bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The seven-dimensional universe
Authors: Kesanasetty Sasidhar
Published: February 2025

This paper elucidates the concept of dark energy and the acceleration of the universe through the quantization of space in hidden dimensions, which provides the foundation for gravitational force. Space-time is conceptualized as a four-dimensional elastic grid within a seven-dimensional universe, wherein matter expands concurrently with the universe. Each cube of the grid is considered a quantum of hidden three-dimensional space of Planck volume containing Planck charge, rendering the universe seven-dimensional. The phenomenon of dark energy is attributed to the electrostatic repulsion between Planck charges in each quantum of the hidden space, and the corresponding energy density is correlated with the Hubble parameter H(z), accounting for the accelerated expansion of the universe and the increase in the relative cosmological potential energy/rest mass of matter. The expansion of space-time is posited to result not from the creation of new space but from the stretching of existing space-time, analogous to an elastic ruler where proper length and volume remain constant. The relative values of the Planck constant, gravitational constant, permittivity of free space, and Boltzmann constant are demonstrated to vary due to the expansion or contraction of space in cosmological and gravitational frameworks but are compensated for by the proportional change in the rest mass. This theory also establishes a framework for the relativistic Newtonian theory of gravity, the respective MONDian (Modified Newtonian dynamics) gravity, identifies a rationale for the transition of Newtonian gravity to MOND at a0, and elucidates the dynamics of galaxy clusters without invoking dark matter.
Geometric Mean Cosmology Predicts the CMB Temperature Now and in Past Epochs
Authors: Haug Espen
Published: February 2025

The geometric mean plays a central role in several parts of thermodynamics. Here, we demonstrate that the geometric mean of the maximum and minimum values of the properties in the Hubble sphere leads to equations that can predict the CMB temperature now, as well as be used to link different properties of cosmology into a consistent mathematical framework. Our theory does not seem compatible with a series of assumptions in the Λ-CDM model, but it seems fully consistent with RH = ct black hole cosmology. This means that in RH = ct cosmology, we can easily predict the CMB temperature now—something the Λ-CDM model cannot do.
Non-relativistic Coulomb white hole
Authors: Svanbayev Yeldos
Published: February 2025

The hypothesis of a white hole actively ejecting matter and energy through a wormhole was first substantiated by I. Novikov in 1964 on the basis of general theory and relativity . It is possible extend some of the characteristics of a white hole to objects of classical astrophysics – stars. A star can be classified as a white hole if it ejects matter at a speed exceeding the gravitational limit. For this, the star must have energy and a driving force that allows it to overcome gravity. There is a lot of thermal energy on hot stars. And the combination of gravity and a significant difference in the thermal velocity of electrons and ions leads to polarization in the star's atmosphere and forms a Coulomb accelerator on hot stars, which converts thermal energy into electromotive force. The presence of an accelerator on the surface of a star allows us to consider a new class of objects - a "Coulomb white hole" for non-relativistic hot stars. The observable sign of a Coulomb white hole will be the presence of an ion flow from the star, significantly exceeding the gravitational limit.
Deep Transitions
Authors: Davies Jack , Schot Johan
Published: February 2025

The Deep Transitions framework expands sustainability transitions research by analyzing the long-term co-evolution of multiple socio-technical systems over centuries. It argues that the current configuration of these systems is the root cause of both environmental crises and persistent social inequalities. Unlike traditional transition studies, which focus on single systems over a few decades, Deep Transitions examines historical trajectories, linking the Industrial Revolution to the First Deep Transition—characterized by fossil-fuel reliance, mass production, and unchecked resource use. The framework integrates sustainability transitions theory with long-wave economic cycles, emphasizing the role of shared meta-rules in shaping industrial modernity. Empirical applications include historical analyses of mass production, international governance, and the role of wars as landscape shocks. The Second Deep Transition is envisioned as a fundamental reconfiguration of socio-technical systems toward planetary sustainability and social equity. Future research should refine the framework through expanded empirical testing, engagement with socio-ecological systems, and governance innovations. Deep Transitions challenges conventional transition approaches by emphasizing systemic inertia, global inequalities, and the need for a just transition, making it a critical tool for understanding and guiding long-term transformative change.
Från teori till teknikundervisning
Authors: Nordlöf Charlotta , Bernhard Jonte , Hallström Jonas
Published: February 2025

Teknikens betydelse för samhället blir större för varje dag som går och formar också stora delar av våra liv. Våra hem är fyllda med olika apparater som, utan att vi egentligen tänker på det, ansluter oss till tekniska system som i sin tur försörjer oss med vatten, el, telekommunikation och annan infrastruktur. Tekniken spelar också en viktig roll i yrkeslivet, oavsett om man arbetar med att utveckla ny teknik, att underhålla teknik eller att använda teknik i sitt arbete. Behovet av att förstå tekniken har alltså aldrig varit så stort som nu varför vi valt att sätta samman denna antologi. Boken är skriven med blivande och verk-samma lärare i fokus. Vi har därför valt att lyfta fram en bred förståelse för teknik och teknikundervisning, samtidigt som vi försökt visa hur denna förståelse kan vara ett verktyg för att utveckla undervisning. Målet för oss i redaktionen har med andra ord varit att skapa en blandning av texter som med varierande konkretion belyser den konstruerade världen ur ett flertal olika perspektiv...
The geochemical control of birnessite on selenium fate and transport at environmental concentrations
Authors: Szlamkowicz Ilana B. , Ribeiro Giovanna B. , Nguyen Anna T. , Anagnostopoulos Vasileios A.
Published: February 2025

This study investigated the geochemical controls on selenium mobility by two forms of birnessite mineral, focusing on the influence of pH, concentration, and the presence of cations. The research aimed to understand the dominant reaction mechanism (redox vs. sorption) under environmentally relevant selenium concentrations. Experiments were conducted to study the interaction of selenium with the birnessite minerals under varying conditions. The results demonstrated a significant shift in the dominant reaction mechanism from slow redox reactions observed at artificially elevated selenium concentrations to fast sorption processes at environmentally relevant concentrations, with second order rates increasing from 7.63 x 10-7 to 0.0224 L mol-1 h-1, respectively. This finding highlights the crucial role of selenium concentration in determining its interaction with birnessite minerals and emphasizes the importance of conducting research under realistic conditions to accurately predict selenium mobility and develop effective remediation strategies.
CD38 deficiency leads to a defective short-lived transcriptomic response to chronic graft-versus-host disease induction, involving purinergic signaling-related genes and distinct transcriptomic signatures associated with lupus
Authors: Zubiaur Mercedes , Terrón-Camero Laura C. , Gordillo-González Fernando , Andrés-León Eduardo , Barroso-del Jesús Alicia , Canet-Antequera Luz María , Pérez Sánchez-Cañete María M. , Martínez-Blanco África , Domínguez-Pantoja Marilú , Botia-Sánchez María , Pérez-Cabrera Sonia , Bello-Iglesias Nerea , Alcina Antonio , Abadía-Molina Ana-Clara , Matesanz Fuencisla , Zumaquero Esther , Merino Ramón , Sancho Jaime
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to elucidate the transcriptomic signatures and dysregulated pathways associated with the autoimmune response in Cd38-/- mice compared to wild-type (WT) mice within the bm12 chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) lupus model. We conducted bulk RNA sequencing on peritoneal exudate cells (PECs) and spleen cells (SPC) at two and four weeks following adoptive cell transfer. We also analyzed cells from healthy, untreated mice. These analyses revealed a sustained upregulation of a transcriptional profile of purinergic receptors and ectonucleotidases in cGVHD WT PECs, which displayed a coordinated expression with several type I interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) and with key molecules involved in the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) signaling pathway, two hallmarks in the lupus pathology. A second purinergic receptor transcriptomic profile, which included P2rx7 and P2rx4, showed a coordinated gene expression of the components of the NLRP3 inflammasome with its potential activators. These processes were transcriptionally less active in cGVHD Cd38-/- PECs than in WT PECs. We have also shown evidence of a distinct enrichment in pathways signatures that define processes such as Ca2+ ion homeostasis, cell division, phagosome, autophagy, senescence, cytokine/cytokine receptor interactions, Th17 and Th1/Th2 cell differentiation in Cd38-/- versus WT samples, which reflected the milder inflammatory and autoimmune response elicited in Cd38-/- mice relative to WT counterparts in response to the allogeneic challenge. Last, we have shown an intense metabolic reprogramming toward oxidative phosphorylation in PECs and SPC from cGVHD WT mice, which may reflect an increased cellular demand for oxygen consumption, in contrast to PECs and SPC from cGVHD Cd38-/- mice, which showed a short-lived metabolic effect at the transcriptomic level. Overall, these findings support the pro-inflammatory and immunomodulatory role of CD38 during the development of the cGVHD-lupus disease.
Development and functional validation of a disulfidoptosis-related gene prognostic model for lung adenocarcinoma based on bioinformatics and experimental validation
Authors: Shen Tao , Lu Zhuming , Yang Sisi , Zhang Dongxi , Ke Yongwen , Chen Zhuowen , Wu Jinqiang , Wu Weidong
Published: February 2025

Background

Disulfidoptosis is increasingly linked to cancer progression, yet its immunological impacts and prognostic value in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remain poorly understood. This study aims to delineate the predictive significance of disulfidoptosis-related genes (DRGs) in LUAD, their potential as therapeutic targets, and their interaction with the tumor microenvironment.

Methods

We analyzed the expression profiles of 23 DRGs and survival data, performing consensus clustering to identify molecular subtypes. Survival analysis and gene set variation analysis (GSVA) were used to explore cluster differences. Key DRGs were selected for Cox and LASSO regression to develop a prognostic model. Tensin4 (TNS4), a key gene in the model, was further evaluated through immunohistochemistry (IHC) in LUAD and normal tissues and gene knockdown experiments in vitro.

Results

Two clusters were identified, with 225 differentially expressed genes. A six-gene signature was developed, which classified LUAD patients into high- and low-risk groups, showing significant survival differences. The risk score independently predicted LUAD prognosis and correlated with immunotherapy responses. IHC showed elevated TNS4 levels in LUAD tissues, while in vitro TNS4 knockdown reduced both cell proliferation and migration.

Conclusion

This study highlights the role of DRGs in LUAD, with a validated gene signature offering new avenues for targeted therapies, potentially improving LUAD treatment outcomes.
A comparative study of traditional high-fidelity (manikin-based) simulation and virtual high-fidelity simulations concerning their effectiveness and perception
Authors: Sałacińska Izabela , Trojnar Patrycja , Gebriné Krisztina Éles , Törő Viktória , Sárváry Attila , Więch Paweł
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Medical simulation has become an integral part of medical student education. There is a limited body of literature comparing virtual and high-fidelity simulation in terms of effectiveness and student perception.

Methods

A total of 130 medical students at the University of Rzeszów participated in this cross-sectional study. The respondents were divided into two groups: students who completed a selected scenario using a virtual patient (Body Interact) and students who completed a scenario using traditional high-fidelity (manikin-based) simulation (HFS). After completing the scenario, students filled in the following questionnaires: the Simulation Design Scale (SDS), the Educational Practices Questionnaire (EPQ), the Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning Scale (SSCL) and a customized survey questionnaire.

Results

The study found no significant difference in the effectiveness of HFS between students exposed to either type of simulation. Detailed analysis within specific categories – problem-solving, teamwork, and active learning – also showed no significant differences between virtual and traditional HFS. Furthermore, there were no notable differences between virtual and traditional simulations regarding specific aspects such as satisfaction with learning, self-confidence in learning, and expectations. However, within the virtual simulation group, females rated active learning significantly higher. Students aged 24–33 rated satisfaction with learning, self-confidence, overall effectiveness and perception of HFS, problem-solving, and active learning more favorably. Additionally, the levels of perceived effectiveness and satisfaction of higher years students with HFS increased.

Conclusion

Virtual patient simulation and traditional HFS foster the development of practical skills, as well as soft skills of medical students in challenging situations.
Microvascular dysfunction in a murine model of Alzheimer’s disease using intravital microscopy
Authors: Sidsworth Danielle , Tregobov Noah , Jamieson Colin , Reutens-Hernandez Jennifer , Yoon Joshua , Payne Geoffrey W. , Sellers Stephanie L.
Published: February 2025

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex neurocognitive disorder. Early theories of AD sought to identify a single unifying explanation underlying AD pathogenesis; however, evolving evidence suggests it is a multifactorial, systemic disease, involving multiple systems. Of note, vascular dysfunction, encompassing both cerebral and peripheral circulation, has been implicated in AD pathogenesis. This pilot study used intravital microscopy to assess differences in responsiveness of gluteal muscle arterioles between a transgenic AD mouse model (APP/PS1; Tg) and wild-type (C57BL/6; WT) mice to further elucidate the role of vascular dysfunction in AD. Arteriole diameters were measured in response to acetylcholine (10–9 to 10–5 M), phenylephrine (10–9 to 10–5 M), histamine (10–9 to 10–4 M) and compound 48/80 (10–9 to 10–3 M). Tg mice demonstrated a trend toward reduced vasodilatory response to acetylcholine with a significant difference at 10–5 M (36.91 vs. 69.55%: p = 0.0107) when compared to WT. No significant differences were observed with histamine, compound 48/80 or phenylephrine; however, a trend toward reduced vasoconstriction to phenylephrine was observed in Tg mice at higher concentrations. Mean net diameter change (resting to maximum) also differed significantly (p = 0.0365) between WT (19.11 μm) and Tg mice (11.13 μm). These findings suggest reduced vascular responsiveness may contribute to the systemic vascular deficits previously observed in AD models. Future research using diverse models and broader variables could further elucidate peripheral vascular dysfunction’s role in AD pathogenesis, including its impact on motor symptoms and disease progression. Such insights may inform the development of vascular-targeted therapeutic strategies.
The Euclidean model of space and time, and the wave nature of matter
Authors: Machotka Radovan
Published: February 2025

The aim of the paper is to show the fundamental advantage of the Euclidean Model of Space and Time (EMST) over Special Relativity (SR) in the field of wave description of matter. The EMST offers a unified description of all particles of matter as waves moving through four-dimensional Euclidean space at the speed of light. Unlike the usual description in three dimensions, where the group and phase velocities of a particle differ, in four-dimensional space the wave and the associated particle can be treated as a single object. The paper deepens understanding of the EMST as a viable alternative to SR. The EMST clarifies the origin of relativistic phenomena and at the same time explains the apparent mysteries associated with the wave nature of matter. From the broader perspective, the EMST has all the prerequisites to become the starting point for the mutual combination of “relativistic” and “quantum” physics into a single physical theory.
Differential expression and localization of expansins in Arabidopsis shoots: implications for cell wall dynamics and drought tolerance
Authors: Balkova Darina , Mala Katerina , Hejatko Jan , Panzarova Klara , Abdelhakim Lamis , Pleskacova Barbora , Samalova Marketa
Published: February 2025

Expansins are cell wall-modifying proteins implicated in plant growth and stress responses. In this study, we explored the differential localization of expansins in Arabidopsis thaliana shoots, with a focus on EXPA1, EXPA10, EXPA14, and EXPA15 utilizing pEXPA::EXPA translational fusion lines. Employing the chemically inducible system pOp6/LhGR for EXPA1 overexpression and high-throughput automatic phenotyping we evaluated the drought response and photosynthetic efficiency under stress conditions. We observed distinct expression patterns of expansins, with EXPA1 primarily localized in stomatal guard cells, while EXPA10 and EXPA15 showed strong cell wall (CW) localization in epidermal and other tissues. Overexpression of EXPA1 resulted in pronounced changes in CW-related gene expression, particularly during early stages of induction, including the upregulation of other expansins and CW-modifying enzymes. The induced EXPA1 line also displayed significant morphological changes in shoots, including smaller plant size, delayed senescence, and structural alterations in vascular tissues. Additionally, EXPA1 overexpression conferred drought tolerance, as evidenced by enhanced photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/FM), and low steady-state non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) values under drought stress. These findings highlight the critical role of EXPA1 in regulating plant growth, development, and stress response, with potential applications in improving drought tolerance in crops.
Effect of periodontal therapy on endothelial function and serum biomarkers in patients with periodontitis and established cardiovascular disease: a pilot study
Authors: Molina Ana , Ambrosio Nagore , Molina María , Montero Eduardo , Virto Leire , Herrera David , Figuero Elena , Sanz Mariano
Published: February 2025

Aim

To investigate the effect of periodontal therapy on endothelial function of subjects with periodontitis in stages III or IV and established cardiovascular disease.

Materials and methods

A triple-blinded, parallel groups, randomized clinical trial of 6 months duration, on patients with history of coronary heart disease and periodontitis in stages III or IV was performed. Intervention consisted of steps 1 (oral hygiene instructions and professional mechanical plaque removal) and 2 (subgingival instrumentation) of periodontal therapy, including an antiseptic mouth rinse for 7 days. Patients in the control group received only step 1, with the adjunctive use of a fluoride-containing mouth rinse. Endothelial function (flow-mediated dilation [FMD]) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) at baseline, 3 and 6 months, and serum markers of inflammation and cell adhesion at 3 days, 10 days, 3 and 6 months after therapy, were evaluated. Demographic characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors, history of cardiovascular diseases, medication intake, lipids profile, blood pressure, and periodontal outcomes were also evaluated. Student T, Mann–Whitney U, Chi-square and Fisher-exact tests were performed along with repeated measures ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni's corrections.

Results

Thirty-five patients were included. In the test group, improvements in pocket depth, bleeding on probing and suppuration at 6 months were significantly better than in control patients. Reductions in mean FMD [test group −3.43%; 95% confidence interval—CI [−2.68; 9.54], p = 0.487; control group −6.75%; 95% CI [1.29; 12.22], p = 0.012] and cIMT (test group −0.05 mm; 95% CI [0.01; 0.10], p = 0.014; control group −0.01 mm; 95% CI [−0.03; 0.05], p = 1.000) were observed in both groups from baseline to 6 months, without significant intergroup differences at any time-point. Differences between groups in serum inflammatory markers were detected at baseline and 3 days for interleukin (IL)-18, and at 10 days for IL-8.

Conclusion

Preliminary results from the present pilot study showed that steps 1 and 2 of periodontal treatment in subjects with periodontitis in stages III–IV and established cardiovascular disease induced improvements in cIMT and periodontal outcomes, although changes in FMD were not observed.

Clinical Trial Registration

clinicaltrials.gov, Identifier, database (NCT02716259).
Spatial distribution and determinants of children ever born among reproductive age women in Ethiopia: spatial and multilevel analysis of 2019 mini Ethiopian demographic health survey
Authors: Ahmed Ahmed Fentaw , Adane Bezawit , Tsega Tilahun Degu , Nigusu Mekides , Sharew Kalaab Esubalew , Molla Abebaw , Tesfa Mulugeta
Published: February 2025

Background

Understanding population dynamics is essential since the number of children ever born (CEB) affects the growth, composition, and structure of a nation's population. The number of CEB has increased significantly, contributing to the world's rapid population growth. The spatial distribution of CEB in Ethiopia lacks recent information. Therefore, this study aimed to assess spatial distribution, and associated factors of CEB among reproductive age women in Ethiopia.

Method

Mini Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (MEDHS) 2019 data were used in this study. The study comprised 5527 (weighted) women's between the ages of 15 and 49. STATA and Aeronautical Reconnaissance Coverage Geographic Information System (ArcGIS) 10.8 software was used. The primary outcome, CEB, was categorized as “low” if fewer than five children were born and “high” if five or more children were born. Global and local Moran's Index methods were used to assess the extent of clustering. Multi-level (two-level) logistic regression analysis was used and variables with a P value less than 0.05 were considered statistical significance. Adjusted odds ratio AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to show the strength and direction of the association respectively.

Results

High number of CEB in Ethiopia was 37.46%, 95% CI (0.39–0.56) and it was spatially clustered (Moran's index = 0.59 P value <0.0001). Significant hotspots of high CEB were found in the Eastern Somali, Hadiya, Sidama, and Welayta zones. From individual-Level variables: women who were married [AOR = 3.23, 95% CI (1.48, 6.62)] were positively associated with high number of CEB. Whereas, women who were primary educated [AOR = 0.18, 95% CI (0.12, 0.27)], women who were secondary educated [AOR = 0.0.05, 95% CI (0.02, 0.13)], women's whose age at first birth after 20 year [AOR = 0.38, 95% CI (0.27, 0.51)] and women's who were using contraceptive [AOR = 0.59, 95% CI (0.44–0.78) were negatively associated with high number of CEB. From community level variables: a community with high proportion of contraceptive non user [AOR = 1.38, 95% CI (1.94–2.04)] were positively associated with high number of CEB.

Conclusion

Both individual and community-level factors were significantly linked to a high number of children born. The government is advised to prioritize interventions that promote women's education, delay first births, and provide access to a range of contraceptive options, ensuring informed, voluntary choices. Empowering women to exercise reproductive autonomy, free from coercion, is key to influencing fertility outcomes effectively.
Portable Machine with Embedded System for Applying Granulated Fertilizers at Variable Rate
Authors: Quintão Igor Rodrigues , Valente Domingos Sárvio Magalhães , Coelho André Luiz de Freitas , Queiroz Daniel Marçal de , Ribeiro Furtado Junior Marconi , Villar Flora Maria de Melo , Rodrigues Pedro Henrique de Moura
Published: February 2025

Coffee production in mountainous regions faces significant challenges to mechanization, particularly in management and fertilization. Fertilizer application remains largely manual, reducing accuracy and failing to meet the demands of variable-rate application (VRA). This study developed a portable VRA fertilizer applicator with an embedded electronic control system. The innovation lies in its electrically driven metering mechanism integrated with an electronic control unit (ECU), enabling site-specific fertilization based on prescription maps or predefined rates while recording application coordinates. The mechanism was tested under laboratory and field conditions, evaluating its performance across four fertilizer types, varying inclination angles, and rotational speeds. Results showed a coefficient variation of 0.41% for doses above 24 g, demonstrating high consistency irrespective of fertilizer type or terrain slope. Field tests using potassium chloride (KCl) prescriptions (55, 123, and 185 g/plant; 220, 492, and 740 kg/ha) revealed minimal deviations, with the largest at 22.72 g and the smallest at 0.384 g. These findings demonstrate the applicator’s precision and efficiency, addressing the challenges of mountainous terrains. This system provides technological advancement for sustainable coffee production, enhancing resource optimization and supporting precision agriculture in challenging environments.
Rural Women’s Leadership Within the Cocoa Production Chain in Tibú, Norte de Santander, Colombia: A Gender Perspective
Authors: Albornoz-Arias Neida , Rojas-Sanguino Camila , Santafe-Rojas Akever-Karina
Published: February 2025

This study addresses gender inequality in rural areas, focusing on the structural and socio-cultural constraints faced by women, despite the increasing feminisation of agriculture. The research question posed is: what are the leadership experiences of rural women in the cocoa production chain in Tibú, Norte de Santander, Colombia? The objective is to unveil the leadership experiences of rural women in the cocoa production chain in Tibú, Norte de Santander, Colombia. Using a qualitative and interpretative approach and a case study design, the experiences of ten women cocoa producers were analysed. The coding technique was based on theoretical material, generating two subcategories and the respective theoretical codes. The subcategories are associativity and time use. The findings reveal barriers such as shyness or fear of rejection, low participation in community groups, limited education, decision-making restrictions, unpaid work overload, lack of leisure time, and gender-based violence, factors that perpetuate poverty and hinder their community leadership. However, it highlights how women’s leadership and associativity positively impact sustainable agriculture and community cohesion. Although public policies recognise their key role, their implementation remains insufficient. This study highlights the need for comprehensive strategies that overcome inequalities and promote inclusive rural development.
Assessing the Influence of Selected Permeabilization Methods on Lymphocyte Single-Cell Multi-Omics
Authors: Ding Shifan , Lu Na , Abolhassani Hassan
Published: February 2025

(1) Background: Single-cell multi-omics is a powerful method for the dissection and detection of complicated immunologic functions and synapses. However, most currently available technologies merge datasets of different omics from separate portions of the same sample to generate combined multi-omics. This process is a source of bias, mainly in the field of immunology on cells originating from pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells with high flexibility during maturation. (2) Methods: Although new multi-omics approaches have been developed to use the advantages of cellular and molecular barcoding and next-generation sequencing to solve this issue, one of the main current challenges is intracellular proteomics, which should be combined with other omics data with high importance for immune system studies. We designed this study to evaluate previously recommended minimal permeabilization and fixation methods on the quality and quantity of transcriptomics and proteomics data generated by the BD Rhapsody™ Single-Cell Analysis System. (3) Results: Our findings showed that high-throughput sequencing with advanced quality and read-out is required for the combination of multi-omics outcomes from a permeabilized single cell. Therefore, the HiseqX platform was selected for further analysis. The effect of immune stimulation was observed clearly as the separated clusters of helper and cytotoxic T cells using unsupervised clustering. Importantly, fixation and permeabilization did not affect the general expression profile of unstimulated cells. However, fixation and permeabilization were proved to negatively impact the detection of the whole transcriptome for single-cell assay. Nevertheless, about 60% of the transcriptomic signature of the stimulation was detected. If the measurement of combined surface and intracellular markers is required to be achieved, the modified fixation and permeabilization method is recommended because of a lower transcriptomic loss and more precise proteomic fingerprint detected. (4) Conclusions: The findings of this study support the potential possibility for integrating intracellular proteomics, which needs to be optimized and tested with newly designed oligonucleotide-tagged antibodies targeting intracellular proteins.
Correction: Qi et al. Sappanone A Alleviates the Severity of Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Mice. Antioxidants 2023, 12, 1718
Authors: Qi Jing , Li Lanqian , Yan Xueqing , Hua Wenxi , Zhou Zixiong
Published: February 2025

In the original publication [...]
Antimicrobial Potential of Polyphenols: Mechanisms of Action and Microbial Responses—A Narrative Review
Authors: De Rossi Luca , Rocchetti Gabriele , Lucini Luigi , Rebecchi Annalisa
Published: February 2025

Polyphenols (PPs) are recognized as bioactive compounds and antimicrobial agents, playing a critical role in enhancing food safety, preservation, and extending shelf life. The antimicrobial effectiveness of PPs has different molecular and biological reasons, predominantly linked to their hydroxyl groups and electron delocalization, which interact with microbial cell membranes, proteins, and organelles. These interactions may reduce the efficiency of metabolic pathways, cause destructive damage to the cell membrane, or they may harm the proteins and nucleic acids of the foodborne bacteria. Moreover, PPs exhibit a distinctive ability to form complexes with metal ions, further amplifying their antimicrobial activity. This narrative review explores the complex and multifaceted interactions between PPs and foodborne pathogens, underlying the correlation of their chemical structures and mechanisms of action. Such insights shed light on the potential of PPs as innovative natural preservatives within food systems, presenting an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to synthetic additives.
IoB Internet of Things (IoT) for Smart Built Environment (SBE): Understanding the Complexity and Contributing to Energy Efficiency; A Case Study in Mediterranean Climates
Authors: Martínez Ruiz Ignacio , Cano Suñén Enrique , Marco Marco Álvaro , Fernández Cuello Ángel
Published: February 2025

To meet the 2050 targets about climate change and decarbonization, accomplishing thermal comfort, Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystems are key enabling technologies to move the Built Environment (BE) towards Smart Built Environment (SBE). The first contributions of this paper conceptualise SBE from its dynamic and adaptative perspectives, considering the human habitat, and enunciate SBE as a multidimensional approach through six ways of inhabiting: defensive, projective, scientific, thermodynamic, subjective, and complex. From these premises, to analyse the performance indicators that characterise these multidisciplinary ways of inhabiting, an IoT-driven methodology is proposed: to deploy a sensor infrastructure to acquire experimental measurements; analyse data to convert them into context-aware information; and make knowledge-based decisions. Thus, this work tackles the inefficiency and high energy consumption of public buildings with the challenge of balancing energy efficiency and user comfort in dynamic scenarios. As current systems lack real-time adaptability, this work integrates an IoT-driven approach to enhance energy management and reduce discrepancies between measured temperatures and normative thresholds. Following the energy efficiency directives, the obtained results contribute to the following: understanding the complexity of the SBE by analysing its thermal performance, quantifying the potential of energy saving, and estimating its economic impact. The derived conclusions show that IoT-driven solutions allow the generation of real-data-based models on which to enhance SBE knowledge, by increasing energy efficiency and guaranteeing user comfort while minimising environmental effects and economic impact.
CFTL: System Log Parsing Method Driven from Clustering According to First Token and Length for Anomaly Detection
Authors: Hu Jie , Long Lingchun , Sui He , Gu Zhaojun , Zheng Guangming
Published: February 2025

Logs are extensively used to analyze the running states of systems in many fields, such as cyber security, performance monitoring, and fault diagnosis, by recording events representing real-time system states. Conventional system log parsing methods are time-consuming and are prone to overfitting or underfitting. Thus, automatic parsing methods, known as log parsers, have been proposed. However, most log parsers do not exhibit both high accuracy and low running time. In addition, they typically overfit during log template generation; thus, log parsers cannot effectively be deployed in large-scale distributed systems. To solve these problems, this study proposes an efficient heuristic log parsing method. The proposed method first clusters log messages by the first token and their length, then uses specific separation rules to divide them into refined groups, and finally matches the corresponding log templates. The performance of the proposed method was evaluated using reliable datasets and tools. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method not only exhibits high accuracy but also a low running time. The number of log events parsed by log parsers of log templates generated by the proposed method is close to the real count, and the proposed method also exhibits good accuracy for subsequent anomaly detection tasks. In addition, the proposed method is lightweight because it employs the most valuable parsing rules. Thus, the proposed method is suitable for deployment in large-scale distributed systems.
A Review on the Progress of Integrated Geophysical Exploration Techniques for Leakage Hazard Detection in Earth and Rock Dams
Authors: Zhang Guochen , Xu Liqun , Qiu Fei , Shen Zhiyuan , Zhang Yin
Published: February 2025

Earth and rock dams are an important part of the flood control system, and hidden dangers in such dams are a serious threat to project safety. The application of a single geophysical exploration technology is associated with multiple solutions and limitations, and research on an integrated technology is meaningful for the timely detection and management of hidden dangers in earth and rock dams. This paper summarizes the respective advantages and limitations of geophysical exploration techniques for leakage detection in dams by sorting out and analyzing their principles and application characteristics. The principles of the integrated technology are outlined, and a data analysis system for GIS-based integrated geophysical exploration is elaborated. The challenges and shortcomings of the development of integrated geophysical exploration techniques are summarized. The theoretical model of integrated geophysical exploration information fusion technology based on data fusion and joint inversion is proposed. The feasibility of establishing the theoretical model based on data fusion and joint inversion is demonstrated, providing a direction for the development and practical application of integrated geophysical exploration techniques in the field of geotechnical engineering.
Isolation of Bacteriophages Lytic to Fusobacterium necrophorum Subspecies necrophorum from Bovine Ruminal Fluid and City Sewage
Authors: Schnur Sydney E. , Deters Alyssa , Gaire Tara , Volkova Victoriya , Biswas Biswajit , Thomson Daniel U. , Nagaraja Tiruvoor G.
Published: February 2025

Fusobacterium necrophorum subspecies necrophorum, a resident of the rumen, is the causative agent of bovine liver abscesses. Currently, tylosin, a macrolide, is used in the feed to reduce liver abscesses. Because macrolides are medically important antibiotics, their use in food animal production is of public health concern. There is significant interest in finding antimicrobial alternatives. Bacteriophages that lyse subsp. necrophorum have the potential to replace tylosin. Our objective was to isolate bacteriophages lytic to subsp. necrophorum. Pooled ruminal fluid from slaughtered cattle and pooled sewage samples were collected and incubated overnight with lysine, and subsp. necrophorum strains and filtrates were spotted on F. necrophorum lawns. Phage plaques were harvested and purified. Bacteriophage isolation frequencies were compared between sample types, sampling dates, and necrophorum strains. Overall relative frequency of isolated bacteriophages lytic to subsp. necrophorum was 17.1%. The frequency of bacteriophage isolation ranged from 0 to 25.4% for ruminal fluid, and from 13.7 to 32.0% for sewage. Isolation frequency was significantly higher in sewage than in ruminal fluid samples (p < 0.01). Isolation rates varied significantly between necrophorum strains. Sewage was a rich source of bacteriophages lytic to necrophorum, which have the potential to be used to prevent liver abscesses.
Deterministic Asynchronous Threshold-Based Opinion Dynamics in Signed Weighted Graphs
Authors: Di Ianni Miriam
Published: February 2025

Among the many (mostly randomized) models proposed in the last decades to study how opinions of a set of individuals interconnected by pairwise relations evolve, a novel deterministic model is introduced in this paper that is able to encompass individual choices, strength and sign of relations, and asynchronism. In particular, asynchronism has been considered until now only in randomized settings. It is here studied in which cases the behavior of the resulting dynamical network is predictable, that is, in which cases the number of opinion configurations encountered by the set of individuals before the dynamical network enters a loop is polynomially bounded by the network size.
Optimization of L-Asparaginase Production from Aspergillus caespitosus: Solid-State and Submerged Fermentation Using Low-Cost Substrates and Partial Purification
Authors: Rabelo Natana Gontijo , Simões Luara Aparecida , Fernandes Natália de Andrade Teixeira , Souza Angélica Cristina , Fernandes Maysa Lima Parente , Veríssimo Lizzy Ayra Alcântara , Schwan Rosane Freitas , Dias Disney Ribeiro
Published: February 2025

This work aimed to optimize the production of L-asparaginase (L-ASNase) from Aspergillus caespitosus CCDCA 11593 using Pereskia aculeata (Ora-pro-nóbis) leaf fiber as a substrate for solid-state fermentation (SSF), along with powdered whey protein as a substrate in submerged fermentation (SmF) processes. A centered face design was applied to evaluate the effect of the different parameters. Additionally, L-ASNase was partially purified on an ion-exchange cryogel column. For SSF, the experimental condition, inoculum concentration 105 spores/mL, 120 h at 25 °C, 14% of substrate, and 1% of asparagine, corresponded to the highest enzymatic activity (2.75 U/mL) of L-ASNase. For SmF, the experimental condition of greater enzymatic activity (1.49 U/mL) was obtained in the medium containing 16% to 24% asparagine, 3.3% to 4.7% substrate, spore concentration of 7 × 106 to 107 spores/mL, temperature range of 29.8 to 34.8 °C, pH range of 5.7 to 6.3, and 87 to 105 h of fermentation. The L-ASNase obtained from SmF was subjected to adsorption tests, resulting in 4.4 U/mg of partially purified enzyme. This study suggested that whey protein and Ora-pro-nóbis leaf fiber could be a low-cost substrate for L-ASNase production. Additionally, using an ion-exchange cryogel column for enzyme purification holds promise for sustainable applications in the clinical and food industries.
Rock Art and Hunter–Gatherer Landscapes: Iconography, Cosmology and Topography in Southern Africa
Authors: Blundell Geoffrey , Laue Ghilraen
Published: February 2025

Landscape studies of hunter–gatherer rock art often suffer from logical flaws. Some of these failings stem from the founding question that researchers ask: “Why do some places have images while others do not?” This question is misleading and not particularly helpful in some—but not all—contexts where there is no direct ethnographic evidence to provide an answer. Instead, we suggest that a better question from which to begin is: “How are rock art images related to landscape?”. To answer this question, we examine the relationship between iconography, cosmology and topography in two areas of southern African San rock painting. We argue that cosmology guided iconography and that the imagery, in turn, manipulated topography into landscape for the San. In this view, we do not need to rely on cognitive templates that invest topography a priori with significance that then determines the choice of locale for art. Instead, landscape for the San was socially and symbolically constructed through the placement of imagery.
Decreased Mobility During the COVID-19 Pandemic Period Considerably Improved Air Quality in Debrecen City, Hungary
Authors: Mukherjee Semonti , Lázár István , Szabó Szilárd , Tóthmérész Béla , Abriha-Molnár Vanda Éva , Czédli Herta , Simon Edina
Published: February 2025

The effect of decreased mobility on air quality due to the COVID-19 period was analysed from 2018 to 2022 in Debrecen city, Hungary. The PM10 concentrations were analysed at three sampling sites. We compared PM10 concentrations from 2018 to 2022 during three periods: pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic. We also studied the effect of lockdowns on the PM10 concentrations during the pandemic period. Over the 2018–2022 period, the concentration of PM10 decreased across all sites, suggesting improved air quality. Significant differences were found in PM10 levels among the pre-pandemic (before February of 2020), pandemic (from March of 2020 to February 2022), and post-pandemic period (after March of 2022) in the case of all stations. Significant differences were also found among years and stations during the lockdown periods. Drastically significant decreases were found only in January of 2021 in the case of all stations. Our results also demonstrated that the reduction in emissions took place simultaneously, as exceptional weather conditions such as wind direction and wind speed were observed in the year 2020, which have been highlighted by an unusually warm pre-lockdown February and springtime drought. PM10 levels indicated heterogeneous patterns characterized by variations including decreases, slight increases, or stability, contingent upon the specific sampling sites under consideration. These findings emphasize the complex dynamics of air pollutants and stress the necessity for ongoing monitoring and targeted interventions to alleviate detrimental effects on air quality and public health.
Mellin and Widder–Lambert Transforms with Applications in the Salem Equivalence to the Riemann Hypothesis
Authors: Negrín Emilio R. , Maan Jeetendrasingh , González Benito J.
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a comprehensive study of Plancherel’s theorem and inversion formulae for the Widder–Lambert transform, extending its scope to Lebesgue integrable functions, compactly supported distributions, and regular distributions with compact support. By employing the Plancherel theorem for the classical Mellin transform, we derive a corresponding Plancherel’s theorem specific to the Widder–Lambert transform. This novel approach highlights an intriguing connection between these integral transforms, offering new insights into their role in harmonic analysis. Additionally, we explore a class of functions that satisfy Salem’s equivalence to the Riemann hypothesis, providing a deeper understanding of the interplay between such equivalences and integral transforms. These findings open new avenues for further research on the Riemann hypothesis within the framework of integral transforms.
Large Language Models as Kuwaiti Annotators
Authors: Alostad Hana
Published: February 2025

Stance detection for low-resource languages, such as the Kuwaiti dialect, poses a significant challenge in natural language processing (NLP) due to the scarcity of annotated datasets and specialized tools. This study addresses these limitations by evaluating the effectiveness of open large language models (LLMs) in automating stance detection through zero-shot and few-shot prompt engineering, with a focus on the potential of open-source models to achieve performance levels comparable to those of closed-source alternatives. We also highlight the critical distinctions between zero- and few-shot learning, emphasizing their significance for addressing the challenges posed by low-resource languages. Our evaluation involved testing 11 LLMs on a manually labeled dataset of social media posts, including GPT-4o, Gemini Pro 1.5, Mistral-Large, Jais-30B, and AYA-23. As expected, closed-source models such as GPT-4o, Gemini Pro 1.5, and Mistral-Large demonstrated superior performance, achieving maximum F1 scores of 95.4%, 95.0%, and 93.2%, respectively, in few-shot scenarios with English as the prompt template language. However, open-source models such as Jais-30B and AYA-23 achieved competitive results, with maximum F1 scores of 93.0% and 93.1%, respectively, under the same conditions. Furthermore, statistical analysis using ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD post hoc tests revealed no significant differences in overall performance among GPT-4o, Gemini Pro 1.5, Mistral-Large, Jais-30B, and AYA-23. This finding underscores the potential of open-source LLMs as cost-effective and privacy-preserving alternatives for low-resource language annotation. This is the first study comparing LLMs for stance detection in the Kuwaiti dialect. Our findings highlight the importance of prompt design and model consistency in improving the quality of annotations and pave the way for NLP solutions for under-represented Arabic dialects.