bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical Activity and Eating Habits Are Related to Chronic Disease in the Basic Livelihood Security Program
Authors: Bae Seongryu , Park Hyuntae
Published: January 2025

Objectives: Chronic diseases are a significant public health issue, especially for socioeconomically vulnerable population groups. The purpose of this study is to compare the prevalence of chronic diseases in people receiving and not receiving BLS and to determine the prevalence of chronic diseases according to the physical activity and dietary habits of people receiving BLS. Methods: Data were derived from the sixth to ninth waves (2014–2022) of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), focusing on 15,041 participants aged 65 and older. Demographic characteristics, dietary intake, physical activity, and chronic disease status were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios for chronic diseases according to physical activity and dietary habits. Results: The BLS group exhibited higher prevalence rates of hypertension and diabetes, along with lower dietary intake of energy, protein, fat, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and vitamin C, compared to the non-BLS group. A below-average intake of energy and carbohydrates was associated with increased odds of hypertension and diabetes, particularly in the BLS group. For dietary fiber, a significant association with diabetes was found only in the BLS group. Sedentary behavior exceeding 9 h per day was linked to higher odds of chronic diseases in both groups, with stronger associations in the BLS group. Limited walking frequency (less than 1 day per week) further exacerbated risks. Conclusions: BLS recipients demonstrated higher chronic disease prevalence, poorer dietary habits, and more sedentary behavior compared to non-recipients. The associations between lifestyle factors and chronic diseases were generally more substantial in the BLS group, suggesting the need for targeted interventions to improve dietary quality and physical activity patterns in this vulnerable population.
Caregiver Contribution to Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory: Evaluation of Measurement Properties in a Middle-Income Country
Authors: Adëraj Sajmira , Arapi Alta , Mazzotta Rocco , Stievano Alessandro , Taci Dasilva , Ivziku Dhurata , Bernalte-Martí Vicente , Vellone Ercole , Rocco Gennaro , De Maria Maddalena
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Caregivers engage in essential tasks that support patients’ well-being and survival, including administering medications, promoting healthy lifestyle choices, and monitoring and managing symptoms. To date, no valid and reliable instrument is available to assess Caregiver Contribution (CC) to self-care in chronic conditions in middle-income countries such as Albania. Aim: To evaluate the measurement properties (structural and construct validity, internal consistency reliability, stability, and measurement error) of the instrument CC to Self-Care of the Chronic Illness Inventory (CC-SC-CII) in Albanian caregivers caring for elderly people affected by multiple chronic conditions. Methods: A cross-sectional study. We enrolled caregivers of patients with multiple chronic conditions, from August 2020 to April 2021, if they were (a) 18 years of age or older and (b) were identified by the patient as the main unpaid caregiver. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the two-factor structure of the CC to Self-Care Maintenance and Management scales and the one-factor structure of the CC to Self-Care Monitoring scale. Reliability estimates were adequate for all (coefficients ranging between 0.827 and 0.961). The construct’s validity was supported. The measurement error was adequate. Conclusions: The Albanian version of the CC to Self-Care of the Chronic Illness Inventory features sound measurement properties and is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing caregiver contribution to patient self-care behaviors in the Albanian population.
Ferrocene Derivatives as Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors: Synthesis and Biological Evaluation
Authors: Angelova Rostislava , Stavrakov Georgi
Published: January 2025

Ferrocene is an organometallic compound that has attracted considerable scientific interest due to its unique properties, including low toxicity, excellent stability in aqueous and aerobic media, and high lipophilicity, which enhances membrane permeability. The ferrocene moiety has been effectively used as a bioisostere of phenyl rings and heteroaromatic groups in the structures of approved tyrosine kinase inhibitors and histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis). HDACis exert their cytotoxic effects by blocking cyclin/CDK complexes, causing cell cycle arrest, inducing apoptosis, inhibiting angiogenesis, and through non-histone-directed mechanisms. This mini-review summarizes the synthesis and biological evaluation of small libraries of compounds in which a ferrocenyl moiety is incorporated into the structure of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) and a number of analogues. The influence of the organometallic function on the antiproliferative effect is investigated. Both docking analysis and in vitro studies confirm that the ferrocenyl-modified HDACis exhibit potent cytotoxicity and strong inhibitory activity against the various enzyme isoforms.
Tick Diversity and Distribution of Pathogen in Ticks Collected from Wild Animals and Vegetation in Africa
Authors: Yessinou Roland Eric , Koumassou Aldric , Galadima Haruna Baba , Nanoukon-Ahigan Hospice , Farougou Souaïbou , Pfeffer Martin
Published: January 2025

Ticks are important vectors of a wide range of pathogens with significant medical and veterinary importance. Different tick species occupy different habitats with an overall widespread geographical distribution. In addition to their role as reservoirs or vectors, ticks are involved in maintaining pathogens in the environment and among wild and domestic animals. In this study, tick species infesting wild animals, as well as collected from the environment and their pathogens reported in 17 countries in Africa between 2003 and 2023, were collected according to the PRISMA guidelines. Data on ticks resulted in a total of 40 different tick species from 35 different wild animal species. Among the ticks, 34 infectious agents were noted including parasitic (Babesia, Theileria, Hepatozoon, Eimeria), bacterial (Anaplasma, Bartonella, Borrelia, Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii, Candidatus Allocryptoplasma spp., Coxiella, Ehrlichia, Francisella, and Rickettsia), and a surprisingly high diversity of viral pathogens (Bunyamwera virus, Crimean-Congo Haemorhagic Fever virus, Ndumu virus, Semliki Forest virus, Thogoto virus, West Nile virus). These results highlight the public health and veterinary importance of the information on tick-borne infections. This knowledge is essential to strive to implement programs for sustainable control of ticks and tick-borne diseases.
Minimal Residual Disease Significance in Multiple Myeloma Patients Treated with Anti-CD38 Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Caroni Federico , Sammartano Vincenzo , Pacelli Paola , Sicuranza Anna , Malchiodi Margherita , Dragomir Andreea , Ciofini Sara , Raspadori Donatella , Bocchia Monica , Gozzetti Alessandro
Published: January 2025

Minimal residual disease (MRD) evaluation is a recognized endpoint in clinical trials. Both next-generation flow and sequencing could be used as complementary techniques to detect myeloma cells after therapy to measure the depth of response and novel drug efficacy. Anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies combined with proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs have increased the quality of response in myeloma patients, and MRD evaluation is also entering routine clinical practice in many hematological centers. This review analyzes updated results from recent clinical trials utilizing anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies such as isatuximab and daratumumab in terms of their responses and MRD data. MRD-driven therapy appears promising for the future of MM patients, and emerging minimally invasive techniques to assess MRD are under investigation as novel potential methods to replace or integrate traditional MRD evaluation.
Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns and Biofilm Analysis via Sonication in Intensive Care Unit Patients at a County Emergency Hospital in Romania
Authors: Codru Ioana Roxana , Vintilă Bogdan Ioan , Bereanu Alina Simona , Sava Mihai , Popa Livia Mirela , Birlutiu Victoria
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) remains a critical challenge in ICU settings, often driven by the biofilm-mediated bacterial colonization of endotracheal tubes (ETTs). This study investigates antimicrobial resistance patterns and biofilm dynamics in ICU patients, focusing on microbial colonization and resistance trends in tracheal aspirates and endotracheal tube biofilms at a county emergency hospital in Romania. Methods: We conducted a longitudinal analysis of ICU patients requiring mechanical ventilation for more than 48 h. Tracheal aspirates and ETT biofilms were collected at three key time points: T1 (baseline), T2 (48 h post-intubation with ETT replacement), and T3 (92–100 h post-T2); these were analyzed using sonication and microbiological techniques to assess microbial colonization and antimicrobial resistance patterns. Results: In a total of 30 patients, bacteria from the ESKAPEE group (e.g., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus) dominated the microbiota, increasing their prevalence over time. Resistance to carbapenems, colistin, and vancomycin was notably observed, particularly among K. pneumoniae and A. baumannii. Biofilm analysis revealed high persistence rates and the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains, underscoring the role of ETTs as reservoirs for resistant pathogens. The replacement of ETTs at T2 correlated with a shift in microbial composition and reduced biofilm-associated contamination. Conclusions: This study highlights the temporal evolution of antimicrobial resistance and biofilm-associated colonization in a limited number of ICU patients (30 patients). The findings support implementing routine ETT management strategies, including scheduled replacements and advanced biofilm-disruption techniques, to mitigate VAP risk and improve patient outcomes.
Anticoagulant Management After Emergency Surgery or Major Bleeding in Anticoagulated Patients—Results of the Prospective RADOA Registry
Authors: Last Jana , Birschmann Ingvild , Lindau Simone , Konstantinides Stavros , Grottke Oliver , Nowak-Göttl Ulrike , Zydek Barbara , von Heymann Christian , Beyer-Westendorf Jan , Schellong Sebastian , Meybohm Patrick , Greinacher Andreas , Herrmann Eva , Lindhoff-Last Edelgard
Published: January 2025

Background: Major bleeding or emergency surgery are the most frequently observed emergency situations in patients anticoagulated with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). The restart of anticoagulation after these situations is a therapeutic dilemma. Methods: The prospective RADOA registry is an observational, noninterventional multicenter registry that documents the management of severe bleeding or emergency surgery in patients treated with VKAs or DOACs. In this substudy, we analyzed time point, type, and dosage of anticoagulant resumption after emergency situations. Results: Overall, 78 emergency surgery patients and 193 major bleeding patients were analyzed. Median age was similar in the VKA- and DOAC-treated groups (emergency surgery: 77 years, major bleeding: 79 years). Anticoagulants were restarted significantly earlier after emergency surgery compared to major bleeding, with no difference between the VKA and DOAC groups. While patients after cardiothoracic surgery received UFH intravenously, patients with trauma or having received abdominal surgery were mainly treated with prophylactic LMWH s.c.. After major bleeding, the majority of patients were treated with prophylactic LMWH. None of the patients in the emergency surgery group and 17% (4/24) of the major bleeding group with recurrent bleeding (12%, 24/193) experienced recurrent bleeding after restart of anticoagulation. Thromboembolism occurred rarely in both patient groups (emergency surgery: 3%, major bleeding 4%). Conclusions: Time points of restart, type, and dosage of anticoagulants are highly diverse in this high-risk patient population. Resumption of prophylactic anticoagulation is associated with a low risk of thrombosis and should be initiated as soon as possible.
SA4503 Mitigates Adriamycin-Induced Nephropathy via Sigma-1 Receptor in Animal and Cell-Based Models
Authors: Tagashira Hideaki , Chida Shinsuke , Bhuiyan Md. Shenuarin , Fukunaga Kohji , Numata Tomohiro
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: The Sigma-1 receptor (Sigmar1), an intracellular chaperone protein, is ubiquitously expressed throughout the body, but its role in peripheral organs, such as the kidneys, remains unclear. Here, we investigated the protective effects and molecular mechanisms of SA4503, a selective Sigmar1 agonist, on Adriamycin (ADR)-induced renal glomerular injury. Methods: Using in vitro and in vivo models, we evaluated the effects of SA4503 on ADR-induced podocyte injury, including podocyte survival, albumin permeability, urinary albumin levels, and Sigmar1-nephrin interactions. NE-100, a Sigmar1 antagonist, was co-administered to validate the specificity of the effects of SA4503. Results: Sigmar1 was highly expressed in podocytes and mouse kidney tissues. SA4503 significantly reduced ADR-induced podocyte injury and urinary albumin leakage in mice. Mechanistically, SA4503 preserved Sigmar1-nephrin interactions, which were disrupted in ADR-treated kidneys. This protective effect was abolished by NE-100 co-treatment, confirming the Sigmar1-dependency of SA4503’s action. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that the activation of Sigmar1 by SA4503 protects against ADR-induced podocyte injury and glomerular damage, likely by stabilizing Sigmar1-nephrin interactions. Therefore, Sigmar1 represents a promising therapeutic target for glomerular diseases such as nephrotic syndrome.
Long-Term Cognitive Outcomes of Esketamine Nasal Spray in Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Sobreiro Matildes de Freitas Menezes , Silveira Paulo Sergio Panse , Cavenaghi Vitor Breseghello , da Costa Leandro Paulino , de Souza Bruno Pinatti Ferreira , Takahashi Rachel Emy Straus , Starek Renato Vianna Marotta , Siqueira José Oliveira , Fraguas Renerio
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Ketamine/esketamine has a rapid/robust antidepressant effect on treatment-resistant depression (TRD). However, its long-term cognitive effects remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the potential cognitive effects of an esketamine spray on a series of TRD patients. Methods: We evaluated the cognitive performance of eight TRD patients subjected to an esketamine nasal spray as an adjunct treatment for six months. Cognitive assessments were performed before treatment initiation (T0) and at three (T3) and six (T6) months by an experienced neuropsychologist using a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Depression severity was assessed by the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale. Changes in cognitive performance were analyzed by determining the bias between time points. To investigate the association between the severity of depression and performance on cognitive tests, we used correlation with correction for repeated measures and regression analysis with a general linear mixed model. We used the Tukey method to compare three estimates and the Dunnett method to compare two estimates. Results: Improvements in at least one test from T0 to T6 were found for attention, memory, and the executive functions of working memory, set-shifting, and inhibitory control. Most of the improvements had occurred by T3, but working memory and set-shifting improvements were significant only at T6. The severity of depression decreased significantly from T0 to T6, and most cognitive improvements were correlated with an improvement in depression severity. No test indicated a worsening of cognitive performance from T0 to T6. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the cognitive performance of TRD patients improved with long-term adjunct treatment with an esketamine nasal spray. Confirmatory studies are necessary.
Repurposing FDA-Approved Agents to Develop a Prototype Helicobacter pylori Shikimate Kinase (HPSK) Inhibitor: A Computational Approach Using Virtual Screening, MM-GBSA Calculations, MD Simulations, and DFT Analysis
Authors: Al Khzem Abdulaziz H. , Shoaib Tagyedeen H. , Mukhtar Rua M. , Alturki Mansour S. , Gomaa Mohamed S. , Hussein Dania , Tawfeeq Nada , Bano Mohsina , Sarafroz Mohammad , Alzahrani Raghad , Alghamdi Hanin , Rants’o Thankhoe A.
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Helicobacter pylori infects approximately half of the global population, causing chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer, a leading cause of cancer mortality. While current therapies face challenges from rising antibiotic resistance, particularly to clarithromycin, alongside treatment complexity and costs, the World Health Organization has prioritized the development of new antibiotics to combat this high-risk pathogen. In this study, we employed computer-aided drug design (CADD) methodologies, including molecular docking, Molecular Mechanics-Generalized Born Surface Area (MM-GBSA) analysis, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, to explore the potential repurposing of FDA-approved agents as inhibitors of Helicobacter pylori shikimate kinase (HpSK). Methods: Using the Glide module, the HTVS method was initially applied to screen 1615 FDA-approved agents followed by extra-precision (XP) docking for the obtained 111 hits. The obtained XP scores were used to confine the results to those hits with a score above the reference ligand, shikimate, score. This yielded 31 final hits with an XP score above −5.867. MM-GBSA calculations were performed on these top candidates and the reference ligand to refine the analysis and compounds’ prioritization. Results: The 31 compounds displayed binding free energy (ΔGbind) values ranging from 3.61 to −55.92 kcal/mol, with shikimate exhibiting a ΔGbind of −34.24 kcal/mol and 10 hits having a lower ΔGbind value. Out of these ten, three drugs—Dolutegravir, Cangrelor, and Isavuconazonium—were selected for further analysis based on their drug-like properties. Robust and stable binding profiles for both Isavuconazonium and Cangrelor were verified via molecular dynamics simulation. Additionally, Density Functional Theory (DFT) analysis was conducted, and the Highest Occupied Molecular Orbitals (HOMOs), Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbitals (LUMOs), and the energy gap (HLG) between them were calculated. All three drug candidates displayed lower HLG values than shikimate, suggesting higher reactivity and more efficient electronic transitions than the reference ligand. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the identified drugs, although not optimal for direct repurposing, would serve as promising leads against Helicobacter pylori shikimate kinase. These drugs could be valuable leads for experimental assessment and further optimization, particularly with no prototype yet identified. In terms of potential for clinical repurposing, the results point to diflunisal as a promising candidate for further testing.
Accelerated Predictive Stability Testing: Accelerating Registration Phase and Application of Reduced Designs for Shelf-Life Determination of Parenteral Drug Product
Authors: Pavčnik Lara , Prunk Mateja , Trdan Lušin Tina , Roškar Robert
Published: January 2025

Objectives: This article explores the applicability of the accelerated stability assessment program (ASAP) in stability studies for parenteral medications. Conventional stability testing requires extensive evaluation over the entire shelf life of a product, which can be very time-consuming. In contrast, ASAP provides an efficient approach to support drug product development and expedite regulatory procedures. Methods: The study involved subjecting the medication to different stress and long-term stability conditions and monitoring the formation of degradation products. A systematic methodology was employed to evaluate the stress stability data of the parenteral medication using various designs (full and reduced). ASAP models were then developed from these data and assessed using the statistical parameters R2 (coefficient of determination) and Q2 (predictive relevance). To validate the accuracy of the models, the predicted levels of degradation products from each of the 13 models were compared with the actual long-term stability results using the relative difference parameter. Results: The results confirmed the suitability of the evaluated full model and 11 reduced models for predicting degradation products, except for the two-temperature model, demonstrating the effectiveness of ASAP in stability studies and providing reliable predictions. However, the three-temperature model was identified as the most appropriate model for the parenteral medication under investigation. The statistical analyses showed high R2 and Q2 values, indicating robust model performance and predictive accuracy. Consequently, we applied the selected model on various formulations, demonstrating the suitability of the model and impurity levels below the ICH specification limit. Conclusions: This research enhances understanding of how ASAP designs can be applied to stability studies for parenteral medications and demonstrates the significance of the application of ASAP during drug product development to expedite the initiation of procedures and implement post-approval variations.
Closing Tobacco Treatment Gaps for Rural Populations: The Role of Clinic-Based Pharmacists at a Federally Qualified Health Center
Authors: Salama Lavinia , Hudmon Karen Suchanek , Myran Leena , Elkhadragy Nervana
Published: January 2025

Pharmacists are often the first point of contact for healthcare advice in rural communities, where access to healthcare is limited. Tobacco cessation rates improve with counseling from a pharmacist, and in many states, pharmacists can now prescribe medications for quitting. This study aimed to explore smoking behavior and cessation motivations among patients at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) clinic in rural Wyoming, estimate the prevalence of tobacco-related interventions by clinic staff, and assess patients’ interest in engaging in pharmacist-led cessation programs. A cross-sectional survey was administered over three months to clinic patients who self-identified as current tobacco users. Survey items assessed sociodemographics, tobacco use and vaping behaviors, previous cessation advice from pharmacists, and interest in pharmacist-led support for quitting. Of 63 respondents, 57 (90.5%) reported current tobacco use. Most were ready to quit within the next month (43.9%) or the next six months (33.3%), and 26.3% had previously received advice about quitting from a pharmacist. Most (59.6%) expressed interest in establishing care with a pharmacist for cessation support, and 45.3% requested to be contacted by a pharmacist for assistance with quitting. Interest did not differ by gender or age. The results indicate that rural patients are interested in engaging with pharmacists for quitting. Further research is needed to determine how pharmacy-led programs can complement existing healthcare resources to improve access to cessation support in underserved areas.
Terahertz Multicolor Imaging of Opaque Objects Using Self-Mixing Interferometry with Quantum-Cascade Lasers
Authors: Cai Jiaxuan , Xie Yan , Wang Yingxin , Chen Meng , Li Lianhe , Salih Mohammed , Linfield Edmund H. , Yang Ning , Chu Weidong , Bai Peng , Zhao Ziran
Published: January 2025

Self-mixing interference in a terahertz quantum-cascade laser has been demonstrated to be suitable for the detection of weak signals scattered or reflected by the target. This technology has achieved the high-sensitivity detection of complex refractive indices, surface/interface morphologies and molecular feature spectra. Here, a set of terahertz quantum-cascade lasers with different lasing frequencies is used to inspect a tiny amount of powder concealed inside a polytetrafluoroethylene tablet by using self-mixing interferometry combined with the penetration properties of terahertz waves. Multicolor spectral images were acquired, which were synthesized by absorption contrast images obtained at different lasing frequencies. They enable the detection of the spatial distribution of hidden objects which are totally opaque in visual light and allow for them to be identified with spectral absorption characteristics. Self-mixing interference technology can also obtain phase information when a terahertz wave interacts with a tablet, showing the difference between the hidden object and surroundings from another dimension. Our research may provide a strategy for the development of terahertz multispectral imaging technology for the inspection of hidden trace residues.
An Optical Differential Method for Underwater Wireless Communication in Turbid Environments
Authors: Tian Xiaoqing , Jiang Feng , Yu Hongfei , Xu Hang , Wang Jiyong
Published: January 2025

Underwater optical communication has emerged as an essential tool for exploring oceanography and marine resources for underwater vehicles or robots in recent years. Current techniques mostly rely on the paradigm of intensity modulation and direct detection, resorting to more powerful light sources on the transmitting side and more sensitive detectors on the receiving side, thus causing excess energy consumption and system costs. Here, a novel approach, namely, the optical differential communications method (ODCM), is proposed to extend the distance of underwater wireless optical communications in turbid water. The underlying physical reason is explained in theory and demonstrated in experiments. It is found that the stable propagation distance of ODCM could be further extended without relying on intensive light sources, in contrast to conventional methods, showing potential for longer communication ranges. Tests of underwater optical communications are conducted, and the results show that ODCM can significantly reduce the bit error rate (BER) at the same propagation distance or extend the propagation distance for the same BER level of optical signals. As such, this study provides an avenue for long-distance and stable underwater wireless optical communications in turbid environments.
CsPHYB–CsPIF3/4 Regulates Hypocotyl Elongation by Coordinating the Auxin and Gibberellin Biosynthetic Pathways in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
Authors: Chen Liqin , Qiu Zongqing , Dong Jing , Bu Runhua , Zhou Yu , Wang Huilin , Hu Liangliang
Published: January 2025

Hypocotyl length is closely related to quality in seedlings and is an important component of plant height vital for plant-type breeding in cucumber. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of hypocotyl elongation are poorly understood. In this study, the endogenous hormone content of indole acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellin (GA3) showed an increase in the long hypocotyl Csphyb (phytochrome B) mutant AM274M compared with its wild-type AM274W. An RNA-sequencing analysis identified 1130 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 476 and 654 were up- and downregulated in the mutant AM274M, respectively. A KEGG enrichment analysis exhibited that these DEGs were mainly enriched in the plant hormone signal transduction pathway. The expression levels of the pivotal genes CsGA20ox-2, in the gibberellin biosynthesis pathway, and CsYUCCA8, in the auxin biosynthesis pathway, were notably elevated in the hypocotyl of the mutant AM274M, in contrast to the wild-type AM274W. Additionally, GUS staining and a dual-luciferase reporter assay corroborated that the phytochrome-interacting factors CsPIF3/4 can bind to the E(G)-box motifs present in the promoters of the CsGA20ox-2 and CsYUCCA8 genes, thereby modulating their expression and subsequently influencing hypocotyl elongation. Consequently, this research offers profound insights into the regulation of hypocotyl elongation by auxin and gibberellin in response to light signals and establishes a crucial theoretical groundwork for cultivating robust cucumber seedlings in agricultural practice.
A Seasonal Fresh Tea Yield Estimation Method with Machine Learning Algorithms at Field Scale Integrating UAV RGB and Sentinel-2 Imagery
Authors: Liu Huimei , Liu Yun , Xu Weiheng , Wu Mei , Wang Leiguang , Lu Ning , Ou Guanglong
Published: January 2025

Traditional methods for estimating tea yield mainly rely on manual sampling surveys and empirical estimation, which are labor-intensive and time-consuming. Accurately estimating fresh tea production in different seasons has become a challenging task. It is possible to estimate the seasonal yield of tea at the field scale by using the spatial resolution of 10 m, 5-day revisit period and rich spectral information of Sentinel-2 imagery. This study integrated Sentinel-2 images and uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) RGB imagery to develop six regression models at the field scale, which were employed for the estimation of seasonal and annual fresh tea yields of the Yunlong Tea Cooperatives in Yixiang Town, Pu’er City, China. Firstly, we gathered fresh tea production data from 133 farmers in the cooperative over the past five years and obtained UAV RGB and Sentinel-2 imagery. Secondly, 23 spectral features were extracted from Sentinel-2 images. Based on the UAV images, the parcel of each farmer was positioned and three topographic features of slope, aspect, and elevation were extracted. Subsequently, these 26 features were screened using the random forest algorithm and Pearson correlation analysis. Thirdly, we applied six different regression algorithms to establish fresh tea yield models for each season and evaluated their estimation accuracy. The results showed that random forest regression models were the optimal choice for estimating spring and summer yields, with the spring model achieving an R2 value of 0.45, an RMSE of 40.38 kg/acre, and an rRMSE of 40.79%. Similarly, the summer model achieved an R2 value of 0.5, an RMSE of 78.46 kg/acre, and an rRMSE of 39.81%. For autumn and annual yield estimation, voting regression models demonstrated superior performance, with the autumn model achieving an R2 value of 0.42, an RMSE of 70.6 kg/acre, and an rRMSE of 39.77%, and the annual model attained an R2 value of 0.47, an RMSE of 168.7 kg/acre, and an rRMSE of 34.62%. This study provides a promising new method for estimating fresh tea yield in different seasons at the field scale.
Does Pre-Acclimation Enhance the Tolerance of Quercus ilex and Arbutus unedo Seedlings to Drought?
Authors: Balzano Angela , Amitrano Chiara , Arena Carmen , Pannico Antonio , Caputo Rosanna , Merela Maks , Cirillo Chiara , De Micco Veronica
Published: January 2025

Mediterranean forests are severely threatened by increasing seedling mortality due to harsh environmental conditions, especially drought. In this study, we investigate whether seedlings of Quercus ilex and Arbutus unedo, previously exposed to water deficit, acquired tolerance to summer drought. Seedlings of the two species were grown from April to September in a plastic tunnel greenhouse and exposed to two irrigation regimes (control, 100% water holding capacity; water-stressed, 50% of control). In mid-August, the irrigation of all plants was suspended for three weeks. The response of the species was analyzed to evaluate survival, growth, ecological, and anatomical traits of wood produced under stressful conditions and marked through the pinning technique. The results suggest that both species show pre-acclimation to drought, with Q. ilex demonstrating a marked increase in survival percentage. This is likely due to a reduction in vessel size in response to previous water stress. In contrast, in A. unedo, the higher frequency of narrower vessels allowed safer water transport compared to Q. ilex, thus explaining the slight increase in survival. Overall results indicated that the two species adopt different strategies to overcome drought, providing valuable insights for managing seedlings in natural ecosystems and urban green spaces.
Effect of Infill Density on the Mechanical Properties of Natural Peek Processed by Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Vázquez-Silva Efrén , Pintado-Pintado Jonnathan Andrés , Moncayo-Matute Freddy Patricio , Torres-Jara Paúl Bolívar , Moya-Loaiza Diana Patricia
Published: January 2025

In the present investigation, the mechanical properties of natural polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK), processed by additive manufacturing applying fused deposition modeling (FDM) with three different infill densities, are investigated. Mechanical characterization was performed through destructive testing. Specimens were designed in CAD software and printed with controlled infill densities of 40%, 70%, and 100%, using a rectilinear pattern. The results showed that increased infill density improves mechanical strength and stiffness but reduces ductility and energy absorption capacity. For considered infill densities, maximum stress levels reach values of 107.53±6.29MPa, 114.32±11.95MPa, and 63.96±2.39MPa, respectively, against compression, bending, and tensile loading. These findings offer crucial information for optimizing infill density in manufacturing high-strength components for industrial and biomedical applications. As a result, practical guidelines are provided for the design of medical devices, such as implants, achieving an appropriate balance between mechanical performance and material efficiency.
Effect of Different Stimulation Methods on the Activation and Metabolic Performance of Microbial Community to Enhance Heavy Oil Recovery
Authors: Zhou Junfei , Wang Mengxiao , Zhang Kebing , Zhang Xiaochen , Lu Zhongshan , Jiang Xiaolong , Song Hongbing , Huang Tingting , Zhu Quanhong , Xiao Meng
Published: January 2025

Microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) is an economical and efficient tertiary recovery technology that can be used to increase the recovery of heavy oil reservoirs after steam thermal operation. However, the introduction of high-pressure steam with a temperature as high as 370 °C during thermal recovery can disrupt the indigenous microbial flora of oil reservoirs. Consequently, the effective activation of the functional microbial flora after steam thermal operation is crucial for heavy oil recovery. As such, we investigated the effects of different activation methods on oil viscosity reduction, biogas production, microbial community structure, and microbial metabolic performance. The highest viscosity reduction (61.59%), methane content (25.96%), and asphaltene degradation rates were achieved when low/high content of organic nutrients were alternately added in group L-H. The results of the FT-ICR MS analysis showed that the addition of a high content of organic nutrients promoted the degradation of N1 classes, and the degree of aromaticity of N1O2 class compounds (DBE = 10) was reduced. The analysis of the microbial community showed that function bacteria, such as Firmicutes and Synergistetes, were effectively activated by the alternate addition of nutrients, which could prevent the accumulated fatty acids and accelerate the asphaltene degradation and methane production through the syntrophic relationship between syntrophic bacteria and methanogens. Thus, the alternate addition of nutrients has potential application for enhancing heavy oil recovery by simultaneously reducing heavy oil viscosity and improving methane production.
Palladium Nanoparticles Anchored on Cellulose-Derived Amphiphilic Hydrochar for Pickering Interfacial Catalysis
Authors: Li Dandan , Miao Feichao , Chen Jinhua , Liu Zhibing , Wang Zhiyuan , Wang Yang
Published: January 2025

The development of Pickering interfacial catalysts for organic reactions in water is of great importance to the development of green chemistry. In this study, amphiphilic hydrochar was prepared by a simple urea-modified hydrothermal carbonization with cellulose as an environmentally benign carbon source. It was found that the addition of urea could not only promote the carbonization of cellulose but also introduce N atoms to the final hydrochar material and tune the amphiphilicity of the hydrochar. Palladium nanoparticles supported on the amphiphilic N-doped hydrochar exhibited high activity in the Suzuki reaction in aqueous media. It can be seen that amphiphilic hydrochar can effectively stabilize Pickering emulsion, increase interface surface area, and further accelerate the Suzuki reaction.
Starch-Based Pickering Emulsions for Bioactive Compound Encapsulation: Production, Properties, and Applications
Authors: Ramos Giselle Vallim Corrêa , Ramírez-López Santiago , Pinho Samantha Cristina de , Ditchfield Cynthia , Moraes Izabel Cristina Freitas
Published: January 2025

This review explores the extensive literature on starch particle-stabilized Pickering emulsions for encapsulating bioactive compounds in food products. These emulsions offer superior stability and unique properties for delivering bioactive compounds (such as polyphenols, carotenoids, fatty acids, and vitamins) in food systems such as sauces, dairy products, and functional foods. Encapsulation preserves the bioactivity of these compounds and enhances targeted delivery, offering potential nutritional and health benefits. Starch, although naturally hydrophilic and requiring modifications to enhance its functionality, is gaining increasing attention as a particle for stabilizing Pickering emulsions in foods systems. Various modifications, including chemical and structural changes, affect the functionality of starch in emulsions. This review discusses the key factors influencing emulsion stabilization, including particle and oil characteristics, as well as production methods, such as mechanical techniques. Research on the encapsulation of bioactive compounds using starch-stabilized emulsions and methods for their characterization are also presented. This review further identifies areas requiring more research, including alternative particle modification techniques, emulsion responses to external stimuli (pH, temperature), interactions between bioactive compounds and particles, their effects on digestion and nutrition, and the production of double emulsions for enhanced bioactive compound delivery.
Thickening Activated Sludge with Suspended Air Flotation (SAF)
Authors: Leverenz Harold , Tchobanoglous George , Skalko Christina M.
Published: January 2025

In the practice of wastewater treatment system design, process selection is often constrained by factors such as operational costs, performance, and physical footprint. Processes employing colloidal gaseous aphron (CGA) technology have proven to be highly effective for the clarification and thickening of activated sludge mixed liquor, waste-activated sludge (WAS), and anaerobically digested sludge within a small footprint. Technically, an aphron is defined as a gas or liquid phase encapsulated by a surfactant film. Since their initial identification and formulation, aphrons have been used extensively in a number of chemical processes, including gas and oil drilling and food processing waste-treatment applications. The generation and use of CGAs for thickening of WAS and other wastewater applications has been commercialized with the development of the Suspended Air® flotation (SAF®) process. The purpose of this paper is to (1) provide background on CGAs flotation technology, (2) identify applications of CGA in wastewater treatment, (3) discuss thickening of WAS with CGA, and (4) present findings from three case studies where WAS thickening with a legacy dissolved air flotation (DAF) process was replaced with a CGA process to increase capacity or address operational challenges, typically within the same flotation tank footprint. The case studies demonstrate the versatility of the SAF® CGA process for (a) its ability to process the most challenging feedstock, including stored WAS; (b) enhancement of the digestion process and elimination of digester foaming; and (c) high capacity and ease of operation, reducing operation needs.
The Visual World of Zöhre Ana
Authors: Soileau Mark
Published: January 2025

Around the figure of Zöhre Ana, a contemporary female mystic in Ankara, Turkey, considered by her followers a saint and known for her healing powers, has grown a substantial cult followed by hundreds if not thousands of devotees, with its own mythology, cosmology, discursive tradition, and praxis. As with any religiocultural tradition, the cult of Zöhre Ana has developed a unique experiential world at the interface between her and her followers that engages all of the senses of participants. This study explores the visual dimension of this world, consisting specifically of the visions Zöhre Ana has had, the visible setting of the cult in specially arranged physical space, and the iconography of the saint. The visual elements of these dimensions reflect the Alevi cultural–historical milieu she and most of her followers come from, and this shapes the experience that occurs as participants interact with the visual world of Zöhre Ana.
War and the Transcendence of Life and Death: The Theoretical Foundations of Buddhist Cooperation in the War Effort During the Colonial Period in Korea
Authors: Kim Youngjin
Published: January 2025

This paper examines how Korea’s Buddhist community accepted the ‘Imperial Way’ (J. kōdōshugi; K. hwangdojuui 皇道主義), the wartime ideology of the Japanese Empire, during the colonial period and how it supported and contributed to the war waged by the Japanese Empire. In the process, it analyzes the ways in which the Buddhist community transformed Buddhist theory in order to justify its collaboration with the Japanese war effort. In this paper, the Buddhist doctrinal basis of this wartime collaboration is examined regarding three of its core aspects. First, when the colonial Korean Buddhist community accepted the ideology of the ‘Imperial Way’ and advocated secularism, it did so by means of the logic of the ‘non-duality of the real and the conventional’ (K. jinsokbuli 眞俗不二). Second, when colonial era Korean Buddhism encouraged its own participation in the war, it regarded war as a site of practice that ‘transcends life and death’ and thus affirmed it. Third, the colonial Korean Buddhist community proposed the concept of ‘Buddhist totalitarianism’ (K. Bulgyo Jeonchejuui 佛敎全體主義) to inquire into a totality that transcends individuality in Buddhism. Accordingly, this paper’s goal is to examine how the Buddhist community in colonial Korea transformed Buddhist doctrine for non-Buddhist purposes in a particular historical situation where its cooperation in war was demanded. Additionally, as a starting point for discussion, this issue will also be explored in parallel with the logic of Japanese Buddhism’s war contributions at the time.
The Turnaround in Israel’s Haredi Society in the Late 20th Century: A Data-Based Analysis
Authors: Keren-Kratz Menachem
Published: January 2025

In recent decades, research on Haredi society has expanded significantly, emphasizing its distinctive characteristics in contrast with the broader Israeli social fabric. Commonly described as “separatist”, “secessionist”, “isolated”, and “an enclave”, Haredi society is often perceived as segregated from the rest of Israel’s population. However, recent studies suggest that this reclusiveness is a relatively recent development. Until the 1980s, most Haredim coexisted in mixed residential areas with secular, traditional, and national-religious populations. The employment rate among Haredi men was comparable to that of other Israelis, and secular subjects were part of the curriculum in Haredi schools. Moreover, many Haredi men served in the Israeli army and held a positive view of the state, celebrating its accomplishments. The contemporary concept of a “society of learners”, where many married men engage in yeshiva study while their wives serve as the main breadwinners, was once largely unacceptable within the community. Unlike earlier qualitative studies that documented the transformation of Haredi society, this article employs a quantitative approach to detail these changes. Through an analysis of residential patterns, education, military service, political influence, and the rise of the “society of learners”, this study provides a deeper understanding of the forces shaping contemporary Haredi society and explores potential future trajectories.
Ethiopian Churches Commemorating Military Victories of the Solomonic Kingdom over the Betä Ǝsraʾel (Ethiopian Jews)
Authors: Kribus Bar
Published: January 2025

During the Middle Ages and Early Modern Period, most Jews lived as a minority under Christian or Islamic rule. By contrast, the Ethiopian Jews, the Betä Ǝsraʾel, maintained political autonomy in parts of Ethiopia until the seventeenth century. From the fourteenth century, they were engaged in a series of wars against the Christian Solomonic Kingdom. Following Christian military victories over the Betä Ǝsraʾel, the victors erected churches in the newly conquered lands. Some were built on the sites of battles and over Betä Ǝsraʾel strongholds to commemorate the Solomonic victory. While churches dedicated to historical events are common, those memorializing Christian military victories over Jews are largely without parallel elsewhere. This article provides an overview of what is known about their location, characteristics, and symbolism, and discusses their contribution to understanding the Betä Ǝsraʾel polity.
Combining InSAR and Time-Series Clustering to Reveal Deformation Patterns of the Heifangtai Loess Terrace
Authors: Xu Hao , Shu Bao , Zhang Qin , Xiong Guohua , Wang Li
Published: January 2025

The Heifangtai Loess terrace in northwest China is frequently affected by landslides due to hydrological factors, establishing it as a significant research area for loess landslides. Advanced time-series InSAR technology facilitates the retrieval of surface deformation information, thereby aiding in the monitoring of landslide deformation status. However, existing methods that analyze deformation patterns do not fully exploit the displacement time series derived from InSAR, which hampers the exploration of potentially coexisting deformation patterns within the area. This study integrates InSAR with time-series clustering methods to reveal the surface deformation patterns and their spatial distribution characteristics in Heifangtai. Initially, utilizing the Sentinel-1 ascending and descending SAR data stack from January 2020 to June 2023, we optimize the interferometric phase based on distributed scatterer characteristics to reduce noise levels and obtain higher spatial density of measurement points. Subsequently, by combining the differential interferometric datasets from both ascending and descending orbits, the multidimensional small baseline subsets technique is employed to calculate the two-dimensional deformation time series. Finally, time-series clustering methods are utilized to extract the deformation patterns present and their spatial distribution from all measurement point time series. The results indicate that the deformation of the Heifangtai is primarily distributed around the surrounding area of the platform, with subsidence deformation being more intense than horizontal deformation. The entire terrace exhibits five deformation patterns: eastward subsidence, westward subsidence, vertical subsidence, westward movement, and eastward movement. The spatial distribution of these patterns suggests that the areas beneath the platform, namely Yanguoxia Town and Dangchuan Village, may be more susceptible to landslide threats in the future. Furthermore, wavelet analysis reveals the response relationship between rainfall and various deformation patterns, further enhancing the interpretability of these patterns. These findings hold significant implications for subsequent landslide monitoring, early warning, and risk prevention.