhao Xiangying , Chen Chaomei , Sun Seungjong , Lee Kyeo Re , Kim Jang Hyun
Published: January 2025

ChatGPT is a generative artificial intelligence (AI) based chatbot developed by OpenAI and has attracted great attention since its launch in late 2022. This study aims to provide an overview of ChatGPT research through a CiteSpace-based bibliometric analysis. We collected 2465 published articles related to ChatGPT from the Web of Science. The main forces in ChatGPT research were identified by examining productive researchers, institutions, and countries/regions. Moreover, we performed co-authorship network analysis at the levels of author and country/region. Additionally, we conducted a co-citation analysis to identify impactful researchers, journals/sources, and literature in the ChatGPT field and performed a cluster analysis to identify the primary themes in this field. The key findings of this study are as follows. First, we found that the most productive researcher, institution, and country in ChatGPT research are Ishith Seth/Himel Mondal, Stanford University, and the United States, respectively. Second, highly cited researchers in this field are Tiffany H. Kung, Tom Brown, and Malik Sallam. Third, impactable sources/journals in this area are ARXIV, Nature, and Cureus Journal of Medical Science. Fourth, the most impactful work was published by Kung et al., who demonstrated that ChatGPT can potentially support medical education. Fifth, the overall author-based collaboration network consists of several isolated sub-networks, which indicates that the authors work in small groups and lack communication. Sixth, United Kingdom, India, and Spain had a high degree of betweenness centrality, which means that they play significant roles in the country/region-based collaboration network. Seventh, the major themes in the ChatGPT area were “data processing using ChatGPT”, “exploring user behavioral intention of ChatGPT”, and “applying ChatGPT for differential diagnosis”. Overall, we believe that our findings will help scholars and stakeholders understand the academic development of ChatGPT.
Efficacy and Risks of Posterior Vertebral Column Resection in the Treatment of Severe Pediatric Spinal Deformities: A Case Series
Authors: Asunis Emanuela , Cini Chiara , Martikos Konstantinos , Vommaro Francesco , Evangelisti Gisberto , Griffoni Cristiana , Gasbarrini Alessandro
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Surgery for adolescent idiopathic deformities is often aimed at improving aesthetic appearance, striving for the best possible correction. However, severe and rigid scoliotic curves not only present aesthetic issues but can also compromise cardiopulmonary health and cause early neurological impairment due to spinal cord compression, posing significant risks of morbidity and mortality if untreated. Conservative treatments are ineffective for severe curves, defined by scoliotic angles over 70° and flexibility below 30% on lateral bending X-rays. Treatment often requires invasive interventions, such as osteotomies and vertebral resections. In particular, posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) has shown effectiveness in realigning vertebral structures in complex cases. This study describes the efficacy and risks of PVCR through a series of cases treated at our institution. Methods: This case series was conducted at the Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute in Bologna, involving eight pediatric patients with severe, rigid spinal deformities, operated upon between 2018 and 2023. The underlying pathologies included idiopathic kyphoscoliosis, neurofibromatosis type 1, Pott’s disease, and other congenital anomalies. Preoperative assessment included standard radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography. During PVCR, motor and sensory evoked potentials were monitored to minimize neurological injury risk. Postoperative management included blood transfusions, antibiotic support, and early physiotherapy. Results: PVCR resulted in an average reduction in the Cobb angle from 86.3° preoperatively to 22.4° postoperatively, with a mean correction of 64%. The mean duration of the procedures was 337.4 min. Three patients had an uneventful postoperative course, while five developed complications, including infections and temporary neurological deficits, which were successfully managed. One patient developed an epidural hemorrhage that required emergency surgery for hematoma evacuation, with partial recovery. This study demonstrates the potential of PVCR for correcting rigid spinal deformities, highlighting the importance of postoperative management to minimize the associated risks. Conclusions: Posterior vertebral resection techniques offer significant promise in the correction of pediatric spinal deformities. Although ours is a small case series, it can provide important data for such treatment. Long-term monitoring is needed to fully understand the impact of these procedures and to further refine surgical techniques.
Expanding Horizons in Parkinson’s Disease: Towards Integrated Care and Comprehensive Research
Authors: Rodríguez-Molinero Alejandro
Published: January 2025

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide and the fastest-growing neurological condition in terms of prevalence, disability, and mortality [...]
Skin Lesion Classification Through Test Time Augmentation and Explainable Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Cino Loris , Distante Cosimo , Martella Alessandro , Mazzeo Pier Luigi
Published: January 2025

Despite significant advancements in the automatic classification of skin lesions using artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, skepticism among physicians persists. This reluctance is primarily due to the lack of transparency and explainability inherent in these models, which hinders their widespread acceptance in clinical settings. The primary objective of this study is to develop a highly accurate AI-based algorithm for skin lesion classification that also provides visual explanations to foster trust and confidence in these novel diagnostic tools. By improving transparency, the study seeks to contribute to earlier and more reliable diagnoses. Additionally, the research investigates the impact of Test Time Augmentation (TTA) on the performance of six Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architectures, which include models from the EfficientNet, ResNet (Residual Network), and ResNeXt (an enhanced variant of ResNet) families. To improve the interpretability of the models’ decision-making processes, techniques such as t-distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (t-SNE) and Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping (Grad-CAM) are employed. t-SNE is utilized to visualize the high-dimensional latent features of the CNNs in a two-dimensional space, providing insights into how the models group different skin lesion classes. Grad-CAM is used to generate heatmaps that highlight the regions of input images that influence the model’s predictions. Our findings reveal that Test Time Augmentation enhances the balanced multi-class accuracy of CNN models by up to 0.3%, achieving a balanced accuracy rate of 97.58% on the International Skin Imaging Collaboration (ISIC 2019) dataset. This performance is comparable to, or marginally better than, more complex approaches such as Vision Transformers (ViTs), demonstrating the efficacy of our methodology.
Surface Roughness Analysis of Subsea Cables/Umbilicals
Authors: Reda Ahmed , Low Han Eng , Shahin Mohamed A.
Published: January 2025

Surface roughness is an important factor influencing subsea cable/umbilical–soil interaction. The cable/umbilical goes through several steps before being laid on the seabed, including production, spooling, unspooling, and installation on the seabed. Yet, there is no standard method for assessing the outer sheath roughness, whether extruded or roving, of subsea cables/umbilicals, and outer sheath roughness has not been measured in many cable/umbilical–soil test datasets. The lack of a universally agreed method for assessing and preparing surface roughness stems from the diverse applications of cables/umbilicals, each of which is subject to varying environmental conditions and operational requirements. Such diversity complicates the establishment of a single standard. The objective of this paper is to present the measurements used to determine the surface roughness of the extruded outer and roving outer sheath of subsea cables/umbilicals. The surface roughness of the outer sheath of subsea cables/umbilicals is required for the soil interface direct shear tests, and the corresponding results are essential for determining the friction factors of the cable/umbilical–soil interaction on the seabed.
Design of an Underwater Acoustic Waveform and Integrated System for Communication and Detection
Authors: Lv Tingting , Tian Qizheng , Wang Yang , Wang Jiyuan , Cui Jiaqi , Zhang Yan , Yao Yuhan , Gulliver Thomas Aaron
Published: January 2025

Combining underwater communication and detection can reduce system size and power consumption as well as improve secrecy. This paper presents a waveform that integrates continuous phase modulation (CPM) for data communication with linear frequency modulation (LFM) for detection. It is shown that the velocity ambiguity and range performance with this waveform are similar to those with only LFM. An integrated underwater acoustic system is also proposed to achieve simultaneous communication and detection. A symbol suffix (SS) is introduced into the signal frame at the transmitter and a two-step algorithm is employed at the receiver for frequency and phase offset estimation. Results are presented, showing that this decreases the sensitivity to CPM and reduces the range ambiguity side lobes. Further, the proposed system can effectively recover the data from the received signal. The bit error rate (BER) is shown to be better than that of traditional systems without a symbol suffix. With changes in the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), the bit error rate (BER) in underwater acoustic environments is comparable to that in an additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel, indicating a significant improvement in communication performance within the underwater acoustic channel.
New Diagnostics for Fungal Infections in Transplant Infectious Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Akkad Apurva , Nanda Neha
Published: January 2025

Fungal infections are common in highly immunosuppressed, solid organ transplant recipients. They can be quite difficult to diagnose in a timely manner; thus, we present a review of current studies focusing on broad categories of molecular diagnostics, i.e., metagenomic sequencing, magnetic resonance, and gas chromatography mass spectrometry. We further discuss their syndrome-specific utilization in the diagnosis of fungemia and disseminated disease, pneumonia, and central nervous system infections. We assess the level of evidence of their utility as fungal diagnostics particularly in solid organ transplant recipients using the STARD criteria. In addition, we provide future research directions to substantiate and appropriately utilize these platforms in clinical practice. Directed polymerase chain reaction testing and targeted metagenomic sequencing are being used clinically and show the most promise, though only in conjunction with conventional methods at this time. The majority of these platforms contain limited data, and thus further larger studies are needed in order to properly implement their use.
How Party-System Dynamics Shape Political Parties’ Use of Facebook Between Elections
Authors: Aagaard Peter , Schwartz Sander Andreas , Nygaard Line , Larsen Malene Teresa
Published: January 2025

We investigate the use of Facebook in the Danish system over a two-month period in 2021, with an increased political polarization, during the COVID-19 lockdown. Based on the analysis of 5093 posts, we find indications of how party-system dynamics shape niche parties and catch-all parties’ use of Facebook. While catch-all party members share political information with relatively low reach, niche parties are much more inclined to criticize opponents, a strategy that often produces higher interactivity. Finally, we discuss the impact of party-system dynamics on the strategic use of Facebook among different parties. Our findings indicate that the social media use of niche parties with irrelevant features is often shaped by a centrifugal logic (competition towards the poles), while the social media use of catch-all parties is often shaped by a centripetal dynamic (competition towards the center).
Does Online Privacy Literacy Affect Privacy Protection Behaviour? A Mixed-Methods Study of Digital Media Users in the MENA Region
Authors: Bajnaid Walaa , Aljasir Shuaa
Published: January 2025

This study examines the correlation between Online Privacy Literacy (OPL) and privacy protection behaviour (PPB), including evidence of any correlation between the two. In addition, it considers whether factors of intention, attitude, perceived behaviour, subjective norms, and perceived behaviour control mediate the relationship between OPL and PPB online, and whether the relationships between demographic variables may act as moderators. This research took a sequential mixed-methods approach, with Study One employing an online survey of 1040 voluntary digital media users in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and Study Two undertaking online interviews with ninety-five participants. The results found a relationship between OPL and PPB. In addition, subjective norms and perceived behaviour control also mediate relationship between OPL and PPB in MENA. Furthermore, while all the participants revealed paradoxical attitudes to PPB, the empirical study highlighted that the male participants tended to demonstrate greater concerns in relation to OPL.
Competitive Advantage and Personal Data Ecosystems: A Typology of Personal Data Control Constellations
Authors: D’Hauwers Ruben , Vandercruysse Laurens
Published: January 2025

This research investigates data providers’ willingness to grant data access control to data subjects in user-centric Personal Data Ecosystems (PDEs), where individuals control their data disclosure. PDEs introduce unique challenges, as data subjects may share competitive data with rival companies, which is not addressed by existing frameworks on data sharing between businesses grounded in resource-based theory (RBT). Through 25 interviews with private sector actors in the Flemish Social Linked Data (Solid) ecosystem triangulated with 56 papers from the existing literature, a typology of strategies for data access control was developed. This typology is based on two key dimensions, data competitiveness and actor relationships, creating four strategic scenarios that guide whether data providers are likely to grant data access control. The findings offer a framework for PDE governance, helping stakeholders to develop strategies enabling data availability and ensure the long-term sustainability of PDEs.
Enhancing Drought Forecast Accuracy Through Informer Model Optimization
Authors: Wei Jieru , Tang Wensheng , Ditthakit Pakorn , Shang Jiandong , Guo Hengliang , Zhao Bei , Wu Gang , Guo Yang
Published: January 2025

As droughts become more frequent due to climate change and shifts in land use, enhancing the accuracy of drought prediction is becoming crucial for informed land and water resource management. This study employed the Informer model to forecast drought and conducted a comparative analysis with Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), long short-term memory (LSTM), and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) models. The findings indicate that the Informer model outperforms the other three models in terms of drought forecasting accuracy across all time scales. Nevertheless, the predictive capacity of the Informer model remains suboptimal when it comes to short-term intervals. Aiming at the problem of drought forecasting accuracy in a short time scale, this study proposed a drought forecasting model named VMD-JAYA-Informer based on Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) and the JAVA optimization algorithm to improve the Informer model. This study conducted a comparative analysis of VMD-JAYA-ARIMA, VMD-JAYA-LSTM, VMD-JAYA-CNN, and VMD-JAYA-Informer drought prediction models. The performance of these models was evaluated using the root mean square error (RMSE), Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE), and Mean Absolute Error (MAE). The VMD-JAYA-Informer model’s forecast for the 1-month SPEI significantly surpasses that of alternative models and demonstrates a robust agreement with the actual data. Simultaneously, the model exhibits equally optimal forecasting performance across different time scales. In order to validate the VMD-JAYA-Informer model, four meteorological stations in the Songliao River Basin were chosen at random. The validation results demonstrate that VMD-JAYA-Informer outperforms the Informer model in terms of prediction accuracy on the 1-month time scale (NSE values of 0.8663, 0.8765, 0.8822, and 0.8416, respectively). Additionally, the model outperforms Informer in terms of prediction performance on other time scales, further demonstrating its generalizability and excellence in drought prediction on shorter time scales.
Extracellular Vesicles as Tools for Crossing the Blood–Brain Barrier to Treat Lysosomal Storage Diseases
Authors: Lerussi Giovanni , Villagrasa-Araya Verónica , Moltó-Abad Marc , del Toro Mireia , Pintos-Morell Guillem , Seras-Franzoso Joaquin , Abasolo Ibane
Published: January 2025

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized, membrane-bound structures that have emerged as promising tools for drug delivery, especially in the treatment of lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) with central nervous system (CNS) involvement. This review highlights the unique properties of EVs, such as their biocompatibility, capacity to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB), and potential for therapeutic cargo loading, including that of enzymes and genetic material. Current therapies for LSDs, like enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), often fail to address neurological symptoms due to their inability to cross the BBB. EVs offer a viable alternative, allowing for targeted delivery to the CNS and improving therapeutic outcomes. We discuss recent advancements in the engineering and modification of EVs to enhance targeting, circulation time and cargo stability, and provide a detailed overview of their application in LSDs, such as Gaucher and Fabry diseases, and Sanfilippo syndrome. Despite their potential, challenges remain in scaling production, ensuring isolation purity, and meeting regulatory requirements. Future developments will focus on overcoming these barriers, paving the way for the clinical translation of EV-based therapies in LSDs and other CNS disorders.
Dynamic Characteristics of a Cylindrical Roller Bearing with Cage Cracks
Authors: Yang Yang , Qi Xiaoye , Wang Yongjie , Wang Meiling , Wen Baogang , Zhai Jingyu
Published: January 2025

Cracks in the cages of bearings frequently appear during manufacturing and operation, directly affecting the dynamic characteristics and reliability of the bearing. A dynamic model of a cylindrical roller bearing with cage cracks was established, in which the interactions between the cage, the roller and rings, and the oil-gas lubrication effects were considered to investigate the influence of cracks. The derived dynamic differential equations of cylindrical roller bearings were solved by means of the modified Newton–Raphson iterative algorithm and the BDF predictive correction algorithm with automatic variable order and step length. The dynamic characteristics of bearings with different cage cracks were studied, and the influence of cage cracks on bearing dynamic characteristics and cage life was analyzed. The results show that the effect of crack depth, angle, and location on bearing dynamics and crack propagation life is obvious. With the increase in crack depth and angle, the cage equivalent stress changes obviously, and the movement of the cage’s centroid is chaotic. The propagation life of crack initiation on the side beam is much smaller than that of crack initiation on the beam.
Design of a Finite-Time Bounded Tracking Controller for Time-Delay Fractional-Order Systems Based on Output Feedback
Authors: Wu Jiang , Xie Hao , Li Tianyi , He Wenjian , Xi Tiancan , Liang Xiaoling
Published: January 2025

This paper focuses on a class of fractional-order systems with state delays and studies the design problem of the finite-time bounded tracking controller. The error system method in preview control theory is first used. By taking fractional-order derivatives of the state equations and error signals, a fractional-order error system is constructed. This transforms the tracking problem of the original system into an input–output finite=time stability problem of the error system. Based on the output equation of the original system and the error signal, an output equation for the error system is constructed, and a memory-based output feedback controller is designed by means of this equation. Using the input–output finite-time stability theory and linear matrix inequality (LMI) techniques, the output feedback gain matrix of the error system is derived by constructing a fractional-order Lyapunov–Krasovskii function. Then, a fractional-order integral of the input to the error system is performed to derive a finite-time bounded tracking controller for the original system. Finally, numerical simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Exploring the Structure of Possibility Multi-Fuzzy Soft Ordered Semigroups Through Interior Ideals
Authors: Habib Sana , Habib Kashif , Leoreanu-Fotea Violeta , Khan Faiz Muhammad
Published: January 2025

This paper aims to introduce a novel idea of possibility multi-fuzzy soft ordered semigroups for ideals and interior ideals. Various results, formulated as theorems based on these concepts, are presented and further validated with suitable examples. This paper also explores the broad applicability of possibility multi-fuzzy soft ordered semigroups in solving modern decision-making problems. Furthermore, this paper explores various classes of ordered semigroups, such as simple, regular, and intra-regular, using this innovative method. Based on these concepts, some important conclusions are drawn with supporting examples. Moreover, it defines the possibility of multi-fuzzy soft ideals for semiprime ordered semigroups.
Biochemical Composition and Seasonal Variations of the Madagascar Algae Eucheuma denticulatum (Solieriaceae, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Zamanileha Elando Fréda , Burlot Anne-Sophie , Latire Thomas , Marty Christel , Douzenel Philippe , Vandanjon Laurent , Bourgougnon Nathalie , Ravelonandro Pierre , Bedoux Gilles
Published: January 2025

Although the density and diversity of seaweeds in Madagascar is particularly high, these resources are underexploited and they are not part of the local population’s eating habits. No study has been carried out on the nutritional properties and seasonal variation of Eucheuma species harvested in Madagascar. In this study, Eucheuma denticulatum was harvested monthly over two years (2021 and 2022) on the northeast coast of Madagascar (Sainte Marie Island). The compositional analysis revealed prominent sugars and minerals up to 41.0 and 39.5% dw, respectively. E. denticulatum showed slight variability over the seasons in the macroelements and oligoelements (Ca, K, Na, Mg, Fe, Mn) ranging from 22.8 ± 0.2 to 25.3 ± 0.1% dw in 2021 and 22.1 ± 0.3 to 26.5 ± 0.3% dw in 2022. Total amino acids varied from 2.3 ± 0.6 to 2.5 ± 0.6% dw during the two years. Seaweed extracts showed antioxidant activity by the in vitro method ranging from 2026 ± 2 to 2998 ± 4 μg.mL−1 in 2021, and from 1904 ± 2 to 2876 ± 4 μg.mL−1 in 2022. Finally, the principal component analysis (PCA) showed a correlation between protein content and environmental parameters. The nutritional characteristics therefore confirmed that E. denticulatum could potentially be used as a nutritious and functional food and could be incorporated in the diet of local populations.
Gelatin Nanoemulsion-Based Co-Delivery of Terbinafine and Essential Oils for Treatment of Candida albicans Biofilms
Authors: Hassan Muhammad Aamir , Noor Sadaf , Park Jungmi , Nabawy Ahmed , Dedhiya Maitri , Patel Robin , Rotello Vincent M.
Published: January 2025

Fungal infections represent a significant global health challenge. Candida albicans is a particularly widespread pathogen, with both molecular and biofilm-based mechanisms making it resistant to or tolerant of available antifungal drugs. This study reports a combination therapy, active against C. albicans, utilizing terbinafine and essential oils incorporated into a gelatin-based nanoemulsion system (T-GNE). Eugenol and methyl eugenol/terbinafine T-GNEs had an additive efficacy, while carvacrol (CT-GNE) worked synergistically with terbinafine, providing effective antifungal treatment with minimal mammalian cell toxicity. Confocal microscopy demonstrated that CT-GNE penetrated the dense C. albicans biofilm and disrupted the fungal cell membrane. Overall, the combination of essential oils with terbinafine in GNE provided a promising treatment for fungal biofilms.
Geochemical and Mineralogical Insights into Organic Matter Preservation in the Gondwana and Post-Gondwana Shale of the Lesser Himalayas, Nepal
Authors: Khadka Kumar , Sang Shuxun , Han Sijie , He Junjie , Baral Upendra , Bhandari Saunak , Mondal Debashish
Published: January 2025

The depositional environments, weathering and provenance, organic matter enrichment, and preservation in the Gondwana and post-Gondwana units of the Lesser Himalayas, Nepal, are studied through geochemical and mineralogical analyses using petrography, X-ray diffraction, XRF, and ICP-MS. Mineralogical findings indicate that shales comprise 55% to 72% clay, 25% to 55% quartz, and less than 10% carbonate minerals, with a significant presence of illite, suggesting a transition from fluvial to shallow marine environments during post-Gondwana deposition. The thin sections of the post-Gondwana sandstone reveal an increase in quartz, feldspar, and plagioclase content, with rounded to sub-angular quartz grains indicating moderate transportation before lithification, resulting from the Indo-Asian collision. Geochemical data, including major, trace, and rare earth elements (REE), along with bivariate discrimination diagrams, reveal distinct environmental changes; Gondwana sediments exhibit oxic, arid conditions with continental provenance, while post-Gondwana deposits indicate humid environments favorable for organic matter enrichment, primarily sourced from felsic-intermediate igneous rocks. The TOC is less than 1 wt.% in the Gondwana and is 0.75 to 2 wt.% in the post-Gondwana shale, indicating better organic matter preservation. The existing geological structural data and the research findings highlight the pivotal role of Himalayan tectonism in enhancing the thermal maturity and hydrocarbon generation potential of organic-rich post-Gondwana shales, attributed to their substantial organic matter content.