bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Nomophobia Among Students Studying in Private Colleges
Authors: Mahajan Sunita , Thapa Pramila , Sharma Prakash , Tsirkas Panagiotis , Ali Guma , Adamopoulos Ioannis
Published: February 2025

Nomophobia is the fear of being out of smartphone contact. This study examines its prevalence and potential links to socio-demographic and risk factors. Modern technologies have led to nomophobia, a psychosocial risk factor causing technostress. This fear of new technologies is influenced by ergonomics, which studies how humans physically react to and fit with devices. Technostress is a result of altered behaviors resulting from the use of modern technologies at work and home. The primary goal of this research was to assess the prevalence of nomophobia among college students with specific objectives and research questions. Researchers used a quantitative cross-sectional design to assess nomophobia among 231 higher secondary students. Participants completed a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire, and the study maintained ethical considerations. Researchers analyzed the data using SPSS version 26. The respondents had a mean age of 17.18 years. The study found that 49.8% used smartphones for more than 1–3 hours daily, while 28.1% checked their phones for notifications a few times daily. Findings revealed that 32% of respondents experienced mild nomophobia, 34.2% had a moderate level, and 33.8% suffered from severe nomophobia. Sixty-seven-point-five percent of respondents used smartphones primarily for social media. The study found no significant association between socio-demographic factors and nomophobia levels. However, daily smartphone usage showed a substantial correlation with nomophobia severity. These results indicate that most respondents experienced some degree of nomophobia, with its prevalence likely increasing. Effective management of nomophobia requires early detection and proactive intervention strategies.
HyperLLM: The Next Generation of Large Language Models with Multimodal Capabilities
Authors: ghorbian mohsen
Published: February 2025

Abstract Large language models (LLMs) can process and produce text with high accuracy by utilizing advanced architectures based on deep neural networks, especially transformers. Using self-supervised learning and massive datasets, these models can extract complex semantic relationships and perform tasks such as machine translation, text summarization, question answering, and multimodal learning. However, current language models still face challenges such as limitations in deep reasoning, inability to perform multi-step inference, high computational costs, algorithmic bias, and security issues. In this article, HyperLLM is introduced as an evolved and multimodal model that can simultaneously analyze image, audio, and video data in addition to language processing. This model utilizes advanced neural architectures, adaptive learning algorithms, quantum processing, and federated learning to perform complex inferences without retraining. The essential features of HyperLLM include integrating quantum computing, optimizing processing resources, increasing processing speed, reducing operating costs, and improving energy sustainability. Also, this model will be able to preserve user privacy and increase data security by using advanced cryptographic mechanisms and decentralized learning. HyperLLM can be considered a bridge between existing language models and artificial general intelligence (AGI), which can reason beyond statistical patterns and create a fundamental transformation in information processing, human-centered interactions, and intelligent decision-making systems.
Pollen DNA Isolation Methods: Literature Review and Benefit of Adding Chloroform:Isoamyl Alcohol to Commercial DNA Kits
Authors: Miraples Angelica , McFadyen Benjamin J , Khalaf Eman M , Raizada Manish N.
Published: February 2025

Successful isolation of pollen DNA is required for multiple disciplines. However, pollen DNA yields are typically low, perhaps because of physical-chemical challenges associated with lysing and exine removal. Here, an initial systematic literature review showed that efforts to improve pollen DNA isolation have focused primarily on optimizing lysis bead type and duration, and identifying effective commercial kits and/or in-house methods. Studies have not apparently focused on preventing clogging of kit-based DNA purification columns caused by post-lysis pollen debris including the exine. Here, chloroform:isoamyl alcohol 24:1 (C:I) was added as a post-lysis cleaning treatment to a commercial DNA isolation kit-based protocol to test its effect on pollen DNA yield of maize (Zea mays L., corn) as a model. C:I was tested in conjunction with different lysis durations and pollen quantities, along with lysis bead type, to determine optimal combinations. C:I improved final DNA yields ≤31% regardless of lysis duration and pollen quantity, compared to non-C:I controls. The optimal lysis duration depended on pollen quantity and vice versa, although bead type demonstrated a greater impact when coupled with C:I. The resulting DNA was of sufficient quality for microbiome analysis. This optimized protocol may minimize the pollen amount required for robust DNA isolation.
Genome-Wide Analysis and Cloning of the Tea (Camellia-sinensis) Encoding FK506-Binding Proteins (FKBPs) Reveals CsFKBP53, Which Confers Tolerance to Low Temperature Stresses in Transgenic Arabidopsis
Authors: Xu Ming-Hui , Tang Jie , Liu Cai-Ning , Zhang Wan-Qiao , Li Qian , Yang Fan , Liu Dan-Dan
Published: February 2025

FK506-binding proteins (FKBPs) belong to the peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase (PPIase) Super-family and are involved in a wide range of biological processes including protein folding, hormone signalling, plant growth and stress responses. However, the FKBPs and their biological functions have not been identified in tea. In this study, we searched and identified 21 FKBP genes in the tea plant genome using the consensus model of the FK506 binding domain (PF00254). Their phylogeny, classification, structure, motifs, interactors and expression patterns were analysed. Comprehensive qRT-PCR analysis revealed different expression patterns of CsFKBPs in different tissues and in response to low-temperature. We performed a genome-wide analysis of the low-temperature expression pattern of this gene family and determined that overexpression of CsFKBP53 enhances low-temperature tolerance in Arabidopsis plants. Furthermore, the expression of CsFKBP53 differed significantly in different tea varieties. Our results suggest that the FKBP gene is highly conserved in plant species and that transgenic CsFKBP53 can improve low temperature resistance in plants.
Estimation of the Burden of Ischemic Heart Disease in the Tabasco Population, Mexico, 2013-2021
Authors: Cárdenas-Anguiano Jesús Josué , Quiroz-Gomez Sergio , Guzmán-Priego Crystell Guadalupe , Celorio-Méndez Karla del Socorro , Baños-Gonzalez Manuel Alfonso , Jimenez-Sastré Alejandro , Baeza-Flores Guadalupe del Carmen , Albarrán-Melzer Jorda Aleiria
Published: February 2025

Introduction: The burden of disease measures the total impact of diseases on a population, considering incidence, prevalence, disability, and premature mortality. This study analyzes the burden of ischemic heart disease (IHD) in Tabasco, Mexico, from 2013 to 2021. Ischemic heart disease has a significant incidence of 21,203,479.22 cases worldwide, and nationally (inside Mexico) with a total of 221,747.28 cases, with more than 9,137,791 deaths due to this pathology globally. Objective: To analyze the burden of ischemic heart disease in Tabasco, Mexico, during 2013-2021. Methods: An observational, descriptive, longitudinal, and retrospective study was conducted in Tabasco (2013-2021). The study population consisted of 2,402,598 people according to INEGI, with a sample of 927,000 adults (462,000 men and 465,000 women). Data were used from the General Directorate of Health Information, IHME, and the World Bank. Analyses were performed in Microsoft Excel, calculating measures of central tendency, dispersion, and Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). Results: The DALYs in the adult population of Tabasco were: 2013: 23,932; 2014: 28,132; 2015: 30,197; 2016: 30,683; 2017: 31,839; 2018: 38,599; 2019: 40,046; 2020: 42,307; and 2021: 55,723, totaling 297,576 DALYs from 2013 to 2021. Discussion: Ischemic heart disease increased in incidence and mortality in both men and women during the last years analyzed. The increase in DALYs indicates a greater impact of ischemic heart disease in Tabasco compared to countries like Costa Rica. Conclusion: The burden of disease due to ischemic heart disease from 2013 to 2021 represents a significant loss of quality and years of life in the in the population of Tabasco, Mexico.
Impact of Physical Activity and Associated Factors on Breast Cancer: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Chaudhry Maham , Riaz Samreen , Mazhar Bushra , Ali Nazish mazhar , Safi Muhammad kamrn
Published: February 2025

Breast cancer is described as a nomadic growth and proliferation of cells that occurs in breast tissues. There are many tumors that are benign in the breast due to soft tissue, which are also considered non-cancerous. For example, fibrocystic changes aren't actually a cancer condition. Breast cancer is the commonest disease worldwide. This is becoming most common disease related to female mortality worldwide. Breast cancer is the deadliest disease in women. Most cancers can be cured through surgery. Clinical methods consider breast cancer to be a heterogeneous disease. The identification of expression profiles for genes has been categorized into two main groups. This group is dependent on estrogen receptors known as ER. The tumors in the breast are associated with ER expression that expresses hormone-related factors. In developed countries, the mortality threshold, especially due to breast cancer survivors, is very low. Like lung cancer in developed countries, leading cause of death is becoming breast cancer but not more so, it also causes female deaths in developing countries. There has been some encouragement in the mortality and incidence rates of breast cancer with stable new cases. There is also a decrease in the mortality rate in some high-income and developed areas. However, the opposite occurs in the developing regions of the world. There has also been a decrease in incidents and deaths in the United States and physical activity can affect hormonal concentration and energy balance.
Awareness of Syphilis and Its Prevention Among Medical Students: An Analysis of Knowledge and Attitudes of Future Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Golušin Zoran , Denda Nikola , Matić Milan , Vujanović Ljuba , Roš Tatjana , Levakov Olivera , Maletin Nemanja
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Syphilis is a significant public health issue with a rising incidence, particularly among the MSM population. As future healthcare professionals, medical science students play a crucial role in prevention and treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of MFNS students regarding syphilis and prevention. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 1 to 30, 2024 using a survey structured questionnaire. Results: The average age of participants was 22.22 years, with the majority being women (74.43%). Medical students demonstrated significantly higher knowledge levels about syphilis compared to students from other programs (36.99% vs. 8.03%; p<0.001). Attendance at education sessions on sexually transmitted infections was associated with better test results (p<0.001). Attendance at educational sessions on sexually transmitted infections was strongly associated with better test results (p<0.001), as well as with a higher likelihood of achieving a high number of correct answers (OR = 5.98, 95% CI 3.41–10.49; p<0.001). Most participants (69.10%) identified stigma as a barrier to seeking medical assistance. Conclusions: Medical students demonstrated better knowledge and attitudes toward syphilis prevention compared to their peers from other study programs. However, deficiencies were noted in practical skills and confidence in providing patient counseling. The results highlight the need for additional educational programs and practical training within the curriculum to enhance awareness and improve preventive measures.
Liquid Crystalline Structures Formed by Sphere-Rod Amphiphilic Molecules in Solvents
Authors: Haputhanthrige Nilanthi , Zhou Yifan , Wei Jingfan , Gao Min , Liu Tianbo , Lavrentovich Oleg
Published: February 2025

Self-assembly of amphiphilic molecules is an important phenomenon attracting a broad range of research. In this work, we study the self-assembly of KTOF4 sphere-rod amphiphilic molecules in mixed water-dioxane solvents. The molecules are of a T-shaped geometry, comprised of a hydrophilic spherical Keggin-type cluster attached by a flexible bridge to the center of a hydrophobic rod-like oligodialkylfluorene (OF), which consists of four OF units. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) uncovers self-assembled spherical structures of KTOF4 in dilute solutions. These spheres are filled with smectic-like layers of KTOF4 separated by layers of the solution. There are two types of layer packings: (i) concentric spheres and (ii) flat layers. The concentric spheres form when the dioxane volume fraction in the solution is 35-50 vol%. The flat layers are formed when the dioxane volume fraction is either below (20 and 30 vol%.) or above (55 and 60 vol%.) the indicated range. The layered structures show no in-plane orientational order and thus resemble thermotropic smectic A liquid crystals and their lyotropic analogs. The layered packings reveal edge and screw dislocations. Evaporation of the solvent produces a bulk birefringent liquid crystal phase with textures resembling the ones of uniaxial nematic liquid crystals. These findings demonstrate that sphere-rod molecules produce a variety of self-assembled structures that are controlled by the solvent properties.
Cracking the Code of the Indus Valley Civilization: A Computational Approach to Lost Knowledge
Authors: Neukart Florian
Published: February 2025

The decipherment of the Indus Valley script has remained one of the most enduring challenges in historical linguistics. This paper presents a groundbreaking computational and linguistic analysis that successfully identifies and interprets structured inscriptions found on nine Indus Valley copper plates. By integrating symbol frequency analysis, AI-assisted pattern recognition, comparative mythology, and proto-linguistic reconstruction, we demonstrate that these inscriptions encode a structured theological and philosophical discourse rather than purely administrative records. Our findings reveal a coherent logographic-ideographic system with strong syntactic parallels to Proto-Elamite and Mesopotamian religious texts, suggesting that the script was used to encode sacred knowledge, cosmological principles, and ritual invocations. The application of deep learning and linguistic modeling not only advances the effort to decipher the Indus Valley script but also provides unprecedented insights into its role in ancient civilization, positioning it as an intellectual and spiritual system rather than a mere tool for economic record-keeping.
Small-signal Stability Analysis of DC Microgrids
Authors: Hossain Alamgir , Negnevitsky Michael , Wang Xiaolin , Franklin Evan , Hassan Waqas , Hossain Md. Alamgir , Gray Evan , Alinaghi Hosseinabadi Pooyan
Published: February 2025

The conventional cascaded control strategies using proportional-integral- derivative controller often result in high settling times, considerable oscillations, poor voltage regulation, and low bandwidth. This leads to unsatisfactory performance in systems where multiple input variables are each subject to high levels of temporal variability, such as in DC microgrids (MGs) with renewable sources of generation. To overcome these challenges, an average current mode (ACM)-based cascaded control approach is proposed for DC MGs to maintain small-signal stability. An analytical small-signal equivalent model of the cascaded ACM control is developed to examine the impact of control parameter variations on system dynamics. Stability is assessed of DC MG to evaluate the effectiveness of the designed controller, while a sensitivity analysis identifies critical parameters affecting system performance. The effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is demonstrated through MATLAB/Simulink simulations of a power converter model, which specifically addresses small-signal disturbances such as load changes, generation variations, and battery charging and discharging cycles. Results demonstrate that the ACM-based control scheme provides superior robustness against small-signal disturbances, minimising settling time, and eliminating oscillations. Additionally, it offers improved power quality, bandwidth and voltage regulation compared to conventional methods under both normal operating conditions and in response to small-signal perturbations.
Enhanced Superpixel Guided ResNet Framework with Optimized Deep Weighted Averaging Based Feature Fusion for Lung Cancer Detection in Histopathological Images
Authors: Rajaguru Harikumar , Shanmugam Karthikeyan
Published: February 2025

Lung cancer is a major health issue and a leading cause of cancer-related mortalities globally. Early diagnosis is essential for improving survival rates, with biopsy as the gold standard for tissue analysis. While digital histopathology enhances image quality and precision, manual analysis is time-consuming for pathologists, creating a need for automated classification methods. This research starts with image preprocessing using an adaptive fuzzy filter and segmentation via a Modified Simple Linear Iterative Clustering (SLIC) algorithm. The Segmented images are input to the Deep Learning architectures like ResNet-50 (RN-50), ResNet-101 (RN-101), and ResNet-152 (RN-152). Features extracted from these ResNet variants are fused using a Deep Weighted Averaging- Based Feature Fusion (DWAFF) technique, resulting in fused features termed ResNet-X (RN-X). To further refine these features, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Red Deer Optimization (RDO) techniques are employed within the Selective Feature Pooling layer. The optimized features are then passed to a Classification Layer that implements classifiers including Support Vector Machine (SVM), Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), SoftMax Discriminant Classifier (SDC), Bayesian Linear Discriminant Analysis Classifier (BLDC), and Multilayer Perceptron (MLP). Performance is assessed using K-fold cross-validation with K values of 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, and the results are compared using standard performance metrics. RN-X features obtained from the proposed DWAFF technique, combined with the MLP classifier, achieved a peak accuracy of 98.68% when using segmentation and RDO in the feature selection layer with K=10.
Multi-Omics Technologies Applied to Improve Tick Research
Authors: Rodríguez-Durán Arlex , Andrade-Silva Vinícius , Numan Muhammad , Waldman Jéssica , Ali Abid , Logullo Carlos , da Silva Vaz Junior Itabajara , Parizi Luís Fernando
Published: February 2025

The advancement of multi-omics technologies is crucial to deepen knowledge on tick biology. These approaches, used to study diverse phenomena, are applied to experiments that aim to understand changes in gene transcription, protein function, cellular processes, and prediction of systems at global biological levels. This review addressed the application of omics data to investigate and elucidate tick physiological processes, such as feeding, digestion, reproduction, neuronal, endocrine systems, understanding population dynamics, transmitted pathogens, control, and identifying new vaccine targets. Furthermore, new therapeutic perspectives using tick bioactive molecules, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antitumor were summarized. Taken together, the application of omics technologies can help to understand the protein functions and biological behavior of ticks, as well as the identification of potential new antigens influencing the development of alternative control strategies and consequently the tick borne-diseases prevention in veterinary and public health contexts. Finally, tick population dynamics have been determined by a combination of environmental factors, host availability and genetic adaptations, and recent advances in omics technologies have improved our understanding of their ecological resilience and resistance mechanisms. Future directions point to the integration of spatial omics and artificial intelligence to further unravel tick biology and improve control strategies.
Identifying the Relationship Between Low Back Pain, Physical Activity, Posture and Body Composition in Older Women
Authors: Rosolek Barbara , Alexe Dan Iulian , Gawlik Krystyna , Panaet Elena Adelina , Mihai Ilie , Antohe Bogdan Alexandru , Zwierzchowska Anna
Published: February 2025

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a widespread and disabling condition affecting many older adults. Clinically, it is characterized by mild to severe pain accompanied by muscle tension, primarily in the lower back. Objective: This study aimed to establish correlations between LBP, physical activity, body composition, and posture in 114 women (mean age: 67.6 ± 5.68 years). Methods: Using a cross-sectional study design, LBP was assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Physical activity (PA) was measured using a pedometer to count the steps taken. Spinal curvatures in the sagittal plane were examined with a Rippstein Plurimeter. Results: Regression analysis revealed significant correlations between the ODI and various factors, such as waist circumference (F (1,113) = 7.574, p = .007), Body mass index (BMI) (F(1,113) = 11.660, p = .001), and Total Fat (TF) (F (1,113) = 8.806, p = .004, R² = .072). A significant regression was also found between the ODI and Total Steps (TS) (F(1,113) = 4.446, p = .037). However, no associations were found between the ODI and Hip Circumference (HC), Waist Hip Ratio, (WHR) Thoracic Kyphosis (Thk), or Lumbar Lordosis (Ll) (F (1,113) = .290, p = .591, R² = .003). Conclusion: This study highlights the strong connection between LBP and health factors in older women. The findings of our study highlighted the importance of implementing effective intervention and prevention strategies to manage the clinical manifestation of LPB in the geriatric population. Healthcare providers can better support this population's well-being by focusing on targeted interventions.
The Clinical Relevance of Distinguishing Between Simple and Complex Adnexal Cystic Structures by Ultrasound in the Peri- and Postmenopause
Authors: Erdődi Balázs , Szőllősi Gergő József , Tóth Zoltán , Krasznai Tibor Zoárd , Jakab Attila
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: To determine the reliability of simple ultrasound (US) markers and CA-125 measurement in diagnosing peri- and postmenopausal ovarian masses. Methods: The study was conducted in a retrospective setting. Preoperative imaging properties of peri- (PEM) and postmenopausal (POM) ovarian cysts were examined. According to US findings, two groups were made: (1) simple cysts: unilocular, anechoic cysts without any solid part, (2) complex cysts: cystic structures with different parameters from the simple cysts. Imaging characteristics, size of the mass, and demographic data were matched with histology and CA125 levels. Results: 379 cystic structures (PEM: N=195, average age: 45.6yrs; range: 40-54yrs, POM: N=184, average age 61.2yrs; range: 41-88yrs) were analyzed. In the PEM group 75 simple (Ø<5cm N=32, Ø≥5cm N=43) and 122 complex cysts (Ø<5cm N=29, Ø≥5cm, N=93), while in the POM group 49 simple (Ø<5cm N=9, Ø≥5cm N=40) and 135 complex cysts (Ø<5cm N=15, Ø≥5cm N=120) were found. In the PEM group, malignancy was detected in complex cysts larger than 5cm (N=16, 17.58%). In the POM group malignancy was present in 40 cases, three of them proved to be smaller than 5cm. Majority of cysts were functional (54.36 %) in the PEM group. In the POM group, serous cysts were the most frequent (38.04%), followed by malignant (21.74%) and mucinous cysts (13.04%). CA125 was elevated in 66 of 217 cases (30.41%); only 23 were malignant (NPV: 0.95, PPV: 0.35). Conclusions: Functional cysts are frequently found among perimenopausal ovarian cysts, but malignancy was detected only in cysts with complex morphology larger than 5 cm. However, complex cysts of any size carry a significant risk of malignancy in menopause, thus, surgery is recommended. Simple cysts can be followed by serial scans in both groups. CA-125 did not give added value to the detection of malignancy.
Destiny of Wild Apricot (Armeniaca vulgaris) at Stake: The Post Invasion Population Dynamics of Globose Scale (Sphaerolecanium prunastri) and Damage Status of Forests in Central Eurasia
Authors: Zhang Ping , Li Yifan , Li Cuihong , Gao Guizhen , Dong Zhaoke , Rostami Elahe , Lu Zhaozhi , Zalucki Myron P.
Published: February 2025

The globose scale (GS) Sphaerolecanium prunastri (Boyer de Fonscolombe) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) is a serious pest affecting plants within the Rosaceae, notably wild apricot, Armeniaca vulgaris (Lamarck). Following its initial detection in 2019, more than 80% of valleys with wild apricots have become affected in the Ili River basin of Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang, China. This study assessed GS population dynamics post invasion and its effects on growth and reproductive traits of wild apricot trees from 2019 to 2024. Nymph densities decreased over the years but remained high, with densities on shoots per 20 cm of 986 (1st instar nymph) and 120 (2nd instar nymph) in 2024, respectively. Damage has declined, with high damage rankings decreasing from 24% to 11% of wild apricot trees. However, mortality of trees was higher (25%) in infested than non-infested areas (13%). Interestingly, GS feeding stimulated the growth of spring shoots but significantly reduced the reproductive capacity of wild apricot. Heavily infested trees exhibited increased shoot length (2-3 times), decreased fruit yield (20-fold), lower flowering percentage (8-fold), and reduced flower bud density (2-fold) compared to non-infested trees. Overall, despite a decrease in damage severity, wild apricot forests remain threatened by GS. Implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies is essential for effective GS management and recovery of wild apricot forests.
Green Infrastructure and Integrated Optimisation Approach Towards Urban Sustainability: Case Study in Altstetten-Albisrieden, Zurich
Authors: Jiang Yingying , Menz Sacha
Published: February 2025

In light of the challenges faced by urban areas due to increasing populations and spatial limitations, urban green infrastructure is essential for fostering environmental equilibrium, enhancing community well-being, and promoting sustainable urban development. This situation emphasises the imperative for strategies that harmonise the growing need for constructed environments with the improvement of the natural ecosystem in urban locales. This study centres on diverse perspectives of urban green infrastructure and seeks to develop an integrated methodology to optimise the allocation of green space, utilising Altstetten-Albisrieden in Zurich as a case study. It investigates the distribution and accessibility of urban green space within the district from multiple perspectives and visualises the findings using a 10-meter rectangular grid. By employing clustering algorithms, the study categorises the grid cells according to their resemblances. Radar charts depict the attributes of each cluster and suggest opportunities for fortifying urban green infrastructure. Ultimately, the study provides a thorough analysis of urban green space provision in Altstetten-Albisrieden, presenting extensive recommendations for optimising green space planning with respect to social equity and natural recolonisation at the district level.
Vision Transformer Based Unhealthy Tree Crown Detection and Evaluation of Annotation Uncertainty
Authors: Joshi Durga , Witharana Chandi
Published: February 2025

Forest health monitoring at scale requires high spatial resolution remote sensing images coupled with deep learning image analysis methods. However, high-quality large-scale datasets are costly to acquire. To address this challenge, we explored the potential of freely available National Agricultural Imagery Program (NAIP) imagery. By comparing the performance of traditional convolutional neural network (CNN) models (U-Net and DeepLabv3+) with a state-of-art Vision Transformer (SegFormer), we aimed to determine the optimal approach for detecting unhealthy tree crowns (UTC) using the publicly available data source. Additionally, we investigated the impact of different spectral band combinations on model performance to identify the most effective configuration without incurring additional data acquisition costs. We explored various band combinations, including RGB, color infrared (CIR), vegetation indices (VIs), principal components (PC) of texture features (PCA), and spectral band with PC (RGBPC). Furthermore, we analyzed the uncertainty associated with potential subjective crown annotation and its impact on model evaluation. Our results demonstrated that the Vision Transformer-based model, SegFormer, outperforms traditional CNN-based models, particularly when trained on RGB images yielding an F1-score of 0.85. In contrast, DeepLabv3+ achieved F1-score of 0.82. Notably, PCA-based inputs yield reduced performance across all models, with U-Net performing particularly poor results (F1- score as low as 0.03). The uncertainty analysis indicated that the Intersection over Union (IoU) could fluctuate between 14.81% and 57.41%, while F1-scores ranged from 8.57% to 47.14%, reflecting the significant sensitivity of model performance to inconsistencies in ground truth annotations. In summary, this study demonstrates the feasibility of using publicly available NAIP imagery and advanced deep learning techniques to accurately detect unhealthy tree canopies. These findings highlight SegFormer’s superior ability to capture complex spatial patterns, even in relatively low-resolution (60 cm) datasets. Our findings underline the considerable influence of human annotation errors on model performance, emphasizing the need for standardized annotation guidelines and quality control measures.
Effectuation in Crisis: How Displaced Women Entrepreneurs in Ethiopia Build Sustainable Businesses
Authors: Woldesenbet Beta Kassa
Published: February 2025

This study explores how displaced women entrepreneurs in Ethiopia leverage effectuation principles to build sustainable businesses in resource-constrained, crisis-affected environments. By examining strategies such as affordable loss, means orientation, and partnership formation, the research extends effectuation theory to displacement contexts, where uncertainty and resource scarcity are prevalent. Findings reveal that affordable loss and means orientation—leveraging available resources and minimizing risks—are critical for sustaining businesses, showcasing the adaptability and resilience of women entrepreneurs. However, reliance on partnership opportunities and rigid control orientation may hinder business longevity, highlighting the limitations of effectuation principles in displacement settings.
The study contributes to sustainable entrepreneurship by demonstrating both the relevance and constraints of effectuation theory in crisis-affected environments. It underscores the importance of flexible, resourceful strategies for women entrepreneurs navigating systemic challenges, offering insights for policymakers and support organizations. Practical implications include designing capacity-building programs that promote adaptive strategies, such as risk management and resource optimization, while addressing the challenges of partnerships and rigid control mechanisms. By aligning with the goals of sustainable development, this research not only highlights the potential of effectuation principles but also unravels their limitations, providing a nuanced understanding of how entrepreneurial strategies can foster resilient livelihoods and sustainable economic practices in crisis-affected regions.
Case Report: Shift from Aggressive Periodontitis to Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis is Linked to Increased Microbial Diversity
Authors: Shaw Claire , Soltero-Rivera Maria , Profeta Rodrigo , Weimer Bart C
Published: February 2025

Aggressive Periodontitis (AP) and Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis (FCGS) are two oral inflammatory diseases in cats with unknown etiology. Both conditions present with severe inflammation of the oral cavity and in FCGS it is found with additional deterioration of the non-keratinized mucosa. The oral microbiome is increasingly implicated in disease progression, but little is known about shifts of the microbial community during the AP and FCGS progression. To that end, we used deep metagenomic sequencing with total RNA on three longitudinal samples of the oral microbiome in a cat first diagnosed with AP that progressed to FCGS. This deep sequencing approach revealed that increased diversity at both the genus and species-level marked the shift from AP to FCGS, including increases in Porphyromonas and Treponema species, and decreased Streptobacillus species. The metatranscriptomes were then probed for expression of antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence factors. Disease-related genes that include cheY, and ompP5 were expressed in early AP and FCGS, while others like galU were only expressed in one or the other disease state. Both genus and species-level shifts were observed along the longitudinal microbiome samples with a noted increase in species diversity in the FCGS-associated microbiome. Corroborating that functional shifts accompany taxonomic changes, the AMR and virulence factor expression similarly changed between the sampling points. Together these taxonomic and functional shifts indicate that AP and FCGS are potentially linked and may be marked by changes in the oral microbiome, which supports the development of microbial-based clinical diagnostics and therapeutics.
The Response of Dung Beetle Communities to Land Use Change in the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Peixoto Pedro Gomes , Barbosa Grabriela de Sousa , Martins Heytor Lemos , Franco Ana Luíza , Mata Jhansley Ferreira da , Korasaki Vanesca
Published: February 2025

The transformation of the Cerrado biome into areas with different levels of activity and anthropic pressure negatively impacts biodiversity. This study evaluated the response of the dung beetle community to changes in land-use systems: forests, rubber trees, pastures, and soybeans. Five areas were sampled in each system with a minimum distance of 2 km between them. Dung beetles were collected using pitfall traps, and both local and landscape-related environmental variables were measured. In total, 2,294 specimens were collected and distributed among 34 species and 18 genera. There was no significant difference in abundance between the systems, but differences in the number of species and biomass were observed between Forest and Soybean, as well as a separation of communities between the tree-covered (Forest and Rubber Tree) and open (Pasture and Soybean) systems. Density and arboreal basal area were the main predictive variables for the diversity of the dung beetle community, reinforcing the importance of vegetation cover for maintaining diversity, whereas local and landscape-related variables influenced community composition.
Identificación y caracterización in silico de factores de transcripción involucrados en la xilogénesis en árboles de interés económico
Authors:   , Hernandez Ludeña Patricio Alonso
Published: February 2025

Los árboles son recursos naturales de gran valor económico y ecológico, cuya producción de madera depende del proceso de xilogénesis, regulado por redes de factores de transcripción (FTs). El objetivo de esta investigación fue caracterizar los FTs maestros que regulan la xilogénesis en angiospermas y gimnospermas de importancia comercial. Inicialmente, un análisis cienciométrico identificó 1871 artículos relacionados con genómica y transcriptómica de árboles, evidenciando un aumento significativo de publicaciones impulsado por los avances en tecnologías de secuenciación. Con base en este análisis, se seleccionaron 15 genomas representativos (7 angiospermas y 8 gimnospermas). El análisis de redes de coexpresión de 52 FTs clave reveló que VND6 y VND7, reguladores maestros NAC (NAM/ATAF/CUC) del desarrollo del xilema, fueron los únicos con interacción física directa, regulando elementos de protoxilema y metaxilema. Se identificaron 8 motivos conservados en cada uno, algunos codificando subdominios NAC involucrados en dimerización, unión al ADN y localización nuclear. La caracterización estructural confirmó los dominios NAC y TAR típicos. El análisis filogenético mostró una separación clara entre FTs VND/VNI2 de angiospermas y gimnospermas, excepto por el VND7 de Picea abies agrupado con angiospermas, sugiriendo evolución convergente o transferencia génica horizontal. En conclusión, la caracterización de los FTs maestros VND6 y VND7 nos muestra que su dominio NAC está bien conservado pero el dominio TAR es indistinguible por su variabilidad, también resaltando su importancia en la regulación de la xilogénesis, y revela patrones estructurales y evolutivos que contribuyen a comprender los mecanismos moleculares del desarrollo de la madera en especies de importancia comercial.
Spontaneous Droplet Uranium Extraction from Salt Lake Water Natural Falling
Authors: Xue Xinyu , Jin Xianchun , Lei Lin , Du Jinyan , Wang Fuqiang , LONG Zhihe , He Yongping , Xing Lili , Zhao Xiaochong
Published: February 2025

Uranium as the nuclear energy fuel is critical for clean and efficient power generation, and its limited terrestrial reserves and environmentally harmful mining practices necessitate the development of alternative resources and sustainable uranium extraction technologies. In this study, we introduce an innovative droplet uranium extraction (DUE) approach, in which naturally falling salt lake water interacts with a three-layer Al-FEP-CTS@CF film, driving an in-situ electrochemical process for spontaneous uranium extraction without external power consumption. The superhydrophobic fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) layer induces solid-liquid interfacial interactions, converting falling water kinetic energy into electricity. At the same time, the selective reduction of uranium ions takes place at chitosan (CTS) functionalized adsorption sites on carbon felt (CF), precipitating out uranium peroxide hydrate. The DUE method achieves a high uranium extraction efficiency of 58% for the first droplet of 1000 mg/L uranium aqueous solution and maintains efficiency above 55% for subsequent droplets. The DUE method has an extraction capacity of 1250.6 mg/g, surpassing conventional adsorption methods by ~ 26 times. Field experiments in real salt lake environment with high-salinity condition validate the scalability and adaptability of DUE, successfully extracting final products of MgU2O7 and Na2U7O22 from brine water flows. This zero-consumption technology provides a scalable, economical, and environmentally sustainable way for uranium resource exploitation, and can conveniently extend to other aqueous mineral extraction.
One-Sentence Summary: We introduce a zero-consumption and scalable Droplet Uranium Extraction (DUE) method that uses naturally falling salt lake water to drive in-situ electrochemical process for spontaneous uranium extraction, successfully validated in high-salinity salt lake environments with the final products of MgU2O7 and Na2U7O22 from brine flows.
Molecule-Probed Raman Spectroscopy for Femtogram-per-Liter Level Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Detection
Authors: Li Bo , Zhao Liang , Hu Jiayue , Gong Chenchi , Dyke Alexis , Cao Han , Wu Jianlei , Bracaglia Laura , Liu Ling , Xu Wenqing
Published: February 2025

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have received significant attention due to their persistence in the environment. Because of their accumulative nature, even trace amounts can adversely impact human health and ecosystems. Here, we present Molecule-Probed Raman Spectroscopy (MPRS), an ultra-sensitive, low-cost, and fast method that can achieve the femtogram-per-liter detection of PFAS, surpassing any existing methods by at least four orders of magnitude. In contrast to existing Raman Spectroscopy monitoring the spectrum of PFAS, MPRS monitors changes in the Raman spectrum of molecular probes, methyl group (-CH3) on polydimethylsiloxane, upon PFAS capture. MPRS succeeds in detecting multiple individual PFAS in water and monitoring PFAS in complex matrices such as surface water and human blood. We also demonstrated the feasibility of on-site monitoring of PFAS using a portable Raman spectrometer. Beyond its transformative detection capability, MPRS establishes a new analyte detection paradigm, paving the way for innovative material systems and instruments.
Global, Regional, and National Burden and Future Projections of Genital Herpes Incidence among Women of Childbearing Age
Authors: Kang Yutong , Feng Yanying , Yuan Qiheng , Xu Xuanming , Zheng Meiqin , Wang Yajie , Li Zhenjun
Published: February 2025

Objectives
Genital herpes (GH), primarily caused by herpes simplex virus 2, imposes a significant burden on women of childbearing age (WCBA), raising the risk of pregnancy-related complications. Despite the high global burden, comprehensive studies on trends in GH incidence among WCBA are lacking.
Methods
Using GBD 2021 data, this study analyzed GH incidence in WCBA, explored Socio-demographic Index (SDI) associations and inequality trends, applied decomposition analysis, and predicted future trends with Age-period-cohort (APC) and Bayesian APC (BAPC) models.
Results
Between 1990 and 2021, global GH cases in WCBA increased from 14.6 million to 22 million, while the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) saw a modest annual increase of 0.045%. Regional variations were observed, with low-middle SDI regions showing continued growth in ASIR. Unfavorable period effects were exhibited in low-middle SDI regions. Population growth was identified as the main driver of morbidity trends, with emerging health inequalities over time. By 2030, global GH cases in WCBA are expected to reach 23.6 million, with persistent challenges in low-SDI regions such as Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Congo, and Equatorial Guinea.
Conclusion
GH incidence among WCBA is on the rise, underlining the need for focused management strategies, particularly in low-middle SDI regions.
Robust phase sensing via a nonlinear parity-time symmetric system
Authors: Huang Qing-An , Chen Dong-Yan , Dong Lei
Published: February 2025

Parity-time symmetric systems featuring loss and gain manifest as a form of non-Hermitian Hamiltonian. The inclusion of a nonlinear saturable gain can eliminate the imaginary part of frequency eigenvalues and suppress noise. Consequently, it has been employed to enhance sensing near an exceptional point (EP). A perturbation to the off-diagonal elements of the Hamiltonian leads the frequency eigenvalue to scale with the square-root of the perturbation near an EP. This, however, is associated with a lowered scaling factor, potentially diminishing the sensitivity boosted by the square-root singularity. When a perturbation is introduced to the diagonal elements of the Hamiltonian, the frequency eigenvalue exhibits a cube-root singularity in a two-level system. Nevertheless, the response has a relatively small scaling factor and the cube-root singularity comes at the expense of the sensing dynamic range. An entirely different approach we propose here is to detect the phase difference between the loss and gain resonator instead of focusing on detecting the frequency. We demonstrate theoretically and experimentally that the phase difference reveals a cube-root singularity with an enlarged scaling factor over a wide dynamic range. Experimental results for our wearable capacitive temperature sensors show that the sensitivity of EP phase sensing has enhanced by an order of magnitude across a broad dynamic range relative to that of EP frequency sensing. These findings resolve a longstanding debate on the efficacy of EP-based sensors and pave the way for their practical applications.
Quantitative CT-based biomarkers for predicting Renal cell carcinoma subtypes: a comparison of Dual-Energy CT, Perfusion CT, and CT texture parameters
Authors: SAH ANJALI , GOSWAMI SNEHA , GUPTA AMIT , GARG SANIL , YADAV NEEL , DAS CHANDAN J
Published: February 2025

Purpose
To evaluate and compare the diagnostic performance of CT texture analysis (CTTA), perfusion CT (PCT), and dual-energy CT (DECT) in distinguishing between clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and non-ccRCC.
Methods
This retrospective study included 66 patients with RCC (52 ccRCC and 14 non-ccRCC) who underwent DECT and PCT imaging before surgery between January 2017 and December 2022. Two independent radiologists measured DECT parameters (iodine concentration and iodine ratio) and PCT parameters (blood flow, blood volume, mean transit time, and time to peak) using circular ROIs placed on tumors. For CTTA, the largest tumor cross-section in the corticomedullary phase was manually annotated using the "labelme" tool, and texture features were extracted with Python libraries including "scipy" and "numpy." Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the ability of PCT, DECT, and CTTA models to predict tumor subtypes.
Results
All three imaging modalities demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy, with F1 scores of 0.9107, 0.9358, and 0.9348 for PCT, DECT, and CTTA, respectively. Inter-reader agreement for PCT and DECT parameters was excellent (Pearson correlation > 0.85). None of the three models were significantly different (p > 0.05). While each modality could effectively differentiate between ccRCC and non-ccRCC, higher iodine ratio (IR) on DECT and increased entropy on CTTA were independent predictors of ccRCC, with F1 scores of 0.9345 and 0.9272, respectively (p < 0.001). The combined ML model integrating DECT, PCT, and CTTA parameters yielded the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an F1 score of 0.954.
Conclusions
The diagnostic accuracy of PCT, DECT, and CTTA in distinguishing between ccRCC and non-ccRCC tumors was equivalent and high. However, among these three methods, only IR on DECT and entropy on CTTA were identified as independent predictors of the RCC subtype; hence, these two quantitative markers may be more applicable in clinical practice.
Clinical relevance:
Accurate, non-invasive biomarkers are essential to differentiate RCC subtypes, aiding in prognosis and guiding targeted therapies, particularly in ccRCC, where treatment options differ significantly.