bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of respiratory diseases based on random forest model
Authors: Yang Xiaotong , Li Yi , Liu Lang , Zang Zengliang
Published: February 2025

In recent years, the random forest model has been widely applied to analyze the relationships among air pollution, meteorological factors, and human health. To investigate the patterns and influencing factors of respiratory disease-related medical visits, this study utilized data on medical visits from urban areas of Tianjin, meteorological observations, and pollution data. First, the temporal variation characteristics of medical visits from 2013 to 2019 were analyzed. Subsequently, the random forest model was employed to identify the dominant influencing factors of respiratory disease-related medical visits and to construct a statistical forecasting model that relates these factors to the number of visits. Additionally, a predictive analysis of medical visits in Tianjin for the year 2019 was conducted. The results indicate the following: (1) From 2013 to 2019, the number of medical visits exhibited seasonal fluctuations, with a significant decline observed in 2017, which may be directly related to adjustments in hospital policies. (2) Among the meteorological factors, average temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, and ozone concentration significantly influenced the variation in medical visits, while wind speed, precipitation amount, and boundary layer height were of lesser importance. Furthermore, different linear relationships exist among the meteorological factors; specifically, meteorological factors show a negative correlation with pollutant elements, and there is a strong correlation among the pollutant factors. (3) When the number of medical visits ranged from 50 to 200, the predictions made by the random forest model closely matched the actual values, demonstrating strong predictive performance and the ability to effectively forecast daily variations in medical visits over extended periods, thus exhibiting good stability and generalization capability. (4) However, since the random forest model relies on a large amount of data for model validation, it has limitations in capturing extreme variations in medical visit numbers. Future research could address this issue by integrating different models to enhance predictive capabilities.
The global burden of cardiovascular disease attributable to high alcohol use from 1990 to 2021: an analysis for the global burden of disease study 2021
Authors: Niu Chaofeng , Dong Juwei , Zhang Peiyu , Yang Qiwen , Xue Donghua , Liu Birong , Xiao Di , Zhuang Rui , Li Meng , Zhang Lijing
Published: February 2025

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading global disease burden, with alcohol consumption closely linked to their occurrence. This study analyzes data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021) to assess the distribution and trends of high alcohol use-related CVD from 1990 to 2021 across global, regional, and national levels.

Materials and methods

We used the data from the GBD 2021 to conduct stratification by region, country, gender, age, SDI, and disease type in terms of the number of deaths, age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), age-standardized rate of DALYs (ASDR), years lived with disability (YLDs), age-standardized rate of YLDs, years of life lost (YLLs), and age-standardized rate of YLLs to comprehensively assess the burden of high alcohol use-related CVD from 1990 to 2021. All statistical analyses in this study were performed using R statistical software (version 4.1.2).

Results

Between 1990 and 2021, global deaths, DALYs, YLDs, and YLLs attributable to high alcohol use-related CVD showed notable variation. By 2021, global deaths had doubled compared to 1990, while ASMR, ASDR, age-standardized YLD rate, and YLL rate all declined. Eastern Europe had the highest rates in 2021. Males consistently had higher ASMR, ASDR, YLD, and YLL rates compared to females, with the highest number of deaths occurring in the 70–74 age group, and the 65–69 age group showing the highest DALYs, YLDs, and YLLs. These rates increased with age. Stroke was the most common high alcohol use-related CVD, while ischemic heart disease (IHD) was the least common.

Conclusion

Between 1990 and 2021, the overall burden of high alcohol use-related CVD declined globally, though some regions experienced an increase. This highlights the need for continued public health efforts, particularly targeting high-risk regions and populations, to mitigate the impact of alcohol on cardiovascular health.
Where is the peri-urban? Mapping the areas ‘around, beyond and between’
Authors: Ravetz Joe , Sahana Mehebub
Published: February 2025

The peri-urban, the areas ‘around, beyond and between’ the urban, may be the fastest expanding land-use around the world. Its many dimensions can include population density, economic activity, travel patterns, urban infrastructure, land cover, water basins or material flows. To explore the question ‘where is the peri-urban’, we adopt a twin-track approach. One is a conceptual ‘integrated framework’, which includes tangible parameters of land-use, relational linkages and systemic emergence. The second track is a practical ‘basic delineation’, a simple combination of population density and functional area, based on the Global Human Settlements Layer (GHSL), as developed by the project Peri-cene, through consultation with city-region partners. This delineation is here applied to a sample of 21 city-regions, covering in total 10% of the global urban population. The peri-urban land area in this sample is estimated at around 180,000 km2, with a rapid growth rate of 2.9% per annum. This basic delineation is then combined with a wider set of social, economic and governance variables, to provide a basic global typology. The same method then highlights the internal peri-urban structure and growth pattern of each city-region, to derive a typology of six main peri-urban patterns. Overall, the basic delineation provides a foundation for quantitative analysis of the global peri-urban: and also supports further investigation of more complex systems-level problems and policy pathways.
Spaces for skateboarding in the city–new spatial concepts beyond skateparks
Authors: Kilberth Veith
Published: February 2025

Since the 1990s, skateboarding has emerged as a significant urban practice, often resulting in spatial conflicts. The predominant response from municipal authorities has been to confine skateboarding to purpose-built skateparks, overlooking more integrated and inclusive spatial solutions. This study critically examines this approach and explores alternative skateboarding spaces within the framework of urban sociological discourse on the creative city phenomenon and the evolving collaboration between skateboarding communities and city authorities. Employing a praxeological approach, the analysis integrates cultural theory, discourse analysis, and fieldwork. Building on existing literature, the study is complemented by case study analyses of skateboarding spaces worldwide. To provide a structured understanding, a spatial typology is developed, encompassing purpose-built skateparks, self-constructed DIY projects, shared spots, and legalized street spots. These spaces are conceptualized along the axes of exclusion vs. inclusion and subcultural vs. sportification. Key opportunities and essential conditions for the implementation of innovative spatial concepts in urban environments are identified, with particular emphasis on the pivotal role of collaboration between skateboarding communities and municipal authorities. By presenting a theoretical framework for diversifying skateboarding spaces, the findings contribute to the urban planning discourse and promote participatory urban development and design.
Whole genome characterization of feline coronaviruses in Thailand: evidence of genetic recombination and mutation M1058L in pathotype switch
Authors: Phyu Eaint Min , Charoenkul Kamonpan , Nasamran Chanakarn , Chamsai Ekkapat , Thaw Yu Nandi , Phyu Hnin Wai , Soe Han Win , Chaiyawong Supassama , Amonsin Alongkorn
Published: February 2025

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is a significant pathogen that infects the feline population worldwide. FCoV can cause mild enteric disease and a fatal systemic disease called feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). In this study, a cross-sectional survey of FCoV in domestic cats from small animal hospitals in Thailand was conducted from January to December 2021. Our result showed that out of 238 samples tested for FCoV using 3’ UTR-specific RT-PCR, 18.7% (28/150) of asymptomatic cats and 25.5% (12/47) of cats with unknown status tested positive for FCoVs. Additionally, 51.2% (21/41) of cats with suspected FIP were found to be positive for FCoVs. Genotype identification using S gene-specific RT-PCR showed that all FCoV-positive samples (n = 61) were FCoV type I. This study obtained the whole genome sequences (n = 3) and S gene sequences (n = 21) of Thai-FCoVs. Notably, this study is the first to report the whole genome of Thai-FCoV. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that Thai-FCoVs were closely related to FCoVs from China and Europe. Additionally, the Thai-FCoVs exhibited specific amino acid substitutions (M1058L) associated with the pathotype switch. Recombination events were found to mainly occur in the ORF1ab and S gene regions of Thai-FCoVs. This study provides insights into the occurrence, genetic diversity, virulence amino acid mutations, and potential recombination of FCoVs in the domestic cat population in Thailand, contributing to our understanding of FCoV epidemiology.
Case report: Carp edema virus infection in overwintering fish
Authors: Palikova Miroslava , Balazova Alena , Pojezdal Lubomir , Papezikova Ivana , Mikulikova Ivana , Toulova Ivona , Motlova Jitka , Pikula Jiri
Published: February 2025

Carp Edema Virus (CEV) has emerged as a viral threat to the sustainability of European pond fisheries, with water temperature and stress playing a crucial role in disease outbreaks. Here, we report on a natural CEV infection in overwintering common carp (Cyprinus carpio; n = 1,160) broodstock that began to manifest clinically at an unusually low water temperature. In the initial outbreak phase, young broodstock fish exhibited abnormal activity and shoaling at the pond edge. While the water temperature under a discontinuous thin ice layer was 2°C, no deaths were observed. The first fish examined, using standard molecular methods for virological diagnosis, tested negative for CEV. Despite showing clinical signs suggestive of CEV infection, there was no gross pathology except for an increased amount of gill mucus, suggesting that CEV molecular detection may be dependent on infection progression. A shift from a period of cold stress to warming pond water temperatures may have influenced the subsequent progression of the disease. Ongoing clinical signs affected a large part of the population, which remained lethargic and gathered close to the banks. Subsequent virological testing performed ca. 3 weeks after the outbreak and first observation of clinically diseased fish detected the CEV genogroup I agent. CEV-driven die-offs occurred gradually as water temperatures increased to 8°C, with mortalities continuing for ca. 1 month. Interestingly, Přerov scaly carp and Hungarian mirror carp M2 strains differed significantly in mortality rates, at 30 and 60%, respectively. We tested a novel virus detection method, based on loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) of primers targeting the CEV genogroup I p4A gene, for applicability in the field. Samples from moribund fish, cadavers, and pond water all tested positive, with samples positive using LAMP subsequently confirmed by qPCR. To summarize, our data suggest it may be challenging to detect CEV DNA in both the first carp showing signs and surviving carp; scaly and scaleless carp show differential susceptibility to CEV infection; very low water temperatures of 2–4°C permit CEV infection in common carp; the LAMP method is applicable for rapid on-site CEV detection in clinical and environmental samples.
Effect of best bet methane abatement feed on feed intake, digestibility, live weight change, and methane emission in local Menz breed sheep in Ethiopia
Authors: Bekele Wondimagegne , Zegeye Abiy , Simachew Addis , Kobayashi Nobuyuki
Published: February 2025

This study continued the in vitro screening of locally available ruminant feedstuffs for optimum nutrient composition and low methane (CH4) production in Ethiopia. The best bet feeds from the in vitro study, hereafter called the test feeds, include dried leaves of Acacia nilotica, Ziziphus spina-christi, and brewery spent grains (BSG). The study involves four treatments: Control, Acacia, BSG, and Ziziphus; each treatment provided an equivalent crude protein and estimated enteric CH4 emissions using Modeling and a Laser CH4 detector (LMD). The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block, using initial weight as the blocking factor for 21 yearling castrated Menz sheep. The study spanned 90 days, and digestibility trials were carried out following a month of the feeding trial. The control group exhibited a significantly (p < 0.001) lower dry matter intake (DMI) compared to the test feed group, which had a higher intake, particularly in the Ziziphus group. However, the Ziziphus group demonstrated significantly (p < 0.01) lower CP digestibility than the other groups. The test diet also led to a significantly (p < 0.001) higher weight gain. Notably, the Ziziphus group demonstrated superior performance in weight change (BWC), final body weight (FBW), and average daily gain (ADG). Similar results were observed for CH4 production (g/day), CH4 yield (g/kg DMI), and CH4 intensity (g CH4/kg ADG) using both CH4 measuring methods. The CH4 emission intensity was significantly (p < 0.04) lower in the test feed groups than in the control group. The control group emitted 808.7 and 825.3 g of CH4, while the Ziziphus group emitted 220 and 265.3 g of CH4 per kg of ADG using the Modeling and LMD methods, respectively. This study indicates that LMD could yield biologically plausible data for sheep. Although the small sample size in the Ziziphus group was a limitation of this study, leaf meals from Ziziphus spina-christi and Acacia nilotica, which are rich in condensed tannins (CTs), have resulted in considerable weight gain and enhanced feed efficiency, thereby making these leaf meals a viable and sustainable feed option for ruminants in Ethiopia.
Understanding lncRNAs: key regulators of myogenesis and lipogenesis in farm animals
Authors: Liu Wenjing , Chen Mengjie , Liu Yining , Li Xinxin , Li Hui , Wang Jian
Published: February 2025

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA molecules exceeding 200 nucleotides in length. Recent studies have demonstrated their involvement in regulating gene expression and various biological processes. Among these, myogenesis and lipogenesis are particularly important because of their direct effects on muscle development and fat deposition in farm animals. These processes are crucial for determining meat quality, growth rates, and overall economic value in animal husbandry. Although the specific mechanisms through which lncRNAs influence these pathways are still under investigation, further research into their roles in muscle and fat development is crucial for optimizing farm animal breeding strategies. Here, we review the characteristics of lncRNAs, including their biogenesis, localization, and structures, with a particular focus on their association with myogenesis and adipogenesis. This review seeks to establish a theoretical foundation for enhancing farm animal production. In particular, focusing on lncRNAs may reveal how these molecules can enhance the economic traits of farm animals, thereby contributing to the optimization of farm animal breeding processes.
Nitrogen Availability Level Controlling the Translocation and Stabilization of Maize Residue Nitrogen in Soil Matrix
Authors: Liu Shuzhe , Ma Sicong , Deng Fangbo , Zhou Feng , Liang Xiaona , Yuan Lei , Lü Huijie , Ding Xueli , He Hongbo , Zhang Xudong
Published: February 2025

Crop residue returning to field inputs considerable nitrogen (N) into soils, which greatly influences the function and sustainability of the agricultural system. However, little is known about the transformation and physical stabilization of maize residue-derived N in soil matrix in response to changing N availability. To explore the distinct regulation of organo-mineral complexes on maize residue N translocation, a 38-week microcosm incubation was carried out amended with 15N-labeled maize residue in a Mollisols sampled from Gonghzuling, Northeast of China. Unlabeled inorganic N was added at different levels (0, 60.3 mg N kg−1 soil (low level), 167 mg N kg−1 soil (medium level), and 702 mg N kg−1 soil (high level)). 15N enrichment in bulk soil and the separated particle size fractions were determined periodically in the bulk soils and the subsamples were analyzed. At the early stage of the incubation, the maize residue N concentration declined significantly in the sand fraction and increased in the silt and clay fractions. Temporally, the 15N enrichment in the silt fraction changed slightly after 4 weeks but that in the clay fraction increased continuously until the 18th week. These results indicated that the decomposing process controlled maize residue N translocation hierarchically from coarser into finer fractions. From the aspect of functional differentiation, the pass-in of the maize residue N into the silt fraction was apt to be balanced by the pass-out, while the absorption of clay particles was essential for the stabilization of the decomposed maize residue N. The inorganic N level critically controlled both the decomposition and translocation of maize residue in soil. High and medium inorganic N addition facilitated maize residue N decomposition compared to the low-level N addition. Furthermore, medium N availability is more favorable for maize residue N transportation and stabilization in the clay fraction. Comparatively, high-level inorganic N supply could possibly impede the interaction of maize residue N and clay minerals due to the competition of ammonium sorption/fixation on the active site of clay. This research highlighted the functional coupling of organic–inorganic N during soil N accumulation and stabilization, and such findings could present a theoretical perspective on optimal management of crop residue resources and chemical fertilizers in field practices.
Response Mechanism of Soil Carbon Pool to Soil Nutrients in Jujube Orchard with Different Cultivation Years
Authors: Zhang Yuyang , Li Xiangyu , Zhou Xiaofeng , Duan Bianhui , Wu Cuiyun , Jing Shaungquan
Published: February 2025

The organic carbon pool in the field is one of the important carbon pools in the ecosystem. This study explored the changes in soil organic carbon fractions and their influencing mechanisms under different cultivation years of jujube trees in the sandy area. This study measured the bulk density, total porosity, water content, pH, salt content, organic matter, major elements, trace elements, and organic carbon fractions of soil in jujube orchards with cultivation years of 2 years, 4 years, 6 years, 8 years, and 10 years, and analyzed the influencing mechanism of physical and chemical properties on soil organic carbon fractions through structural equation modeling. The results showed that soil physical properties were beneficial to plant growth with the increase in limited planting years. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other elements were highest in different soil layers in 6–8 years, and then their contents gradually decreased. Soil organic carbon content increased with the increase in different cultivation years and then remained in a stable state. In different soil layers, soil organic carbon is mainly affected by the active soil organic carbon pool (ASCP). The results of this study aim to explore the effect of vegetation on soil improvement in sandy areas and provide theoretical reference for soil restoration and improvement of the organic carbon pool of sandy soil in southern Xinjiang.
What Is the Impact of Antibiotic Resistance Determinants on the Bacterial Death Rate?
Authors: Luz Bruno T. S. , Rebelo João S. , Monteiro Francisca , Dionisio Francisco
Published: February 2025

Objectives: Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are widespread, with resistance arising from chromosomal mutations and resistance genes located in the chromosome or in mobile genetic elements. While resistance determinants often reduce bacterial growth rates, their influence on bacterial death under bactericidal antibiotics remains poorly understood. When bacteria are exposed to bactericidal antibiotics to which they are susceptible, they typically undergo a two-phase decline: a fast initial exponentially decaying phase, followed by a persistent slow-decaying phase. This study examined how resistance determinants affect death rates during both phases. Methods: We analyzed the death rates of ampicillin-exposed Escherichia coli populations of strains sensitive to ampicillin but resistant to nalidixic acid, rifampicin, or both, and bacteria carrying the conjugative plasmids RN3 or R702. Results: Single mutants resistant to nalidixic acid or rifampicin decayed faster than sensitive cells during the early phase, whereas the double-resistant mutant exhibited prolonged survival. These contrasting impacts suggest epistatic interactions between both chromosomal mutations. Persistent-phase death rates for chromosomal mutants did not differ significantly from wild-type cells. In contrast, plasmid-carrying bacteria displayed distinct dynamics: R702 plasmid-bearing cells showed higher persistent-phase death rates than plasmid-free cells, while RN3 plasmid-bearing cells exhibited lower rates. Conclusions: Bactericidal antibiotics may kill bacteria resistant to other antibiotics more effectively than wild-type cells. Moreover, epistasis may occur when different resistance determinants occur in the same cell, impacting the bactericidal potential of the antibiotic of choice. These results have significant implications for optimizing bacterial eradication protocols in clinical settings, as well as in animal health and industrial food safety management.
miR-205-5p Modulates High Glucose-Induced VEGFA Levels in Diabetic Mice and ARPE-19 Cells
Authors: Ybarra María , Martínez-Santos Miriam , Oltra Maria , Muriach María , Pires Maria E. , Ceresoni Chiara , Sancho-Pelluz Javier , Barcia Jorge M.
Published: February 2025

High glucose levels may cause vascular alterations in patients with diabetes, which can lead to complications such as diabetic retinopathy—an abnormal growth of retinal blood vessels. The micro-RNA miR-205-5p is known to regulate angiogenesis by modulating the expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA) in different systems. This study investigates the role of miR-205-5p in controlling VEGFA expression both in vitro and in the eye under hyperglycemic conditions. An alloxan-induced diabetic mouse model and retinal pigment epithelium human cell line (ARPE-19) were exposed to high glucose and treated with an ectopic miR-205-5p mimic. VEGFA mRNA and protein levels were assessed using qRT-PCR, Western blot, and immunocytochemistry. Additionally, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were employed to evaluate angiogenesis. Our results show that high glucose significantly reduced miR-205-5p levels while upregulating VEGFA expression in both ARPE-19 cells and diabetic mice. The ectopic administration of miR-205-5p (via transfection or intravitreal injection) restored VEGFA levels and inhibited angiogenesis in HUVEC cultures. Based on these preliminary data, we suggest a potential therapeutic strategy against VEGFA involving miR-205-5p in proliferative eye-related vascular disorders.
Preliminary Prediction of Temperature Field and Thermal Hazards in the Water Diversion Tunnel of the “Yellow River to Xining” Project
Authors: Zhu Hao , Wang Yaru , Lin Wenjing , Yue Gaofan , Liu Zhining , Zhou Feng , Yang Lu
Published: February 2025

As tunnel engineering advances towards greater depths, larger scales, and longer distances, high rock temperatures and tunnel thermal damage frequently occur, constituting some of the main geological hazards faced by transportation, water conservancy, and other tunnel engineering projects. In this study, we take the alternative option to the No.1 deep-buried water diversion tunnel of the “Diversion of Yellow River to Jining” project as the study area, combined with the geological data of the field investigation, to comprehensively consider the thermodynamic properties of the rocks along the tunnel and the logging data along the tunnel, and we use the least squares method to fit the temperature of the logging wells to obtain the thermal background parameters of the earth’s heat flow as well as other regional heat background parameters to obtain the thermal background parameters of the tunnel. The COMSOL Multiphysics software established a two-dimensional steady-state geothermal field numerical model to predict the rock temperature along the tunnel. The results show that the maximum temperature along the tunnel is 51.1 °C, the length of the tunnel with thermal damage class I is 45.9 km, the length of the tunnel with thermal damage class II is 18.4 km, the length of the tunnel with thermal damage class III is 8.0 km, and the length of the tunnel with thermal damage class IV is predicted to be 0.18 km. Compared with the on-site temperature measurement data, the model prediction error is within ±1.5 °C, which validates the accuracy of the model. This study adopts numerical simulation combined with field geological and logging data to provide a theoretical basis for tunnel heat hazard prevention. Meanwhile, it offers technical support for the design and construction of similar deep-buried high-temperature tunnels.
Impact of Environmental Factors on Passenger Ride Comfort
Authors: Wawryszczuk Róża , Kardas-Cinal Ewa
Published: February 2025

This article analyses the impact of environmental factors on passenger ride comfort in various modes of transportation using an original evaluation method based on a synthetic comfort index. Four key aspects of ride comfort were considered: vibrational, acoustic, thermal, and visual. This study was conducted on a medium-class passenger car and two types of Warsaw metro trains (new and older trainsets). Comfort was evaluated on a five-point scale, where the final score was derived from the lowest score of one of the factors tested. This article emphasises that various environmental factors simultaneously affect passengers, which requires a comprehensive assessment. The proposed method makes it possible to identify areas for improvement, such as noise reduction in older vehicles or road infrastructure upgrades, which can significantly improve the overall quality of travel.
Dynamic Thermal Rating and Development of Renewable Energy Zones in Sicily
Authors: Massaro Fabio , Collura Nicola , Paradiso Salvatore , Di Gloria Paolo , Vergine Chiara
Published: February 2025

Sicily, an Italian region in the south of Italy, is a candidate for becoming an energy “hub” in the Mediterranean in the coming years. Its geographical location, between the African continent and Europe, makes it a key hub for the distribution of electricity flows. The region has great potential for the development of renewable energy sources. Inspired by the Australian “Renewable Energy Zones” model, the identification of existing Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) and the proper design of future REZs on the territory will simplify and improve the operation of the network. A very effective tool in managing REZs is Dynamic Thermal Rating (DTR) technology. This technology allows for dynamic rating of the high voltage transmission system, ensuring that the maximum allowable current is transported while preventing the annealing of the electrical conductor and complying with all necessary safety parameters. The objective of the work carried out in collaboration with Terna S.p.A. (Italian Transmission System Operator) was to evaluate the application of this technology on the Sicilian electricity network in order to reduce potential network congestion and system inefficiencies. The results obtained demonstrate the significant potential of Dynamic Thermal Rating in Sicily. These devices would allow a significant increase in the current flow of electrical lines without violating safety limits.
Improvement of Surface Roughness and Cracking Study of Nb3Sn SRF Films
Authors: Wang Ziyu , Wang Gai , Quan Shengwen , Lin Lin , Ren Manqian , Hao Jiankui , Wang Fang , Zhu Feng , Jiao Fei , Huang Senlin
Published: February 2025

Nb3Sn has a superconducting transition temperature of 18.1 K and a superheating magnetic field of 420 mT, making it one of the most promising materials for superconducting radiofrequency (SRF) cavities. The surface roughness reduction and mechanical stability of Nb3Sn films are two important issues to improve the cavity RF performance and reliability in the application of conduction-cooling accelerators. This paper presents the studies on the surface roughness of Nb3Sn films prepared by the tin vapor diffusion method and proves the advantages of buffered electropolishing (BEP) as a pre-polishing method. The smallest mean roughness of 26 nm, with a grain size of 760 nm, was achieved by fast BEP treatment on the niobium substrate. Nb3Sn films on flat and curved substrates with the same coating process on Nb3Sn cavities at Peking University (PKU) were tested under different tensile and compressive stress levels. The results showed that Nb3Sn films had severe crack risks while loading stresses, and a safe strain range of (−2.3%, 0.9%) is suggested. To study the tuning problems for Nb3Sn cavities, 150 kHz tuning was performed on the previously obtained high-performance cavity.
The Elasto-Plastic Contact Models of Cylinder-Based and Sphere-Based Fractal Rough Surfaces
Authors: Yang Xiaohui , Bai Bo , Mao Shimin
Published: February 2025

The elasto-plastic contact models of cylinder-based and sphere-based fractal rough surfaces are developed. In the two models, the critical contact areas of a single asperity are scale-dependent. With an increase in the contact load and contact area, a transition from elastic, elasto-plastic to full plastic deformation takes place in this order. The truncated asperity size distribution functions of different frequency indexes in different contact zones are deduced. The relations between the total real contact area and total contact load for cylinder-based and sphere-based fractal rough surfaces are obtained. The pressure distributions in the contact zone are obtained. The results of elasto-plastic contact models show that the mechanical property of cylinder-based and sphere-based fractal rough surfaces depends on the range of the frequency index of asperities. When the first six frequency indexes are smaller than the elastic critical frequency index, the cylinder-based and sphere-based fractal rough surfaces approximately appear to have an elastic property in the complete contact process. When the minimum frequency index is greater than the elastic critical frequency index, elastic deformation first takes place in the rough surfaces. Then, elasto-plastic deformation takes place with an increase in the total contact load. In elastic deformation, the ratios of the peak pressures of present fractal models to those of Hertzian models are constant for a given range of frequency indexes. In inelastic deformation, the ratios of the peak pressures are inversely proportional to the total contact load.
A Method for Modelling Business-Critical Architecture Decisions in Engineer-to-Order Companies
Authors: Sohrt Mikkel , Blinkenberg Willads , Mortensen Niels Henrik , Haug Anders , Hvam Lars
Published: February 2025

This article presents a method (the cross-functional architecture matrix, CAM) for identifying the most business-critical architecture decisions for companies applying product architectures to support the design and production of customised and highly engineered products. Although the product architecture literature describes the value of product architectures and suggests concepts and methods for modelling product architectures, existing methods tend to focus on a select few parts of the value chain or a few functional disciplines despite engineer-to-order (ETO) companies being highly cross-functional. Furthermore, the literature suggests that the practical implementation of product architectures is hindered by the complexity of the architecture models and the large number of decisions involved in the implementation and maintenance of the architecture. In this article, we test the suggested method in a case of a company that designs manufacturing plants (usually an investment in excess of 200 M€) and where three major equipment systems were chosen. For each system, cross-functional architecture matrices were applied. In each case, we found that only five architecture decisions had to be made to achieve significant improvements in the system’s performance, including a 30% reduction in installation hours, 76% of commissioning activities moved from the site to workshop, a 6% faster time to production, and a 12% total cost reduction. Practitioners in ETO companies can use the CAM method to support their product architecture development, while researchers can utilise it for future studies on the implementation of product architectures across functional domains and value chains.
Research on the Calculation Method of Internal Force of Fully Buried Double-Row Skid Piles Based on Tests
Authors: Li Xunchang , Shi Zhengzheng , Gao Fanfan , Han Dongdong
Published: February 2025

In order to discuss the calculation model and design method of double-row sliding piles without a connected beam, a laboratory simulation test was carried out. According to pile top displacement, pile body deformation, and pressure distribution, the ratio of landslide thrust sharing between front and back piles is about 1:1.6. It is found that the thrust of the landslide behind the pile is triangular, and the total resistance is parabolic. A calculation model is presented which takes the plastic hinge above the slip plane as the zero shear directional support. The pile is divided into two parts, the upper part and the lower part, and the cantilever pile method and the finite difference method are used for calculation, respectively. This method can calculate the internal force accurately, and it is verified by an engineering example.
Speaker Diarization: A Review of Objectives and Methods
Authors: O’Shaughnessy Douglas
Published: February 2025

Recorded audio often contains speech from multiple people in conversation. It is useful to label such signals with speaker turns, noting when each speaker is talking and identifying each speaker. This paper discusses how to process speech signals to do such speaker diarization (SD). We examine the nature of speech signals, to identify the possible acoustical features that could assist this clustering task. Traditional speech analysis techniques are reviewed, as well as measures of spectral similarity and clustering. Speech activity detection requires separating speech from background noise in general audio signals. SD may use stochastic models (hidden Markov and Gaussian mixture) and embeddings such as x-vectors. Modern neural machine learning methods are examined in detail. Suggestions are made for future improvements.
Research on Price Prediction of Construction Materials Based on VMD-SSA-LSTM
Authors: Xiong Sheng , Nie Chunlong , Lu Yixuan , Zheng Jieshu
Published: February 2025

This study proposes a novel hybrid model, VMD-SSA-LSTM, aimed at enhancing the accuracy of construction material price (CMP) predictions. The model integrates Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) for signal decomposition, the Sparrow Search Algorithm (SSA) for parameter optimization, and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks for predictive modeling. Historical CMP data are first decomposed into intrinsic components using VMD, followed by the SSA-based optimization of the LSTM parameters. These components are then input into the LSTM network for final predictions, which are aggregated to produce the CMP forecast. Experimental results using rebar price data from Hengyang City demonstrate that the VMD-SSA-LSTM model outperforms the backpropagation (BP) neural network, LSTM, and VMD-LSTM models in terms of prediction accuracy. The proposed method provides highly valuable tools for construction cost management, significantly enhancing the reliability of budget planning and risk mitigation decisions, and has significant practical implications for engineering cost risk management.
Reinforcement Learning for Efficient Drone-Assisted Vehicle Routing
Authors: Bogyrbayeva Aigerim , Dauletbayev Bissenbay , Meraliyev Meraryslan
Published: February 2025

Many exact algorithms, heuristics, and metaheuristics have been proposed to solve the Vehicle Routing Problem with Drones, which involves using a fleet of trucks and drones to fulfil customer orders in last-mile delivery. In this study, the problem is formulated using the Markov Decision Process, and a Reinforcement Learning (RL) based solution is proposed. The proposed RL model is based on an attention-encoder and a recurrent neural network-decoder architecture. This approach enhances coordination by determining which vehicles should visit specific customers and where vehicles can rendezvous, effectively leveraging drones and reducing the overall completion time. The RL model has demonstrated competitive performance compared to benchmark algorithms through extensive experiments.
Hybrid Trust Model for Node-Centric Misbehavior Detection in Dynamic Behavior-Homogeneous Clusters
Authors: Xu Xiaoya , Zhu Weijie , Fu Xiufeng , Yang Guang , Jin Longlong , Yu Wanting , You Lingfei
Published: February 2025

In vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs), the presence of untrustworthy nodes poses a significant threat, impacting the network’s reliability. This has led to the emergence of node-centric misbehavior detection as a crucial aspect of VANET security, focusing on the behavior of vehicles rather than the content of their interactions. While the trust model is a popular approach, the computational complexity of trust computations and management in VANETs is attributed to the intricate relationships among vehicles and the dynamic autonomous movement of nodes. To tackle these challenges, we developed a hybrid trust model scheme for node-centric misbehavior detection. Our method represents complex vehicular relationships using a hyper-graph within a dynamic behavior-homogeneous cluster. The model incorporates direct and indirect trust in a multi-layered hybrid trust framework, enabling accurate computation of the aggregate trust level for each cluster member vehicle. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our scheme, particularly in high-density vehicle cooperation scenarios, highlighting its promising ability to detect misbehaving nodes.
Positron Emission Tomography with Fibroblast Activation Protein-Targeted Radiopharmaceuticals in Primary Hepatic Tumors: A Systematic Review
Authors: Semeraro Lucia , Frantellizzi Viviana , Filippi Luca , Palumbo Barbara , De Vincentis Giuseppe , De Feo Maria Silvia
Published: February 2025

Background: This systematic review was performed to investigate the potential diagnostic role of fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-targeted radiopharmaceuticals in hepatocarcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Methods: Relevant studies published between 2019 and 2023 were selected by searching PubMed and Scopus. The following data were extracted: authors, radiopharmaceuticals, sample size, country and year of publication, study design, and main results. Selected studies were analyzed using a modified version of the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP). Results: A total of 15 papers were finally selected, where 5 (33%) were retrospective, and 10 (67%) were prospective, with an overall number of 331 involved patients. Most of the studies (14/15, 93%) employed the FAP inhibitor series (FAPI), while only one research study used cyclic peptides as FAP-binding motifs. Twelve papers (80%) compared these FAP-targeted radiopharmaceuticals with 18F-FDG. The other 3/15 (20%) were not comparative studies and used exclusively 68Ga-FAPI-04. 68Ga-FAPI-04 is the most used radiopharmaceutical in analyzed studies (11/15, 73%), while other tracers, including 18F-FAPI, 68Ga-FAPI-46, and 68Ga-FAP-2286, were used in the remaining ones. Conclusions: FAP-targeted radiopharmaceuticals have good diagnostic accuracy in HCC and CCA, with potential and promising theragnostic applications.
Differential Expression of ARG1 and MRC2 in Retinal Müller Glial Cells During Autoimmune Uveitis
Authors: Fleischer Amelie B. , Amann Barbara , von Toerne Christine , Degroote Roxane L. , Schmalen Adrian , Weißer Tanja , Hauck Stefanie M. , Deeg Cornelia A.
Published: February 2025

Retinal Müller glial cells (RMG) play a crucial role in retinal neuroinflammation, including autoimmune uveitis. Increasing evidence supports their function as active modulators of immune responses and potential atypical antigen-presenting cells (APCs). To further investigate this hypothesis, we conducted a differential proteome analysis of primary equine RMG from healthy controls and horses with equine recurrent uveitis (ERU), a spontaneous model of autoimmune uveitis. This analysis identified 310 proteins with differential abundance. Among these, the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II and the enzyme Arginase 1 (ARG1) were significantly enriched in RMG from uveitis-affected horses, whereas Mannose Receptor C-type 2 (MRC2) and its interactor Thrombospondin 1 (THBS1) were more abundant in healthy RMG. The detection of MHC class II in equine RMG, consistent with previous studies, validates the robustness of our approach. Furthermore, the identification of ARG1 and MRC2, together with THBS1, provides new insights into the immunomodulatory and antigen-presenting properties of RMG. Immunohistochemical analyses confirmed the proteomic findings and revealed the spatial distribution of ARG1 and MRC2. ARG1 and MRC2 are thus markers for RMG in the neuroinflammatory or physiological milieu and highlight potential differences in the immune function of RMG, particularly in antigen presentation.
Bioluminescent Microbial Bioreporters: A Personal Perspective
Authors: Belkin Shimshon
Published: February 2025

This review attempts to summarize my three decades-long involvement in, and contribution to, the design, construction and testing of bioluminescent microbial sensor strains (bioreporters). With the understanding that such a document cannot be completely free of bias, the review focuses on studies from my own lab only, with almost no coverage of the parallel progress made by others in similar fields. This admittedly subjective approach by no way detracts from the achievements of countless excellent researchers who are not mentioned here, and whose contributions to the field are at least as important as that of my own. The review covers basic aspects of microbial sensor design, and then progresses to describe approaches to performance improvement of sensor strains aimed at the detection of either specific chemicals, groups of chemicals sharing similar characteristics, or global effects, such as toxicity and genotoxicity. The need for integration of live sensor cells into a compatible hardware platform is highlighted, as is the importance of long-term maintenance of the cells’ viability and activity. The use of multi-member sensors’ panels is presented as a means for enhancing the detection spectrum and sample “fingerprinting”, along with a list of different purposes to which such sensors have been put to use.
A Live-Cell Imaging-Based Fluorescent SARS-CoV-2 Neutralization Assay by Antibody-Mediated Blockage of Receptor Binding Domain-ACE2 Interaction
Authors: Arias-Arias Jorge L. , Monturiol-Gross Laura , Corrales-Aguilar Eugenia
Published: February 2025

Neutralization assays have become an important tool since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic for testing vaccine responses and therapeutic antibodies as well as for monitoring humoral immunity to SARS-CoV-2 in epidemiological studies. The spike glycoprotein (S) present on the viral surface contains a receptor binding domain (RBD) that recognizes the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor (ACE2) in host cells, allowing virus entry. The gold standard for determining SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies is the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT), which relies on live-virus replication performed exclusively in biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) laboratories. Here, we report the development of a surrogate live-cell imaging-based fluorescent SARS-CoV-2 neutralization assay, applicable to BSL-1 or BSL-2 laboratories, by antibody-mediated blockage of the interaction between recombinant RBD with overexpressed ACE2 receptor in a genetically modified HEK 293T stable cell line. Our approach was able to detect neutralizing antibodies both in COVID-19-positive human serum samples and polyclonal equine formulations against SARS-CoV-2. This new cell-based surrogate neutralization assay represents a virus-free fluorescence imaging alternative to the reported approaches, which can be used to detect antibody-neutralizing capabilities toward SARS-CoV-2. This assay could also be extrapolated in the future to other established and emergent viral agents.
Speech Stream Composition Affects Statistical Learning: Behavioral and Neural Evidence
Authors: Soares Ana Paula , Paiva Dario , Lema Alberto , Pereira Diana R. , Rodrigues Ana Cláudia , Oliveira Helena Mendes
Published: February 2025

Statistical learning (SL), the ability to extract patterns from the environment, has been assumed to play a central role in whole cognition, particularly in language acquisition. Evidence has been gathered, however, from behavioral experiments relying on simplified artificial languages, raising doubts on the generalizability of these results to natural contexts. Here, we tested if SL is affected by the composition of the speech streams by expositing participants to auditory streams containing either four nonsense words presenting a transitional probability (TP) of 1 (unmixed high-TP condition), four nonsense words presenting TPs of 0.33 (unmixed low-TP condition) or two nonsense words presenting a TP of 1, and two of a TP of 0.33 (mixed condition); first under incidental (implicit), and, subsequently, under intentional (explicit) conditions to further ascertain how prior knowledge modulates the results. Electrophysiological and behavioral data were collected from the familiarization and test phases of each of the SL tasks. Behavior results revealed reliable signs of SL for all the streams, even though differences across stream conditions failed to reach significance. The neural results revealed, however, facilitative processing of the mixed over the unmixed low-TP and the unmixed high-TP conditions in the N400 and P200 components, suggesting that moderate levels of entropy boost SL.