bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual Mechanisms of Action: Anti-Candida and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Lactobacillus Fermentation Broth in Treating Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
Authors: Horng Huann-Cheng , Xu Jin-Wei , Kuo Yi-Shan , Chen Yu-Sin , Chiu Yu-Hsuan , Tsui Kuan-Hao , Tung Yu-Tang
Published: December 2024

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), a condition predominantly caused by Candida albicans, affects millions of women worldwide, prompting the need for alternative treatments due to the side effects and increasing resistance associated with conventional imidazole antifungals. This study investigated VAGINNE®, a novel fermentation broth derived from Lactobacillus species, as a potential VVC treatment. Using a BALB/c mouse model of C. albicans infection, we evaluated VAGINNE®’s effects on vaginal microbiome composition, inflammatory markers, and tissue integrity. Our findings revealed that VAGINNE® treatment enhanced the growth of beneficial Lactobacillus species while suppressing C. albicans proliferation, leading to a more balanced vaginal microbiome. Additionally, VAGINNE® significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-17A, IL-22, IL-23) in vaginal tissues and systemic inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-1β) in plasma. Histological analysis showed minimal fungal invasion and preserved vaginal epithelial integrity in VAGINNE®-treated mice compared to untreated controls. These results suggest that VAGINNE® could serve as an effective anti-Candida and anti-inflammatory agent for managing VVC, offering a promising alternative to traditional antifungal treatments. By promoting a healthy vaginal microbiome, reducing inflammation, and maintaining tissue health, this probiotic-based approach presents a novel strategy for addressing VVC, particularly in cases of drug resistance or adverse reactions to standard therapies. This study underscores the potential of microbiome-modulating strategies in managing vaginal infections, paving the way for more targeted and side-effect-free VVC treatments.
Diversity, Distribution, and Evolution of Bioluminescent Fungi
Authors: Perry Brian A. , Desjardin Dennis E. , Stevani Cassius V.
Published: December 2024

All known bioluminescent fungi are basidiomycetes belonging to the Agaricales. They emit 520–530 nm wavelength light 24 h per day in a circadian rhythm. The number of known bioluminescent fungi has more than doubled in the past 15 years from 64 to 132 species. We currently recognize five distinct lineages of bioluminescent Agaricales belonging to the Omphalotaceae (18 species), Physalacriaceae (14), Mycenaceae (96), Lucentipes lineage (3), and Cyphellopsidaceae (1). They are distributed across the globe with the highest diversity occurring on woody or leafy substrates in subtropical closed canopy forests with high plant diversity. With the caveat that most regions of the world have not been extensively sampled for bioluminescent fungi, the areas with the most known species are Japan (36), South America (30), North America (27), Malesia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia (26), Europe (23), Central America (21), China (13), Africa (10), Australasia, Papua New Guinea, and New Caledonia (11), and the Pacific Islands (5). Recent studies have elucidated the biochemical and genetic pathways of fungal bioluminescence and suggest the phenomenon originated a single time early in the evolution of the Agaricales. Multiple independent evolutionary losses explain the absence of luminescence in many species found within the five lineages and in the majority of Agaricales.
Saprotrophic Wood Decay Ability and Plant Cell Wall Degrading Enzyme System of the White Rot Fungus Crucibulum laeve: Secretome, Metabolome and Genome Investigations
Authors: Shabaev Alexander V. , Savinova Olga S. , Moiseenko Konstantin V. , Glazunova Olga A. , Fedorova Tatyana V.
Published: December 2024

The basidiomycete Crucibulum laeve strain LE-BIN1700 (Agaricales, Nidulariaceae) is able to grow on agar media supplemented with individual components of lignocellulose such as lignin, cellulose, xylan, xyloglucan, arabinoxylan, starch and pectin, and also to effectively destroy and digest birch, alder and pine sawdust. C. laeve produces a unique repertoire of proteins for the saccharification of the plant biomass, including predominantly oxidative enzymes such as laccases (family AA1_1 CAZymes), GMC oxidoreductases (family AA3_2 CAZymes), FAD-oligosaccharide oxidase (family AA7 CAZymes) and lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (family LPMO X325), as well as accompanying acetyl esterases and loosenine-like expansins. Metabolomic analysis revealed that, specifically, monosaccharides and carboxylic acids were the key low molecular metabolites in the C. laeve culture liquids in the experimental conditions. The proportion of monosaccharides and polyols in the total pool of identified compounds increased on the sawdust-containing media. Multiple copies of the family AA1_1, AA3_2, AA7 and LPMOs CAZyme genes, as well as eight genes encoding proteins of the YvrE superfamily (COG3386), which includes sugar lactone lactonases, were predicted in the C. laeve genome. According to metabolic pathway analysis, the litter saprotroph C. laeve can catabolize D-gluconic and D-galacturonic acids, and possibly other aldonic acids, which seems to confer certain ecological advantages.
Removal of Ibuprofen in Water by Bioaugmentation with Labrys neptuniae CSW11 Isolated from Sewage Sludge—Assessment of Biodegradation Pathway Based on Metabolite Formation and Genomic Analysis
Authors: Aguilar-Romero Inés , Madrid Fernando , Villaverde Jaime , Alonso Esteban , Santos Juan Luis , Morillo Esmeralda
Published: December 2024

Ibuprofen (IBP) is one of the most consumed drugs in the world. It is only partially removed in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), being present in effluent wastewater and sewage sludge, causing the widespread introduction of IBP as an emergent xenobiotic in different environmental compartments. This study describes the use of Labrys neptuniae CSW11, recently described as an IBP degrader, through bioaugmentation processes for the removal of IBP from water under different conditions (additional carbon sources, various concentrations of glucose and IBP). L. neptuniae CSW11 showed very good results in a wide range of IBP concentrations, with 100% removal in only 4 days for 1 and 5 mg L−1 IBP and 7 days for 10 mg L−1, and up to 48.4% removal in 28 days for IBP 100 mg L−1 when using glucose 3 g L−1 as an additional carbon source. Three IBP metabolites were identified during the biotransformation process: 1-hydroxyibuprofen (1-OH-IBP), 2-hydroxyibuprofen (2-OH-IBP), and carboxyibuprofen (CBX-IBP), whose concentrations declined drastically in the presence of glucose. IBP metabolites maintained a certain degree of toxicity in solution, even when IBP was completely removed. The results indicate that L. neptuniae CSW11 can be quite effective in degrading IBP in water, but the bioaugmentation method should be improved using CSW11 in consortia with other bacterial strains able to degrade the toxic metabolites produced. A genome-based analysis of L. neptuniae CSW11 revealed different enzymes that could be involved in IBP biodegradation, and a potential metabolic pathway was proposed based on the metabolites observed and genome analysis.
Penetration of Microplastics and Nanoparticles Through Skin: Effects of Size, Shape, and Surface Chemistry
Authors: Menichetti Arianna , Mordini Dario , Montalti Marco
Published: December 2024

Skin represents an effective barrier against the penetration of external agents into the human body. Nevertheless, recent research has shown that small particles, especially in the nanosized range, can not only penetrate through the skin but also work as vectors to transport active molecules such as contrast agents or drugs. This knowledge has opened new perspectives on nanomedicine and controlled drug delivery. On the other hand, micro- and nanoplastics represent a form of emerging pollutants, and their concentration in the environment has been reported to drastically increase in the last years. The possible penetration of these particles through the skin has become a major concern for human health. If the actual primary toxicity of these materials is still debated, their possible role in the transport of toxic molecules through the skin, originating as secondary toxicity, is surely alarming. In this review paper, we analyze and critically discuss the most recent scientific publications to underline how these two processes, (i) the controlled delivery of bioactive molecules by micro- and nano-structures and (ii) the unwanted and uncontrolled penetration of toxic species through the skin mediated by micro- and nanoparticles, are deeply related and their efficiency is strongly affected by the nature, size, and shape of the particles.
Evolution of Financial Development Research: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Say Servet , Dogan Mesut , Abdeshov Daulen , Tekbas Murat , Sezal Levent , Erdoğan Burhan
Published: December 2024

This study aims to analyze publications on financial development between 1986 and 2023 using bibliometric analysis methods. The analysis, based on data obtained from the Web of Science database, utilizes bibliometric tools such as keyword analysis, author collaboration networks, citation analysis, and bibliographic coupling to identify trends, key authors, influential journals, and emerging research topics in the field. The results indicate that financial development research is predominantly concentrated in the fields of economics, environmental sciences, and business finance, with economics having the highest number of publications. A significant increase in publications is observed after 2014, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. VOSviewer and R Studio programs were chosen in the study due to their strengths in terms of functionality. According to the results, the countries with the most citations were China, the USA, and Pakistan. The most cited authors are Shahbaz M. with 3926 citations, Zingales I. with 3252 citations, and Oztürk I. with 2710 citations. The authors in the top two are also in the top two in terms of total link strength. The analysis shows that key themes such as economic growth, energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and renewable energy have increasingly intersected with financial development, highlighting the growing focus on sustainability. China, Pakistan, and the USA are the most active countries in financial development research, with China leading both in terms of publication count and citations.
Real Exchange Rate Channel of QE Monetary Transmission Mechanism in Selected EU Members: The Pooled Mean Group Panel Approach
Authors: Stojkov Stefan , Pucar Emilija Beker , Sekulić Aleksandar
Published: December 2024

Since the Great 2008 Recession, central banks around the world have been coping with monetary consequences that highlight structural costs of the economic system and the rise of unconventional monetary measures. This research aims to capture the heterogeneous effects of expansionary balance sheet (Quantitative easing) policy on the real effective exchange rate and current account balance under the different exchange rate regimes in crisis circumstances. The sample is structured of two groups of EU countries differentiated by level of monetary autonomy: EZ members (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, and Spain) are represented by countries with the highest level of asset purchases by ECB and emerging monetary autonomous EU economies (Czech, Hungary, Poland, and Romania). Empirical findings are based on the framework of cross-sectional dependent, non-stationary, heterogeneous, dynamic panels using the (Pooled) Mean Group estimator during the 2014Q1–2023Q1 time horizon. Results indicate a positive long-run relationship between the central bank balance sheet assets, the real interest rate, and the real effective exchange rate. A negative long-term relationship with the current account balance is confirmed, suggesting a diminishing external position. While error-correction parameters are significant and heterogeneous, research confirms higher real effective exchange rate reaction for the EZ members with higher adjustment toward worsening competitiveness along with external balance.
Analyzing and Forecasting Laboratory Energy Consumption Patterns Using Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average Models
Authors: Niu Yitong , Jia Xiongjie , Lee Chee Keong , Jiang Haoran , Leh Cheu Peng
Published: December 2024

This study applied ARIMA modeling to analyze the energy consumption patterns of laboratory equipment over one month, focusing on enhancing energy management in the laboratory. By explicitly examining AC and DC equipment, this study obtained detailed daily operating cycles and periods of inactivity. Advanced differencing and diagnostic checks were used to verify model accuracy and white noise characteristics through enhanced Dickey–Fuller testing and residual analysis. The results demonstrate the model’s accuracy in predicting energy consumption, providing valuable insights into the use of the model. This study highlights the adaptability and validity of the ARIMA model in laboratory environments, contributing to more competent laboratory energy management practices.
Evaluating Urban Heat Island Effects in the Southwestern Plateau of China: A Comparative Analysis of Nine Estimation Methods
Authors: Ma Ziyang , Fu Huyan , Wen Jianghai , Chen Zhiru
Published: December 2024

Surface urban heat island intensity (SUHII) is a critical indicator of the urban heat island (UHI) effect. However, discrepancies in estimation methods may introduce uncertainty in SUHII values. While previous studies have examined the responses of SUHII to different methods at large scales, further analysis is needed for plateau cities in southwestern China, which have complex geographical features. This study investigates the spatiotemporal patterns and influencing factors of SUHII in 200 plateau cities across southwestern China via nine estimation methods that incorporate rural ranges and elevation-based conditions. The results show that: (1) The annual average daytime and nighttime SUHII for these cities were 0.97 ± 0.78 °C (mean ± std) and 0.21 ± 0.87 °C, respectively. For 22% of the cities during the day and 26% at night, the choice of different SUHII estimation methods resulted in the transformation between a surface urban heat island (SUHI) and a surface urban cold island (SUCI) due to the exclusion of rural pixels more than ±50 m from the median urban elevation. Compared with other regions, high-altitude plateau cities exhibited a slightly lower daytime SUHII but a significantly higher nighttime SUHII because of the lower atmospheric pressure in plateau areas, which limits the conduction and retention of heat. Consequently, heat dissipates more quickly at night, increasing SUHII values. (2) The mean ΔSUHIIAD (absolute difference in SUHII values across methods) was 0.51 ± 0.01 °C during the day and 0.44 ± 0.02 °C at night. (3) In high-altitude plateau cities, for all methods, the correlation of the SUHII with influencing factors was stronger, highlighting their sensitivity to both environmental and anthropogenic influences. These results enhance our understanding of plateau UHI dynamics and highlight the importance of considering appropriate rural definitions for cities with varying geographical characteristics.
Assessment and Optimization of Ecological Networks in Trans-Provincial Metropolitan Areas—A Case Study of the Xuzhou Metropolitan Area
Authors: Zhao Yijia , Zhang Peiyuan , Xu Hao , Liu Wei
Published: December 2024

In the urbanization development trend, constructing inter-provincial metropolitan areas has gradually become an important pathway for China to implement its new urbanization strategy. Economic development in metropolitan areas inevitably leads to ecological degradation and fragmentation, threatening biodiversity. A reasonable assessment and optimization of the ecological network structure of inter-provincial metropolitan areas can effectively improve the stability of regional ecosystems and contribute to the sustainable development of urban and rural environments. In this study, we optimized the identification of ecological sources at the metropolitan area scale by constructing the ‘MIE’ model combined with the threshold analysis method, identified the core ecological sources in the Xuzhou Metropolitan Area, a typical cross-provincial metropolitan area in China, and then extracted the ecological corridors by using the Linkage Mapper tool based on this method. The spatiotemporal patterns and components of the ecological network of the Xuzhou metropolitan area from 1990 to 2020 were assessed, and an optimization analysis was performed based on the current ecological network. The results show that urban expansion has caused a decentralized layout of the ecological space in the study area across the provincial metropolitan area, with an uneven distribution of ecological sources and the development of ecological corridors in an east-dense and west-sparse pattern in 30 years. Increased interference by human activities has decreased the landscape dominance of the regional ecological resources and overall fragmentation of the habitats. The number of ecological corridors decreased, the average length of ecological corridors increased, the difficulty of biological flow increased, the connectivity of the ecological network structure decreased, and accessibility between source areas decreased. The α, β, and γ indices of the regional ecological network increased by 0.16, 0.46, and 0.1, respectively, after restoring important ecological sources and corridors. This study provides a framework for ecological network assessment and optimization in cross-provincial metropolitan areas, which is of great significance for studying metropolitan areas at similar stages of development.
City Health Assessment: Urbanization and Eco-Environment Dynamics Using Coupling Coordination Analysis and FLUS Model—A Case Study of the Pearl River Delta Urban Agglomeration
Authors: Peng Xiangeng , Liao Liao , Tan Xiaohong , Yu Ruyi , Zhang Kao
Published: December 2024

Rapid urbanization in China has profoundly transformed its urban systems, bringing about considerable ecological challenges and significant imbalances between urban growth and ecological health. The Pearl River Delta (PRD) urban agglomeration, as one of China’s most economically dynamic regions, exemplifies the complex interactions between rapid urbanization and environmental sustainability. This study examined these dynamics using statistical yearbook and geographic information data from 1999 to 2018. Through a multi-scale approach integrating panel entropy, coupled coordination analysis, and FLUS models, we evaluated the relationship between urbanization and ecology at both the agglomeration and city levels. The findings revealed that while the overall coordination between urbanization and ecology in the PRD has improved, it remains at a moderate level with pronounced core-periphery disparities. Core cities face increasing ecological pressures and inefficient land use patterns. Simulation results, under three distinct policy scenarios—“unconstrained”, “growth machine”, and “compact and intensive usage/urban renewal”—and validated through field research, indicate that urban renewal presents a viable strategy for optimizing land use and mitigating ecological pressures. The study provides both a comprehensive diagnostic framework for assessing urban health and sustainability and practical intervention pathways, particularly for regions experiencing similar rapid urbanization challenges. The insights gained are especially relevant to other developing countries, offering strategies to enhance urban resilience and ecological sustainability while addressing persistent regional inequalities.
Barriers Affecting Promotion of Active Transportation: A Study on Pedestrian and Bicycle Network Connectivity in Melbourne’s West
Authors: Olayode Isaac Oyeyemi , Chau Hing-Wah , Jamei Elmira
Published: December 2024

In the last few decades, the promotion of active transport has been a viable solution recommended by transportation researchers, urban planners, and policymakers to reduce traffic congestion and improve public health in cities. To encourage active transport, it is important for cities to provide safe and accessible infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as incentives for individuals to choose active modes of transportation over private vehicles. In this research, we focused on the suburb of Point Cook, located within the City of Wyndham in Melbourne’s west, owing to its rising human population and private vehicle ownership. The primary aim of this research is to examine the barriers in the interconnectivity of active transport networks for pedestrians and cyclists and to determine the segments of the transportation network that are not accessible to Point Cook residents. Our methodology is enshrined in the use of Social Pinpoint, which is an online interactive survey platform, and ground surveys (face-to-face interviews). In our assessment of the suburb of Point Cook, we utilised the concept of 20-min neighbourhoods to evaluate the accessibility of many important places within an 800-metre walking distance from residents’ homes. Based on our online interactive survey findings, approximately one-third of the individuals engaged in regular walking, with a frequency ranging from once a day to once every two days. One-third of the participants engaged in walking trips once or twice a week, whereas the remaining two-thirds conducted walking trips less frequently than once a week. Almost 89% of the participants expressed varying levels of interest in increasing their walking frequency. The findings showed that improving pedestrian and cycling networks that are easily accessible, well-integrated, inclusive, and safe is a prerequisite for achieving active transport and create neighbourhoods in which everything is accessible within a 20-min walking distance.
The Influence of Multi-Sensory Perception on Public Activity in Urban Street Spaces: An Empirical Study Grounded in Landsenses Ecology
Authors: Han Tianqi , Tang Lina , Liu Jiang , Jiang Siyu , Yan Jinshan
Published: December 2024

The design of street spaces significantly influences public behavior and quality of life. Understanding how various urban street spatial characteristics affect public behavior, alongside the role of multi-sensory perception, enables designers and planners to create more human-centered urban environments. Grounded in landsenses ecology, this study employs correlation analysis, regression analysis, and Partial Least-Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the effects of different urban street spatial characteristics on public behavior and the mediating role of multi-sensory perception. The findings reveal that street spatial characteristics, particularly the Water Surface Ratio (WSR) and Waterfront Density (WD), have a pronounced impact on behavioral traits, with higher public activity frequencies in areas with elevated WSR and WD. Notably, WSR significantly affects static behaviors, such as sunbathing (β = 0.371, p < 0.001), and dynamic behaviors, such as walking (β = 0.279, p < 0.001). While road and water characteristics directly influence behavior, buildings and green spaces mainly affect public behavior through multi-sensory perception. Different sensory perceptions show varying effects, with olfactory perception playing a significant role in these experiences, alongside a notable chain-mediated effect between tactile perception and psychological cognition. These results provide valuable insights for integrating multi-sensory experiences into urban design.
Study on the Evolutionary Characteristics of Spatial and Temporal Patterns and Decoupling Effect of Urban Carbon Emissions in the Yangtze River Delta Region Based on Neural Network Optimized by Aquila Optimizer with Nighttime Light Data
Authors: Luo Xichun , Cai Chaoming , Zhao Honghao
Published: December 2024

China produces the largest amount of CO2 emissions since 2007 and is the second largest economy in the world since 2010, and the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) area plays a crucial role in promoting low-carbon development in China. Analyzing its evolutionary characteristics of spatial and temporal patterns and its decoupling effect is of great importance for the purpose of low-carbon development. However, this analysis relies on the estimation of CO2 emissions. Recently, neural network-based models are widely used for CO2 emission estimation. To improve the performance of neural network models, the Aquila Optimizer (AO) algorithm is introduced to optimize the hyper-parameter values in the back-propagation (BP) neural network model in this research due to the appealing searching capability of AO over traditional algorithms. Such a model is referred to as the AO-BP model, and this paper uses the AO-BP model to estimate carbon emissions, compiles a city-level CO2 emission inventory for the YRD region, and analyzes the spatial dependence, spatial correlation characteristics, and decoupling status of carbon emissions. The results show that the CO2 emissions in the YRD region show a spatial distribution pattern of “low in the west, high in the east, and developing towards the west”. There exists a spatial dependence of carbon emissions in the cities from 2001 to 2022, except for the year 2000, and the local spatial autocorrelation test shows that high-high is concentrated in Shanghai and Suzhou, and low-low is mainly centered in Anqing, Chizhou, and Huangshan in southern Anhui. Furthermore, there exist significant regional differences in the correlation levels of CO2 emissions between cities, with a trend of low in the west and high in the east in location, and a decreasing and then increasing trend in time. From 2000 to 2022, the decoupling of carbon emissions and economic growth shows a steadily improving trend.
Variations in Water Stress and Its Driving Factors in the Yellow River Basin
Authors: Lyu Haodong , Qiao Jianmin , Fang Gonghuan , Liang Wenting , Tang Zidong , Lv Furong , Zhang Qin , Qiu Zewei , Huang Gengning
Published: December 2024

As one of the most sensitive areas to climate change in China, the Yellow River Basin faces a significant water resource shortage, which severely restricts sustainable economic development in the region and has become the most prominent issue in the basin. In response to the national strategy of ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River Basin, as well as Sustainable Development Goal 6.4 (SDG 6.4), we applied the water stress index (WSI) to measure water stress in the basin. This analysis utilized land use datasets, socio-economic datasets, irrigation datasets, water withdrawal/consumption datasets, and runoff datasets from 2000 to 2020. We also identified the driving factors of the WSI using a partial least squares regression (PLSR) and assessed spatial clustering with global and local Moran’s indices. The results indicate that water stress in the Yellow River Basin has been alleviated, as indicated by the decreasing WSI due to increased precipitation. However, rising domestic water withdrawals have led to an overall increase in total water withdrawal, with agricultural water use accounting for the largest proportion of total water consumption. Precipitation is the most significant factor influencing water stress, affecting 46.25% of the basin area, followed by air temperature, which affects 12.64% of the area. Other factors account for less than 10% each. Furthermore, the global Moran’s index values for 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020 were 0.172, 0.280, 0.284, 0.305, and 0.302, respectively, indicating a strong positive spatial autocorrelation within the basin. The local Moran’s index revealed that the WSI of 446 catchments was predominantly characterized by high–high and low–low clusters, suggesting a strong positive correlation in the WSI among these catchments. This study provides a reference framework for developing a water resources assessment index system in the Yellow River Basin and supports regional water resources management and industrial structure planning.
Identification of Ecological Priority Areas Based on Nested-Scale Analysis: A Case Study of Metropolitan Nanjing, China
Authors: Zhu Yuxi , Yang Jianqiang , Zhu Le , Sun Liping
Published: December 2024

Rapid urbanization has led to severe fragmentation of ecological spaces in high-density metropolitan regions, threatening urban ecological security and environmental well-being. While cities explore various restoration strategies, the systematic identification of ecological priority areas remains an urgent challenge, particularly due to the limitations of multi-scale evaluation methods. This study develops an integrated nested-scale analytical approach to examine ecological elements at metropolitan and central urban levels, using Metropolitan Nanjing as a case study. The framework combines Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA), Landscape Connectivity Analysis, and INVEST Habitat Quality Assessment to identify ecological sources while employing a multi-dimensional ecological resistance evaluation system and Circuit Theory Model for critical node assessment. The findings reveal a notable spatial overlap between ecological pinch points and barrier points across scales, demonstrating the importance of nested-scale coupling in maintaining network stability. Through this analysis, 3297 ecological priority areas are identified and classified into three hierarchical categories, offering a practical framework for optimizing ecological networks in high-density metropolitan regions.
Assessing Donor Site Morbidity and Impact on Quality of Life in Free Flap Microsurgery: An Overview
Authors: Hodea Florin-Vlad , Hariga Cristian-Sorin , Bordeanu-Diaconescu Eliza-Maria , Cretu Andrei , Dumitru Catalina-Stefania , Ratoiu Vladut-Alin , Lascar Ioan , Grosu-Bularda Andreea
Published: December 2024

Donor site morbidity remains a significant concern in free flap microsurgery, with implications that extend beyond immediate postoperative outcomes to affect patients’ long-term quality of life. This review explores the multi-faceted impact of donor site morbidity on physical, psychological, social, and occupational well-being, synthesizing findings from the existing literature. Particular attention is given to the functional limitations, sensory deficits, aesthetic outcomes, and chronic pain associated with commonly utilized free flaps. Advancements in surgical techniques, including nerve-sparing and muscle-sparing methods, as well as innovations, like perforator flaps, have demonstrated the potential to mitigate these morbidities. Furthermore, the integration of regenerative medicine strategies, such as stem cell therapy and fat grafting, and technological innovations, including virtual reality rehabilitation and biofeedback devices, has shown promise in enhancing recovery and minimizing long-term complications. Despite these advances, challenges persist in standardizing QoL assessments and optimizing donor site management. This review emphasizes the need for a holistic, patient-centered approach in reconstructive microsurgery, advocating for further research to refine current strategies, improve long-term outcomes, and develop robust tools for QoL evaluation. By addressing these gaps, reconstructive surgeons can better align surgical objectives with the comprehensive well-being of their patients.
Book Review: Kadare (2024). A Dictator Calls. Translated by John Hodgson. London: Vintage Digital. ISBN: 9781529920574
Authors: Okuhata Yutaka
Published: December 2024

On 1 July 2024, Ismail Kadare, one of the most prestigious and successful writers in Albania, died at the age of eighty-eight [...]
Influence of Sulfur-Phosphorus Additive Interaction Effects on the Performance of Roller Bearing Greases
Authors: Peng Han , Chen Yike , Shangguan Linjian , Li Yanchi , Wang Qi
Published: December 2024

Friction wear is inevitable in roller bearings at high speeds, under heavy loads and vibration, and in other operating conditions. The use of grease can significantly reduce frictional wear. Sulfur–phosphorus additives have excellent anti-wear properties, oxidation resistance, and stability under high load and high-speed conditions. Their application in roller bearings enhances the performance of the grease, thus ensuring the normal operation of roller bearings. This study focuses on the effect of interaction between sulfur–phosphorus additives. Using a friction and wear tester and a rotational rheometer, the original roller bearing grease Fuchs 585k plus was used as the original grease, and the original grease was blended with MoS2, MoS2+TBP, and MoS2+T321, respectively, to comparatively analyze the effect of sulfur–phosphorus additives and their interaction effect on the tribological and rheological properties of the roller bearing grease. The results show that the addition of all the above three additives can improve the anti-wear performance and anti-shear performance of roller bearing grease. Among them, the most significant optimization effect is MoS2+T321, followed by MoS2, and finally MoS2+TBP. This result provides a new idea for the performance enhancement and formulation optimization of roller bearing grease.
Effects of Sliding Speed on Wear Behavior of High-Velocity Oxygen Fuel-Sprayed FeCrMoNiCuBSiC Metallic Glass Coatings
Authors: Qiao Lei , Zhou Botao , Li Ruifeng , Li Taotao , Zhao Yue , Zhang Xiaoqiang , Lee Chul-Hee
Published: December 2024

A FeCrMoNiCuBSiC metallic glass coating was designed and then deposited by the high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) spraying technique. X-ray diffraction, a scanning electron microscope, and a microhardness tester were applied to characterize the phase, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the coating. The amorphous phase was the main phase in the coating, and crystal phases were almost undetectable in the XRD results. The coating had a dense structure (the porosity was 1.47 ± 0.32%) and high Vickers microhardness (848 ± 22 HV0.3). The wear behavior of the coatings sliding against WC-Co was studied with a pin-on-disc wear test system and was compared with that of 316L stainless steel. The coating improved the wear resistance of the steel by around 7–9 times at different sliding speeds. As the sliding speed was increased, the wear loss rate of the steel obviously increased, yet the loss rate of the coating decreased first and then increased. This happened because the contact flash temperature induced by friction increases with the sliding speed, which results in oxidative behavior and crystallization events in the coating. The dominating wear mechanism of the coating is fatigue wear combined with oxidative wear.
Prospects of Band Structure Engineering in MXenes for Active Switching MXetronics: Computational Insights and Experimental Approaches
Authors: Bharathi Ganapathi , Hong Seongin
Published: December 2024

MXenes, two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides and nitrides, have shown promise in a variety of applications. The use of MXenes in active electronic devices is restricted to electrode materials due to their metallic nature. However, MXenes can be modified to be semiconducting and can be used for next-generation channel materials. The inherent metallic characteristics of pristine Mn+1Xn-structured MXene can be tuned to semiconducting by (i) functionalizing MXenes with different moieties, (ii) applying external strain, and (iii) varying the composition. These strategies effectively modify the metallic electronic structure of MXene into a semiconducting one. This review focuses on the potential of tuning the electronic band structure of MXenes by surface functionalization, strain engineering, and compositional variation. The computational and experimental approaches to tuning the electronic band structure using these strategies are discussed in detail. In addition, the experimental methods which can be used to prepare semiconducting MXenes are described.
Syngas Production Improvement from CO2RR Using Cu-Sn Electrodeposited Catalysts
Authors: Herranz Daniel , Bernedo Biriucov Santiago , Arranz Antonio , Avilés Moreno Juan Ramón , Ocón Pilar
Published: December 2024

Electrochemical reduction of CO2 is an efficient and novel strategy to reduce the amount of this greenhouse-effect pollutant gas in the atmosphere while synthesizing value-added products, all of it with an easy synergy with intermittent renewable energies. This study investigates the influence of different ways of combining electrodeposited Cu and Sn as metallic elements in the electrocatalyst. From there, the use of Sn alone or with a small amount of Cu beneath is investigated, and finally, the best catalyst obtained, which has Sn over a slight Cu layer, is evaluated in consecutive cycles to make an initial exploration of the catalyst durability. As a result of this work, after optimization of the Sn and Cu-based catalysts, it is possible to obtain more than 60% of the organic products of interest, predominantly CO, the main component of syngas. Finally, this great amount of CO is obtained under low cell potential (below 3 V), which is a remarkable result in terms of the cost of the process.
Full-Locked Coil Ropes with HDPE Sheath: Studies of Mechanical Behavior of HDPE Under Accelerated Aging
Authors: Schaaf Benjamin , Abeln Björn , Feldmann Markus , Stammen Elisabeth , Dilger Klaus
Published: December 2024

In accordance with German guideline ZTV-ING Part 4, full-locked coil ropes are provided with a three-layer corrosion protection coating based on epoxy resin and polyurethane, which must be renewed regularly. An alternative method is to use a coating of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is extruded onto the rope. In this article, the mechanical behavior of the thermoplastic material is studied, taking into account various accelerated aging processes, which are derived from the climatic boundary conditions of a real bridge structure and implemented in tests. In addition to the quasi-static material behavior, which is described using the uniaxial tensile test, the cyclic conditioning, relaxation, type of production and oxidation stability are also investigated. Finally, the results obtained are evaluated with regard to the applicability of the material as corrosion protection for full-locked coil ropes.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Investigation of Corona Formation of Dipeptide-Based Nanomaterials
Authors: Dikici Emrah , Önal Acet Burcu , Bozdoğan Betül , Acet Ömür , Halets-Bui Inessa , Shcharbin Dzmitry , Odabaşı Mehmet
Published: December 2024

Peptide-based nanomaterials can be easily functionalized due to their functional groups, as well as being biocompatible, stable under physiological conditions, and nontoxic. Here, diphenylalanineamide-based nanomaterials (FFANMs) were synthesized, decorated with Ca2+ ions to set the surface charge, and characterized for possible use in gene delivery and drug release studies. FFANMs were characterized by SEM, TEM, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and LC-MS/MS. Corona formation and biocompatible studies were also carried out. Some of the data obtained are as follows: FFANMs have a diameter of approximately 87.93 nm. While the zeta potentials of FFANMs and Ca2+@FFANMs were −20.1 mV and +9.3 mV, respectively, after corona formation with HSA and IgG proteins, they were shifted to −7.6 mV and −3.7 mV, respectively. For gene delivery studies, zeta potentials of Ca2+@FFANMs and DNA interactions were also studied and found to shift to −9.7 mV. Cytotoxicity and biocompatibility studies of NMs were also studied on HeLa and HT29 cell lines, and decreases of about 5% and 10% in viability at the end of 24 h and 72 h incubation times were found. We think that the results obtained from this study will assist the groups working in the relevant field.
Hierarchical 3D FeCoNi Alloy/CNT @ Carbon Nanofiber Sponges as High-Performance Microwave Absorbers with Infrared Camouflage
Authors: Fei Yifan , Yao Junya , Cheng Wei , Jiao Wenling
Published: December 2024

Microwave absorbers with infrared camouflage are highly desirable in military fields. Self-supporting 3D architectures with tailorable shapes, composed of FeCoNi alloy/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) @ carbon nanofibers (CNFs), were fabricated in this study. On the one hand, multiple loss mechanisms were introduced into the high-elastic sponges. Controllable space conductive networks caused by the in situ growth of CNTs on the CNFs contributed to the effective dielectric and resistance loss. Moreover, the uniformly distributed magnetic alloy nanoparticles (NPs) with dense magnetic coupling resulted in magnetic loss. On the other hand, heterogeneous interfaces were constructed by multicomponent engineering, causing interfacial polarization and polarization loss. Furthermore, the internal structures of sponges were optimized by regulating the alloy NPs sizes and the growth state of CNTs, then tuning the impedance matching and microwave absorption. Therefore, the high-elastic sponges with ultra-low density (7.6 mg·cm−3) were found to have excellent radar and infrared-compatible stealth properties, displaying a minimum refection loss (RLmin) of −50.5 dB and a maximum effective absorption bandwidth (EABmax) of 5.36 GHz. Moreover, the radar stealth effect of the sponges was evaluated by radar cross-section (RCS) simulation, revealing that the multifunctional sponges have a promising prospect in military applications.
The Use of 3D Printing Filaments to Build Moisture Sensors in Porous Materials
Authors: Paśnikowska-Łukaszuk Magdalena , Szulżyk-Cieplak Joanna , Wlazło Magda , Zubrzycki Jarosław , Łazuka Ewa , Urzędowski Arkadiusz , Suchorab Zbigniew
Published: December 2024

This study explores the application of materials used in 3D printing to manufacture the housings of non-invasive sensors employed in measurements using a TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry) meter. The research investigates whether sensors designed with 3D printing technology can serve as viable alternatives to conventional invasive and non-invasive sensors. This study focuses on innovative approaches to designing humidity sensors, utilizing Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology to create housings for non-invasive sensors compatible with TDR devices. The paper discusses the use of 3D modeling technology in sensor design, with particular emphasis on materials used in 3D printing, notably polylactic acid (PLA). Environmental factors, such as moisture in building materials, are characterized, and the need for dedicated sensor designs is highlighted. The software utilized in the 3D modeling and printing processes is also described. The Materials and Methods Section provides a detailed account of the construction process for the non-invasive sensor housing and the preparation for moisture measurement in silicate materials using the designed sensor. A prototype sensor was successfully fabricated through 3D printing. Using the designed sensor, measurements were conducted on silicate samples soaked in aqueous solutions with water absorption levels ranging from 0% to 10%. Experimental validation involved testing silicate samples with the prototype sensor to evaluate its effectiveness. The electrical permittivity of the material was calculated, and the root-mean-square error (RMSE) was determined using classical computational methods and machine learning techniques. The RMSE obtained using the classical method was 0.70. The results obtained were further analyzed using machine learning models, including Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) and Support Vector Machine (SVM). The GPR model achieved an RMSE of 0.15, while the SVM model yielded an RMSE of 0.25. These findings confirm the sensor’s effectiveness and its potential for further research and practical applications.
Study on Quantitative Adjustment of CD Bias and Profile Angle in the Wet Etching of Cu-Based Stacked Electrode
Authors: Liu Dan , Fang Liang , Huang Zhonghao , An Jianguo , Wu Xu , Wu Fang , Chen Wenxiang , Liu Gaobin
Published: December 2024

The electrodes of thin film transistors (TFTs) have evolved from conventional single Cu layers to multi-layered structures formed by Cu and other metals or alloys. Different etching rates of various metals and galvanic corrosion between distinct metals may cause etching defects such as rough or uneven cross-sectional surfaces of stacked electrodes. Therefore, the etching of stacked electrodes faces new challenges. CD Bias and profile angle (PA) are two main performance indicators for the wet etching of TFT electrodes. Adjusting CD Bias and PAs quantitatively and evaluating their stability accurately is crucial to ensure the performance and yield of TFTs. In this work, the bilayer MoNb/Cu-stacked electrodes with different MoNb thicknesses and the MoNb/Cu/MTD triple-layered electrodes were prepared, and the influence of MoNb thickness and stacked structure on the CD Bias and PAs was investigated. It is found that in the H2O2-based etchant, the order of corrosion potential is EMTD < EMoNb < ECu; both MoNb/Cu and Cu/MTD will form a primary cell with MoNb or MTD as the anodes. The CD Bias and PAs of the MoNb/Cu bilayer structure also increase with MoNb thickness, but those of the MoNb/Cu/MTD triple-layered structure decrease with the introduction of the top MTD film. Finally, regression equations between CD Bias or PA and etching parameters were established based on the results of uniform experiments, and the 95% confidence intervals for CD Bias and PA were proposed after the Monte Carlo simulation. These obtained results provide a basis for quantitative adjustment of CD Bias and PA and precise control of etching stability.
Erosion-Corrosion Behavior of 316L Stainless Steel in Chloropropene
Authors: Dai Yingying , Wan Changxin , Yan Shuai , Wang Guandong , Yang Yan , Liao Youwei
Published: December 2024

The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of different pH values and chloropropene flow rates on the erosion–corrosion behavior of 316L stainless steel. The influence of various factors on the surface morphology was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffractometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. The results revealed that at a pH value of 3.2 and a chloropropene flow rate of 2.20 m/s, soluble transition metal complexes (ferrocene) were observed on the sample surface, which enhanced the erosion–corrosion process by interacting with corrosion products. With an increase in flow velocity and decrease in pH value, the protective resin coating on the sample surface deteriorated, leading to an oxygen concentration difference between exposed and resin-protected areas of the metal substrate. This resulted in localized oxidation–reduction reactions at these sites, forming metal hydroxides (such as FeOOH and Cr(OH)3). Therefore, analyzing the effects of flow rate and pH on the erosion–corrosion of 316L stainless steel is of great significance for improving production efficiency, ensuring safety measures, and environmental protection.
Radiation Damage Mitigation in FeCrAl Alloy at Sub-Recrystallization Temperatures
Authors: Rahman Md Hafijur , Rasel Md Abu Jafar , Smyth Christopher M. , Waryoba Daudi , Haque Aman
Published: December 2024

Traditional defect recovery methods rely on high-temperature annealing, often exceeding 750 °C for FeCrAl. In this study, we introduce electron wind force (EWF)-assisted annealing as an alternative approach to mitigate irradiation-induced defects at significantly lower temperatures. FeCrAl samples irradiated with 5 MeV Zr2+ ions at a dose of 1014 cm−2 were annealed using EWF at 250 °C for 60 s. We demonstrate a remarkable transformation in the irradiated microstructure, where significant increases in kernel average misorientation (KAM) and low-angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) typically indicate heightened defect density; the use of EWF annealing reversed these effects. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed these findings, showing substantial reductions in full width at half maximum (FWHM) values and a realignment of peak positions toward their original states, indicative of stress and defect recovery. To compare the effectiveness of EWF, we also conducted traditional thermal annealing at 250 °C for 7 h, which proved less effective in defect recovery as evidenced by less pronounced improvements in XRD FWHM values.