bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Alkaline Water Electrolysis Derived from Metal-Containing Ionic Liquids
Authors: Georgijević Jelena , Zdolšek Nikola , Vasić Milica , Milikić Jadranka , Vraneš Milan , Jugović Dragana , Santos Diogo M. F. , Šljukić Biljana
Published: February 2025

Carbon-based electrocatalysts decorated with Pt and Ni nanoparticles were introduced herein to increase the efficiency of the water splitting process and thus reduce the price of the produced green hydrogen. The materials were prepared by innovative direct carbonization of ionic liquids containing the corresponding metal, thereby eliminating the need for additional solutions and templates. The structural integrity of the materials was validated through X-ray diffraction analysis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The electrochemical performance of these materials in catalyzing hydrogen (HER) and oxygen (OER) evolution reactions was evaluated using voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, uncovering distinct behaviors and highlighting the role of ionic liquid in tailoring materials’ properties and performance. Specifically, the presence of Ni was observed to enhance the catalytic performance towards the HERs due to the interaction of Ni nanoparticles and a higher amount of sp2-hybridized carbon present. In contrast, incorporating Pt into the carbon matrix was found to augment the catalytic activity for OERs with a Tafel slope of 129 mV dec−1 and a current density of 10 mA cm−2 reached at a potential of 1.67 V. Moreover, chronoamperometric measurements evidenced materials’ steady performance under both HER and OER conditions. These findings of good activity and stability showed that the introduced approach of synthesis of carbon electrocatalysts decorated with heteroatoms by direct carbonization of ionic liquids holds great promise for the synthesis of efficient and affordable electrocatalysts for green hydrogen production.
Extending the Transhuman Person: Religious Practices as Cognitive Technological Enhancements
Authors: Tanton Tobias
Published: February 2025

Transhumanism embraces the use of technology to enhance human capabilities. In keeping with traditional theories of cognition, transhumanists typically assume that mental capacities are organism-bound (or brain-bound), and enhancement is thus achieved exclusively by modifying the human organism. However, 4E cognition challenges this assumption. Instead, understanding the mind as extended or scaffolded highlights how cognitive processes recruit environmental resources to perform their tasks. Therefore, as Andy Clark argues, cognitive enhancement is no longer restricted to modifications of the biological organism but is also achieved by using cognitive tools or niches that allow brain–body–world coalitions to perform more efficient or more sophisticated cognitive functions. Hence, humans are ‘natural-born cyborgs’ who have long been using environmental resources to enhance cognitive abilities. In this article, I extend this analysis to religion. Drawing on recent work on 4E cognition in religious practices, I argue that religious practices can themselves be understood as ‘cognitive technologies’ that count as enhancements. These insights from cognitive science serve to reframe the dialog between Christian theology and transhumanism: (1) enhancements are reframed as belonging to a long history of self-modification, rather than being the sole purview of the future, (2) humans should be understood as intrinsically technological, and (3) theologians are already in the enhancement game and, conversely, transhumanists should consider religious practices.
Wake Up Cities! A Heritage Rebalancing Plan from the Sacred
Authors: Delgado-Orusco Eduardo
Published: February 2025

This article outlines our plan to rebalance the patrimonial heritage from the sacred: a strategy of attention to the needs and social demands, both religious—primarily—and other kinds, of the inhabitants of these communities. Our plan provides an attentive and unprejudiced view of service that proposes new uses for structures of great patrimonial and sentimental value. These are complexes recognized by societies but incapable of being maintained without intervention, given that their use has greatly diminished in today’s society. All this must be considered while additional legitimate demands have arisen that do not find an adequate response in the same community. It is not a matter of competition but of an effective adaptation or a rebalancing through the reprogramming of some properties. We cannot forget that non-religious cultural and social demands also apply to the faithful. Being a believer does not exclude one from being a lover of music or museums.
Non-Invasive BCI-VR Applied Protocols as Intervention Paradigms on School-Aged Subjects with ASD: A Systematic Review
Authors: Alexopoulou Archondoula , Pergantis Pantelis , Koutsojannis Constantinos , Triantafillou Vassilios , Drigas Athanasios
Published: February 2025

This paper aims to highlight non-invasive BCI-VR applied protocols as intervention paradigms on school-aged subjects with ASD. Computer-based interventions are considered appropriate for users with ASD as concentration on a screen reduces other stimuli from the environment that are likely to be distracting or disruptive. Since there are no social conditions for engagement in such processes and the responses of computing systems do not hold surprises for users, as the outputs are fully controlled, they are ideal for ASD subjects. Children and adolescents with ASD, when supported by BCI interventions through virtual reality applications, especially appear to show significant improvements in core symptoms, such as cognitive and social deficits, regardless of their age or IQ. We examined nine protocols applied from 2016 to 2023, focusing on the BCI paradigms, the procedure, and the outcomes. Our study is non-exhaustive but representative of the state of the art in the field. As concluded by the research, BCI-VR applied protocols have no side effects and are rather easy to handle and maintain, and despite the fact that there are research limitations, they hold promise as a tool for improving social and cognitive skills in school-aged individuals with ASD.
Securing IoT Networks Against DDoS Attacks: A Hybrid Deep Learning Approach
Authors: Ain Noor Ul , Sardaraz Muhammad , Tahir Muhammad , Abo Elsoud Mohamed W. , Alourani Abdullah
Published: February 2025

The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized many domains. Due to the growing interconnectivity of IoT networks, several security challenges persist that need to be addressed. This research presents the application of deep learning techniques for Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack detection in IoT networks. This study assesses the performance of various deep learning models, including Latent Autoencoders, LSTM Autoencoders, and convolutional neural networks (CNNs), for DDoS attack detection in IoT environments. Furthermore, a novel hybrid model is proposed, integrating CNNs for feature extraction, Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks for temporal pattern recognition, and Autoencoders for dimensionality reduction. Experimental results on the CICIOT2023 dataset show the enhanced performance of the proposed hybrid model, achieving training and testing accuracy of 96.78% integrated with 96.60% validation accuracy. This presents its efficiency in addressing complex attack patterns within IoT networks. Results’ analysis shows that the proposed hybrid model outperforms the others. However, this research has limitations in detecting rare attack types and emphasizes the importance of addressing data imbalance challenges for further enhancement of DDoS attack detection capabilities in future.
Credibility Assessment for Digital Twins in Vehicle-in-the-Loop Test Based on Information Entropy
Authors: Gao Tianfang , Chen Liang , Zhang Xinghui , Guo Jinghua , Ni Dong
Published: February 2025

Digital twins in vehicle-in-the-loop (VIL) test has great practical significance for the functional development, testing and evaluation of intelligent vehicle. The study about the credibility assessment of dynamically evolving models still lacks effective approaches. In addition, it has rarely been studied in automotive tests. In this paper, a closed loop test of dynamic virtual and real-world interaction was built, and its characteristics are also analyzed. According to its characteristics and assessment methods, a credibility assessment methodology based on information entropy is proposed to reveal the degree of its own information confusion and structural relevance of different information, which involves ApEn and cross-ApEn. The algorithm has been successfully verified in experiments and it has been found that the inconsistent weight of the real and digital vehicle is an important factor on digital twins VIL tests. Furthermore, the effect of the length of series on the credibility assessment has been emphatically studied, and the results show that it has no more than 2% effect on the credibility assessment.
Sanitization Treatment of Fresh Produce with Acidic Electrolyzed Water: Experimental Results on Energy Efficiency, Effectiveness on Rots, Cost and Environmental Impact at Near-Industrial Scale
Authors: Giametta Ferruccio , Tanucci Gianluca , Catalano Pasquale , Ippolito Antonio , Bianchi Biagio
Published: February 2025

This study evaluates the potential of acidic electrolyzed water (AEW) as an alternative sanitizing solution for the fruit and vegetable industry. Conducted on a near-industrial scale, the experiment used a 300 L solution with 10% AEW, measuring pH, free chlorine concentration, and electro-oxidative potential (EOP). The sanitizing efficacy of AEW was tested against common phytopathogens responsible for post-harvest decay including Penicillium expansum, Aspergillus niger, Botrytis cinerea, and Alternaria alternata. With a pH of 7.27, EOP of −0.40 mV, and free chlorine at 5 mg/L, AEW achieved an 85–90% decay reduction in a 2 min wash. Energy consumption for AEW production was notably lower than that for sodium hypochlorite, a widely used industrial sanitizer, and AEW production demonstrated a reduced environmental impact due to its recycling potential and favorable effluent properties. However, free chlorine levels necessitated further treatment before wastewater discharge.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Dyadic Adjustment, Sexual Desire, and Couple Resilience 10 Years After the Experience of Rape by Survivors in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Foussiakda Cécilia Agino , Balegamire Juvénal Bazilashe , Claire Gavray , Mugumaarhahama Yannick , Blavier Adélaïde
Published: February 2025

The reintegration of survivors and their children born because of war rapes is a major issue in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. This study analyzed survivors’ posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the support received from their spouses, both in terms of their own well-being and that of their children. The PTSD form, DAS-16, Marital Support Survey, Sexual Desire Scale, and Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale tests were administered to 28 survivor couples and 32 control couples selected from the Kabamba cluster in Kabare, South Kivu. Over 70% of the respondents had PTSD scores above 34, required clinical assistance, and were not satisfied with their marital relationships. Based on survivors’ perceptions, the balance of marital support and the coherence of couple responses were negative. The survivors typically feel that they provide more support to their husbands than they receive. Unlike husbands, survivors presented low individual sexual desire and high dyadic sexual desire scores, while husbands’ dyadic desire decreased, and they no longer wished to have sexual relations with their partners. Rape survivors derive resilience from prayer and internal self-control, as they live in an environment in which war-related stress causes chronic trauma.
Towards an Education Through and For Social Justice: Humanizing a Life Sciences Curriculum Through Co-Creation, Critical Thinking and Anti-Racist Pedagogy
Authors: Maclatchy Amy , Nguyen Lan , Olulanke Olorunlogbon , Pownall Lara , Usman Moonisah
Published: February 2025

Degree awarding gaps highlight the inequitable outcomes of higher education (HE) for racially minoritized students in the UK. This ongoing issue has been described as a “wicked problem”, directly related to structural racism, or policies and practices that continually disadvantage racialized students. Movements to decolonize the curriculum bring hope and the tools to rebuild more socially-just institutions and societies. However, it is sometimes questioned whether the field of science, with its guise of objectivity, needs decolonizing, or what that process involves. We argue that student partnerships are central to building decolonized science curricula that are critical, anti-racist and will evoke social change. In this study, conducted with life sciences students in a UK HE institution, we share critical reflections captured through a mixed methods approach to address how we create an education that is through and for social justice. Education through social justice aims to create equitable learning environments by addressing how structures and curricula invite, engage and support racially minoritized students to be partners in the learning journey. Whereas education for social justice is about co-creating curricula, teaching practices and principles that lead to change makers and fostering more socially-just societies. Our research indicates that an education that is both through and for social justice requires co-creation where traditional power hierarchies are dismantled, and mattering is emphasized. Partnerships and curricula must be centered in anti-racist practices, with a structured and intentional approach to developing critical thinking skills for continual reflection, self-development and actions to promote inclusion and equity in life sciences and society.
Analysing Sustainability and Green Energy with Artificial Intelligence: A Turkish English Social Media Perspective
Authors: Kayan Fahrettin , Bilişli Yasemin , Kayakuş Mehmet , Açıkgöz Fatma Yiğit , Başdeğirmen Agah , Güler Meltem
Published: February 2025

This study explores how linguistic and cultural differences shape social media discourses on green energy and sustainability by analysing English and Turkish tweets. Leveraging artificial intelligence-based text mining methods, the research examines users’ perceptions, emotions, and concerns about green energy on social media platforms. The findings reveal that in both languages, negative sentiments outweigh positive ones, with users frequently expressing their criticisms and apprehensions. However, significant thematic differences emerge based on language and culture. English tweets generally adopt a global and industrial perspective, while Turkish tweets are more focused on local, technical, and operational issues. By integrating sustainability into the analysis, this study highlights the interconnectedness of green energy discussions with broader environmental and societal goals. Social media platforms are shown to play a critical role in raising environmental awareness and influencing consumer perceptions. The results underline the importance of developing sustainability policies that consider regional dynamics, cultural contexts, and user expectations. Additionally, this study provides valuable insights for advancing climate research, media strategies, and digital marketing efforts. Ultimately, it emphasises the need for inclusive, informed, and innovative approaches to foster greener and more sustainable futures globally.
Triple Bottom Line in Sustainable Development: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Nica Ionuț , Chiriță Nora , Georgescu Irina
Published: February 2025

This study provides a bibliometric analysis of the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework in sustainable development, highlighting its ethical dimensions and corporate responsibility. Using R Studio and VOSviewer, we examine research trends from 2001 to 2023, revealing a 23.23% annual growth in publications, strong global engagement, and increasing interdisciplinarity. Thematic analysis shows a shift from broad management concepts to specialized areas such as circular economy, life cycle assessment, and climate impact, demonstrating TBL’s transition from a theoretical model to an actionable sustainability framework. Our findings provide practical insights for policymakers and organizations, supporting data-driven decision-making in sustainability strategies. By integrating ethical accountability with economic, social, and environmental goals, TBL offers a structured approach to guiding sustainable business practices and informing policy development.
Dynamics of a Predator-Prey System with Asymmetric Dispersal and Fear Effect
Authors: Meng Xinyu , Chen Lijuan , Chen Fengde
Published: February 2025

Predator-prey interactions are among the most common and crucial ecological phenomena in nature. Over the course of long-term evolution, prey populations have developed various anti-predation strategies to cope with the threat of predators, with population dispersal being one of the most common strategies. In traditional ecological models, the prey population is typically constrained by direct predation. However, an increasing body of empirical evidence suggests that the fear effect from the predator significantly alters the physiological behavior of prey, leading to a decrease in reproduction rate and an increase in mortality rate. In this paper, we investigate a predator-prey system incorporating asymmetric dispersal and the fear effect, which influences the birth and death rates of the prey species. We rigorously establish the existence and local stability of equilibrium points, derive sufficient conditions for global stability, and prove the occurrence of a transcritical bifurcation at the boundary equilibrium. Our analysis reveals an optimal dispersal rate that maximizes prey population density; beyond this threshold, increased dispersal drives both populations to extinction. Furthermore, the fear effect and its maximum cost exhibit significant negative impacts on predator abundance, though they do not alter the equilibrium stability or existence. These findings provide critical insights for designing habitat corridors in endangered species conservation and underscore the pivotal role of prey dispersal in shaping population dynamics.
Robust Generalized Loss-Based Nonlinear Filtering with Generalized Conversion
Authors: Kuang Zhijian , Wang Shiyuan , Zheng Yunfei
Published: February 2025

To address the nonlinear state estimation problem, the generalized conversion filter (GCF) is proposed using a general conversion of the measurement under minimum mean square error (MMSE) criterion. However, the performance of the GCF significantly deteriorates in the presence of complex non-Gaussian noise as the symmetry of the MMSE is compromised, leading to performance degradation. To address this issue, this paper proposes a new GCF, named generalized loss-based GCF (GLGCF) by utilizing the generalized loss (GL) as the loss function instead of the MMSE criterion. In contrast to other robust loss functions, the GL adjusts the shape of the function through the shape parameter, allowing it to adapt to various complex noise environments. Meanwhile, a linear regression model is developed to obtain residual vectors, and the negative log-likelihood of GL is introduced to avoid the problem of manually selecting the shape parameter. The proposed GLGCF not only retains the advantage of GCF in handling strong measurement nonlinearity, but also exhibits robust performance against non-Gaussian noises. Finally, simulations on the target-tracking problem validate the strong robustness and high filtering accuracy of the proposed nonlinear state estimation algorithm in the presence of non-Gaussian noise.
Why Poincare Symmetry Is a Good Approximate Symmetry in Particle Theory
Authors: Lev Felix M.
Published: February 2025

As shown by Dyson in his famous paper “Missed Opportunities”, it follows, even from purely mathematical considerations, that quantum Poincare symmetry is a special degenerate case of quantum de Sitter symmetries. Thus, the usual explanation of why, in particle physics, Poincare symmetry works with a very high accuracy is as follows. A theory in de Sitter space becomes a theory in Minkowski space when the radius of de Sitter space is very high. However, the answer to this question must be given only in terms of quantum concepts, while de Sitter and Minkowski spaces are purely classical concepts. Quantum Poincare symmetry is a good approximate symmetry if the eigenvalues of the representation operators M4μ of the anti-de Sitter algebra are much greater than the eigenvalues of the operators Mμν (μ,ν=0,1,2,3). We explicitly show that this is the case in the Flato–Fronsdal approach, where elementary particles in standard theory are bound states of two Dirac singletons.
A Tripartite Evolutionary Game Analysis of Enterprise Data Sharing Under Government Regulations
Authors: Dong Ying , Sun Zhongyuan , Qiu Luyi
Published: February 2025

The tripartite evolutionary game model focuses on the strategic choices and evolutionary laws of three parties in dynamic interaction. By constructing a tripartite evolutionary game model involving the government, Enterprise A, and Enterprise B, this paper analyzes the strategic choices of enterprise data sharing from the perspective of government regulation and uses the simulation method to assign and simulate the parameters of the model. Furthermore, the evolutionary trends of the behavioral strategies of the three parties are analyzed under the changes of factors such as the government’s regulation costs, government penalties, government rewards, and the compensation fees for enterprises to obtain shared data. The findings indicate that when the benefits obtained by enterprises from data sharing are relatively high, and the compensation fees incurred by enterprises to obtain the other party’s data are sufficient to compensate for the losses caused by the other party’s data sharing, enterprises will tend to choose “data-sharing”. At this time, the combined strategy of “no-regulation, data-sharing, data-sharing” reaches an equilibrium point. In this combination strategy, the initial willingness of the government and enterprises will not affect the final evolutionary result. The government’s regulation costs, government penalties, and government rewards will not affect the final behavioral strategy evolutionary result for the government and enterprises. However, the compensation fees for enterprises to obtain shared data will affect the final evolutionary direction of the three parties. When the compensation fees for enterprises to obtain shared data are low, enterprises are more inclined toward “no-data-sharing”.
Deep Learning-Based Tumor Segmentation of Murine Magnetic Resonance Images of Prostate Cancer Patient-Derived Xenografts
Authors: Nayak Satvik , Salkever Henry , Diaz Ernesto , Sinha Avantika , Deveshwar Nikhil , Hess Madeline , Gibbons Matthew , Sahin Sule , Rajagopal Abhejit , Larson Peder E. Z. , Sriram Renuka
Published: February 2025

Background/Objective: Longitudinal in vivo studies of murine xenograft models are widely utilized in oncology to study cancer biology and develop therapies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of these tumors is an invaluable tool for monitoring tumor growth and characterizing the tumors as well. Methods: In this work, a pipeline for automating the segmentation of xenografts in mouse models was developed. T2-weighted (T2-wt) MRI images from mice implanted with six different prostate cancer patient-derived xenografts (PDX) in the kidneys, liver, and tibia were used. The segmentation pipeline included a slice classifier to identify the slices that had tumors and subsequent training and validation using several U-Net-based segmentation architectures. Multiple combinations of the algorithm and training images for different sites were evaluated for inference quality. Results and Conclusions: The slice classifier network achieved 90% accuracy in identifying slices containing tumors. Among the various segmentation architectures tested, the dense residual recurrent U-Net achieved the highest performance in kidney tumors. When evaluated across the kidneys, tibia, and liver, this architecture performed the best when trained on all data as compared to training on only data from a single site (and inferring on a multi-site tumor images), achieving a Dice score of 0.924 across the test set.
Transcriptome Profiling Reveals That the African Swine Fever Virus C315R Exploits the IL-6 STAT3 Signaling Axis to Facilitate Virus Replication
Authors: Geng Shuxian , Zhang Zhonghui , Fan Jie , Sun Hualin , Yang Jifei , Luo Jianxun , Guan Guiquan , Yin Hong , Zeng Qiaoying , Niu Qingli
Published: February 2025

African swine fever (ASF) is an acute and highly contagious disease that has caused great losses in the past years. It is caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV), which is a large DNA virus encoding about 165 genes. It has been shown that the purified extracellular ASFV is internalized by both constitutive macropinocytosis and clathrin-mediated endocytosis, and the virus utilizes apoptotic bodies for infection and cell cell transmission. The ASFV-encoded RNA polymerase subunit C315R is thought to play an important role in ASFV replication and transcription. However, its involvement in ASFV infection, particularly in host response, remains only partially understood. In this study, the role of C315R in enhancing ASFV replication was investigated through RNA-Seq transcriptomic analysis, which was based on 3D4/21 cells transfected the plasmid expressing HA-tagged C315R or the empty vector. Our findings revealed that C315R significantly upregulates the expression of inflammatory mediators with a particular emphasis on IL-6. The most differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were predominantly associated with the TNF, IL-17, MAPK, and JAK STAT signaling pathways. RNA-seq results were validated through RT-PCR. Subsequently, we observed that ASFV infection increases IL-6 expression and STAT3 phosphorylation, which is regulated by the ASFV C315R protein. Notably, inhibiting STAT3 phosphorylation with specific inhibitors suppressed ASFV replication. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the ASFV C315R protein actives STAT3 phosphorylation through promoting the transcription of IL-6 to facilitate virus replication. These findings highlight C315R as a positive regulator in the IL-6 STAT3 signaling axis during ASFV infection.
Immunogenicity of Rabies Virus G-Protein mRNA Formulated with Muscle-Targeting Lipid Nanoparticles in Mice
Authors: Li Qin , Bai Huarong , Yu Xueliang , Liu Qiang , Hu Rongkuan
Published: February 2025

Background: Rabies is a preventable zoonotic disease caused by the rabies virus (RABV) with a high mortality rate. Most vaccines on the market or under development have issues, such as low single-dose neutralization titer, complex processes, and high costs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the successful development of mRNA vaccines opened up a new avenue for preventive vaccines. As a new technology, mRNA has higher scalability. Methods: In this study, we designed an mRNA encoding the RV-G protein, encapsulated by our own muscle-targeting lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), and evaluated the expression of the RV-G protein in vitro, its immunogenicity, and its protection against virus infection in vivo. Results: The results show that RV-G mRNA was significantly expressed in vitro. High Virus-IgG binding titers and virus-neutralizing antibody titers (VNT) were induced by immunization with RV-G mRNA-LNP. Additionally, our results showed that the RV-G mRNA vaccine is better than commercially available vaccines in mice. Conclusions: Our research highlights the potential of the mRNA-LNP platform in developing next-generation rabies vaccines.
Exploration of a GMMA-Based Bivalent Vaccine Against Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Ou Qikun , Lu Lu , Zhai Lina , Sang Shuli , Guan Yiyan , Xiong Yuling , Liu Chunjie , Wang Haibin , Hu Qiping , Wang Yanchun
Published: February 2025

Background: An emerging trend of mutual convergence between drug-resistant and highly virulent strains of K. pneumoniae has been identified, highlighting the urgent need for the development of novel vaccines. Methods: To delete the target genes and eliminate the plasmids carrying antibiotic resistance genes, CRISPR-Cas9 technology was employed to perform genome editing on a clinically isolated O2 serotype of K. pneumoniae. Subsequently, this strain was utilized as a host to express genes associated with the synthesis of O1 serotype LPSs to construct the recombinant strain capable of simultaneously expressing LPSs of both O1 and O2 serotypes. This recombinant strain was then used as the production strain for the preparation of vaccines based on GMMAs (Generalized Modules for Membrane Antigens), and its biological characteristics were characterized. Finally, the safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine were evaluated using mice as the model animals. Result: a GMMA vaccine characterized by a high yield and low toxicity was gained. Importantly, the lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) of both O1 and O2 serotypes of K. pneumoniae were successfully expressed on the surface of the outer membrane vesicles. Following immunization with the GMMA vaccine, mice were capable of producing antibodies against the GMMA and demonstrated resistance to the invasion of both serotypes of clinically isolated K. pneumoniae. Conclusions: The GMMA vaccine showed significant promise as a bivalent vaccine against K. pneumoniae.
Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Associated with Tail Length and Tail Kinks in Piglets
Authors: Gerhards Katharina , Egerer Christiane , Becker Sabrina , Willems Hermann , Engel Petra , Koenig Sven , Reiner Gerald
Published: February 2025

Tail docking is still used in pigs to reduce the prevalence of tail biting, although it is purely symptomatic and contrary to animal welfare. Genetic selection for shorter tails might, however, help to avoid tail docking and has therefore been proposed. A genetic basis for tail length is known for many species. Variability in tail length, including moderate heritability, has also been demonstrated in pigs. The aim of the present study was to identify genetic markers for tail length and to define candidate genes. To this end, 140 piglets were phenotyped and genotyped at 3 days of age and a genome-wide association study was performed. Seven SNPs were mapped on chromosomes 1, 2, 6, 11, and 15. Two linked SNPs on chromosome 2 resulted in a functional amino acid exchange. The genotypes at the SNPs were only associated with small differences in relative tail length of up to 16.5% (short genotype versus long genotype at SSC15), but at the same time with the occurrence of malformations in the form of tail kinks. The small effect size and the association between tail length and tail kinks, together with the generally pure symptomatic effect on tail biting, argue against the applicability of selection for shorter tails in pigs.
Spatio-Temporal Patterns of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Phthalates Deposition in Sediments of Reservoirs: Impact of Some Environmental Factors
Authors: Gruca-Rokosz Renata , Cieśla Maksymilian , Kida Małgorzata , Ignatowicz Katarzyna
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study is to assess the accumulation rates of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and phthalic acid esters (PAEs) in the Nielisz Reservoir. Sediment traps were used at three sites: the upper (N1 station), central (N2 station), and near-dam (N3 station) zones, where they were installed at the bottom in the littoral zone of the reservoir at depths ranging from approximately 1.6 m to 2.5 m. Sampling took place from June to August 2019, and entrapped sediments were analyzed for 16 PAHs and 11 PAEs. Four PAHs, naphthalene (NAP), phenanthrene (PHE), benzo(b)fluoranthene (B(b)F), and benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P), and two PAEs—di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)—were identified. Among PAHs, 5-ring compounds dominated, while DBP was the most common PAE. PAH and PAE concentrations in entrapped sediments showed both temporal and spatial variability, but no clear trends were established. The accumulation rate of Σ4PAH ranged from 47.8 to 458 μg/m2d, with a decreasing trend from the inflow to the dam. The light-to-heavy PAH ratio suggests a pyrogenic origin. Σ2PAE fluxes were lower, between 1.81 and 17.6 μg/m2d, with no clear spatial variation along the reservoir. Ecotoxicological analysis indicated that PAHs and PAEs could occasionally harm benthic organisms, mainly due to B(b)F. The deposition rates of both PAHs and PAEs are strongly linked to the accumulation of suspended particulate matter (SPM) and organic carbon, particularly of autochthonous origin. Additionally, the pH and salinity of the water significantly influence the accumulation rate of the studied contaminants, especially PAHs.
Imaging of Groundwater Salinity and Seawater Intrusion in Subiya Peninsula, Northern Kuwait, Using Transient Electromagnetics
Authors: Bou-Rabee Firyal , Yogeshwar Pritam , Burberg Sven , Tezkan Bülent , Duane Michael , Ibraheem Ismael M.
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the presence and spatial extent of saline water and seawater intrusion in the Subiya Peninsula, Kuwait, a region designated for the establishment of the new Silk City. We collected transient electromagnetic (TEM) data at 63 stations using a coincident loop setup on a regional, as well as local, scale. The data were analyzed through conventional 1D inversion techniques, including Occam and Levenberg–Marquardt methods, to create detailed resistivity models of the subsurface. Our findings indicate significant variations in groundwater salinity, with increased salinity towards the coast and partly decreasing resistivity with depth, suggesting a transition from brackish to saline water. In the northern region, close to the Abdali farms and Al-Raudhatain freshwater fields, groundwater remains fresher at greater depths, while in the south, saline conditions are encountered, occurring at shallower depths. Local scale analysis reveals potential saltwater intrusion pathways and highlighted geological features such as faults. A thorough understanding of the hydrogeological conditions is crucial, as saltwater injection for oil recovery is common in Kuwait, and may correlate with present-day seismic activity. These insights are critical for the sustainable planning and development of Silk City, emphasizing the necessity for further geophysical studies and borehole data to ensure construction safety and sustainable water supply management. This research provides a foundational understanding of the hydrogeological conditions essential for the successful implementation of the Silk City project and for groundwater management in northern Kuwait.
Geological and Hydrographic Aspects of Dissolved Methane Distribution Within Gulf of Patience, Sakhalin Island: Marine Expedition Results in Warm Season of 2024 and Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Syrbu Nadezhda , Kholmogorov Andrei , Lobanov Vyacheslav , Stepochkin Igor
Published: February 2025

In the warm season of 2024, we conducted sampling and measurements of gas-geochemical parameters in seawater, including dissolved methane, helium, and hydrogen, in the Gulf of Patience and the eastern shelf of Sakhalin Island in the Sea of Okhotsk during cruise 71 of R/V Akademik Oparin. We identified a large area of bottom degassing, indicating high potential for oil and gas in this region. The fields of increased methane concentrations extend from the seabed to the lower boundary of the seasonal thermocline but do not extend into deeper parts of the Sea of Okhotsk due to the strong stratification of water in the bay. Cold, dense water lies at the bottom, and warmer, less-saline water is on the surface, creating a barrier which prevents movement of dissolved methane into the upper layer. The formation of mesoscale eddies over the continental slope to the southeast of the Gulf of Patience also contributes to preventing methane reaching the water and spreading into the deep Kuril Basin during the warm season.
Smart Charging and V2G: Enhancing a Hybrid Energy Storage System with Intelligent and Bidirectional EV Charging
Authors: Franzelin Thomas , Schwarz Sarah , Rinderknecht Stephan
Published: February 2025

Energy storage systems and intelligent charging infrastructures are critical components addressing the challenges arising with the growth of renewables and the rising energy demand. Hybrid energy storage systems, in particular, are promising, as they combine two or more types of energy storage technologies with complementary characteristics to enhance the overall performance. Managing electric vehicle charging enables the demand to align with fluctuating generation, while storage systems can enhance energy flexibility and reliability. In the case of bidirectional charging, EVs can even function as mobile, flexible storage systems that can be integrated into the grid. This paper introduces a novel testing environment that integrates unidirectional and bidirectional charging infrastructures into an existing hybrid energy storage system. It describes the test environment in technical detail, explains the functionality, and outlines its usefulness in practical applications. The test system not only supports grid integration but also expands the degrees of freedom for testing, enabling flexible and realistic experimental setups. This environment facilitates comprehensive investigations into EV behavior, charging strategies, control algorithms, and user interactions. It provides a platform for exploring the possibilities, limitations, and optimal use cases for smart charging and hybrid storage systems in practice.
IMPORTANCIA DE LA MONITORIZACIÓN DE ENZIMAS HEPÁTICAS EN EL TRATAMIENTO CON TRIMETOPRIM/SULFAMETOXAZOL.
Authors: García Carro Celia , Puerto Cabeza Carmen Gracia , Larrayad Sanz Sheila , González Fernández Gema , Arias Pérez Julia , Padilla Apuntate Nuria
Published: February 2025

El elevado porcentaje de reacciones adversas medicamentosas supone un significativo impacto en la salud pública actual. Es de especial importancia una evaluación continua de los riesgos y beneficios que presentan los tratamientos farmacológicos, tanto en la práctica clínica como en el proceso de diseño y desarrollo de nuevos fármacos. En particular, la toxicidad hepática inducida por el consumo de fármacos (DILI), es una de las complicaciones más graves asociadas al uso de medicamentos. Aunque su prevalencia es baja, sus manifestaciones clínicas pueden ser irreversibles, siendo el trasplante hepático una de las pocas opciones terapéuticas disponibles si no se diagnostica o predice de forma temprana. En este contexto, se presenta el caso de un varón de 58 años en tratamiento con Trimetoprim/Sulfametoxazol por sepsis asociada a herida quirúrgica. Este caso resalta la necesidad de monitorizar y mantener una vigilancia constante en aquellos pacientes cuyo tratamiento pueda conllevar riesgo de hepatotoxicidad.
MANEJO CLÍNICO DEL CÁNCER DE LARINGE.
Authors: Larrayad Sanz Sheila , Arias Pérez Julia , García Carro Celia , Puerto Cabeza Carmen Gracia , González Fernández Gema
Published: February 2025

El cáncer de laringe es un tipo de cáncer que se origina en la laringe, el órgano encargado de la producción de la voz. Esta enfermedad generalmente afecta a las células del revestimiento de la laringe y puede presentarse en diferentes áreas: la glotis (donde se encuentran las cuerdas vocales), el supraglótico (por encima de las cuerdas vocales) y el subglótico (por debajo de las cuerdas vocales). El principal factor de riesgo para desarrollar cáncer de laringe es el consumo de tabaco, ya sea fumado o masticado, seguido por el consumo excesivo de alcohol. La combinación de estos dos factores incrementa significativamente el riesgo. Otros factores incluyen la exposición a sustancias químicas, la radioterapia previa en la zona de cabeza y cuello, y antecedentes familiares de cáncer. Los síntomas comunes incluyen ronquera, dolor al tragar, dificultad para respirar, tos persistente y la presencia de bultos en el cuello. El diagnóstico se realiza mediante una laringoscopia, biopsia y pruebas de imagen como tomografías o resonancias magnéticas. El tratamiento depende de la localización y el estadio del cáncer e incluye opciones como cirugía, radioterapia y quimioterapia. En la actualidad, si se detecta a tiempo, las posibilidades de tratamiento y recuperación son altas1,3,4,8,9.
ALERGIA AL VENENO DE ABEJA. A PROPÓSITO DE UN CASO.
Authors: Arias Pérez Julia , González Fernández Gema , Puerto Cabeza Carmen Gracia , Larrayad Sanz Sheila , García Carro Celia
Published: February 2025

La hipersensibilidad al veneno de abeja es una de las principales causas de anafilaxia IgE mediadas en adultos. Uno de los principales factores de riesgo para desarrollar hipersensibilidad es dedicarse a la apicultura. Existen múltiples alérgenos a los que el paciente puede estar sensibilizado siendo el alérgeno principal la fosfolipasa A2. Estos pacientes deberán estar entrenados en el uso de dispositivos de adrenalinas autoinyectables para administrarse en caso de reacciones de hipersensibilidad tras su picadura. La inmunoterapia específica contra el veneno de abeja estará indicada en aquellos pacientes con reacciones sistémicas y un mecanismo IgE mediado demostrado, esto ayudará a proteger al paciente de cara a futuras picaduras.
Some principles of using plants in landscape architecture of Absheron
Authors:   Baku central botanic garden, Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan, Ahmadzade Gyunel Tarlan kyzy
Published: February 2025

The purpose of the study was to analyze the factors affecting the choice and use of plants in landscape architecture in the natural and climatic conditions of the Absheron Peninsula. The subject of research was environmental factors affecting various types of plants used in landscaping. It is noted that the natural vegetationof the Absheron Peninsula belongs to the semi-desert type of vegetation. Therefore, plants for landscaping the territory must be chosen correctly. To this end, the biological and ecological characteristics of the plants used should be studied in detail. Because most of the plants used in the landscaping of the Absheron Peninsula are currently imported from separate botanical and geographical areas. It is noted that when planting and growing plants, a number of conditions should be taken into account: soil factor; climatic factors; soil type; newly brought plants; intensity of sunlight from other factors. For example, the soil type of Absheron is not suitable for many plants, including plants brought here from different countries in recent years. The natural life form of plants determines which group the plant belongs to and depends on their origin, the environment of growth and the biomorphological characteristics that they acquired during evolution. Life forms of plants include groups such as tree-type plants; shrub-type plants; herbal-type plants; lianas. Examples of plants used in landscape landscaping, for example, eldar pine (Pinus eldarica), italian pine (Pinus pinea), evergreen cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.), Arizona cypress (Hesperocyparis arizona) and others are given in the article. It is noted that in many cases there is a need for landscape restoration work. Restoration works should be carried out in such a way that there is not too much damage to previously planted and surviving plants.
Em torno da Natureza das coisas e das imagens
Authors: Vieira Elisa Amorim
Published: February 2025

Abstract:This article seeks to analyze representations of nature present in the photobook Nature of Things, by Pedro Motta, based on the reading of the poem On the Nature of Things - De rerum natura, by Tito Lucrécio. This examination argues that, when constructing his description of the nature of things through an Epicurian-based philosophical-scientific treatise, the Roman poet explores both the ways in which truth should be expressed, and truth as a theme in itself. In turn, the six photographic series analyzed from Motta's photobook, reveal an ambiguous game between reality and fiction, which is fundamental to insert these pieces in the field of contemporary aesthetics, at the same time as they demonstrate the ethical concern that permeates the artist's work. Through a careful analysis of these two homonymous pieces, this article reflects upon today's devastating process of exploitation, commodification, and deterioration of nature.
Tren Penelitian Kepesantrenan (Studi Bibliometrik terhadap Skripsi Bertema Pesantren di Fakultas Tarbiyah IAI Al-Qolam Malang Tahun 2015-2022)
Authors: Muhammad Hilal
Published: February 2025

Di tengah maraknya penelitian tentang pesantren, hampir tidak ada yang mengkaji penelitian-penelitian tersebut dengan pendekatan bibliometrik. Hal ini berbeda dengan kajian bibliometrik terhadap penelitian di bidang ilmu lain. Untuk mengisi kekosongan tersebut, penelitian ini hadir dengan tujuan spesifik untuk mengetahui tren penelitian bertema pesantrean di dalam skripsi yang dihasilkan oleh mahasiswa Fakultas Tarbiyah IAI Al-Qolam Malang selama tujuh tahun, yaitu sejak 2015 hingga 2022. Metode penelitian bibliometrik digunakan untuk melacak produktivitas, peta topik, peta supervisi dan tipe penelitian dalam skripsi-skripsi tersebut. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat 197 skripsi bertema pesantren yang diproduksi oleh mahasiswa Fakultas Tarbiyah selama periode tahun 2015-2022. Dari jumlah tersebut, terdapat lima tema skripsi kepesantrenan, yaitu ‘kiai’ (17 buah), ‘masjid’ (16 buah), ‘santri’ (55 buah), ‘pondok’ (61 buah), ‘pengajaran ilmu agama’ (48 buah). Semua tema ini tersebar ke 40 orang dosen pembimbing. Jenis penelitian kualitatif paling sering dipakai oleh mahasiswa untuk meneliti pesantren (175 buah), disusul jenis penelitian kuantitatif (16 buah), kemudian PTK (3 buah), selanjutnya metode gabungan dan R&D (masing-masing sebuah).
Kata Kunci: Tren penelitian, kajian kepesantrenan, bibliometrik
INTEGRASI PEMBELAJARAN FIKIH WANITA DALAM MENJAGA KESEHATAN REPRODUKSI REMAJA PADA SANTRIWATI AL-ISLAM YOGYAKARTA
Authors: Fitri Zulfa Laila , Waharjani  , Jannatul Husna
Published: February 2025

Pendidikan kesehatan reproduksi pada remaja merupakan isu penting karena banyaknya kasus kehamilan tidak diinginkan dan kekerasan seksual yang melibatkan remaja. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui bagaimana pembelajaran fikih wanita membantu menjaga kesehatan reproduksi remaja di kalangan santriwati Al-Islam di Yogyakarta. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan studi kasus; pengumpulan data menggunakan observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pembelajaran fikih wanita di pesantren Al-Islam menggabungkan materi kesehatan reproduksi dengan cara yang menggabungkan ajaran agama dengan pengetahuan kesehatan. Ceramah, diskusi, dan evaluasi adalah metode pembelajaran yang digunakan. Santriwati menunjukkan pemahaman yang baik tentang pentingnya menjaga kesehatan reproduksi, yang sesuai dengan ajaran Islam mencakup aspek fisik dan moral.
Menciptakan Pesantren Berkemajuan Sebagai Bagian dari Ekosistem Pintar Era Society 5.0
Authors: Satria Kamal Akhmad
Published: February 2025

Society 5.0 menuntut pesantren untuk beradaptasi dengan perkembangan teknologi tanpa mengabaikan nilai-nilai Islam. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi relevansi konsep society 5.0 terhadap pendidikan pesantren dan strategi yang dapat diterapkan untuk menjadi bagian dari ekosistem pintar. Melalui pendekatan Systematic Literature Review (SLR), penelitian ini menemukan bahwa beberapa pesantren telah mengadopsi teknologi digital dalam kurikulum mereka, seperti e-learning dan literasi digital. Namun, kendala seperti infrastruktur teknologi dan sumber daya manusia yang terbatas menjadi tantangan utama. Penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa pesantren memiliki potensi besar untuk tetap relevan dan berkontribusi di era digital, selama pesantren mau terus berinovasi dan berkolaborasi dengan berbagai pihak.