bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE INFLUENCE OF MOTIVATIONAL STRATEGIES ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF EMPLOYEES IN THE AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE SECTOR
Authors:   Academy of Labour, Social Relations and Tourism, Bildiukevych Oleksandr
Published: January 2025

This research article delves into the significant impact of various motivational strategies on the productivity of employees within the aircraft maintenance industry. In an era of intensifying competition in aviation and increasing quality standards, boosting employee productivity has become a crucial objective. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of how both tangible incentives, such as financial rewards, and intangible ones, like recognition and professional growth opportunities, contribute to enhancing employee performance and satisfaction. Additionally, the research explores the role of organizational culture and leadership style in shaping the effectiveness of these motivational strategies. It also highlights the effectiveness of combining these motivational strategies, particularly in the context of flexible working hours and tailored recognition programs. The article examines the long-term effects of sustained motivation on employee retention and the overall operational efficiency of aviation companies. The findings underscore that a balanced approach, incorporating both material and non-material incentives, can lead to substantial improvements in employee efficiency and overall job satisfaction, offering valuable insights for aviation managers aiming to optimize workforce performance. Moreover, the study delves into the psychological aspects of motivation, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual employee needs and preferences. The article suggests that personalizing motivational strategies, by aligning them with employees’ career goals and personal values, can significantly enhance their effectiveness. This approach not only increases productivity but also fosters a stronger sense of loyalty and engagement among employees, ultimately contributing to a more cohesive and high-performing workforce. The research highlights the importance of continuous evaluation and adjustment of motivational strategies to ensure their relevance in a dynamic industry landscape.
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL'S PLACE IN INTERNATIONAL HOTEL CHAINS
Authors:   University of Customs and Finance, Horozhankina Nataliya , Korneyev Maxim ,   University of Customs and Finance, Farzullaev Rasul ,   University of Customs and Finance
Published: January 2025

The TOP–10 largest hotel chains in the world were considered and the place of the Marriott International hotel chain in this ranking was revealed. The activity of the international hotel chain Marriott is characterized. Marriott International is a leading hospitality company that currently operates premium (full–service), upscale and extended–stay (limited–service and extended–stay) luxury hotel and suite brands. At the end of 2023, the company managed 2,096 properties (589,078 rooms), including hotels under long–term management or under lease agreements with hotel owners (combined management and lease agreements), as well as hotels owned by Marriott. By the end of 2023, the company had 6,563 franchised and licensed properties (994,354 rooms and timeshare units). An analysis of the regional distribution of hotels by class was carried out. It has been established that the undisputed leader in terms of the number of luxury, premium and limited service hotels are the countries of North America. Economy class hotels are represented only in the countries of the Caribbean region and Latin America. By category, the leaders of the network are hotels with limited service – 66% of the total number of hotels in the network, in second place are premium class hotels – 26%, in third place are luxury class hotels, and in fourth place are economy class hotels – 2%. With a detailed spatial analysis of the chain's hotels by category, we can note that: 1) the luxury category of hotels is most represented in the USA and Canada (26%), the second place is occupied by the Asia–Pacific region (without China) – 21%, and the European region is in third place (17%); 2) almost half of the premium segment hotels are located in the USA and Canada (48%), the second place belongs to European countries – 17%, and the third place – the Asia–Pacific region (10%); 3) 83% of hotels with limited service operate in the USA and Canada, the rest of the distribution of hotels in this category differs slightly by region of the world – 6% falls on Europe, 4% – on the Asia–Pacific region (without China), 3% – on China, and 2% each to the Middle East and Africa and the Caribbean region and Latin America. A SWOT-analysis of the company's activities was carried out and a description of the factors that could affect the Marriott company's activities was provided.
EVOLUTION OF THE THEORY OF THE FIRM IN THE CONTEXT OF THE DIGITALISATION OF THE ECONOMY
Authors:   University of Customs and Finance, Ivashyna Oleksandr , Ivashyna Svitlana ,   University of Customs and Finance, Tereshchenko Tetiana ,   University of Customs and Finance
Published: January 2025

The article analyses the theoretical and methodological approaches to the scientific analysis of the firm and its evolution in different areas of economic thought. The authors aim to identify the factors of firm evolution in the digital economy. The authors focus on those factors that are related to the institutional sphere and determine the emergence of characteristic (attributive) features of the firm in the process of digitalisation of the economy. It is argued that digitalisation has become not only a determining factor of changes at the microeconomic level, but also an instrument for institutionalising economic relations. The article examines those aspects of the firm's evolution that are directly determined by technological changes and the peculiarities of economic relations in a digital society. The article considers the impact of institutionalisation of economic relations on internal institutional transformations in a firm. It is proved that it is the firm that ensures the accumulation of technological and institutional potential of the digital society. The technological aspect of firm development is highlighted and its role in the processes of digitalisation and informatisation is shown. It is proved that the organisational, economic and legal forms of production allow for the efficient economic realisation of virtual property and substantive quasi-monopoly on the firm's virtual product, and reduce socio-economic disparities in the digital society. The authors show that the process of digitalisation in Ukraine is in line with global trends in the formation of modern microeconomic structures. It is proved that the firm is an important structural and functional element of the institutional system of the digital society and a direct phenomenon of the development of the digital economy. The development of the digital economy and society determine the further evolution of the firm towards the formation of its new modern forms. The author identifies a tendency towards convergence of the technological and institutional concepts of the firm. The new approach allows to satisfactorily explain the evolution of the firm in the digital society, institutional efficiency of the firm in terms of the implementation of a quasi-monopoly on new information (knowledge).
LAND BANK STARTED: PROSPECTS FOR LAND OWNERS AND LAND USERS
Authors:   Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University, Lazarieva Olena , Mas Andrii ,   Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University, Sandolska Olena ,   Mykolaiv Land and Cadastre Institute LLC
Published: January 2025

The foreign experience of land banks in the USA, Germany, Poland, Latvia, Slovakia, Hungary and Lithuania was studied. The normative and legal framework regulating the conduct of land auctions and transactions with land has been studied. Information on how the Ukrainian Universal Exchange, the platform of LLC "Y.YUIZ", the Prozoro.Prodazhi system functions is highlighted. The mechanism of their functioning is substantiated. It is noted that the sale of land plots takes place through the E-Tender platform. The stages of conducting land auctions are presented, such as the formation of a list of land plots that are submitted for land auctions, the preparation of the technical passport of the land plot, the publication of an official announcement about conducting auctions, the submission of an application for participation in land auctions, the consideration of applications from individuals and legal entities, and the verification of receipts from funds for participation in land auctions, directly the process of conducting land auctions, summarizing the results of auctions (determining the winner), conducting calculations and registration of the ownership of the land plot. The mechanism of a three-round English auction is described. Opened prospects of the land bank in the land use system. The main ones are the possibility of increasing the value of land through online auctions, bringing land out of the shadows, developing one's own business, attracting investments into the agricultural sector, which will contribute to competition and efficiency in the field of the land market, transparency of operations in the field of the land bank, which makes it possible to improve the logistical and production processes of land management operations and operations with land plots, the increase in the value of the land plot, sales through online auctions, revitalization of sales on the land market, creation of new jobs, opening of new production and service structures, deposit of land as collateral, which indicates that land is a liquid asset. The outlined perspectives contribute to the transparency of doing business on land, as well as the successful functioning of land banks. We see the prospects for further research in the substantiation of design and estimate decisions in the land management field.
In Silico Docking of Imidazopyridinyl Acrylonitrile Derivatives to Identify Potential SARS-Cov-2 Inhibitors
Authors: Songuigama Coulibaly Jean -Paul N’Guessan , Eunice A. Adouko Abdulrahim A. Alzain , Ouattara Mahama
Published: January 2025

The infectious disease caused by COVID-19 was caused by a strain of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). It was declared a pandemic in March 2020, leading to 777 millions million cases and 7 millions deaths worldwide. The main protease (MPro) of SARS-CoV-2, a key protease of the virus, mediates viral replication and transcription. SARS-CoV-2 MPro has proven to be an important target for the design and development of drugs against SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this study is to propose a new chemical profile that could be used as an alternative in case of a coronavirus crisis. A literature review revealed that structure-activity relationship studies of MPro protease inhibitors helped identify the key structural features necessary for binding to SARS-CoV-2 MPro through interactions. Based on this, we proposed a series of imidazopyridinyl-acrylonitriles as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 MPro. Molecular docking studies were conducted on the MPro protein (PDB ID: 5R81) using Schrödinger software. Finally, ADME prediction was used to explore the pharmacokinetic properties. The results of the docking studies showed that imidazopyridinyl acrylonitrile derivatives with a chlorine atom at position 6 showed the best affinities for the target MPro protein (PDB ID: 5R81) and demonstrated favorable ADME characteristics. Furthermore, the trans configuration of the molecules, pi-pi interactions with the nitrogen heterocycle, hydrogen bonding with the pyridinic nitrogen of the imidazopyridine core, and hydrophobic interactions between the chlorine atom and threonine would promote the inhibitory activity of acrylonitrile hybrids on MPro. 6-Chloro-imidazopyridinylacrylonitriles have proven to be promising agents as inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 MPro, showing significant interactions compared to N-methylpiperazine derivatives.
BIOTECHNOLOGICAL METHODS OF STIMULATION OF REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION OF MAIN SOWS
Authors:   Livestock farming institute of NAAS of Ukraine, Kharkiv, Ukraine, MARTYNUУK Irina , SUSHKO Alexei ,   Livestock farming institute of NAAS of Ukraine, Kharkiv, Ukraine, SAVELIEVA Marina ,   Livestock farming institute of NAAS of Ukraine, Kharkiv, Ukraine, STRYZHAK Tatiana ,   Volodymyr Dahl East Ukrainian National University, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: January 2025

Development of new and improvement of existing biotechnological methods for activating the reproductive function of sows remains one of the current areas of scientific research, which is a necessary condition for the current revival of industrial complexes with a full cycle of pig production.

The results of experiments on studying the influence of vitamin-hormonal stimulation of older sows to extend their productive longevity are presented. The experiments were carried out in the conditions of industrial pig farming separately in the spring and summer seasons. The work was aimed at increasing the efficiency of pig farming in conditions of intensified production.

According to the results of the research, it was found that in the spring period of the year, when using vitamin and hormonal treatment, an increase in the fertility of older sows (3 years and older) is observed to 86.6 %, compared to 76.9 % in the control group. In the experimental group, 15 sows came into heat within 4−5 days, of which 13 were fertilized; in the control group, out of 15 animals, 13 animals came into heat within 8 days, of which 10 or 76.9 % of the sows were fertilized. Comparing the obtained data, it should be noted that the sows of the experimental group came into heat 3 days earlier than the control animals.

It has been proven that when vitamin and hormonal preparations are administered to the main sows older than 3 years and using natural mating, an increase in the fertility rate is observed by 9.7 %.

Such an important indicator as the multiparity of sows was higher by 4.0 % (from 13 experimental sows 34 piglets were obtained more compared to the control group of animals).

Studying the main reproductive indicators of sows in the summer season: it was found that when using vitamin-hormonal treatment, fertilization was at the level of 80 %, which is 6.7 % higher than in the control. Within 6 days, all 15 animals of the experimental group came into sexual heat, while 12 of them (80 %) became fertile after mating. The sows of the control group, which were not treated with vitamin and hormonal agents, came into sexual heat within 8 days; out of 15 animals, only 11 animals or 73.3 % were fertilized. The multiparity rate of sows in the experimental group was 8.4% higher than in the control group (10 piglets were born from 12 sows).
Abordagens da geografia humanista para o ensino de geografia física
Authors: Kahl Ferraz Maíra
Published: January 2025

A geografia humanista tem possibilitado a ampliação dos debates geográficos através do diálogo com outros campos científicos e também com as artes. Além disso, a abordagem da geografia humanista pode contribuir para o processo de ensino aprendizagem, pois seu método se fundamenta entre algumas vertentes na fenomenologia e na ontologia, o que possibilita o enfoque nas vivências e experiências das alunas e alunos. Sendo assim, esse artigo pretende discorrer sobre as aproximações entre a geografia humanista e a geografia física, especialmente no que tange as práticas nas aulas de Hidrologia e Pedologia para alunas e alunos da licenciatura em Geografia. Neste sentido, entendemos que a relação entre a geografia física e humanista auxilia na compreensão do novo paradigma ambiental que visa questionar a enfática separação entre seres humanos e natureza. Por isso, esses questionamentos embasam o artigo e as práticas nele relatadas.
Discourse, Values and Voting: Political Value Priorities of the Turkish Public
Authors: Köse Aynur , Kezer Fatih , Yılmaz Mustafa , Arslan Eylem
Published: January 2025

There are many approaches to analyzing past elections in critical countries, but no valid standardized method yet. The significant effort focuses on the uncommitted voters in the studies and how they were won. This paper investigates the elections in the Republic of Turkey between 2002-2011. It focuses on determining the level of attitudes and expectations of Turkish voters based on the value priority of politics. The investigation answers how people voted as they did based on their gender, age, education, income and region. A quantitative research method has been designed to establish a correlation among these variables by collecting data from 4268 voters. The findings resulted in the formation of an analysis method, called the Scale of Political Values. The scale has three sub-dimensions: the first one is stability and order-oriented, strong power expectation, the second is developmental, honest, solution-oriented policy expectation, and the last is strong leadership expectation. Increasing age and decreasing education and income levels resulted in an increased strong power expectation. As age, education, and income levels increased, the expectation for developmental, honest, solution-oriented policy received the highest score. This dimension had a linear relation to age, education, and income level. Gender did not affect both sub-dimensions.
Reliability and construct validation of the Blended Learning Usability Evaluation–Questionnaire with interprofessional clinicians in Canada : a methodological study
Authors: Arora Anish Kumar , Myers Jeff , Apramian Tavis , Kulasegaram Kulamakan , Bainbridge Daryl , Seow Hsien
Published: January 2025

Purpose: To generate Cronbach’s alpha and further mixed methods construct validity evidence for the Blended Learning Usability Evaluation–Questionnaire (BLUE-Q).Methods: Forty interprofessional clinicians completed the BLUE-Q after finishing a 3-month long blended learning professional development program in Ontario, Canada. Reliability was assessed with Cronbach’s α for each of the 3 sections of the BLUE-Q and for all quantitative items together. Construct validity was evaluated through the Grand-Guillaume-Perrenoud et al. framework, which consists of 3 elements: congruence, convergence, and credibility. To compare quantitative and qualitative results, descriptive statistics, including means and standard deviations for each Likert scale item of the BLUE-Q were calculated.Results: Cronbach’s α was 0.95 for the pedagogical usability section, 0.85 for the synchronous modality section, 0.93 for the asynchronous modality section, and 0.96 for all quantitative items together. Mean ratings (with standard deviations) were 4.77 (0.506) for pedagogy, 4.64 (0.654) for synchronous learning, and 4.75 (0.536) for asynchronous learning. Of the 239 qualitative comments received, 178 were identified as substantive, of which 88% were considered congruent and 79% were considered convergent with the high means. Among all congruent responses, 69% were considered confirming statements and 31% were considered clarifying statements, suggesting appropriate credibility. Analysis of the clarifying statements assisted in identifying 5 categories of suggestions for program improvement.Conclusion: The BLUE-Q demonstrates high reliability and appropriate construct validity in the context of a blended learning program with interprofessional clinicians, making it a valuable tool for comprehensive program evaluation, quality improvement, and evaluative research in health professions education.
Nitric Oxide Synthase in Pulmonary Hypertension: Lessons from Knockout Mice
Authors: Fagan KA , McMurtry I , Rodman DM
Published: January 2025

Nitric oxide (NO) is implicated in a wide variety of biological roles. NO is generated from three nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms: neuronal (nNOS), inducible (iNOS), and endothelial (eNOS) all of which are found in the lung. While there are no isoform-specific inhibitors of NOS, the recent development and characterization of mice deficient in each of the NOS isoforms has allowed for more comprehensive study of the importance of NO in the lung circulation. Studies in the mouse have identified the role of NO from eNOS in modulating pulmonary vascular tone and in attenuating the development of chronic hypoxic pulmonary hypertension.
Exploring the application of dietary antioxidant index for disease risk assessment: a comprehensive review
Authors: Pourmontaseri Hossein , Bazmi Sina , Sepehrinia Matin , Mostafavi Ayda , Arefnezhad Reza , Homayounfar Reza , Vahid Farhad
Published: January 2025

Oxidative stress contributes to the development of cardiometabolic diseases and cancers. Numerous studies have highlighted the adverse effects of high reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the progression of chronic noncommunicable diseases and also during infections. On the other hand, antioxidants play a crucial role in preventing oxidative stress or postponing cell damage via the direct scavenging of free radicals or indirectly via the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway, among others. Dietary antioxidants can be obtained from various sources, mainly through a plant-based diet, including fruits and vegetables. The dietary antioxidant index (DAI) has been developed to assess total antioxidant intake from diet. This review delineated the performance of DAI in the risk assessment of different diseases. It is suggested that a high DAI score prevents obesity-related diseases, including diabetes mellitus, hyperuricemia, dyslipidemia, and metabolic (dysfunction)-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Additionally, DAI is negatively associated with Helicobacter pylori and Human papillomavirus infection, thus reducing the risk of gastric and cervical cancer. Also, a high intake of antioxidants prevents the development of osteoporosis, miscarriage, infertility, and mental illnesses. However, further prospective observations and clinical trials are warranted to confirm the application of DAI in preventing diseases that have been studied.
The technology acceptance model and adopter type analysis in the context of artificial intelligence
Authors: Ibrahim Fabio , Münscher Johann-Christoph , Daseking Monika , Telle Nils-Torge
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a transformative technology impacting various sectors of society and the economy. Understanding the factors influencing AI adoption is critical for both research and practice. This study focuses on two key objectives: (1) validating an extended version of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in the context of AI by integrating the Big Five personality traits and AI mindset, and (2) conducting an exploratory k-prototype analysis to classify AI adopters based on demographics, AI-related attitudes, and usage patterns.

Methods

A sample of N = 1,007 individuals individuals (60% female; M = 30.92; SD = 8.63 years) was collected. Psychometric data were obtained using validated scales for TAM constructs, Big Five personality traits, and AI mindset. Regression analysis was used to validate TAM, and a k-prototype clustering algorithm was applied to classify participants into adopter categories.

Results

The psychometric analysis confirmed the validity of the extended TAM. Perceived usefulness was the strongest predictor of attitudes towards AI usage (β = 0.34, p < 0.001), followed by AI mindset scale growth (β = 0.28, p < 0.001). Additionally, openness was positively associated with perceived ease of use (β = 0.15, p < 0.001). The k-prototype analysis revealed four distinct adopter clusters, consistent with the diffusion of innovations model: early adopters (n = 218), early majority (n = 331), late majority (n = 293), and laggards (n = 165).

Discussion

The findings highlight the importance of perceived usefulness and AI mindset in shaping attitudes toward AI adoption. The clustering results provide a nuanced understanding of AI adopter types, aligning with established innovation diffusion theories. Implications for AI deployment strategies, policy-making, and future research directions are discussed.
Innovative surgical and stress-stimulated rat model of ligamentum flavum hypertrophy
Authors: Chen Long , Zhang Zhaoyuan , Li Niandong , Zhang Wanxia , Zheng Zhouhang , Zhang Yu
Published: January 2025

Background and purpose

Animal models of LFH are still in the exploratory stage. This study aimed to establish a reliable, efficient, and economical model of LFH in rats for the study of human ligamentum flavum (LF) pathological mechanisms, drug screening, development, improvement of surgical treatment, disease prevention, and other aspects.

Methods and materials

Forty rats were divided into an experimental group and a sham group of 20 rats. The experimental group (n = 20) was treated with an innovative operation combined with stress stimulation at the L5-L6 segments, the L5 and L6 spinous processes, transverse processes, and supraspinous ligaments were excised, along with removal of the paraspinal muscles at the L5-L6 level. One week after surgery, the rats were subjected to slow treadmill running daily. In the experimental group (n = 20), the spinous process, transverse process, supraspinous ligament and paraspinous muscle of L5 and L6 were excised. And for a week after the surgery, the rats ran on a treadmill at a slow pace every day. While the sham group (n = 20) was treated with sham operation only. Seven weeks later, MRI, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and western blot (WB) will be performed on the LF of the L5-6 segment in the two groups of rats.

Results

MRI results showed that the LF in the experimental group was significantly thicker than that in the sham group. Masson staining results indicated that LF thickness, collagen fiber area, and collagen volume fraction (CVF) were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the sham group. IHC and WB showed that the expression of TGF-β1, COL1, and IL-1β in the LF of the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the LF of sham group.

Conclusion

Through innovative surgical intervention combined with stress stimulation, a relatively reliable, efficient, and convenient rat LFH model was established.
Study of Fluid Flow Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of Aviation Fuel-Welded Pipelines via the Fluid–Solid Coupling Method
Authors: Guo Changhong , Di Mengran , Gong Hanwen , Zhang Jin , Sun Shibo , Ye Kehua , Li Bin , Quan Lingxiao
Published: January 2025

The welded pipeline structure of aircraft fuel is a complex and diverse entity, significantly influenced by fluid–solid coupling. The refined aviation fuel-welded pipeline model plays a pivotal role in the investigation of its fluid–solid coupling mechanical properties. However, the mechanical analyses of pipelines with welded structures frequently simplify or ignore the influence of the weld zone (WZ). Consequently, these analyses fail to reveal the complex interactions between different weld zones in detail. In this study, a comprehensive and precise fuel-welded pipeline refinement model is developed through the acquisition of microstructural dimensions and mechanical parameters of the weld zone via metallographic inspection and microtensile testing. Additionally, the influence of clamps and brackets under airborne conditions is fully considered. Furthermore, the numerical simulation results are compared and verified using modal and random vibration tests. This paper addresses the impact of diverse fluid characteristics on the velocity field, pressure field, and stress in disparate areas, and it also conducts an investigation into the random vibration characteristics of the pipeline. The results demonstrate that the fluid pressure and velocity exert a considerable influence on the fluid flow state and structural stress distribution within the pipeline. An increase in flow velocity and alteration to the pipeline geometry will result in a change to the local velocity distribution, which in turn affects the distribution of the fluid pressure field. The highest stresses are observed in the weld zone, particularly at the junction between the weld zone and the heat-affected zone (HAZ). In contrast, the stresses in the bend region exhibit a corrugated distribution in both the axial and circumferential directions. An increase in fluid pressure has a significant impact on the natural frequency of the pipeline. This study enhances our comprehension of the mechanical properties of aircraft fuel lines with fluid–solid coupling and provides a foundation and guidance for the optimal design of fuel-welded lines.
The Promotion of Dark Septate Endophytes on the Performance and Active Ingredients Accumulation of Dendranthema morifolium Under Cd Stress
Authors: Wu Meiling , Li Gen , Wang Simiao , Wang Ziteng , Li Longfei , Han Li
Published: January 2025

Dark septate endophytes (DSE) may facilitate plant growth and stress tolerance in stressful ecosystems. However, little is known about the response of medicinal plants to DSE, especially under heavy metal stress. This study aimed to investigate how DSE affects the growth of Dendranthema morifolium in medicinal plants under cadmium (Cd) stress. In this investigation, the sterile and non-sterile inoculations were carried out to evaluate the effect of three DSE strains on D. morifolium stressed with Cd. For the root, DSE15 sterile or non-sterile inoculation resulted in enhanced root biomass, root volume, the Cd content of roots, and the indoleacetic acid (IAA) levels in D. morifolium under Cd stress. DSE7 non-sterile inoculation significantly enhanced the Cd content of roots at 1 and 5 mg Cd/kg soil. Regarding impact stems and leaves, under sterile conditions, DSE7 and DSE15 effectively regulated the shoot biomass, plant height, chlorophyll level, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) content. Under sterile conditions, DSE15 positively influenced shoot biomass and plant height, while DSE7 had no significant effect on them when subjected to Cd stress. For effects on flowers under non-sterile conditions, DSE7 and DSE15 significantly increased the flower biomass under Cd stress, while DSE7 reduced the Cd transfer coefficient of flowers at 1 and 5 mg Cd/kg soil. Importantly, at 1 mg Cd/kg soil, DSE7 and DSE15 non-sterile inoculations promoted the 1, 5-dicaffeoylquinic acid content by 18.29% and 21.70%. The interaction between DSE and soil factors revealed that DSE species had significant effects on soil organic carbon and available nitrogen in D. morifolium non-sterile soil. The DSE15 inoculation enhanced soil organic carbon content, while the inoculation of DSE7 and DSE15 reduced soil available nitrogen content under Cd stress. These results contribute to a better understanding of DSE-plant interactions in habitats contaminated by heavy metals and demonstrate the potential utility of DSE strains for cultivating medicinal plants.
Increasing Cattle Herd Size or Density in C3 Grass–Legume Meadows Reduces Dietary Quality
Authors: Scasta John Derek , Furquim Fernando Forster
Published: January 2025

Animal density is a grazing management decision implemented by managers that may reduce animal diet quality. Over three years, we collected herd-level cattle samples with varying animal numbers and densities across C3 grass–legume meadows near Powell, WY, USA. Paddocks ranged in size from 3 to 72 ha, cattle groups ranged from 80 to 370 animals, animal units (AUs; defined as heifers = 0.8, cow–calf pairs = 1.3, and bulls = 1.6) ranged from 52 to 248.6, animal density ranged from 1.5 to 30.3 animals/ha, and AU density ranged from 0.9 to 19.8 AUs/ha. Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy of fecal samples (f.NIRS) was used to estimate crude protein (CP), digestible organic matter (DOM), and the DOM:CP ratio. Structural equation modeling (SEM) that mediated time (i.e., Day of Year) rendered all animal number or density variables as significant predictors for CP and DOM (negative estimates) and for DOM:CP (positive estimate), indicating that congregating animals in larger groups and/or greater densities, even in meadows with high-quality forage species, may reduce post-ingestive diet quality estimates by −1.2% and −2.0 for CP and DOM for every +100 animals or for every +10 animals per hectare. Livestock managers could potentially override this negative effect by adjusting when animals are congregated at higher densities.
Impact of the Luding Earthquake on the Area of Potentially Suitable Habitat for Batrachuperus Species in the Gongga Mountain National Nature Reserve
Authors: Song Xinlong , Liu Xiuying , Zheng Xiaoao , Song Jian , You Zhangqiang , Xiong Jianli
Published: January 2025

Members of the genus Batrachuperus are endemic to China and include seven described species, five of which are nationally protected salamanders in China. The Gongga Mountain National Nature Reserve (GGMNNR) is rich in animal and plant resources, including the Batrachuperus species. On 5 September 2022, the GGMNNR experienced the Luding earthquake, and this provided an opportunity to quantify the impact of a catastrophic events on the area of potentially suitable habitat for a rare species in the GGMNNR. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the Luding earthquake on the area of potentially suitable habitat for the Batrachuperus species by combining Maxent modeling, remote sensing image processing, and GIS methods. The results showed that precipitation, temperature, and slope were the most important variables affecting the distribution of the Batrachuperus species. Currently, suitable habitats accounted for 40.67% (1664.10 km2) of the studied area (4091.10 km2), and these areas were mainly distributed in the northern, western, and southern portions of the GGMNNR. The destruction caused by the earthquake accounted for 4.87% (199.34 km2) of the studied area, and only 1.97% (32.78 km2) of the suitable habitat of the Batrachuperus species was destroyed. These results indicated that although the Luding earthquake affected the habitat of the Batrachuperus species in the GGMNNR, its effect was small. These findings enhance our understanding of the distribution of the Batrachuperus species and the effect of the Luding earthquake on biodiversity in the GGMNNR.
The Integration of AI and Metaverse in Education: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Almeman Khalid , EL Ayeb Faycel , Berrima Mouhebeddine , Issaoui Brahim , Morsy Hamdy
Published: January 2025

The use of the metaverse in educational environments has grown significantly in recent years, particularly following the shift of major tech companies towards virtual worlds and immersive technologies. Virtual reality and augmented reality technologies are employed to construct immersive learning environments. The metaverse is generally understood as a vast digital ecosystem or virtual space, facilitating the transition of individuals from physical to virtual environments, and is applicable to educational domains where practical experiments are challenging or fraught with risks, such as space exploration, chemical experimentation, and flight simulation training. In addition, the integration of artificial intelligence with the metaverse within educational contexts has significantly enriched the learning environment, giving rise to AI-driven teaching systems tailored to each student’s individual pace and learning modalities. As a result, a number of research articles have been conducted to explore the applications of the metaverse and artificial intelligence in education. This paper provides a systematic literature review following the PRISMA methodology to analyze and investigate the significance and impact of the metaverse in education, with a specific focus on the integration of AI with the metaverse. We address inquiries regarding the applications, challenges, academic disciplines, and effects of integrating AI and the metaverse in education that have not yet been explored in most research articles. Additionally, we study the AI techniques used in the metaverse in education and their roles. The review affirms that the integration of the metaverse in education, with the utilization of AI applications, will enrich education by improving students’ understanding and comprehension across diverse academic disciplines.
Exploring the Mechanisms of Iron Overload-Induced Liver Injury in Rats Based on Transcriptomics and Proteomics
Authors: Shu Yujia , Wu Xuanfu , Zhang Dongxu , Jiang Shuxia , Ma Wenqiang
Published: January 2025

Iron is a trace element that is indispensable for the growth and development of animals. Excessive iron supplementation may lead to iron overload and elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in animals, causing cellular damage. Nevertheless, the precise mechanism by which iron overload causes cell injury remains to be fully elucidated. In this study, 16 male SD rats aged 6 to 7 weeks were randomly assigned to either a control group (CON) or an iron overload group (IO). Rats in the iron overload group received 150 mg/kg iron dextran injections every three days for a duration of four weeks. The results indicated that iron treatment with iron dextran significantly increased the scores of steatosis (p < 0.05) and inflammation (p < 0.05) in the NAS score. The integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analysis suggests that HO-1 and Lnc286.2 are potentially significant in iron overload-induced liver injury in rats. In vitro experiments utilizing ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) were conducted to establish an iron overload model in rat liver-derived BRL-3A cells. The result found that FAC treatment can significantly increase the BRL-3A cell’s Fe2+ content (p < 0.05), ROS (p < 0.01), lipid ROS (p < 0.01) levels, and the expression of the HO-1 gene and protein (p < 0.01), aligning with proteomic and transcriptomic findings. HO-1 inhibition can significantly decrease BRL-3A cell vitality (p < 0.01) and promote ROS (p < 0.05) and lipid ROS (p < 0.01), thus aggravating FAC-induced BRL-3A cell iron overload damage. Using the agonist of HO-1 agonist cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP) to induce HO-1 overexpression can significantly alleviate the decrease in FAC-induced BRL-3A cell viability (p < 0.01), ROS (p < 0.01), and lipid ROS (p < 0.01). In addition, siLnc286.2 treatment can increase HO-1 expression, alleviate the decline of FAC-induced BRL-3A cell activity, and increase lipid ROS (p < 0.05) content. In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that by suppressing the expression of Lnc286.2, we can enhance the expression of HO-1, which in turn alleviates lipid peroxidation in cells and increases their antioxidant capacity, thereby exerting a protective effect against liver cell injury induced by iron overload.
Nanoparticles for Biomedical Use Derived from Natural Biomolecules: Tannic Acid and Arginine
Authors: Sahiner Mehtap , Suner Selin S. , Sahiner Nurettin
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Tannic acid (TA) is a well-known natural phenolic acid composed of ten gallic acids linked to each other with ester bonding possessing excellent antioxidant properties in addition to antimicrobial and anticancer characteristics. Arginine (ARG) is a positively charged amino acid at physiological pH because of nitrogen-rich side chain. Method: Here, poly(tannic acid-co-arginine) (p(TA-co-ARG)) particles at three mole ratios, TA:ARG = 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3, were prepared via a Mannich condensation reaction between TA and ARG by utilizing formaldehyde as a linking agent. Results: The p(TA-co-ARG) particles in 300–1000 nm size range with smooth surfaces visualized via SEM analysis were attained. Abundant numbers of functional groups, -OH, -NH2, and -COOH stemming from TA and ARG constituent confirmed by FT-IR analysis. The isoelectric point (IEP) of the particles increased from pH 4.98 to pH 7.30 by increasing the ARG ratios in p(TA-co-ARG) particles. The antioxidant capacity of p(TA-co-ARG) particles via gallic acid (GA) and rosmarinic acid (RA) equivalents tests revealed that particles possess concentration-dependent antioxidant potency and increased by TA content. The α-glucosidase inhibition of p(TA-co-ARG) particles (2 mg/mL) 1:1 and 1:2 mole ratios revealed significant enzyme inhibition ability, e.g., 91.3 ± 3.1% and 77.6 ± 12.0%. Interestingly, p(TA-co-ARG) (1:3 ratio) possessed significant antibacterial effectiveness against Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) bacteria. Furthermore, all p(TA-co-ARG) particles at 1000 mg/mL concentration showed >80% toxicity on L929 fibroblast cells and increased as ARG content of p(TA-co-ARG) particles is increased. Conclusions: p(TA-co-ARG) showed significant potential as natural biomaterials for biomedical use.
Repetitive Mild but Not Single Moderate Brain Trauma Is Associated with TAR DNA-Binding Protein 43 Mislocalization and Glial Activation in the Mouse Spinal Cord
Authors: Janković Tamara , Rajič Bumber Jelena , Gržeta Krpan Nika , Dolenec Petra , Jaeger Marc , Kriz Jasna , Župan Gordana , Pilipović Kristina
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs after a sudden mechanical force to the skull and represents a significant public health problem. Initial brain trauma triggers secondary pathophysiological processes that induce structural and functional impairment of the central nervous system, even in the regions distant to the lesion site. Later in life, these changes can be manifested as neurodegenerative sequalae that commonly involve proteinopathies, such as transactive DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43). The progression of pathophysiological changes to the spinal cord motor neurons has been detected after repetitive TBI, while such changes have been less investigated after single TBI. Methods: Single TBI was applied over the left parietal cortex of mice by using the lateral fluid percussion injury apparatus and a separate cohort of animals received repetitive mild TBI by weight drop apparatus, with two mild injuries daily, for five days in a row. Mice were sacrificed after single moderate or last mild TBI and their spinal cords were prepared for the analyses. For both types of injury, sham-injured mice were used as a control group. Results: Here, we found an early formation of toxic phosphorylated TDP-43 species on the 3rdday post-injury which, together with TDP-43 cytoplasmic translocation, remained present in the subacute period of 14 days after repetitive mild but not single moderate TBI. During the subacute period following a repetitive brain trauma, we found an increased choline acetyltransferase protein expression and significant microgliosis in the cervical part of the spinal cord, which was not detected after single TBI. Astrogliosis presented similarly after both experimental procedures. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the differences in the spinal cord TDP-43 pathology and inflammation, depending on the brain trauma type, and may contribute to the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.
Exploring User Experience in Virtual Industrial Heritage Platforms: Impact of Cultural Identity, Functional Clarity, Scene Interactivity, and Narrative Quality
Authors: Zhou Qi , Wang Shuqi , Wang Jinglin
Published: January 2025

This study aims to investigate the key factors influencing user experience in the design of virtual interactive platforms for the preservation of industrial heritage within the context of digitalization. In the literature review, this paper introduces a theoretical model comprising five latent variables: cultural identity, functional clarity, scenario interactivity, narrative quality, and user experience. To construct and validate the model, the author employed structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze data from 323 valid questionnaires collected in China. The validation of the SEM model led to conclusions regarding the impact of each latent variable on user experience. The results indicate that cultural identity, functional clarity, scene interactivity, and narrative quality significantly affect user experience and play a critical role in enhancing user experience on virtual platforms. To validate this theoretical framework, the study employs the virtual interactive platform of Hanyang Ironworks as a case study, examining how these factors manifest in practical scenarios and their specific impact on platform design. The findings reveal that a strong sense of cultural identity, clear functional design, interactive scenes, and a well-structured narrative are the core factors that enhance user experience on virtual industrial heritage platforms. This research provides both theoretical support for the digital preservation of industrial heritage and practical insights for the design of virtual platforms. The study improves virtual interactions with industrial heritage and informs future research and applications.
A Novel Nomogram for Estimating a High-Risk Result in the EndoPredict® Test for Estrogen Receptor-Positive/Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2)-Negative Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Macarrón Víctor , Losantos-García Itsaso , Peláez-García Alberto , Yébenes Laura , Berjón Alberto , Frías Laura , Martí Covadonga , Zamora Pilar , Sánchez-Méndez José Ignacio , Hardisson David
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: The EndoPredict® assay has been widely used in recent years to estimate the risk of distant recurrence and the absolute chemotherapy benefit for patients with estrogen (ER)-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer. However, there are no well-defined criteria for selecting patients who may benefit from the test. The aim of this study was to develop a novel nomogram to estimate the probability of obtaining a high-risk EndoPredict® result in clinical practice. Methods: The study cohort comprised 348 cases of T1-3/N0-1a/M0 ER-positive/HER2-negative breast carcinoma. A multivariate analysis was conducted using a training cohort (n = 270) based on clinicopathological features that demonstrated a statistically significant correlation with the EndoPredict® result in a univariate analysis. The predictive model was subsequently represented as a nomogram to estimate the probability of obtaining a high-risk result in the EndoPredict® assay. The predictive model was then validated using a separate validation cohort (n = 78). Results: The clinicopathological features incorporated into the nomogram included tumor size, tumor grade, sentinel lymph node status, pN stage, and Ki67. The internal validation of the model yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.803 (95% CI = 0.751, 0.855) in the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the training cohort, with an optimal sensitivity and specificity at a threshold of 0.536. The external validation yielded an AUC of 0.789 (95% CI = 0.689, 0.890) in its ROC curve, with optimal sensitivity and specificity achieved at a threshold of 0.393. Conclusions: This study presents, for the first time, the development of a clinically accessible nomogram designed to estimate the probability of obtaining a high-risk result in the EndoPredict® assay. The use of easily available clinicopathological features allows for the optimization of patient selection for the EndoPredict® assay, ensuring that those who would most benefit from undergoing the test are identified.