bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complex Dynamics and PID Control Strategies for a Fractional Three-Population Model
Authors: Zhou Yan , Cui Zhuang , Li Ruimei
Published: December 2024

In recent decades, there have been many studies on Hopf bifurcation and population stability with time delay. However, the stability and Hopf bifurcation of fractional-order population systems with time delay are lower. In this paper, we discuss the dynamic behavior of a fractional-order three-population model with pregnancy delay using Laplace transform of fractional differential equations, stability and bifurcation theory, and MATLAB software. The specific conditions of local asymptotic stability and Hopf bifurcation for fractional-order time-delay systems are determined. A fractional-order proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller is applied to the three-population food chain system for the first time. The convergent speed and vibration amplitude of the system can be changed by PID control. For example, after fixing the values of the integral control gain ki and the differential control gain kd, the amplitude of the system decreases and the convergence speed changes as the proportional control gain kp decreases. The effectiveness of the PID control strategy in complex ecosystem is proved. The numerical simulation results are in good agreement with the theoretical analysis. The research in this paper has potential application values concerning the management of complex population systems. The bifurcation theory of fractional-order time-delay systems is also enriched.
Unsupervised Modelling of E-Customers’ Profiles: Multiple Correspondence Analysis with Hierarchical Clustering of Principal Components and Machine Learning Classifiers
Authors: Vrhovac Vijoleta , Orošnjak Marko , Ristić Kristina , Sremčev Nemanja , Jocanović Mitar , Spajić Jelena , Brkljač Nebojša
Published: December 2024

The rapid growth of e-commerce has transformed customer behaviors, demanding deeper insights into how demographic factors shape online user preferences. This study performed a threefold analysis to understand the impact of these changes. Firstly, this study investigated how demographic factors (e.g., age, gender, education) influence e-customer preferences in Serbia. From a sample of n = 906 respondents, conditional dependencies between demographics and user preferences were tested. From a hypothetical framework of 24 tested hypotheses, this study successfully rejected 8/24 (with p < 0.05), suggesting a high association between demographics with purchase frequency and reasons for quitting the purchase. However, although the reported test statistics suggested an association, understanding how interactions between categories shape e-customer profiles was still required. Therefore, the second part of this study considers an MCA-HCPC (Multiple Correspondence Analysis with Hierarchical Clustering on Principal Components) to identify user profiles. The analysis revealed three main clusters: (1) young, female, unemployed e-customers driven mainly by customer reviews; (2) retirees and older adults with infrequent purchases, hesitant to buy without experiencing the product in person; and (3) employed, highly educated, male, middle-aged adults who prioritize fast and accurate delivery over price. In the third stage, the clusters are used as labels for Machine Learning (ML) classification tasks. Particularly, Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM), Decision Tree (DT), k-Nearest Neighbors (kNN), Gaussian Naïve Bayes (GNB), Random Forest (RF), and Support Vector Machine (SVM) were used. The results suggested that GBM, RF, and SVM had high classification performance in identifying user profiles. Lastly, after performing Permutation Feature Importance (PFI), the findings suggested that age, work status, education, and income are the main determinants of shaping e-customer profiles and developing marketing strategies.
Research on the Location-Routing Optimization of International Freight Trains Considering the Implementation of Blockchain
Authors: Hong Zhichao , Shen Hao , Sun Wenjie , Zhang Jin , Liang Hongbin , Zhao Gang
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this study is to solve the problem of low load factor and profit margin in the point-to-point transportation of international freight trains through the assembly transportation organization mode. A bi-objective location-routing optimization model is constructed to optimize problems, such as the location of the assembly center, route of freight assembly, frequency of international freight trains, and number of formations. The objectives are to minimize the total comprehensive cost and maximize the average satisfaction of the shippers. Considering the impact of blockchain technology, the proportion of customs clearance time reduction after blockchain implementation, the proportion of customs clearance fee reduction after blockchain implementation, and the cost of blockchain technology are introduced into the model. The case study is based on railroad transportation data for 2022. In this case, 43 stations in the Indo-China Peninsula are selected as origin stations, and two Chinese stations are designated terminal stations. An improved NSGA-II algorithm (ANSGAII-OD) is proposed to resolve the location-routing optimization model. This algorithm is based on opposition-based learning and its dominant strength. The case study indicates that assembly transportation is advantageous compared with direct transportation. Moreover, the comprehensive cost is reduced by 19.77%. Furthermore, blockchain technology can effectively reduce costs and improve transportation efficiency. After the implementation of blockchain technology, the comprehensive cost is reduced by 8.10%, whereas the average satisfaction of shippers is increased by 10.35%.
Stability of the F∗ Algorithm on Strong Pseudocontractive Mapping and Its Application
Authors: Fajusigbe Taiwo P. , Nkwuda Francis Monday , Joshua Hussaini , Oshinubi Kayode , Ajibade Felix D. , Aliyu Jamiu
Published: December 2024

This paper investigates the stability of the F∗ iterative algorithm applied to strongly pseudocontractive mappings within the context of uniformly convex Banach spaces. The study leverages both analytic and numerical methods to demonstrate the convergence and stability of the algorithm. In comparison to previous works, where weak-contraction mappings were utilized, the strongly pseudocontractive mappings used in this study preserve the convergence property, exhibit greater stability, and have broader applicability in optimization and fixed point theory. Additionally, this work shows that the type of mapping employed converges faster than those in earlier studies. The results are applied to a mixed-type Volterra–Fredholm nonlinear integral equation, and numerical examples are provided to validate the theoretical findings. Key contributions of this work include the following: (i) the use of strongly pseudocontractive mappings, which offer a more stable and efficient convergence rate compared to weak-contraction mappings; (ii) the application of the F∗ algorithm to a wider range of problems; and (iii) the proposal of future directions for improving convergence rates and exploring the algorithm’s behavior in Hilbert and reflexive Banach spaces.
Dynamic Asset Allocation and Retirement Decision with Consumption Ratcheting and Effort Choice
Authors: Kim Geonwoo , Jeon Junkee
Published: December 2024

This study examines the problem of choosing optimal consumption, investment, early retirement, and effort levels for an economic agent who is unwilling to reduce their consumption over time. The agent’s income depends on a fixed wage rate, and varies proportionally with their level of effort, which incurs disutility due to labor. By applying the dual-martingale method, we reformulate the problem into its dual form, dividing it into two distinct sub-problems: one focuses on selecting a consumption path that does not decrease, while the other determines the optimal timing for early retirement. Using this method, we find optimal strategies in the form of explicit closed-form solutions.
Antibiotic Resistance in Vibrio Bacteria Associated with Red Spotting Disease in Sea Urchin Tripneustes gratilla (Echinodermata)
Authors: Ben Natan Mayan , Masasa Matan , Shashar Nadav , Guttman Lior
Published: December 2024

The red spotting disease harms sea urchins to the extent of mass mortality in the ocean and echinocultures, accompanied by environmental damage and economic losses. The current study emphasizes the antimicrobial resistance of three isolated bacteria, closely related to Vibrio harveyi, Vibrio owensii, and Vibrio fortis, associated with red spotting in the cultured sea urchin Tripneustes gratilla. In vitro trials examined the susceptibility of these bacterial isolates to various antibiotics. In addition, using an in silico examination, we revealed the arsenal of antimicrobial resistance genes in available genomes of various pathogenic Vibrio associated with diseases in sea urchins, fish, shellfish, and corals. These two approaches enabled the discussion of the similarities and differences between aquatic pathogenic Vibrio and their antibiotic resistance. Among them, we revealed a core resistance to tetracyclines and penams by the in vitro examined strains. At the same time, the in silico study also supported this core resistance by the presence of the adeF and CRP genes in the bacterial genomes. Nevertheless, variability and specific resistance were evident at the species and strain levels in the Vibrio bacteria and genomes. The in vitro trials highlighted the diverse resistance of the Vibrio harveyi-like isolate to all examined antibiotics, while the other two isolates were found susceptible to nitrofurantoin and sulfamethoxazole. The resistance of the Vibrio harveyi-like isolate could not have been obtained in the genome of the proposed relative of Vibrio harveyi VHJR7 that lacks the oqxA and oqxB genes, which enables such a resistance. A unique sensitivity of the Vibrio fortis-like isolate to erythromycin is proposed when compared to other isolated Vibrio and Vibrio genomes that seem capable of resisting this drug. According to the results, we propose nitrofurantoin or sulfamethoxazole for treating two of the red-spotting-associated isolates (Vibrio fortis and Vibrio owensii-like), but not Vibrio harveyi-like. We assume that a shared resistance to some antibiotics by Vibrios is gained by a horizontal gene transfer while previous exposures of a bacterial strain to a specific drug may induce the development of a unique resistance. Finally, we discuss the novel knowledge on antibiotic resistance in Vibrio from the current research in light of the potential risks when using drugs for disease control in aquaculture.
Genomic Investigation and Comparative Analysis of European High-Risk Clone of Acinetobacter baumannii ST2
Authors: Hummel David , Juhasz Janos , Kamotsay Katalin , Kristof Katalin , Xavier Basil Britto , Koster Sien De , Szabo Dora , Kocsis Bela
Published: December 2024

Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii is a major concern in healthcare institutions worldwide. Several reports described the dissemination of A. baumannii high-risk clones that are responsible for a high number of difficult-to-treat infections. In our study, 19 multidrug-resistant A. baumannii strains from Budapest, Hungary, were investigated based on whole-genome sequencing (WGS). The obtained results were analysed together with data from 433 strains of A. baumannii from the Pathogenwatch database. WGS analysis of 19 A. baumannii strains detected that 12 belonged to ST2 and seven belonged to ST636. Among ST2 strains, 11 out of 12 carried either blaOXA-23 or blaOXA-58 genes; however, all strains of ST636 uniformly carried blaOXA-72 gene. All strains of ST2 and ST636 carried blaOXA-66 and blaADC-25 genes. Based on core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST), 10 strains of ST2 belonged to cgMLST906, one strain to cgMLST458, and one strain to cgMLST1320; by contrast, all strains of ST636 belonged to cgMLST1178. Certain virulence determinants were present in all strains of both ST2 and ST636, namely, Ata, Bap, BfmRS, T2SS and PNAG. Interestingly, OmpA was present in all strains of ST2, but it was absent in all strains of ST636. Comparative analysis of 19 strains of this study and the collection of 433 isolates from Pathogenwatch database, proved a diverse clonal distribution of high-risk A. baumannii clones in Europe. The major clone in Europe is ST2, which is present all over the continent. However, ST636 has been mainly reported in Eastern Europe. Interestingly, cgMLSTs of ST2 correspond to the production of different beta-lactamases, namely, OXA-82 in cgMLST116, OXA-72 in cgMLST506, and cgMLST556, PER-1 in cgMLST456 and cgMLST1041. Our study demonstrates that the ST2 high-risk clone of A. baumannii is the most widespread in Europe; however, based on cgMLST analysis, a detailed detection of beta-lactamase production can be determined.
Pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila Ameliorates Preeclampsia in Mice by Enhancing Gut Barrier Integrity, Improving Endothelial Function, and Modulating Gut Metabolic Dysregulation
Authors: Peng Linyu , Yin Qinlan , Wang Xinwen , Zhong Yawen , Wang Yu , Cai Wanting , Zhou Ruisi , Chen Ying , Hu Yu , Cheng Zhixing , Jiang Wenqian , Yue Xiaojing , Huang Liping
Published: December 2024

Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious complication of pregnancy linked to endothelial dysfunction and an imbalance in the gut microbiota. While Akkermansia muciniphila (AKK) has shown promise in alleviating PE symptoms, the use of live bacteria raises safety concerns. This study explored the potential of pasteurized A. muciniphila (pAKK) as a safer alternative for treating PE, focusing on its effects on endothelial function and metabolic regulation. A PE mouse model was induced via the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME, followed by treatment with either pAKK or live AKK. Fecal metabolomic profiling was performed via liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and in vivo and in vitro experiments were used to assess the effects of pAKK on endothelial function and metabolic pathways. pAKK exhibited therapeutic effects comparable to those of live AKK in improving L-NAME-induced PE-like phenotypes in mice, including enhanced gut barrier function and reduced endotoxemia. pAKK also promoted placental angiogenesis by restoring endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity and nitric oxide (NO) production. The in vitro experiments further confirmed that pAKK alleviated L-NAME-induced NO reduction and endothelial dysfunction in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Metabolomic analysis revealed that both pAKK and live AKK reversed metabolic disturbances in PE by modulating key metabolites and pathways related to unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, folate, and linoleic acid metabolism. As a postbiotic, pAKK may support existing treatments for preeclampsia by improving gut barrier function, restoring endothelial function, and regulating metabolic dysregulation, offering a safer alternative to live bacteria. These findings highlight the potential clinical value of pAKK as an adjunctive therapy in managing PE.
Timeline and Incidence of Infectious Complications in Older Transplant Recipients During the First Year Post-Transplantation
Authors: Ayaz Caglayan Merve , Ceylan Serdar , Yılmaz Vural Taner , Adanır Haydar , Turhan Özge
Published: December 2024

The number of older adults undergoing organ transplantation, and waiting lists are increasing. The epidemiological data on infections in older transplant patients are scarce. The objective of the study was to investigate the incidence and distribution of infectious complications in older patients according to post-transplant periods. This retrospective study was conducted in a university hospital between 1 January 2018 and 31 March 2023. All infectious episodes were analyzed over three post-transplant periods. Forty-four patients were enrolled. The median age was 67 years (min: 65 and max: 87 years). Patients experienced a total of 98 infectious episodes. The median number of infectious events per patient was 1.0 (min: 0 and max: 8). The overall incidence rate of infectious events was 2.18 infectious episodes per 1000 transplant days. Of the patients at risk, 18.2% had 12 (12.4% of all infections) infections in the first month (9.09 episodes per 1000 transplant days), 56.8% had 52 (53.1%) infections between 1 and 6 months (7.88 episodes per 1000 transplant days), and 40.9% had 34 (35%) infections >6–12 months post-transplant (0.92 episodes per 1000 transplant days) The most prevalent type of infection was bacterial (79.6%, n = 78) followed by viral (18.4%, n = 18) and fungal (2.0%, n = 2) infections. The overall mortality rate of the 44 patients was 13.6%. The bacterial infections were more prevalent, and the incidence of infection was high during all post-transplant periods. These results may guide infection management in older transplant patients.
Current Situation for Pharmacists in Japanese Veterinary Medicine: Exploring the Pharmaceutical Needs and Challenges of Veterinary Staff to Facilitate Collaborative Veterinary Care
Authors: Konno Taisuke , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Suzuki Naoto , Okada Kouji , Nishikawa Yosuke , Kikuchi Daisuke , Nakamura Hitoshi , Murai Yuriko
Published: December 2024

While veterinary pharmacy is common overseas, it has yet to gain traction in Japan. To clarify the actual situation in Japan, two surveys were conducted, targeting 4017 facilities (2000 pharmacies/drug stores, 2000 veterinary medical facilities, and 17 university-affiliated veterinary hospitals). We received 324 responses from pharmacy staff and 217 from veterinary hospital staff. Pharmacists were involved in drug therapy for companion animals either via direct discussion with veterinarians or by referrals for prescriptions from veterinarians (11 respondents). Veterinary staff and pharmacists showed a disparity regarding pharmacists’ involvement in companion animal healthcare. Veterinary staff wanted pharmacists to provide pharmaceutical guidance, perform audits, supply drug information, and prepare drugs. Strong demand (72.2% of the veterinary staff) existed for consultations with pharmacists regarding medication issues. Veterinary medicine has evolved to meet the demand for the advanced care of companion animals. Veterinary staff have diverse and substantial requests for pharmacists. Integrating the expertise of both veterinary staff and pharmacists may facilitate a team-based approach to veterinary medicine and improve the quality of care for companion animals. Tailoring approaches to suit Japan’s unique circumstances and creating a conducive environment for effective communication between pharmacists and veterinary staff are pivotal for advancing veterinary pharmacy in Japan.
Addition of Bevacizumab to Chemotherapy and Its Impact on Clinical Efficacy in Cervical Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shahzad Aleena , ur Rehman Anees , Naz Tehnia , Rasool Muhammad Fawad , Saeed Alisha , Rasheed Saba , Shakeel Sadia , Al-Tamimi Saleh Karamah , Hussain Rabia
Published: December 2024

Background and Objectives: Cervical cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality in females. One of the most successful therapeutic modalities to date is suppressing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-mediated angiogenesis. Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets VEGF-A. The outcomes for cervical cancer patients treated with bevacizumab in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy have been explored in several studies. This study aimed to assess the impact of bevacizumab on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with metastatic cervical cancer. Materials and Methods: This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023456755). Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search on PubMed and Google Scholar identified 28 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. The outcomes of interest were PFS and OS. The statistical analysis computed hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The study also included a subgroup analysis by cervical cancer stage. Results: The pooled analysis revealed that bevacizumab-based therapy significantly improved both PFS with HR 0.77 (95% CI: 0.58–0.96; p < 0.01; I2 = 58%) and OS with HR 0.63 (95% CI: 0.45–0.89; p < 0.01; I2 = 41%) in cervical cancer patients. Subgroup analysis by stage of cervical cancer demonstrated better efficacy of bevacizumab in metastatic stage IVB cervical cancer patients indicated by HR for PFS (0.69, 95% CI: 0.54–0.79; p < 0.01) and HR for OS (0.57, 95% CI: 0.46–0.73; p < 0.01). Conclusions: Bevacizumab exhibits a significant increase in PFS and OS, underscoring the efficacy of anti-angiogenesis therapy in cervical cancer, particularly in stage IVB metastatic cervical cancer patients.
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of the Laccase Gene Family in Fragaria vesca and Its Potential Roles in Response to Salt and Drought Stresses
Authors: Kong Jingjing , Xiong Rui , Qiu Keli , Lin Xinle , Li Debao , Lu Lijuan , Zhou Junyong , Zhu Shufang , Liu Mao , Sun Qibao
Published: December 2024

Laccase (LAC, EC 1.10.3.2) is integral to the formation of lignin synthesis, flavonoid production, and responses to both biotic and abiotic stresses. While recent studies have characterized numerous LAC gene families and their functions across various plants, information regarding LAC genes in woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca) remains limited. In this study, we identified a total of 57 FvLAC genes in the Fragaria vesca genome, which were phylogenetically categorized into five distinct groups. Analysis of the gene structures revealed a uniformity in the exon–intron structure among the subgroups, while conserved motifs identified unique motifs specific to certain subgroups, suggesting functional variations. Chromosomal localization studies indicated that FvLACs are distributed across seven chromosomes, and collinearity analysis demonstrated that FvLACs exhibit collinearity within the species. Additionally, cis-acting element analysis suggested that FvLAC genes are involved in stress responses, hormone responses, light responses, and the growth and development of plants. qRT-PCR demonstrated that FvLACs responded to salt, drought, and hormone stresses, with the expression levels of FvLAC24, FvLAC32, and FvLAC51 continuously increasing under these stress conditions. Furthermore, transgenic yeast experiments revealed that FvLAC51 enhanced yeast tolerance to both salt and drought stresses, while FvLAC24 and FvLAC32 negatively regulated yeast tolerance under these same conditions. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for further investigation into the functions of FvLAC genes in woodland strawberry.
Probabilistic Time Series Forecasting Based on Similar Segment Importance in the Process Industry
Authors: Yan Xingyou , Zhang Heng , Wang Zhigang , Miao Qiang
Published: December 2024

Probabilistic time series forecasting is crucial in various fields, including reducing stockout risks in retail, balancing road network loads, and optimizing power distribution systems. Building forecasting models for large-scale time series is challenging due to distribution differences, amplitude fluctuations, and complex patterns across various series. To address these challenges, a probabilistic forecasting method with two different implementations that focus on historical segment importance is proposed in this paper. First, a patch squeeze and excitation (PSE) module is designed to preprocess historical data, capture segment importance, and distill information. Next, an LSTM-based network is used to generate maximum likelihood estimations of distribution parameters or different quantiles for multi-step forecasting. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed PSE module significantly enhances the base model’s prediction performance, and direct multi-step forecasting offers more detailed information for high-frequency data than recursive forecasting.
Polysaccharide-Based Fat Replacers in the Functional Food Products
Authors: Nikolić Ivana , Šoronja-Simović Dragana , Zahorec Jana , Dokić Ljubica , Lončarević Ivana , Stožinić Milica , Petrović Jovana
Published: December 2024

The functional properties of food products, in addition to enrichment with functional components, can also be achieved by reducing the content of certain components such as sugars and fats, that is, by reducing the energy content of the product. Thus, the development of functional food products is aimed at various low-energy products, especially products with a reduced fat content, which normally represent the most concentrated source of energy. Fat replacers should simulate the functional properties of the fat. Polysaccharide-based fat replacers include a variety of native starches, modified starches, maltodextrins, cellulose and cellulose derivatives, polydextrose, inulin, pectin, other dietary fibers, and hydrocolloids. Technological properties required for the application of carbohydrate-based fat replacers are water-holding capacity, a certain level of viscosity, required form and particle size, three-dimensional networking and gel-forming ability, sensory abilities such as spreadability, softness, greasiness feeling in the mouth, and other fat-like properties. These fat replacers are usually applied in combinations with the aim of achieving all desired properties normally provided by fats in foods. In the contemporary literature, there are many examples of their application in different food products, including baked goods, meats, dairy products, and emulsion food systems, successfully reducing the fat content with or without minor alterations in the rheology or sensory features of food products. In summary, polysaccharides-based fat replacers offer an effective method for fat reduction in different food products along with enhancing the health benefits of reduced-fat foods.
Differential Effects of Various Cleaning Solutions on the Cleaning and Regeneration Performance of Commonly Used Polyester Fiber Material Air Filters
Authors: He Puchun , Zhang Lei , Li Yun , Xue Wenqiang , Zhang Xin
Published: December 2024

The regeneration and performance of air filter materials are important means of conserving energy and reducing emissions in civil public buildings. The repeated regeneration and use of air filters can not only effectively increase the lifespan of the filters but also reduce the phenomenon of filter disposal and incineration after reaching or not reaching the replacement cycle, further reducing resource waste and air pollution and thereby directly or indirectly reducing carbon emissions. In this study, polyester fiber air filters commonly used in civil public buildings were selected as the research object, and the regeneration performance and structural parameters of water and a cleaning solution were investigated under various cleaning conditions. The results show that the filtration efficiency when cleaning with water was higher than that when cleaning with the cleaning solution. The filtration efficiency for PM10, PM2.5, and PM1.0 increased from 0.3% to 3.5%, 0.7% to 6.3%, and 0.1% to 4.6%, respectively. Water could be used twice for cleaning for PM10 and once for PM2.5, and the cleaning solution could only be used once for cleaning for PM10. The counting filtration efficiency of 0.3 to 2.5 μm particulates showed a relatively significant change. The resistance after cleaning with water was higher than that after cleaning with the cleaning solution. For the quality factor (QF) value of PM10, the cleaning solution had a slightly higher cleaning effect, while for the QF values of PM2.5 and PM1.0, water had a slightly higher cleaning effect. In practical use, it is recommended to first use a cleaning solution and then water for subsequent cleaning. This study provides data support for the use of filters to achieve the dual carbon goal.
A Shortened Process of Artificial Graphite Manufacturing for Anode Materials in Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Lee Gang-Ho , Yi Hyeonseok , Kim Yu-Jin , Lee Jong Beom , An Jung-Chul , Park Sei-Min , Oh Kyeongseok , Yoon Seong-Ho , Park Joo-Il
Published: December 2024

Recently, due to the rapid increase in the demand for artificial graphite, there has been a strong need to improve the productivity of artificial graphite. In this study, we propose a new efficient process by eliminating the carbonation stage from the existing process. The conventional graphite manufacturing process usually involves a series of stages: the pulverization of needle-type coke, the granulation of pitch and coke premix, carbonation, graphitization, and surface treatment to compensate voids formed within particles. The process seems time-consuming and costly. Therefore, in our proposed shortened process, we have eliminated the carbonization stage. Instead of petroleum-derived pitch, coal tar pitch was employed. Coal tar pitch has a lower softening point than binder pitch. Apart from the cost-effectiveness of the process, it has enhanced the properties of artificial graphite by a uniform coating using a lower amount of hard carbon. In addition, the whole manufacturing time and cost was reduced by 12 h and 20% due to the skipped manufacturing step, respectively. It was observed that the artificial graphite produced by the newly proposed shortened process had improved physical properties related to the density and graphitization degree, and also showed an improvement in electrochemical performance. Raman 3D mapping and the electrochemical evaluation of artificial graphite were mainly used to compare the physical properties. This shortened process not only reduces the manufacturing cost, but also contributes to the improved performance of lithium-ion battery anode material.
Functional Sulfur-Doped Biocarbon for Hydrogen Storage: Development of Nanomaterials for Energy Applications
Authors: Rosas David , Escobar B. , Suarez-Alcantara Karina , Pacheco Carlos , Barbosa Romeli
Published: December 2024

This research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of advanced materials for hydrogen storage. Two biocarbon samples were synthesized from Sargassum spp. The first was activated with KOH (SKPT) and the second was doped with sulfur (SSKTP); both were obtained through pyrolysis at 900 °C. The sulfur-doped biocarbon (SSKTP), with its high specific surface area (2377 m2 gࢤ1), exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic properties, making it an efficient candidate for hydrogen storage applications. Various characterization techniques were employed to study the relationship between physicochemical properties and hydrogen uptake. The presence of micropores and sulfur doping significantly improved hydrogen uptake at 45 °C and 50 bar, where SSKTP achieved 0.40 wt%. In comparison, the non-doped biocarbon (SKPT) showed a lower hydrogen storage capacity of 0.33 wt%, with a specific surface area of 1620 m2 gࢤ1. The results highlight the potential of sulfur-doped activated biocarbon as a functional material in energy conversion systems, specifically for electrocatalytic hydrogen storage processes. This study demonstrates a sustainable approach to utilizing biomass waste for advanced electrocatalysts, contributing to renewable energy solutions.
Coal Structure Recognition Method Based on LSTM Neural Network
Authors: Chen Yang , Chen Cen , Zhang Jiarui , Hu Fengying , He Taohua , Wang Xinyue , Cheng Qun , He Jiayi , Zhao Ya , Zeng Qianghao
Published: December 2024

Coal structures exhibit considerable differences in rock properties and adsorption capacities. The physical properties of coal rocks are fundamental to understanding oil and gas reservoirs, while adsorption capacity directly impacts the gas content in coal seams. The accurate recognition of coal structures is essential for evaluating productivity and guiding coalbed methane well development. This study examines coal rocks of Benxi Formation in Ordos Basin. Using core photographs and logging curves, we classified the coal structures into undeformed coal, cataclastic coal, and granulated-mylonitized coal. AC, DEN, CAL, GR, and CN15 logging curves were selected to build a coal structure recognition model utilizing a long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network. This approach addresses the gradient vanishing and exploding issues often encountered in traditional neural networks, enhancing the model’s capacity to handle nonlinear relationships. After numerous iterations of learning and parameter adjustments, the model achieved a recognition accuracy of over 85%, with 32 hidden units, a minimum batch size of 28, and up to 150 iterations. Validation with independent well data not involved in the model building process confirmed the model’s effectiveness, meeting the practical needs of the study area. The results suggest that the study area is predominantly characterized by undeformed coal, with cataclastic coal and granulated-mylonitized coal more developed along fault trends.
Hybrid Brown-Bear and Hippopotamus Algorithms with Fractional Order Chaos Maps for Precise Solar PV Model Parameter Estimation
Authors: Chaib Lakhdar , Tadj Mohammed , Choucha Abdelghani , El-Rifaie Ali M. , Shaheen Abdullah M.
Published: December 2024

The rise in photovoltaic (PV) energy utilization has led to increased research on its functioning, as its accurate modeling is crucial for system simulations. However, capturing nonlinear current–voltage traits is challenging due to limited data from cells’ datasheets. This paper presents a novel enhanced version of the Brown-Bear Optimization Algorithm (EBOA) for determining the ideal parameters for the circuit model. The presented EBOA incorporates several modifications aimed at improving its searching capabilities. It combines Fractional-order Chaos maps (FC maps), which support the BOA settings to be adjusted in an adaptive manner. Additionally, it integrates key mechanisms from the Hippopotamus Optimization (HO) to strengthen the algorithm’s exploitation potential by leveraging surrounding knowledge for more effective position updates while also improving the balance between global and local search processes. The EBOA was subjected to extensive mathematical validation through the application of benchmark functions to rigorously assess its performance. Also, PV parameter estimation was achieved by combining the EBOA with a Newton–Raphson approach. Numerous module and cell varieties, including RTC France, STP6-120/36, and Photowatt-PWP201, were assessed using double-diode and single-diode PV models. The higher performance of the EBOA was shown by a statistical comparison with many well-known metaheuristic techniques. To illustrate this, the root mean-squared error values achieved by our scheme using (SDM, DDM) for RTC France, STP6-120/36, and PWP201 are as follows: (8.183847 × 10−4, 7.478488 × 10−4), (1.430320 × 10−2, 1.427010 × 10−2), and (2.220075 × 10−3, 2.061273 × 10−3), respectively. The experimental results show that the EBOA works better than alternative techniques in terms of accuracy, consistency, and convergence.
The Evaluation Method of the Power Supply Capability of an Active Distribution Network Considering Demand Response
Authors: Li Ning , Sun Sipei , Zhang Liang , Wang Jianjun , Qu Yuqing
Published: December 2024

The accurate quantification of power supply capability (PSC) is crucial for the planning and operation of active distribution networks. To address the issue of PSC quantification, this paper presents a PSC evaluation method of active distribution networks while considering demand response (DR). Firstly, an incentive-based DR model is introduced, followed by the development of a PSC evaluation model that incorporates DR. This model completely describes the PSC of active distribution networks while considering N-1 security constraints. Secondly, a PSC evaluation algorithm based on uniform state-space sampling is presented, enabling the quantification of the complete PSC of active distribution networks with DR. Then, the influence of the load reduction coefficient in DR on the PSC is studied. It is found that the maximum PSC increases with the load reduction coefficient initially and then stabilizes. Furthermore, measures such as appropriately increasing the load reduction coefficient and expanding the bottleneck component capacity are proposed to enhance the PSC. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed PSC evaluation method is verified by two active distribution networks, CASE1 and CASE2. The proposed method visualizes the complete PSC of active distribution networks considering DR as a curve and quantifies it as an interval value. For CASE1, the complete PSC is quantified within the range of [4.0, 8.4] MVA, and for CASE2, it is quantified within the range of [17.0, 33.0] MVA. The proposed measures effectively enhance the PSC, facilitating the efficient, safe, and low-carbon operation of smart distribution networks.
Thermodynamic Prediction of Scale Formation in Oil Fields During Water Injection: Application of SPsim Program Through Utilizing Advanced Visual Basic Excel Tool
Authors: Hashemi Seyed Hossein , Besharati Zahra , Torabi Farshid , Pimentel Nuno
Published: December 2024

This study focuses on the design and validation of a computer program named “SPsim”, developed using Visual Basic coding and advanced Excel tools to predict the formation of sulfate mineral deposits during water injection in oil fields. Water injection for secondary oil recovery is an effective economic strategy, but it can be negatively impacted by the formation of sulfate minerals such as calcium sulfate, gypsum, barium sulfate, and strontium sulfate. The results of this study demonstrate that SPsim can accurately predict the formation of these mineral deposits based on the composition of the formation water and injection water under various temperature and pressure conditions. Specifically, the formation of barium sulfate and calcium sulfate is observed under certain conditions, which is a significant concern in oil fields. The study also highlights that calcium sulfate, barium sulfate, and strontium sulfate are among the most challenging mineral deposits in the studied fields, while the formation of gypsum deposits is less significant. The program was compared with results from other software tools, such as ScaleChem 3.2 and StimCad 2, as well as field observations. The findings indicate that SPsim provides a reliable and effective tool for predicting and managing sulfate scaling in water injection operations, making it a valuable resource for both industrial and academic applications.
Utilization of Metal-Functionalized ZSM-5 for Methanol and Low-Carbon Hydrocarbon Coupling Aromatization
Authors: Tang Ruiyuan , Li Yani , Yuan Yue , Che Yuanjun , Gao Yuru , Shen Zhibing , Zhang Juntao
Published: December 2024

Aromatics assume a paramount role as indispensable organic chemical feedstock within diverse industrial domains. Simultaneously, the global aromatics market is scarce, particularly with the exorbitant demand for high-value aromatics. Generating aromatics via coal-based methanol and low-carbon hydrocarbon coupling reactions has become a novel green and sustainable development trajectory. In this study, HZSM-5 catalysts featuring different Si/Al ratios and active metal-functionalized modifications were utilized to explore the aromatization effect in light of the Si/Al ratio, types of active components, and metal-loading content in a fixed-bed reactor. The outcomes were that the conversion ratios for methanol and n-pentane attained 99.9% and 83.1%, respectively. Remarkably, an oil phase yield of 32.1% was accomplished, along with an aromatic content of approximately 74.2%, while xylene selectivity reached approximately 37.6% for the 1.0%-ZnO/ZSM-5 (50) catalyst. Ultimately, a reaction mechanism for the coupling of methanol and n-pentane to yield aromatics using a 1.0%-ZnO/ZSM-5(50) catalyst is postulated.
Solar PV End-of-Life Waste Recycling: An Assessment of Mechanical Recycling Methods and Proposed Hybrid Laser and High Voltage Pulse Crushing Method
Authors: Ali Amjad , Shahid Muhammad , Qadir Sikandar Abdul , Islam Md Tasbirul , Khan Muhammad Waseem , Ahmed Shoaib
Published: December 2024

This research article investigates the recycling of end-of-life solar photovoltaic (PV) panels by analyzing various mechanical methods, including Crushing, High Voltage Pulse Crushing, Electrostatic Separation, Hot Knife Cutting, Water Jet Cutting, and Magnetic Separation. Each method’s effectiveness in extracting materials such as glass, silicon, metals (copper, aluminum, silver, tin, lead), and EVA was evaluated. The analysis reveals that no single method is entirely sufficient for comprehensive material recovery. Based on the data analysis, a new hypothetical hybrid method, Laser and High Voltage Pulse (L&HVP), is proposed, which integrates the precision of laser irradiation with the robustness of high voltage pulse crushing. The laser irradiation step would theoretically facilitate the removal of the ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) encapsulant, preparing the materials for subsequent separation. The high high-voltage pulse crushing would then selectively fragment and separate the remaining components, potentially enhancing material recovery efficiency while minimizing contamination. The proposed approach is grounded in the observed limitations of existing techniques. This method aims to offer a more comprehensive and sustainable solution for solar PV module recycling. Further research and experimentation are necessary to validate the effectiveness of the L&HVP method and its potential impact on the field of solar PV recycling.
How Does the “Belt and Road” Initiative Affect Debt Sustainability?
Authors: Zhang Henglong , Jiang Yitong , Hou Conglei
Published: December 2024

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has opened new financing channels, promoting sustainable debt management and high-quality economic growth in China and BRI-participating countries. This paper, using sample data from 64 BRI-participating countries and 40 non-BRI countries from 2002–2021, employs the difference-in-differences (DiD) method to examine BRI impacts on government debt sustainability. Empirical results passing robustness tests reveal heterogeneous effects. Findings indicate: first, the BRI enhances government debt sustainability in participating countries; second, government spending, foreign direct investment, and international trade moderate economic development; third, the BRI exhibits heterogeneity by income, debt levels, and growth rates. The study demonstrates the BRI alleviates “debt anxiety” and injects new momentum into global economic governance system improvement and innovation, ensuring stable macroeconomic operation and high-quality economic growth.
Reducing Carbon Emissions from Coal-Fired Power Plants: An Analysis Using Evolutionary Game Theory
Authors: Gao Jie , Tan Qingmei , Cui Bo
Published: December 2024

The promotion of energy conservation and emission reduction involves a multi-party game among governments, enterprises, and other stakeholders. To explore the game relationships among governments, the public, and coal-fired power enterprises under the “dual carbon targets”, this paper constructs an evolutionary game model for energy conservation and emission reduction involving three parties: the government, coal-fired power enterprises, and the public. Through a theoretical analysis and simulation analysis of the case study involving a central Hebei energy enterprise in China, the impact of parameter variations on the strategic choices of all parties and the evolutionarily stable strategies of the system is thoroughly discussed. The research findings indicate that reducing public supervision costs, increasing government rewards, subsidies, and penalties, and enhancing government regulatory capabilities are crucial factors in promoting energy-saving and emission-reduction efforts by coal-fired power enterprises. After multiple evolutionary iterations, the tripartite evolutionary game system ultimately reaches an evolutionarily stable state of government regulation, public supervision, and energy-saving and emission-reduction by coal-fired power enterprises at the point E8(1,1,1). Based on these findings, we propose a series of policy recommendations aimed at providing theoretical support for the Chinese government to achieve its energy-saving and emission-reduction strategies under the dual-carbon targets. These recommendations also offer practical guidance for the government in formulating emission reduction policies, for enterprises in optimizing their operational strategies, and for the public in participating in emission reduction efforts.
Prediction and Control of Existing High-Speed Railway Tunnel Deformation Induced by Shield Undercrossing Based on BO-XGboost
Authors: Fei Ruizhen , Wu Hongtao , Peng Limin
Published: December 2024

The settlement of existing high-speed railway tunnels due to adjacent excavations is a complex phenomenon influenced by multiple factors, making accurate estimation challenging. To address this issue, a prediction model combining extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) with Bayesian optimization (BO), namely BO-XGBoost, was developed. Its predictive performance was evaluated against conventional models, such as artificial neural networks (ANNs), support vector machines (SVMs), and vanilla XGBoost. The BO-XGBoost model showed superior results, with evaluation metrics of MAE = 0.331, RMSE = 0.595, and R2 = 0.997. In addition, the BO-XGBoost model enhanced interpretability through an accessible analysis of feature importance, identifying volume loss as the most critical factor affecting settlement predictions. Using the prediction model and a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, a hybrid framework was established to adjust the operational parameters of a shield tunneling machine in the Changsha Metro Line 3 project. This framework facilitates the timely optimization of operational parameters and the implementation of protective measures to mitigate excessive settlement. With this framework’s assistance, the maximum settlements of the existing tunnel in all typical sections were strictly controlled within safety criteria. As a result, the corresponding environmental impact was minimized and resource management was optimized, ensuring construction safety, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
The Epidemiology, Clinical, and Economic Burdens of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections Amongst Hospitalized Children Under 5 Years of Age in Jordan: A National Multi-Center Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Abu-Helalah Munir , Al-Shatnawi Samah , Abu Lubad Mohammad , Al-Zayadneh Enas , Jdaitawi Hussein , Harahsheh Mea’ad , AL-Iede Montaha , Nafi Omar , Yousef Ruba , Almaaitah Ihsan , Ababneh Mai , AlZubi Toqa , Mahfouz Rand , Adaylah Heba , AlHajaj Hamzeh , Tamimi Mohammad , Drysdale Simon
Published: December 2024

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been recognized as a highly important cause of morbidity and mortality among children and adults. A cross-sectional study at representative sites in Jordan was undertaken to provide an assessment of the epidemiology and health and economic burdens of RSV and influenza infections in Jordan amongst hospitalized children under 5 years old for the period between 15 November 2022 and 14 April 2023. This study involved 1000 patients with a mean age of 17.10 (SD: 16.57) months. Of these, half (n = 506, 50.6%) had positive results for RSV. Furthermore, 33% and 17.4% of the participants had positive results for RSV-B and RSV-A, respectively. The findings underscore the severity of RSV infections, where a significant proportion of the children experienced severe respiratory distress, which led to bronchiolitis and pneumonia. This study meticulously documented the clinical outcomes, including the need for intensive care, mechanical ventilation, and prolonged hospital stays. There was no statistically significant difference in the financial burdens between the RSV-positive and RSV-negative patients. This study revealed the urgent need for preventive measures to control the substantial burden of RSV among children under 5 years old in Jordan.