bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Intrusion Detection in Drone Networks: A Cross-Layer Convolutional Attention Approach for Drone-to-Drone and Drone-to-Base Station Communications
Authors: Aldossary Mohammad , Alzamil Ibrahim , Almutairi Jaber
Published: January 2025

Due to Internet of Drones (IoD) technology, drone networks have proliferated, transforming surveillance, logistics, and disaster management. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, malware infections, and communication abnormalities increase cybersecurity dangers to these networks, threatening operational safety and efficiency. Current Intrusion Detection Systems (IDSs) fail to handle drone transmission data’s dynamic, high-dimensional nature, resulting in inadequate real-time anomaly identification and mitigation. This study presents the Cross-Layer Convolutional Attention Network (CLCAN), a new IDS architecture for IoD networks. CLCAN accurately detects complex cyber threats using multi-scale convolutional processing, hierarchical contextual attention, and dynamic feature fusion. Preprocessing methods like weighted differential scaling and gradient-based adaptive resampling improve data quality and reduce class imbalances. Contextual attribute transformation captures the nuanced network behaviors needed for anomaly identification. The proposed technique is shown to be necessary and effective by real-world drone communication dataset evaluations. CLCAN outperforms CNN, LSTM, and XGBoost with 98.4% accuracy, 98.7% recall, and 98.1% F1-score. The model has a remarkable AUC of 0.991. CLCAN can handle datasets of over 118,000 balanced data records in 85 s, compared to 180 s for comparable frameworks. This study pioneers a unified security solution for Drone-to-Drone (D2D) and Drone-to-Base Station (D2BS) communications, filling a crucial IoD security gap. It protects mission-critical drone operations with a strong, efficient, and scalable IDS from emerging cyber threats.
UAV–UGV Formation for Delivery Missions: A Practical Case Study
Authors: Fagundes-Júnior Leonardo A. , Barcelos Celso O. , Silvatti Amanda Piaia , Brandão Alexandre S.
Published: January 2025

Robotic transport missions serve a variety of valuable purposes within similar contexts. These include delivering packages in urban or remote areas, dispatching supplies to disaster or conflict zones, and facilitating delivery operations. In such a context, this work deals with the cooperation and control of multiple-robot systems involving heterogeneous robot formation with sensing and actuation capabilities to perform load transportation tasks. Two off-the-shelf unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) working cooperatively with one unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) are used to validate the proposal. The interactions between the UAV and the UGVs are not only information exchanges but also physical couplings required to cooperate in the load’s joint transportation. The existence of an obstacle between the two UGVs makes it impossible for them to meet each other. Thus, the lifting, transport, and delivery of the load from one UGV to the other are performed by a UAV with a suspended electromagnet actuator. Experiments are performed for a weight of 165 g (load + electronic board), which corresponds to up to 36% of the UAV’s mass.
Distribution Patterns and Habitat Preferences of Five Globally Threatened and Endemic Montane Orthoptera (Parnassiana and Oropodisma)
Authors: Stefanidis Apostolis , Kougioumoutzis Konstantinos , Zografou Konstantina , Fotiadis Georgios , Willemse Luc , Tzortzakaki Olga , Kati Vassiliki
Published: January 2025

Greece is a European hotspot for Orthoptera (378 species), yet it has been scarcely explored. We investigated the distribution and habitat preferences of the species of two endemic Orthoptera genera, Parnassiana and Oropodisma, in the montane ecosystems of central Greece. We conducted field surveys from 2021 to 2024 in 174 sites across seven mountains. The species of both genera preferred habitats above 1500 m, with species-specific preferences for microhabitat parameters: Parnassiana species favored moderate slopes with dense shrub cover, while Oropodisma species favored substrates with intermediate stone cover and relatively high vegetation cover. Species distribution models estimated the area of suitable habitat for Parnassiana to be at 5 km2 and Oropodisma at 3.28 km2. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and potential evapotranspiration were the key environmental drivers of the habitat suitability for both genera. Generalized regression models showed that altitude positively influenced Parnassiana population density, peaking at 2200 m, whereas rock and soil cover negatively impacted Oropodisma population densities. The results emphasize the critical role of montane habitats in sustaining these species and provide essential data for future research and conservation strategies.
Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Operationalizing the Inclusive Professional Framework to Develop STEM Faculty Change Agents
Authors: Beverly Selyna Pérez , Clark Quintana M. , Hill Lucas B. , Gillian-Daniel Donald L.
Published: January 2025

With the need for diverse representation in STEM, institutions have found ways to improve Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) through programs and broad institutional policies. Yet, improving the awareness of faculty regarding DEI can be instrumental in improving conditions for underrepresented students in STEM. This article discusses the Inclusive Professional Framework (IPF) and its operationalization through a summer professional development program, the Aspire Summer Institute (ASI). Findings from longitudinal survey data indicated that participants increased their knowledge of, and confidence in, DEI practices. Qualitative data revealed that participants gained a personal awareness of the impact that identity had on their professional responsibilities. As a result, participants adapted their teaching approaches and changed how they interacted with students and colleagues, as well as how they contributed to institutional efforts around DEI in STEM.
Wearable Displacement Sensor Using Inductive Coupling of Printed RFID Tag with Metallic Strip
Authors: Hussain Tauseef , Gil Ignacio , Fernández-García Raúl
Published: January 2025

This paper presents a passive displacement sensor based on the inductive coupling between a printed UHF RFID tag and a metallic strip. The sensor operates by exploiting variations in mutual inductive coupling, which modulate the tag impedance and transmission coefficient, thereby altering the backscattered signal strength and the maximum read range of the RFID tag. The performance of the sensor is validated through simulations and experiments, which demonstrate a sensitivity characterized by an approximately 9 dB reduction in the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and a 2.3 m decrease in the read range within the first 12 mm of displacement. Furthermore, its potential for wearable applications is showcased through respiratory monitoring, where RSSI variations of approximately 5 dB are observed between the inspiration and expiration phases when positioned on the abdominal region of a volunteer. Thus, the proposed displacement sensing approach offers a cost-effective and battery-free solution for wearable applications with remote monitoring capabilities.
A Noise-Tolerant Carrier Phase Recovery Method for Inter-Satellite Coherent Optical Communications
Authors: Hu Chunyuan , Lin Yujie , Wu Zihao , Yang Ruolin , Bu Xiangyuan
Published: January 2025

Coherent free-space optical communication offers significant advantages in terms of communication capacity, making it particularly suitable for high-speed inter-satellite transmission within satellite communication networks. Nonetheless, the presence of Doppler frequency offset (FO) and phase noise (PN) associated with lasers adversely affects the bit error rate (BER) performance of these communication systems. Conventional methods for FO and phase estimation are usually hindered by high computational demands and phase cycle slips, especially in environments characterized by elevated channel noise. To address these challenges, a noise-tolerant method is proposed to facilitate accurate carrier phase recovery (CPR) with reduced complexity. This method merges a second-order feedback loop and a feedforward stage to achieve accurate estimation. The simulation results indicate that the proposed method surpasses traditional methods in terms of noise tolerance and resource efficiency. Particularly, the BER of the proposed method can be decreased to 6.7×10−3 at a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 4.5 dB, in contrast to a BER of 0.25 for the traditional method. Additionally, the resource consumption of the proposed method can be decreased by 64% under equivalent conditions. Furthermore, the experimental results reveal that the phase estimation error and BER for the proposed method are 2.1×10−4 and 7.5×10−4, respectively, when the received power is −41 dBm. These values are significantly lower than those achieved with traditional methods, which obtain errors of 1.85×10−3 and a BER of 0.48, respectively.
Optimising the Design of a Hybrid Fuel Cell/Battery and Waste Heat Recovery System for Retrofitting Ship Power Generation
Authors: Yuksel Onur , Blanco-Davis Eduardo , Spiteri Andrew , Hitchmough David , Shagar Viknash , Di Piazza Maria Carmela , Pucci Marcello , Tsoulakos Nikolaos , Armin Milad , Wang Jin
Published: January 2025

This research aims to assess the integration of different fuel cell (FC) options with battery and waste heat recovery systems through a mathematical modelling process to determine the most feasible retrofit solutions for a marine electricity generation plant. This paper distinguishes itself from existing literature by incorporating future cost projection scenarios involving variables such as carbon tax, fuel, and equipment prices. It assesses the environmental impact by including upstream emissions integrated with the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) calculations. Real-time data have been collected from a Kamsarmax vessel to build a hybrid marine power distribution plant model for simulating six system designs. A Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methodology ranks the scenarios depending on environmental benefits, economic performance, and system space requirements. The findings demonstrate that the hybrid configurations, including solid oxide (SOFC) and proton exchange (PEMFC) FCs, achieve a deduction in equivalent CO2 of the plant up to 91.79% and decrease the EEXI and the average CII by 10.24% and 6.53%, respectively. Although SOFC-included configurations show slightly better economic performance and require less fuel capacity, the overall performance of PEMFC designs are ranked higher in MCDM analysis due to the higher power density.
Heat Transfer in U-Tubes: Simulating the Performance of Delta Winglet Pairs in Laminar and Turbulent Flows
Authors: Naoumis Fotis , Linardos Harris , Mihalakakou Giouli , Paravantis John A. , Kostopoulos Vassilis
Published: January 2025

As the environmental crisis intensifies, the demand for energy-efficient systems has never been greater. Vortex generators have emerged as an effective method for enhancing heat transfer within tubes. While extensive research has been conducted on their application in straight tubes, studies focusing on their performance in curved tubes remain limited. This simulation study examined three different arrangements of triangular vortex generators in a common flow-down configuration within a U-turn tube to optimize heat transfer. The analysis conducted under constant wall temperature conditions across a range of Reynolds numbers spans both laminar and turbulent flow regimes to evaluate the broader impacts of vortex generators on flow and thermal fields. The efficiency of each arrangement was evaluated based on the Nusselt number and friction factor. Results show a remarkable increase in the Nusselt number, reaching up to 115% for the configuration with the highest number of vortex generators. However, this enhancement was accompanied by a significant increase in the friction factor, rising by up to 383% at higher Reynolds numbers. Overall, vortex generators demonstrated their highest effectiveness in curved tubes during the laminar-to-turbulent flow transition. In fully turbulent flow, the friction factor increased disproportionately to the modest gains in heat transfer. Despite these limitations, the use of vortex generators in curved tubes offers promising efficiency improvements and merits further exploration.
A Two-Stage Robust Optimization Strategy for Long-Term Energy Storage and Cascaded Utilization of Cold and Heat Energy in Peer-to-Peer Electricity Energy Trading
Authors: Chen Yun , Zhao Yunhao , Zhang Xinghao , Wang Ying , Mi Rongyao , Song Junxiao , Hao Zhiguo , Xu Chuanbo
Published: January 2025

This study addresses the optimization of urban integrated energy systems (UIESs) under uncertainty in peer-to-peer (P2P) electricity trading by introducing a two-stage robust optimization strategy. The strategy includes a UIES model with a photovoltaic (PV)–green roof, hydrogen storage, and cascading cold/heat energy subsystems. The first stage optimizes energy trading volume to maximize social welfare, while the second stage maximizes operational profit, considering uncertainties in PV generation and power prices. The Nested Column and Constraint Generation (NC&CG) algorithm enhances privacy and solution precision. Case studies with three UIESs show that the model improves economic performance, energy efficiency, and sustainability, increasing profits by 1.5% over non-P2P scenarios. Adjusting the robustness and deviation factors significantly impacts P2P transaction volumes and profits, allowing system operators to optimize profits and make risk-aligned decisions.
Steam Reforming of High-Concentration Toluene as a Model Biomass Tar Using a Nickel Catalyst Supported on Carbon Black
Authors: Kim Soohyun , Yoon Sangjun , Zulqarnain  , Yoo Jiho , Im Hyuk , Kim Sangdo , Chun Donghyuk , Choi Hokyung , Lim Jeonghwan
Published: January 2025

Biomass tar, an inevitable byproduct of biomass pyrolysis and gasification, poses a significant challenge due to its tendency to condense in pipelines, causing clogging and operational issues. Catalytic steam reforming can convert tar into syngas, addressing the tar issue while simultaneously producing hydrogen. However, the reforming catalyst is highly susceptible to deactivation by coking, especially when dealing with highly concentrated polymeric hydrocarbons such as tar. This study focused on enhancing the durability of tar-reforming catalysts. Nickel-based catalysts were prepared using carbon supports known for their high coking resistance, such as carbon black (CB), activated carbon (AC), and low-rank coal (LRC). Their performance was then tested for the steam reforming of high-concentration toluene, a representative tar. All three carbon supports (CB, AC, LRC) showed high catalytic performance with NiMg catalysts at 500 °C. Among them, the mesoporous CB support exhibited the highest stability when exposed to steam, with NiMg on CB (NiMg/CB) remaining stable for long-term continuous operation without any deactivation due to coking or thermal degradation.
Theoretical Calculation of Heat and Material Balance for Oil Sludge Pyrolysis Process by Solid Heat Carrier Method
Authors: Zhang Zhengyang , Ma Yue , Guo Fengzhi , Yue Changtao
Published: January 2025

In this study, oil sludge from Jilin Petrochemical of China was selected to carry out the Fischer assay and proximate analysis. According to the properties of the Jilin oil sludge and its pyrolysates, the material and heat balance of the pyrolysis process was deduced theoretically based on 1000 kg of received base oil sludge. The results show that the solid heat carrier method can be used in the pyrolysis of oil sludge, and a new process flow is proposed. According to the heat required and heat provided in the rotary reactor and in the fluidized bed, 5940 kg of ash was needed as a solid heat carrier, and 25 kg of liquefied petroleum gas was needed as a supplementary fuel besides the semi-coke and retorting gas. The total input heat and output heat were 13.65 GJ and 10.04 GJ. The loss was 3.61 GJ and the thermal efficiency was 73.6%.
Sustainable Water Management Practices in Agriculture: The Case of East Africa
Authors: Teweldebrihan Meseret Dawit , Dinka Megersa Olumana
Published: January 2025

This study dives into the essential issue of sustainable water management techniques in East Africa. Recognizing water as a key component of sustainable agricultural development, the study highlights the importance of a complete approach that takes into account technological, socio-economic, and environmental issues. A detailed, comprehensive review of 109 scientific research articles published between 1993 and 2024 was conducted to acquire a thorough grasp of current sustainable water resource management techniques in East Africa. This in-depth investigation sought to uncover major regional trends, challenges, and opportunities in water resource management. Furthermore, the evaluation aimed to identify specific knowledge gaps impeding the region’s implementation of sustainable water management techniques. As East Africa faces rising problems from climatic variability and change, which have a direct impact on water availability and agricultural output, the need for comprehensive policies becomes clear. The review reveals significant gaps in previous research, including a lack of focus on the socio-economic consequences of water management methods, gender dynamics, long-term assessments, indigenous knowledge integration, and climate change adaptation. By highlighting these areas, the study emphasizes the necessity of future research in addressing these gaps and developing more effective and sustainable water management solutions for East Africa.
Optimization of Capillary Electrophoresis by Central Composite Design for Separation of Pharmaceutical Contaminants in Water Quality Testing
Authors: Elmorsi Eman T. , Lai Edward P. C.
Published: January 2025

Many pharmaceutical active compounds are prepared as hydrochlorides for quick release in the gastrointestinal tract upon oral administration. Their inadvertent escape into the water environment requires efficient analytical separation for accurate quantitation to monitor their environmental fate. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate how best to optimize a capillary electrophoresis method for the separation of four model pharmaceutical hydrochlorides. Concentration of sodium dibasic phosphate in the background electrolyte solution, pH adjustment with HCl or NaOH, and applied voltage across the capillary were the three key factors chosen for optimization. The peak resolutions and total migration time were examined as the response indicators to complete a central composite design in response surface methodology. The examination revealed that CE separation was driven significantly by a linear regression model and minimally by a quadratic regression model, based on the coefficient of determination, the lack of fit, the total sum of squares, and the p values. Under optimal conditions of the background electrolyte concentration of 75 mM, pH 9, and the applied voltage of 10 kV, the model hydrochlorides were separated within five minutes in the migration order of metformin (first) > phenformin > mexiletine > ranitidine (last). The limits of UV detection/quantification attained under optimal CE conditions were 0.015/0.045, 0.020/0.060, 0.142/0.426, and 0.017/0.051, respectively.
Correlating Fire Incidents with Meteorological Variables in Dry Temperate Forest
Authors: Abbas Khurram , Souane Ali Ahmed , Ahmad Hasham , Suita Francesca , Shu Zhan , Huang Hui , Wang Feng
Published: January 2025

Forest fires pose a significant ecological threat, particularly in the Diamer District, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, where climatic factors combined with human activities have resulted in severe fire incidents. The present study sought to investigate the correlation between the incidence of forest fires and critical meteorological elements, including temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind speed, over a period of 25 years, from 1998 to 2023. We analyzed 169 recorded fire events, collectively burning approximately 109,400 hectares of forest land. Employing sophisticated machine learning algorithms, Random Forest (RF), and Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM) revealed that temperature and relative humidity during the critical fire season, which spans May through July, are key factors influencing fire activity. Conversely, wind speed was found to have a negligible impact. The RF model demonstrated superior predictive accuracy compared to the GBM model, achieving an RMSE of 5803.69 and accounting for 49.47% of the variance in the burned area. This study presents a novel methodology for predictive fire risk modeling under climate change scenarios in the region, offering significant insights into fire management strategies. Our results underscore the necessity for real-time early warning systems and adaptive management strategies to mitigate the frequency and intensity of escalating forest fires driven by climate change.
Phenotypic Changes in Pinus thunbergii, Larix kaempferi, Picea koraiensis, and Abies holophylla Seedlings Inoculated with Pine Wilt Nematode: Revealing the Resistance
Authors: Zhang Xuejiao , Wang Shuailong , Zhou Quan , Li Jiaxing , Hou Qidi , Ren Lili , Luo Youqing
Published: January 2025

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (pine wood nematode, PWN) has been present in China for over 40 years and has spread to northeast China, where native pine species are key components of the local top community. Pinus thunbergii is known to be susceptible to PWN among local conifer species, whereas research on PWN’s pathogenicity in Larix remains limited. Furthermore, there are no research reports on PWN infestation in Picea and Abies species within China. This study conducted a detailed analysis of phenotypic changes and temporal spectral reflectance variations in four conifer species in northeast China—P. thunbergii, Larix kaempferi, Picea koraiensis, and Abies holophylla—following artificial inoculation with PWN. The aim of this study is to establish a theoretical basis for identifying the potential hosts and threats of PWN. The study incorporated a 60-day post-inoculation observation period to systematically monitor and compare temporal changes in external morphology, disease susceptibility (incidence and mortality rates), spectral reflectance, and the normalized wilt index (NWI) in 2–3-year-old seedlings of P. thunbergii, L. kaempferi, P. koraiensis, and A. holophylla after inoculation with PWN. The results showed that P. thunbergii displayed the earliest infection symptoms, followed by L. kaempferi, A. holophylla, and finally P. koraiensis. After inoculation, P. thunbergii was the first to experience mortality, followed by L. kaempferi, P. koraiensis, and A. holophylla. Following inoculation, P. thunbergii exhibited the earliest significant increase in NWI (p < 0.001), followed by L. kaempferi and A. holophylla; P. koraiensis showed the latest increase (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the experiment identified P. koraiensis as having the strongest resistance to PWN among the four species, followed by A. holophylla. P. thunbergii showed the weakest resistance, while L. kaempferi exhibited moderate resistance. The ranking of PWN susceptibility for the four conifer species, from highest to lowest, is as follows: P. thunbergii, L. kaempferi, A. holophylla, and P. koraiensis.
Spatial Ecology and Movement of Ornate Box Turtles in the Escalating Drought Conditions of the Great Plains Ecoregion
Authors: Weaver Rachel E. , Suriyamongkol Thanchira , Shoemaker Sierra N. , Gonzalez Joshua T. , Mali Ivana
Published: January 2025

Shifts in global climate patterns can alter animal behavior, including movement and space use. The southwestern United States of America is currently undergoing a period of megadrought, which can have profound consequences on small ectothermic organisms like box turtles. We radiotracked eight adult ornate box turtles (Terrapene ornata) in eastern New Mexico from September 2019 to July 2022, when the environmental conditions transitioned from a dry season with low cumulative precipitation in 2020 to high cumulative precipitation in 2021, followed by a regression to exceptional drought conditions that culminated with a high-intensity wildfire in early 2022. Turtles exhibited greater mean daily movement and were more active in 2021 in comparison to 2020 and 2022. Turtles were least active in 2022, while mean daily movement was comparative to 2020. All turtles in our study exhibited homing behavior after the wildfire, but individual responses varied. While some turtles initially moved out of the burned area and returned within a month, others remained inactive within a small portion of the burned area. The greatest movement was documented in one female turtle following the wildfire, whose home range expanded to seven times the average maximum annual home range size observed among other turtles. Overall, this is the first documentation of T. ornata response to highly altered habitat after high-severity wildfire.
Edible Alginate–Fungal Chitosan Coatings as Carriers for Lacticaseibacillus casei LC03 and Their Impact on Quality Parameters of Strawberries During Cold Storage
Authors: da Silva Simões Camila Vilela , Stamford Thayza Christina Montenegro , Berger Lúcia Raquel Ramos , Araújo Alessandra Silva , da Costa Medeiros José Alberto , de Britto Lira Nogueira Mariane Cajubá , Pintado Maria Manuela Estevez , Salgado Silvana Magalhães , de Lima Marcos Antonio Barbosa
Published: January 2025

This study investigated the efficacy of an innovative edible coating, composed of fungal chitosan and alginate, functionalized with Lacticaseibacillus casei LC03, in both free and microencapsulated forms, to extend the shelf life and enhance the nutritional value of strawberries. L. casei LC03 cells were successfully encapsulated in alginate microparticles (MAL) and further coated with chitosan (MALC), resulting in enhanced protection (cell reduction below 1.4 CFU/mL), viability (8.02 log CFU/mL), and encapsulation efficiencies exceeding 90%. The edible coating with L. casei microencapsulated in alginate and coated with fungal chitosan (CACLM) significantly improved strawberry preservation by maintaining pH (3.16 ± 0.41), titratable acidity (0.94 ± 0.20), moisture (90.74 ± 0.27), and microbial quality, and delayed the decrease in total phenolic compounds (below 40%) during the storage time of strawberries. While coatings with free L. casei (CALF) slightly reduced color parameters (L* value 29.13 ± 2.05), those with chitosan (CACLM) demonstrated lower weight loss (below 6%). Overall, the alginate–chitosan coating, particularly when combined with microencapsulated L. casei, proved effective in maintaining the quality, safety, and nutritional value of strawberries during refrigerated storage, highlighting its potential for developing functional, eco-friendly packaging solutions. This research contributes to the development of sustainable food preservation strategies and functional foods.
An Experimental and Computational Study on the Effects of Ball Milling on the Physicochemical Properties and Digestibility of a Canna Starch/Tea Polyphenol Complex
Authors: Wang Yizhou , Di Kejun , Sun Ying , Li Xiaojing , Zheng Jiong , Zhang Fusheng
Published: January 2025

To investigate the impact of tea polyphenols on the thermodynamic properties, gelatinization properties, rheological properties, and digestion characteristics of starch after ball milling, canna starch and tea polyphenols were mixed at a 10:1 ratio (w/w) in an experiment and processed with different ball milling times. After ball milling for 3 h, the tea polyphenols and starch fragments formed complexes. Compared with the unmilled mixture, the solubility increased by 199.4%; the shear stress decreased by 89.48%; and the storage modulus and loss modulus decreased. The content of resistant starch first decreased and then increased. Infrared results revealed that ball milling led to a non-covalent interaction between the tea polyphenols and starch. Molecular dynamics simulations were used to study the interaction between the starch and tea polyphenols. The binding free energy of the main component, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), in tea polyphenols with starch was reduced from −23.20 kcal/mol to −26.73 kcal/mol. This experiment can provide a reference for the development of functional starch with high resistant starch content.
Using Commercial Bio-Functional Fungal Polysaccharides to Construct Emulsion Systems by Associating with SPI
Authors: Dai Laixin , Wang Qingfu , Wang Lining , Huang Qinghua , Hu Biao
Published: January 2025

Fungi polysaccharides are nutraceutical-rich compounds with bioactive properties, offering promising applications in food formulation. This study examined the non-covalent complexation of commercial polysaccharides derived from the fruiting bodies of Auricularia auricula-judae (AA) and Ganoderma lucidum (GL) and soy protein isolate to enhance emulsifying properties. Complexes were examined across protein-to-polysaccharide ratios (0:1 to 1:0), pH levels (3 to 7), and heat treatment conditions. Results indicated a maximum insoluble association at pH 4 for both SPI-AAP and SPI-GLP complexes, with SPI-AAP complexes remaining soluble at pH 3, while SPI-GLP complexes exhibited insolubility. Heat treatment had a limited effect on electrostatically driven complexation but resulted in larger particles through a protein-denaturation-induced increase of hydrophobic interactions. In terms of emulsifying properties, individual GLPs demonstrated superior performance compared to individual AAPs. The GLPs engaged in competitive adsorption at the oil–water interface alongside SPI, resulting in larger emulsion droplet sizes compared to either component alone. The association of either AAPs or GLPs with SPI enhanced the emulsion stability against coalescence and Ostwald ripening. Commercial fungal polysaccharides demonstrate substantial potential for incorporation into manufactured food products, particularly in colloidal formulations.
Mealworm-Derived Protein Hydrolysates Enhance Adipogenic Differentiation via Mitotic Clonal Expansion in 3T3-L1 Cells
Authors: Ryu Hee-Jeong , Lee Syng-Ook
Published: January 2025

Adipocytes secrete adipokines, bioactive molecules crucial for various physiological processes, such as enhancing insulin sensitivity, promoting wound healing, supporting hair growth, and exhibiting anti-aging effects on the skin. With the growing global demand for sustainable and alternative protein sources, insect-derived proteins, particularly from Tenebrio molitor (mealworms), have gained attention due to their high nutritional value and functional bioactivities. This study aims to explore the potential of mealworm-derived protein hydrolysates as novel bioactive materials for promoting adipogenesis and improving adipokine expression, with applications in metabolic health and skin regeneration. Protein hydrolysates (<1 kDa) were prepared using enzymatic hydrolysis with three proteases (alcalase, flavourzyme, and neutrase) and evaluated for their adipogenic activity in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Among them, the flavourzyme-derived hydrolysate (Fh-T) exhibited the most significant effects, enhancing adipogenic differentiation and lipid accumulation. Fh-T facilitated adipogenesis by promoting mitotic clonal expansion (MCE) during the early stage of differentiation, which was associated with the upregulation of C/EBPδ and the downregulation of p27. These findings underscore the potential of mealworm-derived protein hydrolysates, particularly Fh-T, as sustainable and functional ingredients for use in glycemic control, skin health, and tissue regeneration. This study provides valuable insights into the innovative use of alternative protein sources in functional foods and cosmeceuticals.
Microbial Control in the Processing of Low-Temperature Meat Products: Non-Thermal Sterilization and Natural Antimicrobials
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyang , Na Feng , Zhang Min , Yang Wei
Published: January 2025

The safety and health of food have been persistent concerns, particularly about meat products. Low-temperature meat products refer to those that are processed at lower temperatures. Meat, rich in proteins and other nutrients, is highly susceptible to microbial contamination, leading to spoilage, particularly when processed at lower temperatures that increase storage and transportation requirements. In response to the limitations of conventional preservation methods, such as heat treatment and chemical bacteriostats, emerging preservation technologies are increasingly being adopted. These technologies aim to mitigate the negative effects of microorganisms on meat products. Non-thermal technologies and biotechnological approaches, which are low in energy consumption and energy efficiency, are becoming more prevalent. Non-thermal sterilization technology is widely applied in various food products. It maintains the original quality of food, enhances food safety, reduces energy consumption, and improves production efficiency. Biocides are extensively used in the antibacterial field owing to their high efficiency, low toxicity, and long-lasting properties. Both non-thermal sterilization technology and biocides can ensure food safety, extend the shelf life of food products, improve food quality, meet consumers’ demand for natural and healthy food, enhance market competitiveness, and play a positive role in promoting the sustainable development of the food industry. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the specific applications of biocides and non-thermal sterilization methods in food, highlighting the control parameters and their effects on microbes during low-temperature meat processing, to supply pertinent researchers with theoretical references.
Reducing the Radioactive Surface Contamination Level of Cobalt-60-Contaminated Material with PVA-Glycerol-EDTA Combination Gel
Authors: Anggakusuma Rezky , Utama Gemilang Lara , Zain Muhammad Khoirul , Megasari Kartini
Published: January 2025

Decommissioning of nuclear facilities can be performed in stages. One of the stages and processes in decontamination is the decontamination process before dismantling or facility area recovery activities. Decontamination can be performed using various methods, primarily physical and chemical. One chemical method involves using a gel made of polymers for decontamination. In this study, a gel consisting of a mixture of 15 g polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), 15 mL of glycerol, and 2 g Na-EDTA was dissolved in 100 mL. The three materials were dissolved in hot conditions until they dissolved, and a gel was formed. The formed gel was applied to the material contaminated by Co-60 with a radioactivity of 81 µCi, as much as 5 µL. The decontamination radioactive efficiency test results range from 53% to 98%, with the highest decontamination efficiency observed on glass media. This study also showed that higher EDTA concentrations can increase the ability of the PVA-glycerol gel to absorb and bind Co. This study also found that decontamination efficiency was influenced by the type of contaminated material and the concentration of EDTA. It can be concluded that gels with a composition of PVA, glycerol, and EDTA can reduce the level of contamination on the surface of materials made of glass, ceramics, and metal plates.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: New Clinical and Therapeutic Perspectives of an “Old” Genetic Myocardial Disease
Authors: Calore Chiara , Mangia Mario , Basso Cristina , Corrado Domenico , Thiene Gaetano
Published: January 2025

Since its first pathological description over 65 years ago, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), with a worldwide prevalence of 1:500, has emerged as the most common genetically determined cardiac disease. Diagnostic work-up has dramatically improved over the last decades, from clinical suspicion and abnormal electrocardiographic findings to hemodynamic studies, echocardiography, contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance, and genetic testing. The implementation of screening programs and the use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) for high-risk individuals have notably reduced arrhythmic sudden deaths, altering the disease’s mortality profile. Therapeutic breakthroughs, including surgical myectomy, alcohol septal ablation, and the novel introduction of “myosin inhibitors”, have revolutionized symptom management and reduced progression to advanced heart failure (HF) and death. Despite this progress, refractory HF—both with preserved and reduced systolic function—has become the predominant cause of HCM-related mortality. While most patients with HCM experience a favorable clinical course with low morbidity and mortality, timely identification and targeted treatment of high-risk subgroups progressing toward progressive HF remain a pressing challenge, even for expert clinicians.
Pastoral Places and the City: Environmental Rhetoric in Plato’s Phaedrus
Authors: Love Jack
Published: January 2025

Historically, the notion of nature or the place outside the city in Phaedrus has been read as a proto-pastoral dialogue. If we accept this reading of Plato’s dialogue, Phaedrus hierarchizes the landscape where the city is perceived as superior to the noncity. However, I argue that Plato offers an alternative in Phaedrus that opposes the country–city hierarchized binary. Rather than seeing the natural world as a starting place for intellectual knowledge, Plato refuses the pastoral impulse that projects a construction of nature in Phaedrus. Instead, he values the noncity as any other place where individuals can come together in a dialectical fashion to ascertain truth. Indeed, Socrates’ orientation toward the setting in Phaedrus suggests that he is practicing a rhetoric of immersion in the ambient nonhuman place around him before attempting to project meaning onto it.
Cold Hardiness and Physio-Biochemical Responses of Annual Branches in Five Early-Fruiting Walnut Varieties (Juglans regia L.) Under Simulated Low-Temperature Stress
Authors: Ni Zitong , Hu Haifang , Xu Guiqing
Published: January 2025

As global climate change escalates, horticultural crops, especially walnuts, face increased vulnerability to frost damage. Cold hardiness—a crucial trait for survival—is influenced by complex physiological and biochemical mechanisms. This study assessed the cold hardiness of five walnut cultivars—‘Xinxin 2’, ‘Wen 81’, ‘Wen 185’, ‘Zha 343’, and ‘Xinzaofeng’—under simulated low-temperature stress, focusing on differences in freezing tolerance. One-year branches were gradually cooled to temperatures as low as −30 °C. Key physiological metrics, including electrolyte leakage (EL) and regrowth (RG) potential, along with biochemical metrics like antioxidant enzyme activities and osmoregulatory compounds, were used to evaluate cold hardiness. A comprehensive cold resistance indicator, derived using the subordination function method, highlighted cultivar resilience. Results showed significant variation in cold tolerance, with ‘Wen 185’ and ‘Wen 81’ exhibiting superior resilience, while ‘Xinxin 2’ was the most susceptible. Logistic regression analysis of relative electrolyte conductivity (REC) data estimated the semi-lethal temperature (LT50), identifying ‘Wen 81’ as the most cold-tolerant cultivar (LT50 = −21.73 °C). Antioxidant enzymes and osmoregulatory compounds were crucial for maintaining cellular stability and recovery after freezing. These findings offer practical insights for breeding cold-resistant cultivars and strategies to mitigate frost damage.
Early Use of Liraglutide for the Treatment of Acute COVID-19 Infection: An Open-Label Single-Center Phase II Safety Study with Biomarker Profiling
Authors: Ferreira Eloara V. M. , Oliveira Rudolf K. F. , Salomao Reinaldo , Brunialti Milena K. C. , Cardoso Martyella B. A. , Chen Chien-nien , Zhao Lan , McCabe Colm
Published: January 2025

Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists are an existing treatment option for patients with insulin-resistant states, which elicit further pleiotropic effects related to immune cell recruitment and vascular inflammation. GLP-1 agonists downregulate the cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147) receptor, one of several receptors for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that mediate viral infection of host cells. Methods: We conducted an open-label prospective safety and tolerability study including biomarker responses of the GLP-1 agonist Liraglutide, administered for 5 days as an add-on therapy to the standard of care within 48 h of presentation in a cohort of 13 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia. Biomarker responses were compared in patients admitted to critical care and those not requiring critical care admission (non-critical group). Results: Liraglutide (0.6 mg, subcutaneously) was well tolerated by all patients and all patients were alive 30 days after diagnosis. Plasma soluble CD147 levels were reduced in the non-critical patient group at day 5 in contrast to critical care-treated patients, who demonstrated an increase in soluble CD147 levels between day 0 and day 5. Patients with milder COVID-19 pneumonia severity also demonstrated improvement in echocardiographic parameters of right and left ventricular function, reduction in plasma Troponin levels, increased CD147 expression on T lymphocytes, and reduction in plasma IL-8. Conclusions: This first-in-disease use of the GLP-1 agonist Liraglutide demonstrates its safety and tolerability in an unselected cohort of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia across a range of clinical severities.
Revealing the City Influence and Its Pattern Using Web Search Data: A New Perspective Through Attention Flow
Authors: Wang Xiaoxiao , Zhang Haiping , Li Zitong , Yang Xin , Qian Ziyi , Bian Duo , Zhao Yongxin
Published: January 2025

City influence is a critical topic in regional studies, reflecting how cities draw attention and exert impact in various domains. Understanding city influence is essential for fostering sustainable urban growth. However, existing studies have failed to fully explore the characteristics of city influence reflected by collective behaviors from a bottom-up perspective. This study investigates how individual search behaviors mirror the attention cities attract, providing insights into their perceived influence. An “attention flow” model is developed to differentiate between cities that draw significant interest and those that show a strong preference for these influential hubs. This research focuses on cities in China, analyzing the spatial patterns and factors that affect city influence using spatial statistical methods. The results show that 69% of the cities that exhibit a strong preference are geographically closer to the more influential cities, emphasizing the role of geographical proximity in shaping urban influence in the digital age. Additionally, the study reveals patterns of power dislocation, partnership, and siphoning between cities. A consistent relationship is identified between influential cities and their more connected cities, particularly where administrative hubs tend to attract nearby cities focused on science and education. This research deepens our understanding of how city influence is shaped by digital behaviors and spatial relationships, providing insights for policymakers to foster balanced regional development and enhance inter-city cooperation.
The Type III Intermediate Filament Protein Peripherin Regulates Lysosomal Degradation Activity and Autophagy
Authors: Romano Roberta , Cordella Paola , Bucci Cecilia
Published: January 2025

Peripherin belongs to heterogeneous class III of intermediate filaments, and it is the only intermediate filament protein selectively expressed in the neurons of the peripheral nervous system. It has been previously discovered that peripherin interacts with proteins important for the endo-lysosomal system and for the transport to late endosomes and lysosomes, such as RAB7A and AP-3, although little is known about its role in the endocytic pathway. Here, we show that peripherin silencing affects lysosomal abundance but also positioning, causing the redistribution of lysosomes from the perinuclear area to the cell periphery. Moreover, peripherin silencing affects lysosomal activity, inhibiting EGFR degradation and the degradation of a fluorogenic substrate for proteases. Furthermore, we demonstrate that peripherin silencing affects lysosomal biogenesis by reducing the TFEB and TFE3 contents. Finally, in peripherin-depleted cells, the autophagic flux is strongly inhibited. Therefore, these data indicate that peripherin has an important role in regulating lysosomal biogenesis, and positioning and functions of lysosomes, affecting both the endocytic and autophagic pathways. Considering that peripherin is the most abundant intermediate filament protein of peripheral neurons, its dysregulation, affecting its functions, could be involved in the onset of several neurodegenerative diseases of the peripheral nervous system characterized by alterations in the endocytic and/or autophagic pathways.
Genome-Wide Identification of GmPIF Family and Regulatory Pathway Analysis of GmPIF3g in Different Temperature Environments
Authors: Liang Xuefeng , Zhao Caitong , Cui Jiayang , Liu Zhihua , Han Dezhi , Chen Qingshan , Yang Mingliang , Jiang Zhenfeng
Published: January 2025

Phytochrome-interacting factors (PIFs) play a crucial role in regulating plant growth and development. However, studies on soybean PIFs are limited. Here, we identified 22 GmPIF genes from the soybean genome and classified the GmPIF proteins into 13 subfamilies based on amino acid sequence homology, secondary and tertiary structures, protein structure, and conserved motifs. Genome-wide collinearity analysis revealed that fragment duplication events play a dominant role in expanding the GmPIF gene family. Cis-acting element analysis revealed that the GmPIF gene family is involved in light response, hormone response, biotic–abiotic stress response elements, and plant growth and development. Gene expression analysis in different temperature environments showed that the GmPIF family was found to be induced by phytohormone treatments, with a significant increase in the expression level of GmPIF3g. GmPIF3g plays a key role in the regulation of the entire network, and in addition, 30 proteins interacting with the GmPIF3g promoter were identified through the use of a novel biofilm interference technique. This technique showed that the transcription factor Dof (DNA binding with one finger) binds to the GmPIF3g promoter, and Y1H assays indicated that Dof regulates its expression by binding to the PIF promoter. These results provide a theoretical basis for further studies on the regulatory network of GmPIF genes to improve the structure of soybean plants under shade environments, as well as a new method for analyzing regulatory elements that interact with gene promoters.
An Alternative Mode of GPCR Transactivation: Activation of GPCRs by Adhesion GPCRs
Authors: Lin Hsi-Hsien
Published: January 2025

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), critical for cellular communication and signaling, represent the largest cell surface protein family and play important roles in numerous pathophysiological processes. Consequently, GPCRs have become a primary focus in drug discovery efforts. Beyond their traditional G protein-dependent signaling pathways, GPCRs are also capable of activating alternative signaling mechanisms, including G protein-independent signaling, biased signaling, and signaling crosstalk. A particularly novel signaling mode employed by these receptors is GPCR transactivation, which enables cross-communication between GPCRs and other receptor types. Intriguingly, GPCR transactivation by distinct GPCRs has also been identified. In this review, I provide an overview of the known GPCR transactivation mechanisms and explore recently uncovered GPCR transactivation mediated by adhesion-class GPCRs (aGPCRs). These aGPCR-GPCR transactivation processes regulate unique cell type-specific functions, offering an exciting opportunity to develop therapies that precisely modulate specific GPCR-mediated biological effects.