bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Stress on Women’s Sexuality in the First Months After Childbirth—A Pilot Cross-Sectional Comparative Study
Authors: Zaręba Kornelia , Florkiewicz-Danel Maria , Ciebiera Michał , Wójtowicz Stanisław , Statsenko Yauhen , Maki Sara , Olszewska Jolanta , Awar Shamsa Al , Jakiel Grzegorz
Published: January 2025

Background: The postpartum period can carry strong stress related to the sudden changes in a woman’s life, which may contribute to changes in the female sexual sphere. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of stress on women’s sexuality in the early motherhood period. Methods: A total of 111 women were studied, including 65 in the puerperal period and 46 women who constituted the control group. We used the author’s questionnaire and five standardized psychological questionnaires (CISS-21,STAI, PSS-10, SSS-W, and the Mell–Krat Scale for women). Results: Perceived stress (PSS-10 scores) was significantly lower (p < 0.001) and sexual satisfaction (SSS-W scores) was significantly higher both regarding the summary scores (p < 0.001) and in all subscales (contentment, communication, and compatibility). In the study group, the intensity of stress was negatively correlated with the level of sexual satisfaction (p = 0.014). Women with an emotional way of coping with stress (CISS-21 inventory) in both groups achieved higher scores of sexual satisfaction in terms of communication, but a lower level in terms of interpersonal contact (p = 0.007), but higher stress intensity scores in the PSS-10 scale and in both STAI questionnaire stems. Conclusions: The early period of motherhood does not increase stress levels or decrease sexual satisfaction. It is likely that the sense of stability promotes a reduction in stress levels, which contributes to better sexual satisfaction.
Airway Colonization in Children with Medical Complexity: Challenges and Management Strategies
Authors: Fainardi Valentina , Rizzo Luisa , Zambelli Giulia , Berzieri Martina , Maugeri Erika , Giacalone Elena , Carbone Roberta , Pera Maria Carmela , Esposito Susanna
Published: January 2025

Over recent years, advances in medical care have significantly improved the survival of children with severe chronic conditions. These children, referred to as children with medical complexity (CMC), present unique and demanding healthcare challenges. Although definitions of CMC remain inconsistent, these patients are typically characterized by chronic, often severe conditions requiring daily specialized treatments and the use of various medical devices. CMC represent a substantial burden for healthcare systems due to their high medical costs, and place considerable strain on caregivers, who must provide continuous assistance. Airway colonization by pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Haemophilus influenzae is common in CMC and contributes to recurrent respiratory infections, increased hospitalizations, and progressive lung damage. The management of airway colonization in this population is a topic of ongoing debate, often involving a combination of airway clearance techniques (ACT) and antibiotic therapies. Antibiotics may be administered systemically, nebulized, or in combination, depending on the clinical context and severity of the condition. This review highlights the complexities of managing airway colonization in CMC, emphasizing the need for tailored therapeutic approaches to mitigate respiratory complications and improve outcomes.
Effects of Resuscitation and Simulation Team Training on the Outcome of Neonates with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy in South Tyrol
Authors: Staffler Alex , Bellutti Marion , Zaboli Arian , Bacher Julia , Chiodin Elisabetta
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) due to perinatal complications remains an important pathology with a significant burden for neonates, families, and the healthcare system. Resuscitation and simulation team training are key elements in increasing patient safety. In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated whether regular constant training of all personnel working in delivery rooms in South Tyrol improved the outcome of neonates with HIE. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed three groups of neonates with moderate to severe HIE who required therapeutic hypothermia. The first group included infants born before the systematic introduction of training and was compared to the second group, which included infants born after three years of regular training. A third group, which included infants born after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, was compared with the previous two to evaluate retention of skills and the long-term effect of our training program. Results: Over the three study periods, mortality decreased from 41.2% to 0% and 14.3%, respectively. There was also a significant reduction of patients with subclincal seizures detected only through EEG, from 47.1% in the first period to 43.7% and 14.3% in the second and third study periods, respectively. Clinical manifestations of seizures decreased significantly from 47.1% to 37.5% and 10.7%, respectively, as well as severe brain lesions in ultrasound (US) and MRI. Conclusions: In this study, constant and regular simulation training for all birth attendants significantly decreases mortality and improves the outcome in neonates with moderate to severe HIE. This positive effect seems to last even after a one-year period during which training sessions could not be performed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Review of Friction Stir Welding of Industrial Alloys: Tool Design and Process Parameters
Authors: Lunetto Vincenzo , De Maddis Manuela , Lombardi Franco , Russo Spena Pasquale
Published: January 2025

Friction stir welding (FSW) is a pivotal technology with ongoing relevance across industries. Renowned for its ability to join materials with dissimilar melting points while mitigating thermal distortions, FSW offers relevant advantages over traditional fusion welding. However, the adoption of FSW for high-strength alloys poses notable challenges, including: (i) accelerated tool wear, (ii) the need for special tool features tailored to these alloys, and (iii) a narrow process window. This review provides a comprehensive overview of FSW as an advanced technique for joining metal alloys for several industrial fields. Emphasis is on materials such as Mg-, Cu-, Ti-, and Ni-based alloys, automotive steels, stainless steels, and maraging steels. The research highlights the critical influence of tool design—main dimensions, features, and materials—and process parameters—rotational and welding speeds, tilt angle, and plunge depth or vertical load—also considering their influences on defect formation. Detailed insights are provided into material flow and the formation of the different weld regions, including SZ, TMAZ, and HAZ.
Estimation of Carbon Density in Different Urban Green Spaces: Taking the Beijing Main District as an Example
Authors: Cao Yilun , He Xinwei , Wang Chang , Fang Yuhao
Published: January 2025

Urban green spaces (UGS) are crucial urban elements that serve as direct carbon sequestration and contribute to indirect carbon emission reduction. Accurately calculating the carbon density of urban green spaces allows for scientific planning and design, thereby advancing efforts toward achieving carbon neutrality. This study has developed a workflow for estimating carbon density in urban green spaces through point cloud measurements and model simulations, using the UGS in the Beijing Main District as a case study. From the sample level, a calculation methodology was constructed based on the point cloud technology-model simulation method, which can obtain the carbon density at the plant level and the sample level. At the UGS level, remote sensing inversion was utilized to map the carbon density of urban green spaces. Ultimately, the research calculated and compared carbon density at different scales, including the carbon density of individual plants, the carbon density of sample plots, and the carbon density of various types of urban green spaces. It was found that the carbon density of trees in UGS was 9.87 kg/m2, while those of shrubs and herbaceous plants were 13.20 kg/m2 and 0.11 kg/m2. In urban green spaces, the carbon densities of the tree and herb layers were slightly lower than those in natural ecosystems, whereas the carbon density of the shrub layer was significantly higher. This highlights the substantial potential and value of shrubs in carbon sequestration and carbon storage. The average carbon density of all UGS types was 9.76 kg/m2, with the following descending order: Neighborhood Parks (10.31 kg/m2) > Attached Green Spaces (7.22 kg/m2) > Regional Parks (5.75 kg/m2). Based on these findings, the study proposed optimization strategies for different UGS types, focusing on high carbon-density plant community optimization. The goal is to provide a theoretical foundation for carbon storage calculations and plant arrangements in future UGS construction.
Spatiotemporal Relationship Between Landscape Pattern and Ecosystem Service Connectivity in Wetland Environment: Evidence from Yellow River Delta, China
Authors: Hao Chaozhi , Wu Shuyao , Cheng Wenjie , Chen Mengna , Ren Yaofa , Chang Xiaoqing , Zhang Linbo
Published: January 2025

Ecosystem service connectivity (ESC) is the spatial and functional links among and within ecosystems that support unimpeded service flows, and that could play an important role in ecosystem stability enhancement and regional land planning. Understanding the relationships between landscape patterns and ESC is crucial to achieving certain sustainable development goals, but it has not yet received an adequate amount of attention. Here, we evaluated the changes and connectivity of five key types of ecosystem services from 2000 to 2020 and analyzed the correlations and spatial aggregations between the ESCs and landscape metrics in the wetlands of the Yellow River Delta, China. Various research methods, such as the InVEST model, spatial autocorrelation analysis, Spearman’s correlation, and self-organizing map, were applied. The results showed that water yield, water purification, and habitat quality showed high connectivity, but the overall ESC declined along with the restoration of the wetland area. Meanwhile, the High-High ESC cluster of water yield, water purification, and habitat quality had similar spatial distribution patterns, and both were dominated by tidal flats. Moreover, the ESC and landscape metrics showed significant correlations and spatial heterogeneity, and a potential connectivity between water yield and habitat quality was also found. These findings can assist decision-makers in developing effective ecosystem management strategies and provide a reference for future research on ecosystem service connectivity.
Analysis of Three Complement-Taking Predicates in Spoken Turkish: bil, san, and zannet
Authors: Zeyrek Deniz
Published: January 2025

This paper presents a corpus-based synchronic investigation of three Turkish mental–cognitive verbs in the present tense: san ‘guess, believe’ and zannet ‘suppose, assume’ (in the first person) and bil ‘know’ (in the second person), in spoken discourse. These verbs, known as complement-taking predicates (CTPs), tend to appear without clausal complements in discourse and function as idiomatic units conveying epistemic modality. This paper characterizes the distribution of occurrences of the three predicates based on frequency to determine the extent to which usage frequency has led to routinization and greater autonomy for the CTPs under investigation, showing that the clause-medial variants deserve attention, as they clearly demonstrate the parenthetical behavior, autonomy, capacity to fulfill pragmatic functions, and projective force of foreshadowing new information of the predicates.
Interdisciplinarity in Cardiovascular Diseases—A Necessity Alongside the Heart Team
Authors: Floria Mariana , Floria Diana-Elena , Trifan Anca Victorița , Tănase Daniela Maria
Published: January 2025

Cardiovascular disease often requires multidisciplinary collaboration in order to achieve an appropriate diagnosis and optimal patient outcomes [...]
Mechanisms Involved in Cell Wall Remodeling in Etiolated Rice Shoots Grown Under Osmotic Stress
Authors: Wakabayashi Kazuyuki , Shibatsugu Motomi , Hattori Takayuki , Soga Kouichi , Hoson Takayuki
Published: January 2025

Osmotic stress impacts the cell wall properties in plants. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms involved in cell wall remodeling in etiolated (dark-grown) rice (Oryza sativa L.) shoots grown under polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced osmotic stress conditions. Shoot growth was inhibited by 70% by the treatment with 60 mM PEG for 2 days. However, when the stressed seedlings were transferred to a solution without PEG, their shoot growth rate increased significantly. A measurement of the cell wall mechanical properties revealed that the cell walls of the stressed shoots became looser and more extensible than those of unstressed shoots. Among the cell wall constituents, the amounts of cell wall-bound phenolic acids, such as ferulic acid (FA), p-coumaric acid (p-CA), and diferulic acid (DFA), per shoot and per unit of matrix polysaccharide content were significantly reduced in the stressed shoots compared to those in the unstressed shoots. Concerning the formation of cell wall-bound phenolic acids, the activity of cell wall-bound peroxidase (CW-PRX) per unit of cell wall content, which is responsible for the coupling reaction of FA to produce DFA, was 3.5 times higher in stressed shoots than in unstressed shoots, while the activity was reduced by 20% on a shoot basis in stressed shoots compared to that in unstressed shoots. The expression levels of the major class III peroxidase genes in stressed shoots were either comparable to or slightly lower than those in unstressed shoots. Conversely, the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity, which contributes to the biosynthesis of FA and p-CA, was reduced by 55% and 30% on a shoot and unit-of-protein-content basis, respectively, in stressed shoots compared to that in unstressed shoots. The expression levels of abundantly expressed PAL genes decreased by 14–46% under osmotic stress. Moreover, the gene expression levels of specific BAHD acyltransferases, which are responsible for the addition of FA and p-CA to form ester-linked moieties on cell wall constituents, decreased by 15–33% under osmotic stress. These results suggest that the downregulation of the expression of specific PAL and BAHD acyltransferase genes in osmotically stressed rice shoots is responsible for a reduction in the formation of cell wall-bound phenolic acid monomers. This, in turn, may result in a decrease in the levels of DFAs. The reduction in the formation of DFA-mediated cross-linking structures within the cell wall may contribute to an increase in the mechanical extensibility of the cell wall. The remodeling of cell walls in an extensible and loosened state could assist in maintaining the growth capacity of etiolated rice shoots grown under osmotic stress and contribute to rapid growth recovery following the alleviation of osmotic stress.
Chitosan-Coated Alginate Matrices with Protein-Based Biostimulants: A Controlled-Release System for Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Szopa Daniel , Pstrowska Katarzyna , Witek-Krowiak Anna
Published: January 2025

Developing biodegradable complex fertilizers is crucial for sustainable agriculture to reduce the environmental impact of mineral fertilizers and enhance soil quality. This study evaluated chitosan-based hydrogel coatings for sodium alginate matrices encapsulating amino acid hydrolysates from mealworm larvae, known for their plant growth-promoting properties. The research aims to identify the potential of biopolymer matrices for producing biodegradable slow-release fertilizers and to outline future development pathways necessary for this technology to be usable in the fertilizer industry. Chitosan coatings prepared with citric acid and crosslinked with ascorbic acid optimized plant growth, while those using acetic acid negatively affected it. Water absorption and nutrient release tests showed that chitosan coatings reduced water uptake and slowed initial nutrient release compared to uncoated samples. Leaching assays confirmed controlled-release behavior, with an initial burst followed by stability, driven by alginate–chitosan interactions and ion exchange. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that adding hydrolysate and chitosan increased amorphousness and reduced porosity, improving structural properties. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy demonstrated enhanced homogeneity and the presence of chemical interactions, which led to improvements in the material’s thermal stability and chemical characteristics. Biodegradation tests indicated greater durability of chitosan-coated composites, although hydrolysate incorporation accelerated decomposition due to its acidic pH. Germination tests confirmed no phytotoxicity and highlighted the potential of biopolymeric matrices for slow nutrient release. These findings indicate the possibilities of chitosan-coated alginate matrices as sustainable fertilizers, emphasizing the importance of adjusting coating composition and hydrolysate pH for enhanced efficacy and environmental benefits. The main recommendation for future research focuses on optimizing the chitosan coating process by exploring whether adding hydrolysate to the chitosan solution can reduce diffusional losses. Additionally, investigating the use of glycerol in the alginate matrix to minimize pore size and subsequent losses during coating is suggested. Future studies should prioritize analyzing percentage losses during the crosslinking of the alginate matrix, chitosan coating, and final shell crosslinking. This pioneering research highlights the potential for encapsulating liquid fertilizers in biopolymer matrices, offering promising applications in modern sustainable agriculture, which has not been studied in other publications.
Olive Pomace Fly Ash as an Alternative Alkaline Activator for Electric Arc Furnace Slag for Sustainable Cementitious Materials
Authors: Muñoz-Castillo Ana , Andrés-Castro Francisca , Gómez-Casero Miguel Ángel , Eliche-Quesada Dolores
Published: January 2025

This study analyzes the potential of olive pomace fly ash (OPFA) as an alternative alkaline activator for electric arc furnace slag (EAFS) in the manufacture of sustainable cementitious materials. Cements were prepared by replacing 30–50 wt% of EAFS with OPFA and compared with control cements activated with potassium hydroxide (KOH) at concentrations of 4 and 8 M. Cements were characterized by bulk density, water absorption, total porosity, compressive and flexural strength, as well as analytical techniques such as XRD, FTIR and SEM-EDS. The results reveal that the incorporation of 40 wt% OPFA provides optimum properties, reaching maximum compressive and flexural strengths of 20.0 MPa and 5.7 MPa, respectively, after 28 days of curing. These improvements are attributed to the increased formation of C,K-A-S-H gel, which incorporates Fe, the main reaction product that densifies the matrix and reduces porosity. However, 30 wt% OPFA provides insufficient alkali content, which limits the reaction, while excess alkali at 50 wt% OPFA reduces mechanical performance due to unreacted residues and increased interconnected porosity. Compared to KOH-activated cements, which achieve maximum flexural and compressive strengths of 4.4 and 9.5 MPa (EAFS/KOH-8M binders), the results confirm the potential of OPFA as an alternative activator, with significant sustainability advantages.
Enhancing Spraying Performance with Active Stability Control in Multi-Link Mechanisms
Authors: Shi Naiyu , Li He , Yang Yongkang , Hua Hongliang , Ye Junhong , Chen Zheng , Xu Ting
Published: January 2025

This study proposes an active stability control method for the multi-link mechanism of spraying equipment to enhance its spraying performance. Traditional spraying operations typically focus on protecting only the tops of crops, whereas the multi-link mechanism can adjust the angle and position of the nozzles in coordination, achieving comprehensive protection for the crops. However, the characteristic of uneven output speed in the multi-link mechanism results in variations in the spraying amount at different positions. To address this issue, this study developed a method for actively adjusting the stability of the output end speed. First, a differential equation was established to relate the input speed to the output speed using vector methods, implicit function transformation to explicit functions, and regression analysis. The feasibility of this method was verified through simulations using MATLAB Simulink R2018a and Adams 2018. Prototype test results indicate that this speed adjustment method improved the stability of the output angular velocity, reducing the coverage rate variation between the upward, sideways, and downward of the leaves by 12.53% during the spraying process. Therefore, the method proposed in this study can enhance the uniformity of spraying, further improving the utilization of pesticides, which is beneficial for the green ecological sustainable development in the agricultural field. Additionally, this control method is also applicable to other types of link mechanisms, providing a reference for improving the output stability of link mechanisms.
On the Inversion of the Mellin Convolution
Authors: Bengochea Gabriel , Ortigueira Manuel , Arroyo-Cabañas Fernando
Published: January 2025

The deconvolution of the Mellin convolution is studied for a great variety of functions that are expressed in terms of α–log-exponential monomials. It is shown that the generation of pairs of functions satisfying a Sonin-like condition can be worked as a deconvolution process. Applications of deconvolution to scale-invariant linear systems are presented.
Investigating Plastic Anisotropy of Single and Two-Phase (α2-Ti3Al + γ-TiAl) PST-TiAl Through Computational Yield Surface Analysis
Authors: Kabir Mohammad Rizviul , Murat Muhammed Bahadir
Published: January 2025

The anisotropic mechanical behaviour of multi-phase TiAl alloys is intrinsically governed by the anisotropic crystal properties and morphology of their constituent phases, which control the initiation of local plasticity. To advance the understanding of macroscopic plastic anisotropy in multi-phase alloys, this study presents a comprehensive numerical investigation of a two-phase (α2-Ti3Al + γ-TiAl) lamellar TiAl alloy, with a focus on the evolution of plasticity across multiple structural scales. Utilizing the crystal plasticity finite element method (CPFEM), the influence of lamellar orientation (φ) and applied loading angles (θ) on plastic deformation and yield surface evolution was analysed in both the individual phases and in the combined two-phase system. The findings reveal that phase-specific anisotropy stems from the activation of distinct slip systems in the α2 and γ phases, with the activation closely tied to the type of loading (e.g., proportional biaxial loading) and the direction of the load path. Furthermore, the anisotropy of the two-phase system is significantly influenced by the alignment between the lamellar interface orientation and the load-path direction. Analysis with varying load-path directions across different stress planes clarifies how local deformation constraints within the embedded phases modulate slip system activation, leading to either the enhancement or suppression of specific deformation mechanisms. This, in turn, alters the overall yield behaviour of the material. Based on these simulation results, this study provides a detailed understanding of the internal constraints within embedded phases and their role in the evolution of plasticity. It elucidates how anisotropy develops under diverse loading conditions and underscores the importance of hierarchical plasticity in shaping the global anisotropic response of TiAl alloys.
Populations of Heterodera schachtii Differ in Susceptibility to Rhizosphere Bacteria Structured by Plant Age
Authors: Nuaima Rasha Haj , Tanneau Eva , Heuer Holger
Published: January 2025

Rhizosphere microbes, particularly bacteria, are essential for controlling plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) through various mechanisms. However, the plant’s age and the genetic composition of nematode populations can significantly influence the inhibitory effectiveness of these microbes against the beet cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii. In this study, rhizosphere microbes were isolated from 39-day-old and 69-day-old resistant oilseed radish plants to evaluate their impact on the penetration of the second-stage juveniles (J2s) originating from four genetically distinct H. schachtii populations. The suppression of J2s penetration by the attached microbes varied across the nematode populations, which displayed differing levels of aggressiveness toward the resistant oilseed radish. Furthermore, differences in the alpha and beta diversity of rhizosphere bacteria were observed between the 39-day-old and 69-day-old plants, leading to variations in the bacterial attachment among the four nematode populations. In summary, the effectiveness of resistant catch crops against H. schachtii is influenced by the pathogenicity of the nematode populations and their interactions with the rhizosphere microbial community shaped by the plant’s age.
The Interplay Between Sleep Apnea and Postpartum Depression
Authors: Maniaci Antonino , La Via Luigi , Lentini Mario , Pecorino Basilio , Chiofalo Benito , Scibilia Giuseppe , Lavalle Salvatore , Luca Antonina , Scollo Paolo
Published: January 2025

The complicated association between sleep apnea and postpartum depression (PPD), two diseases that can have a major influence on a mother’s health and well-being, is examined in this thorough review. An increasing number of people are realizing that sleep apnea, which is defined by repeated bouts of upper airway obstruction during sleep, may be a risk factor for PPD. The literature currently available on the frequency, common risk factors, and possible processes relating these two disorders is summarized in this study. We investigate the potential roles that sleep apnea-related hormone fluctuations, intermittent hypoxia, and fragmented sleep may play in the onset or aggravation of PPD. We also talk about the difficulties in identifying sleep apnea in the postpartum phase and how it can affect childcare and mother–infant attachment. The evaluation assesses the effectiveness of existing screening techniques, available treatments, and how well they manage both illnesses at the same time. Lastly, we identify research gaps and suggest future lines of inquiry to enhance maternal health outcomes.
Immature Sword Bean (Canavalia gladiata) Pod Alleviates Allergic Rhinitis (A Double-Blind Trial) Through PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling
Authors: Hwang Hye-Jeong , Yoon Hyeock , Cho Joo-Hyung , Lee Seong , Hwang Kyung-A , Kim Young Jun
Published: January 2025

Background: Allergic rhinitis is an IgE-mediated condition of nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing which significantly impairs the quality of life. Current treatments, including antihistamines, often have long-term side effects, leading patients to seek safer alternatives. Objectives: Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the symptom relief efficacy of immature sword bean pod (SBP) extract, a natural material, in patients with allergic rhinitis, explore the mechanisms by which SBP regulates allergic immune responses, and evaluate its efficacy and safety as a functional ingredient in the management of allergic rhinitis. Methods: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial involving 64 participants with perennial allergic rhinitis, the subjects were assigned to receive either SBP or placebo orally for six weeks. Results: The SBP group exhibited significant improvements in nasal congestion (interaction p = 0.031), RQLQ (interaction p = 0.001), sleep (interaction p = 0.004), systemic reaction (interaction p = 0.002), daily life (interaction p = 0.047), and nasal symptoms (interaction p = 0.002). SBP treatment in EoL-1 and HMC-1 cells also led to a notable reduction in eosinophil cationic protein levels (p < 0.05), a key biomarker of allergic inflammation, by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR activation, resulting in decreased eosinophil activity. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the SBP extract is a promising natural treatment for allergic rhinitis, offering both efficacy and safety by improving key symptoms and reducing inflammatory responses.
Dietary Supplementation for Fatigue Symptoms in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)—A Systematic Review
Authors: Dorczok Marie Celine , Mittmann Gloria , Mossaheb Nilufar , Schrank Beate , Bartova Lucie , Neumann Matthias , Steiner-Hofbauer Verena
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex neuroimmunological disorder with limited treatment options. Despite the widespread use of Dietary Supplements (DSs) among ME/CFS patients to alleviate fatigue and associated symptoms, evidence remains inconclusive. This systematic review aims to provide an updated synthesis of the efficacy of DS interventions and explore possible mechanisms underlying their therapeutic effects. Methods: This systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Several databases (Ebsco Host, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar) were used for the systematic search, which was based on the broad search terms ME/CFS and DS with a focus on publications between 1994 and 2024. The primary outcome was fatigue, with additional considerations including psychological well-being, physical activity, and biochemical markers. Two independent researchers screened the studies for eligibility in a multi-stage process and assessed quality and bias using Cochrane’s risk of bias tools (RoB-2, ROBINS-I). Results: Fourteen studies (N = 809) of heterogeneous designs were included, showing a high risk of bias, mostly due to missing data and selection bias. While some interventions (L-carnitine and guanidinoacetic acid, oxaloacetate, CoQ10–selenium combination, NADH and NADH-CoQ10 combination) showed significant reductions in fatigue, methodological limitations, like small sample sizes and missing data, prevent firm conclusions. Mixed results were reported for secondary outcomes like cognitive function and inflammatory markers. Six studies noted adverse effects, including nausea and insomnia. Conclusions: Though some DSs showed potential in reducing fatigue in ME/CFS, methodological limitations and inconsistent results hinder definitive conclusions. Future research should improve diagnostic criteria and include more diverse populations.
Age-Dependent Variations in the Distribution of Aeromonas Species in Human Enteric Infections
Authors: Singh Adhiraj , Liu Fang , Yuwono Christopher , Wehrhahn Michael C. , Slavich Eve , Young Alexandra M. , Chong Sarah K. T. , Tay Alfred Chin Yen , Riordan Stephen M. , Zhang Li
Published: January 2025

Aeromonas species are enteropathogens that cause gastroenteritis with a unique three-peak infection pattern related to patient age. The contributions of individual Aeromonas species to age-related infections remain unknown. Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) was performed to determine the species of Aeromonas strains from Australian patients with gastroenteritis. Public database searches were conducted to collect strains of enteric Aeromonas species, identified by either MLST or whole genome sequencing with known patient age. Violin plot analysis was performed to assess Aeromonas infection distribution across patients of different ages. Generalized additive model (GAM) analysis was employed to investigate the relationship between Aeromonas species and patient age. A total of 266 strains of seven Aeromonas species met the selection criteria, which were used for analyses. The violin plots revealed distinct patterns among individual Aeromonas species in relation to patient age. The GAM analyses identified a significant association between Aeromonas species and patient age (p = 0.009). Aeromonas veronii (153 strains) showed the highest probability of infection in most ages, particularly among young adults. Aeromonas caviae (59 strains) is more common in young children and adults over 60 years of age. The probability of infection for Aeromonas hydrophila (34 strains) and Aeromonas dhakensis (9 strains) was generally low, there was a slight increase in individuals aged 50–60 for A. hydrophila and over 60 years for A. dhakensis. These findings provide novel evidence of the varied contributions of different Aeromonas species to human enteric infections related to patient age, offering valuable insights for epidemiology and clinical management.
Lignin-Based Nanocarrier for Simultaneous Delivery of 131I and SN-38 in the Combined Treatment of Solid Tumors by a Nanobrachytherapy Approach
Authors: Vukadinović Aleksandar , Ognjanović Miloš , Mijović Milica , Warren Bryce , Erić Slavica , Prijović Željko
Published: January 2025

Background: The rapid rise in cancer incidence significantly augments efforts to improve cancer treatments. A multimodal approach in the nanobrachytherapy of solid tumors is one of the promising methods under investigation. This study presents a novel biocompatible lignin-based nanomaterial, loaded with cytostatic agent SN-38 and radionuclide 131I, for simultaneous radiation and chemotherapy of solid tumors by a nanobrachytherapy approach. Method: Nanoparticles of ~100 nm in size, composed of lignin alone or loaded with 10% (m/m) of SN-38 (SN-38@lignin), were synthesized using a bottom-up approach and characterized. Subsequent radiolabeling of the nanoparticles by 131I produced 131I-lignin and 131I-SN-38@lignin. Their antitumor efficiency was tested against luciferase-expressing 4T1 mouse breast cancer xenografts of ~100 mm3 size on Balb/c mice. Results: An intratumoral injection of 1.85 MBq of 131I-lignin was retained within the tumor and achieved a moderate twofold decrease in tumor size compared to the control group. Injecting SN-38@lignin containing 25 µg of SN-38 decreased tumor size 3.5-fold. The therapy using the same doses of 131I-SN-38@lignin produced the most potent antitumor effect, with tumors being 6-fold smaller and having extensive intratumoral necrosis, all of it without signs of systemic toxicity. Conclusions: These results support the intratumoral delivery of lignin-based nanomaterial carrying radioisotopes and camptothecins for effective multimodal anticancer therapy.
Numerical Simulation of Particle Migration and Settlement in Hydraulic Fractures Using the Multiphase Particle-in-Cell Method
Authors: Jiang Youshi , He Zhibin , Jiang Shuxia , Cai Mouxiang , Liu Fujian , Yuan Ying
Published: January 2025

Solid–liquid two-phase flow often occurs when pumping proppant or temporary plugging agents into hydraulically fractured wells. The final distribution of these injected particles in the fracture has an important influence on the well productivity after hydraulic fracturing. This paper focuses on simulating and analyzing particle migration within slug injection hydraulic fractures in the Sulige gas reservoir. In this study, a particle migration and settlement model in hydraulic fractures is established based on the Multiphase Particle-in-Cell (MP-PIC) method, allowing for effective simulation of particle migration and settlement in fractures. This model is validated by the results of particle-pumping experiments. The influences of fluid viscosity, injection rate, particle density, particle diameter, and particle concentration on the distribution of particles are studied. The results indicate that keeping the viscosity of the particle-carrying liquid above 50 mPa·s is necessary. It is recommended to keep the liquid viscosity above 200 mPa·s so that the particles can move farther in the fractures. For pulse fracturing, a lower flow rate leads to a more dispersed distribution of particles, but for temporary plugging with particles, a lower flow rate can lead to a decrease in particle concentration and reduce the success rate of temporary plugging. Low particle density can lead to more dispersed particles, but the amount of particle settlement will be less, so from the perspective of pulse fracturing, it is recommended that the particle density should not be lower than 2200 kg/m3. Similarly, the particle size should not be too large for pulse fracturing, and the initial particle concentration should be maintained above 18%.
Merton’s Unity of Action and Contemplation in Transpersonal Perspective
Authors: Miller Jenny Anne
Published: January 2025

Adopting a transdisciplinary approach, with specific emphasis on the post-Jungian transpersonal psychological theories on the ‘Spectrum of Human Consciousness’, this paper introduces a transpersonal psychological thread of understanding of ‘Mystical Consciousness’ through an interreligious field of comparative religious approaches to action, contemplation and non-action. This paper draws on Merton’s interreligious contemplative thinking in relation to three major world religious mystical traditions of Buddhism, Hinduism and mystical Islam/Sufism and elucidates comparative insights with the Christian mystical–contemplative tradition, akin to the ‘mystical contemplation’ of Evelyn Underhill. This paper introduces and applies the transpersonal perspective to the scholarly field of mysticism. The reader is invited to consider how Merton may have responded or written about interreligious contemplative depth mysticism in terms of his own writings on ‘pure consciousness’, had he had the benefit of the language of the transpersonal models of consciousness. Finally, the reader is left with a contemplative question at the ‘heart’ of mysticism—does the ancient sculpture of the Sleeping Hermaphrodite helpfully represent an art–theological symbolic analogy for the inner repose of an illumined soul, one with God’s Unity, in whose awakened consciousness through depth mystical contemplation, action occurs as an extended manifestation, a total gestalt of contemplative solitudinous action?
Long-Term Spatiotemporal Analysis of Crop Water Supply–Demand Relationship in Response to Climate Change and Vegetation Greening in Sanjiang Plain, China
Authors: Xu Chi , Zhang Wanchang , Fu Zhenghui , Chen Hao , Jiang Xia , Wang Shuhang , Zhang Bo , Zhang Zhijie
Published: January 2025

The Sanjiang Plain (SJP) in Northeast China, a crucial black soil region, serves as a quintessential example of a high-intensity agricultural development zone and stands as China’s largest commercial grain production base. In the context of global climate change, pronounced global warming and increased vegetation greening are expected to significantly impact the agricultural water resource supply and its alignment with crop water requirements in the SJP. This study assesses how climate change and vegetation greening affect the crop water supply–demand relationship in the SJP, addressing the critical question of whether natural precipitation can sustain regional agricultural development. Using the extensively validated ESSI-3 distributed hydrological model, integrated with reanalysis and multi-source satellite data, we analyzed data from 1982 to 2018. The results indicate a statistically significant rise in the regional temperature and leaf area index (p < 0.05), with a notable shift around 2000. Key findings include (1) an increase in crop irrigation water requirements (IWR) post-2000, with significant spatial variation; the central and western regions experienced the highest increases, while the eastern region saw reduced risk to crop water security. Furthermore, (2) climate change accounted for approximately 37.9% of the increased IWR in central and western regions, with vegetation greening contributing about 21.2%. Conversely, in the eastern region, vegetation dynamics had a more pronounced effect (28.6%), while climate change contributed less (12.3%). These results suggest a shift in crop water deficit risk boundaries toward the east and north. To optimize water use, expanding high-water-demand crops in the eastern regions and reducing their cultivation in the west is recommended, enhancing alignment between natural precipitation and crop water needs.
Satellite-Based Assessment of Snow Dynamics and Climatic Drivers in the Changbai Mountain Region (2001–2022)
Authors: Hua Xiongkun , Bian Jianmin , Yin Gaohong
Published: January 2025

Changbai Mountain is located in China’s northeastern seasonal stable snow zone and is a high-latitude water tower. The changes in snow cover have a great influence on the hydrological process and ecological balance. This study quantitatively analyzed the spatio-temporal variation in snow cover in the Changbai Mountain region and its driving factors based on Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data. To improve the accuracy of snow cover analysis, a simple cloud removal algorithm was applied, and the locally optimal NDSI threshold was investigated. The results showed that the snow-covered area (SCA) in the Changbai Mountain region exhibited strong seasonality, with the largest SCA found in January. The SCA during the winter season showed an insignificant increasing trend (83.88km2) from 2001 to 2022. The variability in SCA observed from November to the following March has progressively decreased in recent years. The snow cover days (SCD) showed high spatial variation, with areas with decreased and increased SCD mainly found in the southern and northern regions, respectively. It was also revealed that temperature is the primary hydrometeorological factor influencing the snow variation in the study domain, particularly during the spring season or in high-elevation areas. The examined large-scale teleconnection indices showed a relatively weak correlation with SCA, but they may partially explain the abnormally low snow cover phenomenon in the winter of 2018–2019.
Smart Glove for Maintenance of Industrial Equipment
Authors: Koteleva Natalia , Simakov Aleksander , Korolev Nikolay
Published: January 2025

Maintenance and service are important tasks for any industrial enterprise. This article presents a methodology for technical maintenance that employs a smart glove equipped with tactile sensors, an electronic unit responsible for processing and transmitting information, and a unit designed to interpret the results. Tactile sensors are graphene-based. The main idea of the method is to use sensors to record the strength of contact between the operator’s fingertips and the equipment. Afterwards, these values are recorded, transferred to processing, and the output signal from the sensors is compared with the steps of various repair works. The work contains methods for creating each component of the glove, their effectiveness is evaluated, and experiments are described to assess the feasibility of using the developed device for the maintenance and repair of equipment. The device discussed in this work is a wearable device. The obtained results demonstrate the applicability of the smart glove for equipment maintenance and repair.
Real-Time Sensor-Based and Self-Reported Emotional Perceptions of Urban Green-Blue Spaces: Exploring Gender Differences with FER and SAM
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Han Haoying , Shen Guoqiang
Published: January 2025

Urban green-blue spaces (UGBS) are increasingly recognized for their benefits to physical and mental well-being. However, research on real-time gender-specific emotional responses to UGBS remains limited. To address this gap, a dual-method approach combining facial expression recognition (FER) and self-reported measures to investigate gender differences in real-time emotional evaluations of UGBS was developed. Using static images from Google Street View as stimuli, a self-reporting experiment involving 108 participants provided insights into subjective emotional experiences. Subsequently, a FER experiment, utilizing 360-degree video stimuli, captured over two million data points, validating the feasibility and advantages of real-time emotion monitoring. The findings revealed distinct gender-specific emotional patterns: women experienced stronger pleasant emotions and preferred scenes evoking higher arousal, while men demonstrated sharper responses and rated scenes with peak valence emotions more favorably. Grass elicited relaxation and delight in women and arousal in men, whereas blue spaces induced calmness across genders, with men reporting greater relaxation as water content increased. The study underscores the potential of FER technology in assessing real-time emotional responses, providing actionable insights for inclusive urban planning. By integrating advanced tools and participatory design approaches, urban planners can develop strategies that enhance emotional well-being and create livable cities that support diverse user needs.
Research on Detection Methods for Gas Pipeline Networks Under Small-Hole Leakage Conditions
Authors: Zhao Ying , Yang Lingxi , Duan Qingqing , Zhao Zhiqiang , Wang Zheng
Published: January 2025

Gas pipeline networks are vital urban infrastructure, susceptible to leaks caused by natural disasters and adverse weather, posing significant safety risks. Detecting and localizing these leaks is crucial for mitigating hazards. However, existing methods often fail to effectively model the time-varying structural data of pipelines, limiting their detection capabilities. This study introduces a novel approach for leak detection using a spatial–temporal attention network (STAN) tailored for small-hole leakage conditions. A graph attention network (GAT) is first used to model the spatial dependencies between sensors, capturing the dynamic patterns of adjacent nodes. An LSTM model is then employed for encoding and decoding time series data, incorporating a temporal attention mechanism to capture evolving changes over time, thus improving detection accuracy. The proposed model is evaluated using Pipeline Studio software and compared with state-of-the-art models on a gas pipeline simulation dataset. Results demonstrate competitive precision (91.7%), recall (96.5%), and F1-score (0.94). Furthermore, the method effectively identifies sensor statuses and temporal dynamics, reducing leakage risks and enhancing model performance. This study highlights the potential of deep learning techniques in addressing the challenges of leak detection and emphasizes the effectiveness of spatial–temporal modeling for improved detection accuracy.
Vibration-Based Anomaly Detection for Induction Motors Using Machine Learning
Authors: Ullah Ihsan , Khan Nabeel , Memon Sufyan Ali , Kim Wan-Gu , Saleem Jawad , Manzoor Sajjad
Published: January 2025

Predictive maintenance of induction motors continues to be a significant challenge in ensuring industrial reliability and minimizing downtime. In this study, machine learning techniques are utilized to enhance fault diagnosis through the use of the Machinery Fault Database (MAFAULDA). A detailed extraction of statistical features was performed on multivariate time-series data to capture essential patterns that could indicate potential faults. Three machine learning algorithms—deep neural networks (DNNs), support vector machines (SVMs), and K-nearest neighbors (KNNs)—were applied to the dataset. Optimization strategies were carefully implemented along with oversampling techniques to improve model performance and handle imbalanced data. The results achieved through these models are highly promising. The SVM model demonstrated an accuracy of 95.4%, while KNN achieved an accuracy of 92.8%. Notably, the combination of deep neural networks with fast Fourier transform (FFT)-based autocorrelation features produced the highest performance, reaching an impressive accuracy of 99.7%. These results provide a novel approach to machine learning techniques in enhancing operational health and predictive maintenance of induction motor systems.