bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TQFL19, a Novel Derivative of Thymoquinone (TQ), Plays an Essential Role by Inhibiting Cell Growth, Metastasis, and Invasion in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: El-Far Ali , Liu Xiaoyan , Xiao Ting , Du Jun , Du Xinwei , Wei Chunli , Cheng Jingliang , Zou Hui , Fu Junjiang
Published: February 2025

Breast cancer (BC) is a significant public health concern globally. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is considered the most challenging type, as it is defined by an absence of estrogen and progesterone receptor expression, along with a lack of HER2 overexpression. In the current study, we developed a novel thymoquinone (TQ), TQFL19, to control TNBC progression. Purpose: The current study aimed to investigate the anticancer potential of a newly synthesized TQFL19 against TNBC. Study design: To achieve our research goals, we meticulously developed both in vitro and in vivo studies focused on TNBC cell growth, metastasis, and invasion. Results: Characterization and ADMET properties prediction of TQFL19 were first performed before treating TNBC cells. TQFL19 exhibited more potent cytotoxicity than TQ against 4T1, BT-549, and MDA-MB-231 cells and induced apoptosis of 4T1 and MDA-MB-231, besides cell cycle arrest of MDA-MB-231. In vivo mice allograft of 4T1 revealed the ability of TQFL19 to hinder the growth, migration, and metastasis of TNBC cells. Conclusions: The results suggest that TQFL19 potentially inhibited TNBC growth, metastasis, and invasion. The results conclude that TQFL19 could be a viable candidate for TNBC therapy.
Association of Antioxidant Diet with Risk of Hyperemesis Gravidarum Among Chinese Pregnant Women: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhang Lan , Li Xiang , Jin Yuan , Cheng Wenjie , Zhang Xinyu , Ma Qian , Liu Aohua , Chen Siyang , Fan Yahui , Zhang Shunming , Lin Jing , Ma Le
Published: February 2025

(1) Background: Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiologic of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). Epidemiological studies have explored the associations of specific antioxidant foods and nutrients with HG. However, evidence regarding the relationship between an antioxidant-rich diet and the risk of HG remains limited. The objective of this research was to explore the relationship between antioxidant-rich diet and HG. (2) Methods: This was a population-based cross-sectional study. A total of 2980 pregnant women were included in our population. A composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI) was calculated by summing the standardized intakes of vitamins A, C, and E, selenium, zinc, and total carotene. A dietary antioxidant potential score (DAPS) was derived using reduced rank regression. Binary logistic regression models were employed to analyze the associations of CDAI and DAPS with risk of HG. (3) Results: In total, 241 (8.09%) cases of HG were identified in this study. After adjusting for potential confounders, including age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, physical activity, current smoking status, current alcohol consumption, pre-pregnancy body mass index, nutritional supplement usage, total energy intake, gestational week, menstruation regularity, family history of HG, primigravida status, and quality of life during pregnancy, ORs (95% CIs) of HG in the highest tertiles were 0.31 (0.21–0.47) for CDAI and 0.41 (0.28–0.57) for DAPS when comparing lowest tertiles (all p-trend < 0.001). Such associations remained robust across multiple sensitivity analyses and subgroup analyses. (4) Conclusions: Higher CDAI and DAPS, indicative of greater adherence to an antioxidant-rich diet, were associated with a lower risk of HG. This finding underscores the crucial role of consuming antioxidant-rich foods in the prevention of HG.
Comparison of Nutrient Intake Across Different Dietary Patterns in Brazilian Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Camargo Hilara Forti , Previdelli Agatha Nogueira , Alonso Angelica Castilho , Bastos Marta Ferreira , Machado-Lima Adriana , de Aquino Rita de Cássia
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Dietary patterns are able to capture the complexity of the diet. The present study aimed to compare the nutrient intake across different dietary patterns in Brazilian community-dwelling older adults. Methods: Dietary patterns from 295 (predominantly women, 85%) of Brazilian community-dwelling older adults were identified using principal component analysis, based on a 24 h dietary recall (24HR). The following patterns were identified: the “traditional” pattern (consisting of in natura or minimally processed food); the “modified” pattern (consisting of processed foods, confectionery), and the “snack” pattern (composed of coffee, whole milk, bread, toast, butter, or margarine). Participants were divided into three tertiles according to their scores in each pattern. A comparison of energy and nutrient intake across the tertiles of the three patterns was analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis rank sum test. Then, the intake of energy and macro and micronutrients were analyzed. Results: Older adults with higher scores for the “traditional” pattern had significantly higher intakes of total energy, all macronutrients, beta-carotene, vitamin C, E and K, thiamine, pyridoxine, and total folate (p < 0.05). Participants with higher scores for the “modified” pattern had significantly higher intakes of total energy, added sugar, total and animal protein, leucine, arginine, monounsaturated fat, cholesterol, niacin, and pyridoxine; the second tertile had lower vitamin A than the first tertile (p < 0.05). Finally, older adults with higher scores for the “snack” pattern had significantly lower intakes of total and insoluble fiber, animal and vegetable proteins, vitamins (A, E, and K), niacin, and pyridoxine (p < 0.05). The “Traditional” pattern exhibited the most appropriate dietary pattern regarding the availability of essential nutrients, resulting in a better quality of habitual intake and outcomes that are related to health promotion and reduction in the risk of non-chronic issues. Conclusions: The results reinforce the importance of public policies that encourage the maintenance of the traditional Brazilian dietary pattern, which is in alignment with Brazilian Dietary Guidelines, especially in the older population.
Limb Osseointegration—How Important Is the Role of Nutrition in the Process?
Authors: Wnuk-Scardaccione Agnieszka , Cima Megan Shawl
Published: February 2025

Background and aims: Osseointegration (OI) surgery of the appendicular skeleton for repair in amputees is a treatment in which a metal implant is directly fixed to the residual bone and subsequently connected to a prosthetic limb via a transcutaneous connector through a small incision in the skin. Current treatment does not consider nutritional advice for patients undergoing the OI procedure. However, since the group of patients is very heterogeneous, the results may not be always satisfactory for patients and clinicians. Furthermore, in some individuals, incorrect nutrition and diet habits may lead to complications and rejection of the implant. Methods: We created an extensive narrative evaluation by conducting a methodical search. A comprehensive search was conducted across three major databases: PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. The search was carried out in October 2024 with no time limit specified. The approach involved using specific, pre-defined search terms, which were first applied in PubMed, followed by Embase and Scopus to ensure a broad and diverse range of articles was captured. The search process was refined by considering studies published in high-impact journals, as identified based on impact factors and subject relevance. To ensure consistency and rigor, the selection criteria were applied uniformly across all databases, and irrelevant or incomplete articles were excluded. Results: Based on the specific nature of the OI procedure, it is crucial to adapt patients’ diets and nutrition after the process. To translate the findings from the reviewed literature into practical clinical guidance for osseointegration (OI) procedures, we developed dietary recommendations for both patients and clinicians, presented as proposed dietary plans and summarized in tables. These recommendations were informed by evidence from various studies, highlighting findings that were supported by randomized controlled trials (RCTs) as well as areas where the evidence remains inconclusive or unsupported by RCTs. Major vitamins and micro- and macroelements were distinguished and presented as guidelines for clinicians. Conclusions: OI is currently the most promising therapeutic options for amputees. To promote efficient tissue healing and provide energy for rehabilitation, it is recommended to follow a healthy, well-balanced diet that contains all the essential micronutrients, macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals. We also provide suggestions for future studies.
Enhancing Healthcare Efficiency: The Relationship Between Effective Communication and Teamwork Among Nurses in Peru
Authors: Meneses-La-Riva Monica Elisa , Fernández-Bedoya Víctor Hugo , Suyo-Vega Josefina Amanda , Ocupa-Cabrera Hitler Giovanni , Grijalva-Salazar Rosario Violeta , Ocupa-Meneses Giovanni di Deus
Published: February 2025

Background: Effective communication in healthcare is essential for ensuring teamwork that is continuous, effective, and efficient. It plays a crucial role in supporting comprehensive and holistic care for patients while also guaranteeing the safety and satisfaction of the services provided. Objective: To determine the relationship between effective communication (as well as its dimensions: transmission of institutional culture, source of employee motivation, and facilitation of teamwork and conflict resolution) and teamwork among nurses in a national hospital in Peru. Methods: The research employed a quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional approach with a non-experimental design. The study population consisted of 328 nurses working in various hospital departments between January and October 2024. Data were collected using two questionnaires: The first assessed effective communication through three dimensions: transmission of institutional culture, source of employee motivation, and facilitation of teamwork and conflict resolution. The second instrument evaluated teamwork across three dimensions: institutional context, composition, and process. Results: A very strong positive correlation was observed between effective communication and teamwork among nurses, with a coefficient of 0.925 and a p value < 0.01. Conclusions: The study found a strong link between effective communication and teamwork among nurses. It underscores the role of communication, organizational culture, and motivation in strengthening teamwork, which enhances patient care and healthcare delivery. The findings highlight the impact of institutional culture, motivation, and conflict resolution, emphasizing soft skills and ethical behavior in improving team dynamics and organizational strategies.
Assessing the Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Dental Prosthetics: A Cross-Sectional Study from Eastern Croatia
Authors: Kovačević Ingrid , Barać Ivana , Major Poljak Katarina , Čandrlić Slavko , Čandrlić Marija
Published: February 2025

Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among patients with fixed, removable, and combined dental prosthetic restorations in Osijek, Croatia, focusing on potential variations by gender, age, and prosthetic type. Methods: This study included 313 patients treated at dental clinics within the Osijek-Baranja County Health Center. The standardized Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire, validated in Croatian (OHIP-CRO14), was used to assess the participants’ OHRQoL. Statistical analyses were conducted to explore associations between demographic factors, prosthetic types, and OHRQoL domains. Results: Psychological discomfort emerged as the domain with the lowest reported OHRQoL, whereas social disability was the least affected. Gender showed no significant association with OHRQoL outcomes. However, age influenced OHRQoL scores. Patients with fixed prosthetic restorations reported better OHRQoL in functional limitation, physical pain, and physical disability compared to those with removable or combined prosthetics. Conclusions: Patients with fixed prosthetic restorations reported better OHRQoL, particularly in functional limitation, physical pain, and physical disability domains. While no significant gender differences were observed, age significantly influenced physical disability scores, with younger participants reporting lower scores and older participants higher scores. These results emphasize the importance of prosthetic type in improving OHRQoL and guiding clinical decision-making in dental practice.
Imprints of High-Density Nuclear Symmetry Energy on Crustal Fraction of Neutron Star Moment of Inertia
Authors: Zhang Nai-Bo , Li Bao-An
Published: February 2025

The density dependence of nuclear symmetry energy Esym(ρ) remains the most uncertain aspect of the equation of state (EOS) of supradense neutron-rich nucleonic matter. Utilizing an isospin-dependent parameterization of the nuclear EOS, we investigate the implications of the observational crustal fraction of the neutron star (NS) moment of inertia ΔI/I for the Esym(ρ). We find that symmetry energy parameters significantly influence the ΔI/I, while the EOS of symmetric nuclear matter has a negligible effect. In particular, an increase in the slope L and skewness Jsym of symmetry energy results in a larger ΔI/I, whereas an increase in the curvature Ksym leads to a reduction in ΔI/I. Moreover, the ΔI/I is shown to have the potential for setting a lower limit of symmetry energy at densities exceeding 3ρ0, particularly when L is constrained to values less than 60 MeV, thereby enhancing our understanding of supradense NS matter.
Rhipicephalus microplus and Its Impact on Anaplasma marginale Multistrain Infections in Contrasting Epidemiological Contexts
Authors: Pérez Agustina E. , Guillemi Eliana C. , Sarmiento Nestor F. , Cantón Germán J. , Farber Marisa D.
Published: February 2025

Bovine anaplasmosis is a disease caused by Anaplasma marginale, a tick-borne bacterial pathogen with global distribution, primarily determined by the range of its vector. In Argentina, Rhipicephalus microplus is the main species associated with A. marginale transmission, even though this bacterium can also be mechanically transmitted. We studied complex infections (more than one A. marginale variant) in naturally infected bovines from two different epidemiological contexts: a region with the tick vector and a tick-free region. In the tick-free area, symptomatic infections were associated with a single A. marginale genotype, while asymptomatic bovines from the same herd remained chronically infected with a low number of genotype variants. By contrast, in the region where R. microplus is present, the only symptomatic bovine showed highly diverse infections, with 19 distinctive genotypes. Additionally, A. marginale genotypes were also detected in tick tissues. These findings, together with previous data, indicate that R. microplus harbors A. marginale populations that are maintained through tick generations by means of transovarial transmission. Furthermore, this tick species is responsible for maintaining A. marginale diversity in the bovine host over time through coinfection and superinfection events.
The Use of [11C]C-Methionine in Diagnostics of Endocrine Disorders with Focus on Pituitary and Parathyroid Glands
Authors: Durma Adam Daniel , Saracyn Marek , Kołodziej Maciej , Jóźwik-Plebanek Katarzyna , Kamiński Grzegorz
Published: February 2025

The rapid development of nuclear medicine offers vast opportunities for diagnosing neoplasms, particularly in endocrinology. The use of the [11C]C-methionine radiotracer is currently limited due to its physical properties and the complex production process. However, studies conducted so far have demonstrated its utility in PET imaging, helping to detect lesions that often remain elusive with other modalities. This systematic review focuses on [11C]C-methionine in diagnosing hyperparathyroidism and pituitary tumors, highlighting its high effectiveness, which can be crucial in diagnosis. Despite some disadvantages, it should be considered when available, especially when other modalities or radiotracers fail.
A Multivalent mRNA Therapeutic Vaccine Exhibits Breakthroughs in Immune Tolerance and Virological Suppression of HBV by Stably Presenting the Pre-S Antigen on the Cell Membrane
Authors: Liu Shang , Wang Jie , Li Yunxuan , Wang Muhan , Du Pei , Zhang Zhijie , Li Wenguo , Sun Rongchen , Fan Mingtao , Yang Meijia , Yin Hongping
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: In chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB), the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) continuously exhausts the hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb), which leads to the formation of immune tolerance. Accordingly, the hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can be blocked by inhibiting the binding of the hepatitis B surface pre-S1/pre-S2 antigen to the hepatocyte receptor NTCP, but the clinical cure rate of pre-S-based vaccines for CHB is limited. Methods: In this study, we designed and prepared multivalent hepatitis B therapeutic mRNA vaccines encoding three hepatitis B surface antigen proteins (L, M, and S) at the cell membrane, verified via in vitro transfection and expression experiments. An in vivo immunization experiment in HBV transgenic (Tg) mice was first completed. Subsequently, an adeno-associated virus plasmid vector carrying the HBV1.2-fold genome (pAAV HBV1.2) model and the adeno-associated virus vector carrying HBV1.3-fold genome (rAAV HBV1.3) model were constructed and immunized with mRNA vaccines. The HBV antigen, antibodies, and HBV DNA in serum were detected. Indirect (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) ELISA were made to analyze the activated antigen-specific IgG in HBV Tg mice. Antigen-dependent T-cell activation experiments were carried out, as well as the acute toxicity tests in mice. Results: The L protein/pre-S antigens could be stably presented at the cell membrane with the support of the S protein (and M protein). After vaccinations, the vaccines effectively reactivated the production of high levels of HBsAb, disrupted immune tolerance, and activated the production of high-affinity antibodies against structural pre-S antigen in HBV Tg mice. The HBsAg seroconversion and serum HBV DNA clearance were achieved in two HBV mice models. Furthermore, pre-S antigen-dependent T-cell response against HBV infection was confirmed. The therapeutic vaccine also showed safety in mice. Conclusions: A novel therapeutic mRNA vaccine was developed to break through HBsAg-mediated immune tolerance and treat CHB by stably presenting the pre-S antigen at the membrane, and the vaccine has great potential for the functional cure of CHB.
Social Determinants of Health and Medication Adherence in Older Adults with Prevalent Chronic Conditions in the United States: An Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009–2018
Authors: Adeoye-Olatunde Omolola A. , Hastings Tessa J. , Blakely Michelle L. , Boyd LaKeisha , Aina Azeez B. , Sherbeny Fatimah
Published: February 2025

Background: The older adult population is rapidly expanding in the United States (US), with a high prevalence of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Medication nonadherence is prevalent in this population, with less evidence on the influence of social determinants of health (SDoH). Thus, the objective of this study was to identify and prioritize SDoH associated with medication adherence among US older adults with these comorbidities. Method: Using the World Health Organization Commission on Social Determinants of Health and Pharmacy Quality Alliance Medication Access Conceptual Frameworks, publicly available National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey datasets (2009–2018) were cross-sectionally analyzed among respondents aged 65 and older who were diagnosed with study diseases. Data analyses included descriptive statistics, and logistic regression using an alpha level of 0.05. Result: Analyses included 5513 respondents’ data. Bivariate analysis revealed significant differences in medication adherence based on several structural (e.g., ethnicity) and intermediary (e.g., disability status) determinants of health. Multivariable analysis revealed significant differences in medication adherence for alcohol consumption (p = 0.034) and usual healthcare place (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The study findings underscore pertinent implications for public health and policy, with specific SDoH being the most likely to affect medication adherence in common chronic conditions among older adults in the US.
Modeling Dual-SiOxN Thin-Film Edge Coupler with Ultra-Low Loss and Large Alignment Tolerance
Authors: Chen Zhaozhen , Fu Xin , Zhang Lei , Han Zhengsheng
Published: February 2025

High-performance facet couplers are essential components in the field of silicon nitride integrated photonic chips. In this work, a novel end-face coupling structure, using a double-layer SiOxN thin-film waveguide, is proposed. By precisely controlling the thickness and gap of the SiOxN layers, we achieve flexible tuning of the output mode field size. This structure offers exceptional performance, including ultra-low coupling loss (TE: 0.29 dB, TM: 0.31 dB), large 3 dB alignment tolerance (±2.5 μm), and near-zero polarization-dependent loss. The optimized design strikes a favorable balance between coupling efficiency and alignment tolerance, making it well-suited for a wide range of photonic applications.
A Transformer-Based Detection Network for Precision Cistanche Pest and Disease Management in Smart Agriculture
Authors: Zhang Hang , Gong Zimo , Hu Chen , Chen Canyang , Wang Zihang , Yu Boda , Suo Jingchao , Jiang Chenlu , Lv Chunli
Published: February 2025

This study focuses on pest and disease detection in cistanche, proposing a Transformer-based object detection network enhanced by a bridging attention mechanism and bridging loss function, demonstrating outstanding performance in complex agricultural scenarios. The bridging attention mechanism dynamically fuses low-level details and high-level semantics, significantly improving detection capabilities for small targets and complex backgrounds. Experimental results show that the method achieves an average accuracy of 0.93, a precision of 0.95, a recall of 0.92, and mAP@50 and mAP@75 scores of 0.92 and 0.90, outperforming traditional self-attention mechanisms and CBAM modules. These results confirm the method’s ability to overcome challenges such as unclear disease features and small target sizes, providing robust support for precision pest detection. The research contributes to smart agricultural disease management and the sustainable development of cistanche cultivation while laying a solid foundation for future agricultural intelligence applications.
Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer Types and Planting Density on the Yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Salt-Tolerant Rice Under Salt Stress Conditions
Authors: Zhao Tingcheng , Wang Jianbo , Li Rongyi , Zhang Pengfei , Guo Xiayu , Qi Yucheng , Li Yusheng , Cheng Shenghai , Ji Junchao , He Aibin , Ai Zhiyong
Published: February 2025

Soil salinization poses a serious threat to global food security, as high Na+ contents in soils hinder nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), affecting the growth and yield of crop plants. The present study aims to explore the effects of different nitrogen fertilizer types viz., NO3− (N1) and NH4+ (N2) and planting densities, viz., D1: 30 × 10 cm, D2: 20 × 20 cm, and D3: 30 × 20 cm, on growth and development, nitrogen absorption and utilization, and yield formation. The salt-tolerant rice variety ‘Jingliangyou 3261’ was exposed to 0.3% salt irrigation water. Results revealed that N2 substantially improved the rice yield by increasing the number of effective panicles and the rate of grain-setting compared to N1. In addition, the N2 also increased leaf chlorophyll content, dry matter accumulation, antioxidant enzyme activity such as superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase activity and reduced the content of malondialdehyde. In comparison with N1, the N2 treatment resulted in an increase of 12.21%, 31.89%, and 37.53% in total nitrogen accumulation, nitrogen recovery efficiency (NRE), and nitrogen agronomic efficiency (NAE), respectively. This increase can be attributed to enhanced leaf nitrogen metabolic enzyme activity, including nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase, and a more robust root system. Under N1 and N2 conditions, compared to D3, D1 resulted in an increase in the number of tillers but decreased the percentage of productive tillers, the grains per panicle, the grain-filling rate, and the thousand-grain weight, thereby reducing yield. Additionally, the D3 treatment also significantly improved NRE and NAE compared to the D1 treatment. Therefore, the rational selection of nitrogen fertilizer type (N2) and planting density (D3) is crucial for improving the yield and nitrogen use efficiency of salt-tolerant rice. This would broaden the scope of agricultural solutions for saline soils, potentially improving food security in regions where soil salinization is a widespread issue.
Why Is the Diversity of Tree Species in China’s Lowland Rainforests Higher than in Its Montane Rainforests?
Authors: Pang Tong , Yuan Langxing , Wei Yaqing , Wang Xin , Zhang Ning , Ji Kepeng , Li Yuwu , Lan Guoyu
Published: February 2025

Despite extensive research on tree species diversity in tropical rainforests, the differences in diversity between lowland and montane rainforests, as well as the underlying mechanisms, remain unclear. This study utilizes tree inventory data from two dynamic monitoring sample plots, each with an area of 1 hm2, established in the lowland rainforest and montane rainforest regions of Diaoluo Mountain, Hainan Island. We analyzed the composition, diversity, spatial distribution patterns, and interspecific relationships within the tree communities. In total, 154 tree species with DBH > 3 cm were recorded in lowland rainforests, and 119 were recorded in montane rainforests, with lowland rainforests harboring 51 rare species compared to 40 rare species in montane rainforests. The distribution pattern of small trees (with DBH ≤ 7.5 cm) exhibited clustering at a small scale but random distribution at a larger scale. This phenomenon was more prevalent in tropical lowland rainforests, indicating that the negative density dependence effect is more pronounced in lowland rainforests compared to montane rainforests. Moreover, a higher proportion of negative associations and lower niche overlaps were observed in the lowland rainforest compared to the montane rainforest, suggesting that niche differentiation among tree species is more pronounced in the lowland rainforest. In conclusion, the more intense negative density dependence effect and niche differentiation are the primary factors contributing to the higher tree species diversity observed in lowland rainforests.
Recent Advances in Sugarcane Leaf Scald Disease: Pathogenic Insights and Sustainable Management Approaches
Authors: Kong Chun-Yan , Wickramasinghe Kamal Priyananda , Xu Chao-Hua , Mao Jun , Liu Hong-Bo , Kumar Tanweer , Lin Xiu-Qin , Li Xu-Juan , Tian Chun-Yan , Zhao Pei-Fang , Lu Xin
Published: February 2025

Sugarcane, a key cash crop in tropical and subtropical regions, is primarily cultivated for sucrose and bioethanol. However, Sugarcane Leaf Scald Disease, caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Xanthomonas albilineans, significantly threatens global sugarcane production. This review examines the disease cycle, epidemics, host–pathogen interactions, integrated management strategies, and future prospects for combating leaf scald. It highlights advancements in understanding pathogenicity, immune responses, and sustainable management of bacterial plant diseases to enhance control and prevention efforts. An analysis of GenBank data revealed 21 strains of X. albilineans, with some featuring complete genome maps and varying guanine-cytosine (GC) content. Advanced genomic tools, including clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), and molecular techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enable accurate pathogen detection and facilitate the identification of resistance genes, aiding breeding programs. Recent progress in whole-genome sequencing and reduced costs have enabled the assembly of multiple X. albilineans genomes, enhancing bioinformatics analysis. Despite these advancements, research on the global genetic diversity of X. albilineans remains limited. Addressing this gap is crucial for developing more sustainable strategies to manage leaf scald, ensuring stable sugarcane yields and supporting global production. Further studies will strengthen efforts to mitigate this significant agricultural challenge.
Phylogenetic Inferences and Historical Biogeography of Onocleaceae
Authors: Zhao Jing , Wang Jia-Guan , Hu Yu-Ping , Huang Chuan-Jie , Fang Shao-Li , Wan Zi-Yue , Li Rong-Juan , Yu Hong , He Zhao-Rong , Zhou Xin-Mao
Published: February 2025

The family Onocleaceae represents a small family of terrestrial ferns, with four genera and around five species. It has a circumboreal to north temperate distribution, and exhibits a disjunct distribution between Eurasia and North America, including Mexico. Historically, the taxonomy and classification of this family has been subject to debate and contention among scholars, leading to contradictory classifications and disagreements on the number of genera and species within the family. Furthermore, due to this disjunct intercontinental distribution and the lack of detailed study across its wide range, this family merits further study to clarify its distributional pattern. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic reconstructions were based on a concatenated sequence dataset for 17 plastid loci and one nuclear locus, which were generated from 106 ingroup and six outgroup taxa from three families. Phylogenetic analyses support that Onocleaceae is composed of four main clades, and Pentarhizidium was recovered as the first branching lineages in Onocleaceae. Molecular dating and ancestral area reconstruction analyses suggest that the stem group of Onocleaceae originated in Late Cretaceous, with subsequent diversification and establishment of the genera Matteuccia, Onoclea, Onocleopsis, and Pentarhizidium during the Paleogene and Neogene. The ancestors of Matteuccia, Onoclea, and Onocleopsis could have migrated to North America via the Beringian land bridge or North Atlantic land bridge which suggests that the diversification of Matteuccia + Onoclea + Onocleopsis closely aligns with the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM). In addition, these results suggest that Onocleaceae species diversity peaks during the late Neogene to Quaternary. Studies such as this enhance our understanding of the mechanisms and climatic conditions shaping disjunct distribution in ferns and lycophytes of eastern Asia, North America, and Mexico and contribute to a growing body of evidence from other taxa, to advance our understanding of the origins and migration of plants across continents.
FloodKAN: Integrating Kolmogorov–Arnold Networks for Efficient Flood Extent Extraction
Authors: Wang Cong , Zhang Xiaohan , Liu Liwei
Published: February 2025

Flood events are among the most destructive natural catastrophes worldwide and pose serious threats to socioeconomic systems, ecological environments, and the safety of human life and property. With the advancement of remote sensing technology, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) has provided new means for flood monitoring. However, traditional methods have limitations when dealing with high noise levels and complex terrain backgrounds. To address this issue, in this study, we adopt an improved U-Net model incorporating the Kolmogorov–Arnold Network (KAN), referred to as UKAN, for the efficient extraction of flood inundation extents from multisource remote sensing data. UKAN integrates the efficient nonlinear mapping capabilities of KAN layers with the multiscale feature fusion mechanism of U-Net, enabling better capturing of complex nonlinear relationships and global features. Experiments were conducted on the C2S-MS Floods and MMFlood datasets, and the results indicate that the UKAN model outperforms traditional models in terms of metrics such as the intersection over union (IoU), precision, recall, and F1 score. On the C2S-MS Floods dataset and the MMFlood dataset, UKAN achieves IoUs of 87.95% and 78.31%, respectively, representing improvements of approximately 3.5 and three percentage points, respectively, over those of the traditional U-Net. Moreover, the model has significant advantages in terms of parameter efficiency and computational efficiency. These findings suggest that the UKAN model possesses greater accuracy and robustness in flood inundation area extraction tasks, which is highly important for increasing the monitoring and early warning capabilities of flood disasters.
Adaptive Algorithm for Fast 3D Characterization of Magnetic Sensors
Authors: Boueke Moritz , Hoffmann Johannes , Ellrichmann Mark , Bergholz Robert , Schmidt Gerhard
Published: February 2025

Magnetic sensors are highly relevant in clinical and industrial applications such as localization tasks and geological investigations. The spatial behavior of these sensors is of great interest for accurate forward modeling and the consequential possibilities for sophisticated applications, e.g., solutions to inverse problems. In this contribution, we present a novel characterization approach using adaptive system identification approaches. We utilize a gradient-based algorithm for estimating impulse and corresponding frequency responses for a directivity analysis in 1D, 2D, and 3D. For this, we built a triaxial Helmholtz coil setup to generate a 3D directive field. This is controlled by an algorithm that exploits similarities in sensor behavior with respect to small differences in excitation field angles. We found advantages for a controlled adaptation, with faster convergence and a smaller system distance between estimations and measurements with a proposed control based on the contraction–expansion approach (CEA). With runtimes averaging less than 1.5 s per direction for full impulse response estimation, this proof of concept shows the potential of the proposed algorithm for enabling a feasible frequency and directivity characterization method.
Evolution of Bluetooth Technology: BLE in the IoT Ecosystem
Authors: Koulouras Grigorios , Katsoulis Stylianos , Zantalis Fotios
Published: February 2025

The Internet of Things (IoT) has witnessed significant growth in recent years, with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) emerging as a key enabler of low-power, low-cost wireless connectivity. This review article provides an overview of the evolution of Bluetooth technology, focusing on the role of BLE in the IoT ecosystem. It examines the current state of BLE, including its applications, challenges, limitations, and recent advancements in areas such as security, power management, and mesh networking. The recent release of Bluetooth Low Energy version 6.0 by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) highlights the technology’s ongoing evolution and growing importance within the IoT. However, this rapid development highlights a gap in the current literature, a lack of comprehensive, up-to-date reviews that fully capture the contemporary landscape of BLE in IoT applications. This paper analyzes the emerging trends and future directions for BLE, including the integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and audio capabilities. The analysis also considers the alignment of BLE features with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly energy efficiency, sustainable cities, and climate action. By examining the development and deployment of BLE technology, this article aims to provide insights into the opportunities and challenges associated with its adoption in various IoT applications, from smart homes and cities to industrial automation and healthcare. This review highlights the significance of the evolution of BLE in shaping the future of wireless communication and IoT, and provides a foundation for further research and innovation in this field.
Three-Component Accelerometer Based on Distributed Optical Fiber Sensing
Authors: Zhang Zongxiao , Liu Qingwen , Niu Rongrong , He Zuyuan
Published: February 2025

The three-component accelerometer array has garnered significant attention in seismic wave detection. In this paper, we designed a three-dimensional optical fiber accelerometer based on a circular cross-section cantilever beam and distributed optical fiber strain interrogator. An externally modulated optical frequency domian reflectometry (OFDR) system with centimeter-level spatial resolution is developed to demodulate the dynamic strain on fiber. An algorithm to reconstruct the three-component acceleration from the strain of the optical fiber was derived, and the factors affecting the errors in reconstruction were also investigated. The developed accelerometer exhibits comparable performance to an electrical accelerometer in the experiment. The correlation coefficient between the reconstructed signal waveforms from the two accelerometers exceeded 0.9, and the angular error was less than 8°. The proposed accelerometer is highly compatible with distributed optical fiber sensing technology, presenting significant potential for long-distance array deployment of three-component seismic wave monitoring.
Techniques and Methods for Fatty Acid Analysis in Lipidomics: Exploring Pinus cembroides Kernels as a Sustainable Food Resource
Authors: León-Herrera Luis Ricardo , Contreras-Medina Luis Miguel , Feregrino-Pérez Ana Angélica , Cedillo Christopher , Soto-Zarazúa Genaro Martín , Ramos-López Miguel Angel , Tejeda Samuel , Amador-Enríquez Eduardo , Montoya-Morado Enrique
Published: February 2025

The large-scale conversion of forests to agriculture has caused biodiversity loss, climate change, and disrupted dietary fatty acid balances, with adverse public health effects. Wild edibles like pine nuts, especially Pinus cembroides, provide sustainable solutions by supporting ecosystems and offering economic value. However, variability in seed quality limits market potential, and lipidomic studies on P. cembroides remain sparse. This paper underscores the ecological, social, and nutritional value of P. cembroides while advocating for advanced research to enhance its use as a non-timber forest resource in Mexico’s communal areas. It explores various analytical techniques, such as nuclear magnetic resonances (NMR), chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS, GC-MS) and GC coupled with flame ionization detector (GC-FID), highlighting extraction methods like derivatization, purification, and thin-layer chromatography. Likewise, some considerations are addressed for the treatment of data obtained in the detection of fatty acids from bioformatics and the evaluation of the data through statistical methods and artificial intelligence and deep learning. These approaches aim to improve fatty acid profiling and seed quality assessments, fostering the species economic viability and supporting sustainable livelihoods in rural communities, encouraging researchers across the country to explore the fatty acid composition of different P. cembroides populations can drive valuable insights into its nutritional and ecological significance. Such efforts can enhance understanding of regional variations, promote sustainable use, and elevate the specie’s economic and scientific value.
Advances in Traffic Congestion Prediction: An Overview of Emerging Techniques and Methods
Authors: Mystakidis Aristeidis , Koukaras Paraskevas , Tjortjis Christos
Published: February 2025

The ongoing increase in urban populations has resulted in the enduring issue of traffic congestion, adversely affecting the quality of life, including commute duration, road safety, and local air quality. Consequently, recognizing and forecasting underlying traffic congestion patterns have become essential, with Traffic Congestion Prediction (TCP) emerging as an increasingly significant area of study. Advancements in Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as improvements in Internet of Things (IoT) sensor technologies have made TCP research crucial to the development of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITSs). This review examines advanced TCP, emphasizing innovative forecasting methods and technologies and their importance for the ITS sector. This paper provides an overview of statistical, ML, Deep Learning (DL) approaches, and their ensembles that compose TCP. We examine several forecasting methods and discuss relative and absolute evaluation metrics from regression and classification perspectives. Finally, we present an overall step-by-step standard methodology that is often utilized in TCP problems. By combining these elements, this review highlights critical advancements and ongoing challenges in TCP, providing robust and detailed information for state-of-the-art ITS solutions.
Aggrieved White Men and the Danger They Pose to Democracy and Peace
Authors: Reiter Bernd
Published: February 2025

This article examines the resurgence of fascism and white supremacy politics in Western societies through the lens of status, honor, and dignity. By focusing on the political appeal of leaders like Donald Trump, Jair Bolsonaro, Viktor Orbán, and others, this study argues that these leaders resonate with primarily white, male supporters who feel that their social status and cultural identity are under threat. Drawing on works by Isabel Wilkerson, Ashley Jardina, and Arlie Hochschild, this analysis highlights how anxieties surrounding demographic shifts, perceived “status loss”, and narratives of cultural displacement fuel support for authoritarian policies. It posits that contemporary right-wing movements in the US, Europe, and Latin America are less about economic grievances and more about defending a social hierarchy in which white identity is paramount. This pursuit, while objectively not the same, still mirrors struggles among historically marginalized communities, as discussed by scholars like Bhimrao Ambedkar and Gopal Guru, challenging traditional rational-choice models of political behavior. Relying on an auto-ethnographic account obtained from living in one of the US’s most conservative regions, the West Texas plains, this study suggests that authoritarianism’s appeal lies in its promise to restore a social order steeped in white male dominance, showing how feelings of honor and pride can override democratic principles and fuel political polarization. Ultimately, this article cautions that a social science approach relying solely on rational actor models risks overlooking the potent influence of status anxieties in shaping modern political landscapes, with significant implications for democracy and justice.
Remote Work and Psychological Distance: Organizational Belongingness as a Resource Against Work Stressors and Employee Performance Impairment and Distress
Authors: Petitta Laura , Ghezzi Valerio
Published: February 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic scenario has witnessed a rise in remote working arrangements, moving away from traditional office settings, which increasingly calls into question employees’ sense of belongingness as a top human capital issue in order to favor both workers’ productivity and well-being. Organizational belongingness refers to employees’ sense of personal connectedness with the organization, which makes them feel they are an integral part of the organizational system. This study examines the effects of organizational belongingness on workplace stressors (i.e., organizational constraints, interpersonal conflict, work–family conflict) and subsequent employee productivity (i.e., cognitive failures, performance) and well-being (i.e., mental health, exhaustion). Using a multilevel multigroup design with anonymous survey data collected from a sample of 1449 in-person and 514 flexible (i.e., remote and hybrid) workers from 205 organizations, the structural invariance analyses performed in this study suggested a similar pattern of results for in-person and flexible workers. Specifically, belongingness negatively predicted employees’ perception of organizational constraints, interpersonal conflict, and work–family conflict. Moreover, while belongingness positively predicted performance and mental health, it negatively predicted cognitive failures and exhaustion, both directly and indirectly through work stressors. Finally, organizational constraints, interpersonal conflict, and work–family conflict positively predicted cognitive failures and exhaustion, whereas organizational constraints and work–family conflict did not predict performance. Additionally, work–family conflict and interpersonal conflict negatively predicted mental health, whereas organizational constraints negatively predicted mental health. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed in light of the globally widespread use of flexible work options and costs related to workers’ productivity and well-being.
BLOCKSAGE: Blockchain-Based Cloud Architecture for Sensitive Data Management in SMEs
Authors: Ascue Olga , Valle Omar , Santisteban José
Published: February 2025

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face significant challenges from security breaches, which can jeopardize their operational sustainability. This study presents the BLOCKSAGE SME system, a model designed to enhance the security of sensitive data storage and transfer. The system integrates customizable cloud infrastructure, private blockchain networks, Zero Trust architecture, a scalable API, and IPFS encryption, ensuring data privacy and business continuity. Based on a comprehensive literature review of blockchain-based solutions for SMEs, a web-based file-sharing prototype was developed and tested to validate the framework. The system was then evaluated through expert judgment and feedback from SME leaders. The results showed a satisfaction score of 4.06 from cybersecurity and blockchain specialists and 4.2 from the target SME audience on a Likert scale, indicating the system’s feasibility and effectiveness. While the system provides robust security measures, adoption challenges were identified, including the early-stage maturity of blockchain technology and cultural and workforce-related barriers within the Peruvian SME ecosystem. In conclusion, the findings suggest that blockchain-based architectures hold strong potential for addressing security gaps in SMEs, but implementation faces current limitations in resources and knowledge. Future research should explore adapting the system as a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution to improve scalability and accessibility, further supporting the sustainability of SMEs.