bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Systematic Groups of Microorganisms on Dehydrogenase Activity in Soils Within Quercetum montanum typicum Forest Community
Authors: Najdovski Boris , Djuric Simonida , Pekeč Saša , Milović Marina , Orlović Saša , Pilipovic Andrej
Published: February 2025

This study reveals the mutual interaction of the abiotic (climate) and biotic (bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi) factors and their impact on dehydrogenase enzyme activity in the soil within the Quercetum montanum typicum forest community at the National Park “Frushka gora” in the Vojvodina Province of Serbia. A total of 32 field visits were conducted between 2014 and 2017 to obtain site-specific data on air and soil temperature and humidity, and soil sampling for further microorganisms’ abundance and dehydrogenase activity determination through lab analysis. The key findings indicate that climate conditions, particularly variations in air temperature and humidity, significantly impact dehydrogenases and are positively impacted by soil bacteria and actinomycetes, although the effect of fungi varies. Climate conditions, particularly variations in air temperature and humidity, significantly impact the abundance of soil microorganisms, and further positively impact the dehydrogenase activity. These findings underscore the importance of understanding the interplay between abiotic and biotic factors in soil ecosystems for sustainable environmental management and to support soil fertility and health.
Effects of Adding Guanidinoacetic Acid to the Diet of Jersey Cows on Ruminal Fermentation, Milk Efficiency, Milk Quality and Animal Health
Authors: Wolschick Gabriel J. , Wolschick Patrícia T. , Souza Ana Luiza M. , Signor Mateus H. , Lago Rafael V. P. , Breancini Michel , de Vitt Maksuel G. , Picoli Fernanda , Mangoni Amanda C. B. , Klein Bruna , Wagner Roger , Schroeder Gabriela S. , Wegener Ketlyn , Milarch Carine F. , da Silva Aleksandro S.
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of including guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) in the diet of Jersey cows during their first lactation, evaluating the effects on the ruminal environment, productivity, milk composition and quality, and hematological variables. The study used 18 Jersey animals in their first lactation with 230 days of lactation. The study lasted 28 days: 14 days of adaptation, and 14 days for data and sample collection. The animals were housed in a compost barn confinement system and milking was performed by a robotic system. The cows were randomly divided into two groups of nine each, a control group and a treatment group (guanidinoacetic acid at a dose of 10 g animal/day). The animals were fed individually provided at three times, with weighing of the leftovers whenever necessary. The diet was formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of the animals, using the Nutrient Requirements of Dairy 2001 and considering an average daily production of 20 L/cow. The animals in the treatment group showed higher feed intake compared to the control group, and consequently, milk production was also higher in the treatment group. No difference was observed between the groups for milk efficiency, since the increase in production is directly related to the increase in intake of the treated animals. The cows that consumed GAA had a higher percentage of total milk solids; however, there was no significant effect on the percentage of fat, protein, lactose and fatty acid profile. Greater bacterial activity was observed in the ruminal fluid, which may have improved degradation and increased the rate of passage of the feed, resulting in greater milk production. There was no effect of the treatment on the volatile fatty acid profile in the rumen. A treatment × day interaction for beta-hydroxybutyrate concentration in the blood was observed, with lower levels observed in the animals in the treatment group. The total leukocyte count was lower in the blood of cows that consumed GAA as a result of the lower lymphocyte count. On days 21 and 28, a higher concentration of total cholesterol was observed, associated with lower activity of the enzymes creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) in the serum of cows in the treatment group compared to the control group. On day 28, lower lipid peroxidation (TBARS) associated with an increase in antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and glutathione S-transferase) was observed in cows that consumed GAA. The results allow us to conclude that the addition of GAA to the diet of dairy cows has positive effects on zootechnical performance.
Impact of Sulfur Dioxide and Dimethyl Dicarbonate Treatment on the Quality of White Wines: A Scientific Evaluation
Authors: Buțerchi Ioana , Colibaba Lucia Cintia , Luchian Camelia Elena , Lipșa Florin Daniel , Ulea Eugen , Zamfir Cătălin Ioan , Scutarașu Elena Cristina , Nechita Constantin Bogdan , Irimia Liviu Mihai , Cotea Valeriu V.
Published: February 2025

The biochemistry and physiology of raw material, the metabolism of microorganisms, and the methods used for processing and storage can affect the stability of wines. Due to the antimicrobial action of sulfur dioxide and dimethyl dicarbonate, the aim of this study is to determine the optimal treatment protocol to maintain the physico–chemical and microbiological stability of white wines with high residual sugar. Thus, the present research focuses on analyzing the influence of both treatments, combined or separate, on 45 wine samples obtained from a blend of Muscat Ottonel and Fetească Regală grape varieties, where different doses of 6% aqueous SO2 solution (40, 80, and 160 mg/L) and dimethyl bicarbonate (0, 100, and 200 mg/L) were used. In order to assess the ability of dimethyl dicarbonate to suppress microorganisms, varying concentrations of Brettanomyces bruxellensis and Schizosaccharomyces pombe yeasts were inoculated (0, 30, 100 CFU/mL wine). The results indicate that, while sulfur dioxide cannot be entirely substituted in wines, both treatments can effectively lower or inhibit the activity of spoilage microorganisms. For the wines’ physico–chemical and microbiological stability, the treatment that used the synergistic force of sulfur dioxide (160 mg/L) and dimethyl dicarbonate (200 mg/L wine) performed the best.
Determination of Estimated Biodiesel Potential of Microalgae Grown in Biogas Liquid Digestate
Authors: Uysal Önder
Published: February 2025

The interest in biogas, which is a renewable energy source, has been growing rapidly in recent years. It is prohibited to discharge digestates resulting from the biogas process into the environment, and they have a very high pollutant load. In this study, basal media (BBM) was added to five different biogas liquid digestates (BLD). Microalgae tolerant to their own environment adapted to the environment, and an increase was observed in cell densities. As a result, microalgal biomass was obtained, and its potential for biodiesel, which is a renewable energy source, was investigated by extracting oil from the obtained microalgal biomass. In all groups, NH4 removal was 99%. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal was determined to be in the range of 82–96%. When biomass and lipid production values were analyzed, it was seen that the most effective groups were M4 and M5. Based on the estimated biodiesel properties, it was concluded that all groups are usable. Finally, it was concluded that BLD, which is a pollutant in the biogas sector, can be converted into biodiesel. The research revealed that the M4 (BLD 20% + BBM 80%) and M5 (BLD 40% + BBM 60%) treatments, which had the highest levels of BLD among the treatments, were promising in terms of CO2 removal, microalgae yield, chemical removal, and estimated biodiesel potential.
Enhancing Design and Authentication Performance Model: A Multilevel Secure Database Management System
Authors: Abdulla Hemin Sardar , Aladdin Aso M.
Published: February 2025

Multilevel security (MLS) is particularly intended to secure information against unauthorized access. An MLS security DBMS allows users with different security levels to access and share a database. For this purpose, the study creates a model that includes a restricted access authentication prototype with multilevel security in a database management system (MLS/DBMS). Accordingly, the model has been designed to emphasize the highest level of authorized security. The system ensures that users can only access information that they are permitted to view, fully adhering to the newly established MLS framework. In addition, the model also integrates cryptographic algorithms, such as RSA and AES, to enhance its functionality and demonstrate the scalability and security of the model. These criteria are defined based on the perspective of the database provided to users, determined by their respective authorization levels. An informal security framework for a multilevel secure DBMS is defined. It includes a classification strategy and explains the implementation of operations like insertion and deletion, addressing the complexity of models with novel methods. The metric evaluation of this model assesses the performance of the authentication process and how operations are implemented across three authentication group types. It also calculates the key generation time and encryption types in cryptographic algorithms. The results confirm that the RSA model requires less time for evaluation while maintaining multilevel security. Furthermore, the type 2 authentication group is more complex and requires more memory and time for generation. Based on the classification, the results highlight notable differences, which designers should consider when selecting authentication methods. Lastly, the study presents various conclusions, explores possible future directions, and discusses its limitations.
Participant Selection for Efficient and Trusted Federated Learning in Blockchain-Assisted Hierarchical Federated Learning Architectures
Authors: Liu Peng , Jia Lili , Xiao Yang
Published: February 2025

Federated learning has attracted widespread attention due to its strong capabilities of privacy protection, making it a powerful supporting technology for addressing data silos in the future. However, federated learning still lags significantly behind traditional centralized learning in terms of learning efficiency and system security. In this paper, we first construct a hierarchical federated learning architecture integrated with blockchain based on the cooperation of the cloud, edge, and terminal, which has the ability to enhance the security of federated learning while reducing the introduction costs of blockchain. Under this architecture, we propose a semi-asynchronous aggregation scheme at the edge layer and introduce a hierarchical aggregation scheme that combines it with synchronous aggregation at the cloud end to improve system efficiency. Furthermore, we present a multi-objective node selection scheme that considers various influencing factors such as security and efficiency. We formulate the node selection problem as a Markov Decision Process (MDP) and propose a solution based on deep reinforcement learning to address it more efficiently. The experimental results show that the proposed scheme can effectively improve system efficiency and enhance system security. In addition, the proposed DQN-based node selection algorithm can efficiently realize the selection of the optimal policy.
Trends, Challenges, and Applications of Large Language Models in Healthcare: A Bibliometric and Scoping Review
Authors: Carchiolo Vincenza , Malgeri Michele
Published: February 2025

The application of Large Language Models (LLMs) in medicine represents an area of growing interest in scientific research. This study presents a quantitative review of the scientific literature aiming at analyzing emerging trends in the use of LLMs in the medical field. Through a systematic analysis of works extracted from Scopus, the study examines the temporal evolution, geographical distribution, and scientific collaborations between research institutions and nations. Furthermore, the main topics addressed in the most cited papers are identified, and the most recent and relevant reviews are explored in depth. The quantitative approach enables mapping the development of research, highlighting both opportunities and open challenges. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of research articles and review-type articles across several years, focusing on temporal, geographical, and thematic trends. The temporal analysis reveals significant shifts in research activity, including periods of increased or decreased publication output and the emergence of new areas of interest. Geographically, the results identify regions and countries with higher concentrations of publications, as well as regions experiencing growing or stagnant international collaboration. The thematic analysis highlights the key research areas addressed in the reviewed papers, tracking evolving topics and changes in research focus over time. Additionally, the collaborative analysis sheds light on key networks of international collaboration, revealing changes in the distribution of affiliations across subperiods and publication types. Finally, an investigation of the most cited papers highlights the works that have had the greatest impact on the scientific community, identifying enduring themes and methodologies that continue to shape the field of study. The results provide a clear overview of current trends and future perspectives for the application of LLMs in medicine, offering a valuable reference for researchers and professionals in the field.
Segmentation and Filtering Are Still the Gold Standard for Privacy in IoT—An In-Depth STRIDE and LINDDUN Analysis of Smart Homes
Authors: Pöhls Henrich C. , Kügler Fabian , Geloczi Emiliia , Klement Felix
Published: February 2025

Every year, more and more electronic devices are used in households, which certainly leads to an increase in the total number of communications between devices. During communication, a huge amount of information is transmitted, which can be critical or even malicious. To avoid the transmission of unnecessary information, a filtering mechanism can be applied. Filtering is a long-standing method used by network engineers to segregate and thus block unwanted traffic from reaching certain devices. In this work, we show how to apply this to the Internet of Things (IoT) Smart Home domain as it introduces numerous networked devices into our daily lives. To analyse the positive influence of filtering on security and privacy, we offer the results from our in-depth STRIDE and LINDDUN analysis of several Smart Home scenarios before and after the application. To show that filtering can be applied to other IoT domains, we offer a brief glimpse into the domain of smart cars.
Intelligence-Based Strategies with Vehicle-to-Everything Network: A Review
Authors: Bohra Navdeep , Kumari Ashish , Mishra Vikash Kumar , Soni Pramod Kumar , Balyan Vipin
Published: February 2025

Advancements in intelligent vehicular networks and computing systems have created new possibilities for innovative approaches that enhance traffic safety, comfort, and transportation performance. Machine Learning (ML) has become widely employed for boosting conventional data-driven methodologies in various scientific study domains. The integration of a Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) system with ML enables the acquisition of knowledge from multiple places, enhances the operator’s awareness, and predicts future crashes to prevent them. The information serves multiple functions, such as determining the most efficient route, increasing the driver’s knowledge, forecasting movement strategy to avoid risky circumstances, and eventually improving user convenience, security, and overall highway experiences. This article thoroughly examines Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ML methods that are now investigated through different study endeavors in vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs). Furthermore, it examines the benefits and drawbacks accompanying such intelligent methods in the context of the VANETs system and simulation tools. Ultimately, this study pinpoints prospective domains for vehicular network development that can utilize the capabilities of AI and ML.
Microwave Chemical Looping Synergistic Gasification of Polypropylene Plastic and Water Hyacinth
Authors: An Fengxia , Chen Delu , Mao Wenli , Yu Ying , Shao Danyang , Zhong Zhaoping , Wang Xiaojia
Published: February 2025

The microwave chemical looping synergistic gasification characteristics of municipal solid waste polypropylene plastic and the organic solid waste water hyacinth are experimentally investigated in this study. In addition, the characterizations of oxygen carriers before and after the reaction are combined to analyze the evolution of the microscopic morphology of oxygen carriers and the changes in the relative contents of each valence state of Fe and O elements. The results show that an increase in the water hyacinth mixing ratio presents positive effects on tar cracking and a slight negative effect on syngas yield. At the water hyacinth mixing ratio of 75%, the cold gas efficiency and carbon conversion can reach maximum values of 77.64% and 69.9%, respectively. The H2 yield and H2/CO ratio in syngas can be also improved to 0.34 Nm3/kg and 1.62, respectively. In addition, a minimum tar yield of 0.133 g/g (fuel) can be obtained at this mixing ratio. Moreover, the addition of water hyacinth has a continuous increase effect on monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (MAH) products of tar, and a continuous decrease effect on naphthalene and bicyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NAH) products. This work explores the synergistic properties of organic waste plastics and agroforestry wastes during microwave chemical looping gasification, which is a useful exploration for solving the environmental problems caused by waste materials and agroforestry wastes as well as realizing the resourceful utilization of solid wastes.
Numerical Investigation of Flow and Heat Transfer from Twin Circular Cylinders Present in Double Forward-Facing Step
Authors: Kanna Parthasarathy Rajesh , Sivakumar Yaswanth , Prasad G. V. Durga , Taler Dawid , Sobota Tomasz , Taler Jan
Published: February 2025

A numerical simulation of the circular cylinder as an obstacle in a double forward-facing (DFFS) step was performed. The size and position of the upstream cylinder (c1) and downstream cylinder (c2) were varied to explore their role in heat transfer in both laminar and turbulent conditions. Comparative results of the upper and lower half of the downstream cylinder were plotted as results to understand the heat transfer and flow characteristics around the downstream cylinder due to the effect of the upstream cylinder’s dimension and position. For Re = 800, when the c1 is placed near the bottom of the wall, it results in a pair of rear-side symmetrical vortices, and the c2 cylinder vortices become larger when the c1 is shifted towards the top wall. Additional flow separation happens adjacent to the steps when c1 is greater than c2. These vortices strongly influence the convection heat transfer from the step. However, when Reynolds number (Re) is increased from 800 to 80,000, these vortices’ size is decreased. When c1 moves from 0.375H to 0.75H, the average Nusselt number is increased significantly. Moreover, a hike in Re results in a higher average Nusselt number irrespective of the position of obstacles. The upstream cylinder significantly enhances the Nusselt number when it is placed near the top wall rather than the bottom wall.
Exploring the Sensory Typicity of Timorasso Wines: Physicochemical and Sensory Characteristics of Seven Consecutive Vintages
Authors: Paissoni Maria Alessandra , Boido Micaela , Margotti Pietro , Giacosa Simone , Río Segade Susana , Gerbi Vincenzo , Rolle Luca , Schuessler Christoph , Jung Rainer , Rauhut Doris , Tarasov Andrii
Published: February 2025

‘Timorasso’ is an autochthonous, non-aromatic white grape variety cultivated mainly in the southwest of the Piedmont region (northwestern Italy). The sensory profile of wines produced from this variety evolves greatly with aging. In this study, 31 wines from 2015–2021 vintages were analyzed to investigate changes in sensory descriptors at various stages of aging and their correlation with physicochemical properties (wine basic parameters, color, and total polyphenols) and sensory-perceptual typicity. A sensory analysis was conducted by a panel of experts, who were asked to indicate the in-mouth and aroma descriptors. The aroma-related terms were analyzed as individual descriptors or grouped in “Categories”. Moreover, the panel rated the Color, In-Mouth, and Aroma typicity of these wines. ‘Timorasso’ based wines were found to have, on average, a relevant alcohol content (14.20 ± 0.56% v/v), moderate acidity (5.8 ± 0.6 g/L), and low pH (3.19 ± 0.09). In fact, Timorasso wines were sensorially identified in terms of citation frequency with the in-mouth descriptors acidity (32.9%), sapidity (25.5%), and minerality (17.4%). The aroma of younger wines (2 years of aging) was characterized by “Green”, “White flowers”, “White pulp fruit”, and “Citrus”. In general, the most cited aroma category was “Kerosene” (27.9%), distinguishing wines with 5–6 years of aging. “Kerosene” category correlated with Aroma typicity (p < 0.001), as well as with “Balsamic” (10.8%, p < 0.01) and “Empyreumatic” (5.5%, p < 0.05) aroma categories.
Effect of Industrial Processing on the Volatile Organic Compound Fingerprint of Dry-Cured Tuna
Authors: Sánchez-Parra Mónica , Lopez Annalaura , Moretti Vittorio Maria , Ordóñez-Díaz José Luis , Moreno-Rojas José Manuel
Published: February 2025

Dry-cured tuna products exhibit unique aroma characteristics appreciated by local consumers, particularly in the southern Iberian Peninsula. In the present study, headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC/MS) was used to identify and quantify volatile organic compounds (VOCs), establishing a volatile fingerprint of dry-cured tuna throughout the manufacturing process. Unsupervised (PCA) and supervised (PLS-DA and sPLS-DA) multivariate statistical methods were applied to visualise, group, and classify the samples. A total of fifty-four VOCs were identified across the four steps involved in processing the final product. The ML-PLS-DA model demonstrated excellent discrimination (R2 = 0.912, Q2 = 0.878, and Accuracy = 1) for the samples. Additionally, ML-sPLS-DA was conducted to screen various VOC metabolites in the samples after both the salting and salt-washing steps; the levels of eighteen VOCs changed significantly (VIP > 1; p < 0.05). These results provide a theoretical basis for determining flavour formation and quality control in the traditional dry-curing process of tuna.
The Bioaccessibility of Grape-Derived Phenolic Compounds: An Overview
Authors: Milinčić Danijel D. , Stanisavljević Nemanja S. , Pešić Milica M. , Kostić Aleksandar Ž. , Stanojević Slađana P. , Pešić Mirjana B.
Published: February 2025

Grape-derived phenolic compounds possess many health benefits, but their biological effectiveness and their effects on human health depend directly on bioaccessibility. Different physiological conditions, interactions with food compounds (proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates), and/or microbial transformations affect the solubilization and stability of phenolic compounds, thus altering their bioaccessibility and biological activity. Previously published review articles on grape-derived phenolic compounds have focused on characterization, transformation during winemaking, various applications, and health benefits, but the literature lacks a comprehensive overview of the bioaccessibility of these compounds during gastrointestinal digestion. In this context, models of gastrointestinal digestion and factors affecting the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds were considered to understand the behavior of grape-derived phenolic compounds during digestion in the absence or presence of different food matrices. Finally, this review should enable the development of novel food products with targeted bioaccessibility of grape-derived phenolic compounds.
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Fermentation Ameliorates Physicochemical Properties, Physiological Activity, and Volatile and Non-Volatile Compounds of Mango Juice: Preliminary Results at Laboratory Scale
Authors: Fan Jinlin , Guo Weiling , Xiao Zheng , Deng Jiacong , Shi Feifei
Published: February 2025

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus is a strain predominantly used for juice production because of its excellent fermentation characteristics and strong acid production capacity. However, the influence of L. rhamnosus on the quality of mango juice has not yet been determined. Therefore, the effects of L. rhamnosus FJG1530 on the physicochemical properties, physiological activity, and volatile and non-volatile compounds of mango juice were extensively examined in this study. The data showed that L. rhamnosus FJG1530 possessed strong adaptability to mango juice, reducing its total sugar and increasing its total flavonoids. L. rhamnosus FJG1530 fermentation enhanced the ability of mango juice to clear the free radicals ABTS and DPPH, as well as improving the inhibition of lipase and α-glucosidase. In addition, L. rhamnosus FJG1530 treatment improved the volatile compounds in mango juice, especially promoting the formation of acids and alcohols. Simultaneously, metabolomic analysis revealed that 592 non-volatile compounds in mango juice were significantly changed by L. rhamnosus FJG1530 fermentation, with 413 dramatically increased and 179 significantly decreased metabolites. This study demonstrates that the fermentation process using L. rhamnosus FJG1530 was beneficial for ameliorating the quality of mango juice.
Exploring the Sensory Odor Profile of Sourdough Starter from Ancient Whole-Wheat Flours in the Development of Cookies with Enhanced Quality
Authors: Škrobot Dubravka , Maravić Nikola , Hadnađev Miroslav , Dapčević-Hadnađev Tamara , Pestorić Mladenka , Tomić Jelena
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the benefits of sourdough fermentation using ancient whole-wheat flours in the development of cookies, leveraging innovative rapid sensory evaluation methods to highlight their unique sensory attributes and potential health advantages. The spontaneous fermentation of wholegrain wheat, spelt, Khorasan, and emmer flour–water mixtures was monitored, focusing on odor development. Temporal Dominance of Sensations (TDS) was employed to track how sourdough odor unfolds over time while Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) and Hedonic tests were applied to capture the sensory characteristics of sourdough starter samples and consumer overall liking in order to identify sourdough with the most appealing odor for cookie preparation. Based on the result, spelt and Khorasan lyophilized sourdough were used for cookie preparation. Further, Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA) was applied to investigate the sensory profiles of the developed cookies and panelists’ hedonic perceptions and attitudes toward them. The resulting sourdough cookies exhibited higher fiber and comparable protein and fat content, lower energy value with sensory properties comparable to those of commercial samples. This research not only presents a comprehensive selection of sensory methodologies ideal for product development but also offers valuable insights into the sensory profile of sourdough-containing cookies, paving the way for enhanced formulation and strategic commercialization.
The Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Characteristics: A Systematic Review
Authors: Syropoulos Stylianos , Moutzouri Maria , Grammatopoulou Eirini , Patsaki Irini
Published: February 2025

Background/Objective: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is multifactorial and affects an increasing number of people. It is a common condition in which the stomach contents move up into the esophagus; thus, its main cause is found in the antireflux valve mechanism of the gastroesophageal junction. This consists of two sphincters, the lower oesophageal and the diaphragmatic. The disease has been related to diaphragm dysfunction, either due to the de-coordination of the diaphragms’ contractility or due to decreased strength. Breathing exercises seem to have a positive effect in this population. The aim of this study was to systematically examine the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on GERD characteristics. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of research up to April 2024 in Scopus, PubMed, and Science Direct. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and clinical trials assessing the effects of IMT on GERD characteristics. Methodological quality was assessed with the PEDro scale (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) and the Newcastle Ottawa scale (NOC). Results: Among the 1984 studies identified from the search, only three studies (one study with a post-COVID-19 population and two with GERD and healthy subjects) were included in this study, as they presented a fair to high methodological quality. Significant improvements in maximal inspiratory pressure (p < 0.001) and diaphragmatic excursion (p < 0.001) were revealed in one study. No significant differences between groups were mentioned for the reflux symptoms and for LES–EGJ pressure in the studies included. Conclusions: IMT seems to provide promising effects in strengthening the antireflux valve mechanism, as it increases MIP and diaphragmatic excursion. This systematic review established a bibliographic gap for the contribution of IMT in the antireflux valve mechanism. More evidence is needed to support the importance of IMT as a non-pharmacological intervention for GERD patients.
The Trace Element Geochemistry of the Vali–Janlou Kaolin Deposit, Urmia–Dokhtar Magmatic Belt, Central-Northern Iran
Authors: Abedini Ali , Calagari Ali Asghar , Khosravi Maryam
Published: February 2025

The Vali–Janlou kaolin deposit is located in the northern part of the Urmia–Dokhtar magmatic belt, central-northern Iran, and is hosted by middle Eocene rhyodacitic volcanic rocks. The Vali–Janlou kaolin deposit is one of the most important sources of raw material for ceramics industries in Iran. No trace element geochemical characterizations of this deposit have been conducted in detail before, and this is the main objective of the current research work. Kaolinite and quartz are the major mineral phases present in this deposit, accompanied by some minor phases like illite, rutile, pyrophyllite, dickite, alunite, diaspore, and chlorite. The calculation of mass balance changes revealed that the kaolinization of the rhyodacitic rocks was accompanied by the enrichment of Sr, Zr, Hf, Ta, Nb, U, Th, Y, La, and Pr, leaching–fixation of Sm, Nd, and HREEs, and depletion of Rb, Cs, Ba, Pb, V, Cr, Zn, Eu, and Ce. The behavior of trace elements during kaolinization was controlled by factors such as variation in the pH and temperature of the hydrothermal fluids, the residual concentration, and the presence of mineral phases resistant to alteration. The occurrence of negative Eu anomalies during kaolinization indicates plagioclase destruction by high-temperature hydrothermal solutions and also the liberation of Eu2+ during a decreasing intensity of hydrothermal alteration. The presence of diaspore, dickite, and pyrophyllite together with the differentiation of HREEs from one to another, the occurrence of robust negative Ce anomalies, the strong positive correlation between P2O5 and LOI, and geochemical parameters like Ce + La + Y, Nb + Cr, Rb + Sr, and Y/Ho are all indicative of the effective role of hypogene processes in the evolution of this deposit.
Correction: Nazzareni et al. Characterisation of Fault-Related Mn-Fe Striae on the Timpa Della Manca Fault (Mercure Basin, Southern Apennines, Italy). Geosciences 2024, 14, 299
Authors: Nazzareni Sabrina , Mantovani Luciana , Pizzati Mattia , Bersani Danilo , Boschetti Tiziano , Palmucci Ambra , Cirillo Daniele , Brozzetti Francesco
Published: February 2025

There was an error in the original publication [...]
Alleviation of Plaque and Gingivitis with Dental Water Jet in Regular and Orthodontic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Badahdah Arwa , Hariri Murooj Abdulrahim , Aljohani Modi Salman , Alshehri Layan Saad , Natto Zuhair S.
Published: February 2025

Objectives: This review aimed to compare the effectiveness of using a dental water jet (WJ) to manual tooth brushing (MTB) alone or when combined with flossing (MTB + F) in improving plaque index (PI), bleeding index (BI), and gingival index (GI) in regular and orthodontic patients. Materials and Method: This review was registered with the PROSPERO registry (CRD42022296752). Three reviewers conducted a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar for studies published between 1990 and July 2022. Eligible studies were randomized clinical trials, excluding those involving peri-implantitis, patients with impaired manual dexterity, or powered brushes. The outcomes of interest (PI, BI, and GI) were measured across short-, intermediate-, and long-term periods. Results: Eighteen RCTs were included in this review. PI: in regular patients, use of a WJ showed no additional improvement over flossing, and the results were inconsistent when compared to MTB alone. For orthodontic patients, use of a WJ provided a slight improvement over flossing in the short term and MTB alone in the intermediate term. BI: use of a WJ demonstrated a slight improvement over flossing and MTB alone in both patient groups at different time points. GI: use of a WJ was comparable to flossing but showed slight benefits over MTB alone in the short term for regular patients and in the intermediate term for orthodontic patients. Conclusions: use of a WJ may provide slight benefits in BI and GI compared to flossing or MTB alone, especially for orthodontic patients. Clinical relevance: incorporating a WJ into the daily oral hygiene routine is recommended due to its potential benefits over brushing alone and its user-friendly alternative to flossing.
Sports Facility Use and Perceptions of Exercise Effectiveness: A Nationwide Survey of People with Disabilities in South Korea
Authors: Cho Kyung-Hun , Chang Jae Seung
Published: February 2025

Objectives: This study examined how the benefits of exercise vary across different dimensions, such as physical health, psychological well-being, and social interaction, for individuals with disabilities, focusing on their use of sports facilities. Methods: Based on the 2019 National Survey on Sports Participation among People with Disabilities in South Korea, 3726 participants were analyzed using stratified chi-square tests, one-way analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, and logistic regression methods, adjusting for covariates as appropriate. Results: This study’s results indicate that sports facility users showed higher positive perceptions of exercise benefits compared to non-users. Notable differences in the perceived effectiveness of exercise benefits were observed in physical health and fitness (odds ratio (OR), 1.31; 95% CI, 1.07–1.62), stress relief and psychological stability (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.11–1.71), daily vitality and motivation (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.31–2.00), and a general sense of happiness from exercise participation (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.12–1.57), whereas the perception of medical cost savings did not vary (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.93–1.27). Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of accessible sports facilities and the promotion of their active use to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Political and practical initiatives are essential for improving both physical and mental well-being among individuals with disabilities.
Preserving Ecclesiastical Cultural Heritage of Thrace: A Needs Analysis for Digital Recording in Monasteries and Temples
Authors: Stamou Aikaterini , Nassis Fr Chrysostomos , Chrysafi Eleni , Sylaiou Stella , Kaya Guldehen , Sarlak Evangelia , Ribolov Svet , Karavaltchev Ventzislav , Constantinides Argyris , Belk Marios , Stylianidis Efstratios
Published: February 2025

Cultural heritage is a common good passed down as a legacy from previous to future generations. Its preservation is a strong commitment to humanity. The main motivation for this project is based on this understanding and arose from the need for the proper and scientifically documented recording of cultural heritage (CH), both movable and immovable monuments of ecclesiastical cultural treasures. Despite its significance, the systematic documentation of ecclesiastical heritage remains fragmented, lacking a standardized and scientifically driven approach. This research addresses this critical gap by developing a structured methodology for the recording, organization, and digital archiving of ecclesiastical CH monuments. This was accomplished by codifying the actual recording and documentation needs for the ecclesiastical cultural treasures, with the systematic study of the users’ needs. The study focused on the region of Thrace, encompassing areas of Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria, where post-Byzantine ecclesiastical treasures are expected to be in abundance. Through the design and implementation of surveys and metadata collection, this project has the capacity to facilitate digital transformation across the interconnected fields of religion, arts, and CH. Stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, both within and outside the clergy community, including owners and end-users connected to ecclesiastical cultural treasures, were actively involved in the process. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the vital role of building distance communication channels and promoting digital transformation across the interconnected fields of religion and cultural heritage. Our emphasis was to actively engage stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to create a practical, user-friendly documentation tool that meets their actual needs.
Possibilities for Controlling the Most Important Diseases and Pests of Sour Cherries and an Analysis of Pesticide Residues in Fruits
Authors: Tamaš Nenad , Špirović Trifunović Bojana , Brkić Dragica , Miletić Novica , Sretenović Marko
Published: February 2025

This study investigated various protection programs to control the European cherry fruit fly, cherry brown rot, and cherry leaf spot on sour cherries. The effects of acetamiprid, spinetoram, dodine, boscalid, and pyraclostrobin, applied alone and in combination with sucrose, were determined using standard EPPO methods. Pesticide residues in the cherry fruit were analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The highest efficacy in controlling the European cherry fruit fly was achieved by applying acetamiprid twice and spinetoram three times during fruit ripening. Successful protection against brown rot was achieved with a single application of boscalid and pyraclostrobin with the addition of sucrose. Dodine in combination with boscalid and pyraclostrobin showed good efficacy in controlling cherry leaf spot, which increased with the addition of sucrose. Residues of spinetoram, boscalid, and pyraclostrobin were below the limit of quantification, while only acetamiprid and dodine residues were detected in the fruit samples, but these were well below the maximum residue levels. This study demonstrates that several alternative protection programs can successfully protect cherries against the European cherry fruit fly and diseases during the critical stage of fruit ripening, with residue levels below the prescribed maximum levels.
The Research Trends and Application Prospects of Waterlogging Tolerance in Garden Plants Through Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Pan Bo , Wang Yaoyao , Chen Lijie , Chen Qingbing , Yu Junjun , Li Haiying , Fan Yongming , Gao Kang
Published: February 2025

With the intensification of global climate change and urbanization, extreme rainfall and urban flooding have become increasingly frequent, making the flood tolerance of garden plants a key issue in urban landscaping and ecology. Identifying research progress and development trends in the waterlogging tolerance of garden plants, as well as selecting waterlogging-tolerant species, is a core strategy for advancing urban ecological development. This study employed the Web of Science database to conduct a systematic search using subject, title, and keyword criteria. After excluding irrelevant studies through full-text reviews, 164 articles were selected. Using bibliometric analysis, the research systematically reviewed relevant literature published over the past 21 years on waterlogging tolerance in landscape plants, both domestically and internationally, analyzing research trends and hotspots, while summarizing the physiological and molecular responses of garden plants in flood-prone environments. The research indicates significant differences in flood tolerance among different species of garden plants. The main research directions include morphology, physiology, molecular biology, ecology, cultivation, and species selection, with molecular biology emerging as a key area of development in recent years. Furthermore, in the context of global climate change, this study identifies 50 flood-tolerant plants with high ecological value, and proposes guidelines for selecting flood-tolerant species. It concludes by discussing future research directions in flood tolerance and the potential applications of these plants in urban landscaping, sponge city construction, and ecological restoration.
Correction: Zhao et al. The Dissemination Strategy of an Urban Smart Medical Tourism Image by Big Data Analysis Technology. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 15330
Authors: Zhao Zijian , Wang Zhongwei , Garcia-Campayo Javier , Perez Hector Monzales
Published: February 2025

In the original publication [...]
Exploring the Roles of IPOs and Main Bank Relationships on Debt Maturity: The Case of Japan
Authors: Chen Jieting , Fan Jinbin
Published: February 2025

The choice between short- and long-term debt impacts a firm’s financial flexibility and its capacity for sustainable investment. This study examines how Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) and main bank relationships shape debt maturity structures, focusing on Japanese firms listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange between 2002 and 2015. Using panel fixed effects and difference-in-differences (DID) analysis, we find a temporary extension in debt maturity (i.e., a reduction in the short-term debt ratio) one year post-IPO. Our findings partially support the hypothesis under signaling theory, which states that firms can mitigate asymmetric information problems through IPOs, facilitating the issuance of long-term debt, and thus allowing firms to allocate resources for sustainability projects. Notably, Japanese firms without a main bank relationship experience a more significant and lasting impact, while those with a main bank relationship display minimal changes in debt structure. These findings highlight the critical role of Japanese institutional factors in alleviating information asymmetry and enabling access to long-term financing. Additionally, the findings enlighten studies on financial mechanisms that enable firms to align their strategies with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the long run.
Cell-Free Nucleic Acids for Early Diagnosis of Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Xiaodan , Cai Yuee , Sit Brian Hon Man , Jian Rain Xiaoyu , Malki Yasine , Zhang Yilin , Ong Christopher Chi Yat , Li Qianyun , Lam Rex Pui Kin , Rainer Timothy Hudson
Published: February 2025

Rapid identification of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is challenging in both pre-hospital and hospital settings. We aimed to identify the most promising cell-free nucleic acids (cfNAs) as diagnostic biomarkers for IS within 72 h from symptom onset. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library for published articles that evaluated blood cfNAs in the early diagnosis of AIS until 10 May 2023. The diagnostic performances of individual cfNAs were pooled by random-effects meta-analysis based on the fold change of biomarkers’ level between AIS and non-AIS patients. Of 2955 records, 66 articles reporting 143 different cfNAs met the inclusion criteria. The median sample size was 110, and 21.4% of the studies performed validation. Among selected high-quality studies, miR-106b-5p, miR-124, miR-155, lncRNA H19, and cfDNA showed good diagnostic performance. Data from four studies on cfDNA involving 355 AIS patients and 97 controls were pooled in the meta-analysis, which showed a significant fold change between AIS and controls (pooled ratio 1.48, 95% confidence interval 1.23–1.79, p < 0.001). This review highlights that cfDNA, miR-106b-5p, miR-124, miR-155, and lncRNA H19 are the most promising biomarkers for AIS diagnosis, and further research is needed for verification.
Synthesis of Fluorinated Glycotope Mimetics Derived from Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotype 8 CPS
Authors: Gast Daniel , Neidig Sebastian , Reindl Maximilian , Hoffmann-Röder Anja
Published: February 2025

Fluorination of carbohydrates is a promising strategy to produce glycomimetics with improved pharmacological properties, such as increased metabolic stability, bioavailability and protein-binding affinity. Fluoroglycans are not only of interest as inhibitors and chemical probes but are increasingly being used to develop potential synthetic vaccine candidates for cancer, HIV and bacterial infections. Despite their attractiveness, the synthesis of fluorinated oligosaccharides is still challenging, emphasizing the need for efficient protocols that allow for the site-specific incorporation of fluorine atoms (especially at late stages of the synthesis). This is particularly true for the development of fully synthetic vaccine candidates, whose (modified) carbohydrate antigen structures (glycotopes) per se comprise multistep synthesis routes. Based on a known minimal protective epitope from the capsular polysaccharide of S. pneumoniae serotype 8, a panel of six novel F-glycotope mimetics was synthesized, equipped with amine linkers for subsequent conjugation to immunogens. Next to the stepwise assembly via fluorinated building blocks, the corresponding 6F-substituted derivatives could be obtained by microwave-assisted, nucleophilic late-stage fluorination of tri- and tetrasaccharidic precursors in high yields. The described synthetic strategy allowed for preparation of the targeted fluorinated oligosaccharides in sufficient quantities for future immunological studies.
Human iPSC-Derived Muscle Cells as a New Model for Investigation of EDMD1 Pathogenesis
Authors: Lisowska Marta , Rowińska Marta , Suszyńska Aleksandra , Bearzi Claudia , Łaczmańska Izabela , Hanusek Julia , Kunik Amanda , Dzianisava Volha , Rzepecki Ryszard , Machowska Magdalena , Piekarowicz Katarzyna
Published: February 2025

Emery–Dreifuss muscular dystrophy type 1 (EDMD1) is a rare genetic disease caused by mutations in the EMD gene, which encodes the nuclear envelope protein emerin. Despite understanding the genetic basis of the disease, the molecular mechanism underlying muscle and cardiac pathogenesis remains elusive. Progress is restricted by the limited availability of patient-derived samples; therefore, there is an urgent need for human-specific cellular models. In this study, we present the generation and characterization of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines derived from EDMD1 patients carrying EMD mutations that lead to truncated or absent emerin, together with iPSCs from healthy donor. The patient-specific iPSCs exhibit stable karyotypes, maintain appropriate morphology, express pluripotency markers, and demonstrate the ability to differentiate into three germ layers. To model EDMD1, these iPSCs were differentiated into myogenic progenitors, myoblasts, and multinucleated myotubes, which represent all stages of myogenesis. Each developmental stage was validated by the presence of stage-specific markers, ensuring the accuracy of the model. We present the first iPSC-based in vitro platform that captures the complexity of EDMD1 pathogenesis during myogenesis. This model can significantly contribute to understanding disease mechanisms and develop the targeted therapeutic strategies for EDMD1.