bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inter-agency collaboration in building urban fire resilience in Indonesia: how do metropolitan cities address it?
Authors: Harakan Ahmad , Hilman Yusuf Adam , Karso A. Junaedi , Awaluddin Awaluddin , Nurhalijah Nurhalijah , Muin Indah Sidrawaty , B Aldy Nurdiansyah , Fadillah Arfan , Hardi Rudi
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Urban fire disasters pose a significant challenge to city resilience and sustainability, particularly in the Global South, where rapid urbanization exacerbates existing vulnerabilities. In Indonesia, recurring fire incidents, ranging from forest fires to residential fires in densely populated areas, highlight the urgent need for effective fire disaster management. This study focuses on Makassar, a metropolitan city facing increasing fire risks due to high population density, aging infrastructure, and limited preparedness.

Methods

This research employs a qualitative approach, drawing on fire incident data from 2018 to 2023, interviews, and historical analysis to assess collaboration mechanisms in fire disaster management. The study examines inter-agency coordination, communication gaps, and resource allocation issues, which hinder effective disaster response.

Results

Findings reveal a concerning rise in fire incidents in Makassar, leading to significant socio-economic impacts, including fatalities and property damage. The study identifies critical deficiencies in inter-agency collaboration, largely due to differing organizational cultures, inadequate coordination mechanisms, and resource distribution challenges.

Discussion and conclusion

By evaluating global fire resilience models, the research proposes a governance framework to enhance inter-agency cooperation in Makassar. The study advocates for integrated strategies, combining infrastructure development with community-driven initiatives to strengthen disaster prevention, response, and recovery. These findings contribute to sustainable urban development, ensuring greater resilience against fire disasters in rapidly urbanizing cities.
Can handheld ultrasound probes reliably measure transabdominal prostate and bladder volumes? A prospective randomized point-of-care ultrasound study
Authors: Wright Henry C. , Corrigan Dillon , De Smita
Published: February 2025

Background

National guidelines recommend obtaining prostate gland volume (PGV) prior to benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) surgery. Measurement of PGV with handheld ultrasound (HUS) probes shows promise.

Objective

To compare the reliability of two HUS probes (Butterfly iQ and Clarius C3) to the BPH guideline-recommended imaging (GIm) for both prostate and bladder volumetrics.

Methods

Male patients with GIm were randomized to undergo transabdominal HUS PGV with one of the two probes. A subset underwent voided volume measurements with one of the two HUS and a conventional bladder scanner (BS). The reliability of the volume measurements was assessed for each probe via intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). We utilized the following standard criteria: ICC < 0.5: poor reliability; 0.5 ≤ ICC < 0.75: moderate reliability; and ICC ≥ 0.75: good reliability.

Results

A total of 78 men in the prostate arm (38 Butterfly, 40 Clarius) and 45 in the bladder arm (24 Butterfly, 21 Clarius) were randomized and included in this study. The mean prostate volume based on GIm was larger in the Clarius group (p = 0.044). Other baseline characteristics were similar between groups (p > 0.05). The ICCs were 0.78 (95% CI: 0.62, 0.88) and 0.71 (95% CI: 0.51, 0.83) for the Butterfly and Clarius probes, respectively. Regarding bladder volumetrics, the ICCs were 0.82 (95% CI: 0.19, 0.95), 0.72 (95% CI: 0.44, 0.88), and 0.69 (95% CI: 0.13, 0.87) for the Butterfly, Clarius, and bladder scanner, respectively.

Conclusions

The Butterfly iQ demonstrated good reliability for PGV and voided volume measurements, in comparison to moderate reliability for Clarius C3.
Advancing feminist understandings of woman abuse: the value of old wine in new bottles
Authors: DeKeesredy Walter S.
Published: February 2025

Despite making some of the most important advances in the social scientific study of woman abuse, feminist sociological research and theorizing that prioritize the concept of patriarchy have leveled off or declined in the last 15 years due, in large part, to the current hegemony of mainstream criminologists fundamentally opposed to a rich gendered understanding of one of the world's most compelling social problems. Drawing on nearly 50 years of research done by an international cadre of highly experienced scholars, this article demonstrates the importance of revisiting some major feminist conceptual, empirical, and theoretical contributions from the past. Recommended here are gender-specific conceptualizations of abuse, in-depth reviews of the extant literature, self-report surveys of potential male offenders, quantitative indicators of men's patriarchal attitudes and beliefs, and supplementary open-ended survey questions.
Principles in practice? A policy review of the IOC's environmental sustainability agenda
Authors: Cain Alison , Callan Michael
Published: February 2025

This paper is a policy review focused on the environmental sustainability (ES) agenda of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This incorporates exploration of IOC documents such as policies, strategies, guidelines, reports, codes, and conference outputs. The IOC's ES agenda is interpreted as both strategy around ES, as a plan of action to achieve desired outcomes, and policies around ES, as matters of practice and principle to be enacted. This review encompasses each of the IOC's three spheres of activity (as an organisation, as owner of the Olympic Games, and as leader of the Olympic Movement). The documentary analysis incorporates inductive thematic analysis and Critical Policy Discourse Analysis (CPDA). This allows for consideration of the role of the IOC as a driver of ES with the power and reach to influence pro-environmental behaviours on a global scale, as well as analysis of the extent to which documentary discourse demonstrates committed leadership in this sphere. Key themes arising from the data are networks and knowledge transfer, leadership and influence, governance and accountability, and opportunities and obstacles. Power relationships between stakeholders are important in terms of facilitating or inhibiting ES, and there are missed opportunities for the IOC both to better demonstrate positive ES outcomes from existing practices and to utilise its power in leveraging ES commitments from stakeholders across the Olympic Movement (OM). The application of CPDA highlights varying levels of commitment across these themes as well as a tendency toward ambiguity and contradiction that engenders the likelihood of unintended consequences including greenwashing. The IOC ES agenda needs to encompass clear and unambiguous policy and strategy with more explicit commitment and accountability across its three spheres of activity.
China’s chrysanthemum in the global market: evaluating the international competitiveness and influencing factors
Authors: Pan Bo , Du Yingxin , Chen Qingbing , Wang Yaoyao , Chen Lijie , Li Haiying , Huang Conglin , Gao Kang
Published: February 2025

China, with a long history of cultivating chrysanthemums, is one of the largest producers of cut chrysanthemums in the world. The changes in its export volume of cut chrysanthemums directly affect the supply in the international flower market and exert competitive pressure on other exporting countries of cut flowers. This study characterizes the growth, composition and performance of China’s cut chrysanthemum in the global market using various measures and analytical tools, and provides an empirical investigation on the influencing factors of China’s export competitiveness of cut chrysanthemum. The results show that over the past 16 years, China’s export of cut chrysanthemums has maintained a competitive advantage that peaked in 2019, followed by a gradual decline. Market effects and overall competitiveness had the most significant impact on China’s cut chrysanthemum export growth. China’s export of cut chrysanthemums is associated with the number of new varieties, and China exports more cut chrysanthemums to countries with larger population size, more geographical proximity, and closer diplomatic relations. While we do not find significant effect of the Belt and Road Initiatives, we find that Chinese exporters of cut chrysanthemums tend to choose to export to China’s partners of free trade agreement. This study then provides policy suggestions regarding enhancing the international competitiveness of China’s cut chrysanthemums including promoting innovation strengthening international cooperation.
Simulating Pasture Yield Under Alternative Environments and Grazing Management in Wisconsin, USA
Authors: Chasen Elissa , Booth Eric , Gratton Claudio
Published: February 2025

Pasture yield is crucial to the economic viability of grass-based livestock enterprises, yet the difficulty in predicting yields under various environmental and management conditions prevents effective planning. We used USDA-SSURGO data to create a random forest model that predicts pasture yield potential based on soil properties for the state of Wisconsin (USA). This model is highly accurate (RMSE = 0.11 tons/acre, or 4% of the average yield), predicting pasture yields in Wisconsin grasslands to range from 1.0 to5.3 tons/acre, with an average yield of 2.6 tons/acre. We then integrated this model with guidelines from a USDA-NRCS grazing planning tool to adjust pasture yield potential for different levels of grazing intensity. The adjustments were multiplied to the random forest model output and ranged from 0.65 for continuously grazed pasture to 1.2 for pastures rotated more than once per day. The model is available to use within an online decision support tool through an R-shiny interface and can be easily replicated for other states in the Midwest US. The tool is easy to use and can support farmer analysis of the costs and benefits of grass-based agriculture.
Organic Zinc and Selenium Supplementation of Late Lactation Dairy Cows: Effects on Milk and Serum Minerals Bioavailability, Animal Health and Milk Quality
Authors: Klein Gabriel S. , Leal Karoline W. , Rodrigues Camila A. , Draszevski Taynara M. R. , Brunetto Andrei L. R. , Vitt Maksuel G. , Klein Mathias S. , Cauduro Vitoria H. , Flores Erico M. M. , da Silva Gilnei B. , Bagatini Margarete D. , Chitolina Alana B. de M. , Baldissera Matheus D. , Da Silva Aleksandro S.
Published: February 2025

This study determined whether organic zinc and selenium supplementation of late lactation dairy cows positively affects immunity, oxidative status, milk quality (especially mineral levels), biochemical and hematologic parameters, and production efficiency. Twenty Jersey cows were divided into three groups: Control (n = 6)—without organic supplementation; Zinc (n = 7)—zinc supplementation (zinc amino acid chelate) and Selenium (n = 7)—selenium supplementation (selenium amino acid complex). The basal diet contained inorganic minerals. Blood and milk samples were collected on days 1, 14 and 28. Serum selenium concentration was higher in the Selenium group, and zinc level in milk was higher in the Zinc group. On day 28, supplementations resulted in higher lymphocyte counts, and lower serum creatine kinase, myeloperoxidase activity, levels of reactive oxygen species, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, and iron. In milk, lower somatic cell count was also observed when cows were zinc or selenium supplemented compared to the control. Lower serum cholinesterase activity and higher heavy chain immunoglobulin concentration were observed on days 14 and 28. Selenium supplementation resulted in a higher immunoglobulin A concentration on days 14 and 28, and lower ceruloplasmin concentration on day 28 compared to Control, as well as a lower haptoglobin concentration on day 28. The Selenium group also had lower milk fat content compared to the Control. Supplementations changed the milk fatty acid profile, producing a higher unsaturated fatty acid/saturated fatty acid ratio. There was no effect on lactation persistence. It is concluded that mineral supplementation with selenium and zinc benefits immune, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory responses. Conversely, milk quality was affected both positively and negatively.
Nanoencapsulation of Ocimum basilicum L. and Satureja montana L. Essential Oil Mixtures: Enhanced Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Đorđević Natalija , Cvetković Kristina , Stanojević Jelena , Karabegović Ivana , Savić Dragiša , Cvetković Dragoljub , Danilović Bojana
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Essential oils (EOs) represent a natural alternative to chemical additives due to their biological activity. This study evaluated the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of basil and winter savory EO mixtures, their interactions, and the biological potential of chitosan-based nano-encapsulated EO mixtures. Methods: Mixtures of basil and winter savory EOs (ratios 1:1, 2:1, 4:1, 8:1, and 16:1) were analyzed for chemical composition via GC–MS. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using minimal inhibition (MIC) and bactericidal (MBC) concentration assays, and interactions were quantified with fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICIs). Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH assay, with combination indices used to interpret interaction effects. Chitosan-based nanoparticles were made with the selected oil mixture (2:1), after which characterization and biological activity were performed. Results: The EO mixture with 2:1 ratio exhibited the strongest joint activity, with synergistic or additive effect against four out of six analyzed microorganisms. Antioxidant activity improved with higher basil proportions, with the 16:1 ratio achieving the lowest EC50 value of 0.052 mg/mL after 120 min and demonstrating synergistic effects at all tested ratios. Higher basil EO content also masked the strong odor of winter savory EO. The biological activity of chitosan-based nanoparticles was increased by encapsulation of the EO mixture (2:1), with an encapsulation efficiency of 75.39%. Conclusions: The EO mixture (2:1) showed best antimicrobial efficacy, with synergistic or additive effects. The nano-encapsulated mixture showed good biological potential with effective and complete odor neutralization. These results indicate the potential of basil and winter savory essential oil mixtures for sustainable food preservation applications.
Dynamic Multi-Population Mutation Architecture-Based Equilibrium Optimizer and Its Engineering Application
Authors: Wu Xiangdong , Hirota Kaoru , Dai Yaping , Shao Shuai
Published: February 2025

To strengthen the population diversity and search capability of equilibrium optimizer (EO), a dynamic multi-population mutation architecture-based equilibrium optimizer (DMMAEO) is proposed. Firstly, a dynamic multi-population guidance mechanism is constructed to enhance population diversity. Secondly, a dynamic Gaussian mutation-based sub-population concentration updating mechanism is introduced to strengthen exploitation ability. Finally, a dynamic Cauchy mutation-based sub-population equilibrium candidate generation mechanism is integrated to boost exploration ability. The optimization ability of DMMAEO is assessed through a comparison with several recent promising algorithms on 58 test functions (including 29 representative test functions and 29 CEC2017 test functions). The comparison results reveal that the DMMAEO has superiority in the performance assessment of seeking global optimum over other compared algorithms. The DMMAEO is further employed in addressing six engineering design problems and a UGV multi-target path planning problem. The results show the practicality of DMMAEO in addressing engineering application tasks. The aforementioned numerical optimization and engineering application experimental results show that the three enhancement mechanisms of DMMAEO improve the optimization ability of the canonical EO, and the DMMAEO has competitiveness in tackling various kinds of complex numerical optimization and engineering application problems.
Determining Signatures for Energy Mix Produced by Photovoltaic Systems and Wind Turbines
Authors: Šarkan Branislav , Caban Jacek , Małek Arkadiusz , Marciniak Andrzej
Published: February 2025

The article contains an analysis of power generation by a photovoltaic system with a peak power of 3 MWp and a wind turbine with a power of 3.45 MW. The acquired time series of generated power was analyzed using traditional and modern analytical methods. The power generated by these two Renewable Energy Sources was characterized separately and then by their mix. In this article, the power signature was defined as the power generated by the photovoltaic system and the wind turbine in the state space over a period of one month. The state space was extracted from the results of cluster analysis. The experiment with clustering was carried out into 10 classes. The K-Means clustering algorithm was used to determine the clusters in a variant without prior labeling of classes with the method of learning without the participation of the teacher. In this way, the trajectories of the power generation process from two Renewable Energy Sources were determined in the 10-state space. Knowing which class each data record belongs to, the frequencies of staying in each state were determined. The computational algorithm presented in the article may have great practical application in balancing the power grid powered by energy produced from renewable sources.
Sensory Shelf Life of Pasteurized Orange Juice Stored Under Different Temperature Levels Using Inverse Time Sampling and a Balanced Incomplete Block Design
Authors: Frangopoulos Theofilos , Koliouskas Antonios , Petridis Dimitrios
Published: February 2025

The sensory acceptability rate of pasteurized orange juices stored at different temperature levels was evaluated using a large-scale experiment with untrained consumers and an accelerated shelf-life testing method. Pasteurized orange juice samples were stored at 10, 20, 30 and 40 °C and tested for acceptance or rejection at consecutive time points using a reverse product preservation plan. From a total of 504 samples and the participation of 72 consumers, 155 failures and 109 passes were recorded. Due to the large number of samples (28) selected for testing from each consumer, a balanced incomplete block design was adopted to facilitate a very small number for evaluation (7 for each consumer) with minimal reduction in the reliability of the experiment and results. As expected, there was a gradual increasing trend of rejections at all temperature levels by time. Also, it was observed that pasteurized orange juices tended to be rejected by consumers at approximately 3 days before they would be microbiologically unsafe for consumption. Also, it was shown from the risk rate trend that higher storage temperatures are linked with very early perceptiveness of sensory defects during nearly the first 100 h of preservation. The present work constitutes essentially a very useful tool for the industry because it enables the proper adjustment of shelf life including both sensory and microbiological parameters, which results in fewer returned and deteriorated products.
Weld Pool Boundary Detection Based on the U-Net Algorithm and Weld Seam Tracking in Plasma Arc Welding
Authors: Lu Jidong , Yamane Satoshi , Wang Weixi , Li Ning , Wang Siqi , Xia Yuxiong
Published: February 2025

Plasma arc welding can achieve high-quality welding joints in high-strength manufacturing fields, such as aviation and automotive, and improve production efficiency. It is important to observe the weld pool state in real-time in robot automatic welding. However, the electrodes of the plasma welding torch cannot be observed from the outside. Teaching the weld line to torch in real-time to be observable to humans will be difficult. Also, it is difficult to process the image to obtain the position of the weld line in K-PAW. In this study, a camera was utilized to observe the weld pool. The authors estimate the weld line position in real time by image processing based on U-Net prediction. The U-Net model demonstrates sufficient prediction where the accuracy reached 99.5% for the training data and 96.5% for the test data recognition. Moreover, a control method utilized weld line position estimated from the boundary area to verify the effectiveness of this prediction model from 3 mm within the deviation of 1 mm, which is within the range of permissible welding errors. It could reduce image processing errors in the weld pool image and provide higher recognition accuracy than image processing. Combining vision sensing technologies and deep learning methods will provide new technologies to enable higher welding precision and improve welding quality. It could also accelerate the development of welding technology in the intelligent manufacturing field.
Fatigue Resistance Improvement in Cold-Drawn NiTi Wires Treated with ALD: A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Vokoun David , Tyc Ondřej , Samal Sneha Manjaree , Stachiv Ivo , Yu Yoshane , Kei Chichung
Published: February 2025

NiTi shape memory alloys (SMAs) are widely studied for their potential applications, and atomic layer deposition (ALD) is an effective technique for coating them due to its precise control over coating thickness. This study investigates the impact of Al2O3 coating on the fatigue behavior of cold-drawn NiTi wires with a 0.125 mm diameter. The wires were coated using atomic layer deposition (ALD) with 100 ALD cycles. Fatigue tests were conducted in tensile mode at room temperature, applying cyclic loading between 0–50, and 700 MPa (700 MPa is almost 40% of ultimate tensile strength). The results show that the cold-drawn NiTi wires failed after an average of 7500 tensile loading cycles, while the lifetime of the coated and stretched NiTi wires with a preload of 1.7–2.8 kg significantly improved, with an average of 293,000 cycles before failure.
GA-PSO Algorithm for Microseismic Source Location
Authors: Han Yaning , Zeng Fanyu , Fu Liangbin , Zheng Fan
Published: February 2025

Accurate source location is a critical component of microseismic monitoring and early warning systems. To improve the accuracy of microseismic source location, this manuscript proposes a GA-PSO algorithm that combines the Genetic Algorithm (GA) with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). The GA-PSO algorithm enhances the PSO algorithm by dynamically adjusting the balance between global exploration and local exploitation through a sinusoidal function for the nonlinear adjustment of both learning factors, and an adaptive inertia weight that decreases quadratically with iterations. Additionally, the precision of the solutions is further improved through the crossover and mutation operations of the GA. In the simulated location model, the GA-PSO algorithm demonstrated the smallest error value, outperforming both the GA and PSO algorithm in terms of accuracy. Furthermore, the GA-PSO algorithm exhibited minimal sensitivity to wave speed fluctuations of ±1%, ±3%, and ±5%, maintaining the error within 0.5 m. The validation through the blasting experiment at the Shizhuyuan mine further confirmed the enhanced accuracy of the GA-PSO algorithm, with a location error of 20.08 m, representing an improvement of 59% over the GA and 43% over the PSO algorithm.
Dynamic Behavior and Libration Control of an Electrodynamic Tether System for Space Debris Capture
Authors: Jang Woojae , Yoon Yihun , Go Minjae , Chung Jintai
Published: February 2025

This study focuses on the dynamic responses and libration angle control of an electrodynamic tether (EDT) system with a flexible tether that was designed for space debris capture. Utilizing the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF), we develop a comprehensive three-dimensional model to accurately capture the complex behavior of the EDT system, particularly the effects of tether deformation and electrodynamic forces. The analysis reveals that the behavior of the EDT system is strongly influenced by the Earth’s magnetic field in space, while the current generated in the system depends on the length and diameter of the tether—key parameters for optimizing performance. The analysis reveals that the current generated in the EDT system is influenced by tether length and diameter, which are critical parameters for optimizing system performance. Furthermore, the study examines the feasibility of using on–off switch control to manage the libration angles induced during debris capture. The results demonstrate that the EDT system can effectively stabilize libration angles across various debris masses and velocities, highlighting its potential for enhancing the efficiency and reusability of space debris removal missions. This research contributes to the understanding of flexible tether dynamics in EDT systems and provides insights into their application in sustainable space operations.
Methodology for Obtaining High-Quality Speech Corpora
Authors: Wieczorkowska Alicja
Published: February 2025

Speech-based communication between users and machines is a very lively branch of research that covers speech recognition, synthesis, and, generally, natural language processing. Speech corpora are needed for training algorithms for human–machine communication, especially for automatic speech recognition and for speech synthesis. Generative artificial intelligence models also need corpora for training for every language implemented. Therefore, speech corpora are constantly being created. In this paper, we discuss how to create high-quality corpora. The technical parameters of the recordings and audio files are addressed, and a methodology is proposed for planning speech corpus creation with an emphasis on usability. The proposed methodology draws the attention of potential creators of speech corpora to often neglected aspects of the corpus creation process. The criteria for a quality assessment of particular components are also discussed. The author recommends not combining all quality metrics into one (or at least allowing users to adjust particular weights), as different users might be interested in different quality components. The presented guidelines lead to obtaining high-quality corpora that meet the needs of their end users and are easy to use.
An Improved YOLOv5s-Based Algorithm for Unsafe Behavior Detection of Construction Workers in Construction Scenarios
Authors: Liu Yongqiang , Wang Pengxiang , Li Haomin
Published: February 2025

Currently, the identification of unsafe behaviors among construction workers predominantly relies on manual methods, which are time-consuming, labor intensive, and inefficient. To enhance identification accuracy and ensure real-time performance, this paper proposes an enhanced YOLOv5s framework with three strategic improvements: (1) adoption of the Focal-EIoU loss function to resolve sample imbalance and localization inaccuracies in complex scenarios; (2) integration of the Coordinate Attention (CA) mechanism, which enhances spatial perception through channel-direction feature encoding, outperforming conventional SE blocks in positional sensitivity; and (3) development of a dedicated small-target detection layer to capture critical fine-grained features. Based on the improved model, a method for identifying unsafe behaviors of construction workers is proposed. Validated through a sluice renovation project in Jiangsu Province, the optimized model demonstrates a 3.6% higher recall (reducing missed detections) and a 2.2% mAP improvement over baseline, while maintaining a 42 FPS processing speed. The model effectively identifies unsafe behaviors at water conservancy construction sites, accurately detecting relevant unsafe actions, while meeting real-time performance requirements.
Microwave-Assisted Optimization of Polyvinyl Alcohol Cryogel (PVA-C) Manufacturing for MRI Phantom Production
Authors: Vogt Ivan , Volk Martin , Kulzer Emma-Luise , Seibt Janis , Pech Maciej , Rose Georg , Grosser Oliver S.
Published: February 2025

Objectives: Anthropomorphic phantoms offer a promising solution to minimize animal testing, enable medical training, and support the efficient development of medical devices. The adjustable mechanical, biochemical, and imaging properties of the polyvinyl alcohol cryogel (PVA-C) make it an appropriate phantom material for mimicking soft tissues. Conventional manufacturing (CM) of aqueous solutions requires constant stirring, using a heated water bath, and monitoring. Methods: To explore potential improvements in the dissolution of PVA crystals in water, a microwave-based manufacturing method (MWM) was employed. Samples created using CM and MWM (n = 14 each) were compared. Because PVA-C is a multifunctional phantom material (e.g., in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)), its MRI properties (T1/T2 relaxation times) and elasticity were determined. Results: T1 relaxation times did not significantly differ between the two methods (p = 0.3577), whereas T2 and elasticity for the MWM were significantly higher than those for the CM (p < 0.001). The MWM reduced the production time by 11% and decreased active user involvement by 93%. Conclusions: The MWM offers a promising, easily implementable, and time-efficient method for manufacturing PVA-C-based phantoms. Nevertheless, manufacturing-related microstructural properties and sample molding require further study.
Trace Elements and Temperature Combined to Regulate Zooplankton Community Structures in Mountain Streams
Authors: Ji Li , Zhang Huayong , Wang Zhongyu , Tian Yonglan , Tian Wang , Liu Zhao
Published: February 2025

Zooplankton, as an important component of mountain river ecosystems, play a crucial role in the cycling of matter and the flow of energy. However, the depth and systematic research on the formation mechanisms and influencing factors of zooplankton communities in mountain streams are poorly understood. Here, we conducted field sampling and investigated the spatiotemporal distribution of the zooplankton community structure and the major environmental factors in mountain streams to explore the principles underlying their effects on the zooplankton community. The results showed that zooplankton community structure exhibited significant seasonal variations. Rotifera and Cladocera were the dominant groups, with Rotifera dominant in warm weather and Cladocera dominant in February. The analysis revealed that temperature and trace elements are the main factors affecting zooplankton diversity. Our model explained 46.50% of the variation in zooplankton through temperature, water properties, nutrients, and trace elements. The results highlighted that temperature acted directly on the zooplankton community and also exhibited indirect and negative effects on zooplankton diversities through altering trace elements. Trace element variables had a significant impact on zooplankton community distribution. Our study systematically quantified these relationships, providing insights into the ecological processes of mountain streams and offering a scientific basis for the ecological protection of mountain streams.
New Insights on the miRNA Role in Diabetic Tendinopathy: Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Conditioned Medium as a Potential Innovative Epigenetic-Based Therapy for Tendon Healing
Authors: Russo Marina , Lepre Caterina Claudia , Conza Gianluca , Tangredi Nicoletta , D’Amico Giovanbattista , Braile Adriano , Moretti Antimo , Tarantino Umberto , Gimigliano Francesca , D’Amico Michele , Trotta Maria Consiglia , Toro Giuseppe
Published: February 2025

Background: Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium (ASC-CM) improved the viability and wound closure of human tenocytes (HTCN) exposed to high glucose (HG) by activating the transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) pathway. Objectives: Since ASC-CM can also modulate microRNAs (miRNAs) in recipient cells, this study investigated the effects of ASC-CM on the miRNAs regulating tendon repair (miR-29a-3p, miR-210-3p and miR-21-5p) in HG-HTNC. Methods: ASC-CM was obtained by ASCs isolated from the abdominal fat tissue of seven non-diabetic patients. HTNC were cultured in HG for 20 days, then scratched and exposed for 24 h to ASC-CM. qRT-PCR and ELISAs assessed miRNA and target levels. Results: HG-HTNC exhibited a significant downregulation of miRNAs. ASC-CM restored the levels of miRNAs and their related targets involved in tendon repair. Conclusions: The epigenetic modulation observed in HG-HTNC exposed to ASC-CM could be an innovative option in the management of diabetic tendinopathy.
Integrative Analysis of Gene Expression and Promoter Methylation to Differentiate High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer from Benign Tumors
Authors: Vaicekauskaitė Ieva , Kazlauskaitė Paulina , Gineikaitė Rugilė , Čiurlienė Rūta , Lazutka Juozas Rimantas , Sabaliauskaitė Rasa
Published: February 2025

Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) is the third most common and second most lethal onco-gynecological disease in the world, with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) making up the majority of OC cases worldwide. The current serological biomarkers used for OC diagnosis are lacking sensitivity and specificity, thus new biomarkers are greatly needed. Recently, the chromatin remodeling complex gene ARID1A, Notch and Wnt pathway gene expression, as well as HOX-related gene promoter methylation have been linked with promoting OC. Methods: In this pilot study, 10 gene expression biomarkers and 4 promoter methylation biomarkers were examined as potential diagnostic and prognostic indicators of OC in 65 fresh-frozen gynecologic tumor tissues. Results: Out of 10 genes analyzed, the expression of eight biomarkers was significantly reduced in OC cases compared to benign, and HOX-related gene promoter methylation significantly increased in OC tumors. Out of 14 biomarkers, CTNNB1 showed the best single biomarker separation of HGSOC from benign cases (AUC = 0.97), while a combination of the seven Notch pathway-related gene expressions (NOTCH1, NOTCH2, NOTCH3, NOTCH4, DLL1, JAG2, and HES1) demonstrated the best separation of HGSOC from the benign cases (AUC = 1). Conclusions: The combination of multiple gene expression or gene promoter methylation biomarkers shows great promise for the development of an effective biomarker-based diagnostic approach for OC.
Preventative Effect of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers on Moderate-to-Severe Cerebral Vasospasm Among Patients Who Received Interventions for Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Lee Si Un , Byoun Hyoung Soo , Cho Min Jai , Lim Jeong-Wook , Kim Chang Hyeun , Bang Jae-Seung
Published: February 2025

Objectives: We conducted a retrospective study to investigate the effectiveness of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in preventing moderate-to-severe cerebral vasospasm, which may influence patient outcomes in cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage resulting from aneurysmal rupture. Methods: Between 2016 and 2020, we treated 210 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) caused by a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. We obtained the clinical and radiological characteristics of patients through medical records and divided them into two groups: those who were administered ARBs (ARB group) and those who were not (no-ARB group). Results: A total of 181 patients aged 19 years or older with aSAH, without vascular abnormalities (including vascular malformations and moyamoya disease), were enrolled in this study. The age of the enrolled patients was 59.01 ± 12.98 (mean ± standard deviation), and the sex ratio of males to females was 66:115, with a higher proportion of females. The ARB group had 29 and the no-ARB group had 152 participants. The overall incidence of moderate-to-severe vasospasm was 33.7%. The incidence of moderate-to-severe vasospasm in each group was 13.8% (4 patients) and 37.5% (57 patients), respectively. The Fisher grade (III–IV) [odds ratio (OR) of 2.732 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.343–5.560; p = 0.006)] independently increases the risk of moderate-to-severe vasospasm, while older age [OR = 0.963; 95% CI: 0.938–0.989; p = 0.006] and ARB administration [OR = 0.246; 95% CI: 0.079–0.771; p = 0.016] independently decrease this risk. Conclusions: Despite the potential adverse impacts associated with hypotension, the administration of ARBs may provide therapeutic benefits in preventing moderate-to-severe vasospasm. A multicenter randomized double-blind controlled trial is needed to further investigate the efficacy and safety of ARBs in preventing moderate-to-severe vasospasm in aSAH patients who have undergone interventions and are experiencing acute hypertension.
Prosocial Behaviour, Individualism, and Future Orientation of Chinese Youth: The Role of Identity Status as a Moderator
Authors: Chui Raymond Chi-fai , Li Hang , Chan Chi-keung , Siu Nicolson Yat-fan , Cheung Raysen Wai-leung , Li Wang-on , Peng Kelly Zheng-min , Cheung Yuet-Wah , Cheung Siu-fung , Xu Naizan
Published: February 2025

There is a lack of research directly examining the relationships between future orientation, individualism, prosocial engagement and identity status among Chinese youth. This study focuses on the moderating role of identity status in the relationship between individualistic values, future orientation and prosocial behaviours. The study sample consists of 1817 Chinese youth aged between 15 and 28. Six patterns of identity statuses were identified by a hierarchical cluster analysis. Path analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between the independent variables and youths’ prosocial engagement and the moderating effects of identity status. The results showed that future orientation is significantly related to prosocial engagement, while individualistic value is not significantly associated with it. The interaction of future orientation and identity status significantly affects prosocial engagement. The effect of future orientation is greater for those in searching moratorium and carefree diffusion and lower for those in achievement and foreclosure. These imply that time perspective intervention may facilitate the prosocial engagement of students who lack a mature and committed identity.
Application of Parameter Inversion of HSS Model Based on BP Neural Network Optimized by Genetic Algorithm in Foundation Pit Engineering
Authors: Pu Xiaosheng , Huang Jin , Peng Tao , Wang Wenzhe , Li Bin , Zhao Haitang
Published: February 2025

The hardening soil model with small-strain stiffness (HSS model) is widely applied in deep foundation pit engineering in coastal soft-soil areas, yet it is characterized by a multitude of parameters that are relatively cumbersome to acquire. In this study, we incorporate a genetic algorithm and a back-propagation neural network (BPNN) model into an inversion analysis for HSS model parameters, with the objective of facilitating a more streamlined and accurate determination of these parameters in practical engineering. Utilizing horizontal displacement monitoring data from retaining structures, combined with local engineering, both a BPNN model and a BPNN optimized by a genetic algorithm (GA-BPNN) model were established to invert the stiffness modulus parameters of the HSS model for typical strata. Subsequently, numerical simulations were conducted based on the inverted parameters to analyze the deformation characteristics of the retaining structures. The performances of the BPNN and GA-BPNN models were evaluated using statistical metrics, including R2, MAE, MSE, WI, VAF, RAE, RRSE, and MAPE. The results demonstrate that the GA-BPNN model achieves significantly lower prediction errors, higher fitting accuracy, and predictive performance compared to the BPNN model. Based on the parameters inverted by the GA-BPNN model, the average compression modulus Es1−2, the reference tangent stiffness modulus Eoedref, the reference secant stiffness modulus E50ref, and the reference unloading–reloading stiffness modulus  Eurref for gravelly cohesive soil were determined as Eoedref=0.83Es1−2 and Eurref=8.14E50ref; for fully weathered granite, Eoedref=1.54Es1−2 and Eurref=5.51E50ref. Numerical simulations conducted with these stiffness modulus parameters show excellent agreement with monitoring data, effectively describing the deformation characteristics of the retaining structures. In situations where relevant mechanical tests are unavailable, the application of the GA-BPNN model for the inversion analysis of HSS model parameters is both rational and effective, offering a reference for similar engineering projects.
Recognition of Concrete Surface Cracks Based on Improved TransUNet
Authors: Dong Xuwei , Liu Yang , Dai Jinpeng
Published: February 2025

Concrete surface crack detection is a critical problem in the health monitoring and maintenance of engineering structures. The existence and development of cracks may lead to the deterioration of structural performance, potentially causing serious safety accidents. However, detecting cracks accurately remains challenging due to various factors such as uneven lighting, noise interference, and complex backgrounds, which often lead to incomplete or false detections. Traditional manual inspection methods are subjective, inefficient, and costly, while existing deep learning-based approaches still have the problem of insufficient precision and completeness. Therefore, this paper proposes a new crack detection model based on an improved TransUNet: AG-TransUNet, an adaptive multi-head self-attention mechanism, and a gated mechanism-based decoding module (GRU-T) is introduced to improve the accuracy and completeness of crack detection. Experimental results show that the AG-TransUNet outperforms the original TransUNet with a 4.05% increase in precision, a 2.59% improvement in F1-score, and a 0.36% enhancement in IoU on the CFD dataset. The AG-TransUNet achieves a 2.21% increase in precision, a 5.63% improvement in F1-score, and a 9.07% enhancement in IoU on the concrete crack dataset. In addition, in order to further quantitatively analyze the crack width, the orthogonal skeleton method is used to calculate the maximum width of a single crack to provide a reference for engineering maintenance. Experiments show that the maximum error between the real values and detection results is about 5%. Therefore, the proposed method better meets the needs of crack detection in practical engineering applications and provides a solution for improving the efficiency of crack detection.
Photocatalytic Properties of Ag-Modifying N-TiO2 Films Prepared via Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Sun Li , Hu Xiong , Yuan Zhigang , Liu Ying , Mei Shunqi , Meng Fanhe , Que Zhuoqun , Xiong Yi , Zhang Ke , Chen Zhen
Published: February 2025

TiO2 films and N-doped TiO2 films modified with silver (Ag/N-TiO2) were synthesized using DC magnetron sputtering. By varying the N2 flow rate and the Ag sputtering power, respectively, the degree of doping and modification was managed. The microstructure, morphology, and properties of the thin film were studied using X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, UV visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The results show that TiO2 in Ag/N-TiO2 composite has an anatase structure, and the absorption spectrum of (Ag/N-TiO2) thin film shows a red shift. The best photocatalytic degradation effect regarding the N-TiO2 films was observed with an N2 flow rate of 16 sccm (standard cubic per minute). The degradation rate in MO (Methyl orange) pure solution (C0 = 10 mg/L) can reach 100% in 85 min, and in the MO-Na2SO4 mixed solution (C0 = 10 mg/L, C CNa2SO4 = 12.5 g/L), it only takes 40 min. Ag/N-TiO2 films exhibited the highest degradation efficiency at a 5 W sputtering power and 50 s of sputtering time, reaching a 100% degradation rate in MO pure solution that can reach 100% in 50 min, and in the MO-Na2SO4 mixed solution, it only takes 36 min. The photocatalytic decomposition of MO was greatly accelerated by the addition of Na2SO4, which worked best with a 12.5 g/L concentration. However, when the concentration of Na2SO4 is above or below 12.5 g/L, Na2SO4 exhibits significant inhibition of photocatalytic degradation. Photocatalytic cycling experiments showed that the photocatalyst still maintained an effective degradation performance after four cycles. The degradation mechanism was analyzed using first-order kinetics and energy band theory. Compared to powder particles, the photocatalyst on the films has high stability and can be recovered 100%. So, photocatalysts on films have great potential for industrial applications.
Excellent Photocatalytic Performance Against Amoxicillin Antibiotic and Pt-Free Hydrogen Production Using Fe-Doped ZnS Nanostructures: Reaction Kinetics and Mechanistic Insights
Authors: Raza Ali , Zahra Syeda Takmeel , Noor Hadia , Naseem Shahzad , Riaz Saira , Khan Mohammad Ehtisham , Ali Wahid , Alomar Mohammad S. , Khan Anwar Ulla , Ali Syed Kashif , Hasan Nazim , Zakri Waleed
Published: February 2025

This research presents the synthesis of Fe-doped ZnS nanocomposites via a chemical route, exploring their photocatalytic activity against amoxicillin (AMX) and evaluating their hydrogen production potential. The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized by several state-of-the-art analytical techniques, such as XRD, SEM, PL, UV adsorption, Raman, TEM, and AFM. The photocatalytic performance revealed significant degradation of AMX under optimal conditions. Specifically, Fe-doped ZnS nanocomposites achieved a degradation efficiency of 94% within 120 min at a photocatalyst dosage of 110 mg. The pristine ZnS nanoparticles exhibited a hydrogen production rate of 23.6 µmol·g−1·h−1, whereas Fe doping substantially enhanced this rate to 526.6 µmol·g−1·h−1 under optimized conditions. The optimal temperature for hydrogen production was 200 °C, with maximum efficiency at pH 7. Furthermore, the recyclability tests demonstrated that the photocatalyst maintained a considerable hydrogen production rate over multiple cycles, underscoring its potential for commercial nanotechnology and environmental science applications.
Analysis of Ferric Protoporphyrin IX Effects on Human Platelets: Hematin Is a More Potent Agonist than Hemin
Authors: Mikhailova Diana M. , Sudnitsyna Julia , Kovgan Polina , Naida Lidia , Kharazova Alexandra , Mindukshev Igor , Gambaryan Stepan
Published: February 2025

Hemolysis during severe diseases (malaria, hemorrhagic stroke, sickle cell disease, etc.) and blood transfusion induces the release of free hemoglobin, which degrades to highly reactive and toxic compounds—hemin and hematin. Oxidized heme derivatives induce platelet activation, aggregation, and degranulation, leading to prothrombotic and inflammatory events. In the present study, we showed that hematin is a more potent agonist of platelet activation than hemin, and using several methods, including the original laser diffraction method, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy, we demonstrated that hematin at low doses induces platelet activation and aggregation without reducing cell viability and affecting calcium efflux. On the contrary, hematin at high concentrations triggered phosphatidylserine exposure, severe loss of platelet viability, and calcium dysregulation, which was not inhibited by cGMP/PKG and cAMP/PKA pathways. Additionally, we showed that albumin could initiate disaggregation processes in hematin-activated platelets.