bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Microstructure and Property Evolution of Heavily Deformed AlCoCrFeNi High Entropy Alloy at High Temperature
Authors: Dou Zhenyu , Yin Jingou , Wei Ming , Zhang Baoguang , Wang Jian , Lu Sujun
Published: January 2025

High-temperature heat treatments can improve the element distributions and phase structures of AlCoCrFeNi high entropy alloys (HEAs). However, the long-term isothermal annealing at high temperatures will make the grains grow crazily. In this study, the problem of grain growth caused by high-temperature annealing at 1200 °C was solved by heavily deformed AlCoCrFeNi HEAs. The ultrafine grains formed by dynamic recrystallization will grow firstly during the subsequent annealing process, which inhibits the increase in the larger grains in the hot-extruded AlCoCrFeNi HEAs. The effect of high-temperature annealing on hot-extruded AlCoCrFeNi HEAs was also explored simultaneously in detail. After annealing at 1200 ℃ for 2 h, the compressive strength and fracture strain of the AlCoCrFeNi HEA reached an astonishing result of 3750 MPa and 43%, respectively. The results are attributed to the skeleton-liked FCC structures deeply interspersed into the grains and more importantly, the fine annealed grains which still maintained an average diameter of 20 μm. Additionally, the new nano-precipitates did not expand wildly at high temperatures either. Research on heavily deformed AlCoCrFeNi HEAs isothermally annealed at 1200 °C provides an available idea for further improving the properties of these HEAs.
A Review of Perovskite-Based Solar Cells over the Last Decade: The Evolution of the Hole Transport Layer and the Use of WO3 as an Electron Transport Layer
Authors: Ávila-López Albán , Cruz Julio César , Díaz-Real Jesús Adrián , García-Uitz Karla , Cante-Góngora Daniel , Rodríguez-May German
Published: January 2025

Perovskite solar cells are part of the third generation of solar cells, a technology that holds the potential to reduce the use of fossil fuels in energy production. Some factors, such as stability and toxicity, jeopardize the scaling process towards commercialization and access to worldwide markets. This work comprises a review over the last decade on PSC advances and progress in the most highly cited databases. A marked trend was found in replacing Pb for Sn from the absorbing perovskite materials, as well as finding the transport layers that will help in the stability and the efficiency of the solar cell. WO3 is presented as a viable element for the formation of the electron transport layer. Spiro-OMeTAD is the most used compound for the hole transport layer, but other viable substitutes were also found. Lastly, the Cs2SnI6 double perovskite was identified as one of the most stable perovskites that emerged in these 10 years. The efficiency and stability of Sn-based solar cells is still very low when compared to their Pb-based counterparts, driving the current research in material science to enhance their performance.
ApproxGeoMap: An Efficient System for Generating Approximate Geo-Maps from Big Geospatial Data with Quality of Service Guarantees
Authors: Alshamsi Reem Abdelaziz , Al Jawarneh Isam Mashhour , Foschini Luca , Corradi Antonio
Published: January 2025

Timely, region-based geo-maps like choropleths are essential for smart city applications like traffic monitoring and urban planning because they can reveal statistical patterns in geotagged data. However, because data overloading is brought on by the quick inflow of massive geospatial data, creating these visualizations in real time presents serious difficulties. This paper introduces ApproxGeoMap, a novel system designed to efficiently generate approximate geo-maps from fast-arriving georeferenced data streams. ApproxGeoMap employs a stratified spatial sampling method, leveraging geohash tessellation and Earth Mover’s Distance (EMD) to maintain both accuracy and processing speed. We developed a prototype system and tested it on real-world smart city datasets, demonstrating that ApproxGeoMap meets time-based and accuracy-based quality of service (QoS) constraints. Results indicate that ApproxGeoMap significantly enhances efficiency in both running time and map accuracy, offering a reliable solution for high-speed data environments where traditional methods fall short.
Purification and Identification of Flavonoids from Prunus mume and Its Anti-Photoaging Activities on UVB-Induced Human Keratinocytes
Authors: Liu Yuxuan , He Mengdie , Wei Xinxin , Han Qifeng , Yang Xiang , Huang Gangyi , Zhang Chen , Wu Mengqi , Zhang Wenqing
Published: January 2025

Prunus mume (Armeniaca mume Sieb. var. mume f. viridicalyx (Makino) T. Y. Chen) is a common landscape plant. It has rich flavonoid content, which shows strong biological activities. In this study, the application potential of flavonoids in Prunus mume in anti-photoaging cosmetics was developed. Firstly, the flavonoids in Prunus mume were extracted by the heating reflux method, and the total flavonoid content reached 192 mg/g under the optimal process conditions determined by orthogonal testing. Then, the crude extract (PMCE) was purified by NKA-II resin column chromatography, and the purity of the flavonoids reached 83.99%. Subsequently, the Prunus mume purified product (PMPP) was analyzed by UHPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS/MS and 45 compounds were identified including flavonoid glycosides, phenolic acids and p-coumaroyl acetylated sucrose. In addition, in vitro biological experiments showed that PMPP had significant repair effects on UVB-induced photoaging of human keratinocytes (HaCaT), lowering reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, restoring superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and promoting hyaluronic acid (HA) secretion and Aquaporins-3 (AQP-3) levels. The results laid the foundation for the development of the flavonoids in Prunus mume as materials for anti-photoaging cosmetics.
Assessing the Efficacy of Various Machine Learning Algorithms in Predicting Blood Pressure Using Pulse Transit Time
Authors: Turki Ahmad F.
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: This study investigates the potential of Pulse Transit Time (PTT) derived from Impedance Plethysmography (IPG), Photoplethysmography (PPG), and Electrocardiography (ECG) for non-invasive and cuffless blood pressure monitoring. IPG measures blood volume changes through electrical conductivity, while PPG detects variations in microvascular blood flow, providing essential insights for wearable health monitoring devices. Methods: Data were collected from 100 healthy participants under resting and post-exercise conditions using a custom IPG system synchronized with ECG, PPG, and blood pressure readings to create controlled blood pressure variations. Machine learning models, including Random Forest, Logistic Regression, Support Vector Classifier, and K-Neighbors, were applied to predict blood pressure categories based on PTT and cardiovascular features. Results: Among the various machine learning models evaluated, Random Forest demonstrated effective performance, achieving an overall accuracy of 90%. The model also exhibited robustness, effectively handling the challenge of unbalanced classes, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) for accuracy ranging from 80% to 95%. This indicates its reliability across different data splits despite the class imbalance. Notably, PTT derived from PPG emerged as a critical predictive feature, further enhancing the model’s ability to accurately classify blood pressure categories and solidifying its utility in non-invasive cardiovascular monitoring. Conclusions: The findings affirm the efficacy of using PTT measurements from PPG, IPG, and ECG as reliable predictors for non-invasive blood pressure monitoring. This study substantiates the integration of these techniques into wearable devices, offering a significant advancement for continuous, cuffless, and non-invasive blood pressure assessment.
Effect of Abutment Material on aMMP-8 Levels in Peri-Implant Sulcular Fluid over 12 Months: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Arefnia Behrouz , Theisen Kerstin , Steyer Elisabeth , Lorenzoni Martin , Sokolowski Armin , Ubaidha Maheen Ceeneena , Tervahartiala Taina , Sorsa Timo , Sokolowski Alwin
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: The long-term success of dental implants can be influenced by the material properties of abutments and their interaction with peri-implant tissues. This study investigates the impact of three abutment materials—titanium (Ti), zirconium oxide (Zr), and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)—on the inflammatory response in peri-implant sulcular fluid (PISF), using active-matrix metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8) as a biomarker. Methods: In this prospective, randomized clinical trial, 30 patients were assigned to Ti, Zr, or PMMA abutment groups. PISF samples were collected at predefined intervals over 12 months and analyzed for aMMP-8 levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Clinical parameters (probing depth, bleeding on probing, and plaque index) and radiographic assessments of bone resorption were also evaluated. Results: Two weeks after implant uncovering, baseline aMMP-8 levels varied significantly among materials, with Zr demonstrating the highest levels. Over time (2, 3, 6 and 12 months after implant uncovering), aMMP-8 levels decreased across all groups, with no significant differences observed at 12 months. Radiographic assessments indicated no statistically significant differences in bone resorption, with clinical parameters remaining comparable across all groups. Conclusions: Initial inflammatory responses to abutment materials may vary; however, all tested materials—Ti, Zr, and PMMA—showed long-term biocompatibility and supported healthy peri-implant tissue integration. These findings indicate that selecting any of the tested abutment materials does not significantly affect long-term peri-implant health.
Determination Method of Optimal Decomposition Level of Discrete Wavelet Based on Joint Jarque–Bera Test and Combination Weighting Method
Authors: Zhang Zhanpeng , Liu Changjian , Wang Min , Sun Shuang , Zhan Zhao
Published: January 2025

To overcome the limitations of traditional evaluation indicators in determining the optimal wavelet decomposition level, this paper proposes an adaptive method for selecting the best decomposition level by combining the Jarque–Bera test and a composite weighting approach. Firstly, in the noise extraction stage, the Jarque–Bera test is employed to ensure that the extracted noise follows Gaussian white noise characteristics, thereby avoiding issues of insufficient denoising or signal distortion. Secondly, in the evaluation stage of the denoised signal, a comprehensive consideration of the geometric and physical meanings of various evaluation metrics, as well as the Pearson correlation coefficients between them, is undertaken. The RMSE and smoothness are selected as evaluation indicators for the denoising performance. Since these two metrics describe signal characteristics from different dimensions, a weighted combination approach is used to generate a single composite evaluation index. Additionally, to overcome the limitations of using a single weighting method, a composite weighting strategy is proposed by combining the entropy weight method and the coefficient of variation method. The composite coefficient between these two weighting methods is calculated using the variance coefficient method, yielding a new composite evaluation metric. A smaller value of this metric indicates better denoising performance, and the corresponding optimal decomposition level is more accurately determined. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed comprehensive evaluation method can accurately determine the optimal wavelet decomposition level in both known and unknown truth-value cases, exhibiting a high accuracy and good applicability. Furthermore, the experimental results show that using the optimal decomposition level determined by the proposed method for wavelet denoising leads to smoother peak regions, more stable waveforms and significantly improved denoising performance.
Physical Realizations of Interdependent Networks: Analogy to Percolation
Authors: Gross Bnaya , Havlin Shlomo
Published: January 2025

Percolation on interdependent networks generalizes the well-studied percolation model in a single network to multiple interacting systems, unveiling spontaneous cascading failures, abrupt collapses, and high vulnerability. The main novelty of interdependent networks has been the introduction of two types of links, connectivity within networks and the dependency between them. The interplay between these two types of interactions results in novel critical phenomena and phase transitions. This abstract percolation paradigm was recently applied to magnetic networks, as an experimentally testable method for interdependent superconducting networks as well as to other systems like k-core percolation and overloaded networks. Here, we will review these physical applications and provide insights into several potential directions for the field of physically interdependent networks.
A Self-Regulated Learning Perspective on Smartphone Presence, Usage, and Multitasking While Studying
Authors: Daleiden Bridget K. , Hartley Kendall , Bendixen Lisa D.
Published: January 2025

The implications of the presence and usage of smartphone technology in learning contexts are not fully understood. Self-regulated learning (SRL) theory offers a framework in which smartphone use can be explored. The current study seeks to extend our understanding of the role of the smartphone while studying through a qualitative thematic analysis of responses to open-ended questions regarding smartphone use. A sample of 210 college students responded to questions about their smartphone use and multitasking behavior while studying. The findings indicate that college students use smartphones while studying to communicate, find information, and entertain themselves by media multitasking with their smartphones.
A Cluster Analysis of Identity Processing Styles and Educational and Psychological Variables Among TVET Students in the Nyanza Region of Kenya
Authors: Achuodho Hamphrey Ouma , Berki Tamás , Piko Bettina F.
Published: January 2025

This study investigated the link between identity processing styles, educational background, and psychological factors among engineering students in Kenyan TVET institutions in the Nyanza region. The research employs cluster analysis to identify student groups based on these variables. A total of 450 students from 15 public TVET institutions within the Nyanza region of Kenya comprised the study population. This pilot study included 110 students with ages ranging from 18 to 35 years. Data were collected by a self-administered online questionnaire. Based on cluster analysis, three groups of students were identified. The result revealed that 53.6% of the sample consisted of students with both diffuse-avoidant and normative identities; they were prone to academic procrastination and smartphone addiction and still possessed relatively higher levels of self-efficacy, life satisfaction, and academic performance/motivation. The second cluster included students with the highest level of informational identity (38.2%), good academic achievement, self-efficacy, optimism and life satisfaction, and motivation to learn. The third cluster consisted of students with low professional identity with poor academic performance and motivation, self-efficacy, and satisfaction with life (18.2%). The study’s findings can inform the development of targeted interventions to enhance student success and contribute to the effectiveness of vocational training programs.
“Kuwentos as Resistance”: Revealing White Emotionalities in the Social Justice Leadership of Asian American Educators
Authors: Huang Jessica Wei , Matias Cheryl E.
Published: January 2025

Asian American school leaders in K-20 schools and universities remain underrepresented in the field. As such, it is imperative that we study the experience of Asian American women (AAW) leaders to understand the racialized experiences of this specific group, particularly when they enact innovative leadership. We, the authors, argue that behind these racialized experiences are white emotionalities that are imposed upon AAW in uniquely raced and gendered ways. This conceptual paper addresses the following question: “how do white emotionalities thwart the innovative social justice efforts of female Asian American leaders in K-20 education?” To answer, we drew on the “kuwentos” of two AAW school leaders: one from K-12 administration and one from higher education administration. Kuwentos is derived from the Pinay concept of storytelling; thus, it is a befitting methodology to explicate these two women’s particular racial experiences. To critically interpret invisible operations of whiteness, we employed critical race hermeneutics (CRH) to reveal what is often left to the unconscious when examining the impact of whiteness on people of Color. To reveal how these seemingly natural presumptions are not so natural, CRH must be used. In drawing attention to how white emotionalities impact the innovative leadership of AAWs, the authors first use kuwentos to tell our own stories of experiencing white emotionalities. We then analyze these kuwentos through a CRH lens and end with implications and recommendations to positively impact AAW educational leaders.
Generative Steganography Based on the Construction of Chinese Chess Record
Authors: Cao Yi , Du Youwei , Ge Wentao , Huang Yanshu , Yuan Chengsheng , Wang Quan
Published: January 2025

Steganography is a technique for hiding secret information in imperceptible carriers and transmitting it. Unlike traditional embedding-based steganography, generative steganography can generate stego-carriers directly from secret messages, thus avoiding modifications to natural carriers that steganalysis can detect. As a branch of generative steganography, game-behavior-based steganography transmits secret information by encoding game behavior. It can naturally integrate with real interaction scenarios, exhibiting strong concealment and undetectability. To this end, this paper proposes a generative steganography based on Chinese Chess record construction. Firstly, an AlphaZero model was trained to achieve a high level in Chinese Chess, then transmit secret information by encoding chess behavior. Specifically, in each chess step, the model generates all the current feasible moves and encodes the moves that meet the threshold strategy according to probability. Then, the appropriate move will be selected according to the secret information. To ensure the reasonableness of the generated chess records, this paper controlled the game process and designed a database of fixed opening chess records. The proposed method can hide an average of 413 bits of information for each carrier and effectively resist common image attacks. Regarding anti-steganalysis, the proposed method achieved accuracy rates of 0.498 and 0.497 on XuNet and YeNet, respectively, outperforming other behavior-based steganography techniques.
Functional Language Logic
Authors: Manca Vincenzo
Published: January 2025

The formalism of Functional Language Logic (FLL) is presented, which is an extension of a logical formalism already introduced to represent sentences in natural languages. In the FLL framework, a sentence is represented by aggregating primitive predicates corresponding to words of a fixed language (English in the given examples). The FLL formalism constitutes a bridge between mathematical logic (high-order predicate logic) and the classical logical analysis of discourse, rooted in the Western linguistic tradition. Namely, FLL representations reformulate on a rigorous logical basis many fundamental classical concepts (complementation, modification, determination, specification, …), becoming, at the same time, a natural way of introducing mathematical logic through natural language representations, where the logic of linguistic phenomena is analyzed independently from the single syntactical and semantical choices of particular languages. In FLL, twenty logical operators express the mechanisms of logical aggregation underlying meaning constructions. The relevance of FLL in chatbot interaction is considered, and a problem concerning the relationship between embedding vectors in LLM (Large Language Model) transformers and FLL representations is posed.
A Quasi-Uniform Magnetic Coupling Array for a Multiload Wireless Power Transfer System with Flexible Configuration Strategies
Authors: Liu Dong , Yang Jin , Yue Yuntao , Li Ruofan , Song Xinwei
Published: January 2025

The coupling problem between the transmitter coils (Tx) and receiving coils (Rx) is influenced by the transmission power and efficiency for a multiload wireless power transfer (WPT) system. In order to solve this problem, a novel array WPT system with quasi-uniform coupling (QC) is proposed in this paper. Owing to the comprehensive design of the Tx and its mutual positional relationship, the proposed system supports simultaneous activation of multiple and even adjacent Tx while maintaining QC. In addition, the structure of Tx is simple and can be obtained with a low-cost optimization procedure, and the compact Rx coil provides sufficient misalignment transmission tolerance for one or two Rx within the Tx and overlapping areas. Furthermore, a parity-time (PT) symmetry-based Rx position detection method is adopted to support flexible unit operation strategies without additional communication procedures. Each Tx unit is equipped with an ingenious dynamic compensation circuit to solve the frequency detuning problem caused by adjacent Tx cross-coupling. Finally, the effectiveness of the design is proved by the prototype; the Tx can provide a QC area that is 1.44 times or 4.44 times the Rx coil area for each receiver in independent and composite modes, and it can match the operation strategy to achieve optimal configuration of the charging area.
Semiconductor Material Damage Mechanisms Due to Non-Ionizing Energy in Space-Based Solar Systems
Authors: Peters Anthony , Preindl Matthias , Fthenakis Vasilis
Published: January 2025

Radiation impacts on space-based systems operating on various orbits are evaluated in this paper. Specifically, satellite operations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO) are analyzed. Special focus is given on quantifying the effect of high-energy particle space radiation on materials used for critical power components, where component fault can lead to total mission failure. Methods, using multiple computational platforms for the quantification of non-ionizing energy loss (NIEL) and displacement damage dose (DDD), are used to assess semiconductor damage at specific orbital altitudes. Detailed simulations were conducted for Gallium Arsenide Indium Phosphide (GaInP/GaAs/Ge) solar cells with various cover glass thicknesses, and the survivability of GaInP/GaAs/Ge cells was compared with that of Si cells. It was assessed that radiation exposure due to high-energy protons at 10,000 km is more prevalent than 20,000 km orbits and that electron bombardment is a major electronic damage culprit. For MEO at 10,000 km, MEO at 20,000 km, and GEO at 36,000 km, we determined the 1-year maximum power (Pmax) losses due to protons to be 23%, 8%, and 1% and losses due to electrons to be 11%, 14%, and 10%. Total integrated spectra Pmax losses for those altitudes are 25%, 16%, and 10%, respectively.
Validation and Application of CFD Methodology for Core Inlet Flow Distribution in APR1000 Reactor
Authors: Son Sung Man , Park Won Man , Choi Dae Kyung , Choi Choengryul
Published: January 2025

The core inlet flow distribution in the APR1000 reactor is critical for ensuring the reactors safety and efficient operation by maintaining uniform coolant flow across fuel assemblies. Previous studies, though insightful, faced challenges in fully replicating reactor-scale flow conditions due to technical and economic constraints associated with scaled-down experimental models and the limited numerical validation methodologies. This study addresses these limitations by developing and validating a robust computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methodology to accurately analyze the core inlet flow distribution. A 1/5 scaled-down experimental model adhering to similarity laws was employed for validation. CFD analyses using ANSYS Fluent and CFX, combined with turbulence model evaluations and grid sensitivity studies, demonstrated that the SST and RNG k-ε turbulence models provided the most accurate predictions, with a high correlation to previous experimental data. Full-scale simulations revealed uniform coolant distribution at the core inlet, with peripheral assemblies exhibiting higher flow rates, consistent with previous experimental observations. Quantitative metrics such as the coefficient of variation (COV), relative error (RD), and root mean square error (RMSE) confirmed the superior performance of the SST model in CFX, achieving a COV of 7.993% (experimental COV: 5.694%) and an RD of 0.047. This methodology not only validates the CFD approach but also highlights its applicability to reactor design optimization and safety assessment. The findings of this study provide critical guidelines for analyzing complex thermal-fluid systems in nuclear reactor designs.
Assessing the Economic and Environmental Dimensions of Large-Scale Energy-Efficient Renovation Decisions in District-Heated Multifamily Buildings from Both the Building and Urban Energy System Perspectives
Authors: Khadra Alaa , Akander Jan , Zhang Xingxing , Myhren Jonn Are
Published: January 2025

The European Union (EU) has introduced a range of policies to promote energy efficiency, including setting specific targets for energy-efficient renovations across the EU building stock. This study provides a comprehensive environmental and economic assessment of energy-efficient renovation scenarios in a large-scale multifamily building project that is district-heated, considering both the building and the broader urban energy system. A systematic framework was developed for this assessment and applied to a real case in Sweden, where emission factors from energy production are significantly lower than the EU average: 114 g CO2e/kWh for district heating and 37 g CO2e/kWh for electricity. The project involved the renovation of four similar district-heated multifamily buildings with comparable energy efficiency measures. The primary distinction between the measures lies in the type of HVAC system installed: (1) exhaust ventilation with air pressure control, (2) mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, (3) exhaust ventilation with an exhaust air heat pump, and (4) exhaust ventilation with an exhaust air heat pump combined with photovoltaic (PV) panels. The study’s findings show that the building with an exhaust air heat pump which operates intermittently with PV panels achieves the best environmental performance from both perspectives. A key challenge identified for future research is balancing the reduced electricity production from Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants within the energy system.
A Detailed Review of Organic Rankine Cycles Driven by Combined Heat Sources
Authors: Gonidaki Dimitra , Bellos Evangelos
Published: January 2025

The Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) is an effective method for transforming low- and medium-grade heat into electricity that has recently gained significant attention. Several review studies in the literature are focused on working fluids, system architecture, and the individual utilization of renewable and alternative heat sources in ORCs, like solar irradiation, geothermal, biomass, and waste heat energy. However, no studies have yet investigated ORC systems driven by two of the aforementioned sources combined. This work aims to review and explore multiple aspects of hybrid ORC systems. Such systems are categorized based on source combinations and configurations, and the results regarding their thermodynamic, thermo-economic, and environmental performance are discussed. The source arrangements follow the following three main configurations: series, parallel, and heat upgrade. Most of the examined systems include solar energy as one of the sources and only four cases involve combinations of the other three sources. The reported results show that hybrid ORCs generally perform better thermodynamically compared to their respective single-source systems, exhibiting an enhancement in power production that reaches 44%. An average levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of 0.165 USD/kWh was reported for solar–geothermal plants, 0.153 USD/kWh for solar–biomass plants, and 0.100 USD/kWh for solar–waste plants. Solar–biomass plants also reported the lowest reported LCOE value of 0.098 USD/kWh. The payback periods ranged from 2.88 to 10.5 years. Further research is proposed on multiple source combinations, the in-depth analysis of the three main configurations, the integration of polygeneration systems, the incorporation of zeotropic mixture working media and experimental research on ORCs with combined sources.
Isotopic Signal Supports Physiological Integration in Root Suckers of Two Tree Species Differing in Shade Tolerance
Authors: Escandón Antonio B. , Ferrio Juan Pedro , Saldaña Alfredo , Flores-Bavestrello Alejandra , Aburto Felipe A. , Paula Susana
Published: January 2025

The physiological performance of clonal plants is largely linked with resource translocation among interconnected ramets. Whereas carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) transferences have been evidenced in several herbaceous clonal plants, empirical evidence in woody species is anecdotal. We evaluated physiological integration in two evergreen tree species, differing in the light requirements in a temperate rainforest of Southern Chile: Embothrium coccineum J.R. et. G. Forster (light-demanding) and Eucryphia cordifolia Cav. (shade-tolerant). We measured light availability for vegetative (root suckers) and sexual (seed-origin plants; hereafter, saplings) recruits of the two species. Then, we compared elemental and isotopic leaf traits between recruit types and species growing under similar light availability. A 13CO2 field pulse labeling was performed on a set of Embothrium root suckers to quantify C transfer from moderately shaded suckers (donors) to highly shaded suckers (receivers). For the two species, leaf N concentration, δ13C, and δ15N were higher in suckers compared to saplings. In the labeling experiment, the δ13C and 12C equivalent excess did not differ between donor and receiver, indicating a weak C transfer between donors and receivers. Although the results from the pulse labeling were not conclusive, they suggest, together with the differences in natural isotope abundance, the existence of physiological integration in root suckers of both species. Our findings indicate that the formation of root suckers is more important for regeneration and persistence than for resource acquisition at an intermediate ecological succession of a temperate rainforest.
Fire Safety Literacy of Personnel in High-Rise Buildings: A Survey Study
Authors: Wang Jingya , Yuan Diping , Liu Dingli , Zhou Tian , Liu Weijun
Published: January 2025

Over recent decades, the number of high-rise building fires has increased rapidly with urbanization. However, few studies have been conducted from the perspective of fire safety awareness among residents in high-rise buildings. This study investigated the fire safety literacy of people in high-rise buildings. High-rise buildings are an important part of the urban environment, and fires can cause environmental pollution. In this work, online and on-site questionnaire surveys were combined to investigate residents’ evacuation preparation, firefighting skills, and knowledge about firefighting equipment. A total of 3000 questionnaires were collected, of which 2026 were validated. The survey results showed that 27.79% of residents were unaware of the location of evacuation staircases, 55.43% were not aware of the location of refuge floors in super high-rise buildings, and 41.20% were not aware that fire doors should be in a normally closed state. The main findings of this investigation indicate that the fire safety knowledge of residents in high-rise buildings is gravely deficient. Therefore, it is recommended that fire safety awareness campaigns be enhanced in both school education and community activities, and residents in high-rise buildings should be organized to participate in regular fire drills.
Arginine-Enhanced Termitomyces Mycelia: Improvement in Growth and Lignocellulose Degradation Capabilities
Authors: Yi Wenhui , Zhou Jingfei , Xiao Qiwei , Zhong Wujie , Xu Xuefeng
Published: January 2025

Termitomyces mushrooms, known for their symbiotic relationship with termites and their high nutritional and medicinal value, are challenging to cultivate artificially due to their specific growth requirements. This study investigates the impact of arginine on the mycelial growth, development, and lignocellulolytic capabilities of Termitomyces. We found that arginine significantly promoted conidia formation, altered mycelial morphology, and enhanced biomass and polysaccharide content. The addition of arginine also upregulated the expression of the enzymes related to lignocellulose decomposition, leading to increased activities of cellulase, hemicellulase, and laccase, which accelerated the decomposition and utilization of corn straw. A transcriptome analysis revealed differential expression patterns of carbohydrate-active enzyme genes in arginine-supplemented Termitomyces mycelia, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying these enhancements. The GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway analysis highlighted the role of arginine in transmembrane transport, fatty acid oxidation, and carbohydrate metabolism. This study offers a molecular basis for the observed phenotypic changes and valuable insights for developing optimal culture strategies for Termitomyces, potentially enhancing its artificial cultivation and application in the bioconversion of lignocellulosic waste.
Research Progress Regarding Psychrotrophic Pseudomonas in Aquatic Products: Psychrophilic Characteristics, Spoilage Mechanisms, Detection Methods, and Control Strategies
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Xie Jing , Mei Jun
Published: January 2025

Aquatic products are an important part of the human diet, but they are easily contaminated by Pseudomonas spp., which leads to food deterioration and economic loss. In this paper, the main characteristics of psychrotrophic Pseudomonas in aquatic products are reviewed, including its growth adaptation mechanism and biofilm formation ability at low temperatures, and the key role of psychrotrophic Pseudomonas in aquatic product spoilage is emphasized. Studies have shown that psychrotrophic Pseudomonas can produce a variety of volatile compounds by decomposing proteins and amino acids, affecting the sensory quality and safety of aquatic products. A variety of control strategies to extend the shelf life of aquatic products have been explored, including physical, chemical, and biological methods, particularly biofilm-specific inhibition techniques such as inhibition of quorum sensing and the application of natural antimicrobials. Future research should prioritize the development of novel anti-biofilm products to address the growing problem of psychrotrophic Pseudomonas contamination in the aquatic product industry to ensure food safety and public health.
Effects of Low-Allergen Wheat and Bayberry Leaf on Wheat Bread: A Comparison with Commercial Wheat
Authors: Tsurunaga Yoko , Morita Eishin
Published: January 2025

Gliadin and glutenin wheat proteins are major food allergens. The allergenicity of various wheat products, such as bread, can be reduced by substituting flour with plant-derived tannins. Here, we investigated a technique for reducing the allergenicity of wheat by utilizing the properties of proanthocyanidins (PAs), which strongly bind to proteins. We compared commercial bread wheat (BW), low-allergen wheat (1BS-18 “Minamino Kaori”; 1BS-18M), and bayberry leaves (BBLs). Allergenicity was investigated through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and Western blotting (WB). The immunoreactivity of wheat allergens in both BW and 1BS-18M decreased in a concentration-dependent manner with BBL substitution, and the effect was greatest at 10%. The antioxidative properties also increased with BBL substitution, and the highest antioxidative property was observed at 10%. The specific volumes of both BW and 1BS-18M decreased while the a* value (green to red) increased with increasing BBL substitution. In contrast, no significant differences were observed in the texture of breads with 0% (control), 3%, or 5% BBL substitution. However, 10% BBL substitution led to a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the texture of the bread. Therefore, 5% BBL substitution is optimal for achieving low allergenicity and improved antioxidative properties while maintaining quality.
Modification of Structure, Pasting, and In Vitro Digestion Properties of Glutinous Rice Starch by Different Lactic Acid Bacteria Fermentation
Authors: Shao Dongliang , Zhang Jigang , Shao Tiantian , Li Yuhui , He Hongkui , Wang Yanli , Ma Jintong , Cao Runjie , Li Anjun , Du Xianfeng
Published: January 2025

This research evaluated the effect of fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum 11122, Lactobacillus casei 23184, and Lactobacillus lactis 1011 on structure, pasting, and in vitro digestion properties of glutinous rice starch varying in TN and HY genotype, respectively. The results showed that fermentation decreased the weight-average molecular weight and increased the radius of gyration. The short chain was increased by degrading the medium chain (B2, DP 24−35) of amorphous in starch, which directly led to the increase of branching degree and rearrangement of the starch chain. LAB fermentation increases the short-range ordered structure, helix structure, and crystallinity by polymerization or interactions of short chains between intermolecular and intramolecular. Furthermore, the pasting characteristic of the fermented starch sample obtained obvious improvement in terms of hydration capacity, including breakdown and setback value. Fermentation facilitated the forming of both slowly digestible starch (17.1–30.79%) and resistant starch (32.3–46.8%) in TN but caused a decline in the content of rapidly digestible starch (25.47–43.6% in TN, 9.36–17.8% in HY). The result of Pearson’s correlation tests and PCA showed the variety of structural and physicochemical of fermentation-treated starch depend highly on the starter culture and starch resources. These results provided new data support for the potential application of modified starch by fermentation with LABs.
Thermal Reverse-Engineered Synthesis and Catalytic Activity of Nanogold-Containing Silica Aerogels
Authors: Csupász-Szabó Hanna Judit , Döncző Boglárka , Szarka Máté , Daróczi Lajos , Lázár István
Published: January 2025

Silica aerogels are extensively used as catalyst supports due to their mesoporous structure and chemical inertness. In this study, SiO2–AuNP aerogels containing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized using the sol-gel method followed by supercritical CO2 drying. The inclusion of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) as a stabilizing agent preserved the gold particle sizes during the gelation process. In contrast, aerogels synthesized without PVP contained enlarged AuNP aggregates, resulting in a shift in the plasmon resonance color from red to bluish or blue–grey. Thermal treatment of these bluish-colored aerogels at high temperatures restored their red coloration, visually indicating the breakdown of large gold clusters into individual nanoparticles. Both types of aerogels were characterized using SEM, TEM, 3D optical microscopy, UV–vis and ATR-IR spectroscopy, and N2 porosimetry, with their properties analyzed as a function of annealing temperature. Their catalytic activity was evaluated through the reduction of 4-nitrophenol with sodium borohydride, and both aerogel types demonstrated catalytic activity. This thermal conversion of large clusters into individual nanoparticles within an aerogel matrix introduces a new and promising approach for creating catalytically active nanogold-containing aerogel catalysts.
The Effects of Online Yoga Practice on Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gatti Francesca , Perego Gaia , Milano Francesca , Calleri Gloria , Giurioli Bianca , Di Mattei Valentina Elisabetta
Published: January 2025

Background: Cancer remains a leading cause of death, with 9.7 million deaths in 2022. Despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment, many cancer patients experience side effects that significantly impact their quality of life, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and cancer-related fatigue. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as yoga, have gained attention for their potential to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. However, barriers such as fatigue, pain, and transportation issues limit access to in-person yoga, leading to the growing adoption of online yoga as a viable alternative. Objective: This systematic review synthesizes research on the effectiveness of online yoga for cancer patients. A comprehensive search was conducted across Medline, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases on 24 October 2024. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the CASP Checklist. Of 6266 articles initially identified, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising qualitative (n = 4) and quantitative (n = 10) studies. Results: The results suggest that online yoga can improve stress and sleep quality, with moderate effects on anxiety, depression, and fatigue. However, variability in study designs and methodological limitations complicate the evaluation of its overall effectiveness. Conclusions: Online yoga offers a practical, accessible option for cancer patients unable to attend in-person sessions, showing the potential to enhance mental and physical health outcomes. Nevertheless, the variability in study methodologies highlights the need for more standardized research to establish its role as a supportive intervention in oncology care.
Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Pulmonary Embolism in Non-Operating Room Anesthesia (NORA) Locations: Best Safety Practices and Local Insights
Authors: Elmadhoun Omar , Huang Jeffrey , Abcejo Arnoley S. , Merren Michael P.
Published: January 2025

Mortality rates from pulmonary embolism (PE) remain significant, highlighting the need for alternative treatment strategies beyond traditional anticoagulation. Percutaneous interventions, including mechanical thrombectomy and catheter-directed thrombolysis, are emerging as promising options. Given the complex pathophysiology and unique risk profiles of these patients, meticulous multidisciplinary planning is essential. Anesthesiologists play a central role in coordinating care and managing perioperative risks to improve outcomes. This article provides insights into best safety practices and shares experiences from a leading quaternary center. It offers guidance for anesthesia providers to proactively engage in comprehensive risk stratification, participate in multidisciplinary discussions, and support robust contingency planning for managing PE patients undergoing percutaneous interventions in non-operating room anesthesia settings.
‘But Because I Don’t Know About It, That’s Why I Haven’t Done It’: Experiences of Access to Preventive Sexual and Reproductive Health Care for Refugee Women from Iraq and Syria Living in Melbourne, Australia—A Qualitative Study
Authors: Davidson Natasha , Hammarberg Karin , Fisher Jane
Published: January 2025

Women from Syria and Iraq constitute two of the largest groups of humanitarian visa entrants to Australia in the past 10 years. Barriers to and enablers of preventive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) for these women are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to establish the preventive SRH care needs and experiences of women from refugee backgrounds from Syria and Iraq living in Australia. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with women from Syria and Iraq living in Melbourne, Australia. Caseworkers assisted with recruitment and volunteer interpreters with interviews. Between 1 December 2021 and 17 May 2022, interviews were conducted in English or in Arabic with a volunteer interpreter. Audio recordings of English dialogue were transcribed verbatim. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse and report data. Eighteen women were interviewed. Six themes were identified: (1) Awareness and knowledge about preventive SRH, (2) Perceptions about the need for preventive SRH care seeking, (3) Self-care and lack of motivation to seek preventive SRH care, (4) Health information seeking, and (5) Barriers to and enablers of preventive SRH care. Complex factors were found to influence access to preventive SRH care. Enhancing educational initiatives, improving accessibility to reliable health information, and addressing structural and motivational barriers are important for fostering better preventive SRH outcomes.
Molecular and Functional Analysis of TLR 1, 2 and 6 in Peripheral Blood Monocytes of Patients with Schizophrenia: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sotelo-Ramírez Carlo E. , Valdés-Tovar Marcela , Zaragoza-Hoyos Julio Uriel , Ortiz-López Leonardo , Argueta Jesús , Rosel-Vales Mauricio , Miranda-Labra Roxana U. , Camarena Beatriz
Published: January 2025

Schizophrenia (SZ) is a chronic disabling mental disorder with high heritability, and several immune-regulating genes have been implicated in its pathophysiology In this study, we investigated the expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 1, 2, and 6 in peripheral blood monocytes from SZ patients and healthy control subjects (HCSs) in the Mexican population, focusing on specific SZ-associated gene variants. Gene expressions were assessed by qPCR, and protein expression was measured using flow cytometry. The secretory profiles of MALP2-stimulated monocytes were evaluated through immunoproteomic arrays. Our results indicate that patients with SZ carrying the rs4833093/TLR1 GG genotype exhibited significantly lower TLR1 gene expression compared to TT carriers. Notably, HCSs with the TT genotype showed markedly higher TLR1 protein expression, while all patients with SZ exhibited significantly reduced protein levels regardless of genotype. Furthermore, monocytes from patients with SZ displayed altered secretion profiles upon TLR stimulation, with significant elevations in IL-18, uPAR, angiopoietin-2, and serpin E1, alongside reductions in MCP-1, IL-17A, IL-24, MIF, and myeloperoxidase compared to HCSs. These findings suggest a dysfunctional TLR-mediated innate immune response in SZ.
Network Pharmacology and Bioinformatics Study of Six Medicinal Food Homologous Plants Against Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zhao Xinyue , Xiu Jian , Yang Hengzheng , Han Weiwei , Jin Yue
Published: January 2025

Integrating network pharmacological analysis and bioinformatic techniques, this study systematically investigated the molecular mechanisms of six medicinal food homologous plants (Astragalus membranaceus, Ganoderma lucidum, Dioscorea opposite, Curcuma longa, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, and Pueraria lobata) against colorectal cancer. Through screening the TCMSP database, 303 active compounds and 453 drug targets were identified. By integrating differential expression gene analysis with WGCNA on the GSE41258 dataset from the GEO database, 49 potential therapeutic targets were identified. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses demonstrated that these targets are primarily involved in drug response, fatty acid metabolism, and key cancer-related pathways. Cross-validation using three machine learning algorithms—LASSO regression, SVM-RFE, and Random Forest—pinpointed four critical target genes: CA1, CCND1, CXCL2, and EIF6. Further, CIBERSORT immune infiltration analysis revealed strong associations between these core genes and the tumor immune microenvironment in colorectal cancer patients, notably in modulating M0 macrophage infiltration and mast cell activity. Molecular docking analyses confirmed robust binding interactions between active compounds and core target proteins. This study systematically elucidated the molecular mechanisms of six medicinal food homologous plants against colorectal cancer, providing scientific evidence for their rational clinical application.