bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Extendable and Deflectable Modular Robot Inspired by Worm for Narrow Space Exploration
Authors: Tang Shufeng , Yao Jianan , Yu Yue , Zhao Guoqing
Published: February 2025

Inspired by earthworm peristalsis, a novel modular robot suitable for narrow spaces is proposed, capable of elongation, contraction, deflection and crawling. Unlike motor-driven robots, the earthworm-inspired robot achieves extension and deflection in each module through “on–off” control of the SMA springs, utilizing the cooperation of mechanical skeletons and gears to avoid posture redundancy. The return to the initial posture and the maintenance of the posture are achieved through tension and torsion springs. To study the extension and deflection characteristics, we established a model through kinematic and force analysis to estimate the relationship between the length change and tensile characteristics of the SMA on both sides and the robot’s extension length and deflection angle. Through model verification and experiments, the robot’s extension, deflection and movement characteristics in narrow spaces and varying curvature narrow spaces were comprehensively studied. The results show that the earthworm-inspired robot, as predicted by the model, possesses accurate extension and deflection performance, and can perform inspection tasks in complex and narrow space environments. Additionally, compared to motor-driven robots, the robot designed in this study does not require insulation in low-temperature environments, and the cold conditions can improve its movement efficiency. This new configuration design and the extension and deflection characteristics provide valuable insights for the development of new modular robots and robot drive designs for extremely cold environments.
Design, Simulation, and Testing of Active Cooperative Control Strategies for a Light Sensation Transfer Nursing Robot
Authors: Ning Yuansheng , Sang Lingfeng , Wang Zhengcai , Ghinoiu Bianca , Lu Fuqiu , Wang Hongbo , Vlădăreanu Luige
Published: February 2025

The transfer of patients, especially elderly or long-term bedridden individuals, has emerged as an important problem due to the growing aging population. The advancement of transfer nursing robots provides an intelligent solution to this problem. This paper presents a Parallel Master–Slave Cross-Coupled (PMSCC) cooperative control strategy based on adaptive fuzzy controllers to address the motion control challenges of a self-developed light Sensation Transfer Nursing Robot (LSTNR). First, the working principle of the LSTNR is introduced, followed by the establishment of its motion model. Next, the robot’s velocity is designed based on PMSCC cooperative control strategies, with an adaptive fuzzy controller performing motion control. Finally, the proposed cooperative control strategy is simulated and analyzed, and the robot is tested for patient transfer. The results show that the proposed control strategy reduces the velocity cooperation error between the robot’s motors. The average velocity error of the robot is reduced by 92.69%, 92.08%, 47.35%, and 87.78%, respectively, compared to the non-cooperatively controlled robot. This significantly addresses issues such as belt slack, tightness, and patient position deformation during operation, improving the transfer efficiency and effectiveness of the LSTNR.
Design and Performance Analysis of an All-Metal Phase-Change-Material Actuator for Enhanced Sealing and Displacement Output Characteristics
Authors: Guo Shuaiqi , Yang Xianwei , Wu Qingwen
Published: February 2025

The phase-change-material (PCM) actuator, a non-pyrotechnic technology in aerospace, offers enhanced safety and convenience. This paper presents a novel PCM actuator featuring an all-metal construction to improve reliability and sealing. Characterized by high energy density and temperature-dependent actuation, the actuator’s displacement output characteristics (DOCs) are examined through visualization experiments. The results show the formation of a concave gap within the PCM upon cooling, which can be controlled by adjusting the cooling load and temperature to minimize its impact on displacement output. A two-dimensional physical model is developed to investigate how varying thermophysical parameters and boundary conditions affect the phase change process and DOC. The study finds that increasing the thermal conductivity of the PCM and surface heat flow enhances displacement velocity, although the effect diminishes at higher values. Additionally, reducing latent heat significantly boosts output velocity. For a fixed surface heat flow, changes in wall thickness have a minor impact, with velocity variation under 2%.
The Economic and Technological Challenges of the Agri-Development Implementation Model in the Case of the Wielkopolska Region in Poland
Authors: Wanat Leszek , Sikora Jan , Majchrzak Leszek , Sarniak Łukasz , Czarnecki Rafał , Smętkiewicz Karolina , Ornoch Mateusz
Published: February 2025

This study discusses key issues relating to the agri-development perspective, which is based on the “numbered” agriculture model. Selected economic and technological dilemmas related to agribusiness development in the Wielkopolska region of Poland were reviewed. Based not only on a literature review, but also on our own research, we identified the current challenges for farmers in terms of innovation, green energy, and environmental ideas. Using the diagnostic survey method, with agricultural practitioners as experts, the potential directions of regional agricultural development were assessed from the perspective of programming the next stages of the “agricultural revolution”. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with purposely invited farmers from Wielkopolska, one of the most agriculturally developed regions of Poland. By verifying the ex post assessment of the key pillars of the Agriculture “3.0” and “4.0” concepts’ adaptation model, as carried out on the respondents’ farms, the optimal model for farm operation was sought. The study assumed the implementation of the next stages of agribusiness development had taken place and that implementation of the “Agriculture 5.0” model, under the conditions evaluated, was possible. The so-defined hypothesis was only partially confirmed (conditionally). The identified potential provides a development path for the optimal idea of “Agriculture N.0”, with the value of “N” not yet known. Finally, key conclusions and recommendations relating to Wielkopolska’s agribusiness were formulated.
LCDDN-YOLO: Lightweight Cotton Disease Detection in Natural Environment, Based on Improved YOLOv8
Authors: Feng Haoran , Chen Xiqu , Duan Zhaoyan
Published: February 2025

To address the challenges of detecting cotton pests and diseases in natural environments, as well as the similarities in the features exhibited by cotton pests and diseases, a Lightweight Cotton Disease Detection in Natural Environment (LCDDN-YOLO) algorithm is proposed. The LCDDN-YOLO algorithm is based on YOLOv8n, and replaces part of the convolutional layers in the backbone network with Distributed Shift Convolution (DSConv). The BiFPN network is incorporated into the original architecture, adding learnable weights to evaluate the significance of various input features, thereby enhancing detection accuracy. Furthermore, it integrates Partial Convolution (PConv) and Distributed Shift Convolution (DSConv) into the C2f module, called PDS-C2f. Additionally, the CBAM attention mechanism is incorporated into the neck network to improve model performance. A Focal-EIoU loss function is also integrated to optimize the model’s training process. Experimental results show that compared to YOLOv8, the LCDDN-YOLO model reduces the number of parameters by 12.9% and the floating-point operations (FLOPs) by 9.9%, while precision, mAP@50, and recall improve by 4.6%, 6.5%, and 7.8%, respectively, reaching 89.5%, 85.4%, and 80.2%. In summary, the LCDDN-YOLO model offers excellent detection accuracy and speed, making it effective for pest and disease control in cotton fields, particularly in lightweight computing scenarios.
Discrete Element Method Analysis of Soil Penetration Depth Affected by Spreading Speed in Drone-Seeded Rice
Authors: Son Kwon Joong
Published: February 2025

This research explores, using discrete element method (DEM) simulations, the behavior of rice seed infiltration into soil when it is deployed via unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-mounted systems. Five distinct sowing strategies were analyzed to evaluate their effectiveness in embedding seeds within paddy soil: gravitational drop, centrifugal spreading, airflow propulsion, pneumatic discharge, and pneumatic shooting. A two-step analysis was performed. Initially, the flight dynamics of rice seeds were modeled, and the influence of air and water drag forces were accounted for. Subsequently, soil penetration was simulated with DEM based on the material properties and contact parameters sourced from the existing literature. The results show that the pneumatic methods effectively penetrated the soil, with pneumatic shooting proving to be the most efficient due to its superior impact momentum. Conversely, the methods that failed to penetrate left seeds on the soil surface. These findings demonstrate the necessity to enhance UAV sowing technology to improve penetration depth while maintaining operational efficiency, and they also offer crucial insights for the progress of UAV applications in agriculture.
Ileus Caused by Compression of the Small Intestine in 35 Cows
Authors: Braun Ueli , Gerspach Christian , Bennien Elena , Hilbe Monika , Nuss Karl
Published: February 2025

Ileus attributable to compression of the small intestine describes extensive constriction of the intestine by nearby space-occupying lesions or other abdominal organs. This retrospective study describes the findings in 35 cows with ileus caused by CSI (compression of the small intestine) by adhesions, abscesses, and the gravid uterus. Colic occurred in 34.3% of the cows. Rumen motility was reduced or absent in all cows, and intestinal motility was decreased in 85.7%. Ballottement and/or percussion and simultaneous auscultation were positive on the right side in 73.5% of the cows. The rectum contained little or no faeces in all cows, and transrectal examination revealed dilated small intestine in 25.7% of the cows, but the actual site of compression could not be palpated. The main ultrasonographic findings were reduced or absent intestinal motility and dilated loops of small intestine. Thirty-one of the thirty-five cows underwent right flank laparotomy; fourteen of these were euthanised intraoperatively, and seventeen recovered and were subsequently discharged. CSI is a rare cause of ileus. Improvements in the diagnosis of CSI are needed to prevent unnecessary laparotomy in cows with a grave prognosis.
Strategic Sampling of Eurasian Otter Spraints for Genetic Research in South Korea: Enhancing PCR Success and Data Accuracy
Authors: Kim Jee Hyun , Lee Jangmi , Kim Dong Youn , Yang Yoon-Do , Cho Sujoo , Park Han-Chan , Han Sung Yong , Min Mi-Sook , Lee Hang , Cho Je-Yoel , Pandey Puneet
Published: February 2025

Non-invasive genetic approaches, particularly using fecal samples, are commonly used to study endangered and elusive species, as they are easy to collect with minimal permission and cause little disturbance to the subject population. However, such studies face limitations due to poor DNA yield, which affects the overall utilization of collected samples and increases data errors. Here, we evaluated the impact of sample age and collection season on the performance of DNA extracted from feces (spraints) of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), a semi-aquatic apex predator in South Korean freshwater ecosystems. We found that PCR amplification success rates decreased more rapidly in summer (79.3–58.2%) compared to winter (99.2–84.8%) with extended environmental exposure. Genotyping error rates were higher in samples collected during summer, with the rate of error increase over time being significantly greater in summer than in winter. The hot and humid South Korean summer fosters microbial growth and fecal degradation, which negatively impacts DNA yield, reducing PCR amplification success and increasing genotyping errors. We recommend collecting otter feces during winter for better DNA quality. If sampling in summer is unavoidable, it is crucial to collect fresh samples, which can be facilitated by conducting frequent surveys of latrine sites.
Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacokinetics of Moxifloxacin in MDR-TB Patients in Indonesia: Analysis for ABCB1 and SLCO1B1
Authors: Annisa Nurul , Afifah Nadiya N. , Santoso Prayudi , Yunivita Vycke , te Brake Lindsey H. M. , Aarnoutse Rob E. , Barliana Melisa I. , Ruslami Rovina
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Studies show that SNPs in ABCB1 rs2032582 and SLCO1B1 rs4149015 affect the PK profile of moxifloxacin, a key drug for MDR-TB. This study aimed to assess the genotype frequencies of ABCB1 rs2032582 and SLCO1B1 rs4149015; describe moxifloxacin AUC0–24 and Cmax; and evaluate the association between genotype variations and moxifloxacin AUC0–24 and Cmax, corrected for the effect of other determinants in MDR-TB patients in Indonesia. Methods: The genotypes were identified using DNA sequencing. Plasma samples for PK analysis were collected at either two or four timepoints post-dose, at steady state. AUC0–24 values were assessed with a limited sampling formula. A multivariate linear regression analysis identified the determinants for moxifloxacin AUC0–24 and Cmax. Results: We recruited 204 MDR-TB patients for PG analysis, with 80 providing PK samples. The majority of the ABCB1 and SLCO1B1 genotypes were wildtype (GG), 41.7% and 93.6%, respectively. The geometric mean AUC0–24 for moxifloxacin was 78.6 mg·h/L and that for Cmax was 6.1 mg/L. No statistically significant difference in exposure to moxifloxacin could be shown between the genotypes. Sex, age, and dose in mg/kg/body weight were significant determinants of the AUC0–24 of moxifloxacin. Conclusions: The major genotype of ABCB1 rs2032582 and SLCO1B1 rs4149015 was wildtype, and the exposure to moxifloxacin was high but not related to the studied genotype in an Indonesian population.
Pallet Use and Transport in Italy: Comparing the Carbon Footprints of Standard Exchange and Nolpal’s Alternative Strategy
Authors: Dotelli Giovanni , Gallo Stampino Paola , Simonetti Edoardo
Published: February 2025

As global trade continues to intensify, the role of pallets becomes increasingly crucial, as they are essential for the movement of goods worldwide. Wooden pallets are the most common packaging type in Italy and Europe, and their widespread use in distribution and freight transportation means that the relatively minor environmental impact of an individual pallet is greatly magnified by the overall scale of operations. The management of pallets can significantly influence both the emissions and the costs associated with pallet operations. This work presents a case study representative of the emerging trends in sustainable transportation and logistics in Italy, aiming to compare the carbon footprint of the standard pallet exchange system with the system employed by the company Nolpal. Unlike the conventional exchange model, which requires companies to purchase and own EPAL pallets, Nolpal provides leased pallets to the market across Italy, supported by a nationwide network of collection hubs. A comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) between the Nolpal system and the conventional pallet exchange system showed that Nolpal’s approach achieves a 35% reduction in CO2-eq emissions. These findings highlight how the company’s model could serve as a blueprint for future advancements in more sustainable pallet management strategies.
Comprehensive Optimization and Design of an Electric Vehicle Battery Box Side Profile for Lightweight and Crashworthiness Using a Novel Hybrid Structure
Authors: Arslan Muhammet , Karamangil Mehmet İhsan
Published: February 2025

Lightweighting is a critical focus in the transportation sector, directly enhancing efficiency and significantly reducing costs. In electric vehicle (EV) design, the body surrounding the battery must effectively absorb impact, especially during crashes. This study aims to improve the crash performance of the side profiles in the battery box of an M1 category vehicle. It is based on the crash test in Annex 8D of the ECE R100 regulation. In this study, the safe displacement at which the battery will not deform is set as 20 mm, and the maximum force and energy absorption at this displacement are compared. In total, 33 different electric and hybrid vehicle models were benchmarked in this study. L-shaped geometry and aluminum materials are generally preferred; this study focuses on using glass-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) pultruded profiles to make batteries more durable and lighter. The GF800 material was selected for its superior mechanical strength among glass fiber composites. A virtual tensile test verified its properties. A unique hybrid model combining honeycomb and auxetic geometries was developed, showing a crash performance improvement of ~360% over honeycomb structures and ~88% over auxetic structures. Through multi-objective optimization using artificial neural networks (ANNs), 27 models were analyzed, leading to an optimized design. The final design resulted in the battery box side profile being 23.9% lighter and 38.6% cheaper, and exhibiting a performance 3% higher. This study demonstrates significant advancements in EV safety and cost efficiency, highlighting the practical benefits of innovative material and design approaches.
Evaluating the Effects of Hyaluronic Acid on Postoperative Outcomes in Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Surgery: A Split-Mouth Study
Authors: Elver Atalay , Caymaz Mehmet Gagari , Ghasemi Ghane Melika
Published: February 2025

Background: This study evaluated the postoperative effects of hyaluronic acid (HA) on pain, swelling, and trismus following mandibular third molar surgery. Material and Methods: Thirty healthy patients with bilateral impacted mandibular third molars underwent two surgeries at 21-day intervals. In a split-mouth design, one extraction socket was treated with 0.2 mL of high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid gel (Monovisc® [molecular weight ≈ 1.5–2.2 million Da]), while the contralateral socket received no additional treatment. Perioperative medications, including NSAIDs, were standardized for all patients. Data collection included postoperative pain, swelling (using Gabka and Matsumura’s method), analgesic consumption, and trismus (mouth opening) on designated days. Data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests with Bonferroni correction (adjusted significance level: p > 0.0083). Results: The mean VAS pain scores on day 1 were 63.5 ± 22.3 in the HA group and 61.9 ± 12.5 in the control group, decreasing to 3.9 ± 7.6 and 3.3 ± 7.2, respectively, by day 7 (p > 0.0083). The maximum interincisal distance on day 7 was 45.9 ± 7.4 mm in the HA group and 43.5 ± 7.3 mm in the control group, showing a slight improvement (p = 0.002). Swelling, measured using the tragus–pogonion distance, was 164.6 ± 20.7 mm in the HA group and 166.3 ± 18.9 mm in the control group on day 7 (p > 0.0083). Analgesic consumption remained comparable across all postoperative days (p > 0.0083). No statistically significant differences were observed between the HA and the control groups at any evaluated time point. Conclusions: Hyaluronic acid application after mandibular third molar surgery demonstrated a slight improvement in trismus on day 7, but no significant long-term advantages in pain or swelling. While early postoperative improvements in trismus were observed, these findings require further validation. Additional studies are needed to explore HA’s potential clinical applications in oral surgery.
Residues of St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) Tea Infusions/Water Extracts as a Valuable Source of Tocotrienols: An Extraction Study
Authors: Mišina Inga , Perkons Ingus , Siger Aleksander , Soliven Arianne , Górnaś Paweł
Published: February 2025

Hypericum perforatum L., commonly known as St. John’s wort, is a widely distributed herbaceous plant utilized in traditional and phytomedicinal applications, particularly for its hydrophilic bioactive compounds. It is often used for treating early depressive states. In this study, we focused on reporting the tocotrienols—lipophilic phytochemicals with health-promoting properties—in St. John’s wort. H. perforatum flowerheads predominantly contained tocotrienols compared with tocopherols (54 and 30 mg/100 g dry weight, respectively). The major tocotrienols (T3) were δ-T3 and α-T3 (34.0 and 17.6 mg/100 g dry weight, respectively). Tocopherols and tocotrienols are lipophilic phytochemicals that cannot be present in St. John’s wort water extracts (tea infusions), but they can be recovered from the remaining residues of H. perforatum tea infusions by using hydroethanolic solutions. A 50.0% (v/v) hydroethanolic solution was not effective in the recovery of tocochromanols. The greatest increase in the extractability of tocochromanols was observed for 70.0–80.0% (v/v) hydroethanolic extracts, while increasing the ethanol concentration from 90.0% to 96.2% (v/v) only slightly improved extractability (not statistically significant). For each ethanol concentration, the recovery was proportionally higher for tocotrienols than for tocopherols. Residues of H. perforatum tea infusions can be proposed as valuable by-products rich in tocotrienols.
Balanced Team Formation Using Hybrid Graph Convolution Networks and MILP
Authors: Sharaf Mohamed A. , Alghamdi Turki G.
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we propose a novel model that is based on a hybrid paradigm composed of a graph convolution network and an Integer Programming solver. The model utilizes the potential of graph neural networks, which have the ability to capture complex relationships and preferences among nodes. While the graph neural network forms node embeddings that are fed as input into the next layer of the model, the introduced MILP solver works to solve the team formation problem. Finally, our experimental work shows that the outcome of the model is balanced teams.
Artificial Intelligence of Things Infrastructure for Quality Control in Cast Manufacturing Environments Shedding Light on Industry Changes
Authors: Rosca Cosmina-Mihaela , Rădulescu Gabriel , Stancu Adrian
Published: February 2025

The transition from Industry 4.0 to 5.0 raises concerns about integrating advanced quality control measures by replacing humans. The biggest challenge of this transition is infrastructure compatibility. This paper proposes a remote collaboration solution via the Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructure. The study identifies challenges in implementing such strategies and highlights the importance of AI–human collaboration, aligning with Industry 5.0 concepts. This research integrates data from multiple visual sensors (cameras) and devices into an IoT framework to create a monitoring system. This system’s application focuses on ensuring cast quality control standards. The proposed artificial AI method provides compatibility for the entire infrastructure. The Nonconformity Indicator Algorithm (NIA) was designed for defect detection. NIA, developed using Azure Custom Vision Service, identified and classified manufactured product defects based on image analysis with an Accuracy of 98.18%, Precision of 98.44%, Recall of 96.56%, and F1-Score of 97.50%. Furthermore, an IoT-based monitoring system was designed that employs real-time sensor fusion techniques for quality control in cast manufacturing environments. The system integrates data from multiple devices, including visual sensors like the ESP32-CAM, within an IoT framework powered by Azure IoT Hub and Azure Custom Vision Service. This infrastructure enables the compatibility of devices by facilitating communication via an Azure Event Grid Trigger integrated into an Azure Function through Azure IoT Hub.
Analysis of the Qualitative Parameters of Mobile Laser Scanning for the Creation of Cartographic Works and 3D Models for Digital Twins of Urban Areas
Authors: Kovanič Ľudovít , Peťovský Patrik , Topitzer Branislav , Blišťan Peter , Tokarčík Ondrej
Published: February 2025

This article focuses on the assessment of point clouds obtained by various laser scanning methods as a tool for 3D mapping and Digital Twin concepts. The presented research employed terrestrial and mobile laser scanning methods to obtain high-precision spatial data, enabling efficient spatial documentation of urban structures and infrastructure. As a reference method, static terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) was chosen. Mobile laser scanning (MLS) data obtained by devices such as Lidaretto, the Stonex X120GO laser scanning device, and an iPhone 13 Pro with an Emlid scanning kit and GNSS antenna Reach RX were evaluated. Analyses based on comparing methods of classification, differences in individual objects, detail/density, and noise were performed. The results confirm the high accuracy of the methods and their ability to support the development of digital twins and smart solutions that enhance the efficiency of infrastructure management and planning.
Composite Formation of Active Biochar from Pomegranate Peel with Magnetite and Alginat Beads for Methylene Blue Adsorption Using Box–Behnken Design
Authors: Küçük İlhan , Yıldız Küçük Neslihan
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study was to develop an innovative material by combining the properties of magnetic biochar derived from orange peels and hydrogel beads (BCA-Mag/AB) and to apply this material for the adsorption of methylene blue dye in water. The BCA-Mag/AB were synthesized using physical crosslinking methods and was characterized using various techniques. The surface functional groups were analyzed using FTIR, the crystal structure was examined through XRD, the surface area was determined by BET, the pore distribution was assessed via BJH, thermal stability was evaluated with TGA, surface morphology was investigated using SEM, and the surface element percentages were analyzed with EDX. The specific surface area obtained through nitrogen adsorption was found to be 455.4 m2/g, and the total pore volume was 0.268 cm3/g. The removal of methylene blue dye on BCA-Mag/AB was investigated concerning three variables using Box–Behnken Design (BBD) as follows: A: BCA-Mag/AB dosage (0.02–0.1 g); B: contact time (20–150 min); and C: initial pH (2–10). Adsorption kinetic and isotherm analyses indicated that the adsorption of methylene blue onto BCA-Mag/AB was governed by pseudo-first-order and Freundlich models. The adsorption mechanisms of methylene blue on the BCA-Mag/AB surface were associated with electrostatic interaction, hydrophobic interaction, and π-π stacking. The results suggest that BCA-Mag/AB could be an effective and locally available candidate adsorbent for the removal of dye pollutants from contaminated industrial wastewater.
Performance Improvement of Speech Emotion Recognition Using ResNet Model with Data Augmentation–Saturation
Authors: Lee Minjeong , Lee Miran
Published: February 2025

Over the past five years, the proliferation of virtual reality platforms and the advancement of metahuman technologies have underscored the importance of natural interaction and emotional expression. As a result, there has been significant research activity focused on developing emotion recognition techniques based on speech data. Despite significant progress in emotion recognition research for the Korean language, a shortage of speech databases applicable to such research has been regarded as the most critical problem in this field, leading to overfitting issues in several models developed by previous studies. To address the issue of overfitting caused by limited data availability in the field of Korean speech emotion recognition (SER), this study focuses on integrating the data augmentation–saturation (DA-S) technique into a traditional ResNet model to enhance SER performance. The DA-S technique enhances data augmentation by adjusting the saturation of an image. We used 11,192 utterance numbers provided by AI-HUB, which were converted into images to extract features such as pitch and intensity of speech. The DA-S technique was then applied to this dataset, using weights of 0 and 2, to augment the utterance numbers to 33,576. This augmented dataset was utilized to classify four emotion categories: happiness, sadness, anger, and neutrality. The results of this study showed that the proposed model using the DA-S technique overcame overfitting issues. Furthermore, its performance for SER increased by 34.19% compared to that of existing ResNet models not using the DA-S technique. This demonstrates that the DA-S technique effectively enhances model performance with limited data and may be applicable to specific areas such as stress monitoring and mental health support.
Statistical Evaluation of Effect of Shape Imperfections on Buckling Load of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Thin-Walled Cylinders
Authors: Bao Jingxuan , Takano Atsushi , Kitamura Ryuta , Masai Takuma
Published: February 2025

Thin-walled cylinders made from carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) were measured using a laser displacement sensor and subjected to load tests. The effects of shape imperfections in the circumferential and axial directions, the radius–thickness ratio (r/t), and the offset compression loads on the knockdown factor (KDF), which is the ratio of the experimental and theoretical buckling loads, were investigated. A statistical evaluation of various trends relating to the KDF and the amplitudes of the shape imperfections was conducted. The buckling load test on the cylinders showed large deviations and scatter between theory and experiment. It is known that shape imperfections are one of the key factors affecting KDF. The shape imperfection induces a local stress concentration and/or local buckling, and they may induce premature buckling. We found a correlation between the KDF and shape imperfections in the circumferential and axial directions and r/t. The KDF did not have a simple correlation with the direction of offset compression loads, the direction of the maximum and minimum amplitude of local shape imperfections, or offset distance.
Multi-Task Supervised Alignment Pre-Training for Few-Shot Multimodal Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Yang Junyang , Cao Jiuxin , Duan Chengge
Published: February 2025

Few-shot multimodal sentiment analysis (FMSA) has garnered substantial attention due to the proliferation of multimedia applications, especially given the frequent difficulty in obtaining large quantities of training samples. Previous works have directly incorporated vision modality into the pre-trained language model (PLM) and then leveraged prompt learning, showing effectiveness in few-shot scenarios. However, these methods encounter challenges in aligning the high-level semantics of different modalities due to their inherent heterogeneity, which impacts the performance of sentiment analysis. In this paper, we propose a novel framework called Multi-task Supervised Alignment Pre-training (MSAP) to enhance modality alignment and consequently improve the performance of multimodal sentiment analysis. Our approach uses a multi-task training method—incorporating image classification, image style recognition, and image captioning—to extract modal-shared information and stronger semantics to improve visual representation. We employ task-specific prompts to unify these diverse objectives into a single Masked Language Model (MLM), which serves as the foundation for our Multi-task Supervised Alignment Pre-training (MSAP) framework to enhance the alignment of visual and textual modalities. Extensive experiments on three datasets demonstrate that our method achieves a new state-of-the-art for the FMSA task.
Impact of Coconut Copra Byproducts Incorporation on Granola Quality Characteristics
Authors: Vingadassalon Audrey , Pejcz Ewa , Vinceslas Léanne , Wojciechowicz-Budzisz Agata , Olędzki Remigiusz , Zając Adam , Aurore Guylene , Harasym Joanna
Published: February 2025

This study investigated coconut copra’s (CC) potential as a key ingredient in granola formulations, examining its antioxidant activity, techno-functional, rheological, and sensory properties. Copra exhibited a significant antioxidant capacity across multiple assays: DPPH (1.40–1.58 mg TE/g DM), ABTS (0.49–1.41 mg TE/g DM), and FRAP (0.50–1.43 mM FeSO4/g DM). Techno-functional analysis revealed a high water holding capacity (6.83–7.18 g H2O/g DM) and water absorption capacity (3.47–4.44 g H2O/g DM). When blended with banana flour (BF), the CC75/25BF (3:1 CC:BF ratio) mixture demonstrated optimal foaming stability (95.2–97.4%) and emulsifying properties. Rheological studies showed that increasing copra content reduced paste viscosity, with pure banana flour exhibiting the highest peak viscosity (5249 mPa·s) compared to the CC75/25BF blend (253 mPa·s). Storage stability testing over two weeks revealed minimal changes in lightness (L*: 36.53 to 35.64) and redness (a*: 15.79 to 16.12), though yellowness increased significantly (b*: 21.29 to 25.57). Texture analysis showed a progressive decrease in biting force from 37.7 N (day 0) to 16.2 N (week 2). Preliminary assessment of the final granola formulation demonstrated high consumer acceptance, with the nut-free version (Product A) receiving superior ratings for texture (4.00/5.0), crunchiness (4.00/5.0), and taste (4.06/5.0) compared to the nut-containing version. These findings suggest that coconut copra is a promising functional ingredient for granola production, offering both nutritional benefits and favorable sensory characteristics.
PenQA: A Comprehensive Instructional Dataset for Enhancing Penetration Testing Capabilities in Language Models
Authors: Zhong Xiaofeng , Zhang Yunlong , Liu Jingju
Published: February 2025

Large language models’ domain-specific capabilities can be enhanced through specialized datasets, yet constructing comprehensive cybersecurity datasets remains challenging due to the field’s multidisciplinary nature. We present PenQA, a novel instructional dataset for penetration testing that integrates theoretical and practical knowledge. Leveraging authoritative sources like MITRE ATT&CK™ and Metasploit, we employ online large language models to generate approximately 50,000 question–answer pairs.We demonstrate PenQA’s efficacy by fine-tuning language models with fewer than 10 billion parameters. Evaluation metrics, including the BLEU, ROUGE, and BERTScore, show significant improvements in the models’ penetration testing capabilities. PenQA is designed to be compatible with various model architectures and updatable as new techniques emerge. This work has implications for automated penetration testing tools, cybersecurity education, and decision support systems. The PenQA dataset is available in our GitHub repository.
Bacillus velezensis SM1: A Promising Biocontrol Solution for Phytophthora Durian Root Rot
Authors: Pengnoo Ashara , Lohlaeh Usman , Maduerehand Fadila , Kaewmano Chuthamard , Krualee Sudanai , Wongpisal Pimchana , Homhaul Wipa , Boonyapipat Pawika , Saeng-ngam Sukhumaporn , Äkbärjan Abbas , Phuntumart Vipaporn
Published: February 2025

Plant diseases, particularly root rot caused by Phytophthora species, pose a significant threat to plants. In this study, we investigated the antagonistic activity of a Bacillus velezensis strain (Bv-SM1) against Phytophthora palmivora isolates, NKST002 and CP002, which cause root rot in durian. In vitro assays using dual-plate, pour-plate, and volatile organic compounds demonstrated a strong inhibition of Phytophthora mycelial growth by Bv-SM1. Phylogenomic analysis based on 1000 genes confirmed that Bv-SM1 is most closely related to B. velezensis. Genome analysis revealed the presence of key genes that contribute to biocontrol activity, including genes encoding cell wall-degrading enzymes (β-glucanase and cellulase) and siderophore production. Additionally, 13 biosynthetic gene clusters are responsible for the production of various antimicrobial compounds, such as fengycin, bacillaene, macrolactin, and bacilysin. These findings are the first to demonstrate the potential of Bv-SM1 as a promising biocontrol agent for managing Phytophthora-induced root rot in durian, with potential applications in other crops.
Combined Effects of Particulate Matter Exposure and Exercise Training on Neuroplasticity-Related Growth Factors and Blood–Brain Barrier Integrity
Authors: Cho Su-Youn , Roh Hee-Tae
Published: February 2025

Particulate matter (PM) negatively impacts brain health, while exercise training can mitigate these effects and promote brain health. However, the effect of the interaction between PM exposure and exercise on brain health remains insufficiently explored. This study investigated the effects of PM exposure and exercise training on neuroplasticity-related growth factors and blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity. Forty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to four groups as follows: control (CON, n = 10), PM exposure (PM, n = 10), exercise training (EX, n = 10), and PM exposure with exercise training (PMEX, n = 10). PM exposure and exercise training interventions were conducted over 8 weeks. The PM group showed significantly elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), S100 calcium-binding protein β (S100β), and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) (p < 0.05) and reduced levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (p < 0.05) compared to the CON and EX groups. Conversely, the EX group demonstrated significantly reduced MDA, IL-6, TNF-α, S100β, and NSE levels (p < 0.05) and enhanced SOD, IGF-1, BDNF, and VEGF levels (p < 0.05) compared to the PM group. However, the PMEX group exhibited attenuated benefits, showing higher MDA, IL-6, TNF-α, S100β, and NSE levels (p < 0.05) and lower SOD and IGF-1 levels (p < 0.05) compared to the EX group. These findings suggest that PM exposure induces oxidative stress, inflammation, and BBB disruption while downregulating neuroplasticity-related growth factors. Exercise training mitigates these adverse effects by enhancing antioxidant activity, reducing inflammation, upregulating neuroplasticity-related growth factors, and preserving BBB integrity. However, the protective effects of exercise may be partially diminished under conditions of PM exposure.
A High-Resolution Digital Pathological Image Staining Style Transfer Model Based on Gradient Guidance
Authors: Tang Yutao , Zhou Yuanpin , Zhang Siyu , Lu Yao
Published: February 2025

Digital pathology images have long been regarded as the gold standard for cancer diagnosis in clinical medicine. A highly generalized digital pathological image diagnosis system can provide strong support for cancer diagnosis, help to improve the diagnostic efficiency and accuracy of doctors, and has important research value. The whole slide image of different centers can lead to very large staining differences due to different scanners and dyes, which pose a challenge to the generalization performance of the model application in multi-center data testing. In order to achieve the normalization of multi-center data, this paper proposes a style transfer algorithm based on an adversarial generative network for high-resolution images. The gradient-guided dye migration model proposed in this paper introduces a gradient-enhanced regularized term in the loss function design of the algorithm. A style transfer algorithm was applied to the source data, and the diagnostic performance of the multi-example learning model based on the domain data was significantly improved by validation in the pathological image datasets of two centers. The proposed method improved the AUC of the best classification model from 0.8856 to 0.9243, and another set of experiments improved the AUC from 0.8012 to 0.8313.
Nitric Oxide Distribution Correlates with Intraluminal Thrombus in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Computational Study
Authors: Li Siting , Yang Shiyi , Sun Xiaoning , Ma Tianxiang , Zheng Yuehong , Liu Xiao
Published: February 2025

Intraluminal thrombus (ILT) in the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is associated with disease progression and complications. This study investigates the relationship between nitric oxide (NO) concentration and ILT in AAA patients using patient-specific computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models. Four AAA patients with ILT were enrolled. Patient-specific models of the aorta and branch arteries were constructed followed by CFD simulations. NO concentration was modeled based on endothelial shear stress response and its transport within the arterial lumen and wall. Hemodynamic parameters, including wall shear stress (WSS) and its derivatives, were analyzed alongside NO distribution. ILT accumulation was primarily located in the infrarenal abdominal aorta. Regions of decreased NO concentration correlated with ILT accumulated areas, whereas regions with decreased TAWSS and increased OSI were less consistent with ILT accumulation. A negative correlation was observed between the thrombus area and NO concentration, with p values of less than 0.001 for four patients. The time-average area NO concentration values of lumen area with ILT were lower than those of non-ILT sections. Spatially, NO was unevenly distributed, with thicker thrombus in regions of lower NO concentration. NO distribution could serve as a better potential personalized marker for thrombosis prediction in AAA compared to WSS-derived parameters.
Visible Exocytosis of the Non-Photic Signal Neuropeptide Y to the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus in Fasted Transgenic Mice Throughout Their Circadian Rhythms
Authors: Nakazawa Kazuo , Matsuo Minako , Nakao Kazuki , Nonaka Shigenori , Numano Rika
Published: February 2025

Organisms maintain circadian rhythms corresponding to approximately 24 h in the absence of external environmental cues, and they synchronize the phases of their autonomous circadian clocks to light–dark cycles, feeding timing, and other factors. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) occupies the top position of the hierarchy in the mammalian circadian system and functions as a photic-dependent oscillator, while the food-entrainable circadian oscillator (FEO) entrains the clocks of the digestive peripheral tissues and behaviors according to feeding timing. In mammals, neuropeptide Y (NPY) from the intergeniculate leaflet (IGL) neurons projected onto the SCN plays an important role in entraining circadian rhythms to feeding conditions. However, the relationship between the FEO and SCN has been unclear under various feeding conditions. In this study, novel NPY::Venus transgenic (Tg) mice, which expressed the NPY fused to Venus fluorescent protein, were generated to investigate the secretion of NPY on the SCN from the IGL. NPY-containing secretory granules with Venus signals in the SCN slices of the Tg mice could be observed using confocal and super-resolution microscopy. We observed that the number of NPY secretory granules released on the SCNs increased during fasting, and these mice were valuable tools for further investigating the role of NPY secretion from the IGL to the SCN in mediating interactions between the FEO and the SCN.
Fish Community Resource Utilization Reveals Benthic–Pelagic Trophic Coupling Along Depth Gradients in the Beibu Gulf, South China Sea
Authors: Yang Xiaodong , Luo Konglan , Fu Jiawei , Kang Bin , He Xiongbo , Yan Yunrong
Published: February 2025

Benthic–pelagic coupling is a key approach to studying the structure and energy dynamics of shallow marine food webs. The movement and foraging patterns of consumers are major drivers of nutrient and energy distribution in ecosystems and are critical for maintaining ecosystem stability. To better understand the energy coupling of consumers between coastal marine habitats, this study employed a Bayesian mixture model using SC and SI data. By classifying functional groups based on taxonomy, morphological traits, and feeding ecology similarities, we constructed a trophic network and analyzed the changes in fish feeding patterns and the dynamics of benthic–pelagic coupling across environmental gradients. The results show that the primary carbon sources in the Beibu Gulf are phytoplankton, particulate organic matter (POM), and sediment organic matter (SOM), with phytoplankton contributing the most. Pelagic food subsidies dominate the food web. Small sized, abundant planktivorous and benthivorous fish act both as predators and important prey, transferring carbon and energy derived from both benthic and pelagic zones to higher trophic-levels. Larger, higher-trophic-level piscivorous fish serve as key energy couplers, preying on organisms from various habitats. Depth and chlorophyll–a (Chl–a) are the two key variables influencing the trophic structure of fish, with opposite gradient patterns observed for each. Along the depth gradient, fish exhibit clear adaptive foraging strategies. As water depth increases, fish tend to forage more within their specific habitat (either benthic or pelagic), with prey types continually changing, leading to a gradual reduction in the strength of benthic–pelagic trophic coupling. This study reveals the spatial resource utilization patterns and adaptive foraging strategies of fish in the Beibu Gulf, providing deeper insights into the structure and spatial variation of food webs. It also enhances our understanding of ecosystem responses to human pressures and global changes, offering valuable perspectives for predicting these responses.
Enhanced Production and Functional Characterization of Recombinant Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (rec-eCG) in CHO-DG44 Cells
Authors: Byambaragchaa Munkhzaya , Park Sei Hyen , Park Myung-Hum , Kang Myung-Hwa , Min Kwan-Sik
Published: February 2025

Equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) hormone, comprising highly glycosylated α- and β-subunits, elicits responses similar to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in non-equid species. This study aimed to establish a mass production of recombinant eCG (rec-eCG) using CHO DG44 cells. Single-chain rec-eCG β/α was expressed in CHO DG44 cells. FSH- and LH-like activities were evaluated in CHO-K1 and HEK 293 cells expressing the equine LH/CG receptor (eLH/CGR), rat LH/CGR (rLH/CGR), and rFSHR. pERK1/2 activation and β-arrestin 2 recruitment were assessed in PathHunter CHO-K1 cells. The expression from one, among nine isolates, peaked at 364–470 IU/mL on days 9 and 11. The molecular weight of rec-eCG β/α ranged from 40 to 47 kDa, with two distinct bands. PNGase F treatment reduced the molecular weight by 8–10 kDa, indicating N-glycosylation. Rec-eCG β/α demonstrated dose-responsive cAMP activity in cells expressing eLH/CGR, with enhanced potency in rLH/CGR and rFSHR. Phospho-ERK1/2 activation peaked at 5 min before declining rapidly. β-arrestin 2 recruitment was receptor-mediated in cells expressing hFSHR and hLH/CGR. This study provides insights into the mechanisms underlying eCG’s FSH- and LH-like activities. Stable CHO DG44 cells can produce large quantities of rec-eCG. eCG activates pERK1/2 signaling via the PKA/cAMP pathway and facilitates β-arrestin 2 recruitment.