bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Black Sea Mesozooplankton Community Following the Nova Kakhovka Dam Breach
Authors: Bisinicu Elena , Lazar Luminita
Published: January 2025

In June 2023, following the breach of the Nova Kakhovka Dam during the Ukraine-Russia war, a comprehensive study was conducted along the Romanian Black Sea coast to assess water quality and mesozooplankton communities. Surface water analyses revealed significant gradients in nutrient levels and salinity, particularly from north to south, influenced by the influx of freshwater and nutrients from riverine sources and the dam breach. Flooding was found to significantly impact nutrient dynamics and species distributions, with increased concentrations of SiO4 and NO3 in flooded stations. A strong relationship was observed between environmental factors and biological assemblages, with silicates identified as a key driver. Biodiversity patterns varied across regions, with the Shannon–Wiener Index indicating lower zooplankton diversity in transitional waters, reflecting environmental stress. Statistical methods, including correlation analysis, multidimensional scaling, t-tests, and canonical analysis, were employed to investigate the links between mesozooplankton communities and environmental variables. These findings underscore disruptions in trophic dynamics and ecosystem balance, emphasizing the need for integrated environmental management strategies to mitigate further degradation and foster the ecological recovery of the Black Sea.
Innovative Approaches to Material Selection and Testing in Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Fales Alexandr , Černohlávek Vít , Štěrba Jan , Dian Milan , Suszyński Marcin
Published: January 2025

This study focuses on selecting a suitable 3D printer and defining experimental methods to gather the necessary data for determining the optimal filament material for printing components of the VEX GO and VEX IQ robotic kits. The aim is to obtain the required data to identify an appropriate filament material and set 3D printing parameters to achieve the desired mechanical properties of the parts while maintaining cost-effectiveness. Another key objective is achieving optimal operational functionality, ensuring the required part performance with minimal printing costs. It is desirable for the modeled and printed parts to exhibit the required mechanical properties while maintaining economic efficiency. Another crucial aspect is achieving optimal functionality of the produced parts with minimal printing costs. This will be assessed by analyzing the impact of key 3D printing technology parameters, focusing in this research phase on material selection. The criteria for selecting filament materials include ease of printability under the conditions of primary and secondary schools, simplicity of printing, minimal need for post-processing, and adequate mechanical properties verified through experimental measurements and destructive tests on original parts from VEX GO and VEX IQ kits. The study analyzed various filaments regarding their mechanical properties, printability, and cost-effectiveness. The most significant practical contribution of this study is selecting a suitable filament material tested through a set of destructive tests, emphasizing maintaining the mechanical properties required for the real-life application of the parts. This includes repetitive assembly and disassembly of various robotic model constructions and their activation for demonstration purposes and applications of STEM/STEAM/STREAM methods in the educational process to achieve the properties of original components. Additionally, the study aims to set up 3D printing such that even a beginner-level operator, such as a primary or secondary school student under the supervision of their teacher or a teacher with minimal knowledge and experience in 3D printing, can successfully execute it. Further ongoing research focuses on evaluating the effects of characteristic 3D printing parameters, such as infill and perimeter, on the properties of 3D-printed parts through additional measurements and analyses.
Application of Machine Learning to the Prediction of Surface Roughness in the Milling Process on the Basis of Sensor Signals
Authors: Antosz Katarzyna , Kozłowski Edward , Sęp Jarosław , Prucnal Sławomir
Published: January 2025

This article presents an investigation of the use of machine learning methodologies for the prediction of surface roughness in milling operations, using sensor data as the primary source of information. The sensors, which included current transformers, a microphone, and displacement sensors, captured comprehensive machining signals at a frequency of 10 kHz. The signals were subjected to preprocessing using the Savitzky–Golay filter, with the objective of isolating relevant moments of active material machining and reducing noise. Two machine learning models, namely Elastic Net and neural networks, were employed for the prediction purposes. The Elastic Net model demonstrated effective handling of multicollinearity and reduction in the data dimensionality, while the neural networks, utilizing the ReLU activation function, exhibited the capacity to capture complex, nonlinear patterns. The models were evaluated using the coefficient of determination (R²), which yielded values of 0.94 for Elastic Net and 0.95 for neural networks, indicating a high degree of predictive accuracy. These findings illustrate the potential of machine learning to optimize manufacturing processes by facilitating precise predictions of surface roughness. Elastic Net demonstrated its utility in reducing dimensionality and selecting features, while neural networks proved effective in modeling complex data. Consequently, these methods exemplify the efficacy of integrating data-driven approaches with robust predictive models to improve the quality and efficiency of surface.
Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Effectiveness of Pure SiC–Ti3SiC2 Composites Fabricated by Reactive Melt Infiltration
Authors: Zhang Mingjun , Ma Zhijun , Pan Xueqin , Li Yun , Zhang Nanlong , Xue Jiaxiang , Yang Jianfeng , Wang Bo
Published: January 2025

Silicon carbide-based titanium silicon carbide (SiC–Ti3SiC2) composites with low free alloy content and varying Ti3SiC2 contents are fabricated by two-step reactive melt infiltration (RMI) thorough complete reactions between carbon and TiSi2 alloy in SiC-C preforms obtained. The densities of SiC-C preform are tailored by the carbon morphology and volumetric shrinkage of slurry during the gel-casting process, and pure composites with variable Ti3SiC2 volume contents are successfully fabricated with different carbon contents of the preforms. Due to the increased Ti3SiC2 content in the obtained composites, both electrical conductivity and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness improved progressively, while skin depth exhibited decreased consistently. The improvement in the EMI shielding effectiveness of the composite is due to the free electrons being bound to move in the conductive network formed by the Ti3SiC2 phase, converting electrical energy into thermal energy and reducing the energy of electromagnetic waves. Notably, at a Ti3SiC2 content of 31 vol.%, the EMI shielding effectiveness of the SiC–Ti3SiC2 composites in the X-band reached an impressive 62.1 dB, confirming that SiC–Ti3SiC2 composites can be treated as high-performance EMI shielding materials with extensive application prospects.
A Paradigm for Modeling Infectious Diseases: Assessing Malware Spread in Early-Stage Outbreaks
Authors: Ginters Egils , Dumpis Uga , Liñán Laura Calvet , Eroles Miquel Angel Piera , Nazemi Kawa , Matvejevs Andrejs , Estrada Mario Arturo Ruiz
Published: January 2025

As digitalization and artificial intelligence advance, cybersecurity threats intensify, making malware—a type of software installed without authorization to harm users—an increasingly urgent concern. Due to malware’s social and economic impacts, accurately modeling its spread has become essential. While diverse models exist for malware propagation, their selection tends to be intuitive, often overlooking the unique aspects of digital environments. Key model choices include deterministic vs. stochastic, planar vs. spatial, analytical vs. simulation-based, and compartment-based vs. individual state-tracking models. In this context, our study assesses fundamental infection spread models to determine those most applicable to malware propagation. It is organized in two parts: the first examines principles of deterministic and stochastic infection models, and the second provides a comparative analysis to evaluate model suitability. Key criteria include scalability, robustness, complexity, workload, transparency, and manageability. Using consistent initial conditions, control examples are analyzed through Python-based numerical methods and agent-based simulations in NetLogo. The findings yield practical insights and recommendations, offering valuable guidance for researchers and cybersecurity professionals in applying epidemiological models to malware spread.
On an Impulsive Conformable M1 Oncolytic Virotherapy Neural Network Model: Stability of Sets Analysis
Authors: Stamov Gani , Stamova Ivanka , Spirova Cvetelina
Published: January 2025

In this paper, the impulsive conformable calculus approach is applied to the introduction of an M1 oncolytic virotherapy neural network model. The proposed model extends some existing mathematical models that describe the dynamics of the concentrations of normal cells, tumor cells, nutrients, M1 viruses and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) cells to the impulsive conformable setting. The conformable concept allows for flexibility in the modeling approach, as well as avoiding the complexity of using classical fractional derivatives. The impulsive generalization supports the application of a suitable impulsive control therapy. Reaction–diffusion terms are also considered. We analyze the stable behavior of sets of states, which extend the investigations of the dynamics of separate equilibrium points. By applying the impulsive conformable Lyapunov function technique, sufficient conditions for the uniform global exponential stability of sets of states are established. An example is also presented to illustrate our results.
Selenium–Chondroitin Sulfate Nanoparticles Inhibit Angiogenesis by Regulating the VEGFR2-Mediated PI3K/Akt Pathway
Authors: Zheng Xia , Liu Xiaofei , Wang Zhuo , Li Rui , Zhao Qiaoli , Song Bingbing , Cheong Kit-Leong , Chen Jianping , Zhong Saiyi
Published: January 2025

Chondroitin sulfate (CS), a class of glycosaminoglycans covalently attached to proteins to form proteoglycans, is widely distributed in the extracellular matrix and cell surface of animal tissues. In our previous study, CS was used as a template for the synthesis of seleno-chondroitin sulfate (SeCS) through the redox reaction of ascorbic acid (Vc) and sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) and we found that SeCS could inhibit tumor cell proliferation and invasion. However, its effect on angiogenesis and its underlying mechanism are unknown. In this study, we analyzed the effect of SeCS on tube formation in vitro, based on the inhibition of tube formation and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and evaluated the in vivo angiogenic effect of SeCS using the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. The results showed that SeCS significantly inhibited the angiogenesis of chicken embryo urothelium. Further mechanism analysis showed that SeCS had a strong inhibitory effect on VEGFR2 expression and its downstream PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which contributed to its anti-angiogenic effects. In summary, SeCS showed good anti-angiogenic effects in an HUVEC cell model and a CAM model, suggesting that it may be a potential angiogenesis inhibitor.
Analysis of the Effect of Human Type I Collagen-Derived Peptide on Bone Regenerative Capacity and Comparison with Various Collagen Materials In Vivo
Authors: Asakura Tatsunori , Diep Tran Thi Thuy , Ueda Yuta , Yamada Aoi , Tsuzuno Takahiro , Takahashi Naoki , Miyata Masayuki , Tabeta Koichi , Nagata Masaki , Matsuda Ken
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives: Autologous bone grafting is the first choice for reconstructive surgery in bone defects due to trauma or malignant tumors. However, there is an increasing demand for minimally invasive alternatives involving bone regeneration using artificial materials. Biomimetic materials that replicate the body’s microscopic structure, such as Cellnest®, are gaining attention. Cellnest is a xeno-free recombinant peptide based on human type I collagen, containing a rich Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif related to cell adhesion. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of Cellnest with existing collagen materials (Pelnac®, Integra®, Terudermis®) on bone regeneration and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Materials and Methods: In vivo experiments involved a rat model of calvarial bone defects, in which Cellnest and other collagen materials were implanted into the defect area. Bone formation was assessed after 4 weeks using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histological analysis. In vitro experiments included the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), adhesion, and migration assays, and a real-time polymerase chain reaction using rapidly expanding cells (RECs) to explore the mechanisms of Cellnest’s bone regenerative capacity. Results: The micro-CT analysis showed that the regenerated bone area was significantly greater in the Cellnest group (72.3%) than in the Pelnac® (25.5%), Integra® (31.6%), and Terudermis® (38.3%) groups. The histological analysis confirmed similar trends, with Cellnest showing 42.2% bone regeneration, outperforming the other materials. The in vitro assays revealed that Cellnest promoted cell proliferation, adhesion, and migration. Gene expression analysis demonstrated that Cellnest significantly increased the levels of the bone formation markers ALP and COL1. Conclusions: Cellnest, a human type I collagen-like peptide rich in RGD motifs, enhances bone regeneration by promoting MSC adhesion and migration, and bone formation-related gene expression. The findings suggest its potential as an effective material for bone defect reconstruction.
The TACOS Technique: A Stepwise Protocol for Alveolar Ridge Augmentation Using Customized Titanium Mesh
Authors: Merli Mauro , Aquilanti Luca , Merli Marco , Mariotti Giorgia , Rappelli Giorgio
Published: January 2025

Background: Alveolar ridge resorption following tooth loss poses a significant challenge for successful dental implant placement. In cases of severe atrophy, bone augmentation is required to restore sufficient bone volume. This technical note outlines a detailed, stepwise surgical protocol for horizontal and vertical alveolar ridge augmentation using customized titanium mesh. Materials and Methods: The procedure includes precise mesh fitting, autologous bone grafting, and the application of bioactive agents to promote bone regeneration. Emphasis is placed on the technique’s feasibility, predictability, and the critical steps necessary for preventing complications. Results: The use of customized mesh ensures stability and improved bone regeneration outcomes, enabling clinicians to achieve successful implant placement even in severely atrophic ridges. Conclusions: The described protocol has demonstrated predictable results in both clinical and radiographic evaluations, offering an effective solution for complex bone augmentation cases.
Efficacy of Intraoperative Paracetamol and Nefopam Infusions in Addition to Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Park Jaesik , Park Sun Cheol , Chae Min Suk , Hong Sang Hyun , Shim Jung-Woo
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives: Kidney transplantation (KT) is an important treatment modality for renal failure. However, moderate-to-severe pain often occurs in KT recipients. Multimodal analgesia using combined analgesic measures has been recommended to enhance postoperative recovery. This retrospective study explored the additional analgesic efficacy of paracetamol and nefopam infusions in living-donor KT recipients who received a transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block. Materials and Methods: Consecutive living-donor KT recipients at our institute between January 2020 and March 2022 were divided into groups that received a TAP block with paracetamol and nefopam infusions (Group TA) or a TAP block without analgesics (Group T) during surgery. Following propensity-score (PS) matching, 103 patients were included in each group. Postoperative pain intensity assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), opioid consumption via patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) devices over 24 h, and postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results: VAS pain intensity at rest was lower in group TA than in group T at 1 and 6 h after surgery [1 h: 29 (15–41) vs. 41 (29–51) mm, p < 0.001; 6 h: 32 (23–43) vs. 40 (32–54) mm, p < 0.001]. The VAS pain intensity during coughing was lower in group TA [1 h: 46 (30–58) vs. 59 (48–69) mm, p < 0.001; 6 h: 51 (40–63) vs. 60 (45–71) mm, p < 0.001]. Moreover, PCA consumptions during the first 6 h and between 6–24 h post-surgery was significantly lower in group TA. Other postoperative outcomes did not differ between the two groups. Conclusions: Multimodal analgesia with intraoperative paracetamol and nefopam infusions improved postoperative pain control in living-donor KT recipients who received a preoperative TAP block. Our findings demonstrate the efficacy of paracetamol and nefopam infusions in KT recipients.
A STEDable BF2-Azadipyrromethene Fluorophore for Nuclear Membrane and Associated Endoplasmic Reticulum Imaging
Authors: Bourgès Anaïs C. , Garre Massimiliano , Wu Dan , O’Shea Donal F.
Published: January 2025

The endoplasmic reticulum and the internal nuclear compartments are intrinsically connected through the nuclear membrane, pores and lamina. High resolution imaging of each of these cellular features concurrently remains a significant challenge. To that end we have developed a new molecular nuclear membrane-endoplasmic reticulum (NM-ER) staining fluorophore with emission maxima at 650 nm. NM-ER is compatible with fixed and live cell imaging and stimulated emission depletion microscopy (STED) showing significant improvement in resolution when compared to comparable confocal laser scanning microscopy. The imaging versatility of NM-ER was illustrated through its compatible use with other fluorophores for co-imaging with DNA, nuclear pores and lamina allowing cellular abnormalities to be identified. NM-ER alone, or in use with other nuclear region labels could be an important tool for the investigation of nuclear transport and associated cellular processes.
Lipidomics of Huntington’s Disease: A Comprehensive Review of Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: Yilmaz Ali , Akyol Sumeyya , Ashrafi Nadia , Saiyed Nazia , Turkoglu Onur , Graham Stewart F.
Published: January 2025

Background: Huntington’s disease (HD) is a multifaceted neurological disorder characterized by the progressive deterioration of motor, cognitive, and psychiatric functions. Despite a limited understanding of its pathogenesis, research has implicated abnormal trinucleotide cytosine-adenine-guanine CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene (HTT) as a critical factor. The development of innovative strategies is imperative for the early detection of predictive biomarkers, enabling timely intervention and mitigating irreversible cellular damage. Lipidomics, a comprehensive analytical approach, has emerged as an indispensable tool for systematically characterizing lipid profiles and elucidating their role in disease pathology. Method: A MedLine search was performed to identify studies that use lipidomics for the characterization of HD. Search terms included “Huntington disease”; “lipidomics”; “biomarker discovery”; “NMR”; and “Mass spectrometry”. Results: This review highlights the significance of lipidomics in HD diagnosis and treatment, exploring changes in brain lipids and their functions. Recent breakthroughs in analytical techniques, particularly mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy, have revolutionized brain lipidomics research, enabling researchers to gain deeper insights into the complex lipidome of the brain. Conclusions: A comprehensive understanding of the broad spectrum of lipidomics alterations in HD is vital for precise diagnostic evaluation and effective disease management. The integration of lipidomics with artificial intelligence and interdisciplinary collaboration holds promise for addressing the clinical variability of HD.
Alcohol Use Disorder and the Gut–Brain Axis: A Narrative Review of the Role of Gut Microbiota and Implications for Treatment
Authors: Shukla Shikha , Hsu Cynthia L.
Published: January 2025

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects millions of people worldwide and can lead to deleterious physical and social consequences. Recent research has highlighted not only the effect of alcohol on the gut microbiome, but also the role of the gut microbiome and the gut–brain axis in the development and maintenance of alcohol use disorder. This review provides an overview of the reciprocal relationship between alcohol consumption and the gut microbiome, including the effects of alcohol on gut microbial composition, changes in gut microbial metabolites in response to alcohol consumption, and how gut microbial metabolites may modulate alcohol use behavior. We also discuss the gut-mediated mechanisms of neuroinflammation that contribute to and result from AUD, including disruption of the intestinal barrier, toll-like receptor signaling, and the activation of glial cells and immune cells. Finally, we review the current evidence on gut microbial-directed therapies for AUD and discuss the implications of this research for our understanding of the pathophysiology of AUD and future research directions.
Mimicking Axon Growth and Pruning by Photocatalytic Growth and Chemical Dissolution of Gold on Titanium Dioxide Patterns
Authors: Abshari Fatemeh , Paulsen Moritz , Veziroglu Salih , Vahl Alexander , Gerken Martina
Published: January 2025

Biological neural circuits are based on the interplay of excitatory and inhibitory events to achieve functionality. Axons form long-range information highways in neural circuits. Axon pruning, i.e., the removal of exuberant axonal connections, is essential in network remodeling. We propose the photocatalytic growth and chemical dissolution of gold lines as a building block for neuromorphic computing mimicking axon growth and pruning. We predefine photocatalytic growth areas on a surface by structuring titanium dioxide (TiO2) patterns. Placing the samples in a gold chloride (HAuCl4) precursor solution, we achieve the controlled growth of gold microstructures along the edges of the indium tin oxide (ITO)/TiO2 patterns under ultraviolet (UV) illumination. A potassium iodide (KI) solution is employed to dissolve the gold microstructures. We introduce a real-time monitoring setup based on an optical transmission microscope. We successfully observe both the growth and dissolution processes. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirms the morphological changes before and after dissolution, with dissolution rates closely aligned to the growth rates. These findings demonstrate the potential of this approach to emulate dynamic biological processes, paving the way for future applications in adaptive neuromorphic systems.
Mercury Monohalides as Ligands in Transition Metal Complexes
Authors: Busato Matteo , Castro Jesús , Piccolo Domenico , Bortoluzzi Marco
Published: January 2025

The main categories of transition metal–mercury heterometallic compounds are briefly summarized. The attention is focused on complexes and clusters where the {Hg-Y} fragment, where Y represents a halide atom, interacts with transition metals. Most of the structurally characterized derivatives are organometallic compounds where the transition metals belong to the Groups 6, 8, 9 and 10. More than one {Hg-Y} group can be present in the same compound, interacting with the same or with different transition metals. The main synthetic strategies are discussed, and structural data of representative compounds are reported. According to the isolobality with hydrogen, {Hg-Y} can form from one to three M-{Hg-Y} bonds, but further interactions can be present, such as mercurophilic and Hg···halide contacts. The formal oxidation state of mercury is sometimes ambiguous and thus {Hg-Y} can be considered as a Lewis acid or base on varying the transition metal fragment. Density functional theory calculations on selected Group 6 and Group 9 model compounds are provided in order to shed light on this aspect.
Unveiling the Mineral and Sugar Richness of Moroccan Honeys: A Study of Botanical Origins and Quality Indicators
Authors: Abeslami Azzedine , El Farissi Hammadi , Cacciola Francesco , El Bachiri Ali , Sindic Mariane , Fauconnier Marie-Laure , Bruneau Etienne , Talhaoui Abdelmonaem
Published: January 2025

This study comprehensively analyzes the mineral and heavy metal profiles of seven honey types, focusing on the contents of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), with particular emphasis on honey produced in eastern Morocco. Multifloral honey was found to have the highest total mineral content (661 mg/kg), while rosemary honey had the lowest (201.31 mg/kg), revealing the strong influence of floral and botanical origin. Darker honey, such as multifloral and jujube, were richer in minerals, with potassium consistently being the most abundant, followed by calcium, magnesium, and iron, while cadmium and lead remained within safe, trace-level concentrations. Additionally, sugar profiling showed that all samples contained fructose, glucose, maltose, turanose, erlose, sucrose, and palatinose, with particularly high fructose and glucose contents in multifloral honey. Principal component analysis (PCA) accounted for 75% of the variation and identified three distinct groups of honey based on mineral content multifloral, eucalyptus, and rosemary. Multifloral and eucalyptus honey had higher concentrations of iron, magnesium, and calcium, whereas rosemary honey was richer in zinc and copper. The findings underscore the potential of honey as a marker of environmental quality and suggest that eastern Morocco honey possesses favorable characteristics for national and international commercialization.
Study of Thermal Effects in Fused-Tapered Pure Passive Fibers and Signal Combiners
Authors: Yin Yuyi , Ge Tingwu , Zhao Guanrui , Jia Ruoyu , Wang Zhiyong
Published: January 2025

This paper investigates the thermal effects in fused-tapered passive optical fibers under near-infrared absorption. The thermal effect is primarily caused by impurities, such as OH-, which absorb incident light and generate heat. Using the finite element method, the volume changes during fiber tapering were simulated, influencing power density and thermal distribution. The heat conduction equation and ray optics were employed to analyze the thermal distribution in tapered fibers and signal combiners. Results show that at 5 kW power, the temperature peak for a single fiber reaches 316.73 °C, while for bundled fibers, the temperature rises significantly as the bundle configuration increases from 7 × 1 to 61 × 1, peaking at 453.09 °C—an increase of 171.6%. Variations in tapering ratio and length also notably affect the thermal behavior. Increasing the tapering ratio from 5 to 8 results in a 52.5% temperature rise, while doubling the taper length from 25 mm to 50 mm reduces the temperature peak by 59.1%. These findings offer important insights for the design and optimization of high-power optical fiber combiners and their heat dissipation structures.
Nonlinear Optics in Two-Dimensional Magnetic Materials: Advancements and Opportunities
Authors: Xin Ziqian , Xue Bingyuan , Chang Wenbo , Zhang Xinping , Shi Jia
Published: January 2025

Nonlinear optics, a critical branch of modern optics, presents unique potential in the study of two-dimensional (2D) magnetic materials. These materials, characterized by their ultra-thin geometry, long-range magnetic order, and diverse electronic properties, serve as an exceptional platform for exploring nonlinear optical effects. Under strong light fields, 2D magnetic materials exhibit significant nonlinear optical responses, enabling advancements in novel optoelectronic devices. This paper outlines the principles of nonlinear optics and the magnetic structures of 2D materials, reviews recent progress in nonlinear optical studies, including magnetic structure detection and nonlinear optical imaging, and highlights their role in probing magnetic properties by combining second harmonic generation (SHG) and multispectral integration. Finally, we discuss the prospects and challenges for applying nonlinear optics to 2D magnetic materials, emphasizing their potential in next-generation photonic and spintronic devices.
Carbohydrate Mouth Rinsing Improves Softball Launch Angle Consistency: A Double-Blind Crossover Study
Authors: Hsu Tzu-Yuan , Hsieh Meng-Hung , Shiu Yi-Jie , Chiu Chih-Hui
Published: January 2025

(1) Background: Carbohydrate mouth rinsing (CMR) stimulates the central nervous system and improves motor control. However, no studies have examined the effects of CMR on softball batting performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of CMR on softball batting performance. (2) Methods: Fifteen trained female collegiate softball players (age: 20.6 ± 0.9 years; height: 159.5 ± 5.2 cm; body weight: 58.1 ± 6.9 kg) completed two trials in a randomization crossover trail, in which they rinsed their mouths for 20 s with 25 mL of either 6.4% maltodextrin (CMR) or a placebo (PLA). After rinsing, the Posner cueing task and grip force, counter-movement jump (CMJ) and batting tests were performed in sequence. A tanner tee was utilized to hit five sets of five balls at a time, with a minimum 3 min rest between sets. The batting test recorded the average exit velocity, maximum exit velocity and launch angle consistency. The standardized standard deviation (SD) for launch angle represents the standardized variability. (3) Results: The consistency of the launch angle of the CMR trial was significantly greater (p = 0.025; Cohen’s d = 0.69) than that of the PLA trial. There were no significant differences in the Posner cueing task, grip strength, vertical jump, or exit velocity. (4) Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that CMR enhances the launch angle consistency of all-out-effort batting, but does not influence the exit velocity of softball hitting.
Correlation Study Between Dietary Behaviors, Lifestyle, and Psychological Problems in Chinese Children Aged 3–7
Authors: Huang Zixuan , Han Jiamin , Jiang Ying , Li Shiming , Wang Gang , Zhou Zhenhe , Zhu Haohao
Published: January 2025

Objective: This study aimed to assess the psychological health status of children aged 3–7 years in Wuxi and analyze the correlation between dietary behaviors, lifestyle, and psychological problems. Methods: Using a stratified cluster random sampling method, 3–7-year-old children from 18 kindergartens across Wuxi were selected as the survey subjects. An online survey was conducted to collect demographic information about children and their parents, dietary information, lifestyle data, and family backgrounds. Psychological assessments were conducted using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Results: A total of 3727 preschool children were included. The average SDQ score was 16.12 ± 4.00, with an abnormal rate of 40.81% (1521/3727). After adjusting for various confounding factors, logistic regression analysis indicated that low dietary diversity (OR = 1.299, 95% CI: 1.131–1.492), daily consumption of ultra-processed foods (OR = 1.202, 95% CI: 1.051–1.376), picky eating behavior or ideas occurring more than twice per week (OR = 1.405, 95% CI: 1.227–1.608), engaging in other activities while eating (such as watching TV or playing with toys) more than twice per week (OR = 1.742, 95% CI: 1.510–2.011), lack of a fixed dining position (OR = 1.222, 95% CI: 1.012–1.476), daily screen time exceeding 1 h (OR = 1.353, 95% CI: 1.152–1.590), and daily sleep duration of less than 9 h or more than 13 h (OR = 1.535, 95% CI: 1.262–1.866) were risk factors for psychological problems. Conclusions: The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions addressing insufficient dietary diversity, distracted eating, excessive screen time, and unhealthy sleep habits to improve the psychological well-being of preschool children. Future studies should explore the effectiveness of tailored health and lifestyle interventions for children and their families to mitigate these risks.
Examination of Possible Proton Magic Number Z = 126 with the Deformed Relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov Theory in Continuum
Authors: Pan Cong , Wu Xin-Hui
Published: January 2025

Whether Z=126 is a proton magic number has been controversial in nuclear physics. The even-even Ubh126 isotopes are calculated based on the DRHBc calculations with PC-PK1. The evolutions of quadrupole deformation and pairing energies for neutron and proton are analyzed to study the possible nuclear magicity. Spherical shape occurs and neutron pairing energy vanishes at N=258 and 350, which are the results of possible neutron magicity, while the proton pairing energy never vanishes in Ubh isotopes, which does not support the proton magicity at Z=126. In the single-proton spectrum, there is no discernible gap at Z=126, while significant gaps appear at Z=120 and 138. Therefore, Z=126 is not supported as a proton magic number, while Z=120 and 138 are suggested as candidates of proton magic numbers.
Comparative Evaluation of Different Mint Species Based on Their In Vitro Antioxidant and Antibacterial Effect
Authors: Sfaxi Ameni , Tavaszi-Sárosi Szilvia , Flórián Kovács , Patonay Katalin , Radácsi Péter , Juhász Ákos
Published: January 2025

In our research six different mint species (peppermint, spearmint (five different chemotypes), Horse mint, mojito mint, apple mint (two different chemotypes), bergamot mint) have been evaluated by referring to their chemical (essential oil (EO) content and composition) and in vitro biological (antibacterial, antioxidant effect) characteristics. The EO amount of the analyzed mint populations varied between 1.99 and 3.61 mL/100 g d.w. Altogether, 98 volatile compounds have been detected in the oils. Antibacterial effects (inhibition zones, MIC, IC50 and MBC) were evaluated against Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus. The best antibacterial effect was given by a carvacrol–thymol chemotype spearmint population (inhibition zone: 18.00–20.00 mm, MIC: 0.06 v/v%, IC50: 0.01–0.03 v/v%, MBC: 0.06, >2.00 v/v%). The least effective oil in the case of Gram-negative bacteria was bergamot mint (inhibition zone: 7.67–8.67 mm, MIC: 2.00, >2.00 v/v%, IC50: 0.11–0.25 v/v%, MBC: 2.00, >2.00 v/v%), while in the case of Gram-positive bacteria, oils containing dihydrocarvone as the main compound possessed the weakest antibacterial effect (inhibition zone: 9.00–10.00 mm, MIC: 1.00–2.00 v/v%, IC50: 0.22–0.37 v/v%, MBC: >2.00 v/v%). Interestingly, none of the oils could kill B. cereus in the applied concentrations.
Controlled Tensile Behavior of Pre-Cured PDMS via Advanced Bonding Techniques
Authors: Park Minwook , Shin Jungho , Lee Seunghyun
Published: January 2025

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is extensively employed in applications ranging from flexible electronics to microfluidics due to its elasticity, transparency, and biocompatibility. However, enhancing interfacial adhesion and tensile properties remains a challenge for applications demanding high mechanical stability. To this end, this study introduced a novel bonding technique using crosslinkers as adhesive layers to improve the mechanical performance of PDMS. By adjusting the crosslink density at the PDMS-PDMS interfaces, we achieved substantial improvements in tensile properties and interfacial adhesion. Our findings revealed that, under specific conditions, a particular mixing ratio significantly enhances the elastic modulus and interfacial stability. Notably, the elastic modulus of PDMS with a tailored crosslink density increased by approximately 760% compared to that achieved with a simple bonding method. This study demonstrated an effective strategy for tailoring the interfacial properties of PDMS by adjusting the crosslink density, offering a pathway to enhance material design for applications requiring advanced mechanical performance and stability.
Advancing Industrial Food Byproduct Management: Strategies, Technologies, and Progress in Waste Reduction
Authors: Wibisono David Agus Setiawan , Saw Chiou-Yeong , Wu Tsung-Yen , Chau Chi-Fai
Published: January 2025

The growing global concern over sustainability has driven the food industry to shift its focus from merely disposing of food waste to transforming it into resources. This transformation is a result of technological advancements over time that have enabled industries to repurpose what was once considered waste. This review emphasizes a systematic exploration of the interconnections between strategies, technologies, and types of food byproducts that contribute to the overarching goal of reducing waste. It discusses both the advantages and limitations of current technologies, offering insights into their implications for food safety, economic feasibility, and environmental sustainability. Key categories of food byproducts are also examined to assist the development of targeted and more effective byproduct management strategies. Eventually, the journey towards zero waste needs to be interpreted as an effort to minimize food waste that involves all components of the supply chain. Setting targets solely on achieving the “zero waste to landfill” standard indicates the industry’s continued reliance on environmentally taxing practices like landfilling and incineration, highlighting the limited viable and eco-friendly alternatives. Collaboration among the manufacturing industry, government, public, and scientists to facilitate the implementation and further development of food waste management is considered a potential strategy to achieve sustainable food processing.
Multimodal Data Fusion System for Accurate Identification of Impact Points on Rocks in Mining Comminution Tasks
Authors: Kern John , Quintero Bernal Daniel Fernando , Urrea Claudio
Published: January 2025

This study presents a multimodal data fusion system to identify and impact rocks in mining comminution tasks, specifically during the crushing stage. The system integrates information from various sensory modalities to enhance data accuracy, even under challenging environmental conditions such as dust and lighting variations. For the strategy selected in this study, 15 rock characteristics are extracted at neighborhood radii of 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, and 25 mm to determine the suitable impact points. Through processes like the Ball−Pivoting Algorithm (BPA) and Poisson Surface Reconstruction techniques, the study achieves a detailed reconstruction of filtered points based on the selected characteristics. Unlike related studies focused on controlled conditions or limited analysis of specific rock shapes, this study examines all rock faces, ensuring the more accurate identification of impact points under adverse conditions. Results show that rock faces with the largest support areas are most suitable for receiving impacts, enhancing the efficiency and stability of the crushing process. This approach addresses the limitations of manual operations and provides a pathway for reducing operational costs and energy consumption. Furthermore, it establishes a robust foundation for future research to develop fully autonomous systems capable of maintaining reliable performance in extreme mining environments.
Exploring the Need to Use “Plagiarism” Detection Software Rationally
Authors: Milovanovic Petar , Pekmezovic Tatjana , Djuric Marija
Published: January 2025

Universities and journals increasingly rely on software tools for detecting textual overlap of a scientific text with the previously published literature to detect potential plagiarism. Although software outputs need to be carefully reviewed by competent humans to verify the existence of plagiarism, university and journal staff, for various reasons, often erroneously interpret the degree of plagiarism based on the percentage of textual overlap shown in the similarity report. This is often accompanied by explicit recommendations to the author(s) to paraphrase the text to achieve an “acceptable” percentage of overlap. Here, based on the available literature and real-world examples from similarity reports, we provide a classification with extensive examples of phrases that falsely inflate the similarity index and argue the futility and dangers of rephrasing such statements just for the sake of reducing the similarity index. The examples provided in this paper call for a more reasonable assessment of text similarity. To fully endorse the principles of academic integrity and prevent loss of clarity of the scientific literature, we believe it is important to shift from pure bureaucratic and quantificational view on the originality of scientific texts to human-centered qualitative assessment of the manuscripts, including the software outputs.
Influence of Geological and Soil Factors on Pine, Birch, and Alder Stability During the Holocene Climate Change in Central Latvia, Northeastern Europe
Authors: Stivrins Normunds , Jarmakovica Marianna
Published: January 2025

Understanding the past dynamics of vegetation in response to climate change is crucial for predicting future ecological outcomes. This study has two primary objectives: (1) to reconstruct the vegetation history of the coastal region around Lake Lilaste in Central Latvia during the Holocene and (2) to assess the impacts of climate change on forest composition through the analysis of pollen data and radiocarbon dating. The results indicate that dominant tree species, particularly pine (Pinus), have shown remarkable resilience despite significant climate fluctuations. Pine’s adaptation to the sandy, mineral-poor soils surrounding the lake likely underpins its sustained dominance, while the influence of climate change on overall tree biomass is more notable. Our results suggest that vegetation may be more susceptible to future climate variability, yet the region’s geological and soil conditions continue to favor pine, birch (Betula), and alder (Alnus) populations. While human activities have influenced the region during the last millennia, their impact has been more pronounced in areas further from the lake. This study underlines the importance of long-term forest dynamics and emphasizes that the soil and geological and geographical setting must be considered for climate change assessments.
Gas-Phase Reactions in Nano-Strand Formation from Al-Fe-Ni Powder Reacted with CaF2-SiO2-Al2O3-MgO-MnO-TiO2 Flux at 1350 °C: SEM Study and Diffusion Calculations
Authors: Coetsee Theresa , De Bruin Frederik
Published: January 2025

Fast high-temperature gas-phase reactions occurring in the limited space of the arc cavity in the submerged arc welding (SAW) process limit the study of specific gas-phase behaviours. A low-temperature experimental method is applied to investigate gas-phase reactions in the reaction of oxy-fluoride slag with Al-Fe-Ni metal powders. The presence of nano-strands in the slag cavities confirms the vaporisation and re-condensation of gasses. Ti is the main element in nano-strands, although some nano-strands also contain Al-Mg-Si-Na oxy-fluoride. Nano-strand end-caps contain Mn-Fe-Si fluoride, and some contain Ni. The Ni in nano-strand end-caps is sourced from the added Ni powder and indicates gas-phase transfer. The Ti in the nano-strands is sourced from the flux. Themochemistry calculations identify KAlF4, TiF3, NaAlF4, SiF4, AlF3, SiF3, and Na in the gas phase. Increased Al reaction results in decreased TiF3 in the gas phase, likely due to the displacement of Ti from TiF3, resulting in the gas-phase transfer of Ti from the flux. Comparative diffusion flux calculations support Ti nano-strand formation via the vaporisation of TiF3 and the re-condensation of Ti. The low-temperature simulation experiment applied here can be used to study the gas reaction behaviour in the reaction of oxy-fluoride flux with metal powders.
Cycles, Trends, Disruptions: Real Estate Centrality on the Global Financial Crisis, COVID-19 Pandemic, and New Techno-Economic Paradigm
Authors: Almeida Renan P.
Published: January 2025

Real estate plays a pivotal role in the contemporary world, accounting for over half of global wealth and significant employment and GDP shares. This essay examines three key events—the 2007–2008 Global Financial Crisis (GFC), the COVID-19 pandemic, and recent technological revolutions—to place real estate’s centrality. By analyzing housing price indexes in major economies, the paper identifies global trends and regional nuances, as well as highlights real estate’s dual role as both a reflection and a driver of economic cycles. Then, I explore in detail the GFC, the urban roots of COVID-19 and its effects on real estate markets, and the relationship between new techno-economic paradigms and cities and real estate. Future research directions on real estate are also pointed out.
Maternal Race and Clinical Vigilance in Obstetric Hemorrhage Management
Authors: Wang Michelle Joy , Alexander Megan V. , Srivastava Akanksha , Abbas Diana , Young Sara , Tummala Swetha , Claus Lindsey , Iverson Ronald , Comfort Ashley , Yarrington Christina D.
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Previous literature has described that non-white pregnant patients are at increased risk of severe morbidity from obstetric hemorrhage (OBH). Here, we investigate whether such disparities are secondary to delay in the administration of postpartum oxytocin for non-white patients compared to white patients. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of all deliveries from 2018 to 2019, comparing (1) Hispanic white or non-white race (HW/NWR) pregnant people and (2) non-Hispanic white (NHW) pregnant people. Our primary outcome was the time from delivery to the first dose of postpartum oxytocin, and our secondary outcome was the frequency of other hemorrhage interventions. Results: Out of 3832 patients with self-identified race and ethnicity recorded in their patient record, 644 patients identified as NHW, and 3188 patients identified as HW/NWR. We found no difference in time to first dose of postpartum oxytocin (p = 0.51), and there was also no difference in the frequency of other hemorrhage-related interventions. Conclusions: Our study found no delay in the administration of postpartum oxytocin for non-white patients.