bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EEG Data Augmentation Method Based on the Gaussian Mixture Model
Authors: Liao Chuncheng , Zhao Shiyu , Wang Xiangcun , Zhang Jiacai , Liao Yongzhong , Wu Xia
Published: February 2025

Traditional EEG data augmentation methods may alter the spatiotemporal characteristic distribution of brain electrical signals. This paper proposes a new method based on the Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM): First, we use the GMM to decompose data samples of the same category to obtain Gaussian coefficients and take the product of the probability coefficient and the weight matrix as the feature matrix. Then, we randomly select two EEG feature matrices and determine the similarity based on the magnitude of the correlation coefficients of their column vectors and exchange columns exceeding the threshold to obtain a new matrix. Finally, we generate new data according to the new matrix, as well as its mean and variance. Experiments on public datasets show that this method effectively retains the original data’s spatiotemporal and distribution characteristics. In classification model tests, compared with the original data without augmentation, the classification accuracy is improved by up to 29.84%. The t-SNE visualization results show that the generated data are more compact. This method can create a large number of new EEG signals similar to the original data in terms of spatiotemporal characteristics, improve classification accuracy, and enhance the performance of Brain–Computer Interface (BCI) systems.
Application of Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making Technology in Emergency Decision-Making: Uncertainty, Heterogeneity, Dynamicity, and Interaction
Authors: Li Tao , Sun Jiayi , Fei Liguo
Published: February 2025

With the increasing frequency of natural and man-made disasters, emergency management has become a key research field aimed at saving lives and reducing environmental and economic losses. As the core link in responding to sudden crisis events, emergency decision-making is directly related to the stability of society, the safety of citizens, and the robustness of infrastructure. As a scientific method, multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM) technology has gradually become an important tool for solving complex decision-making problems in emergency management. It can handle the uncertainty, heterogeneity, dynamicity, and interaction in emergencies and select the best alternative or rank all options for multiple reference attributes in a limited number of options to solve decision-making problems. This paper comprehensively reviews the existing relevant literature, analyzes the current status and challenges of MCDM technology in its application process and in emergency management, and proposes research gaps and development directions in this field.
A Spatial–Temporal Model of House Prices in Northern Taiwan
Authors: Chang Ya-Mei , Wang Yu-Ting
Published: February 2025

This paper proposes a spatial–temporal model for analyzing the spatial–temporal distribution of house prices. The model consists of three components: a global mean function, a first-order autoregressive model, and a non-stationary spatial model. The global mean function captures the overall spatial trend, while the non-stationary model represents spatial dependence among districts. The autoregressive model accounts for the temporal correlation in house prices. The global mean function is expressed as a linear combination of basis functions, and the non-stationary model combines basis functions with stationary processes. Model parameters are estimated using a constrained least squares approach known as positive Lasso, which enables simultaneous parameter selection and estimation. The model is applied to a dataset of house prices over 23 months across 45 administrative districts in northern Taiwan, revealing non-stationary structures in the house price data.
A Novel Fixed-Point Iterative Process for Multivalued Mappings Applied in Solving a HIV Model of Fractional Order
Authors: Alqahtani Rubayyi T. , Okeke Godwin Amechi , Ugwuogor Cyril Ifeanyichukwu
Published: February 2025

We introduce a new and a faster iterative method for the approximation of the fixed point of multivalued nonexpansive mappings in the setting of uniformly convex Banach spaces. We prove some stability and data-dependence results for this novel iterative scheme. A series of numerical illustrations and examples was constructed to validate our results. As an application, we propose a novel method for solving a certain fractional differential equation using our newly developed iterative scheme. Our results extend, unify, and improve several of the known results in the literature.
Neuro Adaptive Command Filter Control for Predefined-Time Tracking in Strict-Feedback Nonlinear Systems Under Deception Attacks
Authors: Zhang Jianhua , Yu Zhanyang , Zhu Quanmin , Yu Xuan
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a neural network enhanced adaptive control scheme tailored for strict-feedback nonlinear systems under the influence of deception attacks, with the aim of achieving precise tracking within a predefined time frame. Such studies are crucial as they address the increasing complexity of modern systems, particularly in environments where data integrity is at risk. Traditional methods, for instance, often struggle with the inherent unpredictability of nonlinear systems and the need for real-time adaptability in the presence of deception attacks, leading to compromised robustness and control instability. Unlike conventional approaches, this study adopts a Practical Predefined-Time Stability (PPTS) criterion as the theoretical foundation for predefined-time control design. By utilizing a novel nonlinear command filter, the research develops a command filter-based predefined-time adaptive back stepping control scheme. Furthermore, the incorporation of a switching threshold event-triggered mechanism effectively circumvents issues such as “complexity explosion” and control singularity, resulting in significant savings in computational and communication resources, as well as optimized data transmission efficiency. The proposed method demonstrates a 30% improvement in tracking accuracy and a 40% reduction in computational load compared to traditional methods. Through simulations and practical application cases, the study verifies the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed control method in terms of predefined-time stability and resilience against deception attacks.
SSA-GAN: Singular Spectrum Analysis-Enhanced Generative Adversarial Network for Multispectral Pansharpening
Authors: Liu Lanfa , Zhang Jinian , Zhou Baitao , Lyu Peilun , Cai Zhanchuan
Published: February 2025

Pansharpening is essential for remote sensing applications requiring high spatial and spectral resolution. In this paper, we propose a novel Singular Spectrum Analysis-Enhanced Generative Adversarial Network (SSA-GAN) for multispectral pansharpening. We designed SSA modules within the generator, enabling more effective extraction and utilization of spectral features. Additionally, we introduce Pareto optimization to the nonreference loss function to improve the overall performance. We conducted comparative experiments on two representative datasets, QuickBird and Gaofen-2 (GF-2). On the GF-2 dataset, the Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) reached 30.045 and Quality with No Reference (QNR) achieved 0.920, while on the QuickBird dataset, PSNR and QNR were 24.262 and 0.817, respectively. These results indicate that the proposed method can generate high-quality pansharpened images with enhanced spatial and spectral resolution.
Enhancing Mirror and Glass Detection in Multimodal Images Based on Mathematical and Physical Methods
Authors: Qiu Jiyuan , Jiang Chen
Published: February 2025

The detection of mirrors and glass, which possess unique optical surface properties, has garnered significant attention in recent years. Due to their reflective and transparent nature, these surfaces are often difficult to distinguish from their surrounding environments, posing substantial challenges even for advanced deep learning models tasked with performing such detection. Current research primarily relies on complex network models that learn and fuse different modalities of images, such as RGB, depth, and thermal, to achieve mirror and glass detection. However, these approaches often overlook the inherent limitations in the raw data caused by sensor deficiencies when facing mirrors and glass surfaces. To address this issue, we applied mathematical and physical methods, such as three-point plane determination and steady-state heat conduction in two-dimensional planes, along with an RGB enhancement module, to reconstruct RGB, depth, and thermal data for mirrors and glass in two publicly available datasets: an RGB-D mirror detection dataset and an RGB-T glass detection dataset. Additionally, we synthesized four enhanced and ideal datasets. Furthermore, we propose a double weight Mamba fusion network (DWMFNet) that strengthens the model’s global perception of image information by extracting low-level clue weights and high-level contextual weights from the input data using the prior fusion feature extraction module (PFFE) and the deep fusion feature guidance module (DFFG). This is complemented by the Mamba module, which efficiently captures long-range dependencies, facilitating information complementarity between multi-modal features. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our data enhancement method significantly improves the model’s capability in detecting mirrors and glass surfaces.
Dynamic Event-Triggered Sliding Mode Control of Markov Jump Delayed System with Partially Known Transition Probabilities
Authors: Lu Jie , Jia Yang , Cai Xiang , Luo Jinnan , Li Jiachen
Published: February 2025

This paper investigates the dynamic event-triggered (ET) sliding mode control (SMC) of Markov jump delayed systems (MJDSs) with partially known transition probabilities. Firstly, a dynamic ET scheme is introduced for the Markov SMC system, and the effect of time delays is considered. In addition, the Razumikhin condition is used to deal with the time delay. Moreover, in the case of a Markov jump system with partially known transition probabilities, using the vertex method, weak infinitesimal generator, and Dynkin’s formula, the finite-time boundness (FTB) problem of a class of ET SMC systems with stochastic delay is studied. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate the viability of our results.
Ambiance Preservation Augmenting for Semantic Segmentation of Pediatric Burn Skin Lesions
Authors: Florea Laura , Florea Corneliu , Vertan Constantin , Bădoiu Silviu
Published: February 2025

Burn injuries pose a significant threat to human life, with high morbidity and mortality rates. Accurate diagnosis, including the assessment of burn area and depth, is essential for effective treatment and can sometimes be lifesaving. However, access to specialized medical professionals is often limited, particularly in remote or underserved regions. To address this challenge and alleviate the burden on healthcare providers, researchers are investigating automated diagnostic tools. The severity of the burn and the affected body surface area are critical factors in diagnosis. From a computer vision perspective, this requires semantic segmentation of burn images to assess the affected area and determine burn severity. In collaboration with medical personnel, we have gathered a dataset of in situ images from a local children’s hospital annotated by specialist burn surgeons. However, due to the limited amount of data, we propose a two-step augmentation approach: training with synthetic burn images and controlling the encoder by ambiance preservation. The latter is a technique that forces the encoder to represent closely the embeddings of images that are similar and is a key contribution of this paper. The method is evaluated on the BAMSI database, demonstrating that the proposed augmentations lead to better performance compared with strong baselines and other potential algorithmic improvements.
Auxetic Meta-Biomaterials: Computer Simulation and Experimental Results
Authors: Farber Eduard , Orlov Alexey , Popovich Anatoly
Published: February 2025

One of the issues the modern hip implants face is that one side of the implant may detach due to stretching during its use. This leads to implant transverse compression and separation from the bone. This issue can be solved by using complex implants having one of the sides made of auxetic meta-biomaterials with negative Poisson’s ratio. On the contrary, the cross-section of such materials being stretched will increase, which results in bone growth stimulation and minimum possibility of implant detachment. The aim of this paper is to design and fabricate titanium alloy auxetic meta-biomaterials based on 3D unit cells with three types of topologies. The works involved computer simulation to determine the expected properties of the samples. The samples were fabricated by the selective laser melting method and their properties were determined. Auxetic meta-biomaterials with Poisson’s ratio values of −0.09 and −0.003 and elastic modulus values typical for a human trabecular bone were fabricated in the course of the works.
Novel Technique for Backside Alignment Using Direct Laser Writing
Authors: Mitchell Melissa , Sivaraya Siva , Bending Simon J. , Mohammadi Ali
Published: February 2025

Backside alignment is a key microfabrication process step, especially in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS). The double-side mask aligners used for this purpose are unaffordable for many research centres. We propose a new method that aligns the backside mask to the features on the topside using a direct laser writer, which is available in many cleanrooms. In this method, the corner co-ordinates of the sample are used as alignment features, and a transformation matrix is developed to map the design co-ordinates to the stage co-ordinates. This method has been validated on copper features as small as 100 μm on silicon substrates. Test samples are cut from a 2 inch Si wafer, and copper features are sputtered and developed onto the topside. Backside patterns that are aligned to these copper features are created using photolithography through the application of this alignment method. This method exhibited challenges for samples without sharp right-angled corners, where the estimation of the corner co-ordinates resulted in misalignment. Sixteen areas over nine samples were analysed. An average alignment resolution of 23 ± 1 μm was established in the x and 8 ± 4 μm in the y direction, and a rotation misalignment of less than 1° was achieved. Differences in alignment were due to the individual quality of each sample’s corners and to the clarity of the corner co-ordinates. This new approach provides a route towards low-cost microfabrication process development.
Milling Chatter Control in Low Immersion Condition with an Active Electromagnetic Tool Holder System
Authors: Wang Chen , Ma Haifeng , Chen Jie , Zhang Zhen , Song Qinghua , Liu Zhanqiang
Published: February 2025

Chatter commonly emerges during milling procedures, resulting in an array of problems such as defective workpiece surface and diminished machining efficiency. To control chatter, an active electromagnetic tool holder system is proposed, including the active structure with an electromagnetic actuator installed at the tool holder position and a time-delay output feedback chatter control method for low immersion milling. More specifically, a noncontact two-degree-of-freedom active magnetic bearing (AMB) actuator is developed and integrated with displacement sensors at the tool holder position, making the actuator and sensors closer to the cutting point. Under low immersion milling conditions, both the thin-walled workpieces and tool flexibility are considered in the controller design, as well as practical physical limitations including the bandwidth of the power amplifier and the output current constraints of the actuator. Numerical simulation and experiments under low immersion milling conditions are carried out. The results demonstrate that the proposed active electromagnetic tool holder system exhibits good control consequences on the chatter of thin-walled workpieces and tools under low immersion milling.
Diversity and Correlation Analysis of Endophytes and Top Metabolites in Phlomoides rotata Roots from High-Altitude Habitats
Authors: Li Zuxia , Xie Huichun , Geng Guigong , Yin Chongxin , Wu Xiaozhuo , Ma Jianxia , Su Rui , Wang Zirui , Qiao Feng
Published: February 2025

Phlomoides rotata, a traditional medicinal plant, always grows on the Tibetan Plateau at a high altitude of 3100–5200 m. The major active ingredients in P. rotata were used in medicines due to their diverse pharmacological effects, including hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, immuno-modulatory, and antioxidant activities. This study screened 15 top endophytic genus through the analysis of OTUs and the top 30 metabolites with relatively high content in P. rotata roots from four different habitats (HN, GL, YS, and CD regions) in Qinghai Province. Twelve physicochemical indicators were measured and analyzed in the rhizosphere soils of P. rotata habitats. The results indicated that the top 30 metabolites compounds included 7 amino acids, 5 sugars and alcohols, 4 phenylpropanoids, 3 Organic acids, and 3 Alkaloids. Four endophytic bacteria (Acidibacter, Sphingomonas, Variovorax, and Sphingobium) and three endophytic fungi (Tetracladium, Cadophora, and Minimelanolocus) were dominant genera in P. rotata roots from four habitats. There were 109 positive significant correlations and 57 negative correlations between OTUs of endophytic bacteria and contents of top 30 metabolites, and 59 positive significant correlations and 58 negative correlations between OTUs of endophytic fungus and contents of top 30 metabolites. The OTUs of Acidibacter were significantly positively correlated with the content of 5 soil physicochemical indicators (total phosphorus, amylase, sucrase, total potassium, or soil organic carbon) and significantly negatively correlated with the content of acid protease. OTUs of Tetracladium or Cadophora showed a positive correlation with the content of total phosphorus and a negative correlation with that of alkaline phosphatase. This study provides a theoretical basis for the study of the correlation between endophytes and metabolites in P. rotata roots.
A Review of CAC-717, a Disinfectant Containing Calcium Hydrogen Carbonate Mesoscopic Crystals
Authors: Sakudo Akikazu , Furusaki Koichi , Onishi Rumiko , Onodera Takashi , Yoshikawa Yasuhiro
Published: February 2025

Recent studies on utilizing biological functions of natural substances that mimic the mesoscopic structures (nanoparticles of about 50 to 500 nm) found in plant growth points and coral skeletons have been reported. After the calcium hydrogen carbonate contained in materials derived from plants and coral are separated, the crystals of the mesoscopic structure can be reformed by applying a high voltage under a specific set of conditions. A suspension of these mesoscopic crystals in water (CAC-717) can be used as an effective disinfectant. CAC-717 exhibits universal virucidal activity against both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses as well as bactericidal and anti-prion activity. Moreover, in comparison to sodium hypochlorite, the potency of CAC-717 as a disinfectant is less susceptible to organic substances such as albumin. The disinfection activity of CAC-717 is maintained for at least 6 years and 4 months after storage at room temperature. CAC-717 is non-irritating and harmless to humans and animals, making it a promising biosafe disinfectant. This review explores the disinfection activity of CAC-717 as well as the potential and future uses of this material.
Bioactive Compounds with Leishmanicidal Potential from Helianthus tuberosus and Vernonanthura squamulosa
Authors: Nápoles Rodríguez Rachel , Arreguez María Laura , Corlatti Aldana M. , Bach Hernán G. , Catalán César A. N. , Laurella Laura C. , Barroso Paola A. , Sülsen Valeria P.
Published: February 2025

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. An estimated 700,000 to 1 million new cases occur annually. Current therapies are limited by high toxicity, cost, prolonged treatment period, and rising resistance in endemic regions. The Asteraceae family has emerged as a promising source of bioactive compounds with proven leishmanicidal activity. In this study, the assessment of the antileishmanial activity of Helianthus tuberosus and Vernonanthura squamulosa extracts, the isolation of the sesquiterpene lactones heliangin and glaucolide A, respectively, and the evaluation of the activity of the compounds were conducted. Dichloromethane extracts of H. tuberosus and V. squamulosa were active on Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes, inhibiting the replication of the parasites in 97.2 ± 3.1% and 89.1 ± 1.1%, respectively, at 100 μg/mL. Heliangin was active against promastigotes of L. amazonensis (IC50 = 9.3 μM) and intracellular amastigotes (IC50 = 0.8 μM), while glaucolide A exhibited moderate activity against promastigotes (IC50 = 46.7 μM) and did not show activity against intracellular amastigotes. Based on these results, heliangin was further evaluated in an animal model of cutaneous leishmaniasis using BALB/c mice infected with L. amazonensis. Heliangin (8 mg/Kg), when administered in combination with Glucantime, significantly reduced lesion progression and parasite load compared to the vehicle-treated group (p < 0.001). These findings show that heliangin is a potential candidate for leishmaniasis treatment, especially in combination with therapeutic drugs.
Enhanced Catalytic Performance of Sn Single-Atom Doped CuO with Oxygen Vacancies for Efficient Epoxidation of α-Olefins
Authors: Zhang Min , Qin Gaolei , Li Pengfei , Zhang Xiangjie , Chang Hongying , Zhou Ziyu , Zhao Wei , Huang Xumeng , Tang Kui , Ning Yonghe , Song Chang , He Peng
Published: February 2025

Epoxidation of long-chain α-olefins (LAOs) is a process of paramount importance, particularly in the preparation of epoxides. Traditional epoxidation methods, such as the chlorohydrin method and peracid method, suffer from issues such as poor selectivity, by-product formation, and environmental pollution. Mukaiyama epoxidation, with its mild reaction conditions and exceptional selectivity, has attracted widespread attention and considerable research. Transition metal oxide catalysts show potential in the reaction; however, the catalytic efficiency still require substantial improvement due to dilemma of substance activation. In this study, a synergistic enhancement method was employed, achieved through the creation of oxygen vacancies and the electron-rich nature of Cu. The substitution of Cu with Sn in CuO facilitates the creation of oxygen vacancy (Vo), thereby enhancing absorption and activation of O2. The conversion for O2 activation paves the way for the formation of benzoyl peroxy radicals. Moreover, the interaction between Sn and Cu promotes charge transfer from Sn to Cu, resulting in an electron-rich Cu surface that significantly accelerates the dehydrogenation of benzaldehyde. The synergistic enhancement protocol exhibits near-quantitative performance, delivering an oxide yield of 92.9%. This study introduces an innovative dual-promotion catalytic strategy for Mukaiyama epoxidation utilizing readily available O2, providing profound insights into the optimization design of transition metal oxide catalysts and beyond.
Synthetic Approaches to Novel DPP-IV Inhibitors—A Literature Review
Authors: Petrov Valentin , Aleksandrova Teodora , Pashev Aleksandar
Published: February 2025

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) is a serine protease whose inhibition has been an object of considerable interest in the context of developing novel treatments for type 2 diabetes mellitus. The development of novel DPP-IV inhibitors from natural or synthetic origin has seen a growing scientific interest in recent years, especially during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, when DPP-IV inhibitors were found to be of beneficial therapeutic value for COVID-19 patients. The present manuscript aims to summarize the most recent information on the synthesis of different DPP-IV inhibitors, emphasizing the various heterocyclic scaffolds that can be found in them. Special attention is devoted to DPP-IV inhibitors that are currently in clinical trials. Different synthetic approaches for the construction of DPP-IV inhibitors are discussed, as well as the most recent developments in the field.
Rapid and Facile Organic Ion-Associate Liquid-Phase Extraction and Spectrophotometric Quantification of Nitrite in Environmental Water Samples
Authors: Hata Noriko , Minoshima Kazuki , Ito Kei , Kohama Nozomi , Sazawa Kazuto , Osada Sachiko , Okazaki Takuya , Taguchi Shigeru , Kuramitz Hideki
Published: February 2025

Nitrite is a health and environmental hazard and pollutes water sources globally, but sensitive, rapid, and facile quantification methods are lacking. Herein, we report a method for extracting and quantifying low-concentration nitrite in surface water using minimal sample and solvent volumes. The nitrite reacted with sulfanilamide and N-1-naphthylethylenediammonium dichloride (NED), yielding an azo dye for extraction into an organic ion-associate liquid phase (IALP) formed in situ using ethylhexyloxypropylammonium and dodecyl sulfate ions. The addition of sodium acetate increased the pH, decreasing the cation charge from +2 to +1, improving extraction efficiency. Further, adding NaCl doubled the IALP volume, reduced the required standing time, and minimally affected absorbance, and adding concentrated HCl to the IALP enhanced the absorbance intensity via dye protonation. Crucially, the method achieved a 30-fold concentration factor compared to traditional pre-treatment methods, even without centrifugation, as well as a limit of detection of 0.09 µg NO2-N/L. Spiked recovery tests with river and seawater samples (93–103%) matched those of established methods. Digital imaging of IALP-extracted lake water yielded a limit of detection of 0.4 µg NO2-N/L. The method is a sensitive, efficient approach for nitrite detection, enabling rapid environmental monitoring via spectrophotometry and digital imaging.
Thermodynamic Cards of Classic NADH Models and Their Related Photoexcited States Releasing Hydrides in Nine Elementary Steps and Their Applications
Authors: Qian Bao-Chen , Zhu Xiao-Qing , Shen Guang-Bin
Published: February 2025

Thermodynamic cards of three classic NADH models (XH), namely 1-benzyl-1,4-dihydronicotinamide (BNAH), Hantzsch ester (HEH), and 10-methyl-9,10-dihydroacridine (AcrH), as well as their photoexcited states (XH*: BNAH*, HEH*, AcrH*) releasing hydrides in nine elementary steps in acetonitrile are established. According to these thermodynamic cards, the thermodynamic reducing abilities of XH* are remarkably enhanced upon photoexcitation, rendering them thermodynamically highly potent electron, hydrogen atom, and hydride donors. The application of these thermodynamic cards to imine reduction is demonstrated in detail, revealing that photoexcitation enables XH* to act as better hydride donors, transforming the hydride transfer process from thermodynamically unfeasible to feasible. Most intriguingly, AcrH* is identified as the most thermodynamically favorable electron, hydride, and hydrogen atom donor among the three classic NADH models and their photoexcited states. The exceptional thermodynamic properties of XH* in hydride release inspire further investigation into the excited wavelengths, excited potentials, and excited state stabilities of more organic hydrides, as well as the discovery of novel and highly effective photoexcited organic hydride reductants.
A Comprehensive Review on Cellulose Nanofibers, Nanomaterials, and Composites: Manufacturing, Properties, and Applications
Authors: Antony Jose Subin , Cowan Nicholas , Davidson Matthew , Godina Giovanni , Smith Ian , Xin Justin , Menezes Pradeep L.
Published: February 2025

Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), cellulose nanomaterials (CNMs), and cellulose-based composites represent a convergence of material science, sustainability, and advanced engineering, paving the way for innovative and eco-friendly materials. This paper presents a comprehensive review of these materials, encompassing their extraction, preparation methods, properties, applications, and future directions. The manufacturing of CNFs and CNMs leverages diverse techniques—chemical, mechanical, and enzymatic—with each offering distinct advantages in tailoring material characteristics to meet specific needs. Strategies for functionalization and surface modification are detailed, highlighting their role in enhancing the properties of CNFs and composites while addressing challenges in scaling production to industrial levels. The structural, mechanical, thermal, optical, electrical, and biocompatibility properties of CNFs, CNMs, and their composites are explored, underscoring their versatility for applications across various industries. Cellulose-based composites, in particular, demonstrate exceptional tunable properties for specific uses, although achieving uniform dispersion remains a key technical hurdle. These materials have applications in packaging, automotive, aerospace, biomedical devices, energy storage, and environmental remediation. Emerging research trends emphasize the integration of CNFs and CNMs with advanced manufacturing technologies, promoting sustainable practices and life cycle considerations while advancing their commercialization potential. This rapidly evolving field holds immense promise for addressing global challenges by creating high-performance, and sustainable materials. This review is crucial in advancing the understanding of cellulose nanofibers, nanomaterials, and cellulose-based composites, providing valuable insights that will drive the development of sustainable, high-performance materials for a wide range of applications, ultimately addressing key global challenges.
In Vitro Study to Evaluate the Best Conditions Highlighting the Antimicrobial Activity of Carum carvi Essential Oil on Human Pathogen Isolates in Formulations Against the Spread of Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Mastrella Carolina , Rizzo Silvia , Vito Maura Di , Garzoli Stefania , Mercurio Mattia Di , Mariotti Melinda , La Sorda Marilena , Zhiri Abdesselam , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Bugli Francesca
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: In recent years, antimicrobial resistance has become a major threat to global health, and scientific research aiming to identify new therapeutic resources is a priority. Essential oils (EOs), obtained from spices belonging to the culinary tradition, like Carum carvi essential oil (CC-EO), are of great interest for their antimicrobial activity, but the methods used to evaluate their efficacy need to be standardized. The aims of this work were to evaluate the following: (i) the best microbiological in vitro test; (ii) the best surfactant; and (iii) the best microbiological target of CC-EO and its method of administration. Methods: CC-EO quality was evaluated using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing with drugs currently in use was performed. Antimicrobial effectiveness against 70 clinical strains belonging to S. aureus, E. coli, E. faecalis, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, S. pyogenes, and C. albicans was evaluated. Two microbial tests (broth microdilution tests and disk diffusion), generally used in routine clinical practice, were compared. To choose the best vehicle, Tween80, DMSO, and ethanol were evaluated. The antimicrobial efficacy of vapors was assessed using a microatmosphere test. Results: The broth microdilution test is confirmed as the best in evaluating the antimicrobial activity of EOs. The most suitable EOs vehicle for antimicrobial testing was Tween80. CC-EO and its vapors were effective against GRAM+ and C. albicans strains, both sensible and resistant, and ineffective against GRAM−. Conclusions: In the future, it may be possible to include CC-EO in topical or spray formulations for the treatment of GRAM+ and C. albicans infections.
XRF-Escape Scintillator Footprints for Nuclear Medicine Imaging and Gamma-Ray Spectrometry
Authors: Scafè Raffaele , Puccini Marco , Pellegrini Rosanna , Pani Roberto
Published: February 2025

The present paper introduces the so-called scintillator footprints, consisting of plots showing XRF-escape peaks and their relative emission intensities in the energy range of interest for nuclear medicine SPECT and PET. A footprint describes the suitability of a scintillator for quantitative investigation with the best possible detectability. Sixteen scintillation materials have been identified in the literature, characterized by effective atomic numbers Zeff ranging between 22 and 75. The footprints of NaI:Tl and BGO, confirm the best suitability for quantitative spectral analysis in SPECT and PET, at 140.5 keV and 511 keV, respectively. Moreover, for the low-Zeff scintillators like CaF2 and CMSM, the XRF-escape effect is to predict irrelevant even at 140.5 keV due to the small energy value of X-ray fluorescence.
Cascaded Directional Coupler-Based Triplexer Working on Spectroscopically Relevant Wavelengths for Multiple Gas Detection
Authors: Thottoli Ajmal , Biagi Gabriele , Vorobev Artem S. , D’Orazio Antonella , Magno Giovanni , O’Faolain Liam
Published: February 2025

In this article, we present experimental and simulation results of a novel high-performance cascaded directional coupler-based triplexer. The device is designed to combine the wavelengths of 1530 nm, 1653.7 nm, and 2003 nm for use in spectroscopy systems targeting the detection of ammonia, methane, and carbon dioxide gases, respectively. The triplexer’s functions focus on enhancing the coupling efficiency and selectivity, while facilitating the on-chip integration of diode lasers. The experimental results demonstrate that the coupling efficiency is 82%, 73%, and 91% for the respective wavelengths of 1530 nm, 1653.7 nm, and 2003 nm. The results highlight the triplexer’s capability as a multifunctional beam combiner and an adaptable power source, essential for advanced gas sensing techniques and integrated couplers.
Effect of LED Irradiation with Different Red-to-Blue Light Ratios on Growth and Functional Compound Accumulations in Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) Accessions and Wild Relatives
Authors: Le Tri Manh , Sago Yuki , Ibaraki Yasuomi , Harada Kazuhiro , Arai Kenta , Ishizaki Yuichi , Aoki Hitoshi , Abdelrahman Mostafa , Kik Chris , van Treuren Rob , van Hintum Theo , Shigyo Masayoshi
Published: February 2025

The utilization of red and blue light-emitting diode (LED) lights for cultivating leafy vegetables in closed plant factories has increased in recent years. This study examined the growth and biosynthesis of functional compounds in twelve Spinacia accessions, including cultivars and wild relatives, under the irradiation of fluorescent light and three different red-to-blue LED light combinations (red:blue = 1:1, 1:3, and 3:1). Results showed that, except for the three examined Japanese cultivars, the fresh weight of most spinach accessions increased when red light comprised 50–75% of the light’s spectral composition. This indicated the vital role of the red-light photoreceptor phytochrome in inducing plant growth. The contribution of blue-light photoreceptors was also notable. Significant variations in the accumulation of amino acids and sugars were observed in specific accessions. The effects of spectral photons on the primary metabolite pathways were probably the leading causes of these variations. Some critical enzymes in the Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) shunt cycle and the asparagine and glycolysis pathways were suggested as rate-limiting enzymes, which determined the biosynthesis of functional compounds. Among the examined Spinacia accessions, ‘CGN09429’, ‘CGN09511’, and the wild S. turkestanica ‘CGN25013’ were identified as potential breeding materials, while red:blue = 1:1 was determined as the optimal red-to-blue ratio for spinach growth in a closed-cultivation system.
Via Air or Rhizosphere: The Phytotoxicity of Nepeta Essential Oils and Malus Dihydrochalcones
Authors: Dmitrović Slavica , Nestorović Živković Jasmina , Smailagić Dijana , Trajković Milena , Banjac Nevena , Ninković Slavica , Stanišić Mariana
Published: February 2025

Many specialized metabolites found in plants have significant potential for developing environmentally friendly weed management solutions. This review focuses on the phytotoxic effects of volatile terpenes and phenolic compounds, particularly nepetalactone, an iridoid monoterpenoid from Nepeta species, and phloretin, a dihydrochalcone predominantly found in the genus Malus. We highlight current findings on their herbicidal effects, including morphological, physiological, and biochemical responses in target plants. These results underscore their potential for developing sustainable herbicides that could control weeds with minimal environmental impact. We also discuss their soil persistence and methods to enhance their solubility, chemical stability, and bioavailability. Additionally, the possible effects on non-target organisms, such as pollinators, non-pollinating insects, and soil microbiota, are considered. However, further research and a deeper understanding of their long-term ecological impact, along with a resistance development risk assessment, is essential for the potential development of bioherbicides that could be applied in sustainable weed management practices.
Re-Use of Polycarbonate from Compact Discs to Enhance the Thermal Stability of Polylactic Acid Blends
Authors: Dehghani Samaneh , Pholharn Dutchanee , Srithep Yottha
Published: February 2025

This study investigates enhancing polylactic acid (PLA) by incorporating recycled polycarbonate (r-PC) to address PLA’s inherent brittleness and limited thermal stability. Blends with varying PLA/r-PC ratios (100:0 to 0:100) were prepared using an internal mixer, with r-PC sourced from discarded compact discs. The thermogravimetric analysis (-A) demonstrated significant improvements in the thermal stability. The degradation onset temperature (T5 wt%) increased from approximately 315 °C for pure PLA to about 400 °C in the blends, with a maximum decomposition temperature (Tmax) of 520 °C observed for pure r-PC. The char residue also increased markedly, from 1.35% in pure PLA to 24.42% in r-PC, indicating enhanced thermal resistance. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed a considerable reduction in PLA crystallinity, declining from 68.17% in pure PLA to 10.32% in the 10PLA90r-PC blend, indicative of the disruption of PLA’s crystalline structure. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis supported these findings, showing a transition to a predominantly amorphous structure at higher r-PC contents. Tensile testing highlighted the mechanical improvements achieved through blending. While pure PLA exhibited brittle failure, the 30PLA70r-PC blend displayed plastic deformation, signifying improved toughness. The stress–strain analysis revealed that the 30PLA70r-PC blend achieved a peak toughness of 8725 kJ/m3, nearly ten times higher than the 924 kJ/m3 recorded for pure PLA. However, excessive r-PC content introduced brittleness, diminishing toughness. The dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) demonstrated a broadening of the glass transition range, with the Tg shifting from 61 °C for pure PLA to 141 °C in r-PC-dominant blends, reflecting improved phase interactions between the two polymers. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed significant morphological changes; at high r-PC contents, phase separation and voids were observed, leading to reduced mechanical performance. These results highlight the synergistic potential of blending PLA’s biodegradability with r-PC’s superior thermal and mechanical properties.
Injectable Light-Responsive Hydrogel Dressing Promotes Diabetic Wound Healing by Enhancing Wound Angiogenesis and Inhibiting Inflammation
Authors: Ma Peifen , Da Jianlong , Zhao Guanghui , Suo Feiya , Li Yan , Zhou Xiaochun , Li Yao , Han Yiheng , Zou Mingyang , Dou Xinman
Published: February 2025

Diabetic wounds are therapeutically challenging because of the complex and adverse microenvironment that impedes healing. Unlike conventional wound dressings, hydrogels provide antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and repair-promoting functions. In this study, we developed a light-responsive and injectable chitosan methacryloyl (CSMA) hydrogel, incorporating soy isoflavones (SIs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy analyses confirmed the successful synthesis of the CSMA/SI/AuNP hydrogels. In vitro experiments demonstrated that this hydrogel exhibited exceptional biocompatibility and enhanced the migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (p < 0.05), thereby underscoring its potential for promoting angiogenesis. In vivo studies have indicated that hydrogels significantly enhance the rate of wound healing (p < 0.001). Moreover, they facilitate angiogenesis (p < 0.01) and diminish the inflammatory response at the wound site (p < 0.05). Additionally, hydrogels promote collagen deposition and the regeneration of skin appendages. These findings substantiate the hydrogel’s therapeutic potential for diabetic wound care, highlighting its promise for regenerative medicine. CSMA/SI/AuNP represents a significant advancement in diabetic wound treatment, addressing key challenges in wound healing by offering a multifaceted therapeutic approach with broad clinical implications for enhancing patient outcomes in chronic wound management.
Elastic Characterization of Acrylate-Based Liquid Crystal Elastomers
Authors: Gevorgyan Gevorg S. , Sargsyan Maksim L. , Hakobyan Mariam R. , Reynolds Matthew , Gleeson Helen F. , Hakobyan Rafik S.
Published: February 2025

Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are innovative materials best known for their reversible shape and optical property changes in response to external stimuli such as heat, light, and mechanical forces. These unique features position them as promising candidates for applications in emerging technologies. The determination of the mechanical properties of these materials is important for the study of the interaction between orientational and mechanical deformations of LCEs. Importantly, thoroughly characterizing the mechanical and elastic properties of LCEs is essential for their efficient design and integration into various devices. In this study, a full elastic characterization of promising acrylate-based LCE materials that are auxetic above a material-dependent strain threshold (~0.4 for the material studied here) was carried out. Highly aligned macroscopic samples were fabricated, allowing us to determine, for the first time, the five elasticity coefficients that enter into the elastic-free energy density of acrylate-based LCE materials, as well as the Young’s moduli and Poisson ratios. Our approach involves connecting measured strains with elasticity coefficients and using data obtained from three tensile experiments. Specifically, the measured Young’s moduli are on the order of MPa, with an anisotropy ratio (E‖/E⊥) of ~4.5. Moreover, the longitudinal Poisson ratios are both close to 0.5, confirming a uniaxial elastic response at low strains in these LCE samples. These findings align with theoretical predictions, indicating a good correspondence between experimental results and established theories.
Impacts of Rotor Design, Screw Design, and Processing Parameters in a Farrel Continuous Mixer
Authors: Alotaibi Mansour , Barry Carol Forance
Published: February 2025

Continuous mixers, which consist of a section with non-intermeshing counter-rotating rotors and a single-screw extruder, were developed for thermoset rubber and are often used for compounding of heavily filled thermoplastics. Due to the high mixing efficiency and tight control of shear levels, they may be suited for other compounding other material systems. Little work, however, has been reported on compounding with these mixers, and preliminary work with polypropylene showed interesting limitations of the mixing parameters. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of nine rotor designs, two single-screw designs, rotor speed, feed rate, and orifice setting on the residence time and melt temperature in a Farrel Compact Processor. In general, single-stage rotors produced lower mixer residence times and melt temperatures compared to longer two-stage and high dispersion rotors. Higher rotor speeds and feed rates and smaller orifice openings generally reduced mixer residence times. Higher rotor speeds increased mixer melt temperatures, whereas higher feed rates and smaller orifice openings produced lower mixer melt temperatures. The single-screw design impacted the residence time but not the melt temperature. Overall, the results of this work provided strategies for optimizing the processing parameters and rotor design selection when melt compounding with continuous mixers.
An Evaluation of Mathematical Modeling of Ethanol Fermentation with Immobilized Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the Presence of Different Inhibitors
Authors: Ünsal Selime Benemir Erkan , Tufan Hilal Nur Gürler , Canatar Muge , Yatmaz Ercan , Yavuz Ibrahim , Germec Mustafa , Turhan Irfan
Published: February 2025

In ethanol production processes, inhibitors are formed as by-products depending on the raw materials and pretreatments. Inhibitors negatively affect both ethanol yield and biomass growth. This study aimed to examine the influence of inhibitors, including acetic acid (AA), formic acid (FA), and phenol, on ethanol production from the glucose-based medium using immobilized Saccharomyces cerevisiae in a bioreactor. The results showed that the highest ethanol yields and productions were determined as 45.64% and 38.10 g/L, 44.8% and 36.67 g/L, and 44.46% and 39.07 g/L, by the addition of 2.5 g/L AA, 0.5 g/L FA, and 0.5 g/L phenol into the fermentation medium, respectively. Regarding mathematical modeling, the models MGM (AA) and Huang (FA-phenol) were the best models to predict experimental ethanol production. It was determined that the values forecasted with the models MMF (AA-FA) and Weibull (phenol) agreed with the actual biomass growth. Additionally, to forecast the observed values of the substrate consumption, the most suitable model was Weibull (AA-FA-phenol). Consequently, the immobilized-cell ethanol fermentations with inhibitors were successfully performed, and their limit values were determined.