bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Usability of Hip Protectors: A Mixed-Method Study from the Perspectives of Singapore Nursing Home Care Staff
Authors: Xu Tianma , Lim Yu Venedict , Wee Lynn Shi Xuan , Tan Yong Jean Shina , Xue Agnes Lishan
Published: November 2024

The EXO+ hip protector was developed to minimize the risk of hip fractures in seniors following falls. This study evaluated its usability in a Singapore nursing home from the perspective of the staff, focusing on learnability, efficiency, and satisfaction. A mixed-method design was employed, with nursing home residents wearing the EXO+ daily for eight weeks. Quantitative data on wear time were collected alongside qualitative insights from four repeated focus group discussions with care staff. In total, 15 residents (including 8 residents with cognitive impairments) and 9 staff participated. The analysis revealed six themes and fourteen subthemes related to EXO+’s usability. The residents wore the device for an average of 1.54 h per day, with those having cognitive impairments showing increased wear times, especially in the mornings and on weekdays. The findings indicated that the EXO+ was learnable and satisfactory for nursing home use, provided there are adequate supporting features. The efficiency of the EXO+ was not fully measured since no falls were reported during the study period. The study offers valuable insights for potential design modifications and workflow adaptations to enhance the implementation of hip protectors in healthcare settings, highlighting facilitators and barriers to support device uptake.
Applications of Machine Learning in Cyber Security: A Review
Authors: Vourganas Ioannis J. , Michala Anna Lito
Published: November 2024

In recent years, Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have been gaining ground in Cyber Security (CS) research in an attempt to counter increasingly sophisticated attacks. However, this paper poses the question of qualitative and quantitative data. This paper argues that scholarly research in this domain is severely impacted by the quality and quantity of available data. Datasets are disparate. There is no uniformity in (i) the dataset features, (ii) the methods of collection, or (iii) the preprocessing requirements to enable good-quality analyzed data that are suitable for automated decision-making. This review contributes to the existing literature by providing a single summary of the wider field in relation to AI, evaluating the most recent datasets, combining considerations of ethical AI, and posing a list of open research questions to guide future research endeavors. Thus, this paper contributes valuable insights to the cyber security field, fostering advancements for the application of AI/ML.
A Novel Graphene-Based Nanomaterial for the Development of a Pelvic Implant to Treat Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Authors: Seifalian Amelia , Digesu Alex , Khullar Vik
Published: November 2024

Graphene is the wonder material of the 21st century, promising cutting-edge advancements in material science with significant applications across all industries. This study investigates the use of a graphene-based nanomaterials (GBNs) ans trade-registered Hastalex®, as novel materials for surgical implants aimed at treating pelvic organ prolapse (POP). This study investigates the mechanical properties and physicochemical characteristics of the material, mainly focusing on its potential to address the limitations of existing polypropylene (PP) implants, which has been associated with numerous complications and banned across multiple countries. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) confirmed the bonding between functionalised graphene oxide (FGO) and the base polymer chain. Hastalex exhibited excellent mechanical properties with 58 N/mm2 maximum tensile strength at break and 701% elongation at break, whilst maintaining its shape with no plastic deformation. These results were comparable to that of sheep pelvic muscular tissue. Hastalex demonstrated its hydrophilic properties from contact angle measurements. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed a uniform plane with surface nanotopography, promoting cell-to-material interaction. The results confirmed the suitability of Hastalex in the development of a new pelvic membrane to treat POP.
A Design Strategy for Surface Modification and Decarburization to Achieve Enhanced Mechanical Properties in Additively Manufactured Stainless Steel
Authors: Sridar Soumya , Sargent Noah , Prochaska Stephanie , Shabani Mitra , Hildreth Owen , Xiong Wei
Published: November 2024

Post-processing of additively manufactured components, including the removal of support structures and the reduction in surface roughness, presents significant challenges. Conventional milling struggles to access internal cavities, while the Self-Terminating Etching Process (STEP) offers a promising solution. STEP effectively smooths surfaces and dissolves supports without substantial changes in geometry. However, it can lead to compositional changes and precipitation, affecting the material properties and necessitating a design strategy to mitigate them. In this study, STEP is applied to stainless steel 316L (SS316L) produced via laser powder bed fusion, reducing surface roughness from 7 to 2 μm. After STEP, the surface carbon exhibited a threefold increase, leading to the formation of M23C6 clusters. This significantly impacted the yield strength, resulting in a 37% reduction compared to the as-built condition. The key to overcoming this challenge was using computational simulations, which guided the determination of the decarburization conditions: 1000 °C for 60 min, ensuring maximum M23C6 dissolution and surface carbon reduction with minimal grain coarsening. Following these conditions, the yield strength of SS316L was restored to the level observed in the as-built condition. These findings underscore the potential of the proposed design strategy to enhance the mechanical performance of additively manufactured components significantly.
Study on the Influence of Wind Load on the Safety of Magnetic Adsorption Wall-Climbing Inspection Robot for Gantry Crane
Authors: Liu Jun , Xie Chaoyu , Yang Yongsheng , Wan Xiaoxi
Published: November 2024

The maintenance of the surface of steel structures is crucial for ensuring the quality of shipbuilding cranes. Various types of wall-climbing robots have been proposed for inspecting diverse structures, including ships and offshore installations. Given that these robots often operate in outdoor environments, their performance is significantly influenced by wind conditions. Consequently, understanding the impact of wind loads on these robots is essential for developing structurally sound designs. In this study, SolidWorks software was utilized to model both the wall-climbing robot and crane, while numerical simulations were conducted to investigate the aerodynamic performance of the magnetic wall-climbing inspection robot under wind load. Subsequently, a MATLAB program was developed to simulate both the time history and spectrum of wind speed affecting the wall-climbing inspection robot. The resulting wind speed time-history curve was analyzed using a time-history analysis method to simulate wind pressure effects. Finally, modal analysis was performed to determine the natural frequency and vibration modes of the frame in order to ensure dynamic stability for the robot. The analysis revealed that wind pressure predominantly concentrates on the front section of the vehicle body, with significant eddy currents observed on its windward side, leeward side, and top surface. Following optimization efforts on the robot’s structure resulted in a reduction in vortex formation; consequently, compared to pre-optimization conditions during pulsating wind simulations, there was a 99.19% decrease in induced vibration displacement within the optimized inspection robot body. Modal analysis indicated substantial differences between the first six non-rigid natural frequencies of this vehicle body and those associated with its servo motor frequencies—indicating no risk of resonance occurring. This study employs finite element analysis techniques to assess stability under varying wind loads while verifying structural safety for this wall-climbing inspection robot.
Nonstationary Control Parameter Prediction for Underwater Gliders Utilizing an Innovative Transformer-Based Model
Authors: Jing Yv , Ma Chao , An Jianpeng , Li Zezhong , Sun Xinlin , Guo Wei
Published: November 2024

As a new type of unmanned autonomous marine observation platform, underwater gliders (UGs) offer advantages such as low energy consumption and long operational ranges. However, during the gliding process, the complex marine environment often leads to abrupt changes in short-term control parameters, complicating the data and rendering them more challenging to predict. This typically poses difficulties in adjusting control parameters based on human experience, thereby significantly reducing UG control efficiency. To address this issue, this paper proposes a novel method termed DFFormer, aimed at enhancing the predictive accuracy of the rudder angles during UG motion. The proposed method integrates discrete wavelet transform (DWT) for rudder angle signal decomposition and employs a fast Fourier transform-based attention mechanism (FFT-Attention) to effectively capture and analyze its frequency- and time-domain characteristics. Notably, the method leverages a Transformer architecture to process the decomposed signals through multiple parallel pathways, substantially improving the capability to forecast the complex and variable control parameters of UGs. The effectiveness and practicality of the proposed method are demonstrated through actual sea trials. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method surpasses traditional approaches in terms of accuracy and computational efficiency, exhibiting superior performance in predicting UG control parameters and, to some extent, enhancing their heading-keeping ability.
A Baroclinic Fluid Model and Its Application in Investigating the Salinity Transport Process Within the Sediment–Water Interface in an Idealized Estuary
Authors: Zhao Jun , Zhu Liangsheng , Hong Bo , Li Jianhua
Published: November 2024

Understanding the salinity transport process around the sediment–water interface is important for water resources management in the upper reach of an estuary. In this study, we developed a baroclinic fluid dynamic model for investigating the flow and salt transport characteristics within the sediment–water interface under tidal forcing. The validation showed robust model performance on the salinity transport within the sediment–water interface. The results revealed that the turbulent kinetic energy, dissipation rate, and kinetic energy production rate exhibited periodic variations within the seabed boundary layer. The thickness of the viscous sublayer and the mean flow showed an inverse relationship. Water and salinity exchange within the sediment–water interface occurred predominantly via turbulent diffusion, with extreme turbulent kinetic energy production rates appearing during the tidal reversal, flood, and ebb stages. The sediment acted as a source of salinity release during ebb tides and a sink for salinity absorption during flood tides. As the sediment depth increased, fluctuations in salinity were weakened. These results clearly illustrated that the sediment layer is important in modulating the salinity transport in the upper reach of an estuary. However, such an important process was usually excluded by previous studies. The model developed in this study can be used as a sediment–water interface module that, coupled with other hydrodynamic models, can evaluate the contributions of the sediment layer to the salinity exchange in coastal water.
Model Sensitivity Analysis for Coastal Morphodynamics: Investigating Sediment Parameters and Bed Composition in Delft3D
Authors: Jenkins Robert L. , Smith Christopher G. , Passeri Davina L. , Ellis Alisha M.
Published: November 2024

Numerical simulation of sediment transport and subsequent morphological evolution rely on accurate parameterizations of sediment characteristics. However, these data are often not available or are spatially and/or temporally limited. This study approaches the problem of limited sediment grain-size data with a series of simulations assessing model sensitivity to sediment parameters and initial bed composition configurations in Delft3D, leading to improved modeling practices. A previously validated Delft3D sediment transport and morphology model for Dauphin Island, Alabama, USA, is used as the benchmark case. A method for the generation of representative sediment grain sizes and their spatially varying distributions is presented via end-member analysis of in situ surficial sediment samples. Derived sediment classes and their spatial distributions are applied to two sensitivity case simulations with increasing bed composition complexity. First, multiple sediment classes are applied in a single fully mixed layer, regardless of sediment type. Second, multiple sediment classes are applied in a thin, fully mixed transport layer with underlayers containing only the non-cohesive sediment classes below. Simulations were carried out in a probabilistic, Delft3D MorMerge configuration to capture long-term morphology change for 10 years. We found there is sensitivity to the inclusion of additional sediment classes and sediment distribution made evident in bed level and morphology change. Inclusion of highly mobile fine sediments altered model results in each sensitivity case. The model was also found to be sensitive to initial bed composition in terms of bed level and morphology change, with notable differences between sensitivity cases on decadal timescales, indicating an armoring effect in the second sensitivity case, which used the transport and underlayer bed configuration. The results of this study offer guidance for numerical modelers concerned with sediment behavior in coastal and estuarine environments.
First Report of Diaporthe goulteri on Soybean in Germany
Authors: Hosseini Behnoush , Gröbner Maximilian Gerhard , Link Tobias Immanuel
Published: November 2024

Diaporthe (anamorph: Phomopsis) species are endophytes or fungal pathogens for many different plant species. Soybean (Glycine max) can be infected by many different Diaporthe species; among them, D. caulivora and D. longicolla are responsible for the most significant damages. Diaporthe goulteri is a species that was only recently described and has so far been found on sunflower (Helianthus annuus) in Australia and an unknown host in Thailand. Here, we report isolation of D. goulteri from soybean in southern Germany, molecular species identification, and additional morphological description. We also show that D. goulteri can infect soybean and describe the symptoms we observed, both on the plant where the isolate came from and following artificial inoculation.
Big Data Analysis of ‘VTuber’ Perceptions in South Korea: Insights for the Virtual YouTuber Industry
Authors: Kim Hyemin , Suh Jungho
Published: November 2024

The global VTuber market is experiencing rapid growth, with VTubers extending beyond mere content creators to be utilized in various fields such as social interaction, public relations, and health. VTubers have the potential to expand the existing content market and contribute to increasing economic and public value. This study aims to investigate the perception of VTubers in South Korea and to provide insights that can contribute to the global activation of the VTuber entertainment industry. For this purpose, unstructured data on VTubers from the past three years, during which interest in VTubers has significantly grown in South Korea, was collected. A total of 57,891 samples were gathered from Naver, Daum, and Google, of which 50 highly relevant data points between VTubers and users were selected for analysis. First, key terms such as ‘Broadcast’, ‘YouTube’, ‘Live’, ‘Game’, ‘Youtuber’, ‘Japan’, ‘Character’, ‘Video’, ‘Sing’, ‘Virtual’, ‘Woowakgood’, ‘Fan’, ‘Idol’, ‘Korea’, ‘Twitch’, ‘IsegyeIdol’, ‘Communication’, ‘Worldview’, ‘VTuberIndustry’, ‘Contents’, ‘AfricaTV’, ‘Nijisanji’, and ‘Streamer’ were extracted. Second, CONCOR analysis revealed four clusters: ‘Famous VTubers’, ‘Features of VTubers’, ‘VTuber Industry’, and ‘VTuber Platforms’. Based on these findings, the study offers various academic and practical implications regarding VTubers in South Korea and explores the potential for global growth in the VTuber industry.
Friends or Foes? Exploring the Framing of Artificial Intelligence Innovations in Africa-Focused Journalism
Authors: Mohammed Abdullateef , Elega Adeola Abdulateef , Ahmad Murtada Busair , Oloyede Felix
Published: November 2024

The rise and widespread use of generative AI technologies, including ChatGPT, Claude, Synthesia, DALL-E, Gemini, Meta AI, and others, have raised fresh concerns in journalism practice. While the development represents a source of hope and optimism for some practitioners, including journalists and editors, others express a cautious outlook given the possibilities of its misuse. By leveraging the Google News aggregator service, this research conducts a content and thematic analysis of Africa-focused journalistic articles that touch on the impacts of artificial intelligence technology in journalism practice. Findings indicate that, while the coverage is predominantly positive, the tone of the articles reflects a news industry cautiously navigating the integration of AI. Ethical concerns regarding AI use in journalism were frequently highlighted, which indicates significant apprehension on the part of the news outlets. A close assessment of views presented in a smaller portion of the reviewed articles revealed a sense of unease around the conversation of power in the hands of tech giants. The impact of AI on the financial stability of media outlets was framed as minimal at present, suggesting a neutral, wait-and-see position of news outlets. Our analysis of predominantly quoted sources in the articles revealed that industry professionals and technology experts emerge as the most vocal voices shaping the narrative around AI’s practical applications and technical capabilities in the continent.
Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections in Non-Human Primates at Gabon’s Primatology Center: Implications for Zoonotic Diseases
Authors: Mapagha-Boundoukou Krista , Mohamed-Djawad Mohamed Hassani , Longo-Pendy Neil Michel , Makouloutou-Nzassi Patrice , Bangueboussa Félicien , Ben Said Mourad , Ngoubangoye Barthélémy , Boundenga Larson
Published: November 2024

Parasites and infectious diseases pose significant threats to primate populations, especially in captive non-human primates (NHPs). This study aimed to assess the diversity and prevalence of intestinal parasites in NHPs at the CIRMF Primatology Center. A total of 97 fecal samples were analyzed using parasitological techniques, including sodium chloride flotation and modified Baermann sedimentation methods. An overall parasite prevalence of 93.81% (91/97) was observed. Sixteen groups of parasites with zoonotic potential were identified, comprising ten genera of nematodes (Trichuris, Enterobius, Hookworm, Trichostrongylus, Mammomonogamus, Spirure, Oesophagostomum, Schistosoma, Ascaris, and Strongyloides), three genera of protists (Eimeria, Balantioides coli/Buxtonella, and Entamoeba), one genus of cestodes (Hymenolepis), and two genera of trematodes (Dicrocoelium and Paramphistomum). High prevalences were noted for Oesophagostomum spp. (83.5%), Strongyloides spp. (52.58%), and Trichostrongylus spp. (50.52%). These findings underscore the potential role of the CIRMF Primatology Center in maintaining and facilitating the transmission of intestinal parasites with high zoonotic potential. The co-existence of human and NHP parasites in shared environments, such as zoos and research facilities, emphasizes the need for a holistic, One Health approach that addresses the interconnected health of humans, animals, and the environment. This study highlights the urgent need for collaborative strategies to mitigate the risks of zoonotic parasite transmission between NHPs and humans in captive settings.
Predictive Analytics for Thyroid Cancer Recurrence: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Clark Elizabeth , Price Samantha , Lucena Theresa , Haberlein Bailey , Wahbeh Abdullah , Seetan Raed
Published: November 2024

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), comprising papillary and follicular thyroid cancers, is the most prevalent type of thyroid malignancy. Accurate prediction of DTC is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Machine learning (ML) offers a promising approach to analyze risk factors and predict cancer recurrence. In this study, we aimed to develop predictive models to identify patients at an elevated risk of DTC recurrence based on 16 risk factors. We developed six ML models and applied them to a DTC dataset. We evaluated the ML models using Synthetic Minority Over-Sampling Technique (SMOTE) and with hyperparameter tuning. We measured the models’ performance using precision, recall, F1 score, and accuracy. Results showed that Random Forest consistently outperformed the other investigated models (KNN, SVM, Decision Tree, AdaBoost, and XGBoost) across all scenarios, demonstrating high accuracy and balanced precision and recall. The application of SMOTE improved model performance, and hyperparameter tuning enhanced overall model effectiveness.
Ciraparantag Does Not Remove Anticoagulant Activities In Vitro, but DOAC-Stop™ May Mitigate Ciraparantag-Associated Interferences in Coagulation Testing
Authors: Harte James V. , Buckley Gavin T.
Published: November 2024

Anticoagulants can complicate the interpretation of routine and specialised coagulation assays. Several methodologies have been developed to minimise or eliminate anticoagulant-associated interferences; however, no ‘universal methodology’ that encompasses different anticoagulant classes is currently available. Ciraparantag is a promising reversal agent that can bind both direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and heparin-like anticoagulants. As such, we aimed to investigate whether ciraparantag could be employed as a ‘universal’ anticoagulant chelator in vitro. Human plasma was spiked with ascending concentrations of ciraparantag, with or without DOACs or heparin, and assayed for routine coagulation parameters. Ciraparantag had minimal effects on coagulation testing when added to human plasma at concentrations similar to pharmacokinetic maxima; however, ciraparantag did not remove DOAC- or heparin-associated activities in vitro, which was likely due to the preferential chelation of anionic substances in the coagulation reagents. In contrast, DOAC-Stop™, a commercial activated charcoal-based adsorbent, efficiently removed both DOAC- and ciraparantag-associated interferences. In conclusion, although ciraparantag is not effective as a ‘universal’ anticoagulant chelator in vitro, we report that activated charcoal-based adsorbents may be clinically useful in situations where laboratory investigations are complicated by the presence of DOACs and/or ciraparantag.
Ethnolinguistic Vitality in Minority Schoolscape
Authors: Tódor Erika-Mária , Vančo Ildikó
Published: November 2024

School is often said to be a representation of society because its primary aim is to promote integration into society. This study of the landscape elements of minority language schools suggests that this type of linguistic landscape may not only reflect a change in linguistic dominance but can also play a complementary role compared to the external, out-of-school world. In this paper, the authors attempt to explore a new way of interpreting the notion of the linguistic landscape of schools. The novelty of this approach lies in the application of a spatial theoretical concept, where the schoolscape is defined as an element of autopoietic space—a self-constituting spatial element. Within this autopoietic framework, markers of ethnolinguistic vitality in the linguistic landscape of minority language schools are identified, and a set of criteria is established that can be applied to other communities. The conclusions are drawn from a comparative analysis of the linguistic landscapes of Hungarian-medium schools in Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia.
Heritage Spanish in Montreal: An Analysis of Clitics in Spontaneous Production Data
Authors: Burdeus-Domingo Noelia , Alba de la Fuente Anahí , Teomiro Ismael I.
Published: November 2024

This study investigates clitic use in adult heritage speakers (HL speakers) of Spanish, with French as their dominant language. We conducted an exploratory case study using spontaneous production data from HL speakers of Spanish and first-generation Spanish immigrants living in Montreal, Canada. Data were collected through two guided production tasks, one oral and one written, to account for task-induced performance variations. Our analysis focused on clitic production, omission, function, optionality, and grammaticality. The findings reveal both similarities and differences compared to monolingual native Spanish speakers, highlighting a broad range of clitic structures produced by all participants and a potential tendency among HL speakers to favour fixed choices in optional structures. This study provides valuable insights into the production patterns of clitics in adult HL speakers of Spanish with French as their dominant language, contributing to our understanding of bilingual grammar.
Impact of Biosynthesized CeO2 Nanoparticle Concentration on the Tribological, Rheological, and Thermal Performance of Lubricating Oil
Authors: Azam Siraj , Park Sang-Shin
Published: November 2024

This study presents an approach to enhance the performance of lubricating oils through the environmentally friendly synthesis of cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles using Moringa oleifera leaf extract. These biosynthesized nanoparticles were thoroughly characterized for their structural and thermal stability by utilizing X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The CeO2 nanolubricants, prepared at various concentrations, displayed significant improvements in viscosity, stability, and thermal conductivity. Specifically, the 0.15 wt% concentration achieved the best performance, reducing viscosity to 9.79 pascal-second (Pa·s) at 80 °C while exhibiting excellent dispersion and minimal sedimentation over time. The thermal conductivity tests revealed a notable 43% increase in heat transfer efficiency at higher nanoparticle concentrations. Tribological tests conducted using a tribometer demonstrated significant improvements in the lubrication properties. The nanolubricant with a 0.15 wt% concentration of CeO2 nanoparticles achieved the lowest friction coefficient, showing an approximate 26% reduction compared to the base oil, along with a notable decrease in wear rate. This study demonstrates the potential of biosynthesized CeO2 nanoparticles as effective, sustainable additives in lubricating oils, providing improved thermal, rheological, and tribological properties and marking a significant step toward eco-friendly lubrication solutions.
Effect of Dehydrogenation and Heat Treatments on the Microstructure and Tribological Behavior of Electroless Ni-P Nanocomposite Coatings
Authors: Pedrizzetti Giulia , Baroni Enrico , Gragnanini Michele , Bottacchiari Rita , Merlin Mattia , Pulci Giovanni , Marra Francesco
Published: November 2024

High phosphorus Ni-P coatings, both unreinforced and modified by the addition of alumina (Al2O3) and zirconia (ZrO2) nanoparticles, were manufactured by electroless deposition technique and heat-treated with different temperature and duration schedules. The effect of dehydrogenation (200 °C for 2 h) and its combination with crystallization heat treatment was studied in terms of microstructural changes and wear resistance. The amorphous structure of the coatings was not altered by the introduction of both Al2O3 and ZrO2 nanoparticles, and the addition of 1.5 g/L of ZrO2 yielded the highest microhardness due to better particles dispersion. Dehydrogenation improved hardness because of the early stages of grain growth; however, the greatest improvement in hardness (+120% compared to unreinforced Ni-P) was obtained after annealing at 400 °C for 1 h, because of the microprecipitation of the Ni3P crystalline phase induced by thermal treatment. No detectable differences in hardness and microstructure were detected when annealing at 400 °C for 1 h with or without prior dehydrogenation; however, the dehydrogenated coatings exhibited a lower Young’s modulus. ZrO2-reinforced coatings demonstrated improved wear resistance, and wear tests revealed that dehydrogenation is fundamental for lowering the coefficient of friction (−14%) and wear rate (−97%) when performed before annealing at 400 °C for 1 h. The analysis of the wear tracks showed that the non-dehydrogenated samples failed by complete coating delamination from the substrate, with abrasion identified as the predominant wear mechanism. Conversely, the dehydrogenated samples demonstrated better resistance due to the formation of a protective oxide layer, leading to an overall increase in the coating wear resistance.
Effect of Waste Concrete Powder Content and Microwave Heating Parameters on the Properties of Porous Alkali-Activated Materials from Coal Gangue
Authors: Mischinenko Vasilii , Vasilchenko Andrey , Lazorenko Georgy
Published: November 2024

The objective of this research is to fabricate waste-based alkali-activated foams with better properties in a quick time by using energy-efficient techniques such as microwave irradiation. The present study reports the effect of microwave heating parameters, including heating time and output power, on the properties of porous alkali-activated materials (AAMs) that use coal gangue (CG) as a precursor. The effects of concrete waste (CW) content (0–20 wt %) on the performance and microstructure of CG-based AAMs were investigated. Mechanical, thermal, and microstructural investigations were conducted to characterize the obtained materials. The experimental results indicate that the best characteristics of CG-based alkali-activated foams were achieved when microwave power and microwave heating time were 800 W and 10 min, respectively. The foams prepared by adding the waste concrete powder increased stability and showed lower bulk density and thermal conductivity. When the waste concrete powder content was 10 wt %, the CG-based alkali-activated foams showed the best overall performance. At the same time, the mechanical properties of the alkali-activated foams declined only slightly (~9%). The findings of this work provide a basis for further studies on improving the characteristics of CG-based alkali-activated foams due to the physical effect of a microwave field on fresh mortar without the use of a chemical foaming agent while reducing energy consumption in the production process.
Magnetic Hopfions: A Review
Authors: Guslienko Konstantin
Published: November 2024

Recent advances in the research area of 3D magnetic topological solitons (hopfions) in restricted geometries are reviewed. The description of the magnetic solitons is based on a macroscopic micromagnetic approach and the Landau–Lifshitz equation of the magnetization motion. The concepts of the gauge emergent vector potential and emergent magnetic field are widely used to calculate the 3D topological charge (the Hopf index) of magnetic textures. The relation of the magnetic hopfions with classical field theory is demonstrated, and a special role of the curvilinear toroidal coordinates in the description of the hopfions is underlined. The hopfion stability and dynamics in ferromagnetic films and dots are considered. A critical discussion of calculations of the magnetization emergent magnetic field and the Hopf index of the toroidal magnetic hopfions in restricted geometries is presented.
Enhancing Hierarchical Sales Forecasting with Promotional Data: A Comparative Study Using ARIMA and Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Teixeira Mariana , Oliveira José Manuel , Ramos Patrícia
Published: November 2024

Retailers depend on accurate sales forecasts to effectively plan operations and manage supply chains. These forecasts are needed across various levels of aggregation, making hierarchical forecasting methods essential for the retail industry. As competition intensifies, the use of promotions has become a widespread strategy, significantly impacting consumer purchasing behavior. This study seeks to improve forecast accuracy by incorporating promotional data into hierarchical forecasting models. Using a sales dataset from a major Portuguese retailer, base forecasts are generated for different hierarchical levels using ARIMA models and Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) neural networks. Reconciliation methods including bottom-up, top-down, and optimal reconciliation with OLS and WLS (struct) estimators are employed. The results show that MLPs outperform ARIMA models for forecast horizons longer than one day. While the addition of regressors enhances ARIMA’s accuracy, it does not yield similar improvements for MLP. MLPs present a compelling balance of simplicity and efficiency, outperforming ARIMA in flexibility while offering faster training times and lower computational demands compared to more complex deep learning models, making them highly suitable for practical retail forecasting applications.
A Novel Outlier-Robust Accuracy Measure for Machine Learning Regression Using a Non-Convex Distance Metric
Authors: Hassanat Ahmad B. , Alqaralleh Mohammad Khaled , Tarawneh Ahmad S. , Almohammadi Khalid , Alamri Maha , Alzahrani Abdulkareem , Altarawneh Ghada A. , Alhalaseh Rania
Published: November 2024

Regression, a supervised machine learning approach, establishes relationships between independent variables and a continuous dependent variable. It is widely applied in areas like price prediction and time series forecasting. The performance of regression models is typically assessed using error metrics such as the Mean Squared Error (MSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE). However, these metrics present challenges including sensitivity to outliers (notably MSE and RMSE) and scale dependency, which complicates comparisons across different models. Additionally, traditional metrics sometimes yield values that are difficult to interpret across various problems. Consequently, there is a need for a metric that consistently reflects regression model performance, independent of the problem domain, data scale, and outlier presence. To overcome these shortcomings, this paper introduces a new regression accuracy measure based on the Hassanat distance, a non-convex distance metric. This measure is not only invariant to outliers but also easy to interpret as it provides an accuracy-like value that ranges from 0 to 1 (or 0–100%). We validate the proposed metric against traditional measures across multiple benchmarks, demonstrating its robustness under various model scenarios and data types. Hence, we suggest it as a new standard for assessing regression models’ accuracy.
Existence, Uniqueness and Asymptotic Behavior of Solutions for Semilinear Elliptic Equations
Authors: Wang Lin-Lin , Liu Jing-Jing , Fan Yong-Hong
Published: November 2024

A class of semilinear elliptic differential equations was investigated in this study. By constructing the inverse function, using the method of upper and lower solutions and the principle of comparison, the existence of the maximum positive solution and the minimum positive solution was explored. Furthermore, the uniqueness of the positive solution and its asymptotic estimation at the origin were evaluated. The results show that the asymptotic estimation is similar to that of the corresponding boundary blowup problems. Compared with the conclusions of Wei’s work in 2017, the asymptotic behavior of the solution only depends on the asymptotic behavior of b(x) at the origin and the asymptotic behavior of g at infinity.
Optimal Control of the Inverse Problem of the Burgers Equation for Representing the State of Sonic Vibration Velocity in Water
Authors: Qin Jiale , Meng Yiping , Yi Shichao
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we investigate the inverse of the set of unknown functions (v,g) of the Burgers equation in the framework of optimal theory. Firstly, we prove the existence of functional minimizers in the optimal control problem and derive the necessary conditions for the optimal solution. Subsequently, the global uniqueness of the optimal solution and its stability are explored. After completing the ill-posed analysis of the Burgers equation, we can apply it to the problem of sonic vibration velocity in water. The desired result is obtained by inverse-performing an unknown initial state with known terminal vibration velocity. This is important for solving practical problems.
Methotrexate-Induced Toxicity After Ultrasound-Guided Intragestational Injection in a Patient with Caesarean Scar Pregnancy—A Case Report
Authors: Stavros Sofoklis , Potiris Anastasios , Gerede Angeliki , Zikopoulos Athanasios , Giourga Maria , Karasmani Christina , Karpouzos Athanasios , Karampitsakos Theodoros , Topis Spyridon , Anagnostaki Ismini , Louis Konstantinos , Tsakiridis Ioannis , Dagklis Themistoklis , Drakakis Peter , Domali Ekaterini
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives: Caesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy in which the early pregnancy implants at the site of the uterine scar. Methotrexate (MTX) in lower doses can be used to treat CSPs. However, MTX administration is associated with a spectrum of side effects that include hematological toxicities. This case report presents a CSP treated with an intragestational injection of MTX and subsequently developed pancytopenia. Materials and Methods: A 23-year-old woman at six weeks and six days of pregnancy was referred as a potential case of CSP. After establishing the diagnosis, she was treated with a transvaginal ultrasound-guided intragestational administration of 80 mg MTX (adjusted to 50 mg/m2 body surface area) under sedation. Results: On day four after the MTX injection, she developed oral ulcers, fever, and pruritic phlyctenular maculopapular rash. Subsequently, the patient developed febrile neutropenia and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. On day six, a subsequent exacerbation of the rash was observed with the formation of blisters and purplish spots with concurrent odynophagia and sialorrhea. Ultimately, the patient developed pancytopenia due to bone marrow suppression. Fifteen days after MTX administration, the patient recovered and was discharged from the hospital hemodynamically stable, afebrile, with dropping β-hcg levels, and in good clinical condition. Conclusions: Although methotrexate administration is the preferred option for the treatment of cesarean scar pregnancies, clinicians should be aware of the fact that its use entails potential risks, even when it is used locally. To our knowledge, this case is the first description of pancytopenia due to bone marrow suppression following a single low dose of intragestational methotrexate injection.
Use of Epinephrine in Cardiac Arrest: Advances and Future Challenges
Authors: Williams Caitlin A. , Fairley Hannah E. , Tran Quincy K. , Pourmand Ali
Published: November 2024

Epinephrine is the most common medication used in cardiac arrest. Although the medication has been a mainstay of treatment over the last century, the utility and efficacy of epinephrine has been re-evaluated in recent years. This study aims to evaluate the literature describing the efficacy, timing, and dosing of epinephrine use in cardiac arrest. We utilized an extensive PubMed and SCOPUS search that included randomized control trials, prospective observational studies, and secondary analysis of observational data. These articles evaluated the administration of epinephrine in cardiac arrest and reported patient outcomes, including survival rates, neurological function, and return of spontaneous circulation. Dosing of epinephrine has been standardized at 1 mg per administration in adults and studies show that higher doses may not have better outcomes and can potentially be harmful. Research on the optimal timing of epinephrine has shown that earlier administration of epinephrine in cardiac arrest is more likely to have improved outcomes compared to later administration and longer intervals, although there are still conflicting results on the improvement of neurological outcomes. Intravenous is the preferred route of administration for epinephrine, but new research suggests intramuscular administration may be beneficial. While epinephrine has been shown to improve the rates of return of spontaneous circulation and even survival to hospital discharge in several studies, epinephrine use may not provide patients who survive cardiac arrest with a meaningful neurological recovery.
Outcomes of Ixazomib Treatment in Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Insights from Croatian Cooperative Group for Hematologic Diseases (KROHEM)
Authors: Batinić Josip , Dreta Barbara , Rinčić Goran , Mrdeža Antonia , Jakobac Karla Mišura , Krišto Delfa Radić , Vujčić Milan , Piršić Mario , Jonjić Željko , Periša Vlatka , Sinčić Petričević Jasminka , Coha Božena , Holik Hrvoje , Valković Toni , Stanić Marija , Krečak Ivan , Stojanović Ante , Sajfert Domagoj , Bašić-Kinda Sandra
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives: Ixazomib, used in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (IRd), has shown efficacy in clinical trials for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Materials and Methods: This study evaluates the real-world effectiveness and safety of IRd in Croatian RRMM patients. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 164 RRMM patients treated with ixazomib at nine Croatian haematology centres from November 2016 to February 2023. Data on patient demographics, treatment regimens, and outcomes were collected and analysed using Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards models in R. The median age at ixazomib initiation was 66 years (range 40–91). Results: The overall response rate (ORR) was 65.8%, with 42% of patients achieving a very good partial response (VGPR) or better. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 15.4 months, while median overall survival (OS) was 28.2 months. Hematologic toxicities included anaemia (53%), neutropenia (50%), and thrombocytopenia (45%). Infective complications, primarily COVID-19 and pneumonia, were reported in 38% of patients. The safety profile was consistent with previous studies, indicating manageable adverse events. Ixazomib-based therapy is effective and well tolerated in a real-world Croatian RRMM population. Conclusions: The findings align with clinical trial results, demonstrating the applicability of ixazomib in routine clinical practice. Further studies are needed to optimise treatment sequencing and improve patient outcomes.
Effect of Extrusion Ratio on Microstructure and Properties of Al-1.5Fe-0.4Cr Alloy Obtained by Continuous Rheo-Extrusion
Authors: Ning Yunhe , Yang Li , Gao Minqiang , Guan Renguo
Published: November 2024

Due to the shortage of primary Al resources and significant consumption of Al resources, recycled Al has become a focus of attention. In the process of recycling Al, the Fe element is the most hazardous impurity element, and the coarse Fe-containing phases lead to a reduction in the mechanical properties of recycled Al. In this work, an Al alloy with 1.5 wt% Fe and 0.4 wt% Cr was viewed as a recycled Al, approximately. The continuous rheo-extrusion technique was used to refine the Fe-containing phases in the Al-1.5Fe-0.4Cr alloy, improving the mechanical properties of the alloy. The effect of the extrusion ratio on the microstructure and properties of the continuous rheo-extrusion was investigated. The results showed that, when the extrusion ratio was changed from 4 to 5, the percentage of low-angle grain boundaries in the alloy increased from 45.5% to 53.1%, the average orientation angle reduced from 23.9° to 23.3°, and the grain size decreased from 4.3 ± 0.2 μm to 2.6 ± 0.1 μm. As a result, the ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and elongation of the alloy, with an extrusion ratio of 5, were 161.5 ± 2.8 MPa, 112.3 MPa ± 2.6, and 36.9% ± 1.6%, respectively. Grain refinement and Fe-containing phase refinement were responsible for the improvement in the mechanical properties of the alloy.
Physical and Mechanical Properties of Ti-Zr-Nb Alloys for Medical Use
Authors: Sergienko Konstantin V. , Konushkin Sergei V. , Kaplan Mikhail A. , Gorbenko Artem D. , Guo Yucheng , Nasakina Elena O. , Sudarchikova Maria A. , Sevostyanova Tatiana M. , Morozova Yaroslava A. , Shatova Lyudmila A. , Mikhlik Sofia A. , Sevostyanov Mikhail A. , Kolmakov Alexey G.
Published: November 2024

The work described in this article is aimed at investigating the properties of a group of Ti-Zr-Nb alloys. In modern orthopedics and traumatology, the use of materials for bone implants with a minimum modulus of elasticity is becoming increasingly important. This is due to a number of advantages that allow for better integration of the implants with the bone tissue, including the reduction in the detrimental effect of the load-shielding effect, a better load distribution, and stress distribution, which allows for increasing the life of the implant. It is known that the lowest modulus of elasticity in titanium alloys at normal temperature is achieved by the phase composition consisting of metastable β-phase. It is possible to achieve the desired structure by a combination of alloy composition selection and heat treatment. Quenching of titanium alloys allows for the high-temperature β-phase to be fixed. This paper provides justification of the choice of compositions of the studied alloys by calculation methods. The structure of alloys after melting in a vacuum electric arc furnace in an argon environment was studied. The ingots obtained had a dendritic structure. Homogenizing annealing in a vacuum furnace at 1000 °C for 4 h was used to equalize the composition. The structure of the alloyed sheets after hot rolling and hot rolling and quenching was investigated. The microstructure of the plates in both variants had uniform grains of polyhedral shape. X-ray phase analysis of the plates showed that the content of metastable β-phase was 100% before and after quenching. Microhardness testing of the plates showed no significant effect of quenching. The result of the mechanical properties study showed an increase in the plasticity of the material after quenching, with the tensile plots of the samples after quenching reflecting the area where the reverse phase transition of β’<-> α’’ occurs. Mechanical studies by cyclic loading showed the presence of a superelasticity effect. The Young’s modulus study gave a result of 51 GPa for one of the compositions studied. The combination of properties of the materials under investigation has the potential for promising use as a basis for bone implants.