bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Graph-Theory Algorithm for Prediction of Electrolyte Degradation Reactions in Lithium- and Sodium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Borislavov Lyuben , Tadjer Alia , Stoyanova Radostina
Published: February 2025

The growing demand for sustainable energy storage devices requires the fabrication of novel materials for rechargeable metal-ion batteries. The stability of the materials incorporated in the electrochemical cells plays a crucial role in the specific capacity and cycling stability of energy storage devices. The processes that occur inside such systems are fairly complex; hence, the identification of unwanted side reactions affecting the electrochemical stability is not a trivial task. The present study combines cheminformatics and quantum chemistry approaches to create an algorithm that generates diverse viable side products of redox reactions that a given electrochemical system, e.g., different cathode or anode materials, electrolytes, solvents, etc., can undergo. Two case studies of electrolyte degradation are presented: namely, ethylene carbonate (EC) and diglyme (DG). The effect of the electrode surface is modeled by the dehydrogenation reactions of the electrolyte solvents. The predicted degradation products after reduction and oxidation are validated using previously reported experimental data. For EC, the predicted products are CO, CO2, ethene, ethylene oxide, [CO2]•−, and [CO2]•+, while for DG alkoxy anions are mainly anticipated. The number of gaseous products formed upon DG degradation is significantly smaller than the number of gaseous species formed by EC fragmentation. The proposed algorithm opens new avenues for the rapid deduction of degradation products of novel electrolyte solvents for which no experimental data are available and can easily be adapted to predict the degradation of other materials.
Insights into Synthesis and Optimization Features of Reverse Osmosis Membrane Using Machine Learning
Authors: Gao Weimin , Wang Guang , Li Junguo , Li Huirong , Ren Lipei , Wang Yichao , Kong Lingxue
Published: February 2025

Reverse osmosis membranes have been predominantly made from aromatic polyamide composite thin-films, although significant research efforts have been dedicated to discovering new materials and synthesis technologies to enhance the water–salt selectivity of membranes in the past decades. The lack of significant breakthroughs is partly attributed to the limited comprehensive understanding of the relationships between membrane features and their performance. Insights into the intrinsic features of reverse osmosis (RO) membranes based on metadata were obtained using explainable artificial intelligence to understand the relationships and unify the research efforts. The features related to the chemistry, membrane structure, modification methods, and membrane performance of RO membranes were derived from the dataset of more than 1000 RO membranes. Seven machine learning (ML) models were constructed to evaluate the membrane performances, and their applicability for the tasks was assessed using the metadata. The contribution of the features to RO performance was analyzed, and the ranking of their importance was revealed. This work holds promise for metadata analysis, evaluating the RO membrane against the state of the art and developing an inverse design strategy for the discovery of high-performance RO membranes.
Er(III) and Yb(III) Complexes with a Tripodal Nitroxyl Radical: Magnetochemical Study and Ab Initio Calculations
Authors: Perfetti Mauro , Dmitriev Alexey A. , Vostrikova Kira E.
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we investigate the magnetic exchange interaction and magnetization dynamics of two new members of the [LnRad(NO3)3] family, where Rad is a tripodal nitroxide, and Ln is Er(III) or Yb(III), having the prolate type electron density. Single OK crystal and powder X-ray diffraction studies showed that these complexes are isostructural with their previously investigated Y, Gd, Dy, Tm, Tb, Eu, and Lu congeners. A magnetometric investigation, supported by ab initio calculations, showed the presence of antiferromagnetic coupling between the lanthanide ion and the radical in both compounds with estimated J values of ≈7 and ≈20 cm−1 for Er and Yb, respectively (+J Seff∙ S formalism).
Effect of Cr and Mo Substitution of Fe on Activation and Hydrogen Ab-/Desorption Properties of TiFe Hydrogen Storage Alloy
Authors: Li Yuehai , Xiao Houqun , Zhong Minglong , Chen Qingjun
Published: February 2025

In this study, a series of quaternary TiFe-based alloys, Ti1.05Fe0.85Cr0.1−xMox (x = 0, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07, 0.1), were designed to investigate the activation and hydrogen ab-/desorption properties of TiFe hydrogen storage alloys through the substitution of Fe with Cr and Mo. The incorporation of Cr and Mo significantly enhanced the activation performance of TiFe hydrogen storage alloys, enabling activation at room temperature. This improvement in activation was accompanied by the maintenance of a high maximum hydrogen storage capacity and an elevated effective hydrogen storage capacity. As the Mo content increased, the lattice parameters increased slightly, further boosting the activation performance and reducing the optimal operating temperature from 90 to 75 °C, which can be readily matched using the waste heat from fuel cells. The addition of Mo also resulted in a flatter hydrogen absorption plateau, making the hydrogen storage and release process more stable. Among the alloys, Ti1.05Fe0.85Cr0.05Mo0.05 exhibited the best performance, with a maximum hydrogen storage capacity of 2.00 wt.%, an effective hydrogen storage capacity of 1.81 wt.%, and a relatively flat hydrogen ab-/desorption plateau. After 200 cycles, the hydrogen storage capacity decreased by only 0.50%, indicating promising application prospects in related fields.
Refinement Mechanism of Ultrafine-Grained CP-Ti Fabricated via Equal-Channel Angular Pressing
Authors: Gu Yanxia , Jiang Jinghua , Ma Aibin , Wu Haoran
Published: February 2025

Grains of commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti) can be refined via rotary-die equal-channel angular pressing (RD-ECAP) to meet higher application requirements. However, the grain refinement mechanism of CP-Ti during RD-ECAP has not been fully studied. Herein, CP-Ti was processed up to four passes by RD-ECAP to obtain an ultrafine-grained structure. The microstructure evolution, refinement mechanism, and dynamic recrystallization (DRX) behavior was investigated by TEM and EBSD analysis. The results revealed that after two passes, banded structures with numerous LAGBs inside were detected, while after four passes, most grains were equiaxed with HAGBs and the average grain size was about 0.5 μm. The fraction of HAGBs reached 78.6% for the four-pass sample, which was higher than that of two-pass sample. The fraction of deformed grains declined and the proportion of recrystallized grains increased as the pass number increased from two to four. The misorientation gradient analysis showed that subgrains with LAGBs evolved into new grains with HAGBs gradually to generate ultrafine grains. The refinement mechanism of CP-Ti during RD-ECAP can be concluded as continuous DRX (CDRX). In addition, the relationship between DRX type and the processing conditions as well as stacking fault energies (SFEs) of metals was innovatively explored, providing a new approach for predicting microstructure.
Effect of Multi-Phase Composite Structure on the Mechanical Properties of AlxFe1.5CoNiC0.12 High Entropy Alloys
Authors: Jiang Yiteng , Li Aoxiang , Kang Kaiwen , Zhang Jinshan , Huang Di , Che Chunning , Liu Saike , Xu Mingkun , Li Yaqing , Zhang Borui , Li Gong
Published: February 2025

Single-phase high entropy alloys (HEAs) exhibit limited mechanical properties while dual-phase and multi-phase HEAs offer better strength, toughness, and stability. In this paper, the as-cast AlxFe1.5CoNiC0.12 HEAs with triple-phase dendritic composite structure is studied, and the influence of the composite structure on the mechanical properties is discussed. The interdendrite (ID) of this structure is composed of a uniformly distributed high-density ordered face-centered cubic structure (L12) precipitate phase and face-centered cubic (FCC) matrix, while the dendrite (DR) consists of an ordered body-centered cubic (B2) single-phase. The high density L12 precipitate phase leads to a higher hardness in the FCC+L12 dual-phase region compared to the B2 single-phase region. The decrease in Al content can greatly improve mechanical performance. The improvement was attributed to the higher volume fraction of the ID and the smaller particle size of the precipitates. The L12 phase nano-precipitates exhibit minimal lattice mismatch with the FCC matrix, thereby significantly enhancing the stability of the alloy at the nanoscale. This stability is reflected in the fracture morphology. Modulating the triple-phase dendritic composite structure effectively improves the mechanical properties of the alloy.
Vapor-Assisted Method to Deposit Compact (CH3NH3)3Bi2I9 Thin Films for Bismuth-Based Planar Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Gao Zihao , Wang Xinjie , Sun Zhen , Song Ping , Feng Xiyuan , Jin Zhixin
Published: February 2025

Bismuth-based perovskite derivatives, (CH3NH3)3Bi2I9 (MBI), are promising non-toxic light-absorbing materials widely used in various photoelectric devices because of their excellent stability. However, MBI-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are limited by poor film quality, and the performance of such a device is far behind that of lead-based PSCs. In this work, the crystal structure and morphological properties of MBI films were compared across different preparation methods. The two-step vapor-assisted method can prepare continuous dense MBI films because MBI crystal nucleation is induced by the BiI3 seed layer. The MBI film grown by this method is better for the production of excellent PSCs compared to the film prepared by the solution method. The best photovoltaic device based on the MBI film could obtain a power conversion efficiency of 1.13%. An MBI device is stored in the glove box for 60 days, and the device’s performance is maintained at 99%. These results indicate that the vapor-assisted deposition of MBI films can be an effective method to improve the performance of bismuth-based planar PSCs.
Bacterial Community Composition and Diversity of Soils from Different Geographical Locations in the Northeastern USA
Authors: Jimenez Luis
Published: February 2025

Soil is the most dynamic matrix in the environment and where biogeochemical cycles take place through the activities of microorganisms such as bacteria. A 16S rRNA sequence analysis of seven different soil samples from different geographical locations in the northeastern part of the United States of America was conducted in order to determine bacterial community composition and diversity and whether geographical distance affects community composition. Microbial DNA was extracted from each soil sample and next generation sequencing was performed. Overall, the predominant bacterial phyla with high relative abundance in each soil were found to be members of Pseudomonadota, Actinomycetota, Acidobacteriota, Chloroflexota, and Bacteroidota which comprised the core microbiome in all 7 soils analyzed. At the order level, the top four bacteria belonged to Rhizobiales, Actinomycetales, Gaiellales, and Solirubrobacterales. Bacterial identification at the genus level were predominantly unclassified with an average of 58%. However, when identification was possible, the most abundant genera detected were Bradyrhizobium and Rhodoplanes. Surface soil samples from the states of New York, Maryland, and Delaware showed the lowest bacterial diversity when compared to suburban soil samples from the state of New Jersey. Similarity between bacterial communities decreased with increasing distance, indicating the dispersal limitations of some bacteria to colonize different habitats where some types show high relative abundance and others did not. However, in some samples, deterministic factors such as land management and possible vehicle emissions probably affected the assemblage and diversity of bacterial communities. Stochastic and deterministic processes might have determined the biogeographical distribution of bacteria in soils influencing the community structure and diversity.
Microbial Community Structure and Diversity of Endophytic Bacteria and Fungi in the Healthy and Diseased Roots of Angelica sinensis, and Identification of Pathogens Causing Root Rot
Authors: Cheng Yaya , Zhang Xiaoyun , Zhang Wenwen , Dong Jianmei , Ma Yanjun , Zhang Aimei , Han Fujun , Peng Hai , Kong Weibao
Published: February 2025

Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels is an important traditional Chinese herbal medicine, and its main medicinal part is the root. In recent years, root rot has become one of the bottlenecks hindering the healthy and green development of Angelica cultivation due to the inappropriate application of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, plant growth regulators, and continuous cropping. In this study, high-throughput sequencing technology was adopted to reveal the differences in the community structure and diversity of endophytic bacteria and fungi in the roots of healthy and diseased A. sinensis. The results showed that the diversity index of endophytic bacterial communities was significantly higher in healthy root than in diseased Angelica root systems. There was a significant difference in endophytic fungal community diversity only at the m1 sampling site. There was a significant difference in the β-diversity of bacterial communities, but not of fungi. In terms of community composition, Proteobacteria was the dominant phylum of bacteria, and Sphingobium and Pseudomonas were the dominant genera; Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the dominant phyla of fungi, and Plectosphaerella, Paraphoma, and Fusarium were the dominant genera. In addition, the relative abundance of the genera Sphingobium and Pseudomonas was higher in healthy roots, while Fusarium was higher in diseased samples. Among the five pathogens isolated from diseased root, four strains were Fusarium sp., and one was Paraphoma chrysanthemicola, which is reported for the first time. Our findings indicate that the endophyte community structure of A. sinensis infected with root rot changed significantly compared with healthy plants, and Fusarium is an important pathogenic factor, which provides a valuable microbiological basis for the targeted biocontrol of Angelica root rot.
Molecular and Biological Characterization of an Isolate of Fusarium graminearum dsRNA mycovirus 4 (FgV4) from a New Host Fusarium pseudograminearum
Authors: Ma Guoping , Zhang Yueli , Ma Liguo , Cui Kai , Zhang Bo , Jiang Hang , Qi Kai , Qi Junshan
Published: February 2025

Wheat Fusarium crown rot (FCR), mainly caused by Fusarium pseudograminearum, is one of the most important diseases. Some mycoviruses are reported to have a hypovirulence trait and considered as a biocontrol agent for plant fungal diseases. In most cases, mycovirus biological effects have not been explored clearly. In this study, we identified and characterized a novel isolate of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) mycovirus, Fusarium graminearum dsRNA mycovirus 4 (FgV4), from a new host, an isolate WC9-2 of F. pseudograminearum. The genome of FgV4-WC9-2 includes two dsRNA segments of 2194 bp and 1738 bp. FgV4-WC9-2 dsRNA1 contains a single open reading frame (ORF1), which encodes a protein of 675 amino acids (aa) and has a conserved RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) domain. FgV4-WC9-2 dsRNA2 contains two discontinuous ORFs (ORF2-1 and ORF2-2) that code for hypothetical proteins with unknown function. Biological characteristics research has shown that FgV4-WC9-2 infection did not change the colony morphology, but it could significantly decrease colony growth rate. FgV4-WC9-2 could also reduce the sporulation ability, change the conidia size and reduce the pathogenicity of the host to a certain extent. This study is the first to describe a hypovirulence-associated orthocurvulavirus infecting F. pseudograminearum, which has the potential to assist with FCR disease biological management.
Synthesis of S- and N,S-Heterocycle–Dipeptide Conjugates for Supramolecular Hydrogel Formation
Authors: Silva Ana-Morgana G. P. , Martins Maria F. , Oliveira Carlos B. P. , Martins José A. , Ferreira Paula M. T. , Queiroz Maria-João R. P.
Published: February 2025

Small peptides with aromatic nuclei at the N-terminus have been shown to form bioactive, biocompatible, and biodegradable supramolecular peptide hydrogels. Novel heterocycle–dipeptide conjugates with potential biological activity or application as drug carriers were synthesized by using S-(benzo[b]thiophene) and N,S-(thieno [2,3-b]pyridine and thieno[2,3-b]quinoline) heterocycles as N-protective groups for dipeptides l-Phe-l-Phe and l-Phe-l-Leu. The synthesis involved coupling heterocyclic carboxylic acids with trifluoroacetate salts of ethyl l-phenylalanyl-l-phenylalaninate and ethyl l-phenylalanyl- l-leucinate using HBTU and Et3N, producing the corresponding six N-heterocycle–dipeptide ester conjugates, which were then hydrolyzed to the carboxylic acids. These conjugates were subjected to gelation tests in water starting from 0.4 wt% concentration of the conjugates, using a pH-lowering method with GdL. Among them, only the conjugate of benzo[b]thiophene with l-Phe-l-Phe-OH formed a hydrogel, with a gelation critical concentration of 0.15 wt% (GdL 0.6%) and a final pH of 6.8, which is important for biological applications. The hydrogel was characterized by STEM, revealing nanofibers with an average thickness of 17 nm that assemble into a 3D network capable of trapping water. Further rheological analysis demonstrated its viscoelastic behavior (G′ = 3.03 × 103 Pa; G″ = 3.28 × 102 Pa), comparable to the extracellular matrix of certain human tissues, crucial for biomedical applications.
11C-Labeling of a Flavanone Extracted from a South American Native Species for Evaluation of Its Interaction with GSK-3β
Authors: Zeni Maia , Santi Maria Daniela , Arredondo Florencia , Reyes Laura , Bentura Manuela , Carvalho Diego , Peralta Mariana , Ortega Maria Gabriela , Abin-Carriquiry Juan A. , Martínez-Gonzalez Loreto , Gambini Juan Pablo , Duarte Pablo , Martinez Ana , Rey Ana , Giglio Javier
Published: February 2025

Natural products play a crucial role in drug discovery, primarily due to their structural complexity. The prenylated flavanone glabranin ((S)-5,7-dihydroxy-8-(3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl)-2-phenylchroman-4-one), isolated from the Dalea elegans plant species, has demonstrated neuroprotective effects, attributed to its inhibition of GSK-3β, as per our previous in silico studies. Given the enzyme’s diverse functions and its potential as a target for neurodegenerative diseases, our group synthesized and evaluated an 11C-labeled derivative of glabranin. We present its in vitro biological activity, including IC50, neuronal uptake in Alzheimer’s-affected brain regions, key physicochemical properties, and animal studies. This study confirms [11C]FLA’s interaction with GSK-3β in vitro, highlighting the potential of radiotracers in bioactive compound research.
Activated Carbons Derived from Brewing Cereal Residues and Pineapple Peelings for Removal of Acid Orange 7 (AO7) Dye
Authors: Sanni Samadou , Tchakala Ibrahim , Kodom Tomkouani , Karamoko Bonito Aristide , Bawa Limam Moctar , Holade Yaovi
Published: February 2025

The tremendous increase in agro-industrial waste poses major environmental problems and highlights the need for innovative, sustainable solutions. One promising solution would be converting these organic wastes, such as unvalued pineapple peels (ANA) and brewer’s grains (ECB), into activated carbons to meet the impending challenge of wastewater treatment. In particular, Acid Orange 7 (AO7) is one of the most widely used synthetic dyes, a significant portion of which ends up in water, posing environmental and health problems with limiting decentralized and cost-effective solutions. To address these two challenges, we investigated the best conditions for converting these organic wastes into alternative activated carbons (named CA-ANA and CA-ECB) for AO7 dye removal under representative adsorption conditions. Extensive characterization (SEM, EDX, XRD, BET) revealed an amorphous, mesoporous structure with specific surface areas of 1150–1630 m2 g−1, outperforming the majority of other biomass-derived activated carbons reported for AO7 removal. Adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Langmuir isotherm, with record AO7 removal efficiencies of 90–99% for AO7 concentrations of 25–35 mg L−1 in a batch reactor, the driving forces being electrostatic attraction, π–π interactions, and hydrogen bonding. These results undoubtedly highlight the potential of current waste-derived activated carbons as sustainable solutions for efficient wastewater treatment.
Maternal Phenylketonuria and Offspring Outcome: A Retrospective Study with a Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Leone Guido , Meli Concetta , Falsaperla Raffaele , Gullo Federica , Licciardello Laura , La Spina Luisa , Messina Marianna , Lo Bianco Manuela , Sapuppo Annamaria , Pappalardo Maria Grazia , Iacobacci Riccardo , Arena Alessia , Vecchio Michele , Ruggieri Martino , Polizzi Agata , Praticò Andrea Domenico
Published: February 2025

Background: Phenylketonuria (PKU) poses significant challenges for maternal and neonatal outcomes, requiring strict adherence to dietary protocols to maintain optimal maternal phenylalanine (Phe) levels during pregnancy. This study retrospectively analyzed outcomes of pregnancies in PKU-affected women and conducted a systematic review on the timing of dietary management and its impact on outcomes. Methods: This retrospective study included data from nine PKU-affected women and 14 pregnancies followed at the Regional Reference Center for Metabolic Diseases in Catania. Women were categorized based on the timing of dietary intervention: preconception (pcD), during pregnancy (pD), or never (nD). Maternal Phe levels were classified as in-target (tP+) or non-target (tP−). A systematic review of the literature was conducted using PRISMA methodology, including 77 studies reporting maternal Phe levels, dietary timing, and clinical/auxological offspring outcomes. Results: In the retrospective study, pcD and tP+ groups had significantly better neonatal outcomes, with lower rates of congenital heart disease (CHD), facial dysmorphisms, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and microcephaly. Systematic review data from 1068 PKU-affected women and 2094 pregnancies revealed that pcD with tP+ resulted in the lowest rates of miscarriage (0.14%) and adverse neonatal outcomes, while tP− and nD groups showed the highest rates of CHD, microcephaly, and intellectual disability. Conclusions: Early dietary intervention, ideally preconceptionally, and achieving target maternal Phe levels are critical in reducing adverse outcomes in pregnancies of PKU-affected women. These findings emphasize the importance of metabolic control and adherence to dietary protocols in maternal PKU management.
Quantification of Naturally Occurring Prebiotics in Selected Foods
Authors: Natale Arianna , Fiori Federica , Turati Federica , La Vecchia Carlo , Parpinel Maria , Rossi Marta
Published: February 2025

Background: Prebiotics are non-digestible dietary compounds, defined as substrates that are utilised by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit. Although fructo-oligosaccharides (FOSs) and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOSs) are among the most studied prebiotics and support intestinal normobiosis, comprehensive data on their content in foods remain limited. Objectives: The objective was to quantify the content of FOSs (kestose, nystose, and 1 F-β-fructofuranosylnystose) and GOSs (raffinose and stachyose) in 35 foods, including fruit and nuts, legumes, and cereals. We also estimated the intakes of prebiotics in an Italian population. Methods: We analysed the prebiotic content in foods using high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD). We estimated the prebiotic intake of 100 healthy controls from a case-control study on colorectal cancer conducted in Italy between 2017 and 2019. We used dietary information collected through a food frequency questionnaire and the prebiotic data quantified in this and a previous study. Results: FOSs were mostly detected in cereal products, with wheat bran and whole-meal rye flour containing the highest amount (around 0.7 g/100 g each). GOSs were most abundant in legumes, especially in dried soy products (around 4.0 g/100 g each). Mean daily intake was 0.236 g for total FOSs and 0.371 g for total GOSs. Wheat bran, raspberries, chestnuts, walnuts, raisins, soy milk, and soy yoghurt overall accounted for 3.9% of kestose, 1.2% of nystose, 0% of 1F-β-fructofuranosylnystose, 15.5% of raffinose, and 8.3% of stachyose total intakes. Conclusions: The present study enables the development of a comprehensive database on prebiotic content in foods through a consistent analytical method. This makes prebiotic intake assessments more accurate than previously available data and facilitates future epidemiological studies investigating their potential effects on health.
Nursing Students’ Perceptions and Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Nursing Education
Authors: Han ShinHi , Kang Hee Sun , Gimber Philip , Lim Sunghyun
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming nursing, with generative AI (GenAI) tools such as ChatGPT offering opportunities to enhance education through personalized learning pathways. This study aimed to explore nursing students’ use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) and their perceptions of its use in nursing education, including its advantages, disadvantages, and perceived support needs. Methods: This study employed an online survey. The participants were 99 undergraduate nursing students in New York City. Data was collected online through self-report measures using semi-structured, open-ended questions. The data was analyzed using content analysis. Results: Most participants (92%) used GenAI tools to access accurate information, clarify nursing concepts, and support clinical tasks such as diagnoses and health assessments, as well as schoolwork, grammar checks, and health promotion. They valued GenAI as a quick, accessible resource that simplified complex information and supported learning through definitions, practice questions, and writing improvements. However, the participants noted drawbacks, such as subscription costs, over-reliance, information overload, and accuracy issues, leading to trust concerns. The participants suggested financial support, early guidance, and instructional modules to better integrate AI into nursing education. Conclusions: The results indicate that GenAI positively impacts nursing education and highlight the need for guidelines on critical evaluation. To integrate GenAI effectively, educators should consider introductory sessions, support programs, and a GenAI-friendly environment, promoting responsible AI use and preparing students for its application in nursing education.
Examining the Correlates of Food Habits Among Adolescents in Zimbabwe: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Pencil Ashleigh , Matsungo Tonderayi Mathew , Chuchu Thomas Mavhu , Hongu Nobuko , Hayami Naomi
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Good eating habits are essential for proper growth and development. The aim of this study was to assess the correlates of eating habits and factors associated with poor food habits (i.e., Food Habits Score <50%) among in-school adolescents. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 423 adolescents enrolled from 10 high schools in Harare, Zimbabwe. A questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data, food habits, nutrition knowledge, and physical activity. WHO AnthroPlus was used to calculate weight-for-height z-scores for body mass index values. Pearson’s Chi-square and multinomial logistic regression were used to test for associations and explore factors associated with poor food habits (p < 0.05). Results: There were more girls (n = 225, 53.2%) than boys. Poor food habits were more prevalent than healthy eating habits for both sexes (51.1% and 53.5%, p = 0.619) and in the 14–16-year-old group (59.1%, p = 0.004). Overall, poor food habits were observed across the nutrition status spectrum with a higher percentage among underweight adolescents (58.5%, p = 0.693). Significant associations were found between age groups (14–16-year-olds vs. 17–19-year-olds) and high fat consumption, especially among 14–16-year-olds (54.8%, p = 0.036). Overall, sugar consumption was high among girls and 14–16-year-olds (52.6%, p = 0.278 and 55.1%, p = 0.666), and skipping meals, especially breakfast, was also common among the same sex and age groups (53.1%, p = 0.931 and 55.2%, p = 0.882). Poor food habits were significantly associated with the age group of 14–16 years [OR= 1.582 (1.026–2.440), p= 0.038]; places of residence in particularly high-density areas [OR= 1.816 (1.344–2.454), p = 0.001]; inadequate physical activity [OR = 0.479 (0.311–0.738), p = 0.001]; and inadequate nutrition knowledge [OR = 4.321 (2.242–8.330), p = 0.001]. Conclusions: Food habits were poor across the nutrition status spectrum. Poor food habits were more common among girls and 14–16-year-olds. Age, place of residence, nutrition knowledge, and inadequate physical activity were factors significantly associated with poor food habits.
In Silico Analysis and Transcriptional Profiling of A Putative Metalloprotease ADAMTSL as A Potential Tick Antigen against Rhipicephalus microplus
Authors: Sedano-Juarez Cesar Onoshi , Gómez-Romero Ninnet , Alonso-Díaz Miguel Ángel , Barrera-Molina América Ivette , Reyes-Guerrero David Emanuel , Lagunes-Quintanilla Rodolfo
Published: February 2025

The cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus, is the most significant ectoparasite in the cattle industry. The application of acaricides constitutes the main control method. However, inadequate treatments have serious drawbacks, including the appearance of multi-resistant ticks. Tick vaccines offer a safe and economically sustainable alternative for controlling R. microplus. Nevertheless, the efficacy of existing vaccines has been limited by polymorphisms in target antigens among strains from different geographical regions. In this study, we characterized a putative Metalloprotease from the ADAMTSL family. We analyzed three regions to evaluate their transcriptional profiling in different R. microplus tick tissues, using two constitutive genes (β-tubulin and Elfa-1) as references. The expression levels showed that ADAMTSL-R1 was upregulated 39.37-fold (p ≤ 0.05) in salivary glands. The ADAMTSL-R2 showed the highest expression, rising 7.69-fold (p ≤ 0.05) in ovaries and up to 59.39-fold (p ≤ 0.05) in egg mass. Furthermore, this region showed the highest level of conservation among Rhipicephalus isolates. The ADAMTSL-R3 was upregulated only in the egg mass. The results of this study provide a basis for future research focused on elucidating the role of these protein variants in tick biology, including their feeding mechanisms and potential implications in pathogen transmission. Understanding these factors may aid in developing an effective tick vaccine.
Seasonal Variability and Pathogenicity of Kiwifruit Bacterial Canker Pathogens in Sichuan Province, China
Authors: He Chengyong , Xu Zihong , Wang Lingli , Li Yarui , Li Jing , Song Haiyan , Chen Dong , Jiang Guoliang , Tu Meiyan
Published: February 2025

Kiwifruit canker disease, caused by different bacterial pathogens, was observed in Sichuan Province, China. Specifically, in the winter and spring seasons, Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa) was identified as the primary pathogen, causing reddish-brown exudates, branch dieback, and phloem decay. In contrast, during the summer months, Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. actinidiae (Pca) emerged as the primary causal agent of kiwifruit canker, exhibiting similar symptoms to those caused by Psa, such as exudates from leaf scars and lenticels, xylem necrosis, and branch desiccation. From 55 symptomatic samples, 34 bacterial isolates were obtained, with 28 identified as Psa and 6 as Pca. Pathogenicity tests revealed significant variation in virulence, with Psa isolate G5 and Pca isolate M5 showing the highest pathogenicity on leaves and branches, respectively. Both pathogens caused characteristic necrosis and lesion expansion, fulfilling Koch’s postulates. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the distinct evolutionary relationships of Psa and Pca isolates. These findings highlight the seasonal variability of kiwifruit canker pathogens and emphasize the need for targeted disease management strategies.
Toward the Optimal Choice of Gelled Vehicles for Oral Drug Administration in Dysphagic Patients
Authors: Logrippo Serena , Ganzetti Roberta , Sestili Matteo , Perinelli Diego Romano , Cespi Marco , Bonacucina Giulia
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Thickened waters are commonly used for dysphagic patients to ensure hydration, facilitate safer swallowing, and administer oral therapies, yet their impact on drug dissolution remains unclear. This study aims to investigate how thickening agents, viscosity, and solid oral dosage form (SODF) formulations influence drug release in gelled vehicles. Methods: Twelve commercially available thickened waters, including both ready-to-use products and powders for extemporaneous preparation, were used to disperse crushed sodium pravastatin tablets. The resulting preparations were evaluated for their rheological properties and dissolution performance. Results: Thickened water products vary in consistency, with starch-based thickeners providing more consistent results than gum-based ones. Pravastatin release profiles closely matched the original tablets with starch thickeners, while gum-based thickeners showed greater variability, primarily influenced by viscosity. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the importance of selecting the appropriate thickening agent for controlling drug release in thickened water products, highlighting the need to balance patient compliance with the potential impact on drug release during product development.
Effects of Sex and Cross-Sex Hormone Treatment on Renal MCT/SMCT Expression Following Prepubertal Gonadectomy
Authors: Lee Annie , Zhang Qing , Wei Hao , Felmlee Melanie A.
Published: February 2025

Background: Kidney proton- and sodium-dependent monocarboxylate transporters (MCT/SMCT) are involved in the renal reabsorption of substrates, and thus factors involved in their regulation may have pharmacokinetic implications. Previous studies have demonstrated sex hormone-dependent regulation of MCTs and SMCTs in tissues involved in drug disposition. The present study evaluates the impact of puberty on renal MCT/SMCT expression with ovariectomy and castration conducted before puberty, removing the initial exposure to sex hormones. Methods: Male and female rats were castrated or ovariectomized before puberty (4 weeks of age), and subsequently treated with testosterone, 17β-estradiol, progesterone, or both 17β-estradiol and progesterone for 21 days starting at 10 weeks of age. MCT1, CD147, and SMCT1 membrane-bound kidney expression were quantified by Western blot. Results: SMCT1 and CD147 expression were significantly higher in OVX and CST rats treated with testosterone, and testosterone plasma concentrations showed a significant positive correlation with MCT1, SMCT1, and CD147 expression. CD147 expression was significantly downregulated in OVX rats treated with estrogen, compared to placebo controls, and estrogen plasma concentrations were significantly negatively correlated with CD147 expression. Conclusions: Sex and cross-sex hormone treatment altered MCT1, CD147, and SMCT1 expression when gonadectomy was conducted before puberty. The magnitude and direction of the expression differences differed when compared to animals that underwent gonadectomy after puberty, suggesting that sex hormone exposure during puberty plays a key role in MCT1/SMCT1 renal expression. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms for the differential regulation of MCTs/SMCTs when gonadectomy occurs before or after puberty.
PET Imaging of CD206 Macrophages in Bleomycin-Induced Lung Injury Mouse Model
Authors: Tekin Volkan , Zhang Yujun , Yates Clayton , Jaynes Jesse , Lopez Henry , Garvin Charles , Larimer Benjamin M. , Lapi Suzanne E.
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: The identification of inflammatory mediators and the involvement of CD206 macrophages in anti-inflammatory responses, along with the synthesis of fibrotic mediators, are crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). Methods: In this study, the assessment of 68Ga-labeled linear and cyclic forms of the RP832c peptide, which demonstrate a specific affinity for CD206 macrophages, was performed to evaluate efficacy for CD206 imaging through PET/CT, biodistribution studies, and CD206 staining in a bleomycin-induced lung injury mouse model (BLM). This model serves as a representative framework for inflammation and fibrosis. Results: The findings reveal significant peak PET/CT signals (SUV means), ID/gram values, and CD206 staining scores in lung tissues at one week post bleomycin instillation, likely due to the heightened expression of CD206 in the bleomycin-induced lung injury model. In contrast, the healthy mice exhibited no detectable CD206 staining, lower PET signals, and reduced radiopharmaceutical accumulation in lung tissues at the same timepoint. Conclusions: These findings suggest that both linear and cyclic [68Ga]Ga-RP832c may function as promising PET imaging agents for CD206 macrophages, and thereby a strategy to non-invasively explore the role of macrophages during fibrogenesis.
Balancing Conductivity and Morphology in Aniline-Tuned Biopolymer–Starch Composites
Authors: Mohsin Mohammed E. Ali , Mousa Suleiman
Published: February 2025

This work investigates the optimization of aniline content in polyaniline (PANI)/sago starch blends prepared via in situ oxidative polymerization under ultrasonic irradiation. Building upon our previous optimizations of pH and sonication time, this study focuses on the effect of aniline concentration (5–65 wt%) on electrical conductivity, morphological dispersion, and thermal stability. Various characterization techniques, including field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT–IR) spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), confirm that a well-connected, conductive network forms at about 35 wt% aniline. Electrical conductivity measurements reveal a pronounced rise from ~1.6 × 10−8 to ~2.2 × 10−3 S/cm between 5 wt% and 35 wt% aniline. Conductivity stabilizes above this threshold due to PANI agglomeration. Morphological assessments confirm a shift from smooth, uniform blends at low aniline to rougher, void-filled surfaces when aniline exceeds 50 wt%. TGA shows improved thermal stability with increasing aniline content. These findings highlight an optimum aniline loading of ~35 wt% to achieve synergy between conductivity and structural integrity in biopolymer-based PANI/sago starch composites, offering a pathway to sustainable, high-performance biopolymer-based conductors for applications in sensors, flexible electronics, and electromagnetic shielding.
An Armature Defect Self-Adaptation Quantitative Assessment System Based on Improved YOLO11 and the Segment Anything Model
Authors: Dai Yuntong , Fang Xia
Published: February 2025

There is a need to address challenges faced in detecting and segmenting defects in micro-vibration motor armatures, which are crucial components used in digital devices. Due to their complex structure and tiny size, quality control during assembly is difficult. In this paper, an adaptive segmentation quantization (ASQ) system based on YOLO 11 and SAM is proposed to address the issue above. The system consists of a target detection (TD) unit, shape segmentation (SS) unit, and quantitative assessment (AS) unit, and introduces a practical combination of YOLO11 for defect detection and SAM for segmentation, integrating this with a novel quantitative assessment framework to measure defect severity and occurrence. This approach is efficient and cost-effective, supporting real-time industrial applications by allowing for automated, rapid analysis and improvement identification. Finally, a quantitative evaluation standard with more than 90% accuracy was achieved. Additionally, a hardware system was developed to implement this framework in industrial settings. The proposed framework adopts a strategy of intelligent morphological feature extraction and computation, focusing on pixel-level segmentation and quantitative assessment. This research makes a significant step forward in automating quality control processes for micro-scale components, providing a robust and adaptive solution for the enhancement of manufacturing efficiency and product quality.
Product and Process Data Structure for Automated Battery Disassembly
Authors: Klohs Domenic , Frieges Moritz , Gorsch Jonas , Ellmann Philip , Heimes Heiner Hans , Kampker Achim
Published: February 2025

Battery disassembly forms a central jumping-off point for recycling in the context of a sustainable closure of the battery loop. The main objective for economic realization in line with European recycling regulations is therefore a transformation of the battery disassembly from a manual to an automated process. Product-related influences such as design variations and process-side constraints including the selection of disassembly technologies require large amounts of data for implementation in an automated system. This article examines accessible data sources in the literature and the upcoming battery passport to build a basis for a multi-layered methodical analysis of the data required for the automation of battery disassembly. For this purpose, the disassembly sequence and depth of an Audi e-tron battery pack are first identified using a priority matrix and converted into a product and process structure. Definitions for product- and process-related elements are established, and a generalized process model is developed, which is finally converted into a data structure model approach. The result shows that much of the required data to automate the disassembly of used batteries are currently not yet available. Further efforts must be made to establish data structures and standards regarding product- and process-related disassembly data.
Spatiotemporal Variation in Carbon and Water Use Efficiency and Their Influencing Variables Based on Remote Sensing Data in the Nanling Mountains Region
Authors: Lei Sha , Zhou Ping , Lin Jiaying , Tan Zhaowei , Huang Junxiang , Yan Ping , Chen Hui
Published: February 2025

A comprehensive evaluation of the variations in carbon use efficiency (CUE) and water use efficiency (WUE) in the Nanling Mountains Region (NMR) is crucial for gaining insights into the intricate relationships between climate change and ecosystem processes. This study evaluates the spatiotemporal rates of dynamics in CUE, WUE, gross primary productivity (GPP), net primary productivity (NPP), and evapotranspiration (ET) over the period from 2001 to 2023, using remote sensing data and linear regression analysis. Trend analysis, Hurst exponent analysis, and stability analysis were applied to examine the long-term patterns of CUE and WUE, while partial correlation analysis was employed to explore the spatial relationships between these efficiencies and climatic factors. The main findings of the study are as follows: (1) The CUE and WUE of the NMR decreased geographically from 2001 to 2023, and both the CUE and WUE of NMR showed a significant declining trend (p < 0.05) with the CUE decreasing at a rate of 0.0014/a (a: year) and the WUE falling at a rate of 0.0022/a. (2) The average values of the CUE and WUE of the NMR from 2001 to 2023 were 0.47 and 0.82 g C·m−2·mm−1, respectively, with a clear geographical difference. (3) The CUE and WUE in the NMR showed widespread degradation trends with some localized improvements, yet sustainability analysis indicates a likely continued decline across most areas, particularly for forests, while grasslands exhibit the greatest resilience. (4) Precipitation had a significantly stronger impact on WUE, while temperature appeared to exert a more substantial effect on CUE, with vegetation types responding differently; notably, shrubland displayed a direct association between CUE and temperature. In summary, multi-source data were employed to comprehensively analyze the spatiotemporal dynamics of CUE and WUE in the NMR over the past 23 years. We also examined the features of their responses to global warming, offering valuable theoretical insights into the carbon and water dynamics within the terrestrial ecosystems of the NMR.
Key Governance Practices That Facilitate the Use of Remote Sensing Information for Wildfire Management: A Case Study in Spain
Authors: Prados Ana I. , Allen Mackenzie
Published: February 2025

We present results from a comprehensive analysis on the use of Earth Observations (EO) in Spain for wildfire risk management. Our findings are based on interviews with scientists, firefighters, forest engineers, and other professionals from government and private sector organizations in nine autonomous regions in Spain. Our aim is to identify the key governance practices facilitating or hindering the use of remote sensing (RS) information and to provide recommendations for improving their integration into landscape management and fire suppression activities to reduce wildfire risk. We share several case studies detailing activities and institutional arrangements facilitating the translation of satellite science and research into decision-making environments, with a focus on how this knowledge flows among the various stakeholder categories. Among the barriers faced by fire management teams in Spain, we identified institutional silos, lack of technical skills in satellite data processing and analysis, and the evolving acceptance of satellite data by decision makers.
Tracking of Low Radar Cross-Section Super-Sonic Objects Using Millimeter Wavelength Doppler Radar and Adaptive Digital Signal Processing
Authors: Richter Yair , Zach Shlomo , Blum Maxi Y. , Pinhasi Gad A. , Pinhasi Yosef
Published: February 2025

Small targets with low radar cross-section (RCS) and high velocities are very hard to track by radar as long as the frequent variations in speed and location demand shorten the integration temporal window. In this paper, we propose a technique for tracking evasive targets using a continuous wave (CW) radar array of multiple transmitters operating in the millimeter wavelength (MMW). The scheme is demonstrated to detect supersonic moving objects, such as rifle projectiles, with extremely short integration times while utilizing an adaptive processing algorithm of the received signal. Operation at extremely high frequencies qualifies spatial discrimination, leading to resolution improvement over radars operating in commonly used lower frequencies. CW transmissions result in efficient average power utilization and consumption of narrow bandwidths. It is shown that although CW radars are not naturally designed to estimate distances, the array arrangement can track the instantaneous location and velocity of even supersonic targets. Since a CW radar measures the target velocity via the Doppler frequency shift, it is resistant to the detection of undesired immovable objects in multi-scattering scenarios; thus, the tracking ability is not impaired in a stationary, cluttered environment. Using the presented radar scheme is shown to enable the processing of extremely weak signals that are reflected from objects with a low RCS. In the presented approach, the significant improvement in resolution is beneficial for the reduction in the required detection time. In addition, in relation to reducing the target recording time for processing, the presented scheme stimulates the detection and tracking of objects that make frequent changes in their velocity and position.