bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efektivitas ekstrak buah mengkudu (Morinda citrifolia L.) terhadap pertumbuhan Trichophyton rubrum secara in vitro
Authors: Angelica Tracy , Setyaningsih Yuni , Razi Fachri , Zulfa Fajriati
Published: January 2025

Dermatofitosis adalah infeksi jamur yang menyerang epidermis dan keratin, dengan spesies yang menjadi penyebab salah satunya adalah Trichophyton rubrum. Penggunaan obat-obatan kimia dalam waktu lama dapat berpotensi memberikan efek samping berupa efek toksik dan resistensi. Buah mengkudu memiliki kandungan senyawa Flavonoid, Alkaloid, Tanin, Saponin dan Fenol yang telah diketahui dapat menghambat pertumbuhan jamur. Tujuan penelitian ini ialah untuk mengetahui pengaruh perbedaan konsentrasi ekstrak buah mengkudu (Morinda citrifolia L.) terhadap pertumbuhan jamur T. rubrum secara in vitro. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan kelompok kontrol post-test eksperimental laboratorium. Pada uji ini, ekstrak buah mengkudu didapatkan dengan metode maserasi etanol 96%. Pengujian aktivitas anti fungi dilakukan dengan metode difusi sumuran dengan variabel bebas yaitu ekstrak buah mengkudu konsentrasi 4%, 6%, 8%, 10%, dan 12,5% serta ketokonazol (kontrol positif) dan aquadest (kontrol negatif). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan adanya zona hambat yang dihasilkan setelah diberikan perlakuan ekstrak buah mengkudu. Pengamatan dilakukan pada waktu 24 jam dan 48 jam. Konsentrasi ekstrak dengan daya hambat tertinggi terdapat pada konsentrasi 8%, dengan rata-rata diameter zona hambat 8,095 mm pada pengamatan 48 jam. Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini adalah ekstrak buah mengkudu konsentrasi 4%, 6%, 8%, 10%, dan 12,5% efektif dalam menghambat pertumbuhan jamur T. rubrum.
ТИПОЛОГІЯ УЧАСНИКІВ РИНКУ ОСВІТНІХ ПОСЛУГ І МОДЕЛІ ПОВЕДІНКИ КРІЗЬ ПРИЗМУ ПОВЕДІНКОВОЇ ЕКОНОМІКИ
Authors: Бойко Анна
Published: January 2025

Упродовж кількох останніх десятиліть дослідники використовували економічну науку, щоб зрозуміти низку проблем на ринку освіти. Одним із сучасних напрямів економічної теорії є поведінкова економіка, яка включає психологічні знання про людську поведінку для вдосконалення та розширення економічних моделей прийняття рішень. Ринок освітніх послуг (РОП) у сучасній економічній науці зазнає надзвичайно динамічних змін, які пов’язані з чинниками глобального, національного, регіонального та локального характеру впливу. Водночас завдання науки полягає у виокремленні найсуттєвіших характеристик досліджуваного об’єкту у певний актуальний проміжок часу з урахуванням ретроспективного аналізу цих характеристик у взаємозв’язку з минулим та очікуваннями, прогнозами й стратегіями майбутнього. Метою статті є визначення сутності ринку освітніх послуг, типологія його учасників, функцій та чинників прийняття рішень з позицій поведінкової економіки. Автор використовує методи емпіричного дослідження: спостереження, порівняння, абстрагування, аналіз і синтез. За результатами дослідження запропоновано визначення ринку освітніх послуг як сукупності відносин між виробниками і споживачами освітніх послуг, регуляторами та іншими учасниками, поведінка яких визначається умовами ринкової економіки, державним регулюванням, соціокультурними, психологічними та іншими чинниками. Виокремлено чотири основні групи учасників: споживачі, виробники, регулятори та інші учасники ринку освітніх послуг, кожна з яких має свої чинники прийняття рішень. Описано основні психологічні та соціальні фактори, що впливають на поведінку людей, зокрема евристики, когнітивні упередження, емоції, а також вплив соціальних норм. Підкреслюється необхідність реформування вищої освіти в Україні, з урахуванням динамічних змін у суспільстві та технологіях, для підвищення її ефективності та відповідності потребам ринку праці.
Мельничук О. С. Нові формати публічних виступів : метод. реком. для підготовки здобувачів вищої освіти галузей знань: 03 «Гуманітарні науки», спец. 033 «Філософія»; 07 «Управління та адміністрування»; 08 «Право», спец. 081 «Право» [Електронне видання]
Authors:   Національний університет «Одеська юридична академія», Мельничук Ольга Степанівна
Published: January 2025

Методичні вказівки розроблені для здобувачів вищої освіти галузей знань: 03 «Гуманітарні науки», спеціальність 033 «Філософія»; 07 «Управління та адміністрування»; 08 «Право», спеціальність 081 «Право» з метою закріплення лекційного матеріалу та підготовки до практичних занять з дисципліни «Нові формати публічних виступів». Містять завдання до практичних занять та самостійної роботи.
justicia tempestiva: análisis tematológico de La tempestad de William Shakespeare
Authors: Martínez García Isabel Angélica , Calvillo Arellano Adler Antonio , Núñez Román José Manuel , Almazán Andrade Nadia Belén , Reyes Pérez Estefanía E. , Porras Zapata Leslie Paulina
Published: January 2025

“Por cuya torpe acción la ira celesteQue aplaza, mas no olvida, en vuestro dañoAmotinó la mar y sus orillas,Y contra vuestra paz el mundo entero.”La tempestad, William Shakespeare
Developing Hybrid Algorithms with Fire Hawk Optimization on Concrete's Chloride Diffusion
Authors: Zhang Chunyang
Published: January 2025

Throughout their lifespan, reinforced concrete buildings may encounter many challenging circumstances, such as exposure to chloride ions. Exposure to the elements, particularly in coastal areas, may lead to a decrease in durability and degradation of concrete structures. Artificial intelligence (AI) may be utilized to create models that accurately predict the chloride diffusion coefficient (CD) of non-steady state concrete over a long duration by analyzing experimental field data. This approach has the potential to boost the evaluation of the durability of a certain building structure by highlighting the most significant factors. This work showcases the use of the support vector regression (SVR), multi-layered perceptron (MLP), and random forests (RF) for predicting the DC of concrete under different exposure conditions. The fire hawk optimization algorithm (FHOA) approach was employed to improve prediction models that were trained on a dataset consisting of 216 data points. The findings indicate that the RFFHOA, MLPFHOA and SVRFHOA models have significant promise in properly forecasting the CD of concrete under different exposure situations while maintaining acceptable R2 values. The results suggest that RFFHOA, MLPFHOA and SVRFHOA may reliably predict specific CD values in various exposure situations. The RFFHOA attained R2 values of 0.9951 throughout training and 0.9971 throughout testing. In detail, MLPFHOA had a R2 value of 0.9659 throughout training and 0.9756 throughout testing. The R2 value for SVRFHOA's test stage is 0.9835, whereas the training stage is 0.9659.
The Changing Stakeholder Roles, Responsibilities, and Expectations in Sustainable Modern Education
Authors:   S.P. Jain School of Global Management Researcher, Subramanian Iyer Shankar
Published: January 2025

Most of the stakeholders of education, teachers, students, parents, governments, regulators, policymakers, and parliamentarians
are puzzled about the way out, of the issues of modern education. Some of the issues of modern education are unemployment,
adopting new technologies, manpower training, and learner discontent. The purpose of this study is to examine and analyze
the education sector stakeholders and their importance in modern education, and to study the changes in the stakeholder’s
roles, responsibilities, and expectations. These findings and analysis are useful to enhance the education system, sustain it,
and manage the education system. The methodology of the study is secondary research conducted to identify the factors and
constructs for the conceptual model for this research. Primary research was used to get a consensus on the factors that influence
the successful implementation of the education system to meet stakeholders’ expectations. A pilot study and interviewing the
experts were used to confirm the constructs for the conceptual model and then the quantitative questionnaire survey to be
conducted across the various stakeholders via email using random sampling. The PLS-SEM has been used to validate and test
the reliability of the conceptual model. The contribution of this study is the primary research done across the six countries and
the contribution to integrating existing theories -the Lewin’s change management model, Iceberg Model of Wilfried Kruger
and built on them. The practical viewpoints might interest the higher education policymakers, evaluation and accreditation
institutions, universities, and learners. This will evaluate the now failing education business models.
The study of thematic communities within the Russian mathematicians co-authorship graphs
Authors: Pechnikov A. A.
Published: January 2025

The author proposes an approach to study special interest communities based on the graph of researchers carrying up studies within the same discipline. The co-authorship graphs are the constructs of scientific collaborations popular owing the initial apparent “acquaintance” of the researchers documented in their articles. Many real networks are characterized by the clusterization, which means that the graph topology, as a real network model, is organized in communities, i. e. subgraphs with more internal connections than external ones. The analysis of communities resulted from co-authorship graph breakdown enables to identify the basic characteristics of the communities, e. g. their type (research thematic lines), number of researchers in the community and their interconnections. In the case of several communities of the same special interest, their consolidation determines the main lines of studies within the scientific discipline and generalized data like the total number of communities and researchers in each consolidated community. In their turn, these data can be used for administrative decisions on stimulating relevant and actionable studies. The author discusses the results of testing of the proposed approach on the basis of Math-Net.Ru portal data. Practically, the testing results prove the need to stimulate the studies in robotics and robotic systems, combustion and explosion, information protection methods and systems. The testing results evidence on the adequacy of the used mathematic models and potentiality of the approach direct transfer to other disciplines. The key is to have the complete and reliable basic bibliographic information on co-authorship within the scientific discipline under the study for the large enough time period.
Traditional Market Building Design Strategy in Post-Pandemic Era: Perspective from The Ageing Society
Authors: Wardhani Mustika Kusumaning , Saefulloh Asep , Muladica Nur , Suhendar Abyan Akmal
Published: January 2025

This research examines post-pandemic strategies for designing traditional market buildings in Indonesia to accommodate the needs of older adult. The pandemic has impacted their physical and mental vulnerabilities, necessitating increased inclusive design standards. Previous research has not captured the importance of older adult preferences for post-pandemic design strategies, especially in local market buildings in Java. This research aims to provide an overview of how traditional market building designs can accommodate their preferences. This research used mixed methods, starting with a survey of 121 respondents aged 50 years and over, followed by in-depth interviews with 20 participants. Quantitative data highlights design gaps, such as a lack of greenery, inadequate parking and circulation space, and limited senior-friendly features, such as non-slip floors, seating, and ramps. The interview further detailed the older adult's needs and preferences, such as material selection, seating distribution, minimizing stairs, adding ramps and handrails, and circulation. The findings show that the current design is not sufficient to meet post-pandemic and older adult’s needs. The provision of building interior cleanliness meets minimum standards, but inclusivity is still neglected, with more than 83% of respondents stating that the design is not responsive to them. Moreover, participants emphasized the importance of reorganizing the spatial layout, including widening paths, seating for resting (or waiting), and zoning for certain commodities. The research contribution is to provide recommendations for post-pandemic traditional market designs that are responsive to the needs of the older adult. Findings advocate for traditional market spaces that are resilient and inclusive, prioritizing health and community.
Cover dan Daftar Isi
Authors: Marka Jurnal
Published: January 2025

Cover dan Daftar Isi
DÖNÜŞÜMCÜ LİDERLİK VE RİSK YÖNETİMİ İLİŞKİSİ: BİR META ANALİZİ ÇALIŞMASI
Authors: Bayram Vildan
Published: January 2025

Bu araştırmanın amacı etkili yönetişim için dönüşümcü liderlik ve risk yönetimi arasındaki ilişkinin meta analizi yöntemiyle incelemektir. Bu amaçla, araştırmaya dahil edilme ölçütlerine uygun çalışmalar belirlenmiştir. Bu 2020-2024 zaman aralığında "transformational leadership” ve “risk management" anahtar kelimelerinden yararlanılarak 89 çalışmaya ulaşılmış olup aşağıdaki dahil etme ve hariç tutma kriterlerine uygun 14 çalışmadan yararlanılmıştır. Dönüşümcü liderlik ile risk yönetimi arasındaki ilişkiyi inceleyen 14 çalışma ve bu çalışmalardaki 3265 örneklem analize dahil edilmiş olup korelasyon ortalaması 0,573 olarak tespit edilmiştir. Araştırmanın analizleri CMA 3.0 programı kullanılarak elde edilmiştir. Dönüşümcü liderlik ve risk yönetimi ilişkisinde havuzlanmış korelasyon katsayısı ve Fisher’in Z dönüşümü, Z istatistiği ve p değerlerinin sonucuna göre değerlendirme yapılmıştır. Elde edilen sonuçların yanlılık incelemesinde Egger’in regresyon kesişimi, Duval ve Tweedie’nin kes ve doldur testi, Begg ve Mazumdar sıralama korelasyonu, Rosenthal’ın klasik kayıp-güvenli N ve Orwin’in kayıp-güvenli N testlerinden yararlanılmıştır. Dönüşümcü liderlik ile risk yönetimi arasındaki ilişki katsayısının 0,695 olduğu ve bu ilişkinin istatistiksel olarak anlamlı olduğu (Z=10,63; p 0,25) tespit edilmiştir. Bu etkinin 0,321 ile 0,677 aralığında olması beklenmektedir Analiz sonuçlarına göre dönüşümcü liderliğin risk yönetimi üzerindeki etkisinin büyük etki düzeyinde olduğu tespit edilmiştir.
WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE LAW OF UNIVERSAL GRAVITATION? What should this law actually look like?
Authors: Kosinov Mykola
Published: January 2025

The evolution of the law of universal gravitation is shown from the verbal formula proposed by Newton in 1687 to the present day. The law discovered by Newton FN ∝ mM/r^2 was not the exact law of gravitation. Newton only indicated the proportional dependence of force on masses and did not attribute any numerical value to the gravitational force. In an unfinished form, Newton's law FN ∝ mM/r^2 existed for almost 200 years (!) until the constant G appeared in it. But even in its modern formulation, Newton's law F = GMm/r^2 gives only a part of the force of universal gravitation. Newton's law does not work at large distances. Newton's law is not applicable on the scale of the Universe. The formula for Newton's law shows the force of gravitational interaction of only two bodies out of all N bodies in the Universe. The formula for the law describes gravitation only to one local source of attraction and does not take into account that bodies simultaneously gravitate to all other bodies. For more than 300 years, it has not been possible to derive a formula for the law of gravitation that would describe the gravitation to all bodies in the Universe. An obstacle on this path is the unsolved gravitational problem of N bodies. Here we provide a solution to this problem. .
No-Go Theorem Requires Modification: An Additional Constant Term $C$ and Its Laurent Series Structure in f(R) gravity
Authors: CHEN WEN-XIANG
Published: January 2025

No-go theorems often assert that certain solutions or configurations in gravitational and field-theoretic models cannot exist under a prescribed set of assumptions~\cite{NoGoClassic}. However, recent analyses using a \emph{modified} Robson-Villari-Biancalana (RVB) approach~\cite{RobWilcz1,BanKul1,BanKul2} indicate the presence of an additional integration constant, $C$, that may appear in topological or horizon-based integrals (notably through expansions in Laurent series). This subtle term invalidates the usual dismissal of boundary or horizon contributions and demands a revised understanding of no-go arguments. In this work, we demonstrate how $C$ can be revealed through careful Laurent expansions about the horizon and discuss why ignoring this term undermines the classical no-go statement. We illustrate these ideas with examples in $f(R)$ gravity~\cite{fR-Review1,fR-Review2,fR-Review3}, emphasizing how familiar no-go theorems must be updated to accommodate the extra freedom that $C$ provides.If the threshold for the No-Go theorem can be further lowered and this reduction can be validated through the modified uncertainty principle, it would provide experimental evidence supporting \( f(R) \) gravity theory. This implies that the corrections introduced by these modifications are not merely theoretical constructs but could be tested in high-precision experiments, offering a potential observational window into the validity of \( f(R) \) gravity.
Application of the Ideal Gas Law to the Hubble Sphere Leads to a New Hubble Sphere Radiation Pressure Law
Authors: Haug Espen , Wojnow Stephane
Published: January 2025

We propose to apply the ideal gas law to the Hubble sphere. This attempt is based on the recently demonstrated relationship between the temperature of the cosmic microwave background and the Hubble constant. This approach fits into the conceptual framework of cosmological models in deterministic quantum thermodynamics of type: R_H = ct.
Genomic epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of Morganella clinical isolates between 2016 and 2023
Authors: Zhu Wentao , Liu Qian , Liu Jinlv , Wang Yaqi , Shen Hong , Wei Ming , Pu Ji , Gu Li , Yang Jing
Published: January 2025

Morganella morganii is a Gram-negative, opportunistic pathogen that is often associated with nosocomial infections. Here, the genomic characteristics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of Morganella clinical isolates between 2016 and 2023 were determined. A total of 218 clinical isolates were mainly identified from urinary tract (48.2%) and respiratory tract (16.5%), with 105 isolates randomly selected for whole genome sequencing. The highest rates of antibiotic resistance were observed with SAM (68.3%), followed by CIP (39.9%), and SXT (37.2%). Distance analysis suggested that the 105 newly sequenced isolates could be divided into two groups: M. morganii subsp. morganii and M. morganii subsp. sibonii. While, the average nucleotide identity between these groups showed only 91.5-92.2% similarity, raising the possibility that they may be distinct species. Phylogenomic analysis revealed that the 102 M. morganii isolates fell into six clades, with clades 4-6 making up the majority. Core genome multi-locus sequence type analysis indicted high genomic diversity among different hosts and relatively stability (< 10 SNPs accumulated over three years) within the same host. Together with epidemiological data, isolates of four genetic clusters could be possible nosocomial transmissions. The identified 80 AMR genes belonged to 15 drug-related classes, with tet(B) gene being the most prevalent, followed by sul1, catA2, and sul2 genes. This study provided comprehensive genomic insights and AMR patterns of Morganella isolates in China, highlighting the necessity for continuous monitoring through whole genome sequencing.
Ecological-based insights into bat populations in the Yucatán Peninsula under a One Health approach: coexistence or biophobia
Authors: Sánchez-Soto Ma. Fernanda , Gaona Osiris , Mercado-Juárez Ricardo , Yanez-Montalvo Alfredo , de León-Lorenzana Arit , Borja-Martínez Gabriela , Zaldívar Daniela , Rodríguez-González Stephany , Hernández-Villegas Erika N. , Moreira-Soto Andres , Drexler Jan Felix , Suzán Gerardo , Vázquez-Domínguez Ella , Falcón Luisa I.
Published: January 2025

The Yucatán Peninsula (YP) is home to approximately 60 bat species with differing feeding strategists that, collectively, are fundamental for the health of tropical forests. During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, biophobic (aversive) responses towards bats were recorded in urban and rural areas of the YP, making evident the need to monitor bat diversity, investigate species’ biology (e.g., microbiome) and, perhaps most importantly, conduct educational activities that foster an affinity for bats. We designed a multi-scale effort to characterize bat populations and their gut microbiome in urban (Mérida), agricultural (Tizimín), and conserved (Calakmul) landscapes of the YP, while conducting outreach activities to promote biophilic responses. In general, children showed positive responses toward bats, recognizing that they are important parts of their environment. A total of 308 bats from 18 species were sampled; frugivorous species were the most abundant guild (93%), represented mainly by Artibeus jamaicensis and Artibeus lituratus, followed by insectivorous species. Conserved and agricultural landscapes harbored 11 and 16 bat species respectively, both with higher diversity than the suburban areas (eight species). Findings suggest that land use differences in the YP are a factor affecting bat diversity, as well as bat microbiome diversity. Gut microbiome was mainly composed of Pseudomonadota, Bacillota and Actinobacterota (>90%), and abundant bacterial families included Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcaceae and Streptococcaceae. Our results have set the baseline for zoonotic disease screening and prevention in the YP, highlighting the importance of coexistence with bats given their key role in maintaining the health of ecosystems.
Searching for efficient and informative instruments to digitally monitor fraction learning: putting tests for fraction subconstruct knowledge and informal fraction knowledge on the test bench
Authors: Schadl Constanze , Lindmeier Anke
Published: January 2025

Fractions are a relevant yet complex topic of school mathematics. Fortunately, educational research issued rich knowledge of central concepts and associated difficulties for students. Using this knowledge for monitoring learning and formative assessment could support students’ learning process. However, access to apt evidence-based tests is restricted, and paper-based testing limits their practical usability. The digital adaptation of paper-based tests may address these challenges due to affordances like automated test scoring. Further, digital tests may facilitate repeated test use necessary for monitoring and formative activities. The present contribution focuses on fraction subconstruct knowledge and informal fraction knowledge and is part of a systematic research effort to transform paper-based tests into a digital format. With two cross-sectional studies in Grades 6 (N = 233) and 5 (N = 271), each with three measurement points, we investigated the psychometric properties of adapted digital parallel tests regarding their suitability for repeated testing. The internal structure of the adapted digital tests proved to be comparable to that of the original paper-based tests in many, but not all, aspects. Parallel tests were found to be sufficiently parallel. The findings for the two focused constructs support that systematic efforts lead to usable tools for students’ fraction learning. The discussion considers how this supports the transformation of research findings to support the adoption of formative assessment.
PD-L1 knockout or ZG16 overexpression inhibits PDAC progression and modulates TAM polarization
Authors: Meng Hui , Nan Manman , Li Yizhen , Ding Yi , Fang Xiaokun , Ma Weiqian , Zhang Mingzhi
Published: January 2025

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing has the potential to delete PD-L1 both on the cell surface and inside the cell, thereby inhibiting tumor growth and migration and overcoming immunosuppression. ZG16, with its lectin structure, can reduce PD-L1 expression on the cell surface. However, direct comparison of two approaches on PD-L1 expression in Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells has not yet been investigated. In this study, we established two Panc-1 cell line: one with PD-L1 knockout and another with ZG16 overexpression. Both methods promoted the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) to the M1 phenotype, as indicated by increased levels of the M1 marker CD11c+ in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, we observed a reduction in the M2 marker CD206+, upregulation of immune activation-related cytokines/chemokines, and a decrease in immunosuppressive cytokines and tumor angiogenesis factors. In summary, both PD-L1 knockout and ZG16 overexpression represent promising approaches for PDAC treatment.
Application, opportunities, and challenges of digital technologies in the decarbonizing shipping industry: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Xiao Guangnian , Pan Lei , Lai Fengbo
Published: January 2025

Introduction

As Digital Industry 4.0 advances, shipping operators are progressively implementing digital technologies for maritime decarbonization efforts.

Methods

This review employs a bibliometric methodology to thoroughly examine and analyze the application of digital technology in decarbonizing shipping from 2005 to 2024. Examining 201 publications from the SCI-EXPANDED and SSCI databases elucidates the present condition, challenges, and prospects of digital technology applications in this domain.

Results

The review demonstrates the swift expansion of research on digital technologies for decarbonization within the shipping sector via an analysis of annual publication trends. Subsequent journal metrics and collaborative network analysis with VOSviewer identified particularly prolific journals, nations, institutions, and authors. Furthermore, this review delineates the field's principal research clusters and hotspots via keyword co-occurrence analysis, offering direction for future investigations. Ultimately, it examines research gaps in speed optimization, emission prediction, and autonomous ships by integrating keyword co-occurrence analysis with the content of recent publications, and then proposes prospective research options.

Discussions

Future studies on ship speed optimization could benefit from adopting multi-objective optimization methods, combining more machine-learning techniques with the FCP model, etc. Concerning emission prediction, future research efforts could focus on integrating more diverse external data sources into emission prediction models, adopting emerging technology applications, such as ship-based carbon capture (SBCC), introducing blockchain into smart emission monitoring systems, etc. Future research regarding autonomous ships can further refine optimizing route planning and navigation safety, autonomous ship energy efficiency and emission control, maritime communications and navigation systems, ship electrification, and green design.
Energetic and genomic potential for hydrogenotrophic, formatotrophic, and acetoclastic methanogenesis in surface-expressed serpentinized fluids of the Samail Ophiolite
Authors: Howells Alta E. G. , Quinn Lilja M. , Silva Miguel G. , Akiyama Kylie , Fifer Lucas M. , Boyer Grayson , Kashyap Srishti , Robinson Kirt , Broddrick Jared , Shock Everett L. , Hoehler Tori M.
Published: January 2025

Serpentinization, the reaction of water with ultramafic rock, produces reduced, hyperalkaline, and H2-rich fluids that support a variety of hydrogenotrophic microbial metabolisms. Previous work indicates the occurrence of methanogenesis in fluids from the actively serpentinizing Samail Ophiolite in the Sultanate of Oman. While those fluids contain abundant H2 to fuel hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis (CO2 + 4H2 ➔ CH4 + 2H2O), the concentration of CO2 is very low due to the hyperalkalinity (> pH 11) and geochemistry of the fluids. As a result, species such as formate and acetate may be important as alternative methanogenic substrates. In this study we quantified the impact of inorganic carbon, formate and acetate availability for methanogenic metabolisms, across a range of fluid chemistries, in terms of (1) the potential diffusive flux of substrates to the cell, (2) the Affinity (Gibbs energy change) associated with methanogenic metabolism, and (3) the energy “inventory” per kg fluid. In parallel, we assessed the genomic potential for the conduct of those three methanogenic modes across the same set of fluids and consider the results within the quantitative framework of energy availability. We find that formatotrophic methanogenesis affords a higher Affinity (greater energetic yield) than acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis in pristine serpentinized fluids and, in agreement with previous studies, find genomic evidence for a methanogen of the genus Methanobacterium to carry out formatotrophic and hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis, with the possibility of even using bicarbonate as a supply of CO2. Acetoclastic methanogenesis is also shown to be energetically favorable in these fluids, and we report the first detection of a potential acetoclastic methanogen of the family Methanosarcinaceae, which forms a distinct clade with a genome from the serpentinizing seafloor hydrothermal vent field, Lost City. These results demonstrate the applicability of an energy availability framework for interpreting methanogen ecology in serpentinizing systems.
Assessing the authenticity and purity of a commercial Bacillus thuringiensis bioinsecticide through whole genome sequencing and metagenomics approaches
Authors: Van Laere Yari , Fraiture Marie-Alice , Gobbo Andrea , De Keersmaecker Sigrid C. J. , Marchal Kathleen , Roosens Nancy H. C. , Vanneste Kevin
Published: January 2025

Biopesticides, biological agents for pest control in plants, are becoming increasingly prevalent in agricultural practices. However, no established methodology currently exists to assess their quality, and there are currently no publicly available authenticity and purity evaluations of commercial products. This lack of data may represent risks because of their widespread dispersal in the environment. We evaluated the potential of whole genome sequencing (WGS) and metagenomics approaches, including nanopore long-read sequencing, to verify both authenticity (i.e., the labeled strain) and biological purity (i.e., the absence of any undesired genetic material) of commercial Bacillus thuringiensis bioinsecticides. Four commercially available bioinsecticidal products containing Bacillus thuringiensis serovar kurstaki strain HD-1 were collected from the European market as a case study. Two sequencing approaches were employed: WGS of isolates and metagenomics sequencing of all genetic material in a product. To assess authenticity, isolate WGS data were compared against the publicly available reference genome of the expected strain. Antimicrobial resistance gene content, insecticidal gene content, and single nucleotide polymorphism differences were characterized to evaluate similarity to the reference genome. To assess purity, metagenomic sequencing data were analyzed using read classification and strain differentiation methods. Additionally, long- and short-read data were used to assess potential large-scale structural variations. Our results confirmed all investigated products to be authentic and pure. With the increasing usage of biopesticides, it is crucial to have adequate quality control methods. Our proposed approach could be adapted for other biopesticides, and similar products, providing a standardized and robust approach to contribute to biopesticide safety.
Contextual adaptation of digital wellbeing interventions for young people: insights from a project in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aljuboori Dahlia , Clary Laura K. , Alomairah Saud Abdulaziz , Colder Carras Michelle , Saquib Nazmus , Saquib Juliann , Albeyahi Fahad , Van Rooij Antonius J. , Tuijnman Anouk , Van der Rijst Vincent G. , Kaufman Michelle R. , Thrul Johannes
Published: January 2025

In today’s world, the internet is seamlessly woven into every facet of our existence. This constant engagement with digital media has generated concerns about the negative effects of digital media use, especially among adolescents. These concerns have led to the development and testing of numerous digital wellbeing interventions that focus on adolescents’ digital media use. However, these interventions are lacking in the Middle East and North Africa, and specifically in Saudi Arabia, where digital media use is highly prevalent and frequent. Our research team is conducting a series of studies - literature reviews, stakeholder engagement work, and a nationwide survey of adolescent digital media use - to inform, develop, and ultimately test school-based digital wellbeing intervention for high school students in Saudi Arabia. The goal of this manuscript is to explain our process of informing and creating an intervention that builds on previously established, evidence-based approaches, and is also tailored to a particular context (e.g., Saudi Arabia). Moreover, we distill the lessons learned from each study and provide recommendations to assist others in developing tailored digital wellbeing interventions for contexts that have not been the focus of previous intervention development.
Delphi consensus methodology to gauge expert perspectives on smoking prevention, cessation and harm reduction in Italy
Authors: Caponnetto Pasquale , Contursi Vincenzo , Fedele Francesco , Lugoboni Fabio , Novo Salvatore
Published: January 2025

The role of smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes for tobacco harm reduction remains controversial. This study was conducted to understand the perspectives of a panel of Italian experts on this topic. Using Delphi consensus methodology, expert opinions on the use of smoke-free alternatives, tobacco harm reduction and anti-smoking legislation were gathered and analyzed. In July 2022, a Scientific Committee, including five members, proposed 38 statements spanning three areas: (1) harm from tobacco smoking and strategies for harm reduction; (2) smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes; and (3) anti-smoking legislation. Between August and November 2022, the Expert Panel, including members of the Scientific Committee and 15 other key opinion leaders, voted on the statements in two rounds. Consensus was achieved on 24 of 38 statements. The results emphasized the persistent national health threat posed by tobacco smoking in Italy, with a smoking prevalence of 20–24% between 2007 and 2022. Emphasizing harm reduction as a pivotal public healthcare strategy, the Expert Panel agreed on 10 statements related to smoke-free alternatives, but underlined the need for further research despite promising initial findings. The Expert Panel also reached consensus on six statements regarding anti-smoking legislation, stressing the importance of crafting and upholding rigorous anti-smoking laws that are consistent with World Health Organization guidelines. This pioneering Delphi consensus statement illuminates the complicated debate regarding the role of smoke-free alternatives for tobacco harm reduction in Italy. The findings highlight the evolving nature and advocate the need for ongoing discussions and further research on this important issue.
Cost-Effective Satellite Ground Stations in Real-World Development for Space Classrooms
Authors: Techavijit Pirada , Sukchalerm Polkit
Published: January 2025

This paper presents the development and outcomes of a cost-effective satellite ground station designed as a learning tool for satellite communication and wireless communication education. The study investigates accessible satellites and the methods for accessing them. The developed ground station has the capability to access satellites in the V, U, and L frequency bands, allowing it to receive a variety of satellite data. This includes full-disk meteorological images, high-resolution multispectral images, and scientific data from payloads of satellites in both low Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary orbit (GEO). The ground station demonstrates capabilities similar to those of large organizations but at a significantly lower cost. This is achieved through a process of identifying educational requirements and optimizing the system for cost-efficiency. This paper presents the design demonstration, actual construction of the ground station, and results. Additionally, it compiles characteristics from real signal reception experiences from various satellites.
A Model Combining Sensitive Vegetation Indices and Fractional-Order Differential Characteristic Bands for SPAD Value Estimation in Cd-Contaminated Rice Leaves
Authors: Tian Rongcai , Zou Bin , Li Shenxin , Dai Li , Zhang Bo , Wang Yulong , Tu Hao , Zhang Jie , Zou Lunwen
Published: January 2025

Rapid and nondestructive estimation of leaf SPAD values is crucial for monitoring the effects of cadmium (Cd) stress in rice. To address the issue of low estimation accuracy in leaf SPAD value models due to the loss of spectral information in existing studies, a new estimation model, which combines sensitive vegetation indices (VIss) and fractional order differential characteristic bands (FODcb), is proposed in this study. To validate the effectiveness of this new model, three scenarios, with no Cd contamination, 1.0 mg/kg Cd contamination, and 1.4 mg/kg Cd contamination, were set up. Leaf spectral reflectance and SPAD values were measured during the critical growth period of rice. Subsequently, 16 vegetation indices were constructed, and fractional order difference (FOD) transformation was applied to process the spectral data. The variable importance in projection (VIP) algorithm was employed to extract VIss and FODcb. Finally, the random forest (RF) algorithm was used to construct three models, VIss + FODcb-RF, FODcb-RF, and VIss-RF. The estimated leaf SPAD values for the three models showed that: (1) there was a significant difference between the leaf SPAD values with no Cd contamination and those treated with 1.4 mg/kg Cd contamination on the 31st and 87th days after transplanting; (2) the 400–773 nm spectral range was sensitive for estimating leaf SPAD values, with the Cd-contaminated scenario exhibiting higher reflectance in the visible wavelength range than the Cd-uncontaminated scenario; (3) compared with the individual FODcb-RF and Viss-RF models, the combined model (VIss + FODcb-RF) improved the estimation accuracy of the leaf SPAD values. Particularly, the Viss + FOD1.2cb-RF model provided the best performance, with R2v, RMSEv, and RPDv values of 0.821, 2.621, and 2.296, respectively. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of combining VIss and FODcb for accurately estimating Cd-contaminated rice leaf SPAD values. This finding will provide a methodological reference for remote sensing monitoring of Cd contamination in rice.
Continuous Injection of Hydrogen Peroxide in Drip Irrigation—Application to Field Crops
Authors: Thomas Paul G. , Bhattarai Surya P. , Balsys Ron J. , Walsh Kerry B. , Midmore David J.
Published: January 2025

Drip irrigation offers greater water use efficiency than conventional furrow irrigation practises, though routine maintenance is required for optimal performance. The continuous use of low concentrations (10 ppm) of H2O2 stabilized with hydroxyethylidene diphosphonic acid (HEDP) at two concentrations (H2O2 Low containing 1 ppb and H2O2 High containing 1 ppm of HEDP) in drip irrigation was evaluated in terms of emitter, crop and yield performance across three crop species. Emitter flow rates (EFRs) for subsurface drip in sugarcane were higher by 16% and root intrusion into emitters was almost halved with H2O2 Low. For above-ground suspended drip lines with table grape, blockage of emitters due to biofouling was reduced by 50% in H2O2 Low compared to the control or H2O2 High within the second year of use, and the extent of emitters with visible biofouling was reduced even more. Soil microbiology did not differ markedly between treatments in any of the crops, even over four years of use. However, soil microbial carbon and soil carbon were reduced by H2O2 Low in the sugarcane trial. Yield increases of 9, 25, and 49% occurred in chilli, table grape, and sugarcane, respectively, for the continuous H2O2 Low treatment compared to the control. The yield increases with H2O2 Low could be associated with increased uniformity in water supply and/or oxygen supply to plant roots.
Identification, Characterization, and Chemical Management of Fusarium asiaticum Causing Soybean Root Rot in Northeast China
Authors: Liu Jinxin , Cui Wanqiu , Zhao Qingyi , Ren Zhipeng , Li Lin , Li Yonggang , Sun Lei , Ding Junjie
Published: January 2025

Soybean root rot, a soil-borne fungal disease, is caused by multiple pathogens that seriously affect soybean production. During spring 2021, 92 pathogenic fungal strains were isolated from soybean plants with root rot in Hailun City, Heilongjiang Province, China. Through morphological and molecular identification, these strains were identified as Fusarium oxysporum (39.1%), F. asiaticum (30.4%), F. graminearum (13.0%), Pythium macrosporum (8.7%), and Rhizoctonia solani (8.7%). Among them, F. oxysporum was the dominant species, and F. asiaticum, not previously reported as a soybean root rot pathogen in Northeast China. Approximately 50% of the F. asiaticum isolates were moderately pathogenic. In addition, F. asiaticum had a wide host range, infecting black soybean, French bean, white hyacinth bean, mung bean, and adzuki bean but not corn, peanut, rice, and oat roots. Regarding field management, fludioxonil and pyraclostrobin had the best control effects of 73.8% and 69.4%, with EC50 values of 0.0029–0.0071 μg·mL−1 and 0.0045–0.0076 μg·mL−1, respectively. The study reported that F. asiaticum is a pathogen causing soybean root rot in northeast China. The application of chemical fungicides and non-host crop rotation can effectively control the disease caused by F. asiaticum.
Purification of a Fc-Fusion Protein with [Bathophenathroline:metal] Complexes
Authors: Withanage Thisara Jayawickrama , Alcalay Ron , Krichevsky Olga , Wachtel Ellen , Mazor Ohad , Patchornik Guy
Published: January 2025

In this study, we assess an alternative Fc-fusion protein purification method that does not rely on chromatographic media or ligands. Recombinant human acetylcholinesterase, fused to the Fc domain of human IgG1 (henceforth, AChE-Fc), was purified with precipitated aromatic complexes composed of the bathophenanthroline (henceforth, batho) chelator with either Zn2+ or Cu2+ ions (i.e., [(batho)3:Zn2+] or [(batho)2:Cu2+]) in the presence of polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG-6000). In a three-step purification process conducted at pH 7, AChE-Fc was captured by the aromatic complexes (Step 1); unbound or weakly bound protein impurities were removed with 20 mM NaCl (Step 2); and AChE-Fc was then extracted at pH 7 (Step 3) using 100 mM Na citrate buffer in 250 mM NaCl. Purified AChE-Fc was not aggregated (as determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Native PAGE). However, full enzymatic activity was only preserved with the [(batho)3:Zn2+] complex. Interaction between AChE-Fc and [(batho)3:Zn2+] led to ~83–88% overall protein yield. Thirty-fold process upscaling by volume required only proportional increase in the amounts of [(batho)3:Zn2+] and PEG-6000. Efficient (95–97%) chelator recycling was achieved by recrystallization. Chelator leaching into purified AchE-Fc was estimated to be ~0.3% relative to the total amount used. Taken together, this novel procedure has the potential to provide an economical and practical avenue for the industrial purification of Fc-fusion proteins.
Intense Caloric Restriction from Birth Protects the Heart Against Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury and Reduces Reactive Oxygen Species in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Lopes Cantuária Vinícius , Rodrigues Cíntia Maria , Dias Isabella Rocha , Ottone Vinícius de Oliveira , Costa Bruna Oliveira , Godinho Lourdes Fernanda , Silva Gabriela , Schetino Marco Antônio Alves , Rocha-Vieira Etel , Dias-Peixoto Marco Fabrício , Honorato-Sampaio Kinulpe
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the cardioprotective effects of intense caloric restriction (ICR) from birth in ovariectomized rats, a model of estrogen deficiency mimicking menopause. Our findings demonstrate that ICR significantly improved both basal and post-ischemic cardiac function, even in the absence of estrogens. The restricted animals exhibited enhanced cardiac contractility and relaxation, particularly after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, with superior functional recovery compared to control groups. Notably, ICR reduced key cardiometabolic risk factors, including blood pressure, heart rate, and adiposity, while improving glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Additionally, while mitochondrial biogenesis remained unaffected, ICR preserved mitochondrial integrity by reducing the number of damaged mitochondria. This was linked to a reduction in oxidative stress, as evidenced by lower reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the hearts of restricted animals. These results suggest that ICR offers a protective effect against cardiovascular dysfunction induced by estrogen depletion, potentially through enhanced antioxidant defenses and mitochondrial protection.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Polyphenol-Enriched Extracts Exert Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Tamburini Bartolo , Di Liberto Diana , Pratelli Giovanni , Rizzo Chiara , Barbera Lidia La , Lauricella Marianna , Carlisi Daniela , Maggio Antonella , Palumbo Piccionello Antonio , D’Anneo Antonella , Caccamo Nadia , Guggino Giuliana
Published: January 2025

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term systemic autoimmune disorder that causes joint inflammation, swelling, pain, bone erosion, and deformities. Recent findings emphasize the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of bioactive natural compounds, such as polyphenols extracted from plants and fruits, and their possible synergistic effect when used in combination with current therapies to improve the prognosis and symptoms of inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Here, we report that Sicilian extra virgin olive oil polyphenol-enriched extracts (PE-EVOOs) reduce intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 β (IL-1β), in peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from both RA patients and healthy subjects (HSs) treated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) as a control. HPLC-ESI-MS analysis highlighted that PE-EVOOs are rich in different polyphenolic compounds responsible for many of the observed biological effects. At molecular levels, Western blotting analyses revealed that PE-EVOO treatment is associated with the downregulation of the phosphorylated and active form of the inflammatory transcription factor NF-κB and the pro-inflammatory enzyme cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2). In addition, PE-EVOOs upregulated the transcription factor Nrf2 and its target antioxidant enzyme catalase and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). Collectively, these results suggest a possible use of PE-EVOOs as potential adjuvants for the treatment of RA.