bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological Analysis and Subtype Detection of Acute Myeloid Leukemia in High-Resolution Blood Smears Using ConvNeXT
Authors: Mustapha Mubarak Taiwo , Ozsahin Dilber Uzun
Published: February 2025

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a complex hematologic malignancy where precise subtype classification is critical for targeted treatment and improved patient outcomes. This study explores the potential of ConvNeXt, an advanced convolutional neural network architecture, for high-resolution peripheral blood smear image classification into AML subtypes. The dataset from a specialized hematopathology center provides a diverse and representative sample, addressing gaps in global leukemia diagnostics. A comprehensive deep learning pipeline was developed, integrating Stochastic Weight Averaging (SWA) for stability, Mixup data augmentation for enhanced generalization, and Grad-CAM for interpretability, ensuring biologically meaningful feature visualization. The ConvNeXt model achieved a state-of-the-art accuracy of 95%, surpassing traditional CNNs (ResNet50, 91%) and transformer-based models (Vision Transformers, 81%), demonstrating its superior feature extraction and classification capabilities. Grad-CAM visualizations provided biologically interpretable heatmaps, enhancing trust in computational predictions and bridging the gap between AI-driven diagnostics and clinical decision-making. Additionally, ablation studies highlighted the contributions of data augmentation, optimizer selection, and hyperparameter tuning, reinforcing the model’s robustness and adaptability. This study advances the role of AI in hematopathology by combining high classification performance, explainability, and scalability, paving the way for equitable and efficient AML diagnostics. Using clinically aligned evaluation metrics (accuracy, F1-score, and ROC-AUC) ensures its practical applicability, establishing a strong foundation for future AI-driven leukemia classification across diverse and underrepresented populations.
Fullerene-Passivated Methylammonium Lead Iodide Perovskite Absorber for High-Performance Self-Powered Photodetectors with Ultrafast Response and Broadband Detectivity
Authors: Praba Lakshmi , Chung Yoseob , Kim Dong Han , JUNG JAE WOONG
Published: February 2025

We herein report enhanced electrical properties of the self-powered perovskite-based photodetectors with high sensitivity and responsivity by applying surface passivation strategy using C60 (fullerene) as a surface passivating agent. The perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3) thin film passivated with the fullerene achieves highly uniform and compact surface, showing reduced leakage current and higher photon-to-current conversion capability. As a result, the improved film quality of the peorvksite layer allows excellent photon-detecting properties including high values of external quantum efficiency (> 95%), responsivity ( > 5 A W−1), and specific detectivity (> 1013 Jones) at zero bias voltage, which surpasses those of the pristine perovskite-based device. Furthermore, the passivated device showed fast rise (0.18 μs) and decay times (17 μs), demonstrating high performance and ultrafast light-detecting capability of the self-powered perovskite-based photodetectors.
Transitioning Hochschule Geisenheim University: A Shift from NET Source to NET Sink Regarding Its CO2 Emissions
Authors: Ardissone-Krauss Georg , Wagner Moritz , Kammann Claudia
Published: February 2025

Various Higher Education Institutions (HEI) set themselves goals to become carbon neutral through the implementation of different reduction strategies such as the replacement of fossil-fueled vehicles by electric cars. However, even if all reduction measures are taken, residual GHG emissions will still remain. Therefore, most HEIs have to compensate the remaining emissions for example by buying carbon credits. However, due to growing criticism of carbon credit purchases, HEIs need to explore options for establishing carbon sinks on their own premises to offset their remaining, unavoidable emissions. In the current study, the CO2-footprint of the Hochschule Geisenheim University (HGU) as an exemplary HEI is assessed, hot-spots are identified and the utilization of biomass is investigated regarding the potential effect on the CO2 balance. The HGU main emissions are scope 1 emissions, which include direct emissions mainly caused by on-site heat supply. We found that the conversion to a woodchip-based heating system is not sufficient to achieve climate neutrality for HGU, but can be achieved by additional carbon dioxide removal (CDR). By operating a pyrolysis-based bivalent heating system, the heat demand can be covered and sufficient C-sink certificates can be produced to become the first carbon negative HEI at a comparable price to combustion systems. Surplus C-sink certificates can be made available to other authorities or ministries. As a result, bivalent heating systems can play an important role in HEI transitions to CO2 neutrality by contributing significantly to the most urgent challenge of the coming decades: To remove CO2 from the atmosphere in order to limit global warming to as far below 2°C as possible at nearly no extra costs.
Intrinsic Disorder Angle of the HCV Co-Infection and Super-Infection with Other Hepatitis Viruses
Authors: Redwan Elrashdy M. , Aljadawi Abdullah A. , Uversky Vladimir N.
Published: February 2025

There are five different types of the hepatotropic hepatitis viruses (HAV, HBV, HCV, HDV, and HEV). Infection with all hepatitis viruses leads to the development of disease, and all of them are capable of co-infection and super-infection; i.e., the presence of more than one type of hepatitis virus in an infected individual. Typically, co-infections cause more severe illness. Although many facets of virus-host interactions are known, important aspects related to the prevalence and functionality of intrinsic disorder in viral interactomes remain mostly unexplored. Even less is known about prevalence and roles of intrinsic disorder in proteins related to the hepatotropic co-infections. The goal of this study is to fill this gap by conducting the bioinformatics analysis of intrinsic disorder in host proteins interacting with hepatotropic viruses, with special focus on host proteins that can interact with more than one type of hepatitis viruses. To this end, a set of computational tools was used to evaluate disorder status of proteins, their predisposition for liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), and interactivity. This analysis revealed that some viral proteins were predicted to have high LLPS potential. Host proteins interacting with hepatotropic viruses were characterized by noticeable variation in their intrinsic disorder status and LLPS potential. Although global disorder distribution within the sets of host proteins interacting with hepatitis viruses was not too different from that of the entire human proteome, more host proteins interacting with hepatitis viruses were predicted as moderately disordered in comparison with the entire human proteome. Intrinsic disorder was shown to be commonly present in host proteins shared by several hepatotropic viruses, where it is used for various functional properties.
Efficient Separation of Novel Microbial Chassis Vibrio natriegens from the High-Salt Culture Broth Using Ceramic Ultrafiltration Membranes
Authors: Schwarz Schwarz , Fan Rong , Ebrahimi Mehrdad , Czermak Peter
Published: February 2025

Vibrio natriegens is widely used as a production host for biotechnological processes due to its superior maximum glucose consumption rate, high growth rate, and abundant ribosomes. Most bioprocesses also need a scalable biomass separation step. This can be achieved by cross-flow filtration with ceramic membranes, although the membrane pores are susceptible to fouling. However, the fouling characteristics of V. natriegens culture broth have not been investigated in detail. We therefore characterized membrane fouling during the separation of V. natriegens biomass from culture broth using a cross-flow filtration plant with ceramic membranes. The resistance in series model was used to quantify fouling-induced resistance caused by the different components of the culture broth. The total fouling resistance was 4.1·109 ± 0.6·109 m-1 for the culture broth and 5.4·109 ± 0.7·109 m-1 for the summed broth components. Reversible resistance accounted for 86% and 81% of these totals, respectively. We then applied Hermia’s adapted filtration laws to determine the dominant fouling mechanism induced by the different broth components. In a further step, we established a setup to determine the compressibility index of the cells during cross-flow filtration, resulting in an estimated value of 0.55 ± 0.04. These results will facilitate the design of economic filtration plants and will help to establish V. natriegens as a production host for large-scale industrial processes.
Scanning Electron Microscopy Reveals New Ultrastructural Features in Metacercariae of Clinostomum cutaneum (Digenea: Clinostomidae) Infecting Oreochromis niloticus (Actinopterygii: Cichlidae) in Kenya
Authors: Shigoley Miriam Isoyi , Kmentová Nikol , Ndegwa Daniel Mungai , Topić Martina , Thys Kelly J.M , Vanhove Maarten P.M.
Published: February 2025

Clinostomum is a genus of parasitic trematodes found worldwide, infecting a wide range of hosts, including freshwater fishes, snails, birds and occasionally humans. In this study, clinostomid metacercariae were collected from Nile tilapia raised in fish farms in the Upper Tana River region, Kenya. The prevalence of infection was 17.2%, with metacercariae infecting the skin, gills and buccal cavity of the fish. Using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and molecular methods targeting both the ribosomal (ITS1, 5.8S, ITS2) and mitochondrial (COI) regions, the metacercariae were identified as C. cutaneum, C. phalacrocoracis, C. tilapiae and Euclinostomum heterostomum. The three species of Clinostomum have previously been reported to infect fish and piscivorous birds while E. heterostomum is the first report for Kenya. SEM analysis revealed new ultrastructural features of C. cutaneum, including an excretory pore surrounded by minute spiny papillae, an everted cirrus and dome-shaped papillae on the tegumental area around the genital pore. The cirrus lacked basal papillae, showing morphological variation between the adult and metacercarial stages. Our study, therefore, provides new insights into the phenotypic identification of flukes that may be pathogenic to fishes and humans and, therefore, of scientific and practical importance.
Water Quality Criteria of Dieldrin for Protection of Aquatic Organisms and Wildlife by Tissue Residue Approach
Authors: Xie Li , Li Xuemei , Bao Liangwen , Zhang Yuexin , Su Hailei , Liu Xuesong , Wang Fanfan , Wei Yuan , Ji Ningning , Zhou Min
Published: February 2025

Dieldrin is legacy organochlorine insecticide, which was listed in the Stockholm Convention because of its persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity. But it is still present in the environment and in organisms two decades after its ban. The current criteria used to risk assessment in China are based on acute toxicity data in water column without considering the bioavailability and bioaccumulation, which accordingly lead to under-protection of aquatic organisms and wildlife. In this study, the water quality criteria (WQC) for dieldrin were derived in combination of tissue-based toxicity data and bioaccumulation factor (BAF) to better protect aquatic ecosystems. The dieldrin residue data in surface water in China were obtained by literature review and the ecological risk was assessed using quotient method. Combined with the BAF estimated by the model of 58884.37 L/kg, the WQC were calculated to be 3.07 and 1.5 ng/L to protect aquatic life and aquatic-dependent wildlife, respectively. The results of the risk assessment revealed the potential high risk posed by dieldrin bioaccumulation. This study provides a scientific guidance for the determination of water quality standard for dieldrin and ensure the risk management of aquatic environment in China.
Modelling the Climate of the Eemian in Europe Using an Interactive Physical Downscaling
Authors: Arthur Frank , Zapolska Anhelina , Roche Didier M. , Li Huan , Renssen Hans
Published: February 2025

Abstract: The Eemian interglacial (~130 - 116 ka) is a period characterized by a significantly warmer climate than the pre-industrial era, providing a valuable opportunity to study natural climate variability and its implications for the future. We studied the Eemian climate in Europe by applying an interactive downscaling to our Earth system model (iLOVECLIM) to increase its horizontal atmospheric resolution from 5.56° to 0.25° latitude-longitude. A transient simulation was conducted for both the standard version of the model and with an interactive downscaling applied for the Eemian (127 – 116 ka). Our simulations suggest that the magnitude of temperature and precipitation varied across different regions of Europe, with some areas experiencing more pronounced warming and precipitation changes than others. The latitudinal pattern in our simulation during the Eemian shows that the warming in Europe was stronger at high latitudes than at mid-latitudes. Relative to the pre-industrial climate, our downscaling scheme simulates at 127 ka higher temperatures between 3 – 4 °C in the northern part of Europe and higher precipitation values between 150 – 300 mm/yr. Our results indicate that, in comparison to the standard model, the downscaled simulations offer spatial variability that is more in line with proxy-based reconstructions and other climate models.
Continual Learning in Artificial Intelligence: A Review of Techniques, Metrics, and Real-World Applications
Authors: Taygete Nereo , Waldemar Stephanie , Salwa Husniya
Published: February 2025

Continual learning (CL) is a critical paradigm in artificial intelligence that enables models to learn sequentially from a stream of tasks while retaining previously acquired knowledge. Unlike traditional machine learning approaches that assume static datasets, CL aims to address real-world scenarios where data distributions evolve over time. However, CL models face significant challenges, including catastrophic forgetting, scalability, task interference, and the trade-off between stability and plasticity. This survey provides a comprehensive review of continual learning, covering key learning paradigms such as regularization-based methods, memory replay techniques, and dynamic architectural approaches. We discuss widely used evaluation metrics, benchmark datasets, and experimental protocols that facilitate fair comparisons among CL methods. Additionally, we explore real-world applications of CL in domains such as robotics, healthcare, natural language processing, cybersecurity, and recommender systems. Despite recent advances, several open challenges remain, including efficient memory management, task-free learning, privacy concerns, and improving forward and backward transfer. We highlight emerging research directions, including neuroscience-inspired learning mechanisms, self-supervised continual learning, meta-learning, and multi-modal CL. Finally, we discuss the integration of CL into large-scale foundation models and human-AI collaborative systems. By presenting an in-depth analysis of continual learning methodologies, challenges, and future prospects, this survey aims to provide researchers and practitioners with a structured understanding of the field and inspire further innovations in building adaptive, lifelong learning AI systems.
Self-Directed Learning and Psychological Flow Regarding the Differences Among Athletes, Musicians, and Researchers
Authors: Nash Carol
Published: February 2025

The ability to learn independently—self-directed learning (SDL)—most appropriately is learning individuals personally select based on what they value in contrast to solitary learning from the lack of a teacher or being encouraged to engage in it by educators or parents considering it a necessary educational strategy. Value-guided SDL has the potential to achieve psychological flow in a way that other independent learning does not. Flow is an outcome identified and investigated by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. Among those whose flow he studied were individuals who engaged in self-directed activities—athletes, musicians, and researchers. As its aim, this study compares the reports of athletes, musicians, and researchers of Csikszentmihalyi through a qualitative narrative analysis of his relevant forty-seven-year publication record. The results reveal a significant difference between those who experience flow from a performance of their achieved skills and those who experience flow while learning. This examination of Csikszentmihalyi’s studies of athletes and musicians reveals that they are most likely to experience flow during performances of their mastered skills, unlike researchers, whose flow depends on the process of learning—a distinction unmentioned by Csikszentmihalyi. Although athletes and musicians may self-direct their careers, only the flow of researchers corresponds with SDL. This result meaningfully extends the literature on SDL and flow, offering direction for future empirical studies and educational opportunities.
Disruption of SARS-CoV-2 Virus Replication in the Presence of Potassium Ribosate
Authors: Sánchez-Vega María Gabriela , Garuti Valsé Pantellini Eliseo , Melon García Santiago , Boga José Antonio , Perez-Martinez Zulema , Paoli Guido , González Lazcano Covadonga , Alvarez-Argüelles Marta Elena , Rojo Alba Susana , Ochoa-Varela Cristina
Published: February 2025

The Potassium Ribosate, which has been shown to have an enhancer effect in limiting replication and viability in cancer cells, also appears to show promise in alterating viral replication. To determine its activity against SARS-CoV-2, an inhibition assay was performed using 26 strains obtained from clinical samples from patients isolated on the Vero E6 cell line. For this, the strains were serially diluted and treated with 125mM Potassium Ribosate. The Potassium Ribosate was administered at a single concentration (125mM stock) in two ways: 24 hours before infection and in the culture medium after removal of the infectious inoculum. The culture medium was changed 3 days after inoculation. Seven days after inoculation, a visual reading of the cytopathic effect (ECP) and RT-qRCP were performed to calculate the viral load. Reduction of 3log (9Ct) between with or without Ribosate was considerate a very good response. Of the 26 evaluable strains, a reduction in viral replication was observed in 13 (50%) and 16 (61.5%) of the pre-treatment and treatment study (p=0.29). This response was good or very good in 10 (38.4%) and 11 (42.3%) (p=0.4), respectively. Potassium Ribosate administration reduced the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 cultures in Vero E6 cells in more than half of the cases, both at infection and pre-infection administration.
Evaluation of the Sensitivity of PBL and SGS Treatments in Different Flow Fields Using the WRF-LES at the Perdigão
Authors: Yılmaz Erkan , Menteş Şükran Sibel , Kirkil Gokhan
Published: February 2025

This study has investigated the effectiveness of the large-eddy simulation version of the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF-LES) in reproducing atmospheric conditions observed during the Perdigão field experiment. When comparing the results of the WRF-LES model with the observations, using LES settings can accurately repre-sent both large-scale events and the specific characteristics of atmospheric circulation at a small scale. Six sensitivity experiments are performed to evaluate the impact of different Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) schemes, including the MYNN, YSU and Shin and Hong (SH) PBL models, as well as Large Eddy Simulation (LES) with Sma-gorinsky (SMAG), a 1.5-order turbulence kinetic energy closure model (TKE) and non-linear backscatter and anisotropy (NBA) subgrid-scale (SGS) stress models. Two case studies are selected to be representative of flow conditions. In the northeastern flow, the MYNN NBA simulation yielded the best result at a height of 100 m with an error rate of -0.03 m/s, although SH generally produces better results than PBL schemes. In the southwestern flow, MYNN 1.5 TKE simulation at station Mast 29 is the best result, with an error rate of -0.01 m/s. The choice of SGS models over complex terrain affects wind field features in the boundary layer more than above the boundary layer. The NBA model generally performed better results in complex terrain when compared to other SGS models. In general, the WRF-LES can model the observed flow with high-resolution topographic maps in complex terrain with different SGS models for both flow regimes.
Pushing Peak Shapes to Perfection by High-Temperature Focus GC-IMS
Authors: Bodenbender Lukas , Rohn Sascha , Weller Philipp
Published: February 2025

Gas chromatography – ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) is a powerful technique in the field of food and flavor analysis specifically, as well as for the determination of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in general. It offers high sensitivity and selectivity, combined with a robust design. Sample preparation is typically not required and operating principles under ambient conditions facilitate routine analysis and usage at points of care. Up to now, a plethora of applications of GC-IMS exist in the fields of food analysis, primarily for determining flavors and evaluating the authenticity of food. However, the general issue of peak tailing is so far non-addressed in IMS. Typical drift tube applications (DTIMS) are designed with emphasis to high detection sensitivities and feature large void volumes. This study aimed at developing an optimized IMS instrument design (“focus IMS”), which allows for a signal mapping of the eluting compounds. Due to an optimized flow architecture of sample and drift gas, in combination with an increased drift tube temperature, IMS peak tailing is decreased significantly. In this study, the influence of drift gas flow and IMS cell temperature on the peak shape of several relevant allergenic terpenes was investigated. The peak quality optimization of DTIMS approaches for especially high-boiling substances facilitates the analysis of complex matrices, such as cosmetics, Citrus peel and essence oils as well as terpenes and terpenoids in general.
AI-Powered Fraud Detection in Digital Payment Systems: Leveraging Machine Learning for Real-Time Risk Assessment
Authors: Iseal Sheed , Halli Michael
Published: February 2025

With the increasing adoption of digital payment systems, the risk of fraudulent activities has grown exponentially, posing significant challenges to financial institutions and users alike. Traditional fraud detection systems often struggle to keep up with the evolving sophistication of fraudulent techniques. Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly machine learning (ML), offers a promising solution for enhancing fraud detection by providing real-time, adaptive risk assessment capabilities. This paper explores the use of AI-powered fraud detection systems in digital payment platforms, focusing on how machine learning models can analyze large volumes of transaction data to detect patterns indicative of fraud. By leveraging supervised and unsupervised learning algorithms, these systems can identify anomalies, predict suspicious behavior, and assess risk in real-time. The integration of AI technologies allows for continuous learning from new data, improving detection accuracy while reducing false positives. Furthermore, AI-based systems can dynamically adjust to emerging fraud tactics, ensuring a more robust and responsive defense mechanism. This paper discusses key machine learning techniques, challenges in implementation, and the potential for AI to transform the future of secure digital payments. The study aims to provide insights into the benefits, limitations, and practical considerations of deploying AI-powered fraud detection in contemporary payment ecosystems.
Parameters for Evolutive Social Housing Projects in Brazil: Contributions from Experiences in Portugal
Authors: Santos Luciana Guimarães , Perdigão Ana Kláudia , Roseta Filipa
Published: February 2025

Evolutive housing allows for functional and usage adaptations, making it a desirable architectural design characteristic in the context of social housing. In Portugal, despite being standardized, the projects are flexible and diverse, catering to a variety of family arrangements. Currently, in Brazil, social housing is standardized into two-bedroom units, even when the beneficiary families are initially identified. Although various studies analyze the quality of Brazilian projects, little of this research has directly in-fluenced the reality of the presented designs. Thus, this analysis aims to identify refer-ences from examples of evolutive social housing projects currently implemented in so-cial neighborhoods in Lisbon, which could serve as parameters for projects in Brazil. The evaluation was based on the quality analysis methodology proposed by the La-boratório Nacional de Engenharia Civil of Portugal and conducted a comparative analysis between an ideal benchmark, the areas proposed by the Laboratory's housing program, and the areas adopted in the projects implemented in Lisbon. The results identified reference percentages indicating the necessary increases in minimum areas according to the adopted housing typology to ensure the projects allow for evolution. It is hoped that this study contributes to the dissemination and application of flexibility as a re-quirement in the design of social housing proposals in Brazil.
Recycled Waste Glass as Partial Cement Replacement in Sustainable Concrete: Mechanical and Fresh Properties Review
Authors: Poudel Sushant , Bhetuwal Utkasha , Kharel Prabin , Khatiwada Sudip , Lamichhane Bipin , Yadav Sachin Kumar , Suman Saurabh , KC Diwakar
Published: February 2025

Cement production is one of the major sources of anthropogenic CO2 emissions in the world. In order to reduce its environmental impact, ground glass pozzolan (GGP) and other supplemental cementitious materials (SCMs) have drawn interest as potential substitutes. This review examines the potential of GGP as a SCM exploring the chemical composition of pozzolans, different types of glass used for GGP, and the impact of glass color on pozzolanic reactivity. Furthermore, the study gathers the most recent research articles on the fresh and mechanical properties of concrete including GGP, highlighting its benefits for workability, density, setting time, compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, and punching strength. The results show that GGP, made from recycled waste glass, has pozzolanic properties that enhance the performance and sustainability of concrete. By incorporating GGP as a partial replacement for cement, the carbon footprint of concrete production can be lowered, supporting a circular economy and sustainable construction practices. This review paper emphasizes the technical viability and environmental advantages of using GGP in concrete, addressing the urgent need to reduce the environmental impact of cement production.
Reliable Determination of Pulses and Pulse-Shape Instability in Ultrashort Laser Pulse Trains Using Polarization-Gating and Transient-Grating Frequency-Resolved Optical Gating
Authors: Jafari Rana , Grace Elizabeth S. , Trebino Rick
Published: February 2025

Ultrashort-laser-pulse-shape instability meters do not exist, so this task necessarily falls to pulse-measurement devices, like Frequency-Resolved Optical Gating (FROG) and its variations, which have proven to be a highly reliable class of techniques for measuring ultrashort laser pulses. Multi-shot versions of FROG have also been shown to sensitively distinguish trains of stable from those of unstable pulse shapes by displaying readily visible systematic discrepancies between the measured and retrieved traces in the presence of unstable pulse trains. However, the effects of pulse-shape instability and algorithm stagnation can be indistinguishable, so a never-stagnating algorithm—even when instability is present—is required and is in general important. In previous work, we demonstrated that our recently introduced Retrieved-Amplitude N-grid Algorithmic (RANA) approach produces highly reliable (100%) pulse-retrieval in the second-harmonic-generation (SHG) version of FROG for thousands of sample trains of pulses with stable pulse shapes. Further, it does so even for trains of unstable pulse shapes and thus both reliably distinguishes between the two cases and provides a rough measure of the degree of instability as well as a reasonable estimate of most typical pulse parameters. Here, we perform the analogous study for the polarization-gating (PG) and transient-grating (TG) versions of FROG, which are often used for higher-energy pulse trains. We conclude that PG and TG FROG, coupled with the RANA approach, also provide reliable indicators of pulse-shape instability. In addition, for PG and TG FROG, the RANA approach provides an even better estimate of a typical pulse in an unstable pulse train than SHG FROG does, even in cases of significant pulse-shape instability.
A Review of Life Cycle Assessment of Carbon – Water – Energy of Hydrogen Production Systems
Authors: Silva Douglas Peterson Munis da , Capaz Rafael Silva
Published: February 2025

The hydrogen (H₂) economy is seen as a crucial pathway for decarbonizing the energy system, with green H₂ playing a key role as an energy carrier in this transition. The growing interest in H₂ comes from its versatility—it can serve as a raw material, and various technologies allow it to be produced from a wide range of resources. However, environmental impacts of H₂ production have primarily focused on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, despite other environmental aspects being equally relevant in the context of a sustainable energy transition. Recently, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies of H₂ supply chains have become more common. This paper aims to contribute to developing a database by comparing different H₂ production pathways considering three environmental indicators: global warming potential, energy performance, and water consumption, from an LCA perspective.
The Ethical Paradigm/Dimension of Education Within the Current Societal Framework
Authors: Tataru Oana
Published: February 2025

The material on the topic under analysis addresses the ethical dimension of education within the contemporary societal framework, focusing on the interplay between educational practices and the moral imperatives that emerge from current social, political, and cultural challenges. In an era that is marked by the advent of e-learning, increasing inequality, and globalized interconnectivity, the ethical responsibilities as regards various facets of learning insight have become more complex and cogent. The ethical dimension of education within the contemporary societal framework is multifaceted and complex.
The Study of the Interaction of Chitosan NPs with Epithelial Cultures: A Simplified Scheme of Wound Healing at a Cellular Level
Authors: Galván Lorena Elizabeth , Osorio Juan Carlos , Talamás Patricia , Gallardo Salvador
Published: February 2025

Chitosan is naturally considered an excellent biomaterial for wound healing treatment. In the present work, the synthesis and physicochemical characterization of three different average sizes of CsNPs were achieved (15, 50 and 125 nanometers) with the purpose of studying the in vitro interaction with Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. From our results we found that CsNPs have a crystalline structure with a diameter size less than 15 nm. In cell viability we observed that the three average sizes of CsNPs were not toxic at a concentration of 400 µg/ml. Moreover, it was found on wound healing assays that 125 nm CsNPs induced the best results for cell migration. Besides, proteomic analysis showed the expression and overexpression of proteins induced by the presence of CsNPs in MDCK cells.
Kombucha Bacterial Cellulose: A Promising Biopolymer for Advanced Food and Nonfood Applications
Authors: Gagliardi Talita Ribeiro , Nascimento Adriana de Farias , Valencia Germán Ayala
Published: February 2025

The pellicle is a coproduct from kombucha beverage production without economic value. This material is based on cellulose produced from bacteria and it has better physical properties than cellulose isolated from plants. This review analyzed systematically the research literature about pellicle (KBC – kombucha bacteria cellulose) valorization. In general, KBC has been used in food applications, especially as a packaging ingredient to improve the physical properties of biopolymer-based films, as well as to manufacture packaging materials based on KBC. In addition, some studies have investigated the potential of KBC to encapsulate food ingredients or as a food additive. Furthermore, KBC has been used in nonfood applications with a special interest in the development of materials for textile and medical applications, as well as to substitute disposable materials (e.g. spoons). Although the literature shows promising results, it is necessary to increase the production scale of this material, as well as to analyze its economic viability. It is also necessary to establish quality standards and international regulations for KBC with respect to its different food and nonfood applications.
Characterization of the Sedimentary Cover in the City of Aïn Témouchent, North–Western Algeria, Using Ambient Noise Measurements
Authors: Saadi Ahmed , Semmane Fethi , Galiana-Merino Juan José , Yelles-Chaouche Abdelkrim , Issaadi Abdelouahab , Melouk Billel
Published: February 2025

The city of Aïn Témouchent, located in northwest Algeria at the westernmost part of the Lower-Cheliff Basin, has experienced several moderate earthquakes in the past. The most significant event occurred on December 22, 1999, with a magnitude of Mw 5.7, resulting in 25 fatalities and severe damage to the town center. In this study, ambient noise measurements from 62 sites have been analyzed using the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) method to estimate the fundamental ground frequencies (f₀) and their corresponding amplitudes (A₀). The results reveal that f₀ varies between 0.8 and 4.8 Hz, with amplitudes ranging from 2 to 5.6. The inversion of the HVSR curves enabled the estimation of the sedimentary layer profiles, with the corresponding thickness variation and shear–wave velocity for each layer. Additionally, four array measurement points across the city center were carried out using the spatial autocorrelation (SPAC) method to derive Rayleigh wave dispersion curves. The inversion of these curves provided more precise layer parameters and improved the estimation of Vs profiles, particularly at shallow depths. The results indicate shallow layer velocities varying between 150 and 1350 m/s, with maximum sediment thickness reaching 390 m in the industrial zone, northeast of the city. Furthermore, Vs30 and vulnerability index maps have been developed to classify soil types and assess liquefaction potential within the city.
An Innovative Model for Cancer: Interdisciplinary Research Involving Biology and Psychology
Authors: Huang Qingxin
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND: Malignant tumors are diseases that seriously threaten the human health. However, the etiologies of most human tumors, including many solid malignant tumors and hematological malignancies, are currently unclear. METHODS: In this study, a conceptual model of the physiological human body, based on the view of life and the environment, was established using physical modeling. RESULTS: This model was used to provide reasonable explanations for tumor-related questions, predict framework for cancer treatment, and suggest intervention techniques for before and after the diagnosis. The inferences made using this model were also consistent with the biopsychosocial model used in modern medicine and with the requirement of holism in traditional medicine. CONCLUSIONS: The model proposed in this study will provide novel ideas for the treatment of cancer.
Advances in Cell-Based or Cell-Biomaterial Scaffolds for the Treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Li Zi ming , Hu Zhiyong , Gao Zhixian
Published: February 2025

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative retina disease characterized by irreversible damage to macular cells and has become one of the leading causes of blindness in the elderly worldwide. Therapies based on cells or cell-biomaterial scaffolds are popular AMD treatments in recent years, where cell therapy is the use of cell types such as progenitor/stem cells, which are delivered into the subretinal space by injection or vector transplantation to treat AMD. Meanwhile, cell-biomaterial scaffolds delivered to the lesion site by vector transplantation have been widely developed, and the implanted cell-biomaterial scaffolds implanted cell-biomaterial scaffolds can promote the reintegration of cells at the lesion site and solve the problems of translocation and discrete cellular structure produced by cell injection. Although these methods have achieved some results, a large number of preclinical studies and clinical trials are still needed to verify their stability and reliability. Therefore, this article provides a review of the latest findings and real-life challenges of cell-based and cell-biomaterial scaffolds for the treatment of AMD to offer new ideas for subsequent disease prevention and treatment of AMD.
The Current Role of Circulating Cell Free DNA in the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Papatheodoridi Alkistis , Lekakis Vasileios , Chatzigeorgiou Antonios , Papatheodoridis George
Published: February 2025

Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has emerged as a compelling candidate of liquid biopsy markers for diagnosis and prognosis of several cancers. We systematically reviewed the data on the role of cfDNA markers in diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Early studies suggested that levels of circulating cfDNA, mitochondrial DNA and cfDNA integrity are higher in patients with HCC than chronic liver diseases. Numerous subsequent studies showed that methylation changes in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as well as cfDNA fragmentation patterns and circulating nucleosomes offer excellent diagnostic accuracy with high sensitivity (>60%) and excellent specificity (>90%) for HCC diagnosis. The predictive role of cfDNA markers and ctDNA has been assessed in a few studies including untreated patients with HCC providing promising results for prediction of survival, but detection of such markers or copy number variations indicators of cfDNA post-hepatectomy seems to reflect minimum re-sidual disease and thus high risk for HCC recurrence. The same markers can be useful for pre-diction after transarterial chemoembolization, radiofrequency ablation, radiotherapy and even systemic therapies. In conclusion, cfDNA markers can be useful in HCC surveillance improving early diagnosis rates as well as for monitoring treatment effectiveness and minimal residual disease post-treatment.
The Link Between the Applied Visual Strategy when Copying the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure and the Language Abilities of Children with Specific Language Impairment
Authors: Milanović Ivana , Paštar Milena , Žunić Saška , Marisavljević Maša , Vuković Mile , Janjić Vladimir , Đorđić Milan , Subotić Miško
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Although specific language impairment (SLI) was thought to be a language impairment, recent studies suggest that it is also associated with domain-general and nonverbal deficits such as deficits in nonverbal working memory, visual short-term memory, executive functions, etc. This study aimed to examine if applied visual strategy when copying the Rey-Osterrieth complex figure (ROCF) correlates with language abilities in children with SLI. Methods: The sample consisted of 24 children diagnosed with SLI, divided into two groups based on the used strategy when copying ROCF. We used ROCF for the assessment of perceptual organization and planning, and Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, Boston Naming Test, Token Test, Grammatical Judgment, The Children’s Grammar, and Global Articulation Test for the language measurement. One-way ANOVA with the Brown-Forsythe Test was used for statistical analysis. Results: The results indicate that children who used a more mature strategy when copying ROCF achieved better results on tests used to assess grammar and articulation status. Conclusions: These results support the conclusion that there are neurocognitive mechanisms underlying both grammatical deficits and visuospatial deficits The obtained results suggest the importance of examining visual and visuospatial functions in children with SLI and the need for more comprehensive treatment of those children.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Local Recurrence Rate Versus Radiation Dose Study from a 949-Patient Database
Authors: Tai Patricia , Veness Michael , Prajapati Vimal , Jones Thachuthara Aoife , Lian Jidong , Assouline Avi , Yu Edward , Joseph Kurian
Published: February 2025

Background: Optimal radiotherapy doses for Merkel cell carcinoma are unknown. Methods: After a PubMed literature search, we analyzed data by Equivalent Dose in 2-Gy fractions (EQD2). Results: 939/949 data were evaluable: 728/939 (77.5%) presented with localized disease, of which 171 were irradiated alone, with a median primary EQD2 of 50 (14.0-72.0) Gy2. Local recurrence (LR) was 23.4% (40/171). The remaining patients were controlled with a median EQD2 of 50 (23.3-72.0) Gy2. Thirteen patients were given definitive radiotherapy EQD2<50 vs >50 Gy2 to gross primaries: LR were 23.1% (3/13) vs 12.5% (1/8)(P=0.0004). Few patients received >60 Gy2. After adjuvant radiotherapy <50 vs >50 Gy2 to 156 primaries, LR were 18.8% (6/32) vs 12.8% (12/124); for <60 vs >60 Gy2, 15.5% (16/103) vs 8.7% (2/23)(P=0.52). LR after <50 Gy2 was 25% (3/12) for positive margins versus 17.4% (4/23) for negative margins; for >50 Gy2: 15% (3/20) versus 4.8% (3/62), respectively (P=0.36). Conclusions: For definitive radiotherapy, EQD2<50 Gy2 demonstrates significant higher LR than >50 Gy2 (P=0.0004). For adjuvant radiotherapy, a trend of higher LR with < 50 Gy2 was seen. Large prospective multicenter studies are required to define the optimal doses for definitive and adjuvant MCC treatment.
Investigations on Thermal Transitions in PDPP4T/PCPDTBT/AuNPs Composite Films Using Variable Temperature Ellipsometry
Authors: Hajduk Barbara , Jarka Paweł , Kumari Pallavi , Janeczek Henryk , Godzierz Marcin , Tsekpo Yao Mawuena , Tanski Tomasz
Published: February 2025

Herein we report a comprehensive investigation on thermal transitions of thin films of poly[2,5-bis(2-octyldodecyl)-pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,4(2H,5H)-dione-3,6-diyl)-alt-(2,2′;5′,2″;5″,2′′′-qu-arterthiophen-5,5′′′-diyl)]—PDPP4T, poly[2,6-(4,4-bis-(2-ethylhexyl)-4H-cyclopenta[2,1-b;3,4-b′]dithi-oph-e-ne)-alt-4,7(2,1,3-benzothiadiazole)] - PCPDTBT, 1:1 blend of PDPP4T and PCPDTBT and their composites with gold nanoparticles - AuNPs. The thermal transition of these materials was studied using variable temperature spectroscopic ellipsometry (VTSE), with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) serving as the reference method. Based on obtained VTSE results, first time, we have determined the phase diagrams of PDPP4T/PCPDTBT and their AuNPs composites. The VTSE measurements revealed distinct thermal transitions in the thin films, including characteristic temperatures corresponding to the pure phases of PDPP4T and PCPDTBT within their blends. These transitions were markedly different in the AuNP composites compared to the neat materials, highlighting the unique interactions between the polymer matrix and AuNPs. Additionally, we explored the optical properties, surface morphology, and crystallinity of the materials. We hypothesize that the observed variations in thermal transitions, as well as the improvement in optical properties and crystallinity, are likely influenced by localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) phenomena induced by the AuNPs in the composite films. These findings could have important implications for the design and optimization of materials for optoelectronic applications.
Understanding Causal Relationships between Imaging-Derived Phenotypes and Parkinson’s Disease: A Mendelian Randomization and Observational Study
Authors: Zhang Yichi , Zhong Min , Yang Zhao , Wang Xiaojin , Dong Zhongxun , Zhou Liche , Yin Qianyi , Wang Bingshun , Liu Jun , Li Yuanyuan , Niu Mengyue
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Observational studies have suggested a correlation between brain imaging alterations and Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, data on causal relationships are still lacking. This study aimed to examine the causal relationship between brain imaging-derived phenotypes (IDPs) and PD. Methods: A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted to explore the causal association between IDPs and PD. Summary-level data for IDPs (n=39,691), PD (n=482,730), and PD symptoms (n=4,093) were obtained from genome-wide association studies of European ancestry. Clinical validation was performed in an Asian cohort, which involved healthy controls (n=81), patients with idiopathic rapid-eye-movement sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) (n=47), and patients with PD (n=85). Results: We found 13 IDPs with significant causal effects on PD and 7 reciprocal effects of PD on IDPs. For instance, increased median T2star in the right caudate (odds ratio=1.23, 95% confidence interval 1.08–1.40, p=0.0057) and bilateral putamen (left: odds ratio=1.25, 95% confidence interval 1.09–1.43, p=0.0056; right: odds ratio=1.25, 95% confidence interval 1.10–1.43, p=0.0056) were associated with PD. Enlargement of the left thalamus (odds ratio=1.50, 95% confidence interval 1.14–1.96, p=0.016) demonstrated causal links with PD. No reverse causal effects were detected. Observational analyses results in the Asian cohort (healthy controls, iRBD, PD) aligned with the Mendelian randomization results. Conclusions: Our results suggest bidirectional causal links between IDPs and PD, offering insights into disease mechanisms and potential imaging biomarkers for PD.
A Standardized Nomenclature for the Rods and Cones of the Vertebrate Retina
Authors: Baden Tom , Angueyra Juan M , Bosten Jenny M , Collin Shaun P , Conway Bevil , Cortesi Fabio , Dedek Karin , Euler Thomas , Novales Flamarique Iñigo , Franklin Anna , Haverkamp Silke , Kelber Almut , Neuhauss Stephan CF , Li Wei , Lucas Rob , Osorio Daniel C , Shekhar Karthik , Tommasini Dario , Yoshimatsu Takeshi , Corbo Joseph C
Published: February 2025

We propose a standardized naming system for vertebrate visual photoreceptors (i.e., rods and cones) that reflects our current understanding of their evolutionary history. Vertebrate photoreceptors have been studied for well over a century, but a fixed nomenclature for referring to orthologous cell types across diverse species has been lacking. Instead, photoreceptors have been variably - and often confusingly - named according to morphology, presence/absence of ‘rhodopsin,’ spectral sensitivity, chromophore usage, and/or the gene family of the opsin(s) they express. Here, we propose a unified nomenclature for vertebrate rods and cones that aligns with the naming systems of other retinal cell classes and that is based on the photoreceptor’s putative ancestral derivation. This classification is informed by the functional, anatomical, developmental and molecular identities of the neuron as a whole, including the expression of deeply conserved transcription factors required for development. The proposed names will be applicable across all vertebrates and indicative of the widest-possible range of properties, including their postsynaptic wiring, and hence will allude to their common and species-specific roles in vision. Furthermore, the naming system is open-ended to accommodate the future discovery of as-yet unknown photoreceptor types.