bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Introduction to Quantum Mechanics Through Neuroscience and CERN Data
Authors: Reyes-Martín Héctor , Arroyo-Hernández María
Published: January 2025

(1) Background: One of the greatest challenges students face when studying quantum mechanics is the lack of daily experience and intuition about its concepts. This article introduces a holistic activity designed to present some foundational ideas of quantum mechanics in a new pedagogical approach to enhance students’ motivation. Using real open data from CERN, the activity connects classical concepts of dynamics and electromagnetism to their quantum counterparts, emphasizing both their similarities and differences. Teaching physics must consider the way the brain learns. That is why the activity is based on observed neuroscientific principles of physics learning. The approach maintains the rigor and precision required for these abstract concepts. (2) Methods: To evaluate the activity’s impact by gender, intrinsic motivation was assessed using a Likert-type scale with 81 undergraduate students from fields including artificial intelligence systems engineering, computer engineering, mathematical engineering, and architecture. (3) Results: a Mann–Whitney U test analysis indicates the activity significantly enhances students’ intrinsic motivation to study quantum mechanics, with improvements observed in both male and female students. (4) Conclusions: This result highlights the potential of the activity to promote greater interest in physics, both in men and women, since no significant differences have been observed between both samples.
“I Have Worn No Shoes upon This Holy Ground”: Hebrew and Religious Authority in Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Poems (1838, 1844)
Authors: Manor Gal
Published: January 2025

This paper will delineate Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s (EBB) allusions to Hebrew in her writing, both personal and public, and her ambivalent attitude towards the Hebrew language and how it is related to her views on poetry and religious identity. Although most critics have focused on EBB’s knowledge of Greek, her use of Hebrew, whether translated, transliterated, or presented in the original Hebrew characters, reveals her concept of poetic language and her core religious beliefs. In her collections of poems published in 1838 and 1844, EBB reiterates her concept of Hebrew as a sacred language, a language endowed with what Bourdieu would term symbolical capital, and superior to other languages. However, her correspondence reveals an ambivalence towards Hebrew: it is a “primitive” language that she does not wish to be associated with on the one hand and revered in relation to Spiritualism and the medium George Bush on the other. Finally, the appearances of Hebrew in her works constitute what Derrida terms a poetic Shibboleth, meant to define who is to be accepted into the realm of sacred poetry and who is to be left out. Ironically, it is the anxiety around this double-edged Shibboleth that ultimately brings about the disappearance of Hebrew letters from EBB’s poems written after 1844.
Persistent Lactate Elevation in a Patient with Asthma Exacerbation and a Congenital Portosystemic Shunt: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Li Wing Fai , Fink Bailey , Khan Rehnuma , Luo Xinmiao , Fahimuddin Muhammad
Published: January 2025

Background and Clinical Significance: When lactate production surpasses the body’s clearance capacity, hyperlactatemia (lactate ≥ 2 mmol/L) or lactic acidosis (lactate ≥ 4 mmol/L) can develop. Lactic acidosis is classified into type A, which arises from regional or global tissue hypoperfusion, and type B, resulting from metabolic disturbances without tissue hypoxia. Type A lactic acidosis, often associated with conditions like sepsis or shock, is a critical marker of life-threatening conditions, whereas type B lactic acidosis is less frequently recognized in clinical practice. Case Presentation: A 95-year-old man presents with an asthma exacerbation and is treated with an albuterol inhaler. However, he is found to have persistently high lactate levels. Further investigation reveals a congenital intrahepatic portosystemic shunt on imaging. This, in conjunction with the ongoing use of beta-adrenergic receptor agonists, contributes to the development of type B lactic acidosis. Conclusions: The impact of lactic acidosis depends on its severity and clinical context. While beta agonists are a recognized cause of type B lactic acidosis, a potential role for structural liver abnormalities in reduced lactate clearance must be examined further.
Revisiting GRACE Follow-On KBR Antenna Phase Center Calibration by Addressing Multipath Noise
Authors: Li Haosi , Xu Peng , Tang He , Yi Shuang
Published: January 2025

The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On (GRFO) mission precisely measures the inter-satellite range between the centers of mass of its twin satellites to map the earth’s gravity field. The baseline ranging measurement is achieved using the K-band ranging (KBR) system, which is sensitive to satellite attitude variations caused by the offset between the satellite center of mass and the KBR antenna phase center. Accurate decoupling of the KBR range from attitude variations requires precise determination of the KBR’s antenna offset vectors (AOVs). To address this, GRFO conducted eight KBR calibration maneuvers on 17 and 28 September 2020. However, these maneuvers exaggerated the impact of microwave multipath noise, complicating AOV estimation. Existing studies have not fully mitigated this noise. This study introduces a new frequency-domain method to estimate AOVs by leveraging double-difference signals and analyzing their spectral characteristics, along with those of the KBR range during calibration maneuvers, to suppress multipath noise. Our recalibrated AOVs achieve good alignment between the KBR and laser ranging interferometer (LRI) ranging signals. We validate our recalibrated AOVs by comparing the residuals between the LRI and KBR ranging signals corrected using both recalibrated AOVs and documented AOVs. The results show that, for the majority (58.4%) of the analyzed period (from January 2020 to June 2023), the residuals corrected by the recalibrated AOVs are closer to the LRI ranging signal. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in addressing multipath noise and improving the accuracy of KBR range measurements. This work provides a framework for future gravity missions requiring precise calibration of multipath effects in inter-satellite ranging systems.
Fetal ECG Signal Extraction from Maternal Abdominal ECG Signals Using Attention R2W-Net
Authors: Chen Lin , Wu Shuicai , Zhou Zhuhuang
Published: January 2025

Fetal electrocardiogram (FECG) signals directly reflect the electrical activity of the fetal heart, enabling the assessment of fetal cardiac health. To effectively separate and extract FECG signals from maternal abdominal electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, this study proposed a W-shaped parallel network, termed Attention R2W-Net, which consisted of two Attention R2U-Nets. In the encoder and decoder, recurrent residual modules were used to replace feedforward convolutional layers, significantly enhancing feature representation and improving noise suppression. Additionally, attention gates were used to replace skip connections, enabling precise correction of low-resolution features using deep features and further improving model performance. The decoders at both ends of the network were utilized to reconstruct FECG and MECG signals, respectively. The algorithm was validated using simulated and real datasets, achieving F1 scores of 99.17%, 98.03%, and 97.08% on the ADFECGDB, PCDB, and NIFECGDB datasets, respectively, demonstrating superior performance in both subjective visual effects and objective evaluation metrics. Attention R2W-Net’s ability to extract robustly and accurately FECG signals, even in complex noisy environments, make it a reliable tool for FECG extraction. The proposed method’s efficiency and accuracy highlight its potential for widespread clinical application, contributing to improved early diagnosis of fetal cardiac abnormalities.
Case Series Evaluating the Relationship of SGLT2 Inhibition to Pulmonary Artery Pressure and Non-Invasive Cardiopulmonary Parameters in HFpEF/HFmrEF Patients—A Pilot Study
Authors: Herrmann Ester Judith , Guckert Michael , Gruen Dimitri , Keller Till , Tello Khodr , Seeger Werner , Sossalla Samuel , Assmus Birgit
Published: January 2025

The initiation of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor treatment was shown to reduce pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III heart failure (HF) patients with an implanted PAP sensor. We aimed to investigate the impact of SGLT2-I initiation on pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), pulmonary arterial capacitance (PAC), and right ventricle (RV) to PA (RV-PA) coupling in a pilot cohort of HF with preserved/mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFpEF/HFmrEF) patients and whether PVR and PCWP can be serially calculated non-invasively using PAP sensor data during follow-up. Methods: Right heart catheterization parameters (PVR, PCWP, and PAC) were obtained at sensor implantation and echocardiographic assessments (E/E’, RV-PA coupling, and RV cardiac output) were made at baseline and every 3 months. SGLT2 inhibition was initiated after 3 months of telemedical care. Three methods for calculating PVR and PCWP were compared using Bland–Altman plots and Spearman’s correlation. Results: In 13 HF patients (mean age 77 ± 4 years), there were no significant changes in PAP, PVR, PCWP, RV-PA coupling, or PAC over 9 months (all p-values > 0.05), including after SGLT2-I initiation. PVR values were closely correlated across the three methods (PVRNew and PVRNew Tedford (r = 0.614, p < 0.001), PVREcho and PVRNew Tedford (r = 0.446, p = 0.006), and PVREcho and PVRNew (r = 0.394, p = 0.016)), but PCWP methods lacked reliable association (PCWPEcho and PCWPNew (r = 0.180, p = 0.332). Conclusions: No changes in cardiopulmonary hemodynamics were detected after hemodynamic telemonitoring either prior to or following SGLT2-I initiation. Different PVR assessment methods yielded comparable results, whereas PCWP methods were not associated with each other. Further investigations with larger cohorts including repeated right heart catheterization are planned.
Permeability Sensors for Magnetic Steel Structural Health Monitoring
Authors: Hristoforou Evangelos V.
Published: January 2025

In this paper, magnetic permeability sensors able to perform structural health monitoring of magnetic steels, by means of determining residual strain and stress amplitude and gradient distribution, responsible for crack initiation, are presented. The good agreement between magnetic properties and residual strains and stresses is illustrated first, resulting in the determination of the magnetic stress calibration (MASC) curves and the Universal MASC curve. Having determined differential magnetic permeability as a key magnetic property, able to measure and monitor residual strain and stress distribution in magnetic steels, the paper is devoted to the presentation of the permeability instruments and sensors developed in our lab. The classic single sheet testers and the electromagnetic yokes, are compared with new, low-power-consumption permeability sensors using the Hall effect and the anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) effect, discussing their advantages and disadvantages in magnetic steel structural health monitoring.
Design of a Fixed IF Down-Conversion Double-Balanced Mixer for UHF Band Applications
Authors: Kared Trusha , Silaghi Helga , Rudolph Matthias , Silaghi Andrei , Rohde Ulrich L.
Published: January 2025

This paper presents a new SiGe HBT-based high dynamic range double-balanced down-conversion differential mixer. Operating within the 0.5 GHz to 1.8 GHz range, the suggested mixer is appropriate for a variety of applications, such as cellular base stations, satellite communication (SATCOM), and military radar. The down-conversion mixer is made up of a single-ended to a differential-balanced radiofrequency (RF) stage, a dual feedback linearization for the RF stage, a local oscillator (LO) balun, LO mixing cores, and a fixed intermediate frequency (IF)-tuned circuit connected between two outputs to serve as a load at 145 MHz. Compared to earlier research in the literature, the measured SSB noise figure is approximately 7 dB ± 0.4 dB, and the measured conversion gain is approximately 12 dB ± 1 dB for a full band of operation. The mixer achieves a good return loss of over 8 dB for an RF and LO port in the desired band and a measured return loss of over 18 dB at 145 MHz and IF frequency. Furthermore, the design achieved an RF-to-IF isolation of greater than 35 dB, LO feedthrough, and an LO leakage isolation of better than 50 dB. Lastly, the measured third-order intercept point was found to be +4.7 dBm, and the 1 dB compression point was approximately −8 dBm. These results demonstrate good linearity performance.
NeuroFlex: Feasibility of EEG-Based Motor Imagery Control of a Soft Glove for Hand Rehabilitation
Authors: Zare Soroush , Beaber Sameh I. , Sun Ye
Published: January 2025

Motor impairments resulting from neurological disorders, such as strokes or spinal cord injuries, often impair hand and finger mobility, restricting a person’s ability to grasp and perform fine motor tasks. Brain plasticity refers to the inherent capability of the central nervous system to functionally and structurally reorganize itself in response to stimulation, which underpins rehabilitation from brain injuries or strokes. Linking voluntary cortical activity with corresponding motor execution has been identified as effective in promoting adaptive plasticity. This study introduces NeuroFlex, a motion-intent-controlled soft robotic glove for hand rehabilitation. NeuroFlex utilizes a transformer-based deep learning (DL) architecture to decode motion intent from motor imagery (MI) EEG data and translate it into control inputs for the assistive glove. The glove’s soft, lightweight, and flexible design enables users to perform rehabilitation exercises involving fist formation and grasping movements, aligning with natural hand functions for fine motor practices. The results show that the accuracy of decoding the intent of fingers making a fist from MI EEG can reach up to 85.3%, with an average AUC of 0.88. NeuroFlex demonstrates the feasibility of detecting and assisting the patient’s attempted movements using pure thinking through a non-intrusive brain–computer interface (BCI). This EEG-based soft glove aims to enhance the effectiveness and user experience of rehabilitation protocols, providing the possibility of extending therapeutic opportunities outside clinical settings.
Performance of All-Solid-State MoOx pH Sensors Prepared via Thermal Oxidation for Robust Applications
Authors: Aoubida Djouhar , Betelu Stephanie , Bertrand Johan , Pham Quoc Nghi , Dragoe Diana , Dragoe Nita , Ignatiadis Ioannis
Published: January 2025

In this study, we investigated the morphology, chemical composition and pH measurement performance of MoOx electrodes prepared via thermal oxidation and submitted to hydration in milliQ water. Surface analysis using SEM-EDS and XPS revealed that the hydrated MoOx film is composed of different oxidation states of Mo (Mo (IV), Mo (V) and Mo (VI)), influencing its electrochemical behavior. A hydration period of 45 days was required for the electrode to achieve a response approaching the Nernstian model (−58 mV/pH), while extended hydration of up to 70 days enhanced its stability and sensitivity. The electrode’s performance was assessed under various conditions, including in the presence and absence of oxygen and in anaerobic conditions with the presence of sulfides. Oxygen absence increased sensitivity and lowered the experimental standard potential (E0Exp) due to the effect of oxygen vacancies. Low sulfide concentrations had minimal impact on electrode performance, although higher concentrations may slightly decrease the electron transfer efficiency due to the complex formation. The pH sensing mechanisms of MoOx electrodes are also discussed.
The Problems of Scooter-Sharing in Smart Cities Based on the Example of the Silesian Region in Poland
Authors: Wolniak Radosław , Turoń Katarzyna
Published: January 2025

The rapid urbanization and pursuit of sustainability have elevated shared mobility as a cornerstone of smart cities. Among its modalities, scooter-sharing has gained popularity for its convenience and eco-friendliness, yet it faces significant adoption barriers. This study investigates the challenges to scooter-sharing systems within smart cities, focusing on the Silesian region of Poland as a case study. It aims to identify region-specific barriers and opportunities for scooter-sharing adoption in Central and Eastern Europe and to provide insights into its long-term development trends and potential challenges. Using comprehensive statistical methods, including factor analysis and regression models, this study identifies key barriers such as insufficient bike paths, poor path conditions, inadequate signage, fleet maintenance issues, and complex rental processes. External factors like adverse weather and heavy traffic, coupled with health and safety concerns, further hinder adoption, particularly among vulnerable populations. Additionally, the study explores future trends in scooter-sharing, emphasizing the role of advanced technologies, adaptive urban planning, and sustainable fleet management in ensuring long-term feasibility. Drawing on global case studies, it underscores the need for tailored infrastructural investments, advanced fleet management, and user-centric policies to align scooter-sharing systems with smart city goals of sustainability, accessibility, and improved mobility. These findings offer actionable insights for policymakers and service providers striving to integrate scooter-sharing into the evolving landscape of urban mobility.
Advanced Formulation of Ecological Bioinsecticides Based on Citrus limonum in Clayey Matrices: Optimization of Diffusive Dynamics
Authors: Abdoul-Latif Fatouma Mohamed , Ainane Ayoub , Mohamed Houda , Ali Ali Merito , Cacciatore Stefano , Ainane Tarik
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the innovative use of natural porous clays from the Bejaad Region in Morocco as a support matrix for the encapsulation and controlled release of lemon essential oil (Citrus limonum, EOCL), a natural compound with well-documented insecticidal properties. The research aims to address the inherent challenges of essential oils, particularly their high volatility and rapid degradation, by improving their stability and insecticidal efficiency against the grain pest Sitophilus granarius. By anchoring EOCL onto clay matrices, this study seeks to achieve a sustained and controlled release of the active components, thereby enhancing their practical application as biopesticides. The clays were comprehensively characterized using advanced analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). These techniques revealed the mineralogical composition, thermal properties, and morphology of the clays, demonstrating their suitability for effectively adsorbing and retaining EOCL. The insecticidal performance of the clay/EOCL composites was thoroughly tested under controlled conditions, revealing a marked improvement in efficacy, with significantly lower lethal doses required to achieve high mortality rates in Sitophilus granarius. The diffusion of EOCL through the clay matrix was modeled using Fick’s law of diffusion, and the results were further refined through statistical optimization to identify key parameters that influence the release and effectiveness of the active compounds. Complementing the experimental approach, a bioinformatics analysis was conducted to explore the molecular interactions between limonene, the primary active component of EOCL, and target proteins in insects. This theoretical investigation provided insights into the potential mechanisms of action, reinforcing the empirical findings. This study concludes that encapsulating EOCL within porous clay matrices not only enhances the stability and controlled release of the oil but also significantly boosts its insecticidal effectiveness. This approach presents a promising, environmentally sustainable strategy for crop protection, integrating material science, theoretical modeling, and bioinformatics to develop more efficient and durable biopesticides.
Significant Research on Sustainable Oxygenated Fuel for Compression Ignition Engines with Controlled Emissions and Optimum Performance Prediction Using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Syed Javed
Published: January 2025

The present work compares the performance and emissions of a compression ignition (CI) engine using dual-mode LPG at varying flow rates and an oxygenated biodiesel mix (B20). The experimental investigation is carried out on LPG flow rates (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 kg/h) and replacing the diesel with oxygenated B20, affecting engine performance and emissions under various load circumstances while maintaining engine speed. The study demonstrates the potential of the artificial neural network (ANN) in accurately forecasting the performance and emission characteristics of the engine across different operating conditions. The ANN model’s high accuracy in correlating experimental results with predicted outcomes underscores its potential as a dependable instrument for optimizing fuel parameters. The results show that LPG and oxygenated B20 balance engine performance and emissions, making CI engine functionality sustainable. A biodiesel blend containing diethyl ether (B20 + 2%DEE) exhibits slightly reduced brake thermal efficiency (BTE) at lower brake power (BP); however, it demonstrates advantages at higher BP, with diethyl ether contributing to improved ignition quality. The analysis indicates that the average NOx emissions for B20 + 2%DEE at flow rates of 0.1 kg/h, 0.3 kg/h, and 0.5 kg/h are 29.33%, 28.89%, 48.05%, and 37.48%, respectively. Consequently, selecting appropriate fuel and regulating the LPG flow rate is critical for enhancing thermal efficiency in a dual-fuel engine.
Trends and Opportunities in Sustainable Manufacturing: A Systematic Review of Key Dimensions from 2019 to 2024
Authors: Setyadi Antonius , Soekotjo Sundari , Lestari Setyani Dwi , Pawirosumarto Suharno , Damaris Alana
Published: January 2025

Purpose: This systematic literature review analyzes trends, key findings, and research opportunities in manufacturing sustainability from 2019 to 2024, with a focus on the integration of emerging technologies and socio-economic dimensions. Methodology: a systematic review of 181 publications was conducted, emphasizing technological advancements, research gaps, and the influence of global events on sustainable manufacturing. Findings: the review highlights: (1) a shift towards advanced technologies like AI-driven circular economy solutions, digital twins, and blockchain, which have demonstrated potential to reduce energy consumption by 30% and decrease material waste by 20%, significantly enhancing sustainability outcomes; (2) persistent gaps in addressing social, policy, and regulatory dimensions; (3) the role of the COVID-19 pandemic in accelerating digital transformation and reshaping sustainability priorities. Key findings also include PT Indocement achieving a cumulative 35% reduction in natural gas consumption through sustained optimization initiatives and a 12% increase in digital manufacturing adoption among SMEs in developing regions. Practical implications: strategic recommendations are provided for industry, policymakers, and academics to address regional disparities, ensuring a 50% increase in adoption rates of inclusive technologies within developing regions over the next five years, and align sustainability efforts with socio-economic contexts. Originality: this review presents a comprehensive analysis of current trends, actionable insights, and critical areas for future research, highlighting that organizations adopting AI and blockchain technologies report up to a 25% improvement in operational sustainability.
Residents’ Perceptions and Behaviors Regarding the Policy of Integrating Intangible Cultural Heritages into the Tourism Industry: Evidence from Dali, China
Authors: He Qimin , Tan Guoxin , Zhang Wenyuan
Published: January 2025

A policy of integrating China’s intangible cultural heritage into its tourism industry has been proposed by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Intangible cultural heritage assets offer unique opportunities in tourism development, yet during the integration process, residents’ perspectives are often overlooked. From the perspective of social exchange, this study examines the relationships among residents’ perceptions of, and their behaviors toward, local intangible cultural heritage and tourism. Survey data were collected from residents (N = 440) in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, China. This study showed that residents’ positive perceptions of tourism impacts have a significant effect on residents’ supportive behaviors. Residents’ place attachment indirectly influences their behaviors. The results suggest that intergroup contact strengthens the relationship between residents’ perceptions of the positive impacts of tourism and behavior but weakens the relationship between place attachment and behavior. The findings provide a theoretical basis for exploring intangible cultural heritage tourism from the perspectives of residents, as well as offering insights for local authorities to use to reduce the negative impacts of tourism on residents and balance tourism development with residents’ normal life.
Evaluating the Impact of Sustainability Practices on Customer Relationship Quality: An SEM-PLS Approach to Align with SDG
Authors: Khalufi Nasser Ali M. , Sheikh Riyaz Abdullah , Khan Syed Md Faisal Ali , Onn Choo Wou
Published: January 2025

The present research explores how sustainability practices affect customer relationship quality in retail stores. The study explores factors like sustainable product recommendations, smart energy efficiency displays, green certification, and eco-friendly packaging and their effect on customer engagement, customer perception, and loyalty. Using a cross-sectional approach, data was collected from 745 retail customers through structured surveys to understand their views on sustainability initiatives and their behavior patterns. The study employs Structural Equation Modelling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) using SMART PLS4 for data analysis laying the foundation of the study on Expectation-Confirmation Theory (ECT). The findings reveal that sustainable retail practices enhance customer interactions and highlight the importance of consumer perceptions in evaluating the effectiveness of these initiatives making it significant to improve customer relationship quality, leading to better business performance and increased loyalty. The significance of the study extends to its contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting responsible consumption and production (SDG12), partnerships for the Goals SDG 17, and industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG9). The conceptual framework built on ECT and architected by SEM-PLS aligns with SDG making the study highly relevant and novellas it integrates advanced sustainability practices with customer relationship quality, addressing a critical gap in the existing literature.
Tree Species Diversity and Tree Growth Affected Element Compositions in Glomalin-Related Soil Protein–Soil pH Interaction
Authors: Ji Qianru , Cheng Guanchao , Zhang Xu , Wang Wenjie , Guo Xiaorui , Wang Huimei
Published: January 2025

Glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP), a glycoprotein derived from mycorrhizal fungal hyphae, is a mixture of substances rich in various elements essential for plant growth. However, the impacts of tree diversity and forest structure on the element content and storage of GRSP are not well understood. To investigate this, we collected soil samples from 720 plots (10 m × 10 m) and determined the relative content and storage of elements (C, N, O, Si, P, Fe, Al, Na, Mg, Ca, and K) in GRSP. Additionally, the tree diversity, tree size and density, tree assemblage, and soil physicochemical properties were determined. The results show the following: (1) Plots with lower diversity had 1.27 times higher storage of 11 elements in GRSP compared to those with higher diversity. Plots with higher soil electrical conductance (EC) plots had 28–35% higher storage of 11 elements in GRSP. (2) The relative content of Na, C, and N in GRSP showed a positive relationship with pH, while they exhibited a negative relationship with soil EC, available phosphorus (AP), and tree density. Other elements generally showed contrasting patterns. (3) Path analysis reveals that tree diversity and tree growth had stronger effects on the elemental composition of GRSP than tree spatial assemblage. The magnitude of the driving path coefficients depended on the factors closely related to soil pH. This study demonstrates that the elemental composition of GRSP can be dynamically affected by tree diversity and stand structure, with soil pH playing a crucial interactive role.
Model of Discrete-Time Surplus Process for Scheme of Productive Waqf Integration with Sustainable Fishermen’s Welfare Benefits Based on Several Threshold Levels: Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Cahyandari Rini , Sukono  , Riaman  , Zamri Nurnadiah
Published: January 2025

Insurance companies are at risk of bankruptcy when their surplus becomes negative, making it necessary to observe the evolution of the surplus over time. In this study, the surplus evolution is assumed to be discrete, based on the fiscal year period. This study examines the surplus model in sharia insurance schemes, focusing on identifying shortcomings in existing models and developing a framework based on community needs. Specifically, this study highlights the potential integration of productive waqf with welfare benefits for fishermen. A systematic review was conducted by collecting scientific works from the Scopus, ScienceDirect, Dimensions, and Google Scholar databases, selected using the PRISMA approach. The results indicate that existing surplus models in sharia insurance schemes remain general and do not address specific community needs, such as fishermen’s welfare. This study provides insights into developing more inclusive and innovative surplus models by integrating productive waqf. These findings are expected to encourage the development of sharia insurance schemes oriented toward sustainability and improving fishermen’s welfare.
Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Soil and Soil Organic Carbon Losses via Water Erosion in Coffee Cultivation in Tropical Regions
Authors: Santana Derielsen Brandão , Lense Guilherme Henrique Expedito , Rios Guilherme da Silva , Archanjo Raissa Eduarda da Silva , Raniero Mariana , Santana Aleksander Brandão , Rubira Felipe Gomes , Ayer Joaquim Ernesto Bernardes , Mincato Ronaldo Luiz
Published: January 2025

Water erosion has severe impacts on soil and the carbon cycle. In tropical regions, it is significantly influenced by rainfall, soil erodibility, rapid changes in land use and land cover (LULC), and agricultural management practices. Understanding the dynamics of water erosion is essential for implementing precise land degradation control. This study aimed to estimate soil and soil organic carbon (SOC) losses due to water erosion over five years in a coffee-producing area in Brazil using the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE). The results revealed that average soil losses in coffee plantation areas ranged from 1.77 to 1.80 Mg ha−1 yr−1, classified as very low. Total and potential soil loss ranged from 2184.60 to 6657.14 Mg ha−1, a 305% difference, demonstrating the efficiency of vegetative cover (C factor) and conservation practices (P factor) in reducing soil loss rates. SOC losses were less than 200 kg ha−1 yr−1, with averages of 17.67 and 13.00 kg ha−1 yr−1 in coffee areas. In conclusion, agricultural management practices, such as the presence of native vegetation, maintaining vegetative cover in coffee rows, contour planting, and improving agronomic techniques, are essential for reducing soil and SOC losses, even in scenarios of biennial alternation in coffee production. Thus, sustainable agricultural management plays a crucial role in mitigating water erosion, maintaining productivity, and addressing climate change.
The Effects of Digital Transformation, IT Innovation, and Sustainability Strategies on Firms’ Performances: An Empirical Study
Authors: Billi Andrea , Bernardo Alessandro
Published: January 2025

This paper examines the intertwined dynamics among digital transformation, IT innovation, and sustainability and their collective influence on firm performance in response to the evolving business landscape characterized by digitalization, IT innovation, and sustainability concerns. The study investigates how these factors collectively impact firm performance by analyzing a panel dataset of 1510 global companies from 2013–2023. The model utilizes a multiple linear regression analysis to incorporate firm performance scores as the dependent variable. At the same time, digital transformation, IT innovation, and sustainability factors are the independent variables, alongside firm-level control variables. The results reveal that digital transformation positively influences IT innovation and strategic business model (BM) development, confirming its direct impact on firm performance. Additionally, firms with simpler and younger structures achieve better outcomes than larger and more established ones. However, the study has limitations, as it is based on a panel dataset spanning 11 years; extending the analysis to a different and longer period could provide insights into the evolving nature of digital transformation, which is inherently dynamic. This study is groundbreaking in exploring these factors, offering a unique perspective through its analysis of an 11-year panel and its focus on assessing dynamic business models.
Dynamic Evaluation on High-Quality Development Level in the Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Lyu Feng , Chu Huili , Yang Cheng , Zhang Zhiwen
Published: January 2025

Promoting high-quality development of the manufacturing industry is the key to achieving sustainable economic development. The development of the manufacturing industry is affected by a variety of factors, and it is particularly important to reflect on its level of development from multiple perspectives. This paper built an evaluation indicator system for the manufacturing industry’s high-quality development using the structural equation model. An improved TOPSIS evaluation model was constructed based on the combined weighting of the level difference maximization method. The time series arithmetic mean operator was introduced to assign weight to time, and the quadratic weighted integration enabled a dynamic evaluation. The level of high-quality development of China’s manufacturing industry from 2018 to 2022 was assessed both statically and dynamically. According to the findings, the overall high-quality development of China’s manufacturing industry exhibited a trend of first declining and then increasing when the current status was only element taken into account. Regionally, there was a sequential decline from the east to the central part, followed by the western and northeastern regions. When focusing solely on the degree of growth, it was higher in the northeast and lower in the east. However, the regional characteristics declined when both the current status and the degree of growth were considered. Evaluating the high-quality development level of the manufacturing industry can provide references and lessons for promoting regional coordinated and sustainable development of China’s manufacturing industry.
Promoting Sustainability in the Recycling of End-of-Life Photovoltaic Panels and Li-Ion Batteries Through LIBS-Assisted Waste Sorting
Authors: Królicka Agnieszka , Maj Anna , Łój Grzegorz
Published: January 2025

To promote sustainability and reduce the ecological footprint of recycling processes, this study develops an analytical tool for fast and accurate identification of components in photovoltaic panels (PVs) and Li-Ion battery waste, optimizing material recovery and minimizing resource wastage. The laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique was selected and employed to identify fluoropolymers in photovoltaic back sheets and to determine the thickness of layers containing fluorine. LIBS was also used for Li-Ion batteries to reveal the elemental composition of anode, cathode, and separator materials. The analysis not only revealed all the elements contained in the electrodes but also, in the case of cathode materials, allowed distinguishing a single-component cathode (cathode A containing LiCoO2) from multi-component materials (cathode B containing a mixture of LiMn2O4 and LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4). The results of LIBS analysis were verified using SEM-EDS analysis and XRD examination. Additionally, an indirect method for identifying fluoropolymers (polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)) employed to prepare dispersions of cathode materials was proposed according to the differences in wettability of both polymers. By enabling efficient material identification and separation, this study advances sustainable recycling practices, supporting circular economy goals in the renewable energy sector.
Classical Waves and Instabilities Using the Minimalist Approach
Authors: Vlahakis Nektarios
Published: January 2025

The minimalist approach in the study of perturbations in fluid dynamics and magnetohydrodynamics involves describing their evolution in the linear regime using a single first-order ordinary differential equation, dubbed the principal equation.The dispersion relation is determined by requiring that the solution of the principal equation be continuous and satisfy specific boundary conditions for each problem. The formalism is presented for flows in Cartesian geometry and applied to classical cases such as the magnetosonic and gravity waves, the Rayleigh–Taylor instability, and the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability. For the latter, we discuss the influence of compressibility and the magnetic field, and also derive analytical expressions for the growth rates and the range of instability in the case of two fluids with the same characteristics.
Incorporating Symmetric Smooth Regularizations into Sparse Logistic Regression for Classification and Feature Extraction
Authors: Wang Jing , Xie Xiao , Wang Pengwei , Sun Jian , Liu Yaochen , Zhang Li
Published: January 2025

This paper introduces logistic regression with sparse and smooth regularizations (LR-SS), a novel framework that simultaneously enhances both classification and feature extraction capabilities of standard logistic regression. By incorporating a family of symmetric smoothness constraints into sparse logistic regression, LR-SS uniquely preserves underlying structures inherent in structured data, distinguishing it from existing approaches. Within the minorization–maximization (MM) framework, we develop an efficient optimization algorithm that combines coordinate descent with soft-thresholding techniques. Through extensive experiments on both simulated and real-world datasets, including time series and image data, we demonstrate that LR-SS significantly outperforms conventional sparse logistic regression in classification tasks while providing more interpretable feature extraction. The results highlight LR-SS’s ability to leverage sparse and symmetric smooth regularizations for capturing intrinsic data structures, making it particularly valuable for machine learning applications requiring both predictive accuracy and model interpretability.
Dynamics of Nonlinear Stochastic SEIR Infectious Disease Model with Isolation and Latency Period
Authors: Xu Wenbin , Liu Helong , Qin Chuangliang
Published: January 2025

This article establishes and studies a SEIR infectious disease model with higher-order perturbation. Firstly, we proved the existence and uniqueness of the overall positive solution of the model. Secondly, by constructing a Lyapunov function, we obtained sufficient conditions for the existence and uniqueness of the ergodic stationary distribution of the positive solution of the model. Then, it was proved that infectious diseases would become extinct under certain conditions. Finally, this article verified the theoretical analysis results by numerically simulating the process of infectious diseases from outbreak to extinction, the numerical simulation results are symmetrical with the theoretical analysis.
Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Intentional Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Taylor Shameeke , Patel Tirth , Desai Yukti , Welsh Connor , Legome Eric
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Intentional injury due to violent acts is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, intentional traumatic brain injury (TBI) has received little attention and there is limited research on the relationship of injury intent to injury mechanism, severity, mortality, hospital disposition and demographic factors. In this study, the aim was to examine the factors associated with intentional TBI and evaluate the differences in outcomes based on injury intent. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with diagnosed TBI at an urban trauma center. Hospital data were obtained from the Department of Surgery’s trauma registry for the years 2017–2022. Intentional and unintentional TBI patients were compared using descriptive, univariate and multivariate methods. Results: In this study, 123 (9.28%) intentional TBIs and 1203 (90.72%) unintentional TBIs were identified. Younger age, male gender, minority status, Medicaid coverage, alcohol use and the lack of orthopedic injury were associated with intentional TBI. Patients with intentional TBI were more likely to be discharged to home and with admissions had shorter hospital lengths of stay and were less likely to be discharged to rehabilitation. Multivariate analysis found that Black race and alcohol use near the time of injury were predictive of intentional injury when adjusting for other demographic variables. Conclusions: Overall, patients with intentional TBI had less severe and more focal injury events with shorter hospital stays if admitted. Multiple demographic- and injury-related variables were associated with intentional TBI. Further study is needed to evaluate the long-term patient outcomes and re-injury after intentional TBI.
A Retrospective Study of Clinical Biomarkers of Severe Dengue in a Tertiary Hospital in Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Authors: Kok Si Yin , Abraham Ruth Elizabeth , Jauhar Ali Shareen Nisha , Tuang Wei Xuan , Ong Edmund Liang Chai
Published: January 2025

Management of severe dengue remains a clinical challenge. This retrospective study evaluated clinical features and laboratory biomarkers associated with severe dengue at Hospital Sultanah Aminah Johor Bahru from 1 January 2022 to 31 March 2023. Records of 99 patients, categorized into ICU (51) and non-ICU (48) groups, were identified and analyzed using SPSS version 28.0. Sociodemographic details, clinical features and laboratory biomarkers were collected. Patients aged 50 and older, those with obesity, and those with pre-existing comorbidities were significantly more likely to be admitted to the ICU. The four most common warning signs in both cohorts were lethargy/restlessness/confusion, abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, and diarrhea. Fever, or history of fever, and thrombocytopenia were the two most common severe dengue criteria present in both cohorts. ICU patients exhibited more signs of plasma leakage and abnormal laboratory findings, including normal white cell count, hypoalbuminemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and elevated creatine kinase. In contrast, leukopenia and normal albumin, bilirubin, and creatine kinase levels were more common in non-ICU patients. Hyponatremia and raised lactate dehydrogenase were seen in both groups. This study highlighted key differences and similarities in clinical features and laboratory biomarkers between ICU and non-ICU patients, emphasizing the need for further research to develop a comprehensive risk assessment tool for predicting severe dengue that resulted in ICU admission.
Plant Material in the Thalamus and Mesencephalon of a Young Dog
Authors: Winnerby Maria , Nielsen Tove , Andersson Ellen , Rohdin Cecilia
Published: January 2025

An unusual case of neurological deficits due to intracranial plant material in the thalamus is presented. The case was a young dog with pyrexia, neck pain, and neurological deficits that were consistent with an intracranial multifocal lesion. Based on the imaging findings and the result of the cerebrospinal fluid analysis, a presumptive diagnosis of immune-mediated meningoencephalitis was made. The dog initially responded to immunosuppressive treatment but then deteriorated and was euthanized. At autopsy, plant material was found in the thalamus and mesencephalon. Intracranial foreign bodies are unusual but should be considered as a differential diagnosis in young dogs with neurological deficits that are consistent with a focal or multifocal intracranial lesion.
Systematic Evaluation of a Connected Vehicle-Enabled Freeway Incident Management System
Authors: Yang Hao , Wang Jinghui
Published: January 2025

Freeway incidents block road lanes and result in increasing travel time delays. The intense lane changes of upstream vehicles may also lead to capacity drop and more congestion. Connected vehicles (CVs) offer a viable solution to minimize the impact of such incidents via monitoring the status of the incidents and providing real-time driving guidance. This paper evaluates the performance of an existing CV-enabled incident management system, which minimizes travel time by effectively leading CVs to bypass incident spots. This study comprehensively quantifies the effects of system parameters (speed weight and lane-changing inertia), control segment length, and road information-updating intervals. This analysis identifies the optimal settings for the incident management system to minimize vehicle travel time delays. Additionally, this paper evaluates the influence of CV market penetration rates (MPRs), network volume-to-capacity ratios, and incident settings to understand the system benefits under varying connected environments and traffic conditions. The results reveal that with the control of the proposed system, overall travel delays can be reduced by up to 45% and that road congestion caused by incidents can be mitigated quickly.
Holistic Electric Powertrain Component Design for Battery Electric Vehicles in an Early Development Phase
Authors: Rosenberger Nico , Deininger Silvan , Koloch Jan , Lienkamp Markus
Published: January 2025

As battery electric vehicles (BEVs) gain significance in the automotive industry, manufacturers must diversify their vehicle portfolios with a wide range of electric vehicle models. Electric powertrains must be designed to meet the unique requirements and boundary conditions of different vehicle concepts to provide satisfying solutions for their customers. During the early development phases, it is crucial to establish an initial powertrain component design that allows the respective divisions to develop their components independently and minimize interdependencies, avoiding time- and cost-intensive iterations. This study presents a holistic electric powertrain component design model, including the high-voltage battery, power electronics, electric machine, and transmission, which is meant to be used as a foundation for further development. This model’s simulation results and performance characteristics are validated against a reference vehicle, which was torn down and tested on a vehicle dynamometer. This tool is applicable for an optimization approach, focusing on achieving optimal energy consumption, which is crucial for the design of battery electric vehicles.