bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Land productivity and environmental sustainability for G7 economies: Does an inverted U‐shaped curve exhibit green finance?
Authors: Khan Zeeshan , Badeeb Ramez Abubakr , Ali Sher , Bilan Yuriy , Majewski Sebastian 
Published: January 2025

AbstractLand productivity including both water and agriculture are equally important for sustainable environment. The study investigate the role of water productivity and agriculture land along with the non‐linear effect of green finance on environment. Specifically, this research aims to investigate the effect of agriculture land, water productivity, green finance, environmental taxes and technologies on environmental sustainability in the Group of Seven (G7) countries, covering the timeframe of 1990–2020. The study also scrutinized the effect of green innovation and environmental regulations on the environment. This study uses novel panel data methods that are robust to nonparametric data. The empirical data are confirmed to be nonnormally distributed; therefore, the quantile regression approach is used. The empirical results confirmed an inverted U‐shaped curve for green finance, as its linear term is positive, and its nonlinear term negatively impacts carbon emissions. This supports the idea that green finance is effective for a group of seven economies; however, its magnitude should increase. Moreover, agricultural land, water productivity, environmental regulations, and green innovation negatively impact carbon emissions. By contrast, increasing economic activities, such as gross domestic product, increase carbon emissions. This study recommends increasing the focus on green finance, agricultural land, water productivity, and environmental regulations for the G7 countries to achieve the target of COP 27 and address climate change.
Effects of Mountain Microorganisms on the Growth and Development of the Bean Crop (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) in the Municipality of Caldono, Cauca, Colombia
Authors: Cabrera Efrén Venancio Ramos , Mondragón Yineth Camila Pabón , Vargas Britney Gisell Yotengo , Pino Andrés Felipe Solis , Espinosa Zuly Yuliana Delgado 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBean monoculture deteriorates soil fertility, decreases organic matter, reduces microbial diversity, and accelerates erosion, depleting nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. This leads to dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, increasing environmental pollution. A viable solution is mountain microorganisms, improving nutrient availability, disease resistance, environmental stress, and soil structure. However, there is a knowledge gap regarding their specific efficacy in supporting the growth and development of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under specific agroecological conditions. This research aims to help fill this knowledge gap, so in the Municipality of Caldono, Cauca, Colombia, the effect of mountain microorganisms was evaluated in about 900 seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris L. variety Cargamanto. A randomized complete block design with three treatments was used: T0 (control, no inoculation), T1 (inoculation with mountain microorganisms for 1 h), and T2 (inoculation with mountain microorganisms for 3 h). Growth parameters such as plant height, number of nodules, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, dry weight, and grain yield per hectare were evaluated. The results suggest that inoculation with mountain microorganisms significantly improved all measured parameters compared to the control samples. T2 consistently outperformed T1, indicating that more extended inoculation periods increase the efficacy of the parameters evaluated. These results suggest that applying mountain microorganisms is a promising and sustainable approach to improve bean productivity, which could reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and promote more environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Thus, the study provides valuable information on mountain microorganisms as a biotechnological alternative to improve crop yield and soil health in bean monoculture systems.
Step Width Haptic Feedback for Gait Stability in Spinocerebellar Ataxia: Preliminary Results
Authors: Wang Hong , Ullah Zakir , Gazit Eran , Brozgol Marina , Hausdorff Jeffrey M. , Shull Peter B. , Ponger Penina 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundWider step width and lower step‐to‐step variability are linked to improved gait stability and reduced fall risk. It is unclear if patients with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) can learn to adjust these aspects of gait to reduce fall risk.ObjectivesThe aims were to examine the possibility of using wearable step width haptic biofeedback to enhance gait stability and reduce fall risk in individuals with SCA.MethodsThirteen people with SCA type 3 performed step width training (single session) using real‐time feedback.ResultsStep width increased post‐training (19.3 cm, interquartile range [IQR] 16.3–20.2 cm) and at retention (16.6 cm, IQR 16.2–21.1 cm), compared to baseline (11.0 cm, IQR 5.2–15.2 cm; P < 0.001). Step width variability decreased during post‐training (19.7%, IQR 17.4%–26.2%) and at retention (22.3%, IQR 18.6%–30.2%), compared to baseline (44.5%, IQR 28.5%–71.2%; P < 0.001). Crossover steps, another mark of instability, decreased after training (P < 0.031).ConclusionsThese pilot results suggest that patients with SCA can use a novel, wearable biofeedback system to improve their gait stability. © 2025 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Jacobian‐Free Vectorial Iterative Scheme to Find Simple Several Solutions Simultaneously
Authors: Cordero Alicia , Torregrosa Juan R. , Triguero‐Navarro Paula 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThis manuscript is devoted to a derivative‐free parametric iterative step to obtain roots simultaneously for both nonlinear systems and equations. We prove that when it is added to an arbitrary scheme, it doubles the convergence order of the original procedure and defines a new algorithm that obtains several solutions simultaneously. Different numerical experiments are carried out to check the behavior of the iterative methods by changing the value of the parameter and the initial guesses. Also, it performs a numerical example where the dynamical planes are carried out to see and compare the basins of attraction.
The Mucilage From the Opuntia ficus‐indica (L.) Mill. Cladodes Plays an Anti‐Inflammatory Role in the LPS‐Stimulated HepG2 Cells: A Combined In Vitro and In Silico Approach
Authors: Pierdomenico Maria , Giardullo Paola , Bruno Giuliana , Bacchetta Loretta , Maccioni Oliviero , Demurtas Olivia C. , Sulli Maria , Diretto Gianfranco , Arcangeli Caterina , Colini Flavio , Chiavarini Salvatore , Benassi Barbara 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThe effect of a mucilage extracted from Opuntia ficus‐indica (L.) Mill (OFI) cladodes was tested in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐challenged HepG2 hepatocarcinoma cells, through a combined in vitro–in silico approach. The OFI mucilage was characterized by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography‐high resolution mass spectrometry. In cells treated with OFI (5–10 µg/mL) prior to LPS (1 µg/mL, 24 h), the gene expression profile of pro‐inflammatory mediators, namely tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin‐1 beta, interleukin‐8, and cyclo‐oxygenase‐2, was significantly (p < 0.01) reduced if compared to single LPS‐challenged cells. The OFI‐mediated cytokines reduction was also validated in polystyrene scaffold‐grown 3D HepG2 cultures, undergoing treatment with the OFI mucilage (50 µg/mL, 24 h) and LPS stimulation (50 µg/mL, 24 h). We further demonstrated that OFI suppresses the LPS‐triggered inflammatory response via impairment of the Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)/Myeloid differentiation protein‐88/Nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐kB) pathway, by interfering with NF‐kB phosphorylation at Serine 536. By molecular docking approach, we provided in silico demonstration of the direct molecular interaction between the mucilage monosaccharides and the TLR4 that interferes with the LPS receptor binding and down‐stream inflammatory cascade activation. We also demonstrated that OFI cladodes mucilage downregulates the TLR4 pathway, showing an anti‐inflammatory potential in HepG2 cells.
The Role of Gastrostomy and Noninvasive Ventilation in Primary Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Oliveira Santos Miguel , Domingues Sara , Simão Sara , Gromicho Marta , Alves Inês , de Carvalho Mamede 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIntroduction/AimsLiterature on the role of gastrostomy and noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is limited. We aim to investigate whether PLS patients develop dysphagia requiring feeding tubes or respiratory failure necessitating NIV.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of PLS patients with a definite diagnosis followed at our center (1994–2024). Patients with marked dysphagia (score < 3 on Question 3 of the ALSFRS‐R) received a recommendation for gastrostomy and were divided into two groups: G1/G2 (accepted/declined gastrostomy). We investigated NIV indications due to respiratory failure and compared these patients (G3) to those without respiratory impairment (G4). Demographic, clinical, and neurophysiological data were collected and compared.ResultsForty‐eight patients had a definite diagnosis of PLS. Gastrostomy was recommended to 18 (37.5%), yet only 7 patients (38.9%‐G1) consented. The median time to gastrostomy was 77 months. Total survival and survival post‐gastrostomy recommendation were not different between G1 and G2. Six PLS patients (12.5%‐G3) developed respiratory failure and initiated NIV (median of 63 months). At 63 months, G3 had significantly lower median forced vital capacity (65% vs. 99%; p < 0.001) and phrenic nerve amplitude (0.43 vs. 0.75 mV; p = 0.039), but a greater ALSFRS‐R slope (0.34 vs. 0.14; p = 0.046) and shorter survival (35 vs. 94.9 months; p = 0.009) compared to G4.DiscussionDysphagia requiring gastrostomy was common in our PLS cohort, but survival after gastrostomy recommendation did not differ between groups. Patients who developed respiratory impairment may represent a distinct group with faster disease progression and shorter survival. Our findings may contribute to a deeper understanding and improved management of PLS.
Deep Learning and Numerical Analysis for Bladder Outflow Obstruction and Detrusor Underactivity Diagnosis in Men: A Novel Urodynamic Evaluation Scheme
Authors: Mei Haonan , Wang Zhishun , Zheng Qingyuan , Jiao Panpan , Lv Shengqi , Liu Xiuheng , Chen Hui , Yang Rui 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo automatically identify and diagnose bladder outflow obstruction (BOO) and detrusor underactivity (DUA) in male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms through urodynamics exam.Patients and MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of 1949 male patients who underwent a urodynamic study at two institutions. Deep Convolutional Neural Networks scheme combined with a short‐time Fourier transform algorithm was trained to perform an accurate diagnosis of BOO and DUA, utilizing five‐channel urodynamic data (consisting of uroflowmetry, urine volume, intravesical pressure, abdominal pressure, and detrusor pressure). We used fivefold cross‐validation, constructing training and internal test sets from 1725 patients from Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University (RHWU) at a 4:1 ratio, and used an independent external validation set consisting of 224 patients from The Central Hospital of Wuhan (TCHO) to build and evaluate the DI model. We further conducted subgroup analyses to provide a more detailed description of the AI model's interpretability regarding urodynamics.ResultsThe AUC scores of BOO and DUA, which were measured through the STFT‐based deep learning method, were 0.945 ± 0.020 and 0.929 ± 0.039 in RHWU and 0.881 and 0.850 in TCHO, respectively. The diagnostic efficiency of other subgroup analyses and indicators was also effective.ConclusionIn this study, the proposed deep neural network combined with the short‐time Fourier transform method is robust and feasible for interpreting the results of urodynamics in men and has the potential for application to assist clinicians in real clinical settings.
Thermo‐physical and mechanical properties of the 3D‐printing materials applicable for formers of superconducting cables
Authors: Pašák Matej , Cuninková Eva , Pekarčíková Marcela , Drienovský Marián , Krajčovič Jozef , Šimon Štefan , Hulačová Simona , Skarba Michal 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThis study evaluates the suitability of additively manufactured polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), and their carbon fiber (CF) reinforced variants as spring‐shaped formers for superconducting cables, where non‐conductivity is crucial to prevent eddy current losses. The evaluation focuses on thermo‐physical and mechanical properties of the materials in as‐printed state and after annealing. All materials, except the PC+CF, exhibited sufficient heat capacity (>0.750 J/g °C) at room temperature. Contrary to expectations, the CF reinforcement did not reduce the high coefficient of thermal expansion, but this can be mitigated by former design. The tensile strength was 43 MPa for PETG and 54 MPa for PC, with only minor improvements upon adding CF and heat treatment, likely due to the insufficient fiber‐matrix adhesion. At cryogenic temperatures, tensile strength increased significantly, particularly for PETG and CF‐reinforced, thermally treated PC, with doubling the values. A similar effect was observed in the calculated Young's moduli. Compression tests in liquid nitrogen bath showed better resilience of pure PETG and PC+CF variants, with PETG‐based materials enduring 300 thermal cycles without damage. Based on their balanced properties, PETG, annealed PETG+CF and PC+CF were selected for finite element analysis, which confirmed their potential for use in superconducting cables.Highlights
Polymer composites explored as insulating alternatives to Cu in cable formers.
A flat spring design compensates for polymer composites' thermal expansion.
Polymer composite properties measured across various temperatures.
Selected materials endure thermal cycles in liquid nitrogen without damage.
Finite element simulation predicts thermal deformation impact on tapes.
Synergistic effects of thermoplastic starch and nanofibrillated cellulose on the mechanical, thermal, and micromorphological properties of polylactic acid composites
Authors: Li Zhijie , Lin Yukai , Cheng Huifan , Qian Shaoping , Fang Xiaolong 
Published: January 2025

AbstractFilling and reinforcing highly brittle and costly polylactic acid (PLA) with nanocellulose and starch has been found to be a promising approach for practical applications. However, the strong tendency of nanocellulose to agglomerate significantly affects the overall performance of the resulting composites. This study employed ball‐milling method to incorporate nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) into starch, innovatively producing reinforced thermoplastic starch (TPS), which is then used to enhance the mechanical properties and reduce costs of PLA without compromising biodegradability. The effects of the ratio of PLA to TPS and the amount of NFC added were thoroughly investigated. Notably, the inclusion of NFC and TPS not only enhanced tensile strength but also improved toughness. At a PLA:TPS ratio of 70:30 with 4 wt% NFC, the composites achieved maximum toughness of 10.73 kJ/m3, a 973% increase over pure PLA. Furthermore, adding 7 wt% NFC significantly boosted tensile strength and elastic modulus, increasing by 14.7% and 29% respectively compared with NFC‐free composites, reaching 37.11 and 710.94 MPa. Additionally, NFC and TPS addition enhanced PLA crystallization and thermal stability. Thermal decomposition of PLA typically occurred at approximately 250°C. However, blending raised the initial thermal decomposition temperature of PLA/TPS/NFC composites to 290°C, indicating enhanced thermal stability. These findings enhance the application potential of PLA‐based composites, extending to environmentally friendly packaging and furniture industrial applications.Highlights
NFC dispersion in TPS composites was enhanced through ball milling treatment.
Composites with 4 wt% NFC showed a 973% toughness increase over pure PLA.
The developed composites achieved maximum tensile strength (37.11 MPa).
TPS imparted toughness to PLA, which reduced its brittleness.
The thermal decomposition temperature of the composites rose to 290°C.
Influence of strain rate and temperature on the thermomechanical behavior of flax fibers/Elium acrylic composite: Experimental characterization and modeling
Authors: Koumba Mendoue D. , Matadi Boumbimba R. , Benelfellah A. , Ponçot M. , Royaud I. , Wary M. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThis study investigated the viscoelastic behavior of unidirectional flax fibers/Elium acrylic composite reinforced with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), focusing on their sensitivity to strain rate and temperature. In parallel, a cyclic tensile analysis was performed to monitor damage mechanisms in the composite. The results revealed enhanced mechanical and viscoelastic properties with increasing load and frequency. However, a reduction of 7°C in the relaxation associated to the glass transition temperature (Tg) was observed, as measured by dynamic mechanical analysis, in composites containing MWCNT. The study also highlighted the strain rate and temperature dependence of the flax fibers/Elium acrylic composite. Damage analysis revealed that the inclusion of MWCNTs delayed the onset of damage in the composite, suggesting that MWCNTs enhance material strength and improve durability. Additionally, a new model, combining Richeton's approach with numerical modeling, showed good agreement with experimental data.Highlights
MWCNTs improved fiber‐matrix interface in flax/Elium composites.
Strain rate sensitivity, even with MWCNTs.
MWCNTs raised storage modulus and shifted Tg to lower temperatures.
MWCNTs delayed damage, enhancing composite durability.
The new model provides a good prediction of elastic modulus.
Enhancing the flexural behavior of GFRP single‐lap co‐cure joints reinforced with multi‐reinforcements
Authors: Venugopal Anandhan , P Edwin Sudhagar , S Senthamizh Selvan , Murugan Rajesh , Suthanthiraveerappa Vimalanand , Hiremath Vinayak S 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe investigation focused on the glass fiber‐reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite co‐cure single lap joint (CC‐SLJ) that incorporates graphene nanoparticles (GNP) in epoxy and carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) Z‐pin reinforcement. The flexural test indicated that the integration of GNP and CFRP‐Z‐pin within the inner and outer layers of SLJ leads to improvement in flexural strength. The flexural strength of CC‐SLJ reinforced with GNP/epoxy and Z‐pin reinforcement reaches 145.02 MPa under static loading, with an improvement of 69.55% over the unreinforced SLJ. The SLJ under static loading with GNP/epoxy and graphene incorporated Z‐pin reinforced with demonstrate a significant improvement in flexural strength of 150.34 MPa, with an improvement of 71.22% over the unreinforced SLJ. Fractography revealed that the incorporation of GNP and Z pins into the SLJ enhances interfacial bonding between the adhesive and adherend, increases surface roughness, improves pin pull‐out resistance, and influences crack formation.Highlights
The co‐cure technique is used to fabricate single‐lap GFRP composite joints.
Carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer Z‐pin reinforced with GNP/epoxy adhesive.
SLJ flexural strength was higher in 1.25 wt% of GNP and 2.5 vol% 90°/Z‐pin.
Multiple reinforcements used in SLJ to achieve its maximum flexural strength.
Failure analysis was conducted using microscopes and FESEM images.
Thermal properties of Al2W3O12/epoxy composites at low filler volume loadings
Authors: Pontón Patricia I. , Tejedor Jennifer , Guerrero Víctor H. , Guamán Marco V. , Lagos Karina J. , Gálvez Anaí , Espinoza Daniel , Marinkovic Bojan A. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe open‐framework Al2W3O12 ceramic has been perceived as a candidate for controlling the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of polymer matrices due to its low positive CTE and simple low‐cost soft‐chemistry synthesis. Hence, this work aims to study the effect of Al2W3O12 submicronic fillers at low loadings (0.46–1.43 vol%, i.e. 2.0–6.0 wt%) on thermal properties of epoxy‐based composites. The composites were prepared by ultrasonic filler dispersion followed by casting, and characterized through thermomechanical and thermogravimetric analyses. The maximum decrease (11.5%) on the composite CTE in the glassy region was attained with 0.94 vol% Al2W3O12 (4.0 wt%), the highest reported for these open‐framework fillers reinforcing epoxy at low volume fractions. Experimental CTE values contrasted with predictions from micromechanical models, revealed that elastic constants of both phases and filler agglomeration state, cannot be disregarded in predicting the composite CTE. The filler did not affect the onset and the maximum degradation rate temperatures of epoxy, while glass transition temperature was increased (2%–11%) for filler loadings <1.43 vol% (<6 wt%). A higher residue char in the composites suggested that Al2W3O12 can partially prevent the volatiles release from matrix to the atmosphere.Highlights
Al2W3O12 is an excellent inexpensive filler for CTE controlling due to its low CTE.
Incorporation of Al2W3O12 in an epoxy matrix reduces the CTE in the glassy state.
The maximum CTE reduction (11.5%) was achieved for a filler content of 0.94 vol.%.
The glass transition temperature of composites increased in the range of 2–11 %.
Al2W3O12 can act as a barrier to prevent the transfer of volatiles from the matrix.
Off‐the‐shelf image analysis models outperform human visual assessment in identifying genes controlling seed color variation in sorghum
Authors: Shrestha Nikee , Mangal Harshita , Torres‐Rodriguez J. Vladimir , Tross Michael C. , Lopez‐Corona Lina , Linders Kyle , Sun Guangchao , Mural Ravi V. , Schnable James C. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractSeed color is a complex phenotype linked to both the impact of grains on human health and consumer acceptance of new crop varieties. Today, seed color is often quantified via qualitative human assessment or biochemical assays for specific colored metabolites. Imaging‐based approaches have the potential to be more quantitative than human scoring while being lower cost than biochemical assays. We assessed the feasibility of employing image analysis tools trained on rice (Oryza sativa) or wheat (Triticum aestivum) seeds to quantify seed color in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) using a dataset of 1,500 images. Quantitative measurements of seed color from images were substantially more consistent across biological replicates than human assessment. Genome‐wide association studies conducted using color phenotypes for 682 sorghum genotypes identified more signals near known seed color genes in sorghum with stronger support than manually scored seed color for the same experiment. Previously unreported genomic intervals linked to variation in seed color in our study co‐localized with a gene encoding an enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway leading to anthocyanins, tannins, and phlobaphenes—colored metabolites in sorghum seeds—and with the sorghum ortholog of a transcription factor shown to regulate several enzymes in the same pathway in rice. The cross‐species transferability of image analysis tools, without the retraining, may aid efforts to develop higher value and health‐promoting crop varieties in sorghum and other specialty and orphan grain crops.