bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface Grafting of Graphene Flakes with Fluorescent Dyes: A Tailored Functionalization Approach
Authors: Vlamidis Ylea , Marinelli Carmela , Moscardini Aldo , Faraci Paolo , Heun Stefan , Veronesi Stefano
Published: February 2025

The controlled functionalization of graphene is critical for tuning and enhancing its properties, thereby expanding its potential applications. Covalent functionalization offers a deeper tuning of the geometric and electronic structure of graphene compared to non-covalent methods; however, the existing techniques involve side reactions and spatially uncontrolled functionalization, pushing research toward more selective and controlled methods. A promising approach is 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition, successfully utilized with carbon nanotubes. In the present work, this method has been extended to graphene flakes with low defect concentration. A key innovation is the use of a custom-synthesized ylide with a protected amine group (Boc), facilitating subsequent attachment of functional molecules. Indeed, after Boc cleavage, fluorescent dyes (Atto 425, 465, and 633) were covalently linked via NHS ester derivatization. This approach represents a highly selective method of minimizing structural damage. Successful functionalization was demonstrated by Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and confocal microscopy, confirming the effectiveness of the method. This novel approach offers a versatile platform, enabling its use in biological imaging, sensing, and advanced nanodevices. The method paves the way for the development of sensors and devices capable of anchoring a wide range of molecules, including quantum dots and nanoparticles. Therefore, it represents a significant advancement in graphene-based technologies.
Optimized Hesperidin-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles with Tea Tree Oil for Enhanced Wound Healing: Formulation, Characterization, and Evaluation
Authors: Arneth Borros , Abdelmonem Rehab , El-Nabarawi Mohamed A. , Teaima Mahmoud Hassan , Rashwan Kareem Omar , Soliman Mohamed A. , Al-Samadi Inas Essam Ibrahim
Published: February 2025

Objectives: This study aimed to develop hesperidin solid lipid nanoparticles (HESP-SLNs) to enhance their stability, solubility, and sustained release for wound healing; further enhancement was achieved through prepared nanostructured lipid carriers (HESP-NLCs) using Tea Tree Oil (TTO) to explore their synergistic efficacy. Methods: A factorial design of 24 trials was established to evaluate the influence of lipid type (X1), lipid conc (%) (X2), surfactant type (X3), and sonication amplitude (%) (X4) of prepared HESP-SLNs on the particle size (nm) (Y1), polydispersibility index (Y2), zeta potential (Y3), and encapsulation efficiency (%) (Y4). The optimized HESP-SLNs formula was selected utilizing Design Expert® software version 13, which was additionally enhanced by preparing TTO-loaded HESP-NLCs. In vitro release, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were carried out for both lipid nanoparticles. Cytotoxicity, in vivo wound-healing assessments, and skin irritancy tests were performed to evaluate the performance of TTO-incorporated HESP-NLCs compared to HESP-SLNs. Results: The optimized formula demonstrated PS (280 ± 1.35 nm), ZP (−39.4 ± 0.92 mV), PDI (0.239 ± 0.012), and EE% (88.2 ± 2.09%). NLCs enhanced Q6% release, (95.14%) vs. (79.69%), for SLNs and showed superior antimicrobial efficacy. Both lipid nanoparticles exhibited spherical morphology and compatibility between HESP and excipients. NLCs achieved the highest wound closure percentage, supported by histological analysis and inflammatory biomarker outcomes. Cytotoxicity evaluation showed 87% cell viability compared to untreated HSF cells, and the skin irritancy test confirmed the safety of NLCs. Conclusions: TTO-loaded HESP-NLCs are promising candidates exhibiting superior wound-healing capabilities, making them a potential therapeutic option for cutaneous wound management.
Antitumor Efficacy of Interleukin 12-Transfected Mesenchymal Stem Cells in B16-F10 Mouse Melanoma Tumor Model
Authors: Kamenšek Urška , Božič Tim , Čemažar Maja , Švajger Urban
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) hold the potential for tumor-targeted gene delivery due to their ex vivo manipulability, low immunogenicity, scalability, and inherent tumor-homing properties. Despite the widespread use of viral vectors for MSC genetic modification, safety concerns have prompted interest in non-viral alternatives, such as gene electrotransfer (GET). This study aimed to optimize GET parameters for MSCs transfection, assess MSCs biodistribution after in vivo administration, and evaluate the therapeutic potential of interleukin-12 (IL-12)-modified MSCs in a mouse melanoma model. Methods: Human MSCs were isolated from umbilical cords under ethically approved protocols. GET protocols were optimized using a fluorescent reporter gene to evaluate transfection efficiency and cell viability. MSC biodistribution was examined following intravenous and intratumoral injections in murine tumor models using luminescent reporter gene. The therapeutic efficacy of IL-12-modified MSCs was assessed in a syngeneic mouse melanoma model. Results: Optimized GET protocols achieved a transfection efficiency of 80% and a cell viability of 90%. Biodistribution studies demonstrated effective tumor retention of MSCs following intratumoral injections, whereas intravenous administration resulted in predominant cell localization in the lungs. IL-12-modified MSCs injected intratumorally significantly inhibited tumor growth, delaying tumor progression by five days compared to controls. Conclusions: Optimized GET conditions enabled high-efficiency, high-viability MSCs transfection, facilitating their use as effective vehicles for localized cytokine delivery. While the innate tumor tropism of MSCs was not conclusively demonstrated, the study highlights the potential of GET as a reliable non-viral gene delivery platform and underscores the therapeutic promise of IL-12-modified MSCs in tumor-targeted gene therapy.
Topical Therapy in Psoriasis: Clinical Benefits, Advances in Novel Drug Delivery Strategies, and Gene Therapy Regimen
Authors: Zhu Ying , Zhou Yong , Ma Xiaonan , Duan Zhenduo , Xu Hong , Li Yuanyuan , Kong Yunfan , Yang Lei , Xin Xiaofei
Published: February 2025

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease with a complex pathogenesis, influenced by various factors involving environment, genes, and immunity. The main symptoms of psoriasis include erythema, scales, itching, etc. At present, therapeutic drugs for psoriasis are continually evolving towards enhancing treatment efficacy and reducing side effects. Firstly, the pathogenesis and characteristics of psoriasis were summarized. Then, the types and benefits of topical therapy were introduced, such as the aspects of avoiding systemic toxic effects, first pass effect, and gastrointestinal reactions with accelerating the onset time of the drugs and improving its efficacy, and were compared to systemic drugs. In the case of methotrexate, cyclosporin A, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, and phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitors, this review had a further discussion on the improvement and translation of these molecules from systemic therapy to topical therapy in clinical practice. To further augment the limitation of skin permeability, nanotechnology and novel topical drug delivery system including nanomedicines, hydrogels, ionic liquids, and microneedles were elaborated for psoriasis management. Also, exploration of topical targeting pathogenic genes through small interfering RNA (siRNA) using nanoparticles and ionic liquids (ILs) is of great significance for long-term treatment in psoriasis. Taken together, the development of numerous topical delivery platforms is expected to achieve enhanced penetration, and precise and efficient delivery of small molecule and RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics in psoriasis with clinical translation prospects.
The Effect of Solvent Choice on Antioxidant Potential and Chemical Composition of Extracts from Microalgae Chaetocerus costatus
Authors: Frleta Matas Roberta , Čagalj Martina , Jelušić Katarina , Radman Sanja , Šimat Vida
Published: February 2025

This study aim to compare the extraction yield, antioxidant potential, and chemical composition of Chaetoceros costatus extracted with acetone, ethanol, and hexane. The freeze-dried diatom biomass was extracted by ultrasonication for 1 h at 40 °C. The antioxidant capacity was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), while the chemical profiles of the extracts were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization (UHPLC-ESI-HRMS). The ORAC assay showed a 27% higher activity of the acetone extract, while the DPPH assay showed almost 3-fold higher DPPH inhibition. Pigments, fatty acids, sterols, and their derivatives were identified in all extracts. The chemical composition of ethanolic and acetonic extracts did not differ significantly, and hexane yielded the fewest compounds. The results of this study will contribute to extraction challenges that limit biotechnological application and exploitation of diatoms.
Evaluation of Shear Bond Strength and Failure Modes of Lithium Disilicate Ceramic Veneering Material to Different High-Performance Polymers
Authors: Alnafaiy Sarah M. , Labban Nawaf , Albaijan Refal , AlKahtani Rawan N. , Al-Aali Khulud A. , Abozaed Heba Wageh , Alturki Nada Y. , Alenezi Jomana E.
Published: February 2025

This study assessed the shear bond strength (SBS) and failure modes of lithium disilicate ceramic veneering material to different high-performance polymers. Thirty-six square specimens measuring 7 × 7 × 2 ± 0.05 mm were prepared from pure polyetheretherketone (PEEK), Bio-high performance PEEK (BioHPP) and Trilor discs. Polymer specimens were air-borne abraded utilizing aluminum oxide particles, cleaned, and a bonding agent was applied (visio. link). The veneering LDC material (3 × 2 mm) was milled, hydrofluoric acid etched (9.5%) and primed (Clearfil ceramic). The LDC was bonded to the polymer specimens using dual-cured resin cement (Panavia V5) and light polymerized. The bonded specimens were subjected to 5000 cycles of physiological aging by thermocycling, and the SBS test was performed in a universal testing machine at 0.5 mm/min cross-head speed. The debonded specimens were analyzed to determine the primary bond failure sites (adhesive, mixed or cohesive). Data analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and a post hoc Tukey test (α ≤ 0.05). The BioHPP material demonstrated the highest SBS values (23.94 ± 1.43 MPa), and the Trilor group recorded the lowest SBS values (17.09 ± 1.07 MPa). The PEEK group showed a mean SBS of 21.21 ± 1.51 MPa. The SBS comparison showed significant variations across all material groups (p < 0.001). Regarding failure modes, adhesive failure was observed in 40% of BioHPP and PEEK specimens and 90% of Trilor specimens. The cohesive failure occurred in 50% of PEEK and 30% of BioHPP specimens, while the Trilor specimens showed no cohesive failure. Mixed failures were reported in 30% of BioHPP and 10% of PEEK and Trilor specimens. The BioHPP material demonstrated high SBS followed by PEEK and Trilor. The SBS between the tested materials was statistically significant. However, the SBS of the tested implant framework materials was above the limit stipulated by the ISO 10477 standard (5 MPa) and the clinically acceptable range of 10–12 MPa.
Research Advances in Natural Polymers for Environmental Remediation
Authors: Sheraz Muhammad , Sun Xiao-Feng , Siddiqui Adeena , Hu Sihai , Song Zhengcang
Published: February 2025

The search for sustainable and efficient remediation techniques is required to control increasing environmental pollution caused by synthetic dyes, heavy metal ions, and other harmful pollutants. From this point of view, natural polymers like chitosan, cellulose, lignin, and pectin have been found highly promising due to their biodegradability, availability, and possibility of chemical functionalization. Natural polymers possess inherent adsorption properties that can be further enhanced by cross-linking and surface activation. This review discusses the main properties, adsorption mechanisms, and functional groups such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amino groups responsible for pollutant sequestration. The paper also emphasizes the effectiveness of natural polymers in removing heavy metals and dyes from wastewater and discusses recent advances in polymer modifications, including ionic crosslinking and grafting. This study underlines the ecological potential of natural polymer-based adsorbents in the treatment of wastewater and the protection of the environment as a sustainable solution to pollution challenges.
Adhesive Hemostatic Flake Particulates Composed of Calcium Alginate–Starch–Polyacrylamide/Poly(Acrylic Acid) Ionic Networks
Authors: Ko Yunjeh , Kim Eun Jin , Kwon Oh Hyeong
Published: February 2025

Hemostatic particles have specific advantages when applied to narrow and complicated bleeding sites with convenient usage compared to other types of hemostatic agents such as fabrics, foams, and pastes. However, powdery hemostatic agents are easy to desorb from the bleeding surface due to blood flow, which causes a serious decrease in hemostasis function. Here, we introduce bioresorbable flake particulates composed of calcium alginate, starch and polyacrylamide/poly(acrylic acid) ionic networks as a wound adhesive hemostatic agent. The microstructure, chemical characteristics and blood infiltration of the flake hemostatic agent were analyzed. In vitro blood absorption, coagulation ability, adhesion force, cytotoxicity and in vivo bioresorption with biological safety were investigated. The tissue adhesive force of the hemostatic flakes showed a consistently higher value (−0.67 ± 0.06 N axial force) than AristaTM AH powder. The in vivo rat hepatic hemorrhage model analysis demonstrated a significantly improved hemostasis rate in the flake group (36 ± 5 s) by wound adhesion and quick blood absorption. This adhesive flake particulate hemostatic is expected to provide an advanced option for medical treatments.
Preparation and Mechanism of EP-HMTA-SiO2 Nanocomposite Polymer Gel for Enhancing Oil Recovery
Authors: Zhang Weiyou , Sun Yongpeng , Meng Xianghua , Dou Rutong
Published: February 2025

During oilfield production, organic substances such as asphaltenes and resins present in crude oil are prone to adsorb onto the surfaces of reservoir rocks. This adsorption process can lead to the conversion of hydrophilic rock surfaces into more oleophilic interfaces, which in turn reduces the permeability and porosity of the reservoir, ultimately affecting the overall recovery efficiency. Consequently, targeted modification of reservoir wettability presents a promising strategy for enhancing recovery rates. In this study, a polymer layer comprising large molecular side chains and hydroxyl groups was synthesized on the surface of nano-SiO2 to enhance the thermal stability of the polymer. Additionally, the hydroxyl groups were employed to improve the wettability of the core material and reduce interfacial tension. The polymers were characterized using techniques such as FTIR and TG, and the results revealed that the modified SiO2 exhibited superior performance in reducing both interfacial tension and contact angle when compared to the SiO2. Injection of a 0.4 wt% EP-HMTA-SiO2 solution resulted in an increase in recovery rates by 16.4% and 13.2% in medium- and low-permeability cores, respectively.
Machine Learning Predictions for the Comparative Mechanical Analysis of Composite Laminates with Various Fibers
Authors: Brayek Baha Eddine Ben , Sayed Sirine , Mînzu Viorel , Tarfaoui Mostapha
Published: February 2025

This article addresses the complex behavior of composite laminates under varied layer orientations during tensile tests, focusing on carbon fiber and epoxy matrix composites. Data characterizing the mechanical load behavior are obtained using twelve composite laminates with different layer orientations and the DIGIMAT-VA software (version 2023.3). First, these data were used to elaborate a complex comparative analysis of composite laminates from the perspective of materials science. Composite laminates belong to three classes: unidirectional, off-axis oriented, and symmetrically balanced laminates, each having a specific behavior. From the perspective of designing a new material, a prediction model that is faster than the finite element analysis is needed to apply this comparative analysis’s conclusions. As a novelty, this paper introduces several machine learning prediction models for composite laminates with 16 layers arranged in different orientations. The Regression Neural Network model performs best, effectively replacing expensive tensile test simulations and ensuring good statistics (RMSE = 34.385, R2 = 1, MAE = 19.829). The simulation time decreases from 34.5 s (in the case of finite element) to 0.6 s. The prediction model returns the stress–strain characteristic of the elastic zone given the new layer orientations. These models were implemented in the MATLAB system 2024, and their running proved good models’ generalization power and accuracy. Even specimens with randomly oriented layers were successfully tested.
Vehicle Routing Perfection for Fresh Agricultural Products Distribution Under Carbon Emission Regulation and Customer Satisfaction
Authors: Zhu Xiaoyong , Liang Yu , Wu Chao , Xiao Yongmao
Published: February 2025

Under the background of “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality”, carbon reduction is not only a realistic need for the high-quality development of the national economy, but also a key way for the sustainable development of enterprises. Cold chain logistics has the characteristics of high energy consumption and high carbon emissions. Fresh distribution requirements of fresh agricultural products may increase carbon emissions in the cold chain distribution process. Based on customer satisfaction and aiming at minimizing carbon emission and comprehensive distribution cost, this paper establishes an optimization model of cold chain logistics distribution routes for fresh agricultural products. First of all, a two-objective optimization model is proposed considering customer satisfaction maximization and comprehensive cost minimization, including fixed cost, fuel cost, carbon emission cost, cargo damage cost, and time window penalty cost. And when constructing customer satisfaction function, we mainly pay attention to the time factor. Secondly, a hybrid ant colony algorithm, which combines improved ant colony algorithm and local search algorithm 3-opt, is designed to solve the model. Thirdly, a hybrid ant colony algorithm is applied to the simulation example of fresh agricultural products distribution through experimental simulation, and the results are compared with the traditional ant colony algorithm and improved ant colony algorithm. Finally, the results reveal that the average total cost of the hybrid ant colony algorithm is lower than that of the traditional ant colony algorithm and the improved ant colony algorithm, achieving nearly 8.159% and 4.622% cost savings, respectively, and in terms of customer satisfaction, the new algorithm is slightly better than the other algorithms. The results show that the method can effectively optimize the cold chain logistics distribution routes of fresh agricultural products, and reduce carbon emission and distribution cost.
Design of Soft-Sensing Model for Alumina Concentration Based on Improved Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm and Deep Belief Network
Authors: Li Jianheng , Chen Zhiwen , Zhong Xiaoting , Li Xiangquan , Xia Xiang , Liu Bo
Published: February 2025

To address the challenge of the real-time monitoring of alumina concentrations during the production process, this paper employs a Deep Belief Network (DBN) within the framework of deep learning to predict alumina concentration. Additionally, the improved Grey Wolf Optimizer (IGWO) is utilized to optimize key parameters of the DBN model, including the number of hidden layer nodes, reverse iteration count, and learning rate. An IGWO-DBN hybrid model is then constructed and compared against DBN models optimized by other techniques, such as the Sparrow Search Algorithm (SSA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), to evaluate the predictive performance. The comparative analysis reveals that, in terms of predictive accuracy, the IGWO-DBN model outperforms both the SSA-DBN and PSO-DBN models. Specifically, it achieves lower root mean square errors (RMSE) and mean absolute errors (MAE), alongside a higher coefficient of determination (R2). Furthermore, the IGWO-DBN model exhibits a faster convergence rate and a lower final convergence value, indicating superior generalization ability and robustness. Furthermore, the IGWO-DBN model not only demonstrates significant advantages in prediction accuracy for alumina concentration but also substantially reduces model training time through its efficient parameter optimization mechanism. The successful implementation of this model provides robust support for the intelligent and refined management of the aluminum electrolysis industry, aiding enterprises in reducing costs, improving production efficiency, and advancing the green and sustainable development of the industry.
Potential Applicability of Air-Cooled Ladle Furnace Slag Fine Aggregate in Concrete Production
Authors: Ra Jeongmin , Choi Sunmi , Shin Sangchul , Kim Jinman
Published: February 2025

Electric arc furnace oxidizing slag (EAFOS) represents 80% of the electric arc furnace slag generated. Recently, EAFOS has been utilized as high value-added functional aggregate in a growing number of cases for the construction of air-cooling technology that turns EAFOS into fine aggregate-sized particles by spraying it into the air using high-pressure compressed air. Ladle furnace slag (LFS) is a product of the reduction process, accounting for approximately 20% of the steel slag enerated; however, LFS is predominantly landfilled without being utilized. This is mainly because LFS changes into sludge as it is turned into powder during water spray cooling. Therefore, in this study, spherical particles cooled at room temperature were fabricated as fine aggregates using LFS by applying atomization technology that uses high-pressure air in the molten state for the value-added utilization of LFS. Various experiments were performed to examine whether this aggregate can be used as a construction material. The experimental results showed that the air-cooled LFS (ALFS) fine aggregate generated from two different processes met the physical and chemical properties of the fine aggregate required for concrete despite its slightly lower spherical ratio compared to EAFOS aggregate. The volumetric stability experiment results also showed that ALFS fine aggregate is more stable than river sand and standard sand. In addition, the autoclave test results revealed that the mortar produced using ALFS fine aggregate was more stable for expansion than that of comparison groups. These results confirm the applicability of ALFS as an aggregate for construction. However, because the pop-out phenomenon caused by MgO was observed on the surface of some specimens, further research is required for improvement.
The Application of Kernel Ridge Regression for the Improvement of a Sensing Interferometric System
Authors: Guzman-Chavez Ana Dinora , Vargas-Rodriguez Everardo
Published: February 2025

Sensors based on interferometric systems have been studied due to their wide range of advantages, such as high sensitivity. For these types of sensors, traditional methods, which generally depend on the linear sensitivity of one variable, have been used to determine the measurand parameter. Usually, these methods are only effective for short measurement ranges, which is one of the main limiting factors of these sensors. In this work, it is shown that Kernel Ridge Regression (KRR), which is a machine learning method, can be applied to improve the range of measurement of multilayer interferometric sensors. This method estimates the value of a response variable (temperature) based on a set of spectral features, which are transformed by means of kernel functions. Here, these features were the wavelength positions and maximum amplitudes of some peaks of the interference spectrum of the sensing system. To sustain the application of the method, four kernel functions were used to estimate the values of the response variable. Finally, the results show that by implementing KRR with a Gaussian kernel, the temperature could be estimated with a root-mean-square error of 0.094 °C for the measurement range from 4.5 to 50 °C, which indicates that it was widened by a factor of eight compared with traditional methods.
On Fusing Wireless Fingerprints with Pedestrian Dead Reckoning to Improve Indoor Localization Accuracy
Authors: Fernando Gimo C. , Qi Tinghao , Ndimbo Edmund V. , Abraha Assefa Tesfay , Wang Bang
Published: February 2025

Accurate indoor positioning remains a critical challenge due to the limitations of single-source systems, such as signal instability and environmental obstructions. This study introduces a multi-source fusion positioning algorithm that integrates inertial sensors and signal fingerprints to address these issues. Using a weighted fusion method, the algorithm employs pedestrian dead reckoning (PDR) for trajectory tracking and combines its outputs with wireless signal fingerprints. Experimental evaluations conducted on diverse trajectories reveal significant improvements in accuracy, achieving a 35.3% enhancement over wireless-only systems and a 71.4% improvement compared to standalone PDR. The proposed method effectively balances computational efficiency and accuracy, demonstrating robustness in complex and dynamic indoor environments. These findings establish the algorithm’s potential for practical applications in navigation, robotics, and Industry 4.0, where precise indoor localization is essential.
Exploring the Interplay Among Student Identity Development, University Resources, and Social Inclusion in Higher Education: Analyzing Students as Partners Project in a Hong Kong University
Authors: Lau Peter , Zheng Jiahui
Published: February 2025

Social inclusion is vital in teaching and learning, particularly within collaborative educational frameworks like the Students as Partners (SaP) initiative. This article delves into selected SaP projects regarding social inclusion in a Hong Kong university, focusing on understanding the complex interplay among student identity development, university resources, and social inclusion. To achieve this, the study employs a qualitative research methodology, which allows for an in-depth exploration of the experiences and perspectives of students involved in the scheme. By analyzing student interview data, this article delineates the identity development process in SaP projects. Additionally, it explores aspects related to the university resources that support student partners throughout the social inclusion project implementation in the Hong Kong context. The results indicate that students are generally aware of social inclusion. Some of them developed a new identity to sustain a positive influence on social inclusion through SaP projects, along with the necessary university resources.
Biochemical and Plant Growth Response of the Common Bean to Bioinput Application Under a Drought Stress Period
Authors: Arruda Bruna , Bagagi Breno Miranda , de Freitas Junior Nelson Borges , Bejarano Herrera Wilfrand Ferney , Estrada-Bonilla German Andrés , Leoti Zanetti Willian Aparecido , Silva Silvério Ana Laura , Ferrari Putti Fernando
Published: February 2025

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a global staple, but to guarantee its provision, the crop water supply must be adequate, and bioinput application can benefit plants under drought. The objective was to evaluate the common bean’s response to bioinput application when it was cropped in soils with different water holding capacities submitted to a drought period. The greenhouse experiment used sandy loam and clayey soils. Seeds were sown, and 10 days after emergence (DAE), the treatments were applied: (i) no bioinput application or (ii) bioinput application (Priestia aryabhattai, re-applied at 46 DAE). The first plant growth evaluation was performed at 40 DAE. The irrigation maintained the crops’ needs until the beginning of flowering for all the treatments, when the irrigation was differentiated (for 10 days): (i) maintenance of irrigation or (ii) a drought period. A biochemical analysis was performed of superoxide dismutase activity [SOD], hydrogen peroxide [H2O2], peroxidase activity [POD], and malonaldehyde [MDA] production at 52 DAE. At 57 DAE, the second plant growth evaluation was performed, and the irrigation differentiation ended. Grain harvest followed physiological maturation. Priestia aryabhattai mitigated the drought stress in the common bean cropped in sandy soil by reducing the SOD, H2O2, and MDA production in comparison to no bioinput application. When it was cultivated in the clayey soil, the water availability was maintained for longer, reducing the plant’s dependency on bacteria for stress mitigation.
COVID-19 Effects on Tourist Fees: Bolivia’s National Parks Case Study
Authors: Rakela Stefanie , Vilela Thais , Espinoza Sophia , Harb Alfonso Malky
Published: February 2025

Bolivia’s national parks, with their rich biodiversity and natural landscapes, have great potential to contribute to their own financial sustainability, and tourism is one of the most promising sustainable activities that can make this possible. Entrance fees to national parks are a vital source of income for the National Service of Protected Areas, yet a significant financial gap remains. This study estimates tourists’ willingness to pay (WTP) for increased entrance fees in two protected areas, comparing data from 2019 and 2023 to assess the effect of COVID-19 on WTP. Using the contingent valuation approach, we found that tourists’ profiles and their WTP have shifted between 2019 and 2023. However, there was no consistent trend across the protected areas, highlighting the challenges and specific impacts of the pandemic on tourists WTP. Nevertheless, the findings can help inform pricing strategies aimed at enhancing the financial sustainability of Bolivia’s protected areas, supporting broader conservation goals both nationally and globally.
Conceptual Discrimination and Quantitative Estimation of Climate Carrying Capacity: A Case Study of China
Authors: Li Xiaohan , Wang Liting , Mei Qinyuan , Zeng Weihua
Published: February 2025

To address the conceptual ambiguity surrounding climate carrying capacity and the lack of a unified quantitative assessment method, here we integrate existing concepts and propose a comprehensive evaluation framework for climate carrying capacity, emphasizing the threshold of the climate system’s capacity to support human activities. Additionally, the evaluation framework incorporates carbon carrying capacity, climate resource production potential, wind resource potential, and solar resource potential as its four key components, and employs a vector modeling approach to quantitatively evaluate the temporal and spatial variations in climate carrying capacity across China’s provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions from 1986 to 2020. The results reveal that most regions exhibited low coefficients of variation in the climate carrying capacity index during the study period, indicating an overall stable climate carrying capacity and good potential for further development. However, Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin demonstrated exceptionally high coefficients of variation, at 62.8%, 74.3%, and 74.4%, respectively, warranting further attention. Tibet, Xinjiang, and Inner Mongolia exhibited significantly higher climate carrying capacity indices than other areas, whereas Ningxia, Hainan, and Chongqing generally displayed lower indices. This study enhances the theoretical framework of climate carrying capacity and offers a scientific foundation for formulating sustainable development policies, promoting coordinated regional development, protecting the environment, and addressing climate change.
Decomposing the Impact of Agricultural Mechanization on Agricultural Output Growth: A Case Study Based on China’s Winter Wheat
Authors: Wang Teng , Liu Huilin , Wang Zhaohua
Published: February 2025

Agricultural mechanization plays a critical role in addressing labor shortages and promoting sustainable agricultural production in developing countries. However, few studies have explored the mechanisms by which mechanization affects agricultural output through various channels, especially identifying the key drivers of this association. Taking winter wheat as an example, this study investigates how and to what extent agricultural mechanization affects agricultural output using county-level panel data from China during 1998–2016. The results show that mechanization has a significant positive impact on winter wheat output. Heterogeneity analysis suggests that this positive impact is more pronounced in the plains with better transport conditions. Further decomposition of winter wheat output growth shows that mechanization drives winter wheat output growth through both expansion in sown area and increase in yield, with the former being the dominant pathway. These findings enrich the understanding of how mechanization increases agricultural output and provide policy guidance for leveraging its potential to promote agricultural development in developing countries.
Sustainable Procedures for the Recycling of Waste Building Materials: The Creative Recycling of Window Frames
Authors: Di Giovanni Gianni , Laurini Eleonora
Published: February 2025

Upcycling is identified as a process of the transformation of waste materials to which it is possible to give a value of artistic or environmental quality. To date, the greatest use of upcycling can be found in the design, art and fashion sectors. As in other sectors, one of the biggest challenges in the construction industry in the future is the search for new ways to reuse discarded materials. In this sense, upcycling is a new technique for the recovery of removed waste but with a much lower use of energy and resources than the regeneration of recycled material. With respect to these issues, the aim of this paper is to present the results of a design experimentation aimed at defining methodologies and tools for the reuse of building components from the decommissioning or renovation processes of existing buildings, with an approach that integrates both the disassembling and the re-assembling of construction elements, in line with the sustainable development and climate neutrality goals that the European Union aims to achieve by 2050. The methodology used made use of a field experiment by means of the creation of a prototype that made it possible to evaluate the results of the study which, if on the one hand made it possible to define an appropriate procedure for upcycling, on the other hand highlighted how these procedures save energy and reduce the emission of CO2 in the environment. In this specific case, the experimentation gave the following results: energy savings 2038.92 kWh; CO2 reduction 641.80 kg compared to a similar intervention from scratch. Therefore, the definition of a replicable and scalable operational process for the upcycling activity applied to architecture allows, by means of the reuse of those building materials and construction elements that still have a useful life, and which can, therefore, be used in the field of architecture, for a profitable contribution to the development of sustainable procedures in the field of architecture and the circular economy.
General Solutions for MHD Motions of Second-Grade Fluids Through a Circular Cylinder Filled with Porous Medium
Authors: Fetecau Constantin , Akhtar Shehraz , Forna Norina Consuela , Moroşanu Costică
Published: February 2025

The isothermal motion of incompressible second-grade fluids induced by an infinite circular cylinder that rotates around its symmetry axis is analytically and numerically investigated when the magnetic and porous effects are taken into consideration. General closed-form expressions are established for the dimensionless velocity field and the corresponding motion problem is completely solved. For illustration, some special cases are considered, and the results’ correctness is graphically proved. Based on a simple but important observation, the obtained results have been used to provide a general expression for the shear stress corresponding to MHD motions of the same fluids through a porous medium induced by a longitudinal shear stress on the boundary. Finally, graphical representations are used to bring to light the influence of the magnetic field and porous medium on the fluid behavior. It was found that the fluid flows slower and the steady state is reached earlier in the presence of a magnetic field or porous medium.
Delta Radiomics and Tumor Size: A New Predictive Radiomics Model for Chemotherapy Response in Liver Metastases from Breast and Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Gennaro Nicolò , Soliman Moataz , Borhani Amir A. , Kelahan Linda , Savas Hatice , Avery Ryan , Subedi Kamal , Trabzonlu Tugce A. , Krumpelman Chase , Yaghmai Vahid , Chae Young , Lorch Jochen , Mahalingam Devalingam , Mulcahy Mary , Benson Al , Bagci Ulas , Velichko Yuri S.
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Radiomic features exhibit a correlation with tumor size on pretreatment images. However, on post-treatment images, this association is influenced by treatment efficacy and varies between responders and non-responders. This study introduces a novel model, called baseline-referenced Delta radiomics, which integrates the association between radiomic features and tumor size into Delta radiomics to predict chemotherapy response in liver metastases from breast cancer (BC) and colorectal cancer (CRC). Materials and Methods: A retrospective study analyzed contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans of 83 BC patients and 84 CRC patients. Among these, 57 BC patients with 106 liver lesions and 37 CRC patients with 109 lesions underwent post-treatment imaging after systemic chemotherapy. Radiomic features were extracted from up to three lesions per patient following manual segmentation. Tumor response was assessed by measuring the longest diameter and classified according to RECIST 1.1 criteria as progressive disease (PD), partial response (PR), or stable disease (SD). Classification models were developed to predict chemotherapy response using pretreatment data only, Delta radiomics, and baseline-referenced Delta radiomics. Model performance was evaluated using confusion matrix metrics. Results: Baseline-referenced Delta radiomics performed comparably or better than established radiomics models in predicting tumor response in chemotherapy-treated patients with liver metastases. The sensitivity, specificity, and balanced accuracy in predicting response ranged from 0.66 to 0.97, 0.81 to 0.97, and 80% to 90%, respectively. Conclusions: By integrating the relationship between radiomic features and tumor size into Delta radiomics, baseline-referenced Delta radiomics offers a promising approach for predicting chemotherapy response in liver metastases from breast and colorectal cancer.
The Potential Public Health Impact of the Adjuvanted Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prefusion F Protein Vaccine Among Older Adults in Italy
Authors: Puggina Anna , Rumi Filippo , Zarkadoulas Eleftherios , Marijam Alen , Calabró Giovanna Elisa
Published: February 2025

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of acute respiratory infection (ARI). The risk of severe RSV outcomes is higher among older adults (OAs) and individuals with chronic diseases (high risk, HR). AS01E-adjuvanted RSV preFusion protein 3 OA vaccine (adjuvanted RSVPreF3 OA is approved for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease [LRTD] due to RSV in OAs). The objective of this study was to assess the potential public health impact of an RSV vaccination program using adjuvanted RSVPreF3 OA in adults ≥75 years (y) and HR adults ≥60 y in Italy. Methods: A static multi-cohort Markov model was used to estimate the number of RSV cases and associated health outcomes projected in adults ≥75 y and HR adults ≥60 y with no RSV vaccination or with a single dose of adjuvanted RSVPreF3 OA. Epidemiological, healthcare resource use and cost data were obtained from the scientific literature. Vaccine efficacy and waning inputs were based on results from the AReSVi-006 phase III clinical trial. Several scenarios for vaccine coverage were explored. Results: Assuming the target vaccination rate for influenza vaccination in Italy (75%), the model predicted that vaccinating Italian adults ≥75 y and the HR population ≥ 60 y with adjuvanted RSVPreF3 OA would reduce the number of RSV-LRTD events by 43%, leading to a reduction in associated emergency department visits, hospitalizations, complications, deaths, and direct healthcare costs over a 3-year period. Conclusions: The vaccination of Italians aged ≥ 75 y and HR individuals aged ≥ 60 y using the adjuvanted RSVPreF3 OA vaccine has the potential to offer substantial public health benefits by reducing the burden of RSV disease.
Stochastic–Dynamic Modeling of Chute Slabs Under Spillway Flows
Authors: Rozos Evangelos , Koutsoyiannis Demetris , Leandro Jorge
Published: February 2025

Amid the growing energy–water nexus crisis, large dams are being reconsidered as viable solutions despite significant environmental concerns. A critical and enduring issue with large dams is the threat they pose to downstream communities and infrastructure in the event of structural failure. The Oroville Dam spillway incident, where inadequate maintenance led to uplift forces that exceeded the structural capacity of a chute slab, causing severe damage, has renewed the focus on the structural stability of spillway components. This study argues that conventional methods, which rely on averaged values and empirical coefficients, may be inadequate for accurately capturing the dynamical stresses on spillway chutes induced by turbulent flow conditions. We propose a novel approach using stochastic simulation schemes to generate synthetic time series of velocity, which are then applied to a differential equation governing the chute slab oscillations. Through a hypothetical case study inspired by the Oroville incident, we demonstrate two key issues: first, that the conventional approach significantly underestimates the maximum stresses experienced by chute slabs under dynamic uplift pressures; and second, that the stochastic structure of the velocity, particularly the variance and persistence, plays a major role in determining the maximum stress.
Linear Continuous-Time Regression and Dequantizer for Lithium-Ion Battery Cells with Compromised Measurement Quality
Authors: Pinter Zoltan Mark , Marinelli Mattia , Trimboli M. Scott , Plett Gregory L.
Published: February 2025

Battery parameter identification is a key challenge for battery management systems, as parameterizing lithium-ion batteries is resource-intensive. Electrical circuit models (ECMs) provide an alternative, but their parameters change with physical conditions and battery age, necessitating regular parameter identification. This paper presents two modular algorithms to improve data quality and enable fast, robust parameter identification. First, the dequantizer algorithm restores the time series generating the noisy, quantized data using the inverse normal distribution function. Then, the Linear Continuous-Time Regression (LCTR) algorithm extracts exponential parameters from first-order or overdamped second-order systems, deducing ECM parameters and guaranteeing optimality with respect to RMSE. The parameters have low sensitivity to measurement noise since they are continuous-time. Sensitivity analyses confirm the algorithms’ suitability for battery management across various Gaussian measurement noise, accuracy, time constants and state-of-charge (SoC), using evaluation metrics like root-mean-square-error (RMSE) (<2 mV), relative time constant errors, and steady-state error. If the coarseness of rounding is not extreme, the steady-state is restored within a fraction of a millivolt. While a slight overestimation in the lower time constants occurs for overdamped systems, the algorithms outperform the conventional benchmark for first-order systems. Their robustness is further validated in real-life applications, highlighting their potential to enhance commercial battery management systems.
The 2024 Korean Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) guidelines for colorectal cancer: a secondary publication
Authors: Lee Kil-yong , Lee Soo Young , Choi Miyoung , Kim Moonjin , Kim Ji Hong , Song Ju Myung , Yang Seung Yoon , Yang In Jun , Choi Moon Suk , Han Seung Rim , Han Eon Chul , Hong Sang Hyun , Park Do Joong , Park Sang-Jae ,   the Korean Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Committee within the Korean Society of Surgical Metabolism and Nutrition
Published: February 2025

The Korean Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Committee within the Korean Society of Surgical Metabolism and Nutrition was established to develop ERAS guidelines tailored to the Korean context. This guideline focuses on creating the most current evidence-based practice guidelines for ERAS purposes, based on systematic reviews. All key questions targeted randomized controlled trials exclusively, and if fewer than 2 were available, studies employing propensity score matching were also included. Recommendations for each key question were marked with strength of recommendation and level of evidence following internal and external review processes by the committee.
Escenarios político-electorales en el Chile actual
Authors: Rojas Corral Hugo
Published: February 2025

Las próximas elecciones presidencial y parlamentarias en Chile se llevarán a cabo el 16 de noviembre de 2025.

Durante el gobierno del presidente Gabriel Boric la coalición de izquierda ha tenido que hacerse cargo de tres asuntos clave: el fracaso de los procesos constituyentes de 2022 y 2023, el aumento de la delincuencia y la presencia de organizaciones criminales, y el crecimiento de la población migrante en la última década.

Tras el estallido social de 2019, la pandemia y los intensos debates constitucionales, pareciera ser que la ciudadanía busca mayor seguridad, estabilidad y reactivación económica. A pesar de la confrontación política y el ascenso de la extrema derecha, el acuerdo alcanzado en enero de 2025 para reformar el sistema de pensiones ofrece esperanza para nuevos acuerdos multipartidistas.

Los partidos políticos definirán sus candidaturas en el corto plazo, destacando a Evelyn Matthei en la centroderecha y Michelle Bachelet en la centroizquierda, aunque esta última ha rechazado postularse por tercera vez. Un factor relevante en los resultados electorales será la reintroducción del voto universal obligatorio, lo que podría aumentar la participación electoral, como ocurrió en las recientes elecciones locales.