bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colon Tumor Discrimination Combining Independent Endoscopic Probe-Based Raman Spectroscopy and Optical Coherence Tomography Modalities with Bayes Rule
Authors: Vasquez David L. , Kreft Calvin , Latka Ines , Popp Jürgen , Mantke René , Schie Iwan W.
Published: December 2024

Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer globally. The most common routine diagnostic methods are the examination of the interior of the colon during colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, which frequently includes the removal of a biopsy sample. Optical methods, such as Raman spectroscopy (RS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT), can help to improve diagnostics and reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies. For in vivo use, we have developed fiber-optic probes, one for single-point Raman measurements and one for volumetric OCT. Here, we present the results of a clinical study using these fiber-optic probes in an ex vivo setting. The goal was to evaluate the beneficial effect of combining these two modalities on the AUC ROC score of the machine learning models for the discrimination of cancerous and healthy tissue. In the initial stage of the investigation, both modalities were validated separately using linear discriminant analysis. RS was subjected to spectral preprocessing, while OCT underwent texture feature extraction. Subsequently, both modalities were integrated using the Bayes rule, resulting in an enhanced area under the curve score of 0.93, representing an improvement over the 0.77 score for Raman spectroscopy and 0.86 for OCT.
Molecular Interaction Between Vasopressin and Insulin in Regulation of Metabolism: Impact on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Szczepanska-Sadowska Ewa , Cudnoch-Jędrzejewska Agnieszka , Żera Tymoteusz
Published: December 2024

Numerous compounds involved in the regulation of the cardiovascular system are also engaged in the control of metabolism. This review gives a survey of literature showing that arginine vasopressin (AVP), which is an effective cardiovascular peptide, exerts several direct and indirect metabolic effects and may play the role of the link adjusting blood supply to metabolism of tissues. Secretion of AVP and activation of AVP receptors are regulated by changes in blood pressure and body fluid osmolality, hypoxia, hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, inflammation, and several metabolic hormones; moreover, AVP turnover is regulated by insulin. Acting on V1a receptors in the liver, AVP stimulates glycogenolysis, reduces synthesis of glycogen, and promotes fatty acid synthesis and acetyl CoA carboxylase activity. Stimulating V1b receptors in the pancreatic islands, AVP promotes release of insulin and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and potentiates stimulatory effects of glucose and ACTH on secretion of insulin. Simultaneously, insulin increases AVP secretion by neurons of the paraventricular nucleus and the supraoptic nucleus. There is strong evidence that secretion of AVP and its metabolic effectiveness are significantly altered in metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Both experimental and clinical data indicate that inappropriate interactions of AVP and insulin play an important role in the development of insulin resistance in obesity and diabetes mellitus.
Study of Microbiota Associated to Early Tumors Can Shed Light on Colon Carcinogenesis
Authors: Aspesi Anna , La Vecchia Marta , Sala Gloria , Ghelardi Emilia , Dianzani Irma
Published: December 2024

An increasingly important role for gut microbiota in the initiation and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been described. Even in the early stages of transformation, i.e., colorectal adenomas, changes in gut microbiota composition have been observed, and several bacterial species, such as pks+ Escherichia coli and enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis, have been proposed to drive colon tumorigenesis. In recent years, several strategies have been developed to study mucosa-associated microbiota (MAM), which is more closely associated with CRC development than lumen-associated microbiota (LAM) derived from fecal samples. This review summarizes the state of the art about the oncogenic actions of gut bacteria and compares the different sampling strategies to collect intestinal microbiota (feces, biopsies, swabs, brushes, and washing aspirates). In particular, this article recapitulates the current knowledge on MAM in colorectal adenomas and serrated polyps, since studying the intestinal microbiota associated with early-stage tumors can elucidate the molecular mechanisms underpinning CRC carcinogenesis.
Cybersecurity as a Contributor Toward Resilient Internet of Things (IoT) Infrastructure and Sustainable Economic Growth
Authors: Dede Georgia , Petsa Anastasia Maria , Kavalaris Stelios , Serrelis Emmanouil , Evangelatos Spyridon , Oikonomidis Ioannis , Kamalakis Thomas
Published: December 2024

This paper investigates the contribution of the various cybersecurity domains to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing the critical role of cybersecurity in advancing sustainable economic growth and resilient IoT infrastructure. The paper also examines specific use cases on how cybersecurity measures and practices can contribute to achieving SDG 8 and SDG 9 focused on decent work and economic growth and industry, innovations, and infrastructure. In the context of SDG 8 the use case of a smart agriculture network was examined, whereas for SDG 9, the use case focuses on a smart factory processing raw materials. An analysis of the prioritization of the several cybersecurity domains following the MoSCoW method is also presented. This paper offers valuable insights and guidance for enhancing corporate resilience and economic benefits in the Internet of Things (IoT) aligning with the SDGs and contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future for the IoT.
Copper Nodule Defect Detection in Industrial Processes Using Deep Learning
Authors: Zhang Zhicong , Huang Xiaodong , Wei Dandan , Chang Qiqi , Liu Jinping , Jing Qingxiu
Published: December 2024

Copper electrolysis is a crucial process in copper smelting. The surface of cathodic copper plates is often affected by various electrolytic process factors, resulting in the formation of nodule defects that significantly impact surface quality and disrupt the downstream production process, making the prompt detection of these defects essential. At present, the detection of cathode copper plate nodules is performed by manual identification. In order to address the issues with manual convex nodule identification on the surface of industrial cathode copper plates in terms of low accuracy, high effort, and low efficiency in the manufacturing process, a lightweight YOLOv5 model combined with the BiFormer attention mechanism is proposed in this paper. The model employs MobileNetV3, a lightweight feature extraction network, as its backbone, reducing the parameter count and computational complexity. Additionally, an attention mechanism is introduced to capture multi-scale information, thereby enhancing the accuracy of nodule recognition. Meanwhile, the F-EIOU loss function is employed to strengthen the model’s robustness and generalization ability, effectively addressing noise and imbalance issues in the data. Experimental results demonstrate that the improved YOLOv5 model achieves a precision of 92.71%, a recall of 91.24%, and a mean average precision (mAP) of 92.69%. Moreover, a single-frame detection time of 4.61 ms is achieved by the model, which has a size of 2.91 MB. These metrics meet the requirements of practical production and provide valuable insights for the detection of cathodic copper plate surface quality issues in the copper electrolysis production process.
Gene Silencing via Ingestion of Double-Stranded RNA in Wireworm of Agriotes Species
Authors: Joshi Jyoti , Coffin Robert , Barrett Ryan , Wang-Pruski Gefu
Published: December 2024

Wireworms are the most destructive soil insect pests affecting horticultural crops. The damage often renders them unsuitable for commercial purposes, resulting in substantial economic losses. RNA interference (RNAi) has been broadly used to inhibit gene functions to control insect populations. It employs double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to knockdown essential genes in target organisms, rendering them incapable of development or survival. Although it is a robust approach, the primary challenges are identifying effective target genes and delivering their dsRNA into wireworms. Thus, the present study established a liquid ingestion methodology that efficiently delivers dsRNA into wireworms. We then investigated the effects of four target genes on wireworm mortality. The highest mortality rate reached 50% when the gene encoding vacuolar ATPase subunit A was targeted. Its transcript content in the fed wireworms was also significantly reduced. The mortality rates of the other three target genes of vacuolar ATPase subunit E, beta-actin, and chitin synthase 1 were 28%, 33%, and 35%, respectively. This is the first report demonstrating an efficient feeding methodology and the silencing of target genes in wireworms. Our findings indicate that RNAi is an effective alternative method for controlling the wireworm pest, and can be used to develop field treatment strategies.
The Double-Edged Sword: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructions on Adolescent Patients—Growth Plate Surgical Challenges and Future Considerations
Authors: Mallinos Alexandria , Jones Kerwyn
Published: December 2024

The management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in pediatric patients presents unique challenges due to the presence of open growth plates in the proximal tibia and distal femur. Delaying ACL reconstruction until skeletal maturity may protect the physes but increases the risk of secondary injuries, such as meniscal tears and chondral damage, due to prolonged joint instability. Conversely, early surgical intervention restores knee stability but raises concerns about potential growth disturbances, including leg-length discrepancies and angular deformities. This narrative review examines current approaches to pediatric ACL management, highlighting the risks and benefits of both conservative and surgical treatments. Additionally, it explores the role of finite element modeling (FEM) as an innovative tool for pre-surgical planning. FEM offers a non-invasive method to optimize surgical techniques, minimize iatrogenic damage to growth plates, and improve patient outcomes. Despite its potential, FEM remains underutilized in clinical practice. This review underscores the need to integrate FEM into pediatric ACL care to enhance surgical precision, reduce complications, and improve long-term quality of life for young patients. By synthesizing available evidence, this review aims to provide clinicians with a comprehensive framework for decision-making and identify future directions for research in pediatric ACL reconstruction.
Can Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, Platelet Volume, and Platelet Distribution Width Be Used as Indicators of Delirium?
Authors: Tuncer Bilge , Çelik Fulya , Çelik Burak , Erkılıç Ezgi
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Postoperative delirium is a frequent complication in children undergoing general anesthesia. It has been suggested that inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to the pathophysiology of delirium. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between inflammatory markers and delirium. Methods: A total of 221 children in the ASA 1–3 risk group who underwent adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy, and/or ventilation tube application were included in our single-center, prospective, and observational study approved by the Ethics Committee, numbered E1-23-3197. Patients whose parental consent was obtained were either premedicated with oral midazolam preoperatively or taken to surgery without premedication, depending on the anesthesiologist’s preference. After induction with sevoflurane, rocuronium and fentanyl were administered intravenously. Sevoflurane and infusion of remifentanil were administered for maintenance. At the end of the operation, patients were transferred to the recovery unit and followed up for 30 min. They were evaluated with the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) Scale and Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) Scale. Results: Delirium was observed in 80 patients. There was no significant difference between patients with and without delirium in terms of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, mean platelet volume, or platelet distribution volume. Lymphocyte count, PAED score, and FLACC score were statistically higher in patients with delirium (W = 4407.5, p-value = 0.006997; W = 0, p-value < 2.2 × 10−16; W = 9489, p-value < 2.2 × 10−16, respectively). Conclusions: No statistically significant relationship was found between hematologic inflammatory markers and delirium. Controlled studies with larger sample sizes are needed to determine whether these markers have strong predictive value.
Artificial Intelligence in the Management of Patients with Respiratory Failure Requiring Mechanical Ventilation: A Scoping Review
Authors: Viderman Dmitriy , Ayazbay Ainur , Kalzhan Bakhtiyar , Bayakhmetova Symbat , Tungushpayev Meiram , Abdildin Yerkin
Published: December 2024

Background: Mechanical ventilation (MV) is one of the most frequently used organ replacement modalities in the intensive care unit (ICU). Artificial intelligence (AI) presents substantial potential in optimizing mechanical ventilation management. The utility of AI in MV lies in its ability to harness extensive data from electronic monitoring systems, facilitating personalized care tailored to individual patient needs. This scoping review aimed to consolidate and evaluate the existing evidence for the application of AI in managing respiratory failure among patients necessitating MV. Methods: The literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. Studies investigating the utilization of AI in patients undergoing MV, including observational and randomized controlled trials, were selected. Results: Overall, 152 articles were screened, and 37 were included in the analysis. We categorized the goals of AI in the included studies into the following groups: (1) prediction of requirement in MV; (2) prediction of outcomes in MV; (3) prediction of weaning from MV; (4) prediction of hypoxemia after extubation; (5) prediction models for MV–associated severe acute kidney injury; (6) identification of long-term outcomes after prolonged MV; (7) prediction of survival. Conclusions: AI has been studied in a wide variety of patients with respiratory failure requiring MV. Common applications of AI in MV included the assessment of the performance of ML for mortality prediction in patients with respiratory failure, prediction and identification of the most appropriate time for extubation, detection of patient-ventilator asynchrony, ineffective expiration, and the prediction of the severity of the respiratory failure.
Opinions of Gynecologists About Indication and Technique of Perineoplasty
Authors: Swieten Esther C. A. M. van , Stralen Karlijn J. van , Vollebregt Astrid , Roovers Jan-Paul W. R.
Published: December 2024

Background. Perineoplasty is a frequently performed procedure as part of prolapse surgery. Despite its frequent use, there is a lack of evidence on the optimal indication, surgical technique and adverse outcomes. We intended to gain insight into the current opinions on indications and techniques of perineoplasty among (uro)gynecologists worldwide. Methods. We conducted a survey among members of the International UroGynecological Association (IUGA) to objectify indications for perineoplasty and aspects of surgical technique. Results. A total of 114 urogynecologists responded, with 98% performing perineoplasty. A total of 85% of respondents aimed to approximate the bulbocavernosus muscle, whereas 27% aimed to include the puborectal muscle as well. A total of 86% of respondents used 1–4 resorbable sutures, especially vicryl 2/0 (39%) or vicryl 0 (52%). According to the respondents, a “wide genital hiatus at physical examination” (87%) and “subjective complaints of a wide genital hiatus” (84%) were considered good/excellent indications for perineoplasty, whereas “fecal incontinence”, “apical prolapse” and “perineal pain” were absolutely/mostly not a good indication. Reasons to not perform perineoplasty were pelvic pain (59%) and dyspareunia (64%). Most responders underlined the need for more research on this topic (8.5 out of 10). Conclusions. Perineoplasty is a frequently performed procedure. There is a wide variation in the indications for and surgical techniques of perineoplasty. Therefore, research is needed to identify which patients will benefit from perineoplasty and how to optimally perform this surgery.
Haemodynamic Assessment and Outcomes of Aortic Valvuloplasty for Aortic Regurgitation in Patients with Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Authors: Saku Kosuke , Arimura Satoshi , Takagi Tomomitsu , Masuzawa Akihiro , Matsumura Yoko , Yoshitake Michio , Nagahori Ryuichi , Murotani Kenta , Kunihara Takashi
Published: December 2024

Background: Aortic valvuloplasty for bicuspid aortic valve carries a risk of postoperative stenosis. We evaluated the haemodynamic differences between aortic valvuloplasty for bicuspid aortic valve, tricuspid aortic valve, and aortic valve replacement by echocardiography. We also assessed whether a higher postoperative pressure gradient affects the outcomes of aortic valvuloplasty for bicuspid aortic valve. Methods: From 2014 to 2021, patients undergoing aortic valvuloplasty were classified into aortic valvuloplasty for bicuspid aortic valve (Group-PB) and aortic valvuloplasty for tricuspid aortic valve (Group-PT). We also enrolled patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (Group-R) between 2002 and 2021. Mid-term outcomes were compared within Group-PB based on peak pressure gradients of ≥20 mmHg (subgroup-H) and <20 mmHg (subgroup-L). Results: Group-PB included 42 patients and Group-PT included 70 patients. Both 7-day and 1-year echocardiography showed the highest peak/mean pressure gradients in Group-PB (n = 41) and the lowest values in Group-PT (n = 67). Propensity scoring analysis yielded similar results to an unadjusted analysis. The mid-term outcomes were not significantly different between subgroup-H (n = 20) and subgroup-L (n = 22), with rates of freedom from aortic regurgitation >II at 5 years of 94.4% vs. 94.4% (p = 0.749) and freedom from reoperation of 94.4% vs. 100.0% (p = 0.317), respectively. Conclusions: Aortic valvuloplasty for tricuspid aortic valve shows favourable valve function in the early postoperative period, whereas aortic valvuloplasty for bicuspid aortic valve has a risk of postoperative stenosis. However, a high pressure gradient (peak pressure gradient of ≥20 mmHg) after aortic valvuloplasty for bicuspid aortic valve does not impact mid-term outcomes.
Methods of Quantitative Assessment of the Response of Dilated Skin Blood Vessels to High-Energy Light Treatments
Authors: Deda Anna , Lipka-Trawińska Aleksandra , Błońska-Fajfrowska Barbara , Odrzywołek Wiktoria , Lebiedowska Agata , Hartman-Petrycka Magdalena , Wcisło-Dziadecka Dominika , Wilczyński Sławomir
Published: December 2024

Background: The techniques of choice used in the treatment of extensive vascular lesions of the face are methods based on high-energy light sources, such as lasers and IPL (intense pulsed light). The techniques commonly employed to detect blood vessel abnormalities in skin primarily rely on semi-quantitative or qualitative scales. Methods: The study was conducted on a group of 38 volunteers; a series of three treatments was performed using an IPL source (Lumecca, Inmode, Israel). The vessels’ response to the high-energy light was verified using the following quantitative methods: mexametric measurements, hyperspectral imaging, and directional reflectance measurements. Results: In the mexameter measurement, statistically non-significant differences were obtained in the hemoglobin content in the skin condition prior to and following multiple intense pulsed light sessions. Studies performed using a hyperspectral camera showed that at a wavelength of 580 nm, the increase in skin reflectance after the treatment was statistically significant. Total directional reflectance measurements showed that at wavelengths of 400–540 nm and 480–600 nm, following the IPL treatment, the skin reflectance increased statistically significantly. Implementing three consecutive intense pulsed light procedures appears adequate to obtain a clinically satisfactory reduction in vascular changes in the facial skin. Mexametric measurements do not enable the assessment of the reaction of blood vessels to IPL. Conclusions: Hyperspectral imaging is an effective method for the quantitative assessment of skin vascular lesions. The best results in the assessment of vascular lesions using hyperspectral imaging are obtained at wavelengths of 420 nm and 580 nm. The hemispheric directional reflectance method allows for a quick, accurate, and repeatable assessment of vascular skin changes.
Interstitial High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy Combined with External Beam Radiation Therapy for Dose Escalation in the Primary Treatment of Locally Advanced, Non-Resectable Superior Sulcus (Pancoast) Tumors: Results of a Monocentric Retrospective Study
Authors: Neu Maria , Kahl Klaus-Henning , Körner Melina , Walter Renate , Raab Stephan , Jehs Bertram , Käsmann Lukas , Strnad Vratislav , Stüben Georg , Balagiannis Nikolaos
Published: December 2024

Objectives: To analyze the results of interstitial (IRT) high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy (BT) in the primary treatment of patients with unresectable superior sulcus tumors (SST) combined with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). Methods: Between 2013 and 2023, seven patients with unresectable SST were treated with combined BT and EBRT with or without concomitant chemotherapy. The patients’ median age was 64 years (range, 49–79 years) and median tumor volume was 146.8 cm3 (range, 29.3–242.3 cm3). A median BT dose of 8 Gray (Gy) (range, 5–10 Gy) was prescribed and delivered in a single fraction. A median EBRT dose of 54 Gy (range, 30–59 Gy) was prescribed and administered normofractionated (single dose: 1.8 Gy). Results: We report the results of seven patients with SST treated with combined BT and EBRT and followed for a median of 38 months. The overall clinical response rate was 83.33% with five out of six patients achieving local control, while one out of six (16.66%) showed local and general progression. No deaths were attributed to the treatment itself; rather, one patient died during the course of therapy as a result of systemic progression. The most common radiation-related adverse events were grade I–II fatigue and mild paresthesia. No severe toxicity (CTCAE ≥ III°) was observed with interstitial high-dose-rate (HDR) BT combined with EBRT. Conclusions: For patients with unresectable superior sulcus tumors, interstitial HDR BT in combination with EBRT is a feasible treatment option that offers the potential for local control and long-term survival. The findings of this study should be validated in a larger patient cohort.
Mosaicking and Correction Method of Gaofen-3 ScanSAR Images in Coastal Areas with Subswath Overlap Range Constraints
Authors: Wang Jiajun , Jin Guowang , Xiong Xin , Li Jiahao , Ye Hao , Yang He
Published: December 2024

The ScanSAR mode image obtained by the Gaofen-3 (GF-3) satellite has an imaging width of up to 130–500 km, which is of great significance in monitoring oceanography, meteorology, water conservancy, and transportation. To address the issues of subswath misalignment and the inability to correct in the processing of GF-3 ScanSAR images in coastal areas using software such as PIE, ENVI, and SNAP, a method for mosaicking and correcting GF-3 ScanSAR images with subswaths that overlap within specified range constraints is proposed. This method involves correlating the coefficients of each subswath thumbnail image in order to determine the extent of the overlap range. Given that the matching points are constrained to the overlap between subswaths, the normalized cross-correlation (NCC) matching algorithm is utilized to calculate the matching points between subswaths. Subsequently, the random sampling consistency (RANSAC) algorithm is employed to eliminate the mismatching points. Subsequently, the subswaths should be mosaicked together with the stitching translation of subswaths, based on the coordinates of the matching points. The image brightness correction coefficient is calculated based on the average grayscale value of pixels in the overlapping region. This is performed in order to correct the grayscale values of adjacent subswaths and thereby reducing the brightness difference at the junction of subswaths. The entire ScanSAR slant range image is produced. By employing the Range–Doppler model for indirect orthorectification, corrected images with geographic information are generated. The experiment utilized three coastal GF-3 ScanSAR images for mosaicking and correction, and the results were contrasted with those attained through PIE software V7.0 processing. This was conducted to substantiate the efficacy and precision of the methodology for mosaicking and correcting coastal GF-3 ScanSAR images.
A Cross-Product Analysis of Earphone Reviews Using Contextual Topic Modeling and Association Rule Mining
Authors: Maidar Ugbold , Ra Minyoung , Yoo Donghee
Published: December 2024

Within the evolving field of sentiment analysis, the integration of topic modeling and association rule mining presents a promising yet underexplored method. This approach currently lacks an organized framework for maximizing insights that aid in drawing robust conclusions concerning customer sentiments. Therefore, this study addresses the need and rationale for having comprehensive sentiment analysis systems by integrating topic modeling and association rule mining to analyze online customer reviews of earphones sold on Amazon. It employs Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers for Topic Modeling (BERTopic), a technique that generates coherent topics by effectively capturing contextual information, and Frequent Pattern Growth (FPGrowth), an efficient association rule mining algorithm used for discovering patterns and relationships in a dataset without candidate generation. This analysis of reviews on ten earphone products identified key customer concerns as follows: sound quality, noise cancellation, durability, and battery life. The results indicate an overall positive sentiment towards sound quality and battery life, mixed reviews on noise cancellation, and significant dissatisfaction with product durability. Using integrated topic modeling and association rule mining offers deeper insights into customer preferences and highlights specific areas for product improvement and guiding targeted marketing strategies. Moreover, we focused on algorithm selection to improve the model’s performance and efficiency, ensuring effective compatibility with our sentiment analysis framework. This study demonstrates how combining advanced data mining techniques and structuring insights from written customer feedback enhances the depth and clarity of sentiment analysis, furthering its applicability in e-commerce research.
Impacts of Different Vegetation Types on Soil Aggregate Stability in the Key Ecological Rehabilitation Area of the Tarim River Basin, Northwest China
Authors: Zhang Qin , Yue Chunfang , Yu Pujia , Xu Hailiang , Liu Kun , Wu Jie , Sheng Fangyu
Published: December 2024

Disentangling the responses of total soil organic carbon (SOC), organic carbon fractions and soil aggregate stability to various vegetation types is essential for better understanding the carbon cycling process in terrestrial ecosystems, maintaining soil quality and mitigating global warming. To study the effects of vegetation types on soil aggregates in a specific area, the desert riverbanks of arid regions were studied. We set up experiments using three typical vegetation types in the arid zone of the Tarim River Basin (TRB), including Forestland, Shrubland, and Grassland. The total SOC content in the bulk soil and different soil aggregates was determined by oxidation with K2Cr2O7 and H2SO4, and three carbon fractions (F1, very labile; F2, inert; F3, oxidizable resistant) were classified according to the degree of oxidation using the modified Walkley-Black method. The total SOC and three carbon fractions in the soil were significantly greater in the Forestland than in the other vegetation types, and the effect was more pronounced in macro-aggregate (MA) than in the other aggregates. In the bulk soil and soil aggregates, the percentages of F1, F2 and F3 in the total SOC with mean values of 0.36%, 0.28% and 0.36%, respectively, at soil depths of 0–20 cm, indicated that stabilizing carbon is the major carbon fraction of the SOC. The stability of the SOC in the aggregates across each vegetation type was greater in the lower layer (10–20 cm) than in the topsoil layer (0–10 cm). The SOC stability and MA content were positively related to the SOC in the soil aggregates and its F2 and F3 fractions (p < 0.05). In summary, the Forestland significantly increased the SOC content and enhanced SOC stability. Conservation measures for poplar forests in vulnerable arid zones can sustainably accumulate SOC sequestration.
Population Dynamics and Nutritional Indices of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Reared on Three Crop Species
Authors: Gebretsadik Kifle Gebreegziabiher , Li Xiangyong , Yin Yanqiong , Zhao Xueqing , Chen Fushou , Zhang Hongmei , Wang Yan , Liu Ying , Hu Gao , Chen Aidong
Published: December 2024

The fall armyworm (FAW) is an invasive pest that has been rapidly spreading across China since its detection in Yunnan province in January 2019. Although sugarcane and sorghum have been reported as hosts, their effects on FAW’s population growth and life table parameters have not been examined in China. Our research shows that FAW’s development and life table metrics vary significantly when reared on sorghum, sugarcane, and maize. Notably, the preadult stage, adult preoviposition period, and total preoviposition period of FAW were markedly longer on sugarcane and sorghum compared to maize. FAW reared on these two crops also exhibited reduced survival rates, pupal weight, fecundity, and lower female-to-male ratios. The study highlights that FAW had lower population growth rates, reproductive rates, and longer generation times on sugarcane and sorghum compared to maize. The consumption index and digestibility index were higher on maize, while conversion efficiency and growth rate were greater on sorghum. Although maize is the most favorable host, FAW can still survive and reproduce on sugarcane and sorghum during the nongrowing season, posing a risk to economically important crops in China. Despite being less favorable for population growth, sugarcane and sorghum still support FAW development and spread. Therefore, enhanced surveillance and early warning measures for sugarcane and sorghum are recommended to monitor FAW population dynamics and mitigate its potential impact on primary host plants.
Sealing Performance Analysis of Lip Seal Ring for High-Speed Micro Bearing
Authors: Wang Hengdi , Yue Yulu , Cui Yongcun , Qiu Xiaobiao , Li Chang
Published: December 2024

This article focuses on the problem of sealing failure in high-speed micro bearings. Based on a thermal-stress coupled finite element model, the distribution of equivalent stress and contact pressure of the sealing ring and the influence of various factors on the sealing performance are analyzed. Based on this, the Latin Hypercube sampling method, Kriging surrogate model and genetic algorithm are used to find the optimal combination of sealing performance. Finally, the accuracy of the model and method is verified through orthogonal experiments. Research has found that the maximum equivalent stress of the seal ring is 0.59234 MPa, and it increases first and then decreases with the increase in lip inclination angle, friction coefficient and radial interference amount, increases with the increase in lubricant temperature, and decreases with the increase in bearing rotation speed. The maximum contact pressure is 0.20433 MPa, and it decreases with the increase in the lip inclination angle, increases first and then decreases with the increase in the friction coefficient, and decreases first and then increases with the increase in the lubricant temperature, bearing rotation speed and radial interference amount. The most significant factor affecting the equivalent stress of the seal ring is the lubricant temperature, and the most significant factor affecting the contact stress is the interference fit amount. When the seal lip inclination angle is 43.99°, the friction coefficient is 0.01 mm, the lubricant temperature is 111.5 °C, the bearing rotation speed is 28,853 rpm and the radial interference amount is 0.04 mm, the sealing performance of the sealing ring is optimal.
Fungal Strain Influences Thermal Conductivity, Hydrophobicity, Color Homogeneity, and Mold Contamination of Mycelial Composites
Authors: Verhelst Joris , Vandersanden Simon , Nouwen Olivier , Rineau François
Published: December 2024

Mycomaterials are biomaterials made by inoculating a lignocellulosic substrate with a fungus, where the mycelium acts as a binder and enhances material properties. These materials are well suited as sustainable alternatives to conventional insulation materials thanks to their good insulation properties, low density, degradability, and fire resistance. However, they suffer from mold contamination in moist environments and poor perception (“organic” appearance). Furthermore, most mycomaterials to date have been derived from a limited range of fungal species, leaving the vast phenotypic diversity of fungi largely untapped. We hypothesized that by exploring a broader range of strains, we could enhance the likelihood of discovering a material that meets the needs for insulation panels. We generated mycomaterials from nine fungal strains and measured their thermal conductivity, mold resistance, and perception properties. We observed significant variations across strains on these three parameters. Thermal conductivity ranged from levels comparable to extruded polystyrene to nearly as effective as polyurethane (0.039 to 0.019 W/mK). All materials generated were hydrophobic (equivalent to 105–122° contact angle), but differed by a factor of two in color appearance and sensitivity to mold (0–94% of surface colonized). We also found a method to improve resistance to mold using deactivated contaminant propagules.
Influence of the Number of Inserts Used for Face Milling on Cutting Forces and Surface Roughness
Authors: Horava Cyril , Reznicek Martin , Ovsik Martin
Published: December 2024

This article examines the effect of the number of inserts in a milling head on cutting forces during machining and the resulting surface roughness. An experimental study was used to compare results using different insert configurations while maintaining a constant feed per tooth. The resulting cutting forces and surface roughness were analyzed and discussed in the context of the optimal setting of cutting conditions. It was found that a reduced number of inserts does not necessarily lead to a reduction in cutting forces during machining and that while maintaining the feed per tooth with a reduced number of inserts, the roughness is not significantly affected. An unexpected result was that inserts can differ in terms of the surface quality achieved. This research also shows that individual inserts can vary substantially in the force load they generate, a phenomenon that can be attributed to their dimensional differences. This study provides valuable insights for industrial applications that require precision machining concerning cutting forces and surface quality. It can potentially improve the efficiency and quality of machining in industrial applications.
Phase Evolution of Li-Rich Layered Li-Mn-Ni-(Al)-O Cathode Materials upon Heat Treatments in Air
Authors: Grins Jekabs , Jaworski Aleksander , Jøsang Leif Olav , Biendicho Jordi Jacas , Svensson Gunnar
Published: December 2024

The phase evolution of Li-rich Li-Mn-Ni-(Al)-O cathode materials upon heat treatments in the air at 900 °C was studied by X-ray and neutron powder diffraction. In addition, the structures of Li1.26Mn0.61−xAlx Ni0.15O2, x = 0.0, 0.05, and 0.10, were refined from neutron powder diffraction data. For two-phase mixtures containing a monoclinic Li2MnO3 type phase M and a rhombohedral LiMn0.5Ni0.5O2 type phase R, the structures, compositions, and phase fractions change with heat treatment time. This is realized by the substitution mechanism 3Ni2+ ↔ 2Li+ + 1Mn4+, which enables cation transport between the phases. A whole-powder pattern fitting analysis of size and strain broadening shows that strain broadening dominates. The X-ray domain size increases with heat treatment time and is larger than the sizes of the domains of M and R observed by electron microscopy. For heat-treated samples, the domain size is smaller for R than for M and decreases with increasing Al doping.
Quantitative Indicators of Microstructure and Texture Heterogeneity in Polycrystalline System
Authors: Sidor Jurij J.
Published: December 2024

The microstructural features of polycrystals determine numerous properties, whereas the evolution of crystallographic texture is responsible for the anisotropy of particular properties. Therefore, it is of crucial importance to find proper quantitative indicators, which reflect the nature of microstructure and texture characteristics. This is partially performed by the assessment of the average grain size and texture intensity that provide basic information on the microstructural features evolved; however, often, the basic quantitative indicators are not capable of revealing the complete microstructural state especially when the system is highly heterogeneous. This contribution presents various methods to assess the degree of microstructural heterogeneity, while the crystallographic aspect of microstructure evolution is characterized by several indicators of texture heterogeneity. Numerous synthetic microstructures with normal, lognormal, and bimodal grain size distributions as well as their combinations are analyzed to evaluate the applicability of the methods presented in this study. The quantitative indicators described in the frame of this contribution are likewise tested on experimentally observed microstructures. It is shown that the derived coefficients of microstructure heterogeneity correlate well with the standard deviation in grain size distribution, Gini, and Hoover coefficients, while the quantitative measures of texture heterogeneity are capable of revealing hidden aspects of microstructure evolution.
Polycrystalline Films of Indium-Doped PbTe on Amorphous Substrates: Investigation of the Material Based on Study of Its Structural, Transport, and Optical Properties
Authors: Jopp Jürgen , Kovalyuk Vadim , Towe Elias , Shneck Roni , Dashevsky Zinovi , Auslender Mark
Published: December 2024

Nowadays, polycrystalline lead telluride is one of the premier substances for thermoelectric devices while remaining a hopeful competitor to current semiconductor materials used in mid-infrared photonic applications. Notwithstanding that, the development of reliable and reproducible routes for the synthesis of PbTe thin films has not yet been accomplished. As an effort toward this aim, the present article reports progress in the growth of polycrystalline indium-doped PbTe films and their study. The introduction foregoing the main text presents an overview of studies in these and closely related research fields for seven decades. The main text reports on the electron-beam-assisted physical vapor deposition of n-type indium-doped PbTe films on two different amorphous substrates. This doping of PbTe is unique since it sets electron density uniform over grains due to pinning the Fermi level. In-house optimized parameters of the deposition process are presented. The films are structurally characterized by a set of techniques. The transport properties of the films are measured with the original setups described in detail. The infrared transmission spectra are measured and simulated with the original optical-multilayer modeling tool described in the appendix. Conclusions of films’ quality in terms of these properties altogether are drawn.
Recent Developments in Plastic Deformation Behavior of Titanium and Its Alloys During the Rolling Process: A Review
Authors: Ryu Donghee , Kim Yulhee , Nahm Sahn , Kang Leeseung
Published: December 2024

Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are used in various applications, including aircraft frames, ship parts, heat exchangers, and evaporator tubes, because of their extraordinary properties, such as high specific strength, excellent corrosion resistance at high temperatures, good castability, and weldability. Plastic deformation plays a crucial role in securing the appropriate microstructure and strength of Ti and alloys in these applications. The rolling process, one of the most useful methods for plastic deformation, causes efficient deformation inside the materials, resulting in grain refinement, dislocation slip, and twinning. Recent studies on the rolling behaviors of Ti and its alloys have explored their crystallographic and mechanical properties. These investigations primarily analyzed the microstructural changes and their influence on the mechanical properties under different temperatures and rolling methods. This study elucidates a complex relationship between the processing conditions and the resulting properties. Therefore, this paper presents a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art Ti rolling. Various key aspects for verifying the microstructure of Ti and its alloys are discussed, including electron backscatter diffraction analysis, Schmidt factor, and misorientation distribution.
Nonlinear Thermomechanical Low-Velocity Impact Behaviors of Geometrically Imperfect GRC Beams
Authors: Zhang Tao , Li Qiang , Mao Jia-Jia , Zha Chunqing
Published: December 2024

This paper studies the thermomechanical low-velocity impact behaviors of geometrically imperfect nanoplatelet-reinforced composite (GRC) beams considering the von Kármán nonlinear geometric relationship. The graphene nanoplatelets (GPLs) are assumed to have a functionally graded (FG) distribution in the matrix beam along its thickness, following the X-pattern. The Halpin–Tsai model and the rule of mixture are employed to predict the effective Young modulus and other material properties. Dividing the impact process into two stages, the corresponding impact forces are calculated using the modified nonlinear Hertz contact law. The nonlinear governing equations are obtained by introducing the von Kármán nonlinear displacement–strain relationship into the first-order shear deformation theory and dispersed via the differential quadrature (DQ) method. Combining the governing equation of the impactor’s motion, they are further parametrically solved by the Newmark-β method associated with the Newton–Raphson iterative process. The influence of different types of geometrical imperfections on the nonlinear thermomechanical low-velocity impact behaviors of GRC beams with varying weight fractions of GPLs, subjected to different initial impact velocities, are studied in detail.
Permeable Asphalt Pavements (PAP): Benefits, Clogging Factors and Methods for Evaluation and Maintenance—A Review
Authors: Sousa Maria , Dinis Almeida Marisa , Fael Cristina , Bentes Isabel
Published: December 2024

Permeable asphalt pavement (PAP) is an efficient solution to stormwater management, allowing water to infiltrate through its layers. This reduces surface runoff and mitigates urban flooding risks. In addition to these hydrological benefits, PAP enhances water quality by filtering pollutants such as organic and inorganic materials and microplastics. However, clogging from sediment accumulation in the pavement’s void structure often impairs its performance, reducing infiltration capacity. This review addresses several issues related to PAP, including the factors that contribute to pavement clogging and evaluates current and emerging maintenance strategies, including manual removal, pressure washing, regenerative air sweeping and vacuum truck utilization. Additionally, different methods of assessing clogging using innovative technology such as X-Ray Computed Tomography (CT), as well as a summary of the software used to process these images, are presented and discussed as tools for identifying clogging patterns, analyzing void structure and simulating permeability. This review identifies gaps in existing methodologies and suggests innovative approaches, including the creation of self-cleaning materials designed to prevent sediment buildup, biomimetic designs modeled after natural filtration systems and maintenance protocols designed for targeted clogging depths, to support the optimization of PAP systems and promote their adoption in resilient urban infrastructure designs in alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Towards the Best Solution for Complex System Reliability: Can Statistics Outperform Machine Learning?
Authors: Gámiz María Luz , Navas-Gómez Fernando , Nozal Cañadas Rafael Adolfo , Raya-Miranda Rocío
Published: December 2024

Studying the reliability of complex systems using machine learning techniques involves facing a series of technical and practical challenges, ranging from the intrinsic nature of the system and data to the difficulties in modeling and effectively deploying models in real-world scenarios. This study compares the effectiveness of classical statistical techniques and machine learning methods for improving complex system analysis in reliability assessments. Our goal is to show that in many practical applications, traditional statistical algorithms frequently produce more accurate and interpretable results compared with black-box machine learning methods. The evaluation is conducted using both real-world data and simulated scenarios. We report the results obtained from statistical modeling algorithms, as well as from machine learning methods including neural networks, K-nearest neighbors, and random forests.
Influence of Long-Term Immersion Tests on the Electrochemical Corrosion Behavior of an Ultrafine-Grained Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Vacchi Guilherme dos Santos , Magalhães Danielle Cristina Camilo , Kugelmeier Cristie Luis , Silva Rodrigo da , Mendes Filho Anibal de Andrade , Kliauga Andrea Madeira , Rovere Carlos Alberto Della
Published: December 2024

The long-term corrosion resistance of commercially pure aluminum (AA1050) processed by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) was evaluated in a saline environment. The study compared the microstructure and corrosion behavior of ECAP-processed samples in route A with 1X, 4X, and 8X passes to an annealed sample using a 3.5% NaCl solution. Characterization techniques, including optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), were employed. Results indicate that ECAP processing enhances the passive corrosion resistance compared to the undeformed sample. However, the improvement in corrosion resistance did not consistently increase with the number of ECAP passes. Factors such as the distribution of high- and low-angle grain boundaries, dislocation density, and fragmentation and redistribution of coarse dispersoid particles play a significant role in the corrosion behavior post-ECAP. Additionally, findings suggest that long-term immersion tests are required to obtain a more reliable electrochemical response.