bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bio-Stimulated Lower Limb Rehabilitation Robot Semantic Analogy Fit Design
Authors: Yao Tianyi , Yu Hongfei , Qin Zhongzhi , Sun Li , Wu Jiantao
Published: February 2025

In order to solve the problem of insufficient design applicability in the field of lower limb rehabilitation, such as interaction, experience comfort, and modeling color, a biological excitation function system was used to guide the solution of the functional scheme of lower limb rehabilitation products, and the transformation of lower limb rehabilitation products in functional interaction, experience, and morphological color design driven by biological information-driven cross-domain mapping was improved. We used patent knowledge mining to study the product functional requirements of lower limb rehabilitation products. The results were used to screen the required biological prototypes, and the biological incentives were used to guide the design problems. According to the principle of analogy and similarity calculation, the similarity matrix was obtained, and then the strategy was analyzed. Through the analogy of functional system–product technology engineering systems, the engineering relationship between multi-biological and multi-design elements was determined. We realized the biological replacement and upgrading of product functions under biological stimulation to guide the design of lower limb rehabilitation products. The accurate quantitative biological information of multi-biological analogy fit has the significance of optimizing the training effect, improving the operation efficiency, and improving the morphology and modeling of the lower limb rehabilitation product engineering transformation and design. The acquisition rate of the functional design requirements of lower limb rehabilitation products based on text mining reached 95%, and the accuracy of the biological design prototype obtained through similarity calculation was higher than 79%, which verified the feasibility of the accurate bioinformatics design method and improved the rigor of the bioinformatics biomimetic design method.
A Novel Bulk Planar Junctionless Field-Effect Transistor for High-Performance Biosensing
Authors: Son Jeongmin , Heo Chan , Kim Hyeongyu , Meyyappan M. , Kim Kihyun
Published: February 2025

Biologically sensitive field-effect transistors (BioFETs) have advanced the biosensing capabilities in various fields such as healthcare, security and environmental monitoring. Here, we propose a junctionless BioFET (JL-BioFET) for the high-sensitivity and low-cost detection of biomolecules and analyze it using detailed device simulations. In contrast to the conventional FET with junctions, the JL-BioFET simplifies fabrication by doping the source, channel and drain simultaneously with the same types of impurities, thereby reducing the fabrication effort and cost. Additionally, if the device is designed with optimal bias, it can operate with only the source and drain terminals, which reduces power consumption. Thus, cost reduction and reduced power consumption are strong motivations to pursue a new design. Therefore, we simulated two JL-BioFET structures (SOI JL, bulk JL) that operate without a gate electrode and compared their biosensing performances. The bulk JL-BioFET showed an average sensitivity three times higher than that of the SOI JL-BioFET across varying charge levels. Then, we optimized the sensing performance of the bulk JL-BioFET by adjusting three key parameters: the active layer thickness and the doping concentrations of the active layer and substrate. These encouraging results are expected to lead to future fabrication efforts to realize bulk JL-BioFETs for high-performance biosensing.
Curcumin Electroanalysis at a Disposable Graphite Electrode
Authors: Cheregi Mihaela-Carmen , Tirsoaga Alina , Ion Cosmina , Iorgulescu Emilia-Elena , David Iulia Gabriela , Noor Hassan
Published: February 2025

Curcumin (CU, turmeric), a polyphenolic phytochemical that is largely used as a food spice, has benefits for human health, which have led to increased interest in its therapeutic applications and its analysis from different matrices. The two guaiacol moieties of CU are responsible for its antioxidant properties and allow for its voltammetric quantification. Cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) investigations at a single-use pencil graphite electrode (PGE) emphasized complex pH-dependent electrode processes, involving an equal number of protons and electrons. Theoretical calculations predicted a folded geometry for the β-diketone CU conformers, which interact with the PGE surface, exposing the electroactive moieties of only one aromatic ring. The Gibbs energy variations of the structures involved in CU electro-oxidation and the theoretical electrochemical potential values were calculated. CU’s DPV cathodic peak intensity recorded at an HB-type PGE in 0.05 mol × L−1 H2SO4 varied linearly in the range 5.00 × 10−8–5.00 × 10−6 mol × L−1 CU. The method’s detection and quantification limits were 2.12 × 10−8 mol × L−1 and 6.42 × 10−8 mol × L−1, respectively. The practical applicability of the developed method, successfully tested by CU assessment in dietary supplements, provided a recovery of 99.28 ± 2.04%.
On the Feasibility of SERS-Based Monitoring of Drug Loading Efficiency in Exosomes for Targeted Delivery
Authors: Liu Jun , Srivastava Siddharth , Li Tieyi , Moujane Faycal , Lee John Y. , Chen Yiqing , Liu Huinan , Deng Sophie X. , Xie Ya-Hong
Published: February 2025

Cancer, a significant cause of mortality, necessitates improved drug delivery strategies. Exosomes, as natural drug carriers, offer a more efficient, targeted, and less toxic drug delivery system compared to direct dispersal methods via ingestion or injection. To be successfully implemented as drug carriers, efficient loading of drugs into exosomes is crucial, and a deeper understanding of the loading mechanism remains to be solved. This study introduces surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) to monitor drug loading efficacy at the single vesicle level. By enhancing the Raman signal, SERS overcomes limitations in Raman spectroscopy. A gold nanopyramids array-based SERS substrate assesses exosome heterogeneity in drug-loading capabilities with the help of single-layer graphene for precise quantification. This research advances targeted drug delivery by presenting a more efficient method of evaluating drug-loading efficiency into individual exosomes through SERS-based monitoring. Furthermore, the study explores leveraging osmotic pressure variations, enhancing the efficiency of drug loading into exosomes.
Perceptual Sensitivity to Tactile Stimuli Is Enhanced When One Is Aware That Tactile Stimulus Intensity Is Self-Controlled
Authors: Oda Hitoshi , Fukuda Shiho , Kunimura Hiroshi , Kawasaki Taku , Gao Han , Futamura Moritaka , Hiraoka Koichi
Published: February 2025

Background and objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether perceptual sensitivity to tactile stimulus is affected by awareness of who controls the stimulus intensity. Methods: Thirteen healthy participants took part in this study. A participant held a dial and an experimenter held the other dial. One dial was to control the intensity of the tactile stimulus while the other (dummy dial) was inactive. The intensity of the tactile stimulus to the participant’s index finger providing each 1 s was increased by the participant or by someone else with or without the participants viewing a dial controlling the stimulus intensity. Results and conclusions: The stimulus intensity at the perceptual threshold, when controlled by the participant, was significantly lower compared to when controlled by someone else, regardless of visual availability. This indicates that awareness of the self-control of the tactile stimulus intensity enhances tactile sensitivity. The electrodermal level immediately preceding the stimulus at the perceptual threshold was significantly lower when the participant controlled the stimulus intensity compared to when it was controlled by someone else, with eyes closed. The electrodermal levels immediately before the perceptual threshold stimulus, when triggered by another person, were significantly higher with the eyes closed. These electrodermal findings suggest that cognitive stress is greater when the timing of the initial tactile perception is difficult to predict.
Cognitive Priming During Warmup Enhances Sport and Exercise Performance: A Goldilocks Effect
Authors: Díaz-García Jesús , Rubio-Morales Ana , Manzano-Rodríguez David , García-Calvo Tomás , Ring Christopher
Published: February 2025

Background: Mental fatigue can impair sport, exercise and cognitive performance. Warmup activities can improve performance when the individual is rested. However, their effectiveness when individual is fatigued has yet to be established. The research objectives were to evaluate the effects of physical and combined physical plus cognitive warmup activities on subsequent sport, exercise, and cognitive performance when rested and fatigued by sleep restriction in athletes (Study 1) and older adults (Study 2). Methods: In Study 1, 31 padel players completed a padel performance test and Stroop task after physical and combined warmups when rested and fatigued by sleep deprivation. In Study 2, 32 older adults completed sit–stand, arm curl, walking, Stroop, and psychomotor vigilance tests after no warmup, physical warmup, and combined warmup when rested and fatigued by sleep deprivation. In both studies, combined warmups intermixed short-, medium-, or long-duration cognitive tasks between physical warmup activities. Mental fatigue was measured using visual analog scale ratings. Results: In both studies, sleep deprivation increased mental fatigue and impaired performance. In Study 1, relative to a physical warmup, padel and Stroop performance were improved by combined warmups (with short-to-medium cognitive tasks) when rested and fatigued. In Study 2, relative to no warmup, sit–stand, arm curl, walking, Stroop, and reaction time performance were improved by physical and combined warmups (with short-to-medium cognitive tasks) when rested and fatigued. Conclusions: The negative effects of sleep deprivation on sport, exercise, and cognitive performance were best mitigated by combined warmups with short-to-medium cognitive tasks. Combined warmups are effective countermeasures against the deleterious effects of mental fatigue on performance.
The pCREB/BDNF Pathway in the Hippocampus Is Involved in the Therapeutic Effect of Selective 5-HT Reuptake Inhibitors in Adult Male Rats Exposed to Blast Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Fan Xiaolin , Wang Hong , Lv Xiaoqiang , Wang Qi , Yu Boya , Li Xiao , Li Liang , Zhang Yuhao , Ma Ning , Lu Qing , Qian Airong , Gao Junhong
Published: February 2025

Background: Blast traumatic brain injury (bTBI) can result in depression-like behaviors in the acute and chronic phases. SSRIs have been shown to significantly alleviate depression-like behaviors in animal models of traumatic brain injury (TBI) by increasing serotonin (5-HT) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus. However, the therapeutic effects of SSRIs on depression caused by bTBI remain unclear. Objective: Therefore, this study was aimed at investigating the therapeutic effects of SSRIs on depression-like behaviors in bTBI models. Methods: We created a rat model to study mild TBI by subjecting rats to increased blast overpressures (BOP) and injecting fluoxetine and escitalopram SSRIs intraperitoneally for 28 days. Results: On day 14 post-BOP exposure, rats treated with SSRIs showed decreased depression-like behaviors. This finding was accompanied by higher 5-HT levels in the hippocampus and increased numbers of Nestin-positive cells in the dentate gyrus. Furthermore, rats treated with SSRIs exhibited increased pCREB and BDNF protein expression in the hippocampus on days 7, 14, and 28 after bTBI. Conclusions: Overall, our findings indicate that SSRI-induced recovery from depression-like behaviors after mild bTBI is associated with the upregulation of 5-HT levels, pCREB and BDNF expression, and neurogenesis in the hippocampus.
Smart Digital Solutions for EARLY Treatment of COGNitive Disability (EARLY-COGN^3): A Study Protocol
Authors: Cotelli Maria , Baglio Francesca , Gobbi Elena , Campana Elena , Pagnoni Ilaria , Cannarella Giovanna , Del Torto Alessandro , Rossetto Federica , Comanducci Angela , Tartarisco Gennaro , Calabrò Rocco Salvatore , Campisi Simona , Maione Raffaela , Saraceno Claudia , Dognini Elisa , Bellini Sonia , Bortoletto Marta , Binetti Giuliano , Ghidoni Roberta , Manenti Rosa
Published: February 2025

Background: Healthy cognitive functioning is a primary component of well-being, independence, and successful aging. Cognitive deficits can arise from various conditions, such as brain injury, mental illness, and neurological disorders. Rehabilitation is a highly specialized service limited to patients who have access to institutional settings. In response to this unmet need, telehealth solutions are ideal for triggering the migration of care from clinics to patients’ homes. Objectives: The aim of EARLY-COGN^3 will be threefold: (1) to test the efficacy of a digital health at-home intervention (tele@cognitive protocol) as compared to an unstructured cognitive at-home rehabilitation in a cohort of patients with Chronic Neurological Diseases (CNDs); (2) to investigate its effects on the biomolecular and neurophysiological marker hypothesizing that people with CNDs enrolled in this telerehabilitation program will develop changes in biological markers and cortical and subcortical patterns of connectivity; (3) to analyze potential cognitive, neurobiological, and neurophysiological predictors of response to the tele@cognitive treatment. Method: In this single-blind, randomized, and controlled pilot study, we will assess the short- and long-term efficacy of cognitive telerehabilitation protocol (tele@cognitive) as compared to an unstructured cognitive at-home rehabilitation (Active Control Group—ACG) in a cohort of 60 people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Subjective Cognitive Complaints (SCCs), or Parkinson’s Disease (PD). All participants will undergo a clinical, functional, neurocognitive, and quality of life assessment at the baseline (T0), post-treatment (5 weeks, T1), and at the 3-month (T2) follow-up. Neurophysiological markers and biomolecular data will be collected at T0 and T1. Conclusions: EARLY-COGN^3 project could lead to a complete paradigm shift from the traditional therapeutic approach, forcing a reassessment on how CNDs could take advantage of a digital solution. (clinicaltrials.gov database, ID: NCT06657274)
Sexual and Agency Norms: Effect on Young Women’s Self-Perception and Attitude Toward Sexual Consent
Authors: Sánchez-Fuentes María del Mar , Hidalgo-Muñoz Antonio Rafael , Moyano Nieves , Gómez-Berrocal Carmen
Published: February 2025

Background: The sexual double standard (SDS) governs behaviors related to sexual activity and abstinence, promoting negative evaluations of sexually assertive women. Conversely, the sexual agency norm encourages young women to express their sexuality freely. This study explores how this complex normative context, combining SDS and sexual agency norms, impacts young women’s self-concept and attitudes toward sexual consent. Methods: A total of 154 Spanish university women (Mage = 19.69 years; SD = 2.23) participated in a 2 × 2 quasi-experimental design [Personal Reputation Threat: Sexual Activity vs. Sexual Abstinence × Agency Belief Affirmation: High vs. Low]. Participants completed a self-perception measure and the Spanish Adaptation of the Sexual Consent Scale-Revised. Results: Personal Reputation Threat influenced positive self-evaluation, with higher scores in the Sexual Activity (vs. Abstinence) condition. Agency Belief Affirmation also affected self-evaluation, with higher scores in the low-agency (vs. high-agency) condition. An interaction effect emerged on attitudes favoring sexual consent: participants showed greater support for sexual consent when devalued for sexual assertiveness rather than abstinence, but only under low-agency belief affirmation. These findings highlight identity conflicts and inconsistent sexual attitudes that young women may experience within the complex normative frameworks of contemporary Western societies.
Alcohol and Cannabis Perceived Descriptive and Injunctive Norms, Personal Use, and Consequences Among 2-Year College Students
Authors: Duckworth Jennifer C. , Morrison Kristi M. , Lee Christine M.
Published: February 2025

Two-year college students represent 35% of U.S. undergraduates, yet substance use among them is understudied. Grounded in Social Norms Theory, the present study examined alcohol and cannabis use prevalence and associations between perceived peer use (descriptive norms), approval of use (injunctive norms), and personal use among 2-year students. We also explored whether identification with the reference group or age moderated associations. Data were collected from May through August of 2020 from 1037 2-year college students in Washington State (screening sample) aged 18–29. Of these, 246 participants who reported recent, moderate alcohol and/or cannabis use completed a follow-up survey. Screening survey participants reported past-month alcohol and cannabis use and demographics, while follow-up participants provided data on perceived peer descriptive and injunctive norms and group identification. Screening participants reported drinking an average of 3.32 (SD = 7.76) drinks weekly and being high for 8.18 h (SD = 20.95). Follow-up participants overestimated peer alcohol and cannabis use. Regression analyses showed perceived descriptive alcohol and cannabis norms were positively associated with personal use, and perceived injunctive alcohol norms were positively related to alcohol-related consequences. Differences by student age were also observed. Findings suggest perceived peer norms are risk factors for substance use behaviors among 2-year college students. Tailored normative feedback interventions may reduce high-risk use in this underserved population.
Choosing One’s Words: Conversational Indirectness and Humor Style in Two Distinct Cultural Groups
Authors: Berrios Tanisha Y. , Hu Dun-Ya , Vaid Jyotsna
Published: February 2025

We investigated cultural differences in the relationship between conversational indirectness and styles of humor use. Our study compared responses of English first language (L1) users (n = 56) and Korean first language users studying in the US (n = 32) on the conversational indirectness scale) and the humor styles questionnaire. We found no overall group differences in conversational indirectness. Instead, higher indirectness for interpretation than for production was noted, but only in the English L1 group. This group also showed a positive correlation between interpretation and production scores; no such association was found in the Korean sample. On the humor style measure, scores for affiliative and self-enhancing humor were significantly higher in the English L1 group compared to the Korean group; the English L1 group also showed a positive correlation between these two dimensions, and between self-enhancing and self-defeating humor. Both groups showed low identification with self-defeating and aggressive humor styles. There was a significant positive correlation in the Korean group between these two styles. Finally, an association between conversational indirectness and humor style was noted in each group: in both groups, a significant positive correlation was found between indirectness in production and aggressive humor. Additionally, for the English L1 group a significant positive correlation was found between self-defeating humor and indirectness in production and interpretation. These findings demonstrate cultural differences in humor uses and an intriguing relationship between the tendency to produce linguistic meanings indirectly and uses of humor considered to be less positive.
Exploring Chinese Consumers’ Attitudes Towards Pet Nutritional Products and Their Continuous Purchase Intentions: A Dual-Phase Analysis Using SEM and ANN
Authors: Jin Jiexiang , Yang Binbin
Published: February 2025

As the role of pets evolves, they are increasingly regarded as members of the family. Although incapable of making independent decisions, pets become unique consumer groups through the purchases of specific products and services made by their owners. In China, the pet economy has developed into a novel economic sector. With the growing concern for pet health, the demand for pet nutritional products continues to rise. This study aims to explore Chinese consumers’ attitudes and intentions towards pet nutritional products in this burgeoning market. A survey was carried out on 600 Chinese consumers who had purchased pet nutritional products in 2024. A two-stage analysis using structural equation modeling and artificial neural network examined the correlation within the research model across 506 samples. The results indicate that perceived benefits, perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, and health consciousness positively influence attitudes towards pet nutritional products, while perceived barriers, health risks, and economic risks negatively impact attitudes. The attitudes of consumers significantly enhance their continuous purchase intentions. This study lays an essential groundwork for advancing pet food products, refining marketing approaches, and conducting future research.
The Influence of Perceived Crowdedness on Aggressive Behavior: A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Xie Yue , Dai Wenwu , Yang Zhihui
Published: February 2025

Aggressive behavior not only negatively affects an individual’s psycho-social adaptation but also undermines social harmony and stability. This study investigated the relationship between perceived crowdedness and aggression, examining the mediating role of relative deprivation and the moderating effects of upward social comparison and connectedness to nature based on the general strain theory and the I3 model. A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 848 participants (524 females, 61.8%) aged 20–75 (M = 33.15, SD = 6.83) in China. Structural equation modeling and bootstrapping procedures were used to test the hypothesized moderated mediation model. The results indicated that perceived crowdedness and upward social comparison positively predicted aggressive behavior, whereas connectedness to nature negatively predicted it. Relative deprivation mediated the relationship between perceived crowdedness and aggressive behavior. Only upward social comparison moderated the relationship between perceived crowdedness and relative deprivation, and connectedness to nature showed a marginally significant moderating effect on the relationship between perceived crowdedness and aggressive behavior. Unexpected trends are discussed, along with directions for future research.
How Ambivalence Toward Digital–AI Transformation Affects Taking-Charge Behavior: A Threat–Rigidity Theoretical Perspective
Authors: Pei Xueliang , Guo Jianing , Wu Tung-Ju
Published: February 2025

Digital–AI transformation is revolutionizing the modern workplace, yet its complexity has left many aspects of employee responses underexplored. While previous research has examined some employee reactions to technological change, the nuanced impact of ambivalence toward digital–AI transformation on employees’ proactive behavior remains a largely uncharted area. This is especially significant as proactive behavior is crucial for the successful implementation of digital–AI transformation. While presenting unprecedented opportunities, digital–AI transformation has also triggered intricate psychological responses among employees, with ambivalence toward it being particularly prominent. Building on threat–rigidity theory, this study aims to fill a research gap by exploring the impact of ambivalence on employees’ proactive behavior during digital–AI transformation. Using survey data collected from 343 employees undergoing digital–AI transformation, we tested a structural model linking ambivalence, job engagement, and future work self-salience to taking-charge behavior. The results reveal that ambivalence toward digital–AI transformation negatively affects taking-charge behavior. Furthermore, both future work self-salience and job engagement fully mediate this relationship. Additionally, job engagement and future work self-salience jointly play a chained mediating role in the negative effect of ambivalence toward digital–AI transformation on taking-charge behavior. Our findings provide actionable insights for organizations seeking to mitigate ambivalence and foster proactive employee engagement in digital transformation initiatives.
Breath-Counting Task Enhances the Sensitivity of Fear Acquisition
Authors: Li Xu , Yang Yong , Wang Ranran , Zhou Lehong , Zheng Xifu
Published: February 2025

Fear acquisition is an essential survival mechanism for humans; however, the role and mechanisms of mindfulness training in this process remain unclear. This study employed a discriminative fear conditioning paradigm to investigate the effects and mechanisms of short-term mindfulness training, exemplified by the breath-counting task, on fear acquisition. The experiment consisted of three consecutive phases: intervention, habituation, and acquisition. During the intervention phase, each participant was assigned to one of two conditions: the breath-counting task group (experimental group) or the free reading group (control group). The results indicated that the mindfulness group exhibited significantly lower expectancy ratings for shocks to the CS− compared to the control group, while no significant difference was found in the shock ratings for CS+. Regarding skin conductance responses, although the mindfulness group showed a significantly reduced fear response to CS relative to the free reading group, there was no significant difference in overall fear acquisition effects between the two groups. The above findings indicate that breath-counting tasks enhance sensitivity to the acquisition of conditioned fear by reducing exaggerated fear responses to safety signals. The conclusions of this study further elucidate the conflicting results regarding the effects of mindfulness training on fear acquisition and provide novel perspectives for the prevention of anxiety spectrum disorders.
Lateral-Torsional Buckling Behavior of Low-Carbon H-Shape Bolted Composite Beams
Authors: Darkwah Kojo Kumah , Lu Linfeng , Liu Bingyou , Huang Zhengzhong , Hao Hanlin
Published: February 2025

The construction industry faces increasing pressure to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. Promoting sustainable practices, such as using hot-rolled H-shapes and minimizing welding, can address these challenges. This study introduces low-carbon H-shape bolted composite beams (HBCBs) as a sustainable alternative. Experimental and numerical investigations into the lateral-torsional buckling behavior of HBCBs demonstrated that high-strength bolts significantly enhance structural stability and capacity. A reliable simulation method was developed and validated based on experimental results. The study reveals that bolt spacing exceeding 1/15 of the beam span has negligible effects on load-bearing capacity, and HBCB performance reaches approximately 95% of plug-welded counterparts. Despite this, longitudinal slip reduction remains challenging, warranting further research to optimize performance.
AI-Enabled Cognitive Predictive Maintenance of Urban Assets Using City Information Modeling—Systematic Review
Authors: Lawal Oluwatoyin O. , Nawari Nawari O. , Lawal Omobolaji
Published: February 2025

Predictive maintenance of built assets often relies on scheduled routine practices that are disconnected from real-time stress assessment, degradation and defects. However, while Digital Twin (DT) technology within building and urban studies is maturing rapidly, its use in predictive maintenance is limited. Traditional preventive and reactive maintenance strategies that are more prevalent in facility management are not intuitive, not resource efficient, cannot prevent failure and either underserve the asset or are surplus to requirements. City Information Modeling (CIM) refers to a federation of BIM models in accordance with real-world geospatial references, and it can be deployed as an Urban Digital Twin (UDT) at city level, like BIM’s deployment at building level. This study presents a systematic review of 105 Scopus-indexed papers to establish current trends, gaps and opportunities for a cognitive predictive maintenance framework in the architecture, engineering, construction and operations (AECO) industry. A UDT framework consisting of the CIM of a section of the University of Florida campus is proposed to bridge the knowledge gap highlighted in the systematic review. The framework illustrates the potential for CNN-IoT integration to improve predictive maintenance through advance notifications. It also eliminates the use of centralized information archiving.
Does Government Expenditure Help Stabilize the Real Estate Market?
Authors: Su Chi-Wei , Sun Mengyu , Qin Meng
Published: February 2025

This research delves into the causal relationship between government expenditure (GE) and housing price (HP) in China, aiming to validate the dynamic equilibrium model. Given the potential for structural shifts, an analysis of the long-term nexus using the full-sample data casts doubt on the reliability of conventional causality tests. To address this, a time-varying rolling-window methodology is utilized to reassess the dynamic causal interplay between the two variables. The findings subsequently underscore a mutual causal association between HP and GE, indicating that changes in one variable can influence and be influenced by changes in the other. Specifically, HP fluctuations positively and negatively impact GE throughout various sub-periods. Conversely, GE has a beneficial influence on HP, aligning with the dynamic equilibrium model. To maintain a relatively consistent HP level, particularly during structural economic transformations, it is crucial to reinforce preventive controls associated with GE and ensure a rational and stable flow of GE into the real estate market. This strategy contributes to obtaining a more accurate understanding of the real estate market’s condition and development, thereby providing a basis for governmental policy-making and adjustments to preserve market stability and promote healthy growth.
Action-Oriented Deep Reinforcement Learning Method for Precast Concrete Component Production Scheduling
Authors: Yang Rongzheng , Xu Shuangshuang , Li Hao , Zhu Hao , Zhao Hongyu , Wang Xiangyu
Published: February 2025

In the production scheduling of precast concrete components, decision makers often face the challenges of complex decision making and incomplete decision information due to the lack of real-time and comprehensive insights into subsequent production stages after the initial scheduling phase. To address these, this study proposes an action-oriented reinforcement learning (AO-DRL) method aimed at minimizing the maximum completion time. Firstly, the set of unscheduled components is defined as the action space, eliminating the need for designing extensive dispatching rules. Secondly, dynamic processing features that evolve with the production environment are extracted as action representations, providing the agent with comprehensive decision-making information. Thirdly, the Double Deep Q-Network (DDQN) algorithm is employed to train the AO-DRL model, enabling it to capture the dynamic relationship between the production environment and the unscheduled components for effective scheduling decisions. Finally, the proposed approach is validated using randomly generated samples across various problem scales. The experimental results demonstrate that AO-DRL outperforms traditional rule-based methods and heuristic algorithms while exhibiting strong generalization capabilities.
Public–Private Partnerships in Urban Regeneration Projects: The Italian Context and the Case of “Porta a Mare” in Livorno
Authors: Vale de Paula Paula , Cunha Marques Rui , Gonçalves Jorge Manuel
Published: February 2025

Urban regeneration projects have been used in urban planning in different cities to recover strategic areas and combat new land consumption. Often, Public–Private Partnership (PPP) agreements are signed to meet the demands of these projects. In the Italian case, PPP arrangements can be one of three types, namely, contractual, institutionalized, and negotiable. Urban regeneration, in the Italian context, aims to increase the value of the existing infrastructure. Despite this, there are several obstacles to how these practices are developed, which demand more attention to be paid to the enabling environment and the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) that can improve the performance of these practices. Based on this, this study aims to analyze the Italian context of PPP arrangements in urban regeneration projects and the specific case of the Livorno “Porta a Mare”. To this end, the study adopts a previously established CSFs framework. The data analyzed are derived from secondary sources obtained through documentary collection and primary sources obtained through interviews. Regarding the PPP process, the results indicate the commitment of the public and private sectors, despite limitations in the selection process and the lack of public participation. Concerning urban regeneration, although not yet completed, the project allocates a significant area of waterfront to urban use.
The Bearing Capacity Model of Pile Foundation with Hole-Drilling and Pile-Inserting Technology in Complex Geological Environments
Authors: Wang Yi , Lu Guoyun , Zhang En , Zhao Cheng , Wang Wei , Dong Fenghui
Published: February 2025

Karst geology creates a complex environment with diverse landforms, blurred boundaries, and multi-factor interactions. This paper presents a new drilling pile installation method: drill to a set depth, clean the hole, insert prefabricated piles, and drive or vibrate them to the target elevation. It suits tough geological conditions well. Pile foundations bear both axial and lateral eccentric loads. To explore prestressed high-strength concrete (PHC) pile foundations under eccentric vertical loads in karst areas, on-site bearing capacity tests were conducted. The results show that as load eccentricity increases, PHC pile foundation-bearing capacity drops notably. A finite element model was developed to analyze the stress and strain behavior of PHC pile foundations under eccentric loading in complex geological conditions, aiming to assess their bearing capacity and stability. Key findings include: (1) Under constant external load, the maximum displacement of the PHC pile foundation increases with greater load eccentricity. (2) Enhanced concrete strength reduces the maximum displacement of the pile foundation, while the peak stress remains stable. (3) The height of karst caves has a minimal impact on the bearing capacity and deformation of PHC pile foundations. These results highlight the importance of considering load eccentricity, concrete strength, and cave height in optimizing the design of PHC pile foundations for safety in complex geological settings.
Wood Frame Walls Designed with Low Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Wind Shields
Authors: Jensen Nickolaj Feldt , Rasmussen Torben Valdbjørn , Hofmann Lars
Published: February 2025

In response to concerns over resource shortages and environmental impacts, biobased materials are increasing in popularity. This includes an interest in replacing traditional vapour control systems, including polyethene (PE) membranes. However, the susceptibility of these materials to moisture-related degradation poses challenges. This study examines the water vapour diffusion resistance of the vapour retarder and the wind shield as key properties. Examining wood frame walls designed with low water vapour diffusion resistance wind shields, this study analyses the necessary properties of the vapour retarder as a function of the properties of the wind shield. We evaluated exterior wood frame walls that were thermally insulated with materials including mineral wool and biobased options such as flax, grass, wood fibre, straw, and cellulose. Using WUFI Pro software, we determined the relations between properties necessary to prevent mould growth. Hygrothermal simulations determined the necessary properties of the vapour retarder as a function of the properties of the wind shield. Analyses were carried out in temperate cold climates. Wind shield diffusion tightnesses ranging from 0.01 to 1 (m2·s·GPa)/kg were evaluated. Assessments were performed for walls with a U-value of 0.15 and 0.10 W/(m2·K). The indoor humidity classes 1 to 3, as defined in EN ISO 13788, were used for the simulations. The results indicate that the necessary properties of the vapour retarder depend on the properties of the wind shield, as well as the insulation material, the indoor humidity, and the U-value. As the wind shield diffusion tightness decreases, the necessary vapour retarder diffusion tightness also decreases, eventually reaching a fixed value determined by the insulation material, the indoor humidity, and the U-value.
Optimization of the Full Hydrolysis of Babassu Oil by Combi-Lipases
Authors: Santos Rayan P. S. , Araujo Lucas L. , Oliveira Airton A. , da Silva Thamyres F. , Rocha Thales G. , Fernandez-Lafuente Roberto , Monteiro Rodolpho R. C. , Vieira Rodrigo S.
Published: February 2025

The concept of combi-lipases is herein explored in the full hydrolysis of babassu oil. The commercially immobilized lipases from Candida antarctica (form B) (Novozym® 435), Rhizomucor miehei (Lipozyme® RM-IM), and Thermomyces lanuginosus (Lipozyme® TL-IM) were evaluated as single and combined biocatalysts by a mixture design with triangular surface. As a result, after evaluating the response desirability profiling for all biocatalysts, the best biocatalyst in the reaction was the combi-lipases composed of 75% of Lipozyme® RM-IM, 17% of Novozym® 435, and 8% of Lipozyme® TL-IM, reaching full hydrolysis (>99%) after 4 h of reaction. Subsequently, such combi-lipases were employed as biocatalysts in the optimization of the reaction in a shorter reaction time (3 h). After optimization by the Taguchi method, full hydrolysis (>99%) was reached under optimized reaction conditions (9 wt.% of biocatalyst content, 1:2 (oil/water), 40 °C, and 180 rpm). Under such conditions, the combi-lipases maintained 70% of their initial activity after 10 reaction cycles. The antimicrobial activity against some of the most common environmental bacteria of the obtained free fatty acids (FFAs) was also evaluated. The FFAs inhibited more than 90% of the growth of S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosus when using 10 mg FFAs/mL.
Packed Bed Microreactors for Sustainable Chemistry and Process Development
Authors: Zhang Lu , Yue Jun
Published: February 2025

Microreactor technology is seen as a promising approach to achieve green and sustainable synthesis in chemical fields because of the significant process intensification and fine control over reaction parameters caused by the miniaturization of reactor scale. The incorporation of solid catalysts as a packed bed in microreactors opens numerous opportunities for the efficient heterogeneous catalysis that plays a pivotal role in many industrially relevant chemical processes. In this review, the recent development in the use of packed bed microreactors as a versatile research tool and intensified production unit will be highlighted in the application areas including the synthesis of valuable chemicals and fuels, high-throughput catalyst screening, and kinetic/chemistry investigation. Selected reaction examples involving different reactant phases and catalyst categories will be particularly discussed, with an emphasis on the reactor performance in relation to the fundamental chemistry and engineering principles under microflow. In the end, future challenges and the outlook of packed bed microreactors for sustainable chemistry and process development will be provided.
Respiratory Support Strategies for Surgical Neonates: A Review
Authors: Alberti Piero , Ade-Ajayi Niyi , Greenough Anne
Published: February 2025

Neonates with congenital conditions which require surgical management frequently experience respiratory distress. This review discusses the management of pulmonary complications and the respiratory support strategies for four conditions: oesophageal atresia-tracheoesophageal fistula (OA-TOF), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), congenital lung malformations (CLM), and anterior abdominal wall defects (AWD). Mechanical ventilation techniques which can reduce the risk of ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) are discussed, as well as the use of non-invasive respiratory support modes. While advances in perioperative respiratory support have improved outcomes in infants with OA-TOF, managing respiratory distress in premature OA-TOF neonates remains a challenge. In CDH infants, a randomised trial has suggested that conventional ventilation may improve outcomes compared to high-frequency ventilation. Echocardiographic assessment is essential in the management of CDH infants with pulmonary hypertension. Lung-protective ventilation settings may lower the rate of postoperative complications in symptomatic CLM infants, but there remains debate regarding the choice of expectant versus surgical management in neonates with asymptomatic CLMs. Infants with AWDs can require ventilation due to pulmonary hypoplasia, but the effects of this on their long-term respiratory health are poorly understood. As surgical techniques continue to evolve and novel ventilation techniques become available, prospective multi-centre studies will be required to define the optimal respiratory support strategies for neonatal surgical conditions that affect lung function.
Genetic Analysis and Fingerprint Construction for Isatis indigotica Fort. Using SSR Markers
Authors: Xing Xiangyu , Xu Haijun , Dong Yan , Cui Hanwen , Sun Mingrui , Wang Hong , Liu Yang , Meng Li , Zheng Chunying
Published: February 2025

Isatis indigotica Fort. is a traditional medicinal plant, which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. Despite the development and licensing of several cultivars in recent years, morphological similarity among cultivars complicates their identification. The genetic diversity within I. indigotica significantly impacts the biosynthesis of bioactive substances. To elucidate genetic relationships and evaluate bioactive compounds, I. indigotica cultivars were analyzed using SSR markers. A total of 109 alleles were identified across 29 cultivars at 20 SSR loci, exhibiting a genetic diversity with an average polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.46. Phylogenetic, principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), and Bayesian clustering revealed that genetic relationships were largely independent of geographic origin, potentially due to regional transplantations. Notably, some cultivars with distinct leaf sizes showed clear genetic differentiation, highlighting their potential as candidates for quality evaluation. A fingerprint was successfully constructed using five SSR markers. These findings provide technical support for cultivar identification, quality evaluation, and intellectual property protection of I. indigotica cultivars.
Study on the Relationship Between WC Coating Thickness and Residual Stress Using Critical Refracted Ultrasonic Longitudinal Waves
Authors: Xu Darui , Zhang Xiangyu , Pelenovich Vasiliy O. , Pohrebniak Oleksandr , Yang Bing , Zhang Jun , Chen Yanming
Published: February 2025

Tungsten carbide (WC) coatings of varying thicknesses were prepared using electrical discharge deposition technology. Relevant characterizations were conducted to analyze the residual stress in the WC coatings from a microscopic perspective, and this residual stress was measured using X-ray diffraction technology. Under isothermal conditions, a novel method for detecting the residual stress of the coatings utilizing critical refractive longitudinal (LCR) waves was employed to investigate the relationship between the residual stress of the WC coatings and their thickness. According to acoustic elastic theory, LCR stress measurement is based on the principle that stress within the material alters the propagation characteristics of ultrasonic waves. After correcting the effect of coating thickness on LCR propagation, the detection results of the LCR wave indicate that the compressive stress present in the coating may cause the substrate to exhibit a certain degree of tensile stress. At a coating thickness of 6–13 µm, as the thickness of the WC coating increases, the residual compressive stress within the coating gradually rises, leading to an increase in tensile stress on the substrate. However, at coating thicknesses of 13–16 µm, the changes in tensile stress on the substrate become minimal or even decrease, despite the continued increase in compressive stress within the WC coating. The relationship curve derived from the matrix surface aligns more closely with a quadratic function, while the curve obtained from the coating surface corresponds more to a linear function. This study employs LCR waves to detect residual stress in coatings, and the results indicate that LCR waves hold significant potential for application in the field of residual stress detection in coatings.
Preparation of a GO@PVP@Ag SERS Substrate and Its Application in the Detection of Phenanthylene in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Liu Junyu , Li Hansheng , Cui Wencan , Sang Shihua , Guan Liang , Zhao Chen
Published: February 2025

This study focuses on the preparation of a highly active surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate, where Ag nanoparticles synthesized by the Lee–Meisel method are loaded onto the surface of GO@PVP nanoparticles through classical electrostatic attraction. The substrate was characterized by SEM and XPS analysis. The SERS-active substrate was utilized for the detection of phenanthrene in aqueous solutions, achieving a detection limit of 10−8 g/L (5.6 × 10−11 mol/L). In comparison to conventional Raman spectroscopy, this method exhibits a significant reduction in the detection limit and holds promise for trace polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) monitoring in environmental samples.
A Theoretical and Experimental Study of the Effects of (Mo, Ti, Ni) Microalloying on the Structure, Stability, Electronic Properties, and Corrosion Resistance to Chlorinated Molten Salts of B2-FeAl
Authors: Chen Weiqian , La Peiqing , Wan Lei , Jiang Xiaoming
Published: February 2025

The effects of X-doping (X = Mo, Ti, Ni) on the structure, stability, and electronic properties of B2-FeAl supercells, as well as the migration behavior of Cl atoms between interstitial sites and the corrosion behavior of FeAl coatings in molten chloride, were investigated by combining the first principles based on density functional theory (DFT) experiments. Our results confirmed that Mo and Ti atoms are more likely to replace Al atoms in B2-FeAl supercells, while Ni atoms preferentially replace Fe atoms. A single Cl atom is more inclined to be adsorbed at the tetrahedral (Tet) interstitial site of bulk B2-FeAl, and its formation energy Ef=− 2.504 eV, indicating that it can very easily invade FeAl alloys. (Mo, Ti, Ni) doping inhibited the diffusion of Cl atoms in the bulk B2-FeAl configuration and enhanced the corrosion resistance of the material to chlorinated molten salts, and Ti doping (overcoming the energy barrier by 0.326 eV) had the most obvious blocking effect. Based on the theoretical conclusions, this experimental study prepared an FeAl coating on 310S stainless steel with a Ni content of 20.22 wt.% at 800 °C for 15 h, which was then annealed at 900 °C for 25 h, and Ni was uniformly dissolved in the B2-FeAl phase. Subsequently, the annealed FeAl coating was corroded in molten chlorinated salts at 800 °C for 100 h, and an oxide layer with a thickness of 25–35 µm formed on the surface; the main components of this layer were Al2O3, NiFe2O4, and their solid solutions, which significantly improved the corrosion resistance of 310S stainless steel to chlorinated molten salt.