bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface Properties of Coatings Based on Iron Amino-Functionalized Oxides Deposited on DH 36 Steel Plates for Shipbuilding
Authors: Testa Maria Luisa , Calabrese Carla , La Parola Valeria , Scolaro Cristina , Visco Annamaria , Cappello Simone , Liotta Leonarda Francesca
Published: January 2025

The development of eco-friendly paint formulations is part of the transition process to more sustainable materials, which involves many industries such as offshore and shipbuilding, where the deterioration of steel in seawater is a key factor. This article aims to produce innovative coatings and test their protective action on DH 36 steel plates. SiO2 and TiO2 were modified with amino groups and iron sites to be used as filler for the design of ecological paint formulations The antimicrobial features of both NH2 groups and iron ionic species were combined with the chemical and mechanical stability of silica and titania, with silica-based powders showing increased efficacy. The surface properties of the resulting coatings were examined by determination of thickness, water wettability, roughness, and cross-cut adhesion tests (before and after a degradation test in seawater according to ASTM D870-97 standards). Preliminary tests of the microbiological activity of the iron amino functionalized materials were carried out to monitor, as proof of concept, the growth of some bacterial strains through measurements of optical density. The findings indicate that these coatings not only provide effective corrosion protection but are promising for enhancing the durability and environmental performance of steel surfaces exposed to marine environments.
Tying Food Addiction to Uncontrolled Eating: The Roles of Eating-Related Thoughts and Emotional Eating
Authors: Rossi Alessandro
Published: January 2025

Background. Food addiction is often linked to overeating and difficulty in controlling eating habits. At the same time, food addiction is often associated with intense eating-related thoughts and emotional eating behaviors. However, despite extensive research on food addiction, the psychological processes that contribute to these outcomes have not been fully examined. Consequently, this study aims to fill that gap by investigating the influence of eating-related thoughts, as well as emotional eating behaviors that may precede episodes of uncontrolled eating. Methods. A cross-sectional design was used. A sample of 467 individuals was enrolled from the general population. Participants completed a battery of self-report questionnaires. A sequential mediation analysis with latent variables (i.e., structural equation modeling; SEM) using 5000 bootstrap samples and observed variables was performed. Results. The proposed model provides good fit indices. Indeed, food addiction predicts uncontrolled eating behaviors through eating-related thoughts (p < 0.001), which were also significantly associated with the emotion-driven eating patterns (p < 0.001), revealing a fully mediated model explaining 61.6% of the outcome variance (R2 = 0.616). Discussion. The findings underscore the critical influence of cognitive factors (i.e., eating-related thoughts) in driving maladaptive coping mechanisms like emotional eating. Moreover, emotional eating may act as a precursor to behaviors associated with overeating, which are often rooted in food addiction. Conclusions. Recognizing the central role of thoughts and emotions can help clinicians develop more targeted psychological interventions for those experiencing food addiction symptoms.
Hydration Habits and Water Balance in a Working Population in Greece
Authors: Papadopoulou Aikaterini-Melpomeni , Apergi Kyriaki , Panagopoulou Margarita-Vasiliki , Argyri Konstantina , Malisova Olga
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Adequate hydration is fundamental for maintaining physical and mental health, yet dehydration remains a common issue, with significant health consequences such as fatigue, impaired cognitive function, and increased risk of chronic diseases. This study aimed to assess the water balance status of healthy employees in Greece and explore the influence of sociodemographic, anthropometric, occupational, and other lifestyle factors. Methods: After completing a validated questionnaire, demographic, dietary, and occupational factors were first analyzed by gender and then examined for their association with water balance, defined as the net difference between water intake and losses, using univariate and multivariable analyses. Results: Daily water consumption had a median value of 3063.77 mL (Q1: 2181.62, Q3: 4070.04), with men consuming significantly more than women. Multivariable analysis identified several factors associated with water balance, including years of education (β: −21.88, SE: 8.55), hours of work per week (β: 30.17, SE: 15.38), use of glasses during the day (Yes vs. No: β: 423.13, SE: 216.41), use of a bottle during the day (Yes vs. No: β: 873.50, SE: 278.82), and consuming water for pleasure (Yes vs. No: β: 478.63, SE: 200.16). Additionally, exposure to weather conditions at work (Yes vs. No) was suggested to have a positive influence on water balance. Conclusions: This study underscores the complex interplay between sociodemographic and occupational factors and hydration practices, providing evidence for targeted hydration strategies, as wellness programs and public health initiatives aimed at improving hydration among working populations in Greece.
Maternal Folate and Vitamin B 12 Concentrations During Pregnancy Influence Neonatal Nutritional Status and Adiposity: Results from the OBESO Cohort
Authors: González-Ludlow Isabel , Rodríguez-Cano Ameyalli M. , Mendoza-Ortega Jonatan A. , Rodríguez-Hernández Carolina , Suárez-Rico Blanca V. , Estrada-Gutierrez Guadalupe , Tolentino-Dolores Maricruz , Parra-Hernández Sandra B. , Sánchez-Martínez Maribel , Acevedo-Gallegos Sandra , Perichart-Perera Otilia
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Folate and B12, among other B vitamins, are methyl donors and contribute to multiple DNA methylation processes. Maternal deficiency of these nutrients may be associated with impaired fetal growth, affecting the nutritional status and adiposity of the newborn. This study aimed to describe maternal folate and B12 status throughout pregnancy and evaluate its association with neonatal nutritional status. Methods: We studied 90 healthy pregnant women and their babies from the prospective OBESO cohort (Mexico City). Serum folate and B12 concentrations were measured (ELISA) in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. Deficiency was considered if serum folate was <4 ng/mL, red blood cell folate (RBC) < 151 ng/mL, active B12 < 40 pmol/L, and total B12 < 203 pg/mL). Maternal supplementation of these nutrients was recorded. Newborn assessment (24–72 h) included weight (BW), length (L), waist circumference (WC), and fat mass percentage (%FM; air-displacement plethysmography). Newborn nutritional status indexes were computed and interpreted (BMI/age and length/age) (term-WHO, preterm-Intergrowth). Mean differences, correlations, and multiple linear and logistic regressions were performed (SPSS v. 29). Results: One-third of women had total vitamin B12 deficiency at the end of pregnancy; no folate deficiency was observed. High doses for both folic acid and B12 supplementation were identified in the third trimester (2057.04 ± 2100.74 μg/d and 7.35 ± 4.56 μg/d). Higher first- and third-trimester maternal active B12 concentrations predicted higher WC and reduced the risk of LBW. Higher first-trimester Thcy levels increased the risk of stunting. Higher third-trimester total B12 and folate concentrations predicted higher WC; the latter was associated with higher FM% at birth. Conclusions: Maternal folate, B12, and Thcy levels influence newborn nutritional status alterations, including adiposity markers. It is vital to guarantee an optimal and balanced maternal B-complex status throughout pregnancy.
The Mediating Effect of Concurrent Changes in Dietary Behaviors on the Associations Between Intervention and Changes in Adiposity Outcomes: Evidence from a Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wang Hai-Xue , Cheng Lan , Yuan Xin , Lyu Jin-Lang , Li Ping , Yan Shi-Yu , Wang Hui , Ding Yan-Sheng , Hong Shen-Da , Wang Hai-Jun
Published: January 2025

Behavioral interventions have been shown to be effective in improving dietary behavior and reducing childhood obesity. There is limited evidence on how concurrent changes in dietary behavior from intervention studies affect childhood obesity. The present study aimed to evaluate the mediating effect of concurrent changes in dietary behaviors between the intervention and changes in adiposity indicators. This study included 1180 children from the DECIDE-Children study, which was conducted across three areas in China, aiming to promote children’s healthy diet and physical activity, while also engaging schools and families to support children’s behavioral changes. Dietary behaviors were collected by a revised version of the Food Frequency Questionnaire and a self-designed questionnaire. Adiposity outcomes were objectively measured by trained personnel. Generalized linear mixed models were used to estimate the association between scores of dietary behavioral changes and adiposity indicator changes. Mediation analyses were used to evaluate how scores of dietary behavioral changes mediated the effect of intervention on adiposity indicator changes. Six hundred children in the intervention group and five hundred and eight in the control group with both baseline and follow-up data were included. Each increase in dietary behavioral change score was associated with a 0.06 (p = 0.016) decrease in changes in BMI and other adiposity indicators. Scores of dietary behavioral changes mediated 13.87% (p < 0.001), 11.81% (p < 0.001), 17.60% (p = 0.024), and 16.78% (p = 0.032) of the association between intervention and changes in body mass index (BMI), BMI z-score, body fat percentage, and waist circumference, respectively. Scores of dietary behavioral changes mediated the intervention effect on adiposity indicator changes. Future interventions targeting childhood obesity should incorporate promoting multiple dietary behaviors simultaneously.
Association of Glycemic Index, Glycemic Load, and Carbohydrate Intake with Antral Follicle Counts Among Subfertile Females
Authors: Mitsunami Makiko , Kazemi Maryam , Nichols Amy R. , Mínguez-Alarcón Lidia , Fitz Victoria W. , Souter Irene , Hauser Russ , Chavarro Jorge E.
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Few studies have investigated the association of dietary glycemic index (GI), glycemic load (GL), and carbohydrate intake with antral follicle count (AFC). This study aimed to investigate the association of total carbohydrate intake and carbohydrate quality, measured by dietary GI and GL, with ovarian reserve assessed by AFC. Methods: This study included 653 females from the Environment And Reproductive Health Study who completed AFC and food frequency questionnaire. Of these, 579 female individuals had a quantifiable AFC in both ovaries and were included in the primary analysis. We estimated average GI and GL for each participant from self-reported intakes of carbohydrate-containing foods and divided participants into tertiles. Poisson regression models were used to quantify the relations of GI, GL, carbohydrates, and AFC while adjusting for potential confounders. Results: Participants had a median age of 35 y. Compared to participants in the lowest tertile of dietary GI, those in the highest tertile had a 6.3% (0.6%, 12.3%) higher AFC (p, trend 0.03) after adjustment for potential confounders. Stratified analyses revealed that the association between GI and AFC was present only among participants who had not undergone infertility evaluations. Conclusions: A higher dietary GI was associated with a higher AFC. Subgroup analyses among individuals who had not had a diagnostic evaluation of infertility before joining the study suggest that high-glycemic carbohydrates may be related to PCOM.
The Importance of Lung Innate Immunity During Health and Disease
Authors: Ryanto Gusty Rizky Teguh , Suraya Ratoe , Nagano Tatsuya
Published: January 2025

The lung is a vital organ for the body as the main source of oxygen input. Importantly, it is also an internal organ that has direct contact with the outside world. Innate immunity is a vital protective system in various organs, whereas, in the case of the lung, it helps maintain a healthy, functioning cellular and molecular environment and prevents any overt damage caused by pathogens or other inflammatory processes. Disturbances in lung innate immunity properties and processes, whether over-responsiveness of the process triggered by innate immunity or lack of responses due to dysfunctions in the immune cells that make up the innate immunity system of the lung, could be correlated to various pathological conditions. In this review, we discuss globally how the components of lung innate immunity are important not only for maintaining lung homeostasis but also during the pathophysiology of notable lung diseases beyond acute pulmonary infections, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis.
Towards Detecting Associations of Canine Astrovirus and Caliciviruses with Health and Living Characteristics of Dogs in Greece
Authors: Stamelou Efthymia , Papageorgiou Konstantinos , Papadopoulos Dimitrios , Delis Georgios , Chatzopoulos Dimitrios , Athanasakopoulou Zoi , Moschidis Efstratios , Petridou Evanthia , Kritas Spyridon K.
Published: January 2025

Astroviruses and caliciviruses are important causative agents of gastroenteritis in humans worldwide. They have been detected in a variety of animal species, including dogs, but their role in the induction of disease in animals remains uncertain. In a molecular study that was conducted in Greece, including healthy and gastroenteritis-affected dogs of different ages, astrovirus (AstV) and sapovirus (SaV) were detected in 15% and 26% of the examined animals, respectively. A specialized questionnaire was filled out for each of the dogs participating in the study, including information about different characteristics and risk factors that could possibly affect their health status. This information was analyzed with the use of two innovative statistical methods, i.e., a Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) and the Ascending Hierarchical Classification (AHC). Based on their results, it was possible to define various groups of dogs based on their characteristics. AstV seems to occur more often in low-health-status dogs, usually mongrels, living in rural areas, showing vomit, diarrhea, and diet changes. Dogs of this group usually live with other pets in the same household and have frequent contact with stray animals. The presence of SaV does not seem to be associated with any of the examined factors.
Preventing RSV Infection in Children: Current Passive Immunizations and Vaccine Development
Authors: Babawale Pius I. , Martínez-Espinoza Iván , Mitchell Alaine’ M. , Guerrero-Plata Antonieta
Published: January 2025

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of acute respiratory tract infection and lower respiratory tract infection, associated with high morbidity and mortality in young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Initial attempts to develop an RSV vaccine in the 1960s were faced with a setback due to the enhanced RSV disease developed by vaccinated children. More recent advancements have led to the generation of RSV vaccines for older adults and pregnant women. However, there are still no commercially available RSV vaccines for infants. This work summarizes the current passive immunizations and the ongoing efforts to develop an RSV vaccine for infants.
Using an Aqueous Suspension of Duddingtonia flagrans Chlamydospores and a Hexane Extract of Artemisia cina as Sustainable Methods to Reduce the Fecal Egg Count and Larvae of Haemonchus contortus in the Feces of Periparturient Ewes
Authors: de la Crúz-Crúz Héctor Alejandro , Higuera-Piedrahita Rosa Isabel , Zamilpa Alejandro , Alcalá-Canto Yazmín , Ocampo-Gutiérrez Ana Yuridia , Arango-de la Pava Luis David , López-Arellano María Eugenia , Hernandez-Patlan Daniel , Cuéllar-Ordaz Jorge Alfredo , Mendoza-de Gives Pedro
Published: January 2025

This study evaluated the effectiveness of Duddingtonia flagrans chlamydospores and an Artemisia cina hexane extract in reducing Haemonchus contortus fecal egg counts and larvae in periparturient ewes. This study involved five groups of four ewes: a control group, an ivermectin group, an A. cina oral extract group, a D. flagrans group, and a combined treatment group. Treatments began two weeks before delivery, with ivermectin administered 15 days before delivery. Fecal samples were collected every fifteen days to estimate parasite egg counts per gram of feces (EPG) and assess larvae reductions. The results showed very low EPG values for ivermectin and D. flagrans treatments (175 and 150, respectively). The control and combined treatment groups had EPG values rise to 3000 and 4100 by day 15. The EPG values for the A. cina group reached 850 and 533 in later samplings. Throughout the study, the D. flagrans and A. cina groups maintained low EPG values, with the highest recorded values being 50 and 0, respectively. All treatments significantly reduced the larvae in the fecal cultures: D. flagrans (97.4% reduction), ivermectin (91.4%), Artemisia cina (89.9%), and the combined treatment (84.3%).
Intestinal Probiotic Lysate Modified Bifunctional Nanoparticle for Efficient Colon Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhu Manfang , Chen Hongkui , Chen Xiaohua , Zhang Yueyang , Chen Xiayu , Zhou Bailing , Duan Xingmei , Zhou Na , Zhang Xin
Published: January 2025

Background: In cancer immunotherapy, gene therapy has become a promising strategy through the introduction of immunostimulatory components into its formulation. However, ideal non-viral gene delivery platforms capable of simultaneously maintaining a high delivery efficiency and immune activation are still in demand. As an intestinal probiotic, Lactobacillus reuteri has potential correlation with cancer progression. Its unique antigenicity also confers its immunomodulatory activity. Method: We engineered a new non-viral siRNA delivery system, DMPLAC. By wrapping the lysate of Lactobacillus reuteri, it is expected to enhance the anti-cancer immunostimulatory properties. Result: Supported by certain internalization pathways, the prepared DMPLAC nanoparticles showed high siRNA delivery efficiency in vitro (up to 97.62%). They also strongly promoted the maturation and activation of immune cells, including dendritic and T cells, both in vitro and in vivo. By loading siRNA targeting the immune checkpoint CD47 gene, the DMPLAC/siCD47 complex strongly suppressed the growth of multiple colon cancer models through local administration with high safety. Conclusions: Our study developed a novel intestinal probiotic lysate-based gene delivery system with dual immunomodulatory abilities, suggesting a potential strategy for cancer immunotherapy.
Curcumin-Loaded Lipid Nanocarriers: A Targeted Approach for Combating Oxidative Stress in Skin Applications
Authors: Liakopoulou Aggeliki , Letsiou Sophia , Avgoustakis Konstantinos , Patrinos George P. , Lamari Fotini N. , Hatziantoniou Sophia
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Oxidative stress significantly impacts skin health, contributing to conditions like aging, pigmentation, and inflammatory disorders. Curcumin, with its potent antioxidant properties, faces challenges of low solubility, stability, and bioavailability. This study aimed to encapsulate curcumin in three lipid nanocarriers—solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), and nanoemulsions (NEs)—to enhance its stability, bioavailability, and antioxidant efficacy for potential therapeutic applications in oxidative-stress-related skin disorders. Methods: The lipid nanocarriers were characterized for size, polydispersity index, ζ-potential, and encapsulation efficiency. Stability tests under various conditions and antioxidant activity assays (DPPH and FRAP methods) were conducted. Cytotoxicity in human dermal fibroblasts was assessed using MTT assays, while the expression of key antioxidant genes was evaluated in human dermal fibroblasts under oxidative stress. Skin penetration studies were performed to analyze curcumin’s distribution across the stratum corneum layers. Results: All nanocarriers demonstrated high encapsulation efficiency and stability over 90 days. NLCs exhibited superior long-term stability and enhanced skin penetration, while NE formulations facilitated rapid antioxidant effects. Antioxidant assays confirmed that curcumin encapsulation preserved and enhanced its bioactivity, particularly in NLCs. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of key antioxidant markers (GPX1, GPX4, SOD1, KEAP1, and NRF2) with curcumin-loaded nanocarriers under oxidative and non-oxidative conditions. Cytotoxicity studies confirmed biocompatibility across all formulations. Conclusions: Lipid nanocarriers effectively enhance curcumin’s stability, antioxidant activity, and skin penetration, presenting a targeted strategy for managing oxidative stress in skin applications. Their versatility offers opportunities for tailored therapeutic formulations addressing specific skin conditions, from chronic disorders like psoriasis to acute stress responses such as sunburn.
Growth, Gas Exchange, and Phytochemical Quality of Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L.) Subjected to Proline Concentrations and Salinity
Authors: Targino Vitor Araujo , Dias Thiago Jardelino , Sousa Valéria Fernandes de Oliveira , Silva Mariana de Melo , da Silva Adjair José , Ribeiro João Everthon da Silva , da Silva Ramon Freire , Batista Diego Silva , Henschel Juliane Maciel , Rêgo Mailson Monteiro do
Published: January 2025

Salinity is a significant challenge for agriculture in semi-arid regions, affecting the growth and productivity of plants like Tropaeolum majus (nasturtium), which is valued for its ornamental, medicinal, and food uses. Salt stress disrupts the plant’s biochemical, physiological, and anatomical processes, limiting its development. This study investigates the potential of proline as an osmoprotectant to mitigate the effects of salt stress on nasturtium’s growth and physiology. A completely randomized factorial design was employed, testing five levels of electrical conductivity (0.0, 1.50, 3.00, 4.5, 6.5 dS m−1) and four proline concentrations (0.0, 5.00, 10.0, 15.0 mM) with six replicates. The results showed that proline application, particularly at 15.0 mM, enhanced growth parameters such as leaf number, stem diameter, and root length. At moderate salinity (3.0 dS m−1), proline significantly improved gas exchange, increasing net photosynthesis, transpiration, and stomatal conductance. Additionally, proline reduced the negative impact of salt stress on the fresh mass of leaves, stems, and roots, and increased both the mass and number of flowers. Proline also elevated the levels of total phenolic compounds and vitamin C while reducing soluble sugars, particularly under moderate salt stress (4.75 dS m−1). Overall, applying 15.0 mM proline shows promise for enhancing the biomass accumulation, flower production, and overall quality of nasturtium under saline conditions.
Selecting South American Popcorn Germplasm for Bipolaris maydis Resistance at Contrasting Nitrogen Levels
Authors: Souza Yure P. , Gonçalves Gabriel M. B. , Saluci Julio C. G. , Almeida Rafael N. , Santos Juliana S. , Pereira Hércules S. , Souza Rysley F. , Souza Ana Lucia R. , Vasconcelos Luana C. , Andrade Marcelo S. , Amaral Antonio T. , Vivas Marcelo
Published: January 2025

Nitrogen (N) availability plays a crucial role in plant development. However, studies indicate that the pathosystem of pathogenic fungi, such as Bipolaris maydis, which causes Southern Corn Leaf Blight (SCLB) in popcorn, interacts with N availability. Therefore, this study seeks to select popcorn inbred lines (ILs), considering contrasting environments regarding N availability (low N—LN and optimal N—ON). For this, 90 ILs from 16 populations from tropical and temperate climates from South America were evaluated in five experiments using a randomized complete block design (three replications), with four common controls. From the tests, the level of severity of the ILs to SCLB was evaluated. Three trials showed greater severity in ON, one trial had higher severity in LN, and one trial did not show significant differences. However, the genotype x nitrogen level (GxN) interaction was always present. Of the 90 ILs, 73 showed resistance in both N levels, three only in LN, and four only in ON, while 10 were susceptible in both environments. On average, the lines were more susceptible in ON, and the observed GxN interactions indicate that there is a distinct behavior of the genotypes regarding the response to N in the soil, which reinforces the importance of selection in contrasting environments.
Adaptive Benefits of Antioxidant and Hormone Fluctuations in Wedelia trilobata Under Simulated Salt Stress with Nutrient Conditions
Authors: Yang Hong , Li Bin , Huang Ping , Zhang Bin , Abbas Adeel , Xu Zhiwei , Yin Huilei , Du Daolin
Published: January 2025

Salinity is one of the most significant environmental factors limiting plant development and productivity. Invasive plants could quickly respond to environmental changes, thus successfully achieving invasion. However, there is limited research on the mechanism of salt responses in invasive plants under different nutritional conditions. This study evaluated and compared the impact of salinity stress and nutrient application on physiological responses in the invasive plant Wedelia trilobata and native plant Wedelia chinensis. Mild salinity stress disrupted the growth of these two plants, significantly reducing their leaf and stem node number under a low nutrient condition. W. trilobata showed notable decreases in height and leaf number with high salinity stress regardless of nutrient levels, whereas it was observed only in the low nutrient state in W. chinensis. The negative effects of high salinity on both species were most evident in nutrient-poor environments. Under low salinity and nutrient stress, W. trilobata’s leaves exhibited increased levels of proline, MDA, CAT, and ABA, with decreased GA and IAA content. A low-salt environment favored W. trilobata’s competitive advantage, and nutrient enrichment appeared to enhance its invasive potential, in which process the plant antioxidant system and endogenous hormones contribute greatly. This study provides a theoretical foundation for predicting suitable growth areas for W. trilobata referring to the salt condition, guiding future strategies for preventing and controlling its invasive spread.
The Effect of Liquids Activated by Plasma Generated with a Microwave Plasmatron and High-Frequency Glow Discharge on Cotton Plant Development
Authors: Shumeyko Sergey A. , Yanykin Denis V. , Paskhin Mark O. , Lukanin Vladimir I. , Zakharov Dmitry A. , Astashev Maxim E. , Pishchalnikov Roman Y. , Sarimov Ruslan M. , Ashurov Mukhsindjan Kh. , Ashurov Erkindjan M. , Rashidova Dilbar K. , Yakubov Muzaffar M. , Davydov Aleksei M. , Gudkova Victoriya V. , Danileyko Yuri K. , Dorokhov Alexey S. , Gudkov Sergey V.
Published: January 2025

In this study, we investigated the effect of plasma-activated liquids (PAL) on the cotton plant (Gossypium hirsutum L.) growth under laboratory and field conditions. We used two types of PAL: deionized water activated with plasma generated using a microwave plasmatron in atmospheric-pressure air flow (PAW) and a 1.5% KNO3 solution activated using plasma generated in an electrochemical cell (PAKNO3). These treatments differ in terms of their content of long-lived biologically active compounds. PAW contains a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide (150 μM compared to 1.1 μM), while PAKNO3 is more saturated with NO2− and NO3− (1510 μM compared to 300 µM). We found that PAW improved cotton plant growth under field conditions and in a laboratory drought stress. Additionally, PAW increased field emergence and germination of heat-treated cotton seeds in the laboratory. It was revealed that PAW prevents the drought-induced disruption of the partitioning of absorbed light energy in the photosynthetic apparatus. Meanwhile, PAKNO3 has a positive effect on seed germination. The positive effect of PALs on cotton seeds and plants is thought to be due to the generation of long-lived biologically active oxygen and nitrogen species during plasma treatment of the liquid.
Ethylene Signaling in Regulating Plant Growth, Development, and Stress Responses
Authors: Wang Xiaoyi , Wen Hongyi , Suprun Andrey , Zhu Hongliang
Published: January 2025

Ethylene is a gaseous plant hormone that plays a crucial role in coordinating various physiological processes in plants. It acts as a key mediator, integrating both endogenous developmental cues and external environmental signals to regulate a wide range of functions, including growth, fruit ripening, leaf abscission, and responses to stress. The signaling pathway is initiated when ethylene binds to its receptor. After decades of research, the key components of ethylene signaling have been identified and characterized. Although the molecular mechanisms of the sensing of ethylene signal and its transduction have been studied extensively, a new area of research is how respiration and epigenetic modifications influence ethylene signaling and ethylene response. Here, we summarize the research progress in recent years and review the function and importance of ethylene signaling in plant growth and stress responses. In addition, we also describe the current understanding of how epigenetic modifications regulate ethylene signaling and the ethylene response. Together, our review sheds light on the new signaling mechanisms of ethylene.
Genetic Variability of Ethiopian Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Landraces for Acid Soil Tolerance
Authors: Negusse Hawi , Haileselassie Teklehaimanot , Geleta Mulatu , Tesfaye Kassahun
Published: January 2025

Chickpea is among the major legume crops grown globally. In Ethiopia, it plays a vital role in the food security and economic stability of smallholder farmers. However, its production is often hampered by abiotic factors, particularly soil acidity, which is a major yet often overlooked challenge. Using tolerant genotypes alone or combined with soil amendments is a sustainable approach to improving chickpea production in acidic soils. Hence, the present study assessed the genetic variation of 64 Ethiopian chickpea accessions for acidic-soil tolerance using simple lattice design-based field experiments with two replications at two sites with acidic soil, Emdebir and Holetta. The study revealed significant genetic variation among the evaluated accessions for acid soil tolerance. The study also identified tolerant and high-yielding chickpea accessions with a high yield stability index (YSI) at both test sites. The landrace ETC_B_1_2016 exhibited the highest number of primary branches per plant (NPB), number of pods per plant (NPP), and total seed yield (TSY) at the Emdebir acidic soil trial. At the Holetta acidic soil trial, the landrace ETC_41237 recorded the highest TSY, followed by ETC_K_3_2016 and ETC_B_1_2016, while Akaki had the least. In addition, 14 accessions had the highest TSY and YSI at the Emdebir site, while 16 had the highest YSI at the Holetta site. Notably, NPP displayed the strongest positive correlation with TSY at both sites, irrespective of lime application. Higher genetic variance and broad-sense heritability observed for NPP, hundred-seed weight (HSW), and TSY suggest that genetic factors mainly influence these traits and are more likely to improve through selection. The identified acid-tolerant and high-yielding accessions could be considered for direct cultivation in areas with acidic soils, potentially increasing chickpea productivity. Additionally, these accessions can be crossbred with existing improved varieties to enhance their adaptability to acidic soils, ultimately contributing to food security in regions affected by soil acidity.
Influence of Drilling Fluid Temperature, Density, and Salinity on Borehole Stability in Permafrost Strata
Authors: Li Yang , Shi Jihui , Cui Qiang , Song Lifang
Published: January 2025

In the drilling process in permafrost strata, the mass and heat transfer effects may thaw the strata around the boreholes and decrease the content of pore ice, thus causing the mechanical properties of the strata to deteriorate greatly, thus influencing the stability of the borehole walls. In this work, a multiphysics coupling mathematical model was built for the stability of borehole walls in permafrost strata. Based on this model, the leading factors for the influences of the mass and heat transfer effects of drilling fluids on the stability of borehole walls were analyzed, and the influences of different drilling conditions on the stability of borehole walls were studied. The results demonstrate that the heat conduction of drilling fluids to the strata is the most important factor that influences the stability of borehole walls, and the diffusion of salt components affects the freezing temperature of pore water and the pore ice content in the frozen area. As the duration of the drilling increases, the collapsed zones of the borehole walls develop toward the radial and circumferential directions. Decreasing the temperature of the drilling fluids can improve the temperature distribution in the strata around the boreholes and is beneficial to reducing the degree of collapse. The increment in the concentration of salt components in the drilling fluids can decrease the overall temperature distribution in the strata, while the increase in the ionic concentration substantially decreases the pore ice content in permafrost and increases the borehole expansion rate. Enlarging the fluid column pressure of the drilling fluids does not intensify the mass and heat transfer effect of drilling fluids on the strata, while it greatly affects the stress distribution in the strata, shrinks the borehole collapse range, and improves the stability of the borehole walls.
Origen and Plato on the Superiority and Perfection of the Soul
Authors: Lin Zhimeng
Published: January 2025

Origen’s theology is fundamentally rooted in the question of whether he upheld the pre-existence of the soul or focused more on the soul’s superiority over the body and its perfection. While inheriting many ideas from Plato, Origen adapted them in accordance with Christian doctrine. Both Origen and Plato emphasized that the soul governs the body and is superior to it in both status and importance. The image of God resides in human soul, not the body, guiding individuals toward the perfection of the soul and the attainment of the whole virtues. Origen’s tripartite distinction of spirit, soul, and body is intrinsically connected to Plato’s tripartite theory of the soul, with the intermediary of the incarnate soul corresponding to the ambiguous role of thumos (spiritedness) in Plato’s dialogue. This suggests that humans are capable of both good and evil, a potential grounded in free will rather than the sin of the body. Nevertheless, Origen assigned the body a more important role, asserting that the Incarnation not only depended on the body but also facilitated the practice of virtue, positioning the body as central to his theory of resurrection. Origen also adopted Plato’s epistemology, teleology of knowledge, and theory of participation. He emphasized that the perfection of the soul requires liberation from the dominance of the senses, using Plato’s dialectical method and drawing inspiration from the Holy Spirit to achieve comprehensive knowledge and spiritual maturity. Origen should not be viewed as merely a Platonist or an anti-Platonist. Both he and Plato shared concerns about the correct way of life and perfect knowledge, and both sought to bridge the gap between the majority and the minority, avoiding both elitism and populism.
“Is It Roast Lamb for Dinner?” Reflections on Love, Loss and a Living God
Authors: Beattie Sarah Anne
Published: January 2025

This essay is a personal response to the questions that arose to confront my Christian faith as I attempted to navigate a way forward amidst the impact and consequences of a cancer diagnosis for, firstly, my sister and then my husband. It is a navigation that is still, and in some respects will always be, ongoing, but in reflecting on how the ‘wrong’ questions might be replaced by the ‘right’ ones, this essay seeks to retain hope as a guiding principle to light the way ahead.
Long-Term Spatiotemporal Pattern and Temporal Dynamic Simulation of Pine Wilt Disease
Authors: Hao Zhuoqing , Huang Wenjiang , Zhang Biyao , Chen Yifan , Fang Guofei , Guo Jing , Zhang Yucong
Published: January 2025

As a prominent forest pest on international quarantine lists, pine wilt disease (PWD) is characterized by its ease of transmission, rapid onset, high mortality rate, and the complexity of its prevention and control. The disease inflicts devastating damage on pine forest ecosystems and biodiversity in affected regions, resulting in substantial losses of ecological and economic value. This study uses 40 years of county-level data on PWD occurrences in China to investigate the historical spatiotemporal distribution patterns, the spreading process, and the impact of PWD on forest ecosystems. We divided the spread of PWD in China into three stages based on the changes in the number of affected areas. We used SaTScan spatial scanning to analyze the spatiotemporal distribution patterns and regional characteristics of the disease in each stage. Based on the spatial relationships of the affected areas, we identified two types of spread, namely continuous spread and leapfrogging spread, and conducted ecological models of the two spreading processes to describe the spread of PWD over the past 40 years. The results indicate that PWD has two major expansion periods in China. They show a diffusion pattern spreading from points to areas, ultimately forming four clusters with regional characteristics. Driving factors were selected for model construction based on the biological characteristics and spatiotemporal distribution patterns of PWD. The Susceptible (SIS) model and Random Forest (RF) model achieve good results in simulating continuous and leapfrog spread. By integrating the models of the two spreading processes, we can clearly quantify the 40-year spread of PWD in China. The long-term dynamic ecological modeling of PWD, based on historical dissemination characteristics, facilitates the development of disaster prediction models and the maintenance of forest ecosystems while also providing case studies for the invasion and spread of forest pests and pathogens.
Beyond Information Distortion: Imaging Variable-Length Time Series Data for Classification
Authors: Lee Hyeonsu , Shin Dongmin
Published: January 2025

Time series data are prevalent in diverse fields such as manufacturing and sensor-based human activity recognition. In real-world applications, these data are often collected with variable sample lengths, which can pose challenges for classification models that typically require fixed-length inputs. Existing approaches either employ models designed to handle variable input sizes or standardize sample lengths before applying models; however, we contend that these approaches may compromise data integrity and ultimately reduce model performance. To address this issue, we propose Time series Into Pixels (TIP), an intuitive yet strong method that maps each time series data point into a pixel in 2D representation, where the vertical axis represents time steps and the horizontal axis captures the value at each timestamp. To evaluate our representation without relying on a powerful vision model as a backbone, we employ a straightforward LeNet-like 2D CNN model. Through extensive evaluations against 10 baseline models across 11 real-world benchmarks, TIP achieves 2–5% higher accuracy and 10–25% higher macro average precision. We also demonstrate that TIP performs comparably on complex multivariate data, with ablation studies underscoring the potential hazard of length normalization techniques in variable-length scenarios. We believe this method provides a significant advancement for handling variable-length time series data in real-world applications. The code is publicly available.
Evaluation of the Drive Intervention for High-Harm Domestic Abuse Perpetrators in England and Wales Using a Quasi-Experimental Approach
Authors: Hester Marianne , Ortega-Avila Ana G. , Eisenstadt Nathan , Walker Sarah-Jane
Published: January 2025

High-risk and high-harm domestic abuse perpetrators pose the greatest risk of serious harm to (ex-)partners and family members. Robust evidence of perpetrator intervention is lacking for this group. The Drive perpetrator intervention in the United Kingdom focuses specifically on high-harm perpetrators to reduce abuse and increase safety of victims, using individual case management via support and disruption, co-ordinated multi-agency response and targeted support to victims. This paper reports on evaluation of the Drive pilot. A high quality quasi-experimental approach with individually randomised intervention and controls was applied in three areas in England and Wales. High-risk perpetrators (N = 2627) were allocated randomly to either Drive or usual care (support to victim). Change in safety and risk for Drive-associated victims was compared with the usual care victim group. Longer-term outcomes were assessed before, during and 12 months following the intervention for Drive and control group perpetrators at one site. The Drive intervention reduced abusive perpetrator behaviours and increased safety for victims compared to the control. The reduction in perpetration by both serial and repeat perpetrators sustained for a year after the end of the intervention and was statistically significant (p < 0.001) for Drive perpetrators compared to the control.
Does Shared Institutional Equity Enhance Corporate Eco-Transparency Reporting? Evidence from Firm Life Cycles Stages
Authors: Liu Yishan , Xu Xingao , Hai Hongbo , Hussain Hadi
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the relationship between corporate shared institutional equity (SIE) holders and eco-transparency reporting (ETR). Specifically, it examines three distinct types of SIE: (1) common institutional shareholders with industry peers, (2) the average count of unique institutional owners holding shares in both the focal company and its peers, and (3) the total percentage of SIE within the focal company. The findings indicate that firms with higher levels of SIE are more likely to disclose ETR, signaling a commitment to enhancing public trust and aligning with governmental expectations. Furthermore, the study explores the impact of SIE across different stages of the firm’s life cycle, revealing that the influence of SIE on ETR is more pronounced during the growth and mature stages. The results remain robust even when alternative thresholds for SIE are applied, such as adjusting from a 5% to a 3% threshold. To account for potential misspecification and omitted variables, propensity score matching (PSM), System generalized method of moments (Sys GMM) and two-stage least squares (2SLS) methods were employed. This research contributes to the literature by highlighting the role of shared institutional ownership in promoting environmental transparency, offering novel insights into how institutional investors can drive corporate sustainability practices across different firm life cycles.
The Impact of Sustainability Certification Schemes and Labels on Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Systematic Evidence Map
Authors: Harvey William J. , Black Naomi , Essaouabi Salma , Petrokofsky Leo , Rangan Vidya , Bird Matt Stancliffe , Villar Daniel , Waite Marxine , Petrokofsky Gillian
Published: January 2025

This systematic map explores the role of sustainability certification schemes and labels in reducing greenhouse gas emissions across biobased value chains. With increasing global and EU interest in transitioning to a sustainable bioeconomy, these certification mechanisms are seen as critical tools for promoting low-emission practices. This review maps the available evidence regarding the effectiveness of certification schemes, examining sector-specific variations and identifying knowledge gaps. A comprehensive search strategy was employed across three major databases and grey literature sources, yielding 41 relevant articles. There are significant disparities in the evidence on the impact of sustainability certification schemes and labels on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across biobased sectors. Agriculture has the most data, but studies are heavily focused on organic systems, limiting broader conclusions. Most research is concentrated in Southeast Asia and Europe, reducing generalizability to other regions. Additionally, most studies focus on the production stage, leaving value chain phases like processing and disposal under-represented. Knowledge gaps exist across sectors, certification schemes, and life cycle stages, highlighting the need for further research. While some schemes incorporate GHG management tools, evidence on their effectiveness remains insufficient and context-dependent, warranting more robust, targeted research. Though this research looked at all biobased feedstocks, it did not review schemes and labels specifically targeting biofuels, which presents an avenue for future research.
A Literature Review on Inventory Pooling with Applications
Authors: Yilmaz Ozlem
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we provide a review of academic research on inventory pooling published between 2010 and 2024, with a particular emphasis on studies that focus on real-world applications. The review analyzes the research conducted over the past 14 years, evaluates the outcomes of these applied studies, and identifies gaps in the literature. The contribution of this work is twofold: firstly, it provides insights into the extent to which theoretical advancements in inventory pooling have been implemented in the practice; secondly, it provides practitioners with an overview of recent real-world applications across various industrial contexts. The findings highlight the impact of inventory pooling on cost savings, service level improvements, inventory optimization in diverse sectors, and sustainability. Additionally, this paper examines the contributions of inventory pooling to economic, environmental, and social sustainability, offering a comprehensive analysis of its role in fostering sustainable practices across supply chains. Finally, the paper discusses practical challenges encountered in implementation and suggests directions for future research in this domain.