bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Short Channel Effects in Al0.30Ga0.60As Channel-Based Junctionless Cylindrical Gate-All-Around FET for Low Power Applications
Authors: Srivastava Pooja , Upadhyaya Aditi , Yadav Shekhar , Negi Chandra Mohan Singh , Singh Arvind Kumar
Published: February 2025

In this work, a cylindrical gate-all-around junctionless field effect transistor (JLFET) was investigated. Junctions and doping concentration gradients are unavailable in JLFET. According to the results, the suggested device has a novel architecture that significantly enhances transistor performance while exhibiting a decreased vulnerability to short-channel effects (SCEs). The Atlas 3D device simulator has been used to analyze the proposed JLFET’s performance, especially for low-power applications for different channel lengths ranging from 10 nm to 60 nm with Al0.30Ga0.60As as III-V materials. The comparative simulated study has been based on various performance parameters, including subthreshold slope (SS), drain-induced barrier lowering (DIBL), transconductance, threshold voltage, and ION to IOFF ratio. The results of the simulations demonstrated that the III-V JLFET exhibited a favorable SS and decreased DIBL compared to other circuit topologies. In the suggested study, gallium arsenide (GaAs) and its compound materials have demonstrated a strong correlation between the SS and DIBL values. The SS is approximately 63 mV/dec, extremely near the ideal 60 mV/dec value. Gallium arsenide (GaAs) and aluminum gallium arsenide (AlGaAs) exhibit DIBL of approximately 30 mV/V and an SS value of around 64 mV/dec.
The Local Path Planning Algorithm for Amphibious Robots Based on an Improved Dynamic Window Approach
Authors: Dai Xiaoqiang , Liu Chengye , Lai Qiang , Huang Xin , Zeng Qingjun , Liu Ming
Published: February 2025

The autonomous navigation capability of amphibious robots in complex water–land environments is a key technology. However, with the existing local path planning methods, it is difficult to meet the autonomous navigation needs of amphibious robots. To address the shortcomings of unreachable targets, poor adaptability, and limited planning range in a water–land environment, this study proposes a local path planning method based on the improved dynamic window approach (IDWA). A water–land hybrid kinematic model and an obstacle expansion method are applied in the new approach. The improved dynamic window approach enhances the automatic adaptability of complex water–land environments. The improved evaluation function and distance cost function avoid overshooting at the target endpoint. The speed resolution adaptive adjustment algorithm improves the ability to pass through a complex multiple-obstacle area, and the dynamic obstacle prediction algorithm optimizes obstacle avoidance paths. The simulation and lake experiments demonstrate that compared to traditional DWA, the IDWA reduces task completion time by 32.99%, algorithm runtime by 35.29%, and path length by 10.78%. The heading angle variations are decreased by 9.92% while maintaining an average speed of 0.70 m/s in complex environments. The experimental results validate that the proposed approach can effectively plan safe and smooth paths in complex water–land environments with multiple moving obstacles.
Research and Construction of Knowledge Map of Golden Pomfret Based on LA-CANER Model
Authors: Peng Xiaohong , Jiang Hongbin , Chen Jing , Liu Mingxin , Chen Xiao
Published: February 2025

To address the issues of fragmented species information, low knowledge extraction efficiency, and insufficient utilization in the aquaculture domain, the main objective of this study is to construct the first knowledge graph for the Golden Pomfret aquaculture field and optimize the named entity recognition (NER) methods used in the construction process. The dataset contains challenges such as long text processing, strong local context dependencies, and entity sample imbalance, which result in low information extraction efficiency, recognition errors or omissions, and weak model generalization. This paper proposes a novel named entity recognition model, LA-CANER (Local Attention-Category Awareness NER), which combines local attention mechanisms with category awareness to improve both the accuracy and speed of NER. The constructed knowledge graph provides significant scientific knowledge support to Golden Pomfret aquaculture workers. First, by integrating and standardizing multi-source information, the knowledge graph offers comprehensive and accurate data, supporting decision-making for aquaculture management. The graph enables precise reasoning based on disease symptoms, environmental factors, and historical production data, helping workers identify potential risks early and take preventive actions. Furthermore, the knowledge graph can be integrated with large models like GPT-4 and DeepSeek-R1. By providing structured knowledge and rules, the graph enhances the reasoning and decision-making capabilities of these models. This promotes the application of smart aquaculture technologies and enables precision farming, ultimately increasing overall industry efficiency.
A Novel Approach to the Design of Distributed Dynamic Vibration Absorbers for Plates Subjected to Classical and Elastic Edge Conditions
Authors: Du Yuan , Tang Yuhang , Fan Chenyu , Zou Yucheng , Bao Zhen , Ma Yong
Published: February 2025

Plate structures are the main components of offshore platforms and ships in engineering applications. The vibration control of the low-frequency mode of plate structures has always been a meaningful research object in marine science and engineering. Due to their low cost and good performance, dynamic vibration absorbers are widely used. To enhance the design efficiency of dynamic vibration absorbers, a mathematical model was developed for plates with dynamic vibration absorbers under different boundary constraints. To overcome the discontinuity of the displacement function, auxiliary series were introduced. In addition, the efficiency of resolving the plate structure’s equivalent mass was significantly improved compared with when using FEM software Abaqus 6.14. The validity of the proposed mathematical model was confirmed in comparison with related studies, the FEM results, and the experimental results. Considering the mathematical model and design approach proposed in the current paper, more research on the vibration control of plates subjected to clamped and elastic boundary conditions should be performed. The mathematical model and findings in the design process may have positive implications for the control of the vibration of plate structures in marine science and engineering.
Metabolic Syndrome Indicators and Cardiovascular/Endocrine Risks in Rural Ecuador: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: León-Samaniego Guillermo Fernando , Romero Urréa Holguer Estuardo , Espinoza-Carrasco Freddy , Llimaico Noriega Mariana de Jesús , Encalada Campos Grecia Elizabeth , Herrera Pedro , Chavez-Cembellin Angela , Faytong-Haro Marco
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: This study assessed the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its association with cardiovascular and endocrine diseases in a rural Ecuadorian parish population. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 200 participants. Descriptive statistics were computed for glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Logistic regression estimated the odds ratios (ORs) for the likelihood of cardiovascular (hypertension, coronary artery disease, stroke) and endocrine diseases (diabetes and other metabolic disorders) in relation to MetS biomarkers. Results: The study included 200 participants, with average glucose (123.09 mg/dL), cholesterol (229.58 mg/dL), and triglycerides (188.75 mg/dL) levels exceeding standard thresholds. Logistic regression analysis showed that glucose was the strongest predictor, increasing cardiovascular disease odds by 6.9% (OR = 1.069, p < 0.001) and endocrine disease odds by 11.8% (OR = 1.118, p < 0.001) after adjustment. Cholesterol and triglycerides also significantly contributed to the risk of both diseases. The models demonstrated a high predictive performance (AUC: 0.933 for cardiovascular disease and 0.993 for endocrine diseases). Conclusions: MetS was significantly associated with cardiovascular and endocrine disease risks in the rural population. Integrating personalized healthcare, such as tailored dietary counseling, culturally adapted interventions, and mobile health technologies, is crucial for improving the early detection and management of MetS in underserved communities.
Volatility Transmission in Digital Assets: Ethereum’s Rising Influence
Authors: Korkusuz Burak
Published: February 2025

Within the framework of high-frequency volatility modeling, this study investigates the realized volatility spillover dynamics across major cryptocurrencies over an extended period of time. Using a Time-Varying Parameter Vector Autoregression (TVP-VAR) model of the realized volatility (RV), this work constructs the Total Connectedness Index (TCI) and Pairwise Connectedness Index (PCI) to measure the intensity and direction of realized volatility transmission within this digital asset network. Our findings reveal a consistently high level of spillovers among these leading cryptocurrencies, with notable peaks during periods of global market turbulence. Notably, Ethereum emerges as the most influential volatility transmitter, challenging the traditional view of Bitcoin as a primary driver of volatility spillovers. This reflects Ethereum’s pivotal role in decentralized finance (DeFi), decentralized applications (dApps), and its growing trading activity, suggesting a shifting influence in the increasingly diversified cryptocurrency ecosystem.
Manner Affixes and Event Decomposition
Authors: Bogren Svensson Victor
Published: February 2025

This paper investigates how verbal affixes that encode manner information (manner affixes) interact with verbs of different lexical aspect classes and transitivity values in West Greenlandic (Inuit–Yupik–Unangan: Greenland). Manner affixes remain an understudied and poorly understood grammatical category. The data presented and discussed here is primarily based on original fieldwork conducted in Copenhagen (Denmark) and Nuuk (Greenland). The findings show that manner affixes are interspersed among syntactic projections encoding event and argument structure, with a high degree of flexibility in terms of linear and hierarchical ordering, which correlate with differences in scope interpretation. However, this flexibility is limited by the productivity of the affixes involved, and manner affixes cannot intervene between the syntactic projections that encode the event core (the big VP in traditional generative terminology). Furthermore, manner affixes interact with verbs of different lexical aspect classes in ways similar to manner adverbs, highlighting the similarities between the two categories and the similarities between morphological structures (manner affixes) and syntactic structures (manner adverbs).
Kinetics of Chlorophyll Degradation in Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) Leaves with In Situ Heating Visible and Near-Infrared Spectroscopic Monitoring
Authors: Nakashima Satoru , Yamasaki Hinako , Kanda Sumire
Published: February 2025

Decreases in chlorophyll control the degradation of green plants during leaf senescence and fruit ripening processes. Our previous daily monitoring of the natural senescence processes of Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) leaves demonstrated initial slow and later fast chlorophyll (Chl) decrease rates. In this study, Chl decrease processes were monitored by in situ visible and near-infrared spectroscopy during heating of maple leaves to 30–200 °C. The initial decreases with time in the 640–720 nm band area, due mainly to chlorophyll a after the water decrease, were fitted by first-order kinetics. The obtained rate constants k1 from 200 to 60 °C showed a quasi-linear trend on an Arrhenius plot with an activation energy Ea of 38 kJ·mol−1, while those from 60 to 30 °C had a different trend with an Ea of 91 kJ·mol−1. Since the previous natural faster Chl decrease rates are on the extension of the higher-temperature trend, this process might occur without the protection of proteins in the photosynthetic system. On the other hand, the previous natural slower Chl decrease rates are on the extension of the lower-temperature trend, and might have protein protection.
Impact of Season on Chemical Composition of Some Medicinal Plants in Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlZunaydi Deema A. , Alharbi Abdulaziz B. , Alfarhan Ahmed H.
Published: February 2025

Wadi Al-Rummah is one of the most important geographical phenomena in the Najd region of Saudi Arabia and is considered to be the largest and longest valley in the Arabian Peninsula, with most of its basin located in the Qassim region. This valley is the habitat of diverse flora, including medicinal herbs, plants, and trees. Three plant species, namely, Capparis spinosa L., Haloxylon salicornicum, and Zygophyllum propinquum were selected for their phytochemical analyses. The effect of soil and climatic conditions on the plant metabolites was investigated. Plant samples were collected at the beginning of March (winter) and the end of August (summer) separately to evaluate the effect of climatic conditions on plant components and their medicinal value. Soil samples were also collected for analysis to find any correlation between plant components and soil composition. Soil and plant samples were collected during the late winter and late summer of the same year. Quantitative analyses of soil samples showed differences in soil phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and as well as pH. These elements were higher in winter than in summer. On the other hand, nitrogen and electrical conductivity were higher in summer. However, there were no significant differences between summer and winter for calcium, potassium, sodium, bulk density, and soil water content. Physiological and biochemical analyses on the aerial parts of the selected plants showed significant differences in carbohydrate content between summer and winter. In fact, they were higher in winter for all the plants studied. Lipid content was higher in summer than in winter. The protein contents of C. spinosa L. were 14% higher in winter, while those of H. salicornicum were 21% higher in summer. Z. propinquum proved to be the most salt-tolerant plant, followed by C. spinosa L. and H. salicornicum. The alkaloid and saponin content of the plants was higher in summer than in winter. There was no significant difference between summer and winter in the levels of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in the plants studied. Based on these results, seasonal changes appear to significantly affect certain medicinal compounds, while other compounds remain relatively constant throughout the year.
Mental Illness Strikes at the Heart: Impact of Psychiatric Diseases on Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Mazza Marianna , Veneziani Giorgio , Lisci Francesco Maria , Morini Sofia , Traversi Gianandrea , Sfratta Greta , Brisi Caterina , Anesini Maria Benedetta , Bardi Francesca , Benini Elisabetta , Calderoni Claudia , Chisari Luca , Crupi Arianna , De Chiara Emanuela , Lo Giudice Luca , Onori Luca , Sessa Ilenia , Balocchi Marta , Pola Roberto , Gaetani Eleonora , Simeoni Benedetta , Franceschi Francesco , Sani Gabriele , Covino Marcello , Lai Carlo , Romagnoli Enrico , Marano Giuseppe
Published: February 2025

Mental illnesses can have a significant impact on individuals experiencing acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Mental illnesses are associated with an increased cardiovascular risk profile and early onset of cardiovascular disease. A critical aspect of this interplay is the effect of psychiatric conditions on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), a key parameter in evaluating cardiac function and predicting long-term outcomes in ACS patients. The present single-center, retrospective study investigated the associations between psychiatric conditions and cardiac function, with a focus on LVEF in ACS patients. The inclusion criteria were Italian nationality and 30 years or older. One hundred and sixty-four patients without (Mage = 68.8 ± 10.6, 62 females) and 161 patients with a psychiatric diagnosis (Mage = 68.4 ± 13.7, 63 females) were enrolled. The data collected included sociodemographic variables, psychiatric diagnoses, LVEF, ACS type (STEMI/NSTEMI), smoking status, previous interventions, and pharmacological treatments. Statistical analyses included chi-square, t-tests, ANOVAs, and ANCOVA to assess differences across groups. Findings revealed lower LVEF in patients with a psychiatric diagnosis compared to patients without a psychiatric diagnosis (p = 0.004, d = 0.36). Patients without a psychiatric diagnosis were associated with NSTEMI (p = 0.047, φ = 0.11), hypertension (p = 0.003, φ = −0.16), and dyslipidemia (p = 0.022, φ = −0.13). In contrast, patients with a psychiatric diagnosis were associated with STEMI (p = 0.047, φ = 0.11), neurological dysfunction (p = 0.014, φ = 0.14), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p = 0.010, φ = 0.14). Among psychiatric diagnoses, anxiety disorders were associated with lower LVEF compared to substance abuse disorders (p = 0.012, d = −0.81). The findings underscore the complex relationship between mental illness and cardiac function, emphasising the need to integrate psychiatric evaluations into cardiology care to optimise the management of both mental and cardiovascular health. This study has several limitations, including its design, which prevents causal conclusions, and the use of convenience sampling, which limits the generalizability of the findings.
Differential Effects of Adding Graphene Nanoplatelets on the Mechanical Properties and Crystalline Behavior of Polypropylene Composites Reinforced with Carbon Fiber or Glass Fiber
Authors: Satoh Hiroki , Morita Ayumu , Arao Yoshihiko
Published: February 2025

Short fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites (SFRTPs) have excellent recyclability and processability, but their mechanical properties are weak compared to continuous fiber products. Various studies have reported that the addition of GNPs improves the mechanical properties of SFRTPs, but it is unclear what effect different types of reinforcing fibers have on a hybrid composite system. In this study, the effect of adding a small amount (1 wt%) of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) to fiber-reinforced polypropylene composites on their mechanical properties was investigated from a crystallinity perspective. GNPs were mixed with polypropylene (PP)/carbon fiber (CF) or PP/glass fiber (GF) using a melt blending process, and composites were molded by injection molding. The results of mechanical property characterization showed no significant effect when GNPs were added to PP/CF, but when GNPs were added to PP/GF, this increased the composite’s tensile strength and Young’s modulus by approximately 20% and 10%, respectively. The interfacial shear strength (IFSS) predicted using the modified Kelly–Tyson equation did not change much before and after the addition of GNPs to PP/CF. On the other hand, the IFSS increased from 10.8 MPa to 19.2 MPa with the addition of GNPs to PP/GF. The increase in IFSS led to an increase in the tensile strength of PP/GF with the incorporation of GNPs. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicated that GNPs accelerated the crystallization rate, and the X-ray diffraction (XRD) results confirmed that GNPs acted as a crystal nucleating agent. However, CF was also shown to be a nucleating agent, limiting the effect of GNP addition. In other words, it can be said that the addition of GNPs to PP/GF is more effective than their addition to PP/CF due to the differential crystallization effects of each fiber.
Theoretical Investigation of Single-Atom Catalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Based on Two-Dimensional Tetragonal V2C2 and V3C3
Authors: Xue Bo , Zeng Qingfeng , Yu Shuyin , Su Kehe
Published: February 2025

Developing stable and effective catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) has been a long-standing pursuit. In this work, we propose a series of single-atom catalysts (SACs) by importing transition-metal atoms into the carbon and vanadium vacancies of tetragonal V2C2 and V3C3 slabs, where the transition-metal atoms refer to Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu. By means of first-principles computations, the possibility of applying these SACs in HER catalysis was investigated. All the SACs are conductive, which is favorable to charge transfer during HER. The Gibbs free energy change (ΔGH*) during hydrogen adsorption was adopted to assess their catalytic ability. For the V2C2-based SACs with V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, and Cu located at the carbon vacancy, excellent HER catalytic performance was achieved, with a |ΔGH*| smaller than 0.2 eV. Among the V3C3-based SACs, apart from the SAC with Mn located at the carbon vacancy, all the SACs can act as outstanding HER catalysts. According to the ΔGH*, these excellent V2C2- and V3C3-based SACs are comparable to the best-known Pt-based HER catalysts. However, it should be noted that the V2C2 and V3C3 slabs have not been successfully synthesized in the laboratory, leading to a pure investigation without practical application in this work.
Development and Characterization of Zn-ZnO Nanocomposites for Enhanced Biodegradable Material Properties
Authors: Shin Johngeon , Choi Jaewon , Choi Yong Whan , Kim Seongsoo , Hwang Injoo
Published: February 2025

Zinc has attracted significant attention as a versatile material with potential applications in various fields, particularly in biomedical engineering. Despite its desirable characteristics, such as biodegradability and biocompatibility, the inherently low mechanical strength of zinc has been a major limitation for its broader use in clinical applications. To address this issue and enhance its mechanical performance without compromising its biocompatibility, a novel composite material was developed by mixing zinc oxide (ZnO) with zinc (Zn). ZnO is widely recognized for its high chemical stability, non-toxicity, and antimicrobial properties, making it an excellent additive for biomedical materials. In this study, Zn-ZnO nanocomposites were fabricated by uniformly dispersing ZnO nanoparticles into molten zinc using an ultrasonic processor. The uniform distribution of ZnO nanoparticles within the zinc matrix was confirmed, and the resulting nanocomposites demonstrated remarkable improvements in mechanical properties. Specifically, the hardness and tensile strength of the Zn-ZnO nanocomposites were increased by approximately 90% and 160%, respectively, compared to pure zinc. To evaluate the biodegradation behavior of the materials, both pure zinc and Zn-ZnO nanocomposite samples were immersed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at 37 °C, simulating physiological conditions. The degradation rate was assessed by measuring the weight loss of the material over time. The biodegradation rate of the Zn-ZnO nanocomposites was found to be nearly identical to that of pure zinc under identical conditions, indicating that the addition of ZnO did not adversely affect the degradability of the material. These findings suggest that Zn-ZnO nanocomposites offer a promising solution for biomedical applications by combining improved mechanical properties with maintained biodegradability and biocompatibility.
Investigation of Pore Size Effect on the Infiltration Process of Ti6Al4V/xAg Metal Matrix Composites
Authors: Villa-Tapia Juan Israel , Vergara-Hernández Héctor Javier , Olmos Luis , Arteaga Dante , Téllez-Martínez Jorge Sergio , Solorio-García Víctor Manuel , Mihalcea Elena
Published: February 2025

This work investigates the fabrication of Ti6Al4V composites manufactured by powder metallurgy through pressureless infiltration. Porous Ti6Al4V alloy compacts with different particle sizes were fabricated by sintering and then, liquid Ag was infiltrated to obtain composites. Computed microtomography was used to analyze the samples before and after infiltration. Numerical flow simulations and dilatometry tests evaluated the kinetics of Ag infiltration into porous Ti6Al4V compacts. Microstructure was observed by SEM and mechanical strength was evaluated by compression tests. Results showed that the pore properties play a crucial role in the infiltration timing and the distribution of the Ag’s liquid. In particular, large pores allowed the infiltration to start a few °C degrees earlier than samples with smaller pores. Three-dimensional images after infiltration showed that most of the pores were filled and the remaining ones were isolated. The resulting microstructure was composed of Ti2Ag, α-Ti and Ag phases, indicating that the Ag diffusion occurred. Furthermore, the mechanical strength depends on the interparticle neck sizes and the Ag improves the plastic deformation reached during compression tests. The best results were obtained for the samples with larger pore sizes because the resulting mechanical properties (E = 23 GPa and σy = 403 MPa) are close to that of human bones, making it the best candidate as an antibacterial material for biomedical use.
Effect of Heat Treatment on the Structure and Properties of Silver-Coated Copper Powder
Authors: Yang Bingzhe , Zhu Xiaoyun , Li Xiang , Chen Junquan , Yang Nan
Published: February 2025

Silver-coated copper powder, a cost-effective alternative to pure silver, has gained attention for its potential applications in electronics, energy, and catalysis. To explore the impact of heat treatment on its properties, a series of experiments were conducted with temperature increments of 50 ∘C and varying holding times. The silver-coated copper powder was prepared through chemical plating and was heat-treated to assess changes in surface morphology, conductivity, density, and antioxidant performance. Results show that heat treatment significantly improved surface flatness and smoothness, particularly at 600 ∘C for 5 min followed by 700 ∘C for 10 min. After treatment, the specific surface area decreased from 0.2282 m2/g to 0.2217 m2/g, while bulk density increased from 2.813 g/cm3 to 2.945 g/cm3, improving fluidity and stability. However, dislocation defects and the elimination of surface plasmon coupling between silver particles reduced conductivity, with resistance rising from 2.8 mΩ to 3.2 mΩ. X-ray diffraction showed an increase in silver grain size from 13.68 nm to 20.33 nm, enhancing density but increasing electron scattering. Heat treatment also raised the initial oxidation temperature from 200 ∘C to 230 ∘C but accelerated subsequent oxidation. This study improves upon existing technology by significantly enhancing the surface smoothness, oxidation resistance, density, and specific surface area of the silver-coated copper powder.
Optimizing Cutting Parameters for Enhanced Control of Temperature, Cutting Forces, and Energy Consumption in Dry Turning of Ti6Al4V Alloy
Authors: Herrera Fernández Manuel , Martín-Béjar Sergio , Sevilla Hurtado Lorenzo , Trujillo Vilches Francisco Javier
Published: February 2025

This study aims to analyze the influence of cutting parameters (cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut) on cutting temperature, forces, and energy consumption during the dry turning of Ti6Al4V, providing an optimized machining strategy to improve efficiency and sustainability. Due to the challenges of machining this alloy, such as high temperatures and tool wear, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to develop second-degree polynomial models, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) identified the most influential factors. The results indicate that depth of cut has the highest impact on cutting temperature (42.59%), cutting forces (53.08%, 74.73%, and 48.87% in the respective force components), and power consumption (49.78%), while feed rate is the dominant factor in energy consumption (63.36%). Gray relational analysis (GRA) was applied to optimize machining conditions based on the developed models, allowing a wider selection of cutting parameters beyond the experimental values. These findings provide a valuable tool for the industry, offering manufacturers a data-driven approach to optimizing the machining of Ti6Al4V and reducing energy consumption and tool wear while improving process stability. The proposed methodology enhances sustainability and cost-efficiency in titanium alloy machining, particularly in the aeronautical sector.
A Comprehensive Review of Retrofitted Reinforced Concrete Members Utilizing Ultra-High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Saeed Firas Hassan , Hejazi Farzad
Published: February 2025

Strengthening reinforced concrete (RC) buildings is a critical challenge in the construction industry, pushed by the necessity to address aging infrastructure, environmental degradation, and growing use requirements. Ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) is one of the advanced materials that present a viable solution owing to its exceptional durability and mechanical characteristics, which encompass higher compressive and tensile strengths, low permeability, and resilience against intense environmental as chloride ingress, cycles of freeze–thaw, and chemical assaults. This literature review comprehensively examines UHPFRC as a rehabilitation or strengthening mix material for the RC slabs and beams. Experimental key subjects include the influence of bonding techniques, strengthening configurations, steel fiber ratios, UHPFRC thickness, and reinforcing steel within the UHPFRC layer. In addition, the existing numerical and analytical approaches for forecasting the flexural or shear capability of reinforcing concrete structures retrofitted with UHPFRC were examined and critically assessed. Despite the improvements in the RC structures achieved through experiments utilizing UHPFRC as a reinforcement layer, this study highlights some deficiencies in the existing knowledge, such as the absence of effective ways to address debonding, insufficient research on cyclic loading, and the necessity for economical and sustainable strengthening techniques. This review establishes a basis for future research, intending to create an innovative UHPFRC-based strengthening system that mitigates current limits and improves the overall efficacy, performance, and durability of RC structures.
Synthesis, Luminescent and Antibacterial Properties of Sol-Gel TiO2/TeO2/Nb2O5 Powders
Authors: Ivanova Kalina , Bachvarova-Nedelcheva Albena , Iordanova Reni , Stoyanova Angelina , Petrova Petia , Yordanova Lilia , Ivanova Iliana
Published: February 2025

The present paper deals with the synthesis, characterization, and properties of sol-gel-derived TiO2/TeO2/Nb2O5 nanopowders. The gels were prepared using a combination of organic [Ti (IV) n-butoxide, Nb (V) ethoxide (C10H25NbO5)] and inorganic [telluric acid (H6TeO6)] precursors. The aging of gels was performed in air for several days in order to enable further hydrolysis. The phase formation of the gels was investigated by XRD upon heating in the temperature range of 200–700 °C. It was established that the gels heat-treated up to 300 °C exhibited a predominantly amorphous phase in all binary and ternary compositions. The amount of amorphous phase gradually decreased with increasing temperature, and the first TiO2 (anatase) crystals were detected at about 400–500 °C. The average crystallite size of TiO2 (anatase) in the powdered samples heat-treated at 400 °C was about 10 nm. By DTA, it was established that the decomposition of organics is accompanied by strong weight loss occurring in the temperature range of 200–300 °C. The completeness of the hydrolysis-condensation reactions was verified by IR and UV–Vis analyses. The UV–Vis spectra of the as-prepared gels exhibited red shifting of the cut-off. Photoluminescence spectra exhibited a change in intensity with varying temperature and composition. The performed photocatalytic tests showed that all powders possess photocatalytic activity toward Malachite green organic dye. The obtained nanopowders exhibited good antibacterial properties against E. coli ATCC 25922. The obtained samples can be considered as prospective materials for use as environmental catalysts.
Advanced Crystallization Methods for Thin-Film Lithium Niobate and Its Device Applications
Authors: Yang Rongbang , Wei Haoming , Tang Gongbin , Cao Bingqiang , Chen Kunfeng
Published: February 2025

Lithium niobate (LiNbO3) has remarkable ferroelectric properties, and its unique crystal structure allows it to undergo significant spontaneous polarization. Lithium niobate plays an important role in the fields of electro-optic modulation, sensing and acoustics due to its excellent electro-optic and piezoelectric properties. Thin-film LiNbO3 (TFLN) has attracted much attention due to its unique physical properties, stable properties and easy processing. This review introduces several main preparation methods for TFLN, including chemical vapor deposition (CVD), molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), pulsed laser deposition (PLD), magnetron sputtering and Smartcut technology. The development of TFLN devices, especially the recent research on sensors, memories, optical waveguides and EO modulators, is introduced. With the continuous advancement of manufacturing technology and integration technology, TFLN devices are expected to occupy a more important position in future photonic integrated circuits.
Investigating the Causes of Substandard Concrete Strength: A Macro- and Microanalysis
Authors: Du Xi , Chen Youliang , Xu Lantao , Shen Aiping , Lu Bo , Wu Jie , Fernandez-Steeger Tomas Manuel , Azzam Rafig
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the root causes of substandard concrete quality in a newly constructed residential complex, addressing the critical issue of compressive strength failure in structural elements. To tackle this problem, twelve core samples were extracted from affected areas and analyzed using a combination of macro-scale techniques (high-temperature heating, acid-immersion tests) and advanced microscopic methods (SEM-EDS, XRF, XRD, FTIR, TGA). The results revealed that while material proportions generally met specifications, uneven aggregate gradation and excessive use of mineral admixtures were key factors compromising strength. Microscopic analysis further identified harmful phases and chemical corrosion products, such as sulfates, which weakened the concrete matrix. These findings underscore the necessity of stringent quality control in raw material selection, aggregate gradation, and admixture dosage. The research demonstrates that integrating macro- and microanalytical methods can significantly optimize concrete mix designs, enhance durability, and prevent premature deterioration in reinforced concrete structures. This approach has broad implications for improving construction quality and ensuring the longevity of residential and infrastructure projects.
Effect of Bulk Phase Composition on the Growth of PEO Coatings on the Biomedical Ti-6Al-4V Alloy
Authors: Neto José Roberto Ferreira , Ribeiro Rafael Parra , Cruz Nilson Cristino da , Rangel Elidiane Cipriano , Pinto Bruna de Oliveira , Torrento Jhuliene Elen Muro , Grandini Carlos Roberto , Kaneko Ulisses Ferreira , Correa Diego Rafael Nespeque
Published: February 2025

This study investigated the effects of plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) treatment in a Ca- and P-rich electrolyte on the surface of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy with distinct α/β phase proportions previously induced by heat treatments. The results revealed that the α/β phase proportions were successfully altered by the heat treatment temperatures, forming α phase plates surrounded by β phase precipitates. PEO-treated samples exhibited a thick and microsized porous TiO2 coating in the anatase and rutile crystalline forms. The oxide layer was depleted by Al and V atoms, while Ca and P were gradually enriched along the coatings. Chemical analysis also indicated the absorption of water and organic molecules into the outer layer. PEO-treated samples had microscale roughness and thickness, hydrophilic behavior, and surface energy mainly formed by the dispersive component. The bulk’s elastic modulus decreased with β phase precipitation, while the alloying elements directly influenced the Vickers microhardness. The corrosion tests indicated a stable and protective layer in the PEO-treated samples, showing better corrosion resistance than untreated ones. Overall, the findings indicated that the α and β phase proportion significantly impacts the mechanical properties, while the PEO treatment acts in the corrosion protection and surface aspects, suggesting that combining both approaches could be a powerful tool in biomedical applications.
Improving Lime-Based Restoration Mortars: Effect of Type and Utilization Rate of Binder and Aggregate
Authors: İsafça-Kaya Tuğçe , Kaya Yahya , Mardani Naz , Mardani Ali , Doğangün Adem
Published: February 2025

Lime-based mortars, frequently used in historic structures, are classified as hydraulic and non-hydraulic according to how they gain strength. In the past, various methods were used to improve the strength and durability properties of lime-based hydraulic mortars such as Khorasan mortar. Today, in studies carried out to increase the strength of lime-based mortars, the effects of binders, aggregates, and additives, which are the basic components of the mortar, are examined. In this study, the mechanical properties of Khorasan mortar mixtures, which are frequently used in the restoration of historical structures, were examined under the influence of different parameters. In particular, the effects of variables such as aggregate type and ratio (river sand and crushed brick), binder type and ratio (natural hydraulic lime, metakaolin, and blast furnace slag), and water/total dry material ratio on the strength of mortars were investigated experimentally. In the experimental study, two different aggregate types (river sand and crushed brick) were used in 1/3 and 1/2 ratios, and three different binders (natural hydraulic lime, metakaolin, and blast furnace slag) were used in different ratios. The water-to-total-dry-material ratios were set at 0.2 and 0.25. Standard test samples were then created from the prepared mortar mixtures, and their flexural and compressive strengths were assessed at 28 and 56 days. A statistical analysis of the experimental data was conducted using the Taguchi method, allowing for a detailed examination of how the different parameters influenced the strength of the mortars. Through this analysis, the optimal mixture ratios that maximized mortar strength were successfully identified.
Enhancing Performance of Credit Card Model by Utilizing LSTM Networks and XGBoost Algorithms
Authors: Kandi Kianeh , García-Dopico Antonio
Published: February 2025

This research paper presents novel approaches for detecting credit card risk through the utilization of Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks and XGBoost algorithms. Facing the challenge of securing credit card transactions, this study explores the potential of LSTM networks for their ability to understand sequential dependencies in transaction data. This research sheds light on which model is more effective in addressing the challenges posed by imbalanced datasets in credit risk assessment. The methodology utilized for imbalanced datasets includes the use of the Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) to address any imbalance in class distribution. This paper conducts an extensive literature review, comparing various machine learning methods, and proposes an innovative framework that compares LSTM with XGBoost to improve fraud detection accuracy. LSTM, a recurrent neural network renowned for its ability to capture temporal dependencies within sequences of transactions, is compared with XGBoost, a formidable ensemble learning algorithm that enhances feature-based classification. By meticulously carrying out preprocessing tasks, constructing competent training models, and implementing ensemble techniques, our proposed framework demonstrates unwavering performance in accurately identifying fraudulent transactions. The comparison of LSTM and XGBoost shows that LSTM is more effective for our imbalanced dataset. Compared with XGBOOST’s 97% accuracy, LSTM’s accuracy is 99%. The final result emphasizes how crucial it is to select the optimal algorithm based on particular criteria within financial concerns, which will ultimately result in more reliable and knowledgeable credit score decisions.
Regularizing Effects for Some Nonlocal Elliptic Problems
Authors: de Bonis Ida
Published: February 2025

We study the regularizing effect of the zero order term in some elliptic problems, which present in the principal part a nonlocal operator, i.e., the fractional Laplacian operator. We prove the existence of bounded energy solutions, even if the data are assumed to be very irregular.
Nonlinear Dynamical Analysis and New Solutions of the Space-Fractional Stochastic Davey–Stewartson Equations for Nonlinear Water Waves
Authors: Elmandouh Adel , Al Nuwairan Muneerah , El-Dessoky M. M.
Published: February 2025

We investigate how novelly generated solutions of the stochastic space-fractional Davey–Stewartson equations are affected by spatial-fractional derivatives and multiplicative Brownian motion (in the Stratonovich sense). These equations model the behavior of weakly nonlinear water waves on a fluid surface. By applying the qualitative theory of planar systems, some new fractional and stochastic solutions are obtained. These solutions gain significance from the application of Davey–Stewartson equations to the theory of turbulence for plasma waves, as they can explain several fascinating physical phenomena. Some solutions are graphically displayed to illustrate the influence of noise strength and fractional derivatives on the obtained solutions. These effects influence the solution’s amplitude and width, as well as its smoothness.
Temporal Community Detection and Analysis with Network Embeddings
Authors: Yuan Limengzi , Zhang Xuanming , Ke Yuxian , Lu Zhexuan , Li Xiaoming , Liu Changzheng
Published: February 2025

As dynamic systems, social networks exhibit continuous topological changes over time, and are typically modeled as temporal networks. In order to understand their dynamic characteristics, it is essential to investigate temporal community detection (TCD), which poses significant challenges compared to static network analysis. These challenges arise from the need to simultaneously detect community structures and track their evolutionary behaviors. To address these issues, we propose TCDA-NE, a novel TCD algorithm that combines evolutionary clustering with convex non-negative matrix factorization (Convex-NMF). Our method innovatively integrates community structure into network embedding, preserving both microscopic details and community-level information in node representations while effectively capturing the evolutionary dynamics of networks. A distinctive feature of TCDA-NE is its utilization of a common-neighbor similarity matrix, which significantly enhances the algorithm’s ability to identify meaningful community structures in temporal networks. By establishing coherent relationships between node representations and community structures, we optimize both the Convex-NMF-based representation learning model and the evolutionary clustering-based TCD model within a unified framework. We derive the updating rules and provide rigorous theoretical proofs for the algorithm’s validity and convergence. Extensive experiments on synthetic and real-world social networks, including email and phone call networks, demonstrate the superior performance of our model in community detection and tracking temporal network evolution. Notably, TCDA-NE achieves a maximum improvement of up to 0.1 in the normalized mutual information (NMI) index compared to state-of-the-art methods, highlighting its effectiveness in temporal community detection.
Analysis of Patients with Glioblastoma Treated with Standard 6-Week Chemoradiation Followed by Temozolomide: Treatment Outcomes and Prognostic Factors
Authors: Lee Sojung , Kim Myungsoo
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives: We aimed to investigate the treatment outcomes and prognostic factors of survival among patients with glioblastoma who underwent 6-week concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) followed by temozolomide (TMZ) with Stupp’s regimen in a single tertiary institution. Materials and Methods: Eighty patients with glioblastoma who underwent 6-week CCRT followed by TMZ between June 2010 and January 2024 were retrospectively investigated. A survival analysis was performed of factors such as age, O (6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase promoter (MGMT) methylation, extent of resection, pre- and post-operative Karnofsky Performance Status, and inflammatory markers such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio. Post-operative inflammatory markers were assessed at 2–3 weeks post-operative before the initiation of CCRT. A subgroup analysis was performed of patients who underwent non-gross total resection (GTR). Results: The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of the entire cohort were 8.97 months and 19.0 months, respectively. Older age (≥65 years) and non-GTR status were adverse prognostic factors of PFS and OS. MGMT methylation is a favorable prognostic factor for PFS and OS. In the subgroup of patients who underwent non-GTR, MGMT methylation and post-operative LMR (<3.2/>3.2) were independent prognostic factors for PFS and OS. Conclusions: As with previous studies, older age, MGMT methylation, and extent of resection were independent prognostic factors for the survival of patients with glioblastoma who underwent standard treatment with Stupp’s regimen. MGMT methylation and post-operative LMR were significant prognostic factors for PFS and OS among patients who underwent non-GTR. The prognostic significance of post-operative inflammatory markers for treatment response and survival should be further validated in glioblastoma patients treated with Stupp’s regimen.
Titanium Nitride as an Intermetallic Diffusion Barrier for Hydrogen Permeation in Palladium–Vanadium Composite Membranes
Authors: Burst Cameron M. , Li Chao , Way Douglas , Wolden Colin A.
Published: February 2025

Hydrogen purification is a critical industrial process, and there are ongoing efforts to develop low-cost alternatives to palladium foil membranes. Titanium nitride (TiN) is studied as an interdiffusion barrier to enable hydrogen permeation in composite palladium–vanadium membranes. TiN was deposited via reactive sputtering, and films with the desired (200) orientation were obtained in the metallic regime at 400 °C under a 200 V bias to the substrate. The permeability of thin-film TiN was determined with palladium-based sandwich structures. TiN layers up to 10 nm resulted in a minimal decrease in flux (~20%) relative to a freestanding PdCu foil, which was attributed to the interfacial resistance. At greater thicknesses, the TiN layer was rate-limiting, and it was found that the effective permeability of the sputtered TiN thin films was ~6 × 10−12 mol s−1 m−1 Pa−0.5. Composite Pd|TiN|V|TiN|Pd membranes exhibited permeability values up to three times greater than pure palladium, exhibiting stability at 450 °C for over 100 h, with the lack of intermetallic diffusion and alloy formation being confirmed with XRD. The membranes were unstable at 500 °C, which was attributed to the instability of the thin Pd layer and loss of catalytic activity.