bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Data-Driven Assessment of Redesign Initiatives in Financial Management Processes
Authors: Tsakalidis George , Vergidis Kostas
Published: February 2025

Business Process Redesign (BPR) is a fundamental approach to enhancing efficiency, compliance, and digital transformation in public sector operations. Despite extensive theoretical advancements, its application in real-world settings remains limited. This study addresses this gap by applying the BPR Assessment Framework to business processes within the Greek Public Financial Management (PFM) domain, specifically analyzing workflows from the Greek Customs Service and the Financial and Economic Crime Unit (S.D.O.E.). This research employs a structured methodology that integrates internal process metrics with clustering techniques to systematically classify processes based on their redesign potential. The findings reveal that a significant proportion of public sector workflows demonstrate high redesign capacity, highlighting opportunities for efficiency gains and improved regulatory compliance. Furthermore, this study identifies key challenges, such as organizational resistance and technological constraints, that impact BPR implementation. By demonstrating the framework’s applicability in a complex, operational environment, this study provides actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners. Specifically, the results show how structured process evaluation enables targeted redesign initiatives that streamline administrative workflows, enhance compliance with financial regulations, and support digital transformation in public administration. These insights contribute to advancing BPR practices by bridging the gap between theoretical development and real-world application, offering a replicable methodology for improving public sector efficiency.
Synthesis and Molecular Structure of Iron(III) Diaryl-Dithiocarbamate Complexes, [Fe(S2CNAr2)3], and a Preliminary Study Exploring Their Potential as Single-Source Precursors for Nanoscale Iron Sulfides
Authors: Sarker Jagodish C. , Cole Tannith-Jade , Xu Xiang , Alam Firoz , McNaughter Paul D. , Cockcroft Jeremy K. , Lewis David J. , Hogarth Graeme
Published: February 2025

Diaryldithiocarbamate complexes, [Fe(S2CNAr2)3], have been prepared and their structure, reactivity, and thermal degradation to afford iron sulfide nanomaterials have been investigated. The addition of three equivalents of LiS2CNAr2 to FeCl2·4H2O in water-air affords dark red [Fe(S2CNAr2)3] in high yields. All show magnetic measurements consistent with a predominantly high-spin electronic arrangement at room temperature. The molecular structure of [Fe{S2C(N-p-MeOC6H4)2}3] reveals the expected distorted octahedral geometry, but Fe-S distances are more consistent with a low-spin electronic configuration, likely a result of the low temperature (120 K) of the data collection. The thermal stability of [Fe{S2C(N-p-MeC6H4)2}3] has been investigated. TGA shows that it begins to decompose at a significantly lower temperature (ca. 160 °C) than previously observed for [Fe(S2CNEt2)3], and this is further lowered (to ca. 100 °C) in oleylamine. The decomposition of [Fe{S2C(N-p-MeC6H4)2}3] in oleylamine, via either a heat-up or hot injection process, affords nanoparticles of Fe3S4 (greigite), while in contrast, dry heating at 450 °C affords FeS (troilite) as large agglomerates.
Gone with Water or Mountain: The Population Genetic Diversity of Rhopalopsole sinensis Yang and Yang, 1993 in China
Authors: Huo Qing-Bo , Yang Yu-Ben , Eichert Anna , Du Yu-Zhou
Published: February 2025

Rhopalopsole sinensis Yang and Yang, 1993 is one of the most widely distributed stoneflies in southern China. In this study, the genetic structure of nine different geographical populations of R. sinensis was studied based on three datasets of the 18S, COI and ITS2 genes. The phylogenetic trees showed that there had been a great degree of genetic differentiation among its nine geographical populations, but the hypothesis of random mating did not support the formation of reproductive isolation among different geographical populations, indicating that R. sinensis did not form cryptic species. The establishment of the 18S gene and ITS2 gene supports the population of (Guangdong + Shaanxi + Sichuan + Guizhou + Fujian) as independent branches, while the population of (Anhui + Zhejiang + Hunan) is another branch. The establishment of COI gene tree supports (Shaanxi + Sichuan + Guizhou + Fujian) as one branch, while the other independent branch is composed of (Anhui + Zhejiang + Guangxi + Hunan + Guangdong) groups. The possible reasons for this situation based on geography and biology are discussed. Our results provide the first reference for the genetic differentiation in Chinese Rhopalopsole stoneflies.
Evaluation of Children and Adolescents with Thalassemia Major in Terms of Osteoporosis: A Single-Centre Experience
Authors: Orhan Özhan , Demir Hasan , Talay Mehmet Nur , Özgün Nezir , Özbek Mehmet Nuri
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to determine the frequency of osteoporosis in children and adolescents with thalassemia major (TM) and to identify risk factors for the early development of osteoporosis. Methods: This retrospective study included 27 patients under 18 years of age receiving regular blood transfusions and chelation therapy for TM at our hospital. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and a lumbar spine Z-score <−2 was considered osteoporotic. Patients with osteoporosis were classified as Group 1 and those without osteoporosis as Group 2. Results: Osteoporosis was detected in 22.2% of the study population. The mean age was 13.83 ± 2.85 years in Group 1 and 7.95 ± 5.05 years in Group 2 (p = 0.012). Body weight and height were significantly lower in Group 1 (p = 0.012 and p = 0.004). Ferritin levels were 5306 ± 1506 ng/mL in Group 1 and 2020 ± 1205 ng/mL in Group 2, and the difference was significant (p = 0.001). Group 1 had significantly lower Ca and P levels (p < 0.001, p = 0.038). BMD was negatively correlated with ferritin (r = −0.791, p < 0.001) and positively correlated with calcium (r = 0.499, p = 0.008). Conclusions: Osteoporosis is a common condition in TM patients. Patients with risk factors should be followed more closely. These patients should be identified before BMD decreases. To prevent osteoporosis, regular BMD scans should be performed, calcium and vitamin D supplementation should be provided, and physical activity should be encouraged.
A Large Language Model-Based Approach for Coding Information from Free-Text Reported in Fall Risk Surveillance Systems: New Opportunities for In-Hospital Risk Management
Authors: Rango Davide , Lorenzoni Giulia , Silva Henrique Salmazo Da , Alves Vicente Paulo , Gregori Dario
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Falls are the most common adverse in-hospital event, resulting in a considerable social and economic burden on individuals, their families, and the healthcare system. This study aims to develop and implement an automatic coding system using large language models (LLMs) to extract and categorize free-text information (including the location of the fall and any resulting injury) from in-hospital fall records. Methods: The study used the narrative description of the falls reported through the Incident Reporting system to the Risk Management Service of an Italian Local Health Authority in Italy (name not disclosed as per research agreement). The OpenAI application programming interface (API) was used to access the generative pre-trained transformers (GPT) models, extract data from the narrative description of the falls, and perform the classification task. The GPT-4-turbo models were used for the classification task. Two independent reviewers manually coded the information, representing the gold standard for the classification task. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were calculated to evaluate the performance of the task. Results: The analysis included 187 fall records with free-text event descriptions detailing the location of the fall and 93 records providing information about the presence or absence of an injury. GPT-4-turbo showed excellent performance, with specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy values of at least 0.913 for detecting the location and 0.953 for detecting the injury. Conclusions: The GPT models effectively extracted and categorized the information, even though the text was not optimized for GPT-based analysis. This shows their potential for the use of LLMs in clinical risk management research.
Intraoperative Surgical Navigation Is as Effective as Conventional Surgery for Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fracture Reduction
Authors: Bănărescu Mădălina , Cavalcante Bianca Golzio Navarro , Ács Márton , Szabó Bence , Harnos Andrea , Hegyi Péter , Varga Gábor , Costan Victor Vlad , Gerber Gábor
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures are the second most common of all facial bone fractures, and conventional treatment represents a challenge even for experienced surgeons. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare Intraoperative Surgical Navigation (ISN) with conventional surgery in the treatment of ZMC fractures. Methods: We reported our systematic review and meta-analysis based on the recommendation of the PRISMA 2020 guideline. The electronic search was conducted on 9 February 2025 in two search engines (PubMed and Web of Science) and two databases (Embase and the Cochrane Library). Randomized controlled trials and observational studies were included. The outcome variables were accuracy, operative time, maximum mouth opening, postoperative stay, amount of bleeding, and cheek numbness. The random-effects model was used for the analysis, and the results were given as mean differences and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI). After duplicate removal, 1961 articles were found. After the selection procedure, five studies were found to be eligible for qualitative and quantitative analysis. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between ISN and conventional surgery regarding the outcomes investigated, except in postoperative average deviation of the zygomatic bone. Our results showed an improvement of 0.64 mm [CI: 0.32, 0.92] zygomatic bone deviation when ISN was used. Conclusions: The results suggest that ISN is as effective as the conventional technique in the treatment of ZMC fractures. However, because of the low number of eligible studies, further randomized controlled trials are necessary to strengthen the level of evidence on this matter.
Estimation of Upper Limb Motor Function and Its Use in Activities of Daily Living Based on the Performance Time Required for the Cylinder Transfer Task in Patients with Post-Stroke Mild Hemiparesis: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sakamoto Daigo , Hamaguchi Toyohiro , Yamamoto Mina , Aoki Risa , Suzumura Kenta , Nakayama Yasuhide , Abo Masahiro
Published: February 2025

Background/Objective: Evaluating the upper limb function of the paretic and non-paretic sides of patients post-stroke is important for predicting the efficient use of the upper limbs in activities of daily living. Although there are evaluation methods that can quantify bilateral upper limb function, they are insufficient for understanding the motor characteristics of individual patients. In this study, we aimed to quantitatively evaluate bilateral upper limb function from the performance time of the cylinder transfer task of The Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure and to estimate the use status of the paralyzed upper limb. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 88 participants with hemiparesis post-stroke. Performance time in the three phases of the cylinder transfer task and the total performance time of these phases were measured. Moreover, existing upper limb function assessments were made. Results: The total performance time of the paralyzed side showed a significant correlation with the existing upper limb function assessments. A regression model was calculated to estimate the score of the existing upper limb function assessment from the performance time of each phase. Conclusions: This new evaluation method is a useful tool for monitoring the recovery of motor paralysis in patients post-stroke. It is our hope that clinicians will use these objective performance data to provide more effective rehabilitation treatment for patients recovering from stroke.
Intelligent Stress Detection Using ECG Signals: Power Spectrum Imaging with Continuous Wavelet Transform and CNN
Authors: Mateo-Reyes Rodrigo , Cruz-Albarran Irving A. , Morales-Hernandez Luis A.
Published: February 2025

Stress is a natural response of the organism to challenging situations, but its accurate detection is challenging due to its subjective nature. This study proposes a model based on depth-separable convolutional neural networks (DSCNN) to analyze heart rate variability (HRV) and detect stress. Electrocardiogram (ECG) signals are pre-processed to remove noise and ensure data quality. The signals are then transformed into two-dimensional images using the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) to identify pattern recognition in the time–frequency domain. These representations are classified using the DSCNN model to determine the presence of stress. The methodology has been validated using the SWELL-KW dataset, achieving an accuracy of 99.9% by analyzing the variability in three states (neutral, time pressure, and interruptions) of the 25 samples in the experiment, scanning the acquired signal every 5 s for 45 min per state. The proposed approach is characterized by its ability to transform ECG signals into time–frequency representations by means of short duration sampling, achieving an accurate classification of stress states without the need for complex feature extraction processes. This model is an efficient and accurate tool for stress analysis from biomedical signals.
The Influence of Religiosity on Muslim Women’s Selection of Fund Providers in Malaysia
Authors: Bouzekouk Salim , Mansor Fadillah
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study is to analyze the factors influencing the attitudes of women investors in the context of Islamic unit trust funds in Malaysia, with a focus on women’s religiosity and on the perceived religiosity of fund providers. Using the UTAUT model, the study examines data from a survey of 263 Muslim women in Malaysia and considers seven key factors: risk aversion, religiosity, price sensitivity, and Islamic financial literacy on the side of the investing women and past performance, perceived religiosity, and perceived risk on the side of the fund providers. The findings indicate that the perceived religiosity of a fund provider has a significant and positive impact on attitude, with positive moderating effects on the women’s own religiosity and Islamic financial literacy, and a negative moderating effect on the women’s price sensitivity. The study also discusses the practical implications of these findings and offers recommendations for fund providers.
Synergies and Conflicts in Dual-Designated UNESCO Sites: Managing Governance, Conservation, Tourism, and Community Engagement at Mount Hakusan Global Geopark and Biosphere Reserve, Japan
Authors: Mammadova Aida , May Susan Maree , Tomita Yoko , Harada Seira
Published: February 2025

UNESCO’s dual designations of Biosphere Reserves (BRs) and Global Geoparks (UGGps) offer unique opportunities for integrating biodiversity and geodiversity conservation with sustainable development. This study investigates the synergies and conflicts between these designations at Mount Hakusan, Japan, the country’s only site with overlapping BR and UGGp territories. Employing qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews and document analysis, the research highlights key governance challenges, conservation impacts, and community engagement outcomes. Findings highlight key synergies, including enhanced global recognition, collaborative educational initiatives, and the potential for interdisciplinary conservation efforts. However, the study also identifies significant conflicts, such as governance inefficiencies, budgetary constraints, and tensions between biodiversity conservation and geotourism priorities. While the BR framework emphasizes ecosystem protection, the UGGp’s focus on geotourism can create challenges in balancing conservation with economic development. Furthermore, low public awareness and limited youth engagement pose barriers to fully realizing the potential benefits of both designations. Recommendations are provided for integrated management strategies, emphasizing multi-stakeholder collaboration, and enhancing community participation to align conservation and tourism objectives. The study enhances the understanding of managing Multi-Internationally Designated Areas (MIDAs) and offers practical strategies to support global conservation and sustainable development initiatives.
Surgical and Neurological Outcomes in Robotic Thymectomy for Myasthenic Patients with Thymoma
Authors: Kuzmych Khrystyna , Nachira Dania , Evoli Amelia , Iorio Raffaele , Sassorossi Carolina , Congedo Maria Teresa , Spagni Gregorio , Senatore Alessia , Calabrese Giuseppe , Margaritora Stefano , Meacci Elisa
Published: February 2025

Background: While the safety and feasibility of robotic thymectomy have been well documented through several studies, the surgical and long-term neurological outcomes in patients with thymomatous myasthenia gravis (MG), particularly in advanced stages, remain scarce. This study aims to evaluate the surgical outcomes in patients undergoing robotic-assisted thymectomy (RATS) for thymoma and to analyze neurological outcomes in patients with myasthenia. Material and Methods: Out of 128 robotic thymectomies performed at our institution between October 2013 and January 2022, clinical and pathological data from 55 patients diagnosed with thymoma were reviewed. Of these, thirty (54.5%) patients had concomitant acetylcholine-receptor-antibody-associated MG. Neurological outcomes were assessed using the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America post-intervention score (MGFA-PIS). Results: Thirty-nine (70.9%) procedures were performed using the left-sided approach. The mean operative time was 196.9 ± 79.9 min in patients with MG compared to 175.8 ± 61.6 min in non-MG patients (p = 0.285). Additionally, patients with MG had a longer in-hospital stay (4.8 ± 2.6 vs. 3.3 ± 2.2 days, p = 0.01) and a significantly higher need for intensive care unit admission (p < 0.01). No deaths were reported. The rates of conversions (3.3% vs. 4.0%, p = 0.895) and complications (p = 0.813) were comparable between the myasthenic and non-myasthenic thymomas. A multivariable analysis identified lung involvement (p = 0.023), vascular involvement (p = 0.04), and extended resection (p = 0.019) as significant risk factors for conversion and complications. The mean age of surgery for patients with MG was 54.5 ± 15.9 years. After a mean follow-up period of 35.6 ± 25.7 months, 18 (60%) patients with myasthenia showed clinical improvement of their condition. Specifically, 2 patients (6.6%) achieved complete stable remission (CSR), 2 (6.6%) experienced pharmacological remission (PR), 12 (40.0%) demonstrated minimal manifestation (MM), and 4 (13.3%) exhibited a combination of PR and MM. Twelve patients (40%) exhibited no changes, maintaining a stable clinical condition. No clinical worsening was observed. The overall improvement rates at 2 years and 5 years were 38% and 83%, respectively. Conclusions: RATS thymectomy is a safe and feasible approach for patients with thymoma. Patients with coexisting MG may benefit through a good rate of neurological improvement.
Analysis of Multi-Zone Reaction Mechanisms in BOF Steelmaking and Comprehensive Simulation
Authors: Xin Zicheng , Liu Qing , Zhang Jiangshan , Lin Wenhui
Published: February 2025

The BOF steelmaking process involves complex physical and chemical reactions, making precise control challenging when relying solely on human experience. Therefore, understanding the reaction mechanisms and developing simulation models for the BOF process are crucial for enhancing control accuracy and advancing intelligent steelmaking. In this study, the physical and chemical behaviors in various reaction zones were first analyzed under actual production conditions using the multi-zone reaction theory. Then, a comprehensive mechanism model for BOF steelmaking was established, and an integrated simulation of metallurgical reactions during the BOF steelmaking process was performed using FactSage thermodynamic software. Finally, the validity of this comprehensive model was verified through actual production data. The results show that the relative deviation of the cumulative decarburization rate ranges from −0.66% to 1.68%, while the absolute deviation of the calculated carbon content curve compared to the actual curve is less than 0.12%. This research helps clarify the variation patterns of key process parameters in BOF steelmaking, playing a significant role in advancing the intelligence of the BOF steelmaking process.
Exploring Selenium-Functionalized Hydroxyapatite Using Organic Selenocystine for Antitumor Applications
Authors: Barbanente Alessandra , Di Cosola Anna Maria , Degli Esposti Lorenzo , Iafisco Michele , Niso Mauro , Margiotta Nicola
Published: February 2025

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient, recognized for its role in cellular redox systems and its therapeutic potential in cancer treatment. Organic selenium compounds, particularly selenocystine (SeCys), have demonstrated anticancer efficacy due to the ability to induce apoptosis and enhance the effects of chemotherapy agents. Recent studies have shown that SeCys exhibits selective toxicity against cancer cells while sparing normal cells. Unfortunately, its clinical application is limited by stability and solubility concerns. A possible solution to overcome these hurdles comes from recent advances in functionalized nanomaterials. In this study, we investigate the possible incorporation of SeCys with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HASeCys) via various methods (adsorption, co-precipitation, and co-precipitation through thermal decomplexation), resulting in the formation of nanocomposites with elemental selenium. The highest elemental selenium yield was achieved with a thermal decomplexing co-precipitation, highlighting the influence of synthesis parameters on Se allotrope formation. Finally, as a preliminary investigation, the HASeCys samples were tested on a panel of cancer cell lines, showing an interesting activity when the hydroxyapatite nanocrystals were functionalized with both crystalline gray and amorphous red selenium.
Machining Scheme Selection of Features Based on Process Knowledge Graph and Improved Cosine Similarity Matching
Authors: Wang Lin , Cheng Hao , Wang Rui , Huang Xunzhuo
Published: February 2025

The machining scheme selection (MSS) for features is to choose the optimal machining scheme for a feature before machining. To solve the issue of excessive human subjectivity in the traditional MSS, this paper proposes a simple and easy-to-use method based on process knowledge graph retrieval and through machining scheme similarity matching. First, process knowledge is extracted using natural language processing techniques, focusing on forming ternary groups such as part–feature, feature–attribute, and scheme–resource to construct a multi-level process knowledge graph. This graph is used to retrieve the available machining schemes for the features. Based on the part property, the feature basic information and manufacturing information are used to establish a feature information model and information coding dimensionality reduction. Then, considering the influence coefficient of the process parameter and the usage coefficient of the machining scheme, an improved cosine similarity formula is designed for MSS. According to the maximum similarity, the optimal machining scheme is matched to the feature. Finally, the effectiveness of this method is verified by selecting the machining schemes for six types of hole features on a typical shell part. The results demonstrate that the recommended schemes by the proposed method closely align with the existing mature schemes.
Stability-Optimized Graph Convolutional Network: A Novel Propagation Rule with Constraints Derived from ODEs
Authors: Chen Liping , Zhu Hongji , Han Shuguang
Published: February 2025

The node representation learning capability of Graph Convolutional Networks (GCNs) is fundamentally constrained by dynamic instability during feature propagation, yet existing research lacks systematic theoretical analysis of stability control mechanisms. This paper proposes a Stability-Optimized Graph Convolutional Network (SO-GCN) that enhances training stability and feature expressiveness in shallow architectures through continuous–discrete dual-domain stability constraints. By constructing continuous dynamical equations for GCNs and rigorously proving conditional stability under arbitrary parameter dimensions using nonlinear operator theory, we establish theoretical foundations. A Precision Weight Parameter Mechanism is introduced to determine critical Frobenius norm thresholds through feature contraction rates, optimized via differentiable penalty terms. Simultaneously, a Dynamic Step-size Adjustment Mechanism regulates propagation steps based on spectral properties of instantaneous Jacobian matrices and forward Euler discretization. Experimental results demonstrate SO-GCN’s superiority: 1.1–10.7% accuracy improvement on homophilic graphs (Cora/CiteSeer) and 11.22–12.09% enhancement on heterophilic graphs (Texas/Chameleon) compared to conventional GCN. Hilbert–Schmidt Independence Criterion (HSIC) analysis reveals SO-GCN’s superior inter-layer feature independence maintenance across 2–7 layers. This study establishes a novel theoretical paradigm for graph network stability analysis, with practical implications for optimizing shallow architectures in real-world applications.
Two-Variable q-General-Appell Polynomials Within the Context of the Monomiality Principle
Authors: Alam Noor , Khan Waseem Ahmad , Kızılateş Can , Ryoo Cheon Seoung
Published: February 2025

In this study, we consider the two-variable q-general polynomials and derive some properties. By using these polynomials, we introduce and study the theory of two-variable q-general Appell polynomials (2VqgAP) using q-operators. The effective use of the q-multiplicative operator of the base polynomial produces the generating equation for 2VqgAP involving the q-exponential function. Furthermore, we establish the q-multiplicative and q-derivative operators and the corresponding differential equations. Then, we obtain the operational, explicit and determinant representations for these polynomials. Some examples are constructed in terms of the two-variable q-general Appell polynomials to illustrate the main results. Finally, graphical representations are provided to illustrate the behavior of some special cases of the two-variable q-general Appell polynomials and their potential applications.
Low Serum Asprosin Levels in Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Uslu Muhammed Fuad , Uslu Emine Yıldırım , Yıldız Sevler , Tabara Muhammed Fatih
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate serum asprosin levels in female patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FM), investigate their associations with clinical parameters such as disease severity, anxiety, and depression, and evaluate the potential of serum asprosin levels as a biomarker for fibromyalgia diagnosis. Materials and Methods: A total of 80 participants were included in the study, 40 women aged 18–60 years who were diagnosed with FM according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2016 criteria and 40 healthy women with similar sociodemographic characteristics to the patient group. All participants were measured for hemograms, biochemistry tests, and serum asprosin levels. Additionally, the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were administered to the patient group. Results: The median asprosin level in the case group was 15.01 (SD = 10.08–31.42), while in the control group it was 31.03 (SD = 25.14–35.7). The asprosin levels in the case group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p = 0.001). In contrast, AST, vitamin B12, and folic acid levels were significantly higher in the case group than in the control group. When all participants were evaluated, asprosin levels showed a significant positive correlation with systolic arterial blood pressure (Rho = 0.337, p = 0.002) and diastolic arterial blood pressure (Rho = 0.238, p = 0.033). A cut-off value of 17.72 ng/mL for asprosin levels in the diagnosis of fibromyalgia demonstrated a sensitivity of 60% and a specificity of 90%. Conclusions: Low asprosin levels may serve as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia in women.
Effects of Interstitial Oxygen Content on Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of TiZrNb Refractory Medium-Entropy Alloy
Authors: Zhang Chen , Chen Caiying , Jiang Li , Li Yanhui , Zhu Zhibin , Chen Fei , Cao Zhiqiang , Zhang Wei
Published: February 2025

Refractory high-entropy or medium-entropy alloys (RHEAs, RMEAs) exhibit outstanding strength and hold significant promise for high-temperature applications. However, their pronounced brittleness at room temperature restricts their industrial application. Recently, the introduction of interstitial oxygen has proven effective in refining the microstructure and improving the mechanical properties of RMEAs. In this study, we investigated the effect of interstitial oxygen content ranging from 0.5 to 6 at.% on the microstructures and mechanical properties of TiZrNb MEA. The alloys display a single BCC structure, showing a dendritic crystal morphology. At an oxygen content of 4 at.%, the alloy shows a room-temperature compressive yield strength of 1300 MPa and compressive strain of over 50%, achieving a balanced strength and ductility combination. Moreover, it shows excellent high-temperature mechanical properties, with yield strength exceeding 500 MPa at 800 °C. The Toda-Caraballo and Labusch theoretical models were used in the study to clarify the strengthening mechanism of the alloys, and the theoretical yield strengths obtained by calculation coincided with the experimental yield strengths. This validation not only confirms that the primary strengthening mechanism is solid solution strengthening, but also proves the reliability of the model in predicting the mechanical properties of MEAs and provides a theoretical basis for the use of interstitial atoms to strengthen MEAs.
Zero-Power, High-Frequency Floating Memristor Emulator Circuit and Its Applications
Authors: Barraj Imen , Neifar Amel , Mestiri Hassen , Masmoudi Mohamed
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a novel passive floating memristor emulator that operates without an external DC bias, leveraging the DTMOS technique. The design comprises only four MOSFETs and eliminates the need for external capacitors. The emulator achieves a high operating frequency of around 250 MHz and consumes zero static power. A comprehensive analysis and simulation, conducted using 180 nm CMOS technology, validates the circuit’s performance. The versatility and effectiveness of the proposed emulator are demonstrated through its application in various circuits, including logic gates, a ring oscillator, and analog filters, highlighting its potential for diverse low-power, high-frequency applications. The proposed emulator provides a compact, efficient, and integrable solution for nanoelectronic circuit designs.
Unveiling the Kadaknath Gut Microbiome: Early Growth Phase Spatiotemporal Diversity
Authors: Nair Amruta , Doijad Swapnil Prakash , Suryavanshi Mangesh Vasant , Dey Anwesha , Singh Malik Satya Veer , Dutilh Bas E. , Barbuddhe Sukhadeo Baliram
Published: February 2025

The early growth phase is a critical period for the development of the chicken gut microbiome. In this study, the spatiotemporal diversity of the gastrointestinal microbiota, shifts in taxonomic composition, and relative abundances of the main bacterial taxa were characterized in Kadaknath, a high-value indigenous Indian chicken breed, using sequencing of the V3–V4 region 16S rRNA gene. To assess microbiome composition and bacterial abundance shifts, three chickens per growth phase (3, 28, and 35 days) were sampled, with microbiota analyzed from three gut regions (crop, small intestine, and ceca) per bird. The results revealed Firmicutes as the most abundant phylum and Lactobacillus as the dominant genus across all stages. Lactobacillus was particularly abundant in the crop at early stages (3 and 28 days), while the ceca exhibited a transition towards the dominance of genus Phocaeicola by day 35. Microbial richness and evenness increased with age, reflecting microbiome maturation, and the analyses of the microbial community composition revealed distinct spatiotemporal differences, with the ceca on day 35 showing the highest differentiation. Pathogen analysis highlighted a peak in poultry-associated taxa Campylobacter, Staphylococcus, and Clostridium paraputrificum in 3-day-old Kadaknath, particularly in the small intestine, underscoring the vulnerability of early growth stages. These findings provide critical insights into age-specific microbiome development and early life-stage susceptibility to pathogens, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to optimize poultry health management and growth performance.
Non-Rhizobial Endophytes (NREs) of the Nodule Microbiome Have Synergistic Roles in Beneficial Tripartite Plant–Microbe Interactions
Authors: Hassen Ahmed Idris , Muema Esther K. , Diale Mamonokane O. , Mpai Tiisetso , Bopape Francina L.
Published: February 2025

Microbial symbioses deal with the symbiotic interactions between a given microorganism and another host. The most widely known and investigated microbial symbiosis is the association between leguminous plants and nitrogen-fixing rhizobia. It is one of the best-studied plant–microbe interactions that occur in the soil rhizosphere and one of the oldest plant–microbe interactions extensively studied for the past several decades globally. Until recently, it used to be a common understanding among scientists in the field of rhizobia and microbial ecology that the root nodules of thousands of leguminous species only contain nitrogen-fixing symbiotic rhizobia. With the advancement of molecular microbiology and the coming into being of state-of-the-art biotechnology innovations, including next-generation sequencing, it has now been revealed that rhizobia living in the root nodules of legumes are not alone. Microbiome studies such as metagenomics of the root nodule microbial community showed that, in addition to symbiotic rhizobia, other bacteria referred to as non-rhizobial endophytes (NREs) exist in the nodules. This review provides an insight into the occurrence of non-rhizobial endophytes in the root nodules of several legume species and the beneficial roles of the tripartite interactions between the legumes, the rhizobia and the non-rhizobial endophytes (NREs).
Structural Regulation of Advanced Platinum-Based Core-Shell Catalysts for Fuel Cell Electrocatalysis
Authors: Wang Xiaqing , Du Panpan , Cheng Kun , Hua Xing , Xie Ming , Li Yuyu , Zheng Yun , Wang Yingying , Pi Chaoran , Zhang Shiming
Published: February 2025

Platinum (Pt), a precious metal extracted from minerals, plays an important role as a catalyst in energy conversion and storage devices. However, Pt is expensive and a limited resource, so it is crucial to maximize its utilization. In the electrocatalytic process, the improvement of its utilization is contingent on enhancing its mass and specific activities, a goal that can be significantly realized through the deposition of a Pt-based shell layer on a nanosubstrate material, thereby producing a core-shell structure. This review gives an important overview on the characteristics of Pt-based core-shell catalysts, the structural regulation of the core-shell, and its effects on the electrocatalytic performance. The core-shell structure can significantly increase the ratio of surface Pt atoms per unit mass of Pt particles. Moreover, the lattice mismatch between the core material and the platinum shell can generate strain, which can modulate the magnitude of the adsorption-desorption force of the platinum-based shell layer on the active intermediates, and thus contribute to the modulation of the catalytic performance. In addition to the aforementioned characteristics, the electrocatalytic performance of Pt-based core-shell catalysts is significantly influenced by the core and shell structures. The core-shell structures have unique advantages over other types of catalysts, leading to the development of advanced Pt-based catalysts.
Differential Evolution and Main Controlling Factors of Inner-Platform Carbonate Reservoirs in Restricted–Evaporative Environment: A Case Study of O2m56 in the Ordos Basin, North China
Authors: Yang Mengying , Tan Xiucheng , Fei Zhaolei , Lu Zixing , Nie Wancai , Xiong Ying , Xiao Di , Xu Jie , Zhong Shoukang , Yong Jingkang
Published: February 2025

The potential for oil and gas exploration within inter-salt reservoirs is substantial, primarily due to their significant heterogeneity, which complicates accurate predictions. This study focuses on the inter-salt reservoirs of the sixth sub-member of the fifth member of the Majiagou Formation (hereafter referred to as O2m56) in the Ordos Basin, North China. Utilizing core samples, thin sections, and petrophysical data, we investigated the differential evolution and primary controlling factors of the inter-salt carbonate reservoirs. The key findings are as follows: (1) During the sedimentary phase of O2m56, high-energy sediments, such as shoals and microbial mounds, were deposited in highlands, while low-energy sediments, including dolomitic lagoons and gypsiferous lagoons, emerged in depressions from west to east. (2) In a restricted–evaporative environment, highlands are prone to karstification, which significantly enhances the development of inter-salt reservoirs and generates a variety of reservoir spaces, including interparticle dissolved pores, growth-framework dissolved pores, and micropores between vadose silts. (3) The presence of alternating highlands and depressions obstructs seawater flow, leading to a progressive increase in salinity from west to east. This process ultimately facilitates the infilling of reservoir spaces with calcite, anhydrite, and halite cements in the same direction. (4) The three components—reservoir rocks, karstification, and infilling features—exert varying effects in the region and collectively govern the north–south distribution of inter-salt reservoirs. Overall, this study examines the characteristics and controlling factors of carbonate reservoirs within a restricted–evaporative platform environment and provides pertinent research cases for the exploration of inter-salt reservoirs.
Simultaneous Removal of Chlorides and Calcium from EAF Dust Wastewater
Authors: Horváthová Hedviga , Miškufová Andrea , Takáčová Zita , Bernardes Andréa Moura , Bureš Radovan , Fáberová Mária , Oráč Dušan
Published: February 2025

This research investigates the sorption efficiencies of various adsorbents—synthesized Hydrotalcite, natural zeolite Clinoptilolite, synthetic zeolite, and waste sludge from aluminum anodic oxidation—for simultaneous removal of Cl⁻ and Ca2⁺ ions from synthetic CaCl₂ solutions and wastewater from EAFD recycling. This study addresses the challenges of wastewater purification options, which were not previously addressed in other studies. The high alkalinity and ionic pollutants in EAFD wastewater make the purification process complex. The fact that adsorbents tested in this study were prepared from metallurgical waste predetermines the process to be more sustainable. Adsorbents were thoroughly characterized before and after calcination and sorption using techniques like AAS, LIBS, XRD, BET, BJH, SEM-EDS, and FTIR spectroscopy. Synthetic zeolite achieved near-complete removal of Ca2⁺ ions, while calcined Hydrotalcite at 500 °C excelled in the simultaneous removal of Cl⁻ and Ca2⁺. Equilibrium sorption capacities of HT were 50.3 mg/g for Cl⁻ and 37 mg/g for Ca2⁺ after 360 min, with efficiencies reaching 85% for Ca2⁺ and 83% for Cl⁻. Additionally, HT effectively removed 82% Pb, 91% Cr, and 40% SO₄2⁻ in 24 h of the sorption process. These findings highlight HT as a promising solution for industrial wastewater treatment, offering sustainable and efficient pollutant removal.
Basal Heave Stability Analysis of Excavations in Bangkok Soft Clay with Confined Groundwater Recovery Using Numerical Modeling
Authors: Puttiwongrak Avirut , Deekaoropkun Thatree , Sin Khin Phyu , Saowiang Krit , Jamsawang Pittaya , Sukontasukkul Piti
Published: February 2025

This study addresses the critical issue of basal heave stability in deep excavations within Bangkok’s soft clay, particularly under conditions of confined groundwater recovery. Historical failures in excavation projects highlight the urgent need for effective stability assessments that account for fluctuating groundwater levels. Utilizing a comprehensive dataset derived from case studies and numerical simulations, this research employs the finite element method (FEM) to analyze the interactions between excavation depth, undrained shear strength, and groundwater dynamics. The findings reveal that groundwater recovery significantly influences effective stress, leading to increased uplift pressures that can destabilize excavation support systems. The numerical analyses indicate that Terzaghi’s method overestimates safety factors, while Bjerrum and Eide’s and Chang’s methods closely match numerical results, emphasizing the need for robust analysis that integrates groundwater effects to enhance stability assessments in urban excavations. Grouting techniques applied 10 m below the diaphragm wall significantly improved stability, with safety factors increasing by 63.47%, 87.86%, and 138.72% over various periods. This study contributes valuable insights into excavation design practices and provides empirical data that can inform future research aimed at mitigating hydraulic heave risks in urban environments. Ultimately, the findings advocate for the integration of advanced modeling techniques in geotechnical engineering to improve safety and structural integrity in excavation projects.
Carbonation and Phase Evolution in MgO-SiO2 Cements: Impact on Strength
Authors: Mármol Gonzalo , Fernández-Jiménez Ana , Blanco-Varela María-Teresa , García-Lodeiro Inés
Published: February 2025

Magnesium silicate hydrate (M-S-H) binders, synthesized from magnesia and silica, exhibit promising mechanical and thermal properties but face challenges in early strength development due to delayed kinetics and limited MgO solubility. This study investigates the impact of early exposure to CO2-saturated atmospheres on MgO-SiO2 cementitious systems, emphasizing the role of carbonation in phase evolution and mechanical performance. Early carbonation promotes the formation of hydrated magnesium hydroxycarbonates (HMHC), altering hydration pathways and reducing M-S-H gel content. Key analyses, including XRD, TGA, SEM-EDS, and FTIR, reveal that higher carbonation levels correlate with reduced Mg(OH)2 stability at early ages, an enhanced precipitation of HMHC phases, and significant effects on mineralogy and strength. Results underscore the influence of formulation, water-to-cement ratio, and early carbonation in optimizing strength and phase development, providing a pathway to more efficient MgO-SiO2 cement systems with reduced reliance on reactive SiO2.
Formation and Chemical Structure of Carbon-13 Tracer Lignin-Carbohydrate Complexes (LCCs) During Kraft Pulping
Authors: Wang Zhi , Xie Yimin , Zhao Boxuan
Published: February 2025

In this study, a modified synthetic method for labeling a lignin dimer (guaiacylglycerol-β-guaiacyl ether-[α-13C]) was developed. The chemical structure of the target compound was analyzed using 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and other analytical techniques. Then, the 13C-labeled phenolic lignin model compound was subjected to kraft pulping in the presence of xylose. Finally, the resulting reaction products were fractionated using acid precipitation and ethyl acetate extraction, and each fraction was analyzed by carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C-NMR) and two-dimensional heteronuclear multiple quantum coherence (HMQC) spectroscopy. This aimed to investigate the occurrence of lignin–carbohydrate complexes (LCCs) during the conventional kraft pulping process. Employing ethanol as the reaction medium facilitated the bromination of 4-acetylguaiacol-[α-13C], resulting in a homogeneous reaction and significantly improving the yield of the brominated product to over 90%. Additionally, kraft pulping of the phenolic lignin model compound in the presence of xylose led to the occurrence of minor quantities of benzyl ether-type lignin–carbohydrate complex (LCC) structures, which were predominantly detected in the ethyl acetate extractive.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of the Antifungal Properties of 3-Indolyl-3-Hydroxy Oxindole Derivatives Against Plant Pathogenic Fungi
Authors: Bai Zhiqiang , Dang Kunrong , Tang Jinrui , Yang Rongjing , Fan Liming , Li Qiu , Yang Yue , Ye Min , Su Fawu
Published: February 2025

To discover novel fungicides with good inhibitory effects on plant fungal diseases, twenty-five 3-indolyl-3-hydroxy oxindole derivatives (3a–3y) were synthesized. These newly derivatives were characterized by NMR and HRMS. Their antifungal activities against five plant pathogenic fungi were assessed in vitro. Most of the compounds exhibited moderate to excellent antifungal activities against the five pathogenic fungi. Notably, compounds 3t, 3u, 3v, and 3w displayed remarkable and broad-spectrum antifungal activities comparable to or superior to those of the fungicides carvacrol (CA) and phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA). Among them, compound 3u displayed the most excellent antifungal activity against Rhizoctonia solani Kühn (R. solani), with an EC50 of 3.44 mg/L, which was superior to CA (7.38 mg/L) and PCA (11.62 mg/L). Preliminary structure–activity relationship (SAR) results indicated that the introduction of I, Cl, or Br substituents at position 5 of the 3-hydroxy-2-oxindole and indole rings is crucial for compounds to exhibit good antifungal activity. The in vivo antifungal activity assay showed that compound 3u has good curative effects against R. solani. The current results suggest that these compounds are capable of serving as promising lead compounds.
Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials for Polymer-Based Packaging Applications: A Colloidal Perspective
Authors: Huang Dongpo , Shen Luyan , Yu Haifeng
Published: February 2025

The integration of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials into polymer-based packaging presents a promising avenue for sustainable, high-performance materials. This perspective explores the roles of colloidal interactions in the assembly of 2D materials into thin films for packaging applications. We begin by analyzing the types of colloidal forces present in 2D nanomaterials and their impact on dispersion and stability. We then explore how these colloidal forces can be modulated through chemical structure, ionic intercalation, and shear forces, influencing the stacking behavior and orientation of 2D materials within the films. The incorporation of these 2D materials into polymer-based packaging systems is also considered, with a focus on how surface functionalization and dispersion techniques enhance their interaction with the polymer matrix to improve barrier properties against gases and moisture, increase mechanical strength, and impart antimicrobial effects. This work underscores the critical role of colloidal interactions in optimizing the design and performance of 2D-nanomaterial-based packaging for sustainable development.