bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Petrogenesis and Geological Implications of the Qiaoqi Intrusion in Western Margin of the Yangtze Block, SW China: Evidence from Geochronology, Geochemistry, and Hf Isotopes
Authors: Chen Yingtao , Zhu Jianting , Wei Shaoni , Zhao Xiaochen , Li Delu , Yang Xufeng , Wang Yuhang
Published: February 2025

Late Permian–Early Triassic basic rocks, which are widespread in the western margin of the Yangtze block (SW China), provide critical information for regional tectonic evolution. The Qiaoqi intrusion, distributed in the western margin of the Yangtze block, is selected as a representative for discussion in this paper. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating results show that the Qiaoqi intrusion was formed at 245 ± 1 Ma. It belongs to the medium-K calc-alkaline and tholeiitic basalt series. It is characterized by high concentrations of Fe2O3T (11.53 wt. % to 15.50 wt. %), TiO2 (1.81 wt. % to 3.20 wt. %), Al2O3 (11.80 wt. % to 15.60 wt. %), and low concentrations of MgO (4.51 wt. % to 8.93 wt. %). The LREE and LILE (such as Cs, Rb, Ba and Th) are enriched, with insignificant Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.92 to 1.13). The chondrite-normalized REE distribution diagram shows a right-leaning pattern, similar to ocean island basalts (OIB), displaying the geochemical characteristics of enriched mantle sources. The zircon εHf(t) values are relatively high (+12.7 to +15.5) and the single-stage Hf model ages are relatively young (tDM = 272 to 386 Ma). Modeling further reveals that the parent magma was derived from 13% to 19% partial melting of garnet peridotite. Comprehensive analysis shows that the geochemical characteristics of the Qiaoqi intrusion bear resemblance to those of the Emeishan basalts, which are attributed to volumetrically minor melting of the fossil Emeishan plume head beneath the Yangtze crust following the eruption of the Emeishan Large Igneous Province (ELIP). This understanding further constrains the duration of the Emeishan Large Igneous Province and provides new support for understanding the formation, evolution and distribution of the Emeishan Large Igneous Province.
Recent Advances in Resveratrol Derivatives: Structural Modifications and Biological Activities
Authors: Liu Xiaohan , Pei Jian , Li Jiahui , Zhu Huiyu , Zheng Xiaoyu , Zhang Xingxing , Ruan Banfeng , Chen Liuzeng
Published: February 2025

Resveratrol, a naturally occurring phenolic stilbene molecule, has been intensively researched for its anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial, and neuroprotective properties. However, due to its limited absorption and probable hepatotoxicity, it is difficult to employ directly as a medication, limiting its therapeutic applicability. Over the last five years, numerous structural changes in resveratrol have been widely studied, resulting in considerable improvements in pharmacological activity and drug availability. This work reviews the biological activities and structure–activity relationships (SARs) of resveratrol derivatives, with the goal of providing useful insights for the discovery of new resveratrol derivatives.
Bioconversion of Liquid and Solid Lipid Waste by Yarrowia lipolytica Yeast: A Study of Extracellular Lipase Biosynthesis and Microbial Lipid Production
Authors: Wierzchowska Katarzyna , Szulc Karolina , Zieniuk Bartłomiej , Fabiszewska Agata
Published: February 2025

This study investigated the capabilities of Yarrowia lipolytica strains to grow in media with different hydrophobic wastes from the meat industry. The yeast growth, cellular lipid accumulation, production of lipases, and degree of utilization of liquid and solid lipid wastes were studied in shaken cultures in media with organic and inorganic nitrogen sources. The effects of the type of waste, initial concentration of carbon source, Yarrowia strain, and inoculum size were investigated in two experimental sets using the Latin Square 5 × 5 design method. Post-frying rapeseed oil from chicken frying was selected as the carbon source to promote biomass growth. In contrast, the solid lipid fraction from meat broths promoted efficient lipid accumulation and yeast lipolytic activity. An initial concentration of the carbon source at 8% m/v stimulated efficient lipid biosynthesis and lipase production, while 2.5% v/v inoculum provided optimal conditions for the growth and utilization of hydrophobic substrates. No significant differences were observed in the particle dispersion of the liquid and solid wastes in the culture media (span = 2.51–3.23). The maximum emulsification index (62%) was observed in the culture of the Y. lipolytica KKP 323 strain in the medium with post-frying rapeseed oil from chicken frying, which was correlated with biosurfactant synthesis. It was concluded that the type of waste, its structure, and its composition affected various physiological yeast responses.
Antitumor Activity, Mechanisms of Action and Phytochemical Profiling of Sub-Fractions Obtained from Ulex gallii Planch. (Fabaceae): A Medicinal Plant from Galicia (Spain)
Authors: Bada Lucía , Butt Hussain Shakeel , Quezada Elías , Picos Aitor , Wangensteen Helle , Inngjerdingen Kari Tvete , Gil-Longo José , Viña Dolores
Published: February 2025

The plant kingdom serves as a valuable resource for cancer drug development. This study explored the antitumor activity of different sub-fractions (hexane, dichloromethane and methanol) of U. gallii (gorse) methanol extract in glioblastoma (U-87MG and U-373MG) and neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cell lines, along with their phytochemical profiles. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays, and cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were assessed through flow cytometry and by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protein expression levels. D7 and D8 dichloromethane sub-fractions significantly reduced cell viability, triggered early apoptosis in SH-SY5Y and U-87MG cells and specifically increased ROS levels in U-87MG cells. Western blot analyses showed that D7 increased p53, caspase-3, caspase-8 and γH2AX expression in SH-SY5Y and U-87MG cells, while D8 specifically elevated p53 in SH-SY5Y cells and caspase-3 in both cell lines. In U-373 cells, D7 and D8 markedly reduced cell viability, with D8 inducing necrosis. Morphological changes indicative of apoptosis were also observed in all cell lines. Bioinformatic analysis of UHPLC-MS and GC-MS data tentatively identified 20 metabolites in D7 and 15 in D8, primarily flavonoids. HPLC-DAD confirmed isoprunetin and genistein as the most abundant in D7 and D8, respectively, both isolated and identified by NMR spectroscopy. Most of the flavonoids identified have been reported as antitumor agents, suggesting that these compounds may be responsible for the observed pharmacological activity.
Crystal Phase and Morphology Control for Enhanced Luminescence in K3GaF6:Er3+
Authors: Guo Yilin , Pan Xin , Zhang Yidi , Su Ke , Xie Rong-Jun , Liao Jiayan , Mei Lefu , Liao Libing
Published: February 2025

Upconversion luminescent materials (UCLMs) have garnered significant attention due to their broad potential applications in fields such as display technology, biological imaging, and optical sensing. However, optimizing crystal phase and morphology remains a challenge. This study systematically investigates the effects of phase transformation and morphology control on the upconversion luminescent properties of K3GaF6:Er3+. By comparing different synthesis methods, we found that the hydrothermal method effectively facilitated the transformation of the NaxK3-xGaF6 crystal phase from cubic to monoclinic, with Na+/K+ ions playing a key role in the preparation process. Furthermore, the hydrothermal method significantly optimized the particle morphology, resulting in the formation of uniform octahedral structures. The 657 nm red emission intensity of the monoclinic phase sample doped with Er3+ was enhanced by 30 times compared to that of the cubic phase, clearly demonstrating the crucial role of phase transformation in luminescent performance. This study emphasizes the synergistic optimization of crystal phase and morphology through phase engineering, which substantially improves the upconversion luminescence efficiency of K3GaF6:Er3+, paving the way for further advancements in the design of efficient upconversion materials.
Age Difference in the Association Between Nutritional Status and Dynapenia in Older Adults
Authors: Chang Chih-Ching , Lai Ting-Fu , Chen Jiaren , Liao Yung , Park Jong-Hwan , Chang Yen-Jung
Published: February 2025

Background: Although nutritional status plays a critical role in maintaining muscle strength, limited evidence exists regarding its association with dynapenia. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the association between different nutritional statuses and dynapenia among Taiwanese older adults, and assessed whether age modifies this relationship. Methods: In this study, we enrolled individuals aged 65 years and older living in community settings through convenience sampling from 2020 to 2021, following a cross-sectional design. The Mini-Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF) was used to assess whether the participants were at nutritional risk. Standardized assessments measured muscle strength (handgrip measurement), physical performance (6 m walking test), and muscle mass (bioelectrical impedance analysis) to confirm dynapenia classifications. The interaction terms were tested using likelihood ratio tests to examine for dynapenia between nutritional status and age. For overall sample and subgroup analyses, binary logistic regression was employed. Results: Among 211 participants (mean age: 80.7 ± 7.1 years), after adjusting for potential confounders, those at nutritional risk (OR: 3.11; 95% CI: 1.31–7.36) were positively associated with dynapenia, whereas higher MNA-SF scores (OR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.57–0.93) were negatively associated. Interactions regarding dynapenia were observed between nutritional status and age group (p = 0.014), with nutritional risk significantly associated with dynapenia only in the old–old group (≥75 years) (OR = 4.11, 95% CI: 1.39–12.15). Conclusions: Age is a potential moderator of nutritional status and dynapenia among older populations. Nutritional status appeared to be more profound in the old–old group in terms of the risk of dynapenia. These findings offer insights for monitoring nutritional status and implementing targeted interventions to prevent dynapenia in those aged over 75 years. Future studies using prospective designs should explore the underlying mechanisms linking nutritional status to dynapenia and assess the effectiveness of nutritional interventions in preventing muscle strength decline.
Factors Contributing to Breastfeeding Cessation Among Arab Women in Israel
Authors: Tarabeih Mahdi , Sabbah Mohammad , Yahya Orsan , Bisharat Sana , Awawdi Khaled
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Breastfeeding provides significant health benefits for both infants and mothers, but many women discontinue earlier than recommended. This study investigates the factors contributing to early breastfeeding cessation among Arab women in Israel, focusing on multiple factors, such as socio-demographic, work-related, cultural, and religious, impacting breastfeeding duration and shaping breastfeeding practices. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 349 Arab women, 65% of whom were Muslim and 35% Christian. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify key predictors of breastfeeding cessation. Results: Findings showed that Christian Arab women were more likely to stop breastfeeding earlier than their Muslim counterparts. Mothers with four or more children and those balancing work demands were at higher risk of early cessation. Contrary to expectations, higher levels of religiosity were associated with a greater likelihood of stopping breastfeeding. Additionally, mothers who received personal breastfeeding guidance were more likely to discontinue, suggesting potential gaps in the quality of support provided. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of tailoring interventions to address the unique cultural and socio-economic challenges faced by Arab women in Israel. Recommendations include improving breastfeeding guidance quality, workplace support for breastfeeding mothers, and culturally sensitive interventions that consider the role of religiosity and family dynamics. This research provides valuable insights for healthcare providers and policymakers aiming to promote sustained breastfeeding practices in diverse populations. The study highlights the complexity of factors affecting breastfeeding cessation among Arab women in Israel, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions that address socio-demographic, cultural, and religious influences to promote sustained breastfeeding.
Eating Behaviors and Skin Carotenoids in Pregnant Women: The Moderating Influence of Depressive Symptoms and Income
Authors: Shriver Lenka H. , Dollar Jessica M. , Hosseinzadeh Mali , Buehler Cheryl , Wideman Laurie , Leerkes Esther M.
Published: February 2025

Background: Fruit and vegetable (FV) intake is critical for optimizing pregnancy outcomes. Several socio-demographic factors are associated with FV intake, but less is known about behavioral and mental health correlates. Furthermore, existing knowledge is largely based on self-reported FV intake. The current cross-sectional study examined depressive symptoms and income as moderators of the association between eating behaviors and skin carotenoids (FV status biomarker) in pregnancy. Methods: Participants living in an urban area of the south-astern part of the U.S. (N = 299) and who were in their third trimester of pregnancy were recruited for lab visits between 2019 and 2022 and completed the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. FV status was assessed using a pressure-mediated reflection spectroscopy to determine skin carotenoids. Hypotheses were tested via multiple regression. Results: There was an interaction between dietary restraint and depressive symptomatology such that greater restraint predicted higher skin carotenoids at low levels of depressive but not high levels. There was an interaction between restrained eating and family income in predicting skin carotenoids that was significant at high- but not low-income level. External and emotional eating did not predict skin carotenoids. Conclusions: Restrained eating might positively influence skin carotenoids during pregnancy. However, those who suffer from higher levels of depressive symptoms and/or live in lower-income households face additional barriers that might impede FV status. Further research is warranted to advance our understanding of the interplay between mental health, restrained eating and income on FV status in pregnancy.
Design, Synthesis, and Antiproliferative Activity of Novel Indole/1,2,4-Triazole Hybrids as Tubulin Polymerization Inhibitors
Authors: Mahmoud Esraa , Abdelhamid Dalia , Mohammed Anber F. , Almarhoon Zainab M. , Bräse Stefan , Youssif Bahaa G. M. , Hayallah Alaa M. , Abdel-Aziz Mohamad
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: New indole/1,2,4-triazole hybrids were synthesized and tested for antiproliferative activity against the NCI 60 cell line as tubulin polymerization inhibitors. Methods: All final compounds, 6a–j and 7a–j were evaluated at a single concentration of 10 µM against a panel of sixty cancer cell lines. Results: Compounds 7a–j, featuring the NO-releasing oxime moiety, exhibited superior anticancer activity to their precursor ketones 6a–j across all tested cancer cell lines. Compounds 6h, 7h, 7i, and 7j were chosen for five-dose evaluations against a comprehensive array of 60 human tumor cell lines. The data showed that all tested compounds had significant anticancer activity throughout the nine tumor subpanels studied, with selectivity ratios ranging from 0.52 to 2.29 at the GI50 level. Compounds 7h and 7j showed substantial anticancer effectiveness against most cell lines across nine subpanels, with GI50 values ranging from 1.85 to 5.76 µM and 2.45 to 5.23 µM. Compounds 6h, 7h, 7i, and 7j were assessed for their inhibitory effects on tubulin polymerization. Conclusions: The results showed that compound 7i, an oxime-based derivative, was the most effective at blocking tubulin, with an IC50 value of 3.03 ± 0.11 µM. This was compared to the standard drug CA-4, which had an IC50 value of 8.33 ± 0.29 µM. Additionally, cell cycle analysis and apoptosis assays were performed for compound 7i. Molecular computational investigations have been performed to examine the binding mode of the most effective compounds to the target enzyme.
Laser Power Modulation of Fiber Coated with Multilayer-Graphene Based on Lithium Intercalation Method
Authors: Fang Zhenyu , Zeng Ganying , Li Yijie , Wang Zixuan , Xiao Liantuan , Jia Suotang , Qin Chengbing
Published: February 2025

Dynamic manipulation of light in optical fibers has attracted extensive interest due to its compatibility with various fiber-optic systems. The integration of two-dimensional (2D) materials on the surface of optical fibers is an effective method to manipulate light beams. However, it is still a huge challenge to acquire dynamic modulation for light signals in fiber. In this work, we develop electrically manipulable in-line multilayer graphene (MLG) devices by integrating a graphene-based lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery on a side-polished fiber. Through charge and discharge processes with a current of 400 µA, the output power of a 1550 nm laser can be cyclically tuned in the range of ~120 and ~240 µW with a response time of about 1.8 min. After 100 cycles of testing, the modulation power of the laser system remains nearly unchanged, exhibiting good stability. The optical modification of MLG is due to the shift of Fermi energy (Ef), which results from charge transfer between Li and graphene layers. Therefore, the light in the fiber can be modulated due to the change in the optical absorbance of MLG. Our findings imply potential value in fabricating fiber-intergraded 2D intercalation materials with high tunability.
Shrub Encroachment: A Catalyst for Enhanced Soil Nutrients Storage in the Altai Mountains
Authors: Ma Xuexi , Fan Lianlian , Fakher Abbas , Li Yaoming , Mao Jiefei , Yang Meiniu , Yan Meng , Zhang Bo , Gao Yingzhi
Published: February 2025

Shrub encroachment in grasslands has a major impact on soil carbon storage (SOCS) and soil total nitrogen (STNS), which affects nutrient cycling and ecosystem processes. We explored the effects of shrub encroachment on SOCS and STNS in five grassland types in the Altai Mountains: mountain meadows, temperate meadow steppe, temperate steppe, temperate steppe desert, and temperate desert steppe. Shrub encroachment considerably improved SOCS and STNS, with the greatest increases occurring in locations with high encroachment. The interaction between grassland type and encroachment extent also significantly influenced soil properties, including bulk density, soil water content, and microbial carbon and nitrogen. Specifically, SOCS increased by 16%, 77%, and 129%, and STNS increased by 43%, 94%, and 127% under low, medium, and high shrub encroachment, respectively. The soil stoichiometry shifted, with C/N ratios decreasing and C/P and N/P ratios increasing with shrub encroachment. Structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that shrub encroachment indirectly affected SOCS and STNS through changes in soil nutrients and climate. Our findings suggest that shrub encroachment promotes soil C sequestration and alters soil nutrient cycling, with implications for grassland management and ecological restoration in the face of global climate change.
Revealing the Molecular Regulatory Mechanism of Flavonoid Accumulation in Tender Leaves of Tea Plants by Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses
Authors: Shan Ruiyang , Zhang Yongheng , You Xiaomei , Kong Xiangrui , Zhang Yazhen , Li Xinlei , Wang Lu , Wang Xinchao , Chen Changsong
Published: February 2025

Flavonoids are secondary metabolites that are beneficial to life activities and are mainly concentrated in buds and leaves in the form of glycosides. Flavonoid glycosides have important effects on the properties and quality of tea plants. Research has shown that the abundance of flavonoid glycosides varies greatly among different cultivars, but research on the regulatory mechanisms that cause their differential accumulation among tea plant cultivars with different leaf colors is lacking. In this study, an integrated analysis of metabolomics and transcriptomics was conducted to determine the regulatory networks regulating astringency and color-related flavonoids in tea plant cultivars with diverse leaf colors. A total of five anthocyanidins, four catechins, and nine flavonol glycosides were found to partially contribute to the differences in taste and leaf color among tea plant cultivars with diverse leaf colors. Furthermore, 15 MYB genes and 5 Dof genes were identified as potential regulators controlling the expression of eight key structural genes, resulting in differences in the accumulation of specific compounds, including epicatechin (EC), catechin (C), cyanidin, cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, pelargonidin 3-O-glucoside, and quercetin 3-O-glucoside, in tea plant cultivars with diverse leaf colors. These findings provide insights into the development and utilization of resources from tea plants with diverse leaf colors.
Electrochemical Biosensors by Means of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) Cortisol Recognition
Authors: Nampeng Jindapa , Vongmanee Naphatsawan , Pintavirooj Chuchart , Chiu Wen-Tai , Visitsattapongse Sarinporn
Published: February 2025

Depression and anxiety are two common mental health issues that require serious attention, as they have significant impacts on human well-being, with both being emotionally and physically reflected in the increasing number of suicide cases globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that about 322 million people around the world experienced mental illnesses in 2017, and this number continues to increase. Cortisol is a major stress-controlled hormone that is regulated by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis has three main components, including the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal gland, where cortisol, the primary stress hormone, is released. It plays crucial roles in responding to stress, energy balance, and the immune system. The cortisol level in the bloodstream usually increases when stress develops. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have been highlighted in terms of creating artificial bioreceptors by mimicking the shape of detected biomolecules, making natural bioreceptor molecules no longer required. MIPs can overcome the limitations of chemicals and physical properties reducing over time and the short-time shelf life of natural bioreceptors. MIPs’ benefits are reflected in their ease of use, high sensitivity, high specificity, reusability, durability, and the lack of requirement for complicated sample preparation before use. Moreover, MIPs incur low costs in manufacturing, giving them a favorable budget for the market with simple utilization. MIPs can be formulated by only three key steps, including formation, the polymerization of functional monomers, and the creation of three-dimensional cavities mimicking the shape and size of targeting molecules. MIPs have a high potential as biosensors, especially working as bioanalytics for protein, anti-body, antigen, or bacteria detection. Herein, this research proposes an MIP-based cortisol biosensor in which cortisol is imprinted on methyl methacrylate (MMA) and methacrylic acid (MAA) produced by UV polymerization. This MIP-based biosensor may be an alternative method with which to detect and monitor the levels of hormones in biological samples such as serum, saliva, or urine due to its rapid detection ability, which would be of benefit for diagnosing depression and anxiety and prescribing treatment. In this study, quantitative detection was performed using an electrochemical technique to measure the changes in electrical signals in different concentrations of a cortisol solution ranging from 0.1 to 1000 pg/mL. The MIP-based biosensor, as derived by calculation, achieved its best detection limit of 1.035 pg/mL with a gold electrode. Tests were also performed on molecules with a similar molecular structure, including Medroxyprogesterone acetate and drospirenone, to ensure the sensitivity and accuracy of the sensors, demonstrating a low sensitivity and low linear response.
Predicting Stress–Strain Curve with Confidence: Balance Between Data Minimization and Uncertainty Quantification by a Dual Bayesian Model
Authors: Li Tianyi , Chen Zhengyuan , Zhang Zhen , Wei Zhenhua , Zhong Gan-Ji , Li Zhong-Ming , Liu Han
Published: February 2025

Driven by polymer processing–property data, machine learning (ML) presents an efficient paradigm in predicting the stress–strain curve. However, it is generally challenged by (i) the deficiency of training data, (ii) the one-to-many issue of processing–property relationship (i.e., aleatoric uncertainty), and (iii) the unawareness of model uncertainty (i.e., epistemic uncertainty). Here, leveraging a Bayesian neural network (BNN) and a recently proposed dual-architected model for curve prediction, we introduce a dual Bayesian model that enables accurate prediction of the stress–strain curve while distinguishing between aleatoric and epistemic uncertainty at each processing condition. The model is trained using a Taguchi array dataset that minimizes the data size while maximizing the representativeness of 27 samples in a 4D processing parameter space, significantly reducing data requirements. By incorporating hidden layers and output-distribution layers, the model quantifies both aleatoric and epistemic uncertainty, aligning with experimental data fluctuations, and provides a 95% confidence interval for stress–strain predictions at each processing condition. Overall, this study establishes an uncertainty-aware framework for curve property prediction with reliable, modest uncertainty at a small data size, thus balancing data minimization and uncertainty quantification.
Prevention Against Decrease in the Cooling Efficiency at the Car Engine by Applying Compressed Air to the External Heat Exchange Surfaces of the Car Cooler
Authors: Lipnický Marek , Brodnianská Zuzana , Kotšmíd Stanislav , Beňo Pavel
Published: February 2025

This paper is aimed at preventing the reduction of automotive cooler cooling efficiency in order to prevent engine failure by overheating. At the same time, fouling of the external surfaces of the cooler can be prevented in this process. For this purpose, a system of 12 air pressure nozzles placed inline and staggered in front of the cooler at a distance of 60 mm to 170 mm was designed and investigated. This type of cooling of the external heat exchange surfaces of automotive coolers is new and has not yet been studied. To investigate the effect of the air nozzles on the coolant cooling time, the inlet and outlet temperatures of the cooler were compared when the nozzles and the cooler fan and a separate cooler fan were operating. In addition, the effect of forced air on the cooler generated by an external fan at velocities of 6, 8, and 10 m/s was investigated as a simulation of driving a vehicle. Cooling of the G12+ coolant by the external fan caused a gradual decrease in the outlet temperature of the coolant as the air velocity increased. The system of air pressure nozzles in combination with the cooler fan caused an improvement in the cooling process compared to a single cooler fan. The inline and staggered nozzle arrangements with the cooler fan achieved a decrease in the outlet temperature of 0.76 to 1.02 times and 0.78 to 1.03 times compared to cooling by the single cooler fan, respectively. The arrangement and varying the distance of the nozzles from the cooler had no significant effect on decreasing the coolant outlet and inlet temperatures. The air pressure nozzle system covers the complete surface of the cooler with airflow and encircles the tubes and fins more efficiently, leading to more intense heat dissipation while cooling the coolant. The designed system can be applied in automobiles and equipment demanding intense cooling of operating fluids by means of coolers.
The Potential of Biogenic Materials as Sustainable and Environmentally Benign Alternatives to Conventional Adsorbents for Dyes Removal: A Review
Authors: Mihai Sonia , Bondarev Andreea , Necula Mihaela
Published: February 2025

The dyeing industry plays a substantial role in environmental pollution, primarily through the release of wastewater that contains a variety of chemicals into aquatic ecosystems. Synthetic dyes play a crucial role in numerous sectors, including textiles, tanning, food production and pharmaceuticals. However, the effluents generated by industries that utilize these dyes are regarded as detrimental to both the environment and human health. Additionally, wastewater may include a range of chemical additives utilized during the dyeing process, including fixing agents, surfactants and pH adjusters. Various techniques for dye remediation have been extensively studied. Nevertheless, effective and economically viable methods for dye removal have yet to be fully developed. This paper emphasizes and provides an overview of the recent literature concerning the application of the most commonly accessible biogenic materials in the context of dye removal by the adsorption process. Various biogenic adsorbents sourced from plants, algae, microorganisms and biopolymers contain bioactive compounds that interact with the functional groups of dyes, leading to their attachment to the sorbent. By mechanical, thermal and chemical modifications of these materials, their adsorption capabilities could be increased.
Deep Learning for Demand Forecasting: A Framework Incorporating Variational Mode Decomposition and Attention Mechanism
Authors: Lei Chunrui , Zhang Heng , Wang Zhigang , Miao Qiang
Published: February 2025

Accurate demand forecasting is crucial for modern supply chain management, forming the foundation for inventory optimization, cost control, and service level improvement. However, demand time series data often exhibit high volatility and diverse patterns, further complicated by the rapid expansion and heterogeneity of data sources. These challenges can result in significant degradation in predictive accuracy when traditional models are applied to complex demand datasets. To address these challenges, this study proposes an end-to-end demand forecasting framework leveraging Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) and attention mechanisms. The framework first employs VMD to decompose raw demand time series into multiple modes to extract hierarchical features, including trends, seasonal patterns, and short-term variations. Subsequently, an attention mechanism is introduced to dynamically capture and integrate demand sequences alongside contextual information, enhancing the focus on critical features and improving predictive performance. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves superior predictive accuracy compared to conventional approaches, with a 37% reduction in Mean Absolute Error (MAE) relative to baseline models. This substantial improvement in demand forecasting accuracy provides actionable insights for decision-makers, enabling more efficient inventory control, production planning, and overall supply chain optimization.
Implant Prosthetic Rehabilitation in a Mandible Osteosarcoma Patient: A Clinical Report
Authors: Arbelaez-Bonozo Lady , Luis-Sanchez Laura , Oliva-Ferrusola Elena , Fernandez-Morales Carlos , Albornoz-Cabello Manuel , Gutierrez-Perez Jose-Luis , Torres-Lagares Daniel
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Generally, after an oral oncological therapeutic process in which, unfortunately, surgery plays a fundamental role, a reconstructive and rehabilitative procedure should be initiated, seeking as far as possible to recover the patient’s vital functions (mastication, aesthetics, and phonetics). Case report: We present the case of a patient who successfully underwent treatment for mandibular sarcoma. After a disease-free period of one year, following oncological treatment, an intervention was performed for the insertion of dental implants into the fibula to subsequently rehabilitate the patient prosthetically. There were several challenges, including free-end edentulous space in the lower jaw with a depth of 18 mm on peri-implant tissues consisting of osteoseptocutaneous skin graft, hypotonic perioral musculature, and high aesthetic expectations of the patient. An overdenture with a titanium milled bar substructure with retentive prosthetic components was chosen for treatment. This implant-supported removable prosthesis was selected to facilitate cleaning, since the patient did not maintain oral hygiene habits. The patient was educated on using and handling the prosthesis, and the treatment objectives were achieved (to restore aesthetics and masticatory function). Conclusions: Removable prostheses are a valid alternative for oncologic patients and patients with unfavorable conditions for more complex implant-supported rehabilitation.
Maternal Attachment and Perinatal Health in Refugee Women: A Systematic Review
Authors: Catalá Patricia , Gutiérrez Lorena , Écija Carmen , Peñacoba Cecilia
Published: February 2025

Background: In the general population, a relationship between maternal mental health and maternal attachment has been identified, but it has not been studied in depth in vulnerable populations like refugee women. This review aims to analyze the relationship between maternal attachment and mental health in postpartum refugee women and to propose a conceptual framework for understanding these interactions. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, using search terms such as “attachment”, “bonding”, “mental health”, “post-traumatic stress”, “depression”, “anxiety”, and “refugee women”. The search was conducted between September and October 2023 in Scopus, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and PubMed. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, and their results were systematically synthesized to identify patterns and limitations. Results: Of the 455 studies identified, only 9 met the inclusion criteria. The analysis reveals a complex relationship between maternal mental health and maternal attachment. Although four studies (n = 4) found no significant relationships between maternal mental health and attachment styles, others identified negative correlations between secure attachment and symptoms of post-traumatic stress (n = 2) or depression (n = 2), highlighting the influence of maternal psychological well-being on the bond with the infant. Conclusions: The findings suggest that post-traumatic symptoms play a key role in shaping the relationship between maternal attachment and mental health. Consequently, psychosocial interventions focusing on maternal attachment could help prevent difficulties in mother–infant interactions and improve gestational health, thus supporting the development of the maternal role in refugee populations.
Multidisciplinary Management of Acute Esophageal Necrosis Secondary to Alcoholic Lactic Acidosis: A Case Report
Authors: Orsini Luigi , Martino Alberto , Picascia Ornella , Di Serafino Marco , Lombardi Giovanni
Published: February 2025

Background and Clinical Significance: Acute esophageal necrosis (AEN), or black esophagus, is an extraordinary rare source of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Its pathogenesis is still poorly understood, whereas etiology seems to be multifactorial, mainly involving esophageal ischemia, increased acid reflux, and reduced mucosal defenses. Although alcohol abuse has been reported to be a common trigger factor, only one case of AEN due to severe alcoholic lactic acidosis has been described up to date. Case Presentation: Herein, we describe a case of a non-cirrhotic 61-year-old lady with a history of chronic alcohol abuse, who was admitted to the Emergency Room due to upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. AEN caused by severe alcoholic lactic acidosis was promptly diagnosed by subsequent investigations, including blood test, urinalysis, computed tomography, and upper GI endoscopy. The treatment involved a multidisciplinary, aggressive medical approach, which included one hemodialysis session. Conclusions: This is the second documented case of AEN secondary to alcoholic lactic acidosis, successfully treated with a previously unreported aggressive multidisciplinary approach, involving one hemodialysis session. It highlights the value of a multidisciplinary approach in managing such complex and rare conditions.
Improving Credit Risk Assessment in Uncertain Times: Insights from IFRS 9
Authors: Jakubik Petr , Teleu Saida
Published: February 2025

This study highlights the superior performance of Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) in credit risk modeling under IFRS 9, particularly during economic uncertainty, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Using granular bank-level data from Malta, spanning 2017–2023, the analysis integrates macroeconomic scenarios and sector-specific transition matrices to assess credit risk dynamics. Key findings demonstrate BMA’s ability to outperform Single-Equation Models (SEM) in predictive accuracy, robustness, and adaptability. The results emphasize BMA’s resilience to structural economic changes, making it a critical tool for regulatory stress testing and provisioning in small open economies highly exposed to external shocks. This work underscores the importance of forward-looking, flexible frameworks for credit risk management and policy decisions.
Remote Sensing and Soil Moisture Sensors for Irrigation Management in Avocado Orchards: A Practical Approach for Water Stress Assessment in Remote Agricultural Areas
Authors: Torres-Quezada Emmanuel , Fuentes-Peñailillo Fernando , Gutter Karen , Rondón Félix , Marmolejos Jorge Mancebo , Maurer Willy , Bisono Arturo
Published: February 2025

Water scarcity significantly challenges agricultural systems worldwide, especially in tropical areas such as the Dominican Republic. This study explores integrating satellite-based remote sensing technologies and field-based soil moisture sensors to assess water stress and optimize irrigation management in avocado orchards in Puerto Escondido, Dominican Republic. Using multispectral imagery from the Landsat 8 and 9 satellites, key vegetation indices (NDVI and SAVI) and NDWI, a water-related index that specifically indicates changes in crop water contents, rather than vegetation vigor, were derived to monitor vegetation health, growth stages, and soil water contents. Crop coefficient (Kc) values were calculated from these vegetation indices and combined with reference evapotranspiration (ETo) estimates derived from three meteorological models (Hargreaves–Samani, Priestley–Taylor, and Blaney–Criddle) to assess crop water requirements. The results revealed that soil moisture data from sensors at 30 cm depth strongly correlated with satellite-derived estimates, reflecting avocado trees’ critical root zone dynamics. Additionally, seasonal patterns in the vegetation indices showed that NDVI and SAVI effectively tracked vegetative growth stages, while NDWI indicated changes in the canopy water content, particularly during periods of water stress. Integrating these satellite-derived indices with field measurements allowed a comprehensive assessment of crop water requirements and stress, providing valuable insights for improving irrigation practices. Finally, this study demonstrates the potential of remote sensing technologies for large-scale water stress assessment, offering a scalable and cost-effective solution for optimizing irrigation practices in water-limited regions. These findings advance precision agriculture, especially in tropical environments, and provide a foundation for future research aimed at enhancing data accuracy and optimizing water management practices.
Three-Dimensional Magnetotelluric Forward Modeling Using Multi-Task Deep Learning with Branch Point Selection
Authors: Deng Fei , Shi Hongyu , Jiang Peifan , Wang Xuben
Published: February 2025

Magnetotelluric (MT) forward modeling is a key technique in magnetotelluric sounding, and deep learning has been widely applied to MT forward modeling. In three-dimensional (3-D) problems, although existing methods can predict forward modeling results with high accuracy, they often use multiple networks to simulate multiple forward modeling parameters, resulting in low efficiency. We apply multi-task learning (MTL) to 3-D MT forward modeling to achieve simultaneous inference of apparent resistivity and impedance phase, effectively improving overall efficiency. Furthermore, through comparative analysis of feature map differences in various decoder layers of the network, we identify the optimal branching point for multi-task learning decoders. This enhances the feature extraction capabilities of the network and improves the prediction accuracy of forward modeling parameters. Additionally, we introduce an uncertainty-based loss function to dynamically balance the learning weights between tasks, addressing the shortcomings of traditional loss functions. Experiments demonstrate that compared with single-task networks and existing multi-task networks, the proposed network (MT-FeatureNet) achieves the best results in terms of Structural Similarity Index Measure (SSIM), Mean Relative Error (MRE), and Mean Absolute Error (MAE). The proposed multi-task learning model not only improves the efficiency and accuracy of 3-D MT forward modeling but also provides a novel approach to the design of multi-task learning network structures.
Deciphering the Social Vulnerability of Landslides Using the Coefficient of Variation-Kullback-Leibler-TOPSIS at an Administrative Village Scale
Authors: Wang Yueyue , Wu Xueling , Lin Guo , Peng Bo
Published: February 2025

Yu’nan County is located in the Pacific Rim geological disaster-prone area. Frequent landslides are an important cause of population, property, and infrastructure losses, which directly threaten the sustainable development of the regional social economy. Based on field survey data, this paper employs the coefficient of variation method (CV) and an improved TOPSIS model (Kullback-Leibler-Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution) to assess the social vulnerability to landslide disasters in 182 administrative villages of Yu’nan County. Also, it conducts a ranking and comprehensive analysis of their social vulnerability levels. Finally, the accuracy of the evaluation results is validated by applying the losses incurred from landslide disasters per unit area within the same year. The results indicate significant spatial variability in social vulnerability across Yu’nan County, with 68 out of 182 administrative villages exhibiting moderate vulnerability levels or higher. This suggests a high risk of widespread damage from potential disasters. Among these, Xincheng village has the highest social vulnerability score, while Chongtai village has the lowest, with a 0.979 difference in their vulnerabilities. By comparing the actual losses incurred per unit area from landslides, it is found that the social vulnerability results predicted by the CV-KL-TOPSIS model are more consistent with the actual survey results. Furthermore, among the ten sub-factors, population density, building value, and road value contribute most significantly to the overall weight with 0.269, 0.152, and 0.105, respectively, suggesting that in mountainous areas where the population is relatively concentrated, high social vulnerability to landslide hazards is a reflection of population characteristics and local economic level. The evaluation framework and evaluation indicators proposed in this paper can systematically and accurately evaluate the social vulnerability of landslide-prone areas, which provide a reference for urban planning and management in landslide-prone areas.
A Comprehensive Evaluation of Monocular Depth Estimation Methods in Low-Altitude Forest Environment
Authors: Jia Jiwen , Kang Junhua , Chen Lin , Gao Xiang , Zhang Borui , Yang Guijun
Published: February 2025

Monocular depth estimation (MDE) is a critical computer vision task that enhances environmental perception in fields such as autonomous driving and robot navigation. In recent years, deep learning-based MDE methods have achieved notable progress in these fields. However, achieving robust monocular depth estimation in low-altitude forest environments remains challenging, particularly in scenes with dense and cluttered foliage, which complicates applications in environmental monitoring, agriculture, and search and rescue operations. This paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of state-of-the-art deep learning-based MDE methods on low-altitude forest datasets. The evaluated models include both self-supervised and supervised approaches, employing different network structures such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and Vision Transformers (ViTs). We assessed the generalization of these approaches across diverse low-altitude scenarios, specifically focusing on forested environments. A systematic set of evaluation criteria is employed, comprising traditional image-based global statistical metrics as well as geometry-aware metrics, to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of depth estimation performance. The results indicate that most Transformer-based models, such as DepthAnything and Metric3D, outperform traditional CNN-based models in complex forest environments by capturing detailed tree structures and depth discontinuities. Conversely, CNN-based models like MiDas and Adabins struggle with handling depth discontinuities and complex occlusions, yielding less detailed predictions. On the Mid-Air dataset, the Transformer-based DepthAnything demonstrates a 54.2% improvement in RMSE for the global error metric compared to the CNN-based Adabins. On the LOBDM dataset, the CNN-based MiDas has the depth edge completeness error of 93.361, while the Transformer-based Metric3D demonstrates the significantly lower error of only 5.494. These findings highlight the potential of Transformer-based approaches for monocular depth estimation in low-altitude forest environments, with implications for high-throughput plant phenotyping, environmental monitoring, and other forest-specific applications.