bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Information Security Transmission of Port Multi-Thread Equipment Based on Advanced Encryption Standard and Preprocessing Optimization
Authors: Xia Zhixin , Yang Xiaolei , Li Afei , Liu Yongshan , He Siyuan
Published: December 2024

Based on the C/S multithreaded control framework, this article used AES encryption technology, and by customizing the S-boxes therein and differential diffusion of the S-boxes, it improved the randomness of the ciphertexts and the resistance to differential attacks, and reduced the likelihood of leakage in the process of data computation. On this basis, in order to reduce the cost overhead generated by AES encryption, this paper used the pre-computed method of optimizing S-boxes and Mixcolumn matrices to be applied to the multithreaded control framework, which improved the computation rate of AES, and then it improved the efficiency of the information transmission in the multithreaded control process. In addition, by using the TLS protocol, the authentication module was set up on the client and server side, which effectively defended against various attacks on data transmission by external users. The experimental results indicate that after the optimization of the multithreaded C/S architecture, the corresponding time of the average transmission delay was reduced by 49.1%, the throughput rose by 96.4%, and the acceleration ratio reached 1.96.
Simulation and Optimization of Available Local Feed Resources for Dairy Cattle in Burkina Faso
Authors: Sawadogo Rayinwendé Irène , Millogo Vinsoun , Sissao Mariétou , Kere Michel , Sawadogo Wendpayanguedé Alain , Séré Modou
Published: December 2024

The poor quality of natural pastures in the dry season does not make it possible to meet dairy cows’ requirements for milk production in Burkina Faso and in most West African countries. Therefore, it is urgent to find an alternative by developing a full diet from locally available ingredients. The objective was to determine a diet for dairy cattle based on locally available ingredients in the peri-urban area of Ouagadougou. A progressive methodology was used. Thus, a survey was conducted ontoonton 30 dairy farms. This survey was followed by chemical analysis, for which the most dominant forage and concentrate ingredients were selected. Secondly, the recording of milk and on-farm ingredient use was also carried out using Op-Ration software (Op-Ration version V3.4.5.0) in order to compare and determine the most suitable diets. The data from the survey were subjected to descriptive statistics using SPSS version 20. Those from chemical analysis, milk recording, and ingredient assessment on the farm were subjected to a statistical method using the software Minitab version.18.1.0.0 setup. The results showed two dominant forage species, Sorghum (84.85%) and Pennisetum pedicellatum (90.91%), and two dominant concentrates, corn bran (32%) and cottonseed meal (26%), used by dairy farmers. From these ingredients and simulating the requirements of 400 kgPV0.75 of lactating cows, a diet assessment was carried out at early, middle, and end lactation. The results showed that at the beginning of lactation, the diet consisted of 6.73 kg of forage and 6.59 kg of concentrate for 13.5 L as the main objective of milk production. The diet for mid-lactation was 8 kg of forage and 6.5 kg of concentrate for 15.5 L per day and 5.7 kg of forage and 3.8 kg of concentrate for the end of lactation. The results of this study show that it is possible to manufacture a complete ration for dairy cows at different stages of lactation from locally available forages and concentrates in the peri-urban area of Ouagadougou. This type of method could be applied to other regions from local forages and concentrates for milk production.
Clinker-Free Cement: A New Reality
Authors: de Souza Oliveira Marcel Demarco , Carvalho Zago Sara de , Vernilli Junior Fernando
Published: December 2024

The search for binders with a lower environmental impact has grown, especially for those with reduced clinker content or even for formulations not used due to the high CO2 emissions associated with their production. In this context, the steel industry, which generates a significant amount of waste and co-products, especially steel aggregates, such as blast furnace slag and basic oxygen slag, can be a source of raw materials for cement plants. For this reason, in search of an innovative alternative with low environmental impact, in this work, a clinker-free cement was developed by mixing waste from steel and civil construction. The results of this study demonstrated the possibility of producing a Portland clinker-free cement, using only solid waste, through a mixture of steel slag from blast furnaces, basic oxygen slag and gypsum residue from civil construction, presenting hydraulic properties compatible with national cement CPIII-32 and CPII E-32, and the European cement CSS 32.5 N. The cement mixtures were also characterized as resistant to sulfate attack. It was found that the basic oxygen slag acted as an alkaline activator, thus enhancing the hydration process of the mixture of blast furnace slag and gypsum.
The Influence of Various Types of Functional Bread on Postprandial Glycemia in Healthy Adults
Authors: Lange Ewa , Pałkowska-Goździk Ewelina , Kęszycka Paulina
Published: December 2024

Bread is a crucial component of a balanced diet. Increasing the choice of functional bakery products based on whole grain flours, with the addition of seeds and grains, can improve health, including reducing postprandial glycemia and the risk of metabolic syndrome. The current study attempted to characterize the relationship between the composition and nutritional value of 23 different types of functional bread and postprandial glycemic response values. This study involved 209 non-obese healthy volunteers aged between 18 and 50. The study protocol followed the standard glycemic index (GI) method outlined by the International Standard, ISO 26642:2010. Most of the examined bread had a low GI and was composed mainly of rye, oats, buckwheat flour with a sourdough starter, and oilseeds. Postprandial glycemia was negatively associated with the fat, protein, and fiber content of bread. However, the GI depended directly on the carbohydrate content and, inversely, on the fat content in wheat bread and bread containing oilseeds. Similarly, using whole-grain flour and sourdough in a functional bakery reduces the GI. Adding oilseeds and sourdough to bread also reduced blood glucose levels approximately one hour after a meal. A greater number of ingredients in a recipe may be associated with a higher GI. In designing a functional bread with a potentially beneficial effect on postprandial glycemia, the nutritional value, type of fermentation, and additives (type and number) are worth considering. The high variability in postprandial glycemia after bread consumption is related to several factors and requires GI determination according to standard methods to ensure that the information provided to the consumer is reliable.
Operation Risk Assessment of Urban Dense Cable Passageway Based on Fuzzy-Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Nie Yongjie , Chen Daoyuan , Zheng Shuai , Xu Xiaowei , Wang Xilian , Wu Zhensheng
Published: December 2024

With the acceleration of urbanization, the development and utilization of urban underground spaces are becoming increasingly frequent, and the potential risks in the operation of urban dense cable passage may pose a major threat to the security of the urban power supply. Therefore, a risk assessment method for urban dense cable passage operation based on a fuzzy-analytic hierarchy process is proposed. Firstly, the operation risk parameters of urban dense cable channels are analyzed in detail. Secondly, the weight of each index is calculated based on the analytic hierarchy process to determine the importance of each index in the risk assessment. Then, according to the membership degree of each index, the fuzzy relationship matrix is constructed to describe the relationship between each index and the risk level, and the comprehensive risk level of the cable channel is obtained through the matrix operation. Finally, taking the actual operation of an urban dense cable channel in a certain area of the China Southern Power Grid as the research object, the safety of its operation is comprehensively evaluated, and the effectiveness of the fuzzy-analytic hierarchy process in the operation risk assessment of the urban dense cable channel is verified. Corresponding risk control measures and suggestions are proposed according to the evaluation results.
Enhanced Virtual Sound Source Construction Based on Wave Field Synthesis Using Crossfade Processing with Electro-Dynamic and Parametric Loudspeaker Arrays
Authors: Geng Yuting , Hirose Ayano , Iwagami Mizuki , Nakayama Masato , Nishiura Takanobu
Published: December 2024

Wave field synthesis (WFS) can be used to construct virtual sound sources (VSSs) with a loudspeaker array. Conventional methods using a single type of loudspeaker showed limited performance in distance perception. For example, WFS with electro-dynamic loudspeakers (EDLs) has the advantage of constructing VSSs near the loudspeaker, while WFS with parametric array loudspeakers (PALs) has the advantage of constructing VSSs far from the loudspeaker. In this paper, we propose a VSS construction method utilizing crossfade processing with both EDLs and PALs. The contribution of EDLs and PALs was balanced to better synthesize the target sound field. We carried out experiments to evaluate the sound pressure, frequency characteristic, and sound image perception. The experimental results demonstrated that the proposed method can enhance these aspects of the VSS.
PEAR1 Promotes Myoblast Proliferation Through Notch Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhao Yahao , Zhang Lu , Hao Ruotong , Li Shuang , Li Shufeng , Shi Shuai , Tong Huili , Liu Bingchen
Published: December 2024

PEAR1, also known as platelet endothelial aggregation receptor 1, is known to play a crucial role in the migration and differentiation of muscle satellite cells (MuSCs). However, its specific effects on skeletal muscle development and regeneration require further exploration. In this study, the expression of PEAR1; the proliferation marker proteins of Pax7, CCNB1, and PCNA; and the key molecules of N1-ICD, N2-ICD, and Hes1 were all increased gradually during the process of C2C12 cell proliferation. Furthermore, Western blotting and EdU results showed that when PEAR1 was over-expressed or inhibited, the proliferation status of C2C12 cell was increased or reduced respectively. This implied that PEAR1 could regulate myoblast proliferation and might be relate to Notch cell signaling pathway. A subsequent immunoprecipitation experiment result showed that the interaction between PEAR1 and Notch1 or Notch2, respectively. Then Western blotting and EdU results showed that the proliferation of C2C12 cell was inhibited under the treatment of Notch signaling pathway inhibitor RIN1. Meanwhile, the proliferation capacity of C2C12 cell could not be improved by treatment with RIN1 even though PEAR1 was over-expressed. These results showed that PEAR1 may regulated C2C12 cell proliferation though Notch signaling pathway. Additionally, a mouse model of muscle injury repair injected with bupivacaine hydrochloride was established in this study. Immunohistochemistry results exhibited that PEAR1 may regulate skeletal muscle post-injury regeneration relevant to Notch1 and Notch2 in different patterns. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential involvement of PEAR1 in skeletal muscle development and post-injury regeneration.
Dynamic Structure-Aware Modulation Network for Underwater Image Super-Resolution
Authors: Wang Li , Li Ke , Dong Chengang , Shen Keyong , Mu Yang
Published: December 2024

Image super-resolution (SR) is a formidable challenge due to the intricacies of the underwater environment such as light absorption, scattering, and color distortion. Plenty of deep learning methods have provided a substantial performance boost for SR. Nevertheless, these methods are not only computationally expensive but also often lack flexibility in adapting to severely degraded image statistics. To counteract these issues, we propose a dynamic structure-aware modulation network (DSMN) for efficient and accurate underwater SR. A Mixed Transformer incorporated a structure-aware Transformer block and multi-head Transformer block, which could comprehensively utilize local structural attributes and global features to enhance the details of underwater image restoration. Then, we devised a dynamic information modulation module (DIMM), which adaptively modulated the output of the Mixed Transformer with appropriate weights based on input statistics to highlight important information. Further, a hybrid-attention fusion module (HAFM) adopted spatial and channel interaction to aggregate more delicate features, facilitating high-quality underwater image reconstruction. Extensive experiments on benchmark datasets revealed that our proposed DSMN surpasses the most renowned SR methods regarding quantitative and qualitative metrics, along with less computational effort.
Research on Multimodal Control Method for Prosthetic Hands Based on Visuo-Tactile and Arm Motion Measurement
Authors: Cui Jianwei , Yan Bingyan
Published: December 2024

The realization of hand function reengineering using a manipulator is a research hotspot in the field of robotics. In this paper, we propose a multimodal perception and control method for a robotic hand to assist the disabled. The movement of the human hand can be divided into two parts: the coordination of the posture of the fingers, and the coordination of the timing of grasping and releasing objects. Therefore, we first used a pinhole camera to construct a visual device suitable for finger mounting, and preclassified the shape of the object based on YOLOv8; then, a filtering process using multi-frame synthesized point cloud data from miniature 2D Lidar, and DBSCAN algorithm clustering objects and the DTW algorithm, was proposed to further identify the cross-sectional shape and size of the grasped part of the object and realize control of the robot’s grasping gesture; finally, a multimodal perception and control method for prosthetic hands was proposed. To control the grasping attitude, a fusion algorithm based on information of upper limb motion state, hand position, and lesser toe haptics was proposed to realize control of the robotic grasping process with a human in the ring. The device designed in this paper does not contact the human skin, does not produce discomfort, and the completion rate of the grasping process experiment reached 91.63%, which indicates that the proposed control method has feasibility and applicability.
How Does AI Affect College? The Impact of AI Usage in College Teaching on Students’ Innovative Behavior and Well-Being
Authors: Ma Ke , Zhang Yan , Hui Beihe
Published: December 2024

Currently, there is a growing trend for college and university teachers to use AI in their teaching work. However, existing research explores the impact of teachers’ usage of AI in the workplace on students. Based on resource preservation theory, this study examined the mechanism of the usage of AI in teaching on students’ innovative behavior and well-being with a sample of 356 college students from Zhejiang Province. The study found that the usage of AI in teaching significantly and positively affected students’ innovative behavior and well-being, with students’ positive emotion playing a mediating role. Students’ AI trust not only moderated the effect of the usage of AI in teaching on positive emotion, but also moderated the mediating role of positive emotion. The findings have important implications for teachers’ instructional management and practice.
Enhancing Visual Perception in Sports Environments: A Virtual Reality and Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Wang Taiyang , Luo Peng , Xia Sihan
Published: December 2024

The sports environment plays a crucial role in shaping the physical and mental well-being of individuals engaged in sports activities. Understanding how environmental factors and emotional experiences influence sports perceptions is essential for advancing public health research and guiding optimal design interventions. However, existing studies in this field often rely on subjective evaluations, lack objective validation, and fail to provide practical insights for design applications. To address these gaps, this study adopts a data-driven approach. Quantitative data were collected to explore the visual environment of badminton courts using eye-tracking technology and a semantic differential questionnaire. The relationships between environmental factors—such as illuminance (IL), height (Ht), roof saturation (RSa), roof slope (RS), backwall saturation (BSa), and natural materials proportion on the backwall (BN)—and sports perception (W) were analyzed. Furthermore, this study identifies the best-performing machine learning model for predicting sports perception, which is subsequently integrated with a genetic algorithm to optimize environmental design thresholds. These findings provide actionable insights for creating sports environments that enhance user experience and support public health objectives.
Monitoring of Energy Rates of Domestic PV Systems to Evaluate the Influence of Occupants’ Behavior on Environmental and Economic Benefits
Authors: De Simone Marilena , Bilotta Antonio
Published: December 2024

The use of photovoltaic systems in residential buildings represents a solution for reducing CO2 emissions and users’ bill costs. To fully experience these advantages, however, correct use of the solar technology is necessary. Many researchers have already directed their studies towards human interaction with traditional energy systems, highlighting how the presence of users at home increases energy consumption and costs. This aspect is still less explored in the case of buildings that integrate smart and innovative technical solutions for energy production. This study aims to highlight how monitoring, data collection, and analysis can be critical to obtain effective operation of PV systems, considering technical features and user behavior in parallel. To quantify these aspects, three domestic users were analyzed by collecting data for one year. The parameter “Social Investment Index SII” was introduced to estimate the economic and environmental profitability of the investment. The available funding at the end of the life of the systems was strongly affected by the occupancy and behavioral efficiency of the user, with a potential increase of up to 55%, or a decrease higher than 70%. The SII varied from 23.6 to 18.4 kg of CO2 saved/(k€ ∙ MWh) in the case of ineffective user behavior.
An Integrated Planning Methodology for a Just Climatic Transition in Rural Settlements
Authors: Rodríguez-Álvarez Jorge , Casares-Gallego María Amparo , López-Bahut Emma , Santos Vázquez María de los Ángeles , Seoane Prado Henrique , Rocamonde-Lourido Javier
Published: December 2024

The article presents the findings of a research project that focuses on the role of rural areas as key players in addressing the current climate emergency. The article addresses the challenge of a just energy transition by examining the obstacles to the implementation of renewable energy infrastructure. The investigation is situated within the context of Galicia, a rural region in the northwest of Spain. The study conducted an extensive review of the literature, surveys, and interviews, which revealed a significant gap between local communities and planning decisions to be one of the primary obstacles to a just transition. In light of these findings, the research puts forth an integrated planning methodology founded on social and metabolic principles. This methodology investigates the communal management of energy resources with the objective of improving local welfare and integrating this into the planning process. This methodology proposes a series of steps and associated tools for the analysis of the potential for local energy generation using biomass, hydropower, solar, and wind infrastructures. Landscape and social considerations are articulated through continuous community engagement. The energy generation capacity will be used as a catalyst to address the most pressing issues and to improve living conditions in rural areas. The article confirms the need for a holistic approach to energy infrastructures, paying particular attention to landscape integration and endogenous development.
Evaluating Treatment Outcomes in Women with Node-Negative T1 Breast Cancers
Authors: Chan Patrick Mun Yew , Ong Kay Hsiang , Kuah Sherwin , Sim E Jan , Chen Juliana , Goh Mui Heng , Ang Wei-Wen , Tan Ern Yu
Published: December 2024

Background: With greater awareness and increased screening, cancers are increasingly being diagnosed at stage I. Women with these small node-negative tumours have excellent survival prospects after surgery, but many women, especially those with triple-negative and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)-2-positive tumours, still receive adjuvant systemic treatments to reduce the recurrence risk. Aims: We review the outcomes of women diagnosed with stage I (T1N0M0) tumours in our unit and examine the effect of systemic chemotherapy with/without targeted therapy on recurrence patterns and survival outcomes. Results: We reviewed 643 women diagnosed with T1N0M0 disease over a 10-year period. Five-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 96.6% and the 10-year RFS was 95.5%. Recurrence occurred in 4.7% of the women and was limited to locoregional sites in two-thirds of the instances. Systemic recurrences developed in 12 women, all of whom had ER-positive/HER2-negative disease. The mode of surgery emerged as the only independent predictor of recurrence. Recurrence was highest in women treated with wide local excision (WLE) alone (p < 0.05), but not in those who had received breast radiation after WLE (p = 0.112). Systemic chemotherapy, with or without anti-HER2 therapy, was discussed with 334 women, of whom 50.6% received the treatment; these women were more often younger and had triple-negative or HER2-positive tumours (p < 0.001). Women who received chemotherapy showed a non-significant tendency to develop locoregional recurrence (p = 0.104), but the number of systemic recurrences were similar to those documented in women who had not received chemotherapy. Chemotherapy and/or targeted treatment was not observed to have a significant effect on 5-year recurrence-free survival (p = 0.444). Conclusions: Stage I cancers have excellent survival outcomes. An optimal local surgical treatment is important and we did not find chemotherapy and/or targeted therapy to produce any significant differences in survival.
The Cost-Effectiveness of Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping in High-Risk Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Burg Lara C. , Vermeulen Robin J. , Bekkers Ruud L. M. , Kruitwagen Roy F. P. M. , Zusterzeel Petra L. M.
Published: December 2024

Objectives. The aim was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping in comparison to routine pelvic lymphadenectomy for lymph node assessment in patients with high-risk endometrial cancer (EC). Methods. A decision–analytic model was developed to compare SLN mapping with pelvic lymphadenectomy for guiding adjuvant therapy in patients with high-risk endometrioid and non-endometrioid EC, focusing on costs and health outcomes. The input data were obtained from systematic literature searches and expert consensus. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) was utilized as the measure of effectiveness. The model was constructed from a healthcare perspective, and the impact of uncertainty was evaluated through sensitivity analyses. Results. The base case analysis indicated that sentinel lymph node mapping is the dominant strategy for lymph node assessment in patients with high-risk endometrial cancer, as it was found to be both more effective and less costly than lymphadenectomy. The improved outcomes and reduced costs associated with SLN mapping primarily result from a decrease in the side effects related to lymph node assessment. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that the outcome of the model was robust to variations in input values. Conclusion. SLN mapping is the most cost-effective strategy to determine the need for adjuvant therapy in patients with high-risk endometrioid and non-endometrioid endometrial cancer.
The Role and Mechanism of TRIM Proteins in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Wu Wangxi , Yang Jinyu , Yu Tian , Zou Zhuoling , Huang Xuan
Published: December 2024

Tripartite motif (TRIM) family proteins, distinguished by their N-terminal region that includes a Really Interesting New Gene (RING) domain with E3 ligase activity, two B-box domains, and a coiled-coil region, have been recognized as significant contributors in carcinogenesis, primarily via the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) for degrading proteins. Mechanistically, these proteins modulate a variety of signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/AKT, and TGF-β/Smad, contributing to cellular regulation, and also impact cellular activities through non-signaling mechanisms, including modulation of gene transcription, protein degradation, and stability via protein–protein interactions. Currently, growing evidence indicates that TRIM proteins emerge as potential regulators in gastric cancer, exhibiting both tumor-suppressive and oncogenic roles. Given their critical involvement in cellular processes and the notable challenges of gastric cancer, exploring the specific contributions of TRIM proteins to this disease is necessary. Consequently, this review elucidates the roles and mechanisms of TRIM proteins in gastric cancer, emphasizing their potential as therapeutic targets and prognostic factors.
Recent Progress in Saliva-Based Sensors for Continuous Monitoring of Heavy Metal Levels Linked with Diabetes and Obesity
Authors: Anchidin-Norocel Liliana , Savage Wesley K. , Nemțoi Alexandru , Dimian Mihai , Cobuz Claudiu
Published: December 2024

Sensors are versatile technologies that provide rapid and efficient diagnostic results, making them invaluable tools in public health for measuring and monitoring community exposure to environmental contaminants. Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, commonly found in food and water, can accumulate in the body and have toxic effects, contributing to the development of conditions like obesity and diabetes. Traditional methods for detecting these metals often require invasive blood samples; however, sensors can utilize saliva, offering a noninvasive and simplified approach for public health screening. The use of saliva as a diagnostic fluid represents a major advance in population health monitoring due to its low cost, noninvasiveness, and ease of collection. Recent advances in sensor technology have enabled the development of diagnostic tests that link heavy metal levels in saliva with the risk of developing obesity and diabetes. Optimizing these sensors could facilitate the identification of individuals or groups at risk, enabling targeted, personalized preventive measures. Sensors that use saliva for detecting heavy metals hold promise for diagnosing and preventing metabolic diseases, providing valuable insights into the link between heavy metal exposure and metabolic health.
Asthma Is an Independent Risk Factor for Acute Chest Syndrome in Children with Sickle Cell Disease in French Guiana
Authors: Bafunyembaka Gabriel , Nacher Mathieu , Maniassom Chimène , Birindwa Archippe Muhandule , Elenga Narcisse
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: The overall incidence of asthma in children with sickle cell disease in French Guiana is unknown. Asthma is common in children with sickle cell disease and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to describe the impact of asthma on the occurrence of acute chest syndrome in children with sickle cell disease who were followed up in French Guiana. Methods: We performed a multicenter nested case-control study between January 2012 and December 2022. Our study population consisted of children, aged between 6 months and 18 years, who were diagnosed with sickle cell disease at birth and hospitalized at least once for acute chest syndrome during the study period. Results: A total of 588 children were followed up for sickle cell disease. Of these, 390 had sickle cell disease, 180 had SC, and 18 had Sβ + thalassemia. Of the 390-sickle cell disease, we identified 35 who also had asthma, giving an estimated prevalence of asthma of 8.9% among children with sickle cell disease in French Guiana. Only asthma was significantly associated with acute chest syndrome (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The prevalence of asthma in children with sickle cell disease is underestimated. Asthma is an independent risk factor for acute chest syndrome. Given the seriousness of asthma in children with sickle cell disease, systematic screening for asthma in children with sickle cell disease has been implemented. This screening, which will be evaluated after one year, will help to better characterize asthmatic children with sickle cell disease and improve their care.
Influence of Deep Cryogenic Treatment on the Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Resistance of Nickel–Aluminum Bronze
Authors: Abreu Carmen M. , Feijoo Iria , Pena Gloria , Pérez M. Consuelo
Published: December 2024

The objective of this research is to enhance the mechanical and corrosion resistance properties of a cast Ni-Al bronze (NAB). To achieve this, the effect of deep cryogenic treatment (DCT), a process that has shown promise in other alloys, is initially investigated. It is demonstrated that, in the case of NAB, DCT induces only minor microstructural changes, which do not lead to any significant improvement in its properties. Consequently, it is proposed that a combined treatment be employed, involving annealing either before or after DCT. The results indicate that annealing at 675 °C for 2 h following cryogenic treatment at −180 °C increases the yield strength by approximately 11%. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in simulated seawater further confirm that this combination results in the formation of oxide layers with enhanced protective capacity. These improvements are attributed to the significant refinement and homogenization of the microstructure, including the globularization of the kI, kII, and, particularly, kIII phases, and an increase in the precipitation of the kIV phase in a finer and more homogeneous form within the alpha phase.
Identification of Scientific Texts Generated by Large Language Models Using Machine Learning
Authors: Soto-Osorio David , Sidorov Grigori , Chanona-Hernández Liliana , López-Ramírez Blanca Cecilia
Published: December 2024

Large language models (LLMs) are tools that help us in a variety of activities, from creating well-structured texts to quickly consulting information. But as these new technologies are so easily accessible, many people use them for their own benefit without properly citing the original author, or in other cases the student sector can be heavily compromised because students may opt for a quick answer over understanding and comprehending a specific topic in depth, considerably reducing their basic writing, editing and reading comprehension skills. Therefore, we propose to create a model to identify texts produced by LLM. To do so, we will use natural language processing (NLP) and machine-learning algorithms to recognize texts that mask LLM misuse using different types of adversarial attack, like paraphrasing or translation from one language to another. The main contributions of this work are to identify the texts generated by the large language models, and for this purpose several experiments were developed looking for the best results implementing the f1, accuracy, recall and precision metrics, together with PCA and t-SNE diagrams to see the classification of each one of the texts.
Invasive Characteristics of Robinia pseudoacacia and Its Impacts on Species Diversity
Authors: Kato-Noguchi Hisashi , Kato Midori
Published: December 2024

Robinia pseudoacacia is native to North America and has been introduced into many other countries in Europe, South and South East Asia, South America, Africa, and Oceania. The species has been planted intensively in a large area of these countries because of its ornamental and economic values. However, R. pseudoacacia often infests unintended places, including protected areas, and causes significant ecological impacts. The species is now listed as one of the harmful invasive plant species. The characteristics of its life-history, such as the high growth and reproduction rate and adaptive ability to various environmental conditions, may contribute to the invasiveness of the species. The defense ability against natural enemies such as pathogenic fungi and herbivores and its allelopathic potential against the competitive plant species may also contribute to its invasiveness. The R. pseudoacacia infestation alters the ecological functions of the plant community, including the soil microbe community, and reduces the abundance and diversity of the native plant species, including vertebrates and invertebrates in the introduced ranges. R. pseudoacacia is a shade intolerant and early successional tree species and is replaced by larger and more shade tolerant tree species in the native ranges, while plant succession seems not to occur always in the introduced ranges across the different ages of R. pseudoacacia stands. Several other review articles have summarized the afforestation, utilization, biology, and management of the species, but this is the first review focusing on the invasive mechanism of R. pseudoacacia and its impacts on species diversity.
Comparison of Short-Term Clinical Outcomes After Implantation of Two Monofocal, Aspheric Intraocular Lenses
Authors: Han Jeewon , Lee Yea Eun , Park Nahyun , Lee Chung Min , Jeon Yoo Young , Lee Hayoung , Eah Kyu Sang , Yoon Yeji , Chung Ho Seok , Kim Jae Yong , Jeong Jiwon , Lee Hun
Published: December 2024

Objectives: This study compared the visual outcomes and optical quality of two monofocal, aspheric intraocular lenses (IOLs; CT LUCIA 621P, Carl Zeiss Meditec; Eyhance ICB00, Johnson & Johnson Vision) by evaluating visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and higher-order aberrations 1 month post-cataract surgery. Methods: In this retrospective, comparative study, 120 eyes (72 patients) that underwent cataract surgery with either CT LUCIA 621P (Lucia group) or Eyhance ICB00 (Eyhance group) implantation (60 eyes/group) were retrospectively investigated. Visual acuity at various distances and defocus curves were measured 1 month postoperatively. Optical quality was assessed by comparing contrast sensitivity and internal coma, spherical, and total aberrations by using iTrace (Tracey Technology), a ray-tracing-type aberrometer. Results: The visual acuity and defocus curves were similar between the two IOLs 1 month postoperatively. The Lucia group showed better contrast sensitivity at higher spatial frequencies: 12 cpd (p < 0.001, 1.32 LogCS vs. 1.02 LogCS) and 18 cpd (p = 0.009, 0.74 LogCS vs. 0.47 LogCS) unilaterally and 18 cpd (p = 0.044, 0.94 LogCS vs. 0.60 LogCS) bilaterally. Postoperative internal spherical aberration was significantly lower in the Lucia group (p < 0.001, −0.04 µm vs. −0.003 µm). Internal coma and total aberrations were similar. Conclusions: The visual acuity and defocus curves of the Lucia and Eyhance groups were comparable 1 month post-cataract surgery. The Lucia group’s superior contrast sensitivity and lower postoperative internal spherical aberration were due to differences in IOL designs, particularly the power variation patterns.
Identification of PGC as a Potential Biomarker for Progression from Barrett’s Esophagus to Esophageal Adenocarcinoma: A Comprehensive Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Qureshi Sajida , Abbasi Waqas Ahmad , Qureshi Muhammad Asif , Jalil Hira Abdul , Quraishy Muhammad Saeed
Published: December 2024

Background: Barrett’s esophagus (BE), with metaplastic columnar epithelium in the lower esophagus, predisposes patients to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Despite extensive research, mechanisms underlying BE progression to EAC remain unclear, and no validated biomarkers are available for clinical use. Progastricsin/Pepsinogen-C (PGC), an aspartic proteinase linked to maintaining normal epithelial morphology, is often absent in advanced gastrointestinal malignancies. This study comprehensively investigates PGC expression across cancers, particularly in esophageal cancer (ESCA), to clarify its role in BE progression to EAC. Methods: We utilized multiple bioinformatic platforms (TIMER, UALCAN, cBioPortal, GEPIA, STRING, Metascape, and GEO database) to assess PGC expression, genomic alterations, and correlations with clinicopathological features, survival, and immune infiltration. Additionally, using the GEO dataset, we compared non-dysplastic Barrett’s esophagus (NDBE) patients with those who progressed to malignancy, identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs), their interactions, and potential roles in progression. Results: PGC was notably upregulated in various cancers, especially in adjacent normal tissues of ESCA. Genomic amplifications of PGC were linked to improved survival in EAC patients, particularly those with high PGC expression, suggesting a protective role. Moreover, PGC expression positively correlated with favorable immune infiltration, notably B cells and CD8+ T cells. Enrichment analysis of downregulated DEGs revealed significant involvement in key biological processes, specifically in extracellular matrix organization. Among the downregulated DEGs, we identified PGC among the top 10 hub genes, underscoring its role in tissue homeostasis. Conclusions: These findings suggest that PGC could serve as a promising biomarker for predicting the high-risk transformation from BE to EAC, offering new insights into EAC progression and future therapeutic targets.
Bayesian Assessment of Corrosion-Related Failures in Steel Pipelines
Authors: Ruggeri Fabrizio , Cagno Enrico , Caron Franco , Mancini Mauro , Pievatolo Antonio
Published: December 2024

The probability of gas escapes from steel pipelines due to different types of corrosion is studied with real failure data from an urban gas distribution network. Both the design and maintenance of the network are considered, identifying and estimating (in a Bayesian framework) an elementary multinomial model in the first case, and a more sophisticated non-homogeneous Poisson process in the second case. Special attention is paid to the elicitation of the experts’ opinions. We conclude that the corrosion process behaves quite differently depending on the type of corrosion, and that, in most cases, cathodically protected pipes should be installed.
Network Coding-Enhanced Polar Codes for Relay-Assisted Visible Light Communication Systems
Authors: Li Congduan , Zhong Mingyang , Zhang Yiqian , Song Dan , Zhang Nanfeng , Yang Jingfeng
Published: December 2024

This paper proposes a novel polar coding scheme tailored for indoor visible light communication (VLC) systems. Simulation results demonstrate a significant reduction in bit error rate (BER) compared to uncoded transmission, with a coding gain of at least 5 dB. Furthermore, the reliable communication area of the VLC system is substantially extended. Building on this foundation, this study explores the joint design of polar codes and physical-layer network coding (PNC) for VLC systems. Simulation results illustrate that the BER of our scheme closely approaches that of the conventional VLC relay scheme. Moreover, our approach doubles the throughput, cuts equipment expenses in half, and boosts effective bit rates per unit time-slot twofold. This proposed design noticeably advances the performance of VLC systems and is particularly well-suited for scenarios with low-latency demands.
An Isolated Modular Multilevel DC Converter with Unipolar-to-Bipolar Conversion
Authors: Cai Haiqing , Yue Jingpeng , An Ranran , Gu Haohan , Zhang Zihan
Published: December 2024

Deep-sea offshore wind power generation has gained increasing attention in the past decade. The low cost and high efficiency of the DC grid system make it more competitive when the transmission distance is over 100 km. As the key enabler of the DC grids, DC converters are necessitated to interconnect the DC lines with different voltage levels. Instead of using auxiliary circuits, this paper proposes a low-cost isolated modular multilevel DC converter (IMMDC) with unipolar-to-bipolar conversion topology to fit into the DC grids with different configurations. Moreover, the proposed DC-current-injection-based fault-tolerant scheme can maintain around 50% power transmission capability even under single pole open-circuit fault conditions for a certain period, enhancing the power supply continuity. The modularity and scalability of the proposed IMMDC topology can fit into different DC grid systems. The effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed topology and control strategy are verified using a 50 kV/±300 kV/100 MW MATLAB/Simulink 2022b simulation model.
Semi-Supervised Few-Shot Incremental Learning with k-Probabilistic Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Han Ke , Barbu Adrian
Published: December 2024

This paper introduces a novel method for Semi-Supervised Few-Shot Class Incremental Learning (SSFSCIL) that exhibits virtually no catastrophic forgetting. The method uses a generic feature extractor that was pretrained without supervision on a large image dataset, and a classifier based on a Probabilistic PCA (PPCA) model for each class instead of the standard fully connected layer usually employed as the projection head. The PPCA models are localized around the class means and the models for existing classes are not retrained when new classes are added. The learning algorithm is a modified k-Means that freezes the models on the existing classes and only updates models for the new classes. This makes the approach both computationally efficient and accurate. Extensive experiments on CUB200, CIFAR100, and miniImageNet show the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Additionally, experiments on the ImageNet-1k dataset, which previous methods have avoided due to its size, demonstrate its applicability to large-scale datasets.
Permanent Magnets in Sustainable Energy: Comparative Life Cycle Analysis
Authors: Orlova Svetlana , Rassõlkin Anton
Published: December 2024

This study addresses the environmental challenges associated with high-performance rare-earth magnets, particularly NdFeB, which are essential in green and digital technologies. By employing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) with openLCA software, we evaluate the environmental impacts across the life cycles of ferrite, NdFeB, and MnAlC magnets, focusing on extraction, processing, and recycling. Various studies have explored different aspects of the LCA of NdFeB magnets, focusing on production methods, recycling processes, and the environmental impacts of different rare-earth sources. A comparative LCA highlights the significant environmental footprint of rare-earth magnets, underscoring the role of functional unit selection: when assessed per unit of energy density, the environmental impact of NdFeB magnets aligns more closely with alternatives. Methodological issues such as data quality, choice of functional units, and system complexity affect LCA accuracy, as inconsistencies in data or scope led to potential distortions in environmental assessments. This research also explores manganese-based magnets as viable alternatives to reduce reliance on rare-earth materials. Legislative initiatives, including the EU’s Ecodesign Directive and Critical Raw Materials Act, support sustainable management practices to ensure reliable material supply while promoting environmental protection. This paper highlights the importance of sustainable magnetic materials, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary research to balance technological efficiency and environmental impact, especially as rare-earth magnet demand rises with the transition to renewable energy sources.
Source-Load Collaborative Optimization Method Considering Core Production Constraints of Electrolytic Aluminum Load
Authors: Jiang Yibo , Wang Zhe , Bian Shiqi , Liao Siyang , Lu Huibin
Published: December 2024

With the deep implementation of the national “dual carbon” strategy, the development of a new power system dominated by renewable energy has accelerated significantly. Electrolytic aluminum load, as an important energy-intensive industrial resource, possesses response flexibility, providing a critical pathway for the efficient utilization of renewable energy. However, ensuring the safety of its production process during demand-side response remains a key challenge. This study systematically investigates the core production constraint of electrolytic aluminum load—electrolytic bath temperature—and its impacts on chemical reaction rates, current efficiency, and production equipment. A detailed coupling relationship between core production constraints and active power regulation is established. By quantifying the effects of temperature variation on the electrolytic aluminum production process, a demand-side response control cost model for electrolytic aluminum load is proposed. Additionally, a day-ahead scheduling model is developed with the objective of minimizing system operating costs while considering the participation of electrolytic aluminum load. Simulation results demonstrate that this method significantly reduces wind curtailment and load shedding while ensuring the safety of electrolytic aluminum production. It provides a novel approach for enhancing system economic efficiency, improving renewable energy utilization, and promoting the deep integration of power systems with industrial loads.
Exploring the Impact of Vehicle Lightweighting in Terms of Energy Consumption: Analysis and Simulation on Real Driving Cycle
Authors: Sandrini Giulia , Chindamo Daniel , Gadola Marco , Candela Andrea , Magri Paolo
Published: December 2024

Today, reducing vehicle energy consumption is a crucial topic. For electric vehicles, reducing energy consumption is essential to address some of the most critical issues associated with this type of vehicle, such as the limited range of electric powertrains and the long battery recharging times. To lower the environmental impact during the vehicle’s use phase and reduce energy consumption, vehicle mass reduction (lightweighting) is an effective strategy. The objective of this work is to analyze the vehicle parameters that influence lightweighting outcomes on a real driving cycle, representative of the home-to-work travel in northern Italy. In particular, a previous work carried out on standard driving cycles is repeated in order to observe whether it is possible to draw the same conclusions regarding the variability in the lightweighting outcome. This study was conducted using two opposite vehicle models, a compact car and an N1 vehicle, simulated through a well-established vehicle simulation tool for energy consumption estimation. To conduct this analysis, several simulations with variable vehicle mass, and with different vehicle parameters, such as aerodynamics and rolling resistance, were performed to estimate energy consumption across a real-world driving cycle, acquired via GPS on board the vehicle during a home-to-work journey in northern Italy. This study reveals that even for the real driving cycle, as for the WLTC and US06 standards, the parameters that most influence the outcome of the lightening are the rolling resistance, the characteristics of the battery pack, the aerodynamic coefficients, and the efficiency of the transmission. Finally, the standard cycle that best fits with the real one considered in this study is the Artemis Urban Cycle.