bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Short-Circuit Robustness of 1.2 kV Split Gate Silicon Carbide Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors for High-Frequency Applications
Authors: Shin Kanghee , Kim Dongkyun , Kim Minu , Park Junho , Han Changho
Published: January 2025

Split Gate SiC MOSFETs (SG-MOSFETs) have been demonstrated to exhibit excellent power dissipation at high operating frequencies due to their low specific reverse transfer capacitance (Crss,sp); however, there are several reliability issues of SG-MOSFETs, including electric field crowding at the gate oxide and insufficient short-circuit (SC) robustness. In this paper, we propose a device structure to enhance the short-circuit withstand time (SCWT) of 1.2 kV SG-MOSFETs. The proposed P-shielded SG-MOSFETs (PSG-MOSFETs) feature a P-shielding region that expands the depletion region within the JFET region under both blocking mode and SC conditions. Compared to the conventional structure, this reduces the maximum electric field in the gate oxide, enabling a higher doping concentration in the JFET region, which can reduce the specific on-resistance (Ron,sp) to minimize power dissipation during device operation. The SC robustness of PSG-MOSFETs, with an Ron,sp identical to those of SG-MOSFETs, was investigated by adjusting the width of the P-shielding region (WP). Furthermore, the Crss,sp of PSG-MOSFETs was compared with that of SG-MOSFETs to analyze the relationship between the WP and high-frequency figure of merit (HF-FOM), defined as Ron,sp × Crss,sp. These results demonstrated that the PSG-MOSFET achieved an enhanced SC robustness and HF-FOM in comparison to the SG-MOSFET. Thus, the proposed PSG-MOSFET is a highly suitable candidate for high-frequency and reliable applications.
Specific Emitter Identification with Few-Shot via Deep Networks Based on Time and Frequency Domain with Channel, Spatial, and Self-Attention Mechanisms
Authors: Huang Yi , Hu Aiqun , Shi Lingyi , Tian Huifeng , Fan Jiayi , Ding Wei
Published: January 2025

Specific emitter identification (SEI) is a highly active research area in physical layer security. In this paper, we propose a SEI scheme based on time-frequency domain channel, spatial, and self-attention mechanisms (TF-CSS) for deep networks with few-shot learning. The scheme first uses an asymmetric masked auto-encoder (AMAE) with attention mechanisms for unsupervised learning, then removes the decoder and adds a linear layer as a classifier, and finally fine-tunes the whole network to achieve effective recognition. The scheme improves the feature representation and identification performance of complex-value neural network (CVNN)-based AMAE by adding channel, spatial, and self-attention mechanisms in the time-frequency domain, respectively. Experimental results show that this scheme outperforms the recognition accuracy of contrastive learning and other MAE/AMAE-based methods in 30 classes of LoRa baseband signal transmitter recognition with different few-shot scenarios and observation lengths.
A Resilient Routing Protocol to Reduce Update Cost by Unsupervised Learning and Deep Reinforcement Learning in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Suh BeomKyu , Akobir Ismatov , Kim Jian , Park YongBeom , Kim Ki-Il
Published: January 2025

Reinforcement Learning (RL)-based routing protocol has been proposed to establish paths in mobile ad hoc networks. However, due to the overhead of updating reward values according to frequent topology changes, existing protocols based on RL suffer from scalability problems with a large number of state and action spaces. To defeat this problem, in this paper, we propose a new resilient routing protocol by applying Unsupervised Learning (UL) prior to Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL). In the former scheme, each node is clustered by mobility-resilient parameters. A reliable path that consists of only robust nodes in UL is decided by DRL with reasonable weight value through Multi-Objective Decision Making (MCDM). This approach leads to a reduction in update cost for reward value by excluding nodes that are considered severely affected by mobility. The comparative simulation results demonstrated that the proposed scheme outperformed the existing scheme in the aspects of Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR) and energy consumption. Our protocol demonstrates up to 35% higher PDR and reduces energy usage by approximately 20% under high-mobility conditions compared to Q-Learning-based protocols.
An Upgrade of Radio Frequency Reference Generation and Distribution Modules for FLASH2020+
Authors: Urbański Maciej , Gąsowski Bartosz , Czuba Krzysztof , Kola Bartłomiej , Jatczak Paweł , Owczarek Tomasz , Šerlat Andžej , Branlard Julien , Kühn Daniel , Ludwig Frank , Pryschelski Heinrich , Schulz Katharina
Published: January 2025

Free-Electron Laser in Hamburg (FLASH), first launched in 2005, was the first free-electron laser that provided ultrashort radiation pulses in extreme ultraviolet and soft X-ray spectral range. In 2017, it was decided to improve the existing FLASH facility within the FLASH2020+ project, which led to upgrading the existing linac with variable gap tunable undulators in the FLASH1 line and refurbishing two cryomodules to achieve a beam energy increase to 1.35 GeV. It was also a perfect opportunity to completely redesign and rebuild the radio frequency (RF) phase reference generation and distribution system. This paper presents the design and parameters of new, custom-made phase reference signal generation and distribution modules, successfully installed in FLASH. These are the main oscillator, the RF distribution module, and the frequency conversion modules. The new instrumentation presents a significant improvement in terms of RF reference signal parameters, state-of-the-art phase noise performance (an improvement in the total jitter of the 1.3 GHz RF signal from 55.9 fs to 10.7 fs in the integration range from 10 Hz to 1 MHz), module compactness (size reduction from three fully occupied rack cabinets to four 19″ modules only), and serviceability. The presented Main Oscillator system design is foreseen for easy modifications, making it suitable for applications in other accelerator facilities or hardware platforms.
Transformer-Based Prediction of Hospital Readmissions for Diabetes Patients
Authors: García-Mosquera Jorge , Villa-Monedero María , Gil-Martín Manuel , San-Segundo Rubén
Published: January 2025

Artificial intelligence is having a strong impact on healthcare services, improving their quality and efficiency. This paper proposes and evaluates a prediction system of hospital readmissions for diabetes patients. This system is based on a Transformer, a state-of-the-art deep learning architecture integrating different types of information and features in the same model. This architecture integrates several attention heads to model the contribution of each feature to the global prediction. The main target of this work is to provide a decision support tool to help manage hospital resources effectively. This system was developed and evaluated using the United States Health Facts Database, which includes information and features from 101,766 diabetes patients between 1999 and 2008. The experiments were conducted using a patient-wise cross-validation strategy, ensuring that the patients used to develop the system were not used in the final test. These experiments demonstrated the Transformer’s strong ability to combine different features, providing slightly better results compared to previous results reported on this dataset. These experiments allow us to report the prediction accuracy for multiple class numbers. Finally, this paper provides a detailed analysis of the relevance of each feature when predicting hospital readmissions.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Path Planning Using Acceleration-Based Potential Field Methods
Authors: Hayajneh Mohammad R. , Garibeh Mohammad H. , Younes Ahmad Bani , Garratt Matthew A.
Published: January 2025

Online path planning for UAVs that are following a moving target is a critical component in applications that demand a soft landing over the target. In highly dynamic situations with accelerating targets, the classical potential field (PF) method, which considers only the relative positions and/or velocities, cannot provide precision tracking and landing. Therefore, this work presents an improved acceleration-based potential field (ABPF) path planning method. This approach incorporates the relative accelerations of the UAV and the target in constructing an attractive field. By controlling the acceleration, the ABPF produces smoother trajectories and avoids sudden changes in the UAV’s motion. The proposed approach was implemented in different simulated scenarios with variable acceleration paths (i.e., circular, infinite, and helical). The simulation demonstrated the superiority of the proposed approach over the traditional PF. Moreover, similar path scenarios were experimentally evaluated using a quadrotor UAV in an indoor Vicon positioning system. To provide reliable estimations of the acceleration for the suggested method, a non-linear complementary filter was used to fuse information from the drone’s accelerometer and the Vicon system. The improved PF method was compared to the traditional PF method for each scenario. The results demonstrated a 50% improvement in the position, velocity, and acceleration accuracy across all scenarios. Furthermore, the ABPF responded faster to merging with the target path, with rising times of 1.5, 1.6, and 1.3 s for the circular, infinite, and helical trajectories, respectively.
Analytical Optimization of Vertical Closed-Loop Ground Source Heat Pump Systems
Authors: Katsifarakis Konstantinos L. , Kontos Yiannis N.
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we study the optimization of the operation of closed-loop ground source heat pump systems with any layout and any number n of vertical boreholes. Given the total required heat load, qT, the goal is to maximize the rate of thermal gains from the ground or, equivalently, to minimize the disturbance of the ground temperature at the location of the boreholes. This is achieved by optimizing the distribution of qT to the individual boreholes. We prove analytically that, at any time, the weighted temperature disturbance is minimal when the following condition holds: the temperature change is the same at the locations of all boreholes. Our proof is based on the analogy between heat transfer due to conduction and water flow through aquifers, and we make use of the results obtained for pumping cost minimization from systems of wells under transient groundwater flow conditions in infinite confined aquifers. Finally, we present a procedure to calculate the optimal distribution of the total heat load to the individual boreholes at any given time. The procedure entails the solution of a linear system of n equations and n unknowns, which is explained by means of two theoretical application examples. Accuracy of the results is also discussed.
Highly Stable Inverted Organic Solar Cell Structure Using Three Efficient Electron Transport Layers
Authors: Boudia Mohamed El Amine , Cunlu Cunlu
Published: January 2025

The efficiency of organic solar cells (OSCs) is influenced by various factors, among which environmental temperature plays a significant role. Previous studies have shown that the thermal stability of these cells can be enhanced by incorporating a third component into their structure. Ternary organic solar cells, particularly, have shown promising results in improving thermal stability. A well-designed electron transport layer (ETL) can significantly bolster thermal stability by facilitating efficient charge transport and reducing charge recombination. In this study, we investigated the effect of temperature, ranging from 300 K to 400 K, on the efficiency of inverted ternary structures by using a one-dimension optoelectronic model on “Oghma-Nano 8.0.034” software. The structures examined include (S1) “FTO/SnO2/PM6:D18:L8-BO/PEDOT: PSS/Ag”, (S2): “FTO/C60/PM6:D18:L8-BO/PEDOT: PSS/Ag”, and (S3): “FTO/PC60BM/PM6:D18:L8-BO/PEDOT: PSS/Ag”. Simulations using three different ETLs—SnO2, C60, and PC60BM—at 340 K (66.85 °C) resulted in a main effect on open circuit voltage (Voc) and fill factor (FF) values, in addition to an important Jsc value in terms of thermally stable devices. However, these structures retained 92% of their initial ~20% efficiency observed at 300 K, demonstrating significant thermal stability under high power conversion efficiency (PCE) conditions.
Identification and Correction of Abnormal, Incomplete Power Load Data in Electricity Spot Market Databases
Authors: Li Jingjiao , Lv Yifan , Zhou Zhou , Du Zhiwen , Wei Qiang , Xu Ke
Published: January 2025

The development of electricity spot markets necessitates more refined and accurate load forecasting capabilities to enable precise dispatch control and the creation of new trading products. Accurate load forecasting relies on high-quality historical load data, with complete load data serving as the cornerstone for both forecasting and transactions in electricity spot markets. However, historical load data at the distribution network or user level often suffers from anomalies and missing values. Data-driven methods have been widely adopted for anomaly detection due to their independence from prior expert knowledge and precise physical models. Nevertheless, single network architectures struggle to adapt to the diverse load characteristics of distribution networks or users, hindering the effective capture of anomaly patterns. This paper proposes a PLS-VAE-BiLSTM-based method for anomaly identification and correction in load data by combining the strengths of Variational Autoencoders (VAE) and Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory Networks (BiLSTM). This method begins with data preprocessing, including normalization and preliminary missing value imputation based on Partial Least Squares (PLS). Subsequently, a hybrid VAE-BiLSTM model is constructed and trained on a loaded dataset incorporating influencing factors to learn the relationships between different data features. Anomalies are identified and corrected by calculating the deviation between the model’s reconstructed values and the actual values. Finally, validation on both public and private datasets demonstrates that the PLS-VAE-BiLSTM model achieves average performance metrics of 98.44% precision, 94% recall rate, and 96.05% F1 score. Compared with VAE-LSTM, PSO-PFCM, and WTRR models, the proposed method exhibits superior overall anomaly detection performance.
Refrigerants for a Sustainable Future
Authors: Sharma Vishaldeep , Fricke Brian , Cheekatamarla Praveen , Abdelaziz Omar , Baxter Van
Published: January 2025

Worldwide use of high global warming potential (GWP) hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants for space conditioning and food storage results in significant equivalent greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This is further exacerbated in developed countries by the current transition from hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants to HFC refrigerants. Under the Kigali amendment to the Montreal Protocol, the proposed phase-out of currently used HFC and HCFC refrigerants has initiated a re-evaluation of some pre-existing refrigerants as well as the development and evaluation of new refrigerants. Making the ideal refrigerant selections for heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) applications is thereby difficult in an already overabundant refrigerants market. In this paper, a study of key parameters required of a good refrigerant is conducted, followed by the analysis of refrigerants desired and refrigerants used in two major sectors of the HVAC&R industry, namely commercial refrigeration and residential air-conditioning and heat pumps. Finally, keeping in consideration the global environmental regulations and safety standards, a recommendation of the most suitable refrigerants in both sectors has been made.
Genotoxicity of Microplastics on Living Organisms: Effects on Chromosomes, DNA and Gene Expression
Authors: Tang Kuok Ho Daniel
Published: January 2025

Microplastic exposure has become unavoidable, leading to their presence in living organisms. One area of particular concern is the genotoxicity of microplastics, which has implications for reproductive health and cancer development. This review aims to highlight the genotoxic effects of microplastics on different organisms, focusing on their impacts on chromosomes, DNA, and gene expression. More than 85 papers, primarily published in the last five years, have been reviewed. This review indicates that microplastics can cause clastogenesis and aneugenesis at the chromosome level. Clastogenesis results in chromosome damage, while aneugenesis leads to failures in chromosome segregation without causing direct damage. Additionally, microplastics can fracture and damage DNA. These effects arise from (1) the direct genotoxicity of microplastics through interactions with chromosomes, DNA, and associated proteins; and (2) their indirect genotoxicity due to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by oxidative stress induced by microplastics. Microplastics can trigger the activation of genes related to oxidative stress and the inflammatory response, leading to increased ROS production. Furthermore, they may alter gene expression in other biological processes. The genotoxicity linked to microplastics can stem from the particles themselves and their associated chemicals, and it appears to be both size- and dose-dependent.
Membrane-Assisted Dark Fermentation for Integrated Biohydrogen Production and Purification: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: García-Depraect Octavio , Vargas-Estrada Laura , Muñoz Raúl , Castro-Muñoz Roberto
Published: January 2025

The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the membrane-assisted dark fermentation process for bioH2 production and purification. This review initially analyses the need for and the current state of the art in H2 production through dark fermentation, evaluating the research landscape and the maturity level of the technology. Key factors influencing the dark fermentation process are then examined, along with emerging research trends in membrane-assisted fermentative H2 production systems. This review subsequently addresses the challenges inherent to dark fermentation and explores potential opportunities to enhance H2 production efficiency. Special attention is given to membrane technology as a promising strategy for process intensification in bioH2 production and recovery. Finally, this review provides an in-depth discussion of inorganic membranes, mixed matrix membranes (MMMs), and thin and ultrathin membranes, evaluating each membrane type in terms of its advantages, limitations, and purification performance. This review offers valuable insights into intensifying the dark fermentation process by leveraging membrane technology to enhance bioH2 production and purification efficiency.
A Lightweight AI-Based Approach for Drone Jamming Detection
Authors: Cibecchini Sergio , Chiti Francesco , Pierucci Laura
Published: January 2025

The future integration of drones in 6G networks will significantly enhance their capabilities, enabling a wide range of new applications based on autonomous operation. However, drone networks are particularly vulnerable to jamming attacks, a type of availability attack that can disrupt network operation and hinder drone functionality. In this paper, we propose a low complexity unsupervised machine learning approach for the detection of constant and periodic jamming attacks, using the Isolation Forest algorithm. We detail the tuning of the base model as well as the integration with a Majority Rule module which significantly reduced the number of false positives caused by environmental noise, achieving high accuracy and precision. Our approach outperforms the standard Isolation Forest model in the detection of both constant and periodic jamming attacks, while still correctly identifying nominal traffic. Finally, we discuss the potential integration of the proposed solution in 6G-enabled drone networks, as a lightweight edge-based solution for enhancing security against jamming attacks.
Microbial Fermentation in Food and Beverage Industries: Innovations, Challenges, and Opportunities
Authors: Praveen Mallari , Brogi Simone
Published: January 2025

Microbial fermentation is a primary method by which a variety of foods and beverages are produced. The term refers to the use of microbes such as bacteria, yeasts, and molds to transform carbohydrates into different substances. Fermentation is important for preserving, enhancing flavor, and improving the nutritional quality of various perishable foods. Historical records clearly show that fermented foods and drinks, such as wine, beer, and bread, have been consumed for more than 7000 years. The main microorganisms employed were Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which are predominantly used in alcohol fermentation, and Lactobacillus in dairy and vegetable fermentation. Typical fermented foods and drinks made from yogurt, cheese, beer, wine, cider, and pickles from vegetables are examples. Although there are risks of contamination and spoilage by pathogenic and undesirable microorganisms, advanced technologies and proper control procedures can mitigate these risks. This review addresses microbial fermentation and clarifies its past importance and contribution to food preservation, flavoring, and nutrition. It systematically separates yeasts, molds, and bacteria and explains how they are used in food products such as bread, yogurt, beer, and pickles. Larger producers employ primary production methods such as the artisanal approach, which are explored along with future trends such as solid-state fermentation, the potential of biotechnology in developing new products, and sustainability in new product development. Future research and development strategies can lead to innovations in methods that improve efficiency, product range, and sustainability.
Comparative Analysis of Complete Chloroplast Genomes and Phylogenetic Relationships of 21 Sect. Camellia (Camellia L.) Plants
Authors: Xiao Xu , Chen Juyan , Ran Zhaohui , Huang Lang , Li Zhi
Published: January 2025

Background: Section Camellia is the most diverse group in the genus Camellia L., and this group of plants has a long history of cultivation in China as popular ornamental flowers and oil plants. Sect. Camellia plants present diverse morphological variations and complexity among species, resulting in uncertainty in the classification of species, which has resulted in a degree of inconvenience and confusion in the use of plant resources and research. Methods: Here, We sequenced and assembled the chloroplast genomes of 6 sect. Camellia and performed comparative chloroplast genome analysis and phylogenetic studies combined with 15 existing sect. Camellia plants. Results: The chloroplast genome of 21 species in sect. Camellia species were quadripartite with length of 156,587–157,068 bp base pairs (bp), and a highly conserved and moderately differentiated chloroplast genome arrangement. The 21 sect. Camellia chloroplast genomes were similar to those of angiosperms, with high consistency in gene number, gene content and gene structure. After the annotation process, we identified a total of 132 genes, specifically 87 sequences coding for proteins (CDS), 37 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. The ycf1 gene in 21 species of the sect. Camellia was present only in the small single-copy/inverted repeat of a (SSC/IRa) region. Sequence variation was greater in the large single-copy (LSC) region than in the IR region, and the majority of the protein-coding genes presented high codon preferences. The chloroplast genomes of 21 plant species exhibit relatively conserved SC (single copy region)/IR (inverted repeat region) boundaries. We detected a total of 2975 single sequence repeats (SSRs) as well as 833 dispersed nuclear elements (INEs). Among these SSRs, A/T repeats and AT/AT repeats dominated, while among INEs, forward repeats and palindromic repeats predominated. Codon usage frequencies were largely similar, with 30 high-frequency codons detected. Comparative analysis revealed five hotspot regions (rps16, psaJ, rpl33, rps8, and rpl16) and two gene intervals (atpH-atpI and petD-rpoA) in the cp genome, which can be used as potential molecular markers. In addition, the phylogenetic tree constructed from the chloroplast genome revealed that these 21 species and Camellia oleifera aggregated into a single branch, which was further subdivided into two evolutionarily independent sub-branches. Conclusions: It was confirmed that sect. Camellia and C. oleifera Abel are closely related in Camellia genus. These findings will enhance our knowledge of the sect. Camellia of plants, deepen our understanding of their genetic characteristics and phylogenetic pathways, and provide strong support for the scientific development and rational utilization of the plant resources of the sect. Camellia.
RGB Approach for Pixel-Wise Identification of Cellulose Nitrate Photo Negative Yellowing
Authors: Povolotckaia Anastasia , Kaputkina Svetlana , Grigorieva Irina , Pankin Dmitrii , Borisov Evgenii , Vasileva Anna , Lipovskaia Valeria , Dynnikova Maria
Published: January 2025

Film-based cellulose nitrate negatives are a unique class of objects that contain important information about life, historical buildings, and the natural landscapes of past years. Increased sensitivity to storage conditions makes these objects highly flammable and can lead to irretrievable loss. In this regard, timely identification of the degradation process is a necessary step towards further conservation and restoration. This work studies the possibility of detecting the degradation process based on cellulose nitrate artifact yellowing. A total of 20 normal and 20 yellowed negatives from the collection of Karl Kosse (The State Museum and Exhibition Center ROSPHOTO) were selected as objects for statistical study. The novelty of this work is in its demonstration of the possibility to divide negatives into normal and yellowed areas with different shades based on different B/R and B/G ratios of both light and dark negatives, i.e., regardless of the distribution of RGB component values for the obtained digital photo from the negative. Moreover, the obtained differentiation result was demonstrated for individual image pixels, without the need for averaging over a certain area.
Nosocomial Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus: Sensitivity to Chlorhexidine-Based Biocides and Prevalence of Efflux Pump Genes
Authors: Kuznetsova Marina V. , Nesterova Larisa Y. , Mihailovskaya Veronika S. , Selivanova Polina A. , Kochergina Darja A. , Karipova Marina O. , Valtsifer Igor V. , Averkina Anastasia S. , Starčič Erjavec Marjanca
Published: January 2025

The widespread use of disinfectants and antiseptics has led to the emergence of nosocomial pathogens that are less sensitive to these agents, which in combination with multidrug resistance (MDR) can pose a significant epidemiologic risk. We investigated the susceptibility of nosocomial Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus to a 0.05% chlorhexidine (CHX) solution and a biocidal S7 composite solution based on CHX (0.07%) and benzalkonium chloride (BAC, 0.055%). The prevalence of efflux pump genes associated with biocide resistance and their relationship to antibiotic resistance was also determined. Both biocides were more effective against Gram-positive S. aureus than Gram-negative bacteria. The most resistant strains were P. aeruginosa strains, which were mainly killed by 0.0016% CHX and by 0.0000084% (CHX)/0.0000066% (BAC) S7. The S7 bactericidal effect was observed on P. aeruginosa and S. aureus after 10 min, while the bactericidal effect of CHX was only observed after 30 min. qacEΔ1 and qacE efflux pump genes were prevalent among E. coli and K. pneumoniae, while mexB was more often detected in P. aeruginosa. norA, norB, mepA, mdeA, and sepA were prevalent in S. aureus. The observed prevalence of efflux pump genes highlights the potential problem whereby the sensitivity of bacteria to biocides could decline rapidly in the future.
Reynoutria japonica Houtt. Transformed Hairy Root Cultures as an Effective Platform for Producing Phenolic Compounds with Strong Bactericidal Properties
Authors: Makowski Wojciech , Królicka Aleksandra , Hinc Krzysztof , Szopa Agnieszka , Kubica Paweł , Sroka Julia , Tokarz Barbara , Tokarz Krzysztof Michał
Published: January 2025

Reynoutria japonica Houtt. is the source of various phenolic compounds: phenolic acids, flawan-3-ols, and stilbenes, with a broad range of biological activity. The rhizome (underground organ of these plants) is abundant in secondary metabolites but, in natural conditions, may accumulate various toxic substances (such as heavy metals) from the soil. The principal objective of this research was to produce transformed cultures of R. japonica hairy roots that would serve as a valuable source of phenolic compounds, independent of environmental resources. The transformation was performed using a variety of wild strains of Rhizobium rhizogenes bacteria, of which only strain A4 (ATCC 31798) proved effective. The molecular characterization of transformed clones was performed using PCR. The biometric parameters (growth index and dry weight content), phenolic compounds accumulation (DAD-HPLC), antioxidant capacity (DPPH, CUPRAC), and bactericidal properties against Staphylococcus aureus with various sensitivity to antibiotics were evaluated. Two obtained transformed clones (RJ 9 and 30) exhibited the incorporation of the entire bacterial T-DNA into genomic DNA, while clones RJ 10 and 11 demonstrated only the presence of the LT-DNA sequence. The results demonstrated an increase in flawan-3-ols (catechins) accumulation in hairy root tissue relative to non-transformed (NT) plants. Moreover, hairy roots exhibited enhanced antioxidant activity and bactericidal properties compared with NT roots and NT shoots, respectively.
Mitochondria and the Repurposing of Diabetes Drugs for Off-Label Health Benefits
Authors: Yip Joyce Mei Xin , Chiang Grace Shu Hui , Lee Ian Chong Jin , Lehming-Teo Rachel , Dai Kexin , Dongol Lokeysh , Wang Laureen Yi-Ting , Teo Denise , Seah Geok Teng , Lehming Norbert
Published: January 2025

This review describes our current understanding of the role of the mitochondria in the repurposing of the anti-diabetes drugs metformin, gliclazide, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and SGLT2 inhibitors for additional clinical benefits regarding unhealthy aging, long COVID, mental neurogenerative disorders, and obesity. Metformin, the most prominent of these diabetes drugs, has been called the “Drug of Miracles and Wonders,” as clinical trials have found it to be beneficial for human patients suffering from these maladies. To promote viral replication in all infected human cells, SARS-CoV-2 stimulates the infected liver cells to produce glucose and to export it into the blood stream, which can cause diabetes in long COVID patients, and metformin, which reduces the levels of glucose in the blood, was shown to cut the incidence rate of long COVID in half for all patients recovering from SARS-CoV-2. Metformin leads to the phosphorylation of the AMP-activated protein kinase AMPK, which accelerates the import of glucose into cells via the glucose transporter GLUT4 and switches the cells to the starvation mode, counteracting the virus. Diabetes drugs also stimulate the unfolded protein response and thus mitophagy, which is beneficial for healthy aging and mental health. Diabetes drugs were also found to mimic exercise and help to reduce body weight.
Hypoxia Compromises the Differentiation of Human Osteosarcoma Cells to CAR-R, a Hydroxylated Derivative of Lithocholic Acid and Potent Agonist of the Vitamin D Receptor
Authors: Evans Haley , Greenhough Alexander , Perry Laura , Lasanta Gonzalo , Gonzalez Carmen M. , Mourino Antonio , Mansell Jason P.
Published: January 2025

The active metabolite of vitamin D3, calcitriol (1,25D), is widely recognised for its direct anti-proliferative and pro-differentiation effects. However, 1,25D is calcaemic, which restricts its clinical use for cancer treatment. Non-calcaemic agonists of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) could be better candidates for cancer treatment. In this study, we examined the influence of the hydroxylated lithocholic acid derivative CAR-R on osteosarcoma (OS) cell (MG63) growth and differentiation. Treatment of MG63 cells with CAR-R inhibited growth under conventional and hypoxic conditions. Co-treating cells with CAR-R and a lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) analogue resulted in their differentiation, as supported by synergistic increases in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Under hypoxic conditions, however, this differentiation response was attenuated. The importance of observed increases in hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) were investigated through targeted disruption using pharmacological and genetic approaches. Disruption elicited a reduction in ALP activity, suggesting an important role for HIFs in OS differentiation. Finally, we examined the expression of the VDR protein. Hypoxic MG63s expressed less VDR, with the levels increasing with CAR-R exposure. Whilst these findings are encouraging, future studies aimed at bolstering the pro-differentiating effect of CAR-R under hypoxic conditions are warranted if this agent is to gain traction in the treatment of OS.
New Record of Encarsia protransvena and Confirmed Occurrence of Encarsia hispida (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) as Parasitoids of Singhiella simplex (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in Italy
Authors: Cerasa Giuliano , Tomasello Luigi , Melone Gianluca , Russo Elia , Siscaro Gaetano , Cavallaro Carmelo , Ienco Annamaria , Laudani Francesca , Palmeri Vincenzo , Campolo Orlando , Garganese Francesca , Porcelli Francesco , Pedata Paolo A. , Farina Vittorio , Gugliuzza Giovanni , Rizzo Roberto , Laudonia Stefania , Lo Verde Gabriella
Published: January 2025

Encarsia protransvena (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) is recorded here for the first time in Italy as a parasitoid of the whitefly Singhiella simplex (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), one of the most invasive alien pests of exotic Ficus species. Singhiella simplex, originating from the Oriental region, has established a global presence. Monitoring of the whitefly and its parasitoids was conducted in the southern areas of Italy, providing crucial insights into their distribution and interactions. The taxonomic identity of E. protransvena, was confirmed by scrutiny of morphological and molecular taxonomic characters. At the time of writing, we also obtained some specimens of Encarsia hispida from the host collected in Campania. We reserve the right to provide bio-ethological information on the species in the future. Comprehensive illustrations and diagnostic features are provided for the host and the parasitoids. An identification key is included for all Encarsia species associated with S. simplex, which provides a valuable tool to distinguish these aphelinid wasps for future research and applications in biological control programs.
The Evidence-Based Medicine Management of Endometriosis Should Be Updated for the Limitations of Trial Evidence, the Multivariability of Decisions, Collective Experience, Heuristics, and Bayesian Thinking
Authors: Koninckx Philippe , Ussia Anastasia , Stepanian Assia , Saridogan Ertan , Malzoni Mario , Miller Charles , Keckstein Jörg , Wattiez Arnaud , Page Geert , Bosteels Jan , Lesaffre Emmanuel , Adamyan Leila
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: The diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis should be based on the best available evidence. Emphasising the risk of bias, the pyramid of evidence has the double-blind, randomised controlled trial and its meta-analyses on top. After the grading of all evidence by a group of experts, clinical guidelines are formulated using well-defined rules. Unfortunately, the impact of evidence-based medicine (EBM) on the management of endometriosis has been limited and, possibly, occasionally harmful. Methods: For this research, the inherent problems of diagnosis and treatment were discussed by a working group of endometriosis and EBM specialists, and the relevant literature was reviewed. Results: Most clinical decisions are multivariable, but randomized controlled trials (RCTs) cannot handle multivariability because adopting a factorial design would require prohibitively large cohorts and create randomization problems. Single-factor RCTs represent a simplification of the clinical reality. Heuristics and intuition are both important for training and decision-making in surgery; experience, Bayesian thinking, and learning from the past are seldom considered. Black swan events or severe complications and accidents are marginally discussed in EBM since trial evidence is limited for rare medical events. Conclusions: The limitations of EBM for managing endometriosis and the complementarity of multivariability, heuristics, Bayesian thinking, and experience should be recognized. Especially in surgery, the value of training and heuristics, as well as the importance of documenting the collective experience and of the prevention of complications, are fundamental. These additions to EBM and guidelines will be useful in changing the Wild West mentality of surgery resulting from the limited scope of EBM data because of the inherent multivariability, combined with the low number of similar interventions.
Metareasoning: Theoretical and Methodological Developments
Authors: Ball Linden J. , Richardson Beth H.
Published: January 2025

This Special Issue aims to capture current theoretical and methodological developments in the field of metareasoning, which is concerned with the metacognitive processes that monitor and control our ongoing thinking and reasoning [...]
Alopecia Areata Is Associated with an Increased Risk for Prediabetes and Obesity: A Nationwide Case—Control Study
Authors: Wohl Yonit , Mashiah Jacob , Noy Oberkovich , Drutin Yarden , Vered Shiraz , Ben-Tov Amir
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims: Alopecia areata (AA) is a non-scarring inflammatory hair loss condition associated with various immune-mediated comorbidities. Prediabetes, characterized by elevated blood glucose levels not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes, significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular complications. The associations between AA obesity and prediabetes have long been investigated in an attempt to identify preventable risk factors, yet the literature is relatively scarce and inconclusive. This study aimed to explore the association between AA, prediabetes, obesity, and T2DM in a large population cohort. Methods: All patients diagnosed with AA between 2005 and 2019 within Maccabi Healthcare Services (MHS) in Israel were compared with age-matched and gender-matched healthy controls for prediabetes, T2DM and obesity, using logistic regression models for all analyses. A total of 33,401 patients with AA and 66,802 controls were included in the analysis. Results: The prevalence of prediabetes was significantly higher in AA patients (26.3%) compared to controls (18.1%), with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.62. Obesity prevalence was also higher in AA patients (17.2% vs. 13.3%, OR 1.35). T2DM prevalence was similar between groups. Prediabetes prevalence notably increased with age in AA patients, especially in those aged 40 and older (OR 2.02). Discussion: The study highlights a significant association between prediabetes and alopecia areata, with prediabetes risk emerging prominently in AA patients. Obesity also showed a strong link with AA. These findings suggest the need for regular screening and early management of prediabetes and obesity in patients with AA to potentially mitigate associated health risks.
Clinical Outcomes and Patterns of Traumatic Injuries Associated with Subway Incidents at a Level 1 Trauma Center
Authors: Sharma Bharti , Agcon Aubrey May B. , Agriantonis George , Cheerasarn Sittha , Bhatia Navin D. , Shafaee Zahra , Whittington Jennifer , Twelker Kate
Published: January 2025

Objectives: Subway-related accidents have risen with advancements in the system. We aim to study the injury patterns from these incidents. Methods: This is a retrospective study from a single center, covering patients from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2023. Patients were identified using International Classification of Diseases (ICD) injury descriptions and Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) body regions. Results: Out of 360 patients (total), 23.5% presented with head injuries with an AIS score ≥ 3. Patients with blunt trauma (93.99%) were in higher numbers than penetrating (5.74%) and burn trauma (0.3%). Overall, the mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 10.69, suggesting a broad range of traumatic injuries. ISSs for severe injuries (17–24) comprised 9.2%, moderate injuries (10–16) comprised 17.5%, and minor injuries (1–9) comprised 60.8%. Falls had the highest percentage of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) (65.60%) and fractures (67.50%). Assaults showed a significant occurrence of traumatic thoracic injuries (28.90%). Suicide attempts demonstrated a high percentage of traumatic amputations (30.80%). In the emergency department (ED), most patients (69.4%) were admitted for further care, such as trauma, neurosurgery, or other care. Of these patients, 0.5% died in the ED, 0.5% died on arrival, and 1.04% died within 15 min of arrival. The mortality rate among serious fall patients was 17.20% compared to the suicide and train-struck groups at 37.90% each. Conclusions: There were high occurrences of TBIs, and fractures, thoracic injuries, and amputations. Numbers of patients with blunt trauma were a lot higher than those with penetrating and burn trauma. The mortality rates observed in the suicide and train-struck groups were higher than those in patients with severe falls.
Corrosion Resistance and Nano-Mechanical Properties of a Superhydrophobic Surface
Authors: Yao Chun-Wei , Lian Ian , Zhou Jiang , Bernazzani Paul , Jao Mien , Hoque Md Ashraful
Published: January 2025

Nanoindentation has been used to characterize the mechanical and creep properties of various materials. However, research on the viscoelastic and creep properties of superhydrophobic surfaces remains limited. In this study, a superhydrophobic coating was developed and its corrosion resistance was evaluated initially. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results quantitatively confirm the enhanced anti-corrosion performance of the superhydrophobic coating. Subsequently, this study investigates the creep, hardness, strain rate sensitivity, and viscoelastic behavior of the superhydrophobic surface at the nanoscale before and after accelerated corrosion exposure. Our findings reveal that during the creep tests, the logarithmic values of creep strain rate and stress exhibited a good linear relationship. Additionally, the surface retains its key viscoelastic properties (hardness, storage modulus, loss modulus, and tan δ) even after exposure to corrosion. These results highlight the surface’s robustness under corrosive conditions, a crucial factor for applications requiring both mechanical integrity and environmental resilience.
Quality Investigation of Pultruded Carbon Fiber Panels Subjected to Four-Point Flexure via Fiber Optic Sensing
Authors: Arwood Zachariah , Young Stephen , Foster Darren , Penumadu Dayakar
Published: January 2025

Pultruded carbon fiber-reinforced composites are attractive to the wind energy industry due to the rapid production of highly aligned unidirectional composites with enhanced fiber volume fractions and increased specific strength and stiffness. However, high volume carbon fiber manufacturing remains cost-prohibitive. This study investigates the feasibility of a pultruded low-cost textile carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy composite as a promising material in spar cap production was undertaken based on mechanical response to four-point flexure loading. As spar caps are primarily subjected to flexural loading, large-span four-point flexure was considered, and coupon testing was restricted to tensile modulus and compression strength assessment. High-resolution spatial fiber optic strain sensing was utilized to determine spatial strain distribution during four-point flexure, revealing consistent strain along the length of the part and proved to be an excellent option for process manufacturing quality examination. Additionally, holes with diameters of 2.49 mm, 5.08 mm, and 1.93 mm were drilled through the thickness of full-width parts to determine the feasibility of structural health monitoring of pultruding parts internal to wind blades via fiber optic strain sensing.
Macro–Micro Properties of Remodeled Waste Slurry Under Freeze–Thaw Cycles
Authors: Wang Long , Xiong Houren , Huang Junguang , Wen Minjie , Ding Pan , Zhang Yiming
Published: January 2025

Waste slurry, a major by-product of urban construction, is produced in rapidly increasing volumes each year. Dehydrated waste slurry has potential as a roadbed material; however, its performance in freeze–thaw environments, which can induce frost heave and thaw settlement, and the mechanism of the influence of freeze–thaw cycles on its macro and micro properties are still unclear and need thorough investigation. This study explores the macroscopic and microscopic properties of waste slurry subjected to freeze–thaw cycles. We conducted unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and triaxial unconsolidated undrained (UU) shear tests, focusing on fissure compaction, elastic deformation, plastic yielding, and strain hardening stages. The results reveal a decrease in strength and elastic modulus with increasing freeze–thaw cycles, as well as in the damage degree generated by freeze–thaw cycles. To uncover the underlying microscopic mechanisms, we performed Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) analyses. These tests highlighted the evolution of pores and microcracks during freeze–thaw cycles. These results have important reference values for the reutilization of waste slurry discharged from large-diameter bored piles for roadbed backfill materials that need to be repaired quickly in seasonally frozen areas.
Vibration Analysis of a Tetra-Layered FGM Cylindrical Shell Using Ring Support
Authors: Ayub Asra , Hussain Naveed , Al-Kenani Ahmad N. , Ghamkhar Madiha
Published: January 2025

In the present study, the vibration characteristics of a cylindrical shell (CS) made up of four layers are investigated. The ring is placed in the axial direction of a four-layered functionally graded material (FGM) cylindrical shell. The layers are made of functionally graded material (FGM). The materials used are stainless steel, aluminum, zirconia, and nickel. The frequency equations are derived by employing Sander’s shell theory and the Rayleigh–Ritz (RR) mathematical technique. Vibration characteristics of functionally graded materials have been investigated using polynomial volume fraction law for all FGM layers. The characteristic beam functions have been used to determine the axial model dependency. The natural frequencies are obtained with simply supported boundary conditions by using MATLAB software. Several analogical assessments of shell frequencies have also been conducted to confirm the accuracy and dependability of the current technique.