bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexural design of alkali‐activated reinforced concrete beams: Evaluating model errors using standards for Portland concrete
Authors: Lenticchia Erica , Vescovi Marialorenza
Published: January 2025

The article examines the potential of utilizing existing standard codes, although originally designed for Portland cement, in the flexural design of geopolymer (GP) concrete beams. In particular, the article collects experimental data from the literature on the cracking and ultimate moment of reinforced GP concrete beams, with and without steel fibers (SFs). The experimental moments are compared with those calculated using different standard codes for Portland cement (2nd generation EC2, ACI318, ACI363, AS3600) and GP concrete (SATS199). The purpose of this comparison is to evaluate the model error obtained with the different codes. The same procedure is applied on experimental data from RC beams made with Portland cement. To study the model error, the results obtained with different precursor materials (granulated blast furnace slag or fly ash), concrete compressive strengths, and reinforcement percentages are analyzed. The different codes have different levels of conservatism, resulting in different average model errors. However, within the same code, the average model errors for GP and Portland concretes are similar. Therefore, the existing codes can be used to calculate the cracking moment and ultimate moment of GP concrete beams. However, some uncertainty remains for the ultimate moment of over‐reinforced beams, for which the number of experimental data is still limited.
Rapid and Environment‐Friendly LC–MS/MS for Simultaneous Analysis of Amino Acids in Veterinary Medicine
Authors: Chae HyunYoung , Byun Jae Won , Ku Bok‐Kyung , Jeong Ok‐Mi , Her Moon , Kim TaeWan , Kang JeongWoo
Published: January 2025

Background

Amino acid supplements are crucial for animal health and productivity. Traditional analysis methods face limitations like complexity, long testing times and toxic reagents. Therefore, a more efficient and reliable method is needed.

Objectives

This study aimed to develop and validate an efficient method for the simultaneous analysis of eight amino acids commonly used in veterinary medicine: alanine, arginine, glutathione, lysine, ornithine, methionine, threonine and tryptophan.

Methods

We analysed eight veterinary amino acid preparations. From 100 registered products, we selected 35. After confirming ingredients, we diluted them to 1 mg/L with 50% acetonitrile (ACN) and filtered them using a 0.2 µm RC filter for liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis.

Results

All analytes showed excellent linearity (r2 > 0.99) within 0–10 mg/L. The limits of detection (LOD) ranged from 0.04 to 0.83 mg/L, and the limits of quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.12 to 2.52 mg/L. Average recovery ranged from 92.96% to 105.61%, with relative standard deviations (RSD) from 0.27% to 3.50%, meeting CD 2002/657/EC standards. Six out of the 35 products (17.14%) did not meet regulations.

Conclusions

The method developed in this study offers an efficient and reliable approach for the simultaneous analysis of essential amino acids in veterinary medicine. Implementing this method can improve the quality control of amino acid products, enhancing animal health and productivity. This study also highlights the need for stringent domestic management and continuous monitoring. By overcoming traditional technique limitations, this validated method ensures the quality and efficacy of amino acid supplements in the veterinary industry.
Volt/VAr Regulation of the West Mediterranean Regional Electrical Grids Using SVC/STATCOM Devices With Neural Network Algorithms
Authors: Carlak H. Feza , Kayar Ergin
Published: January 2025

Reactive power compensation is now a challenging issue in maintaining adequate power quality and improving the performance of the transmission system. Many researchers have focused on the behavior of voltage in the unbalanced state, and the majority of the studies have been done with STATCOM. In this study, the increasing power demand in power grids and the challenges associated with maintaining power quality and stability are discussed. The power system in the western Mediterranean region of Turkey is modeled with the DigSILENT Power Factory program using real data. It highlights the importance of reactive power compensation and introduces FACTS devices as a solution to control power factors and reactive power in the grid. In the realistic model, voltage and reactive power regulation is achieved by using SVC and STATCOM devices to ensure voltage stability. A load flow and short circuit analysis is performed on the designed transmission system for a number of critical scenarios. The modeled power system is optimized for the size and location of the FACTS devices by applying genetic algorithms (GAs) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithms to the selected busbars of the FACTS devices, a strategy designed to significantly reduce system losses. The load values used in the heuristics differ from those used in other studies in that they use a realistic load profile that varies randomly and instantaneously over the long term, as opposed to a fixed load profile. All the comparative results show that the STATCOM controller can maintain the most significant reduction in technical losses and excellent performance in controlling the reactive power response under various outages. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology has been validated in various outage scenarios, and it has been shown that it will reduce the total cost of electricity generation in the western Mediterranean region on an annual basis. Considering the results of the Turkish National Transmission System, increasing voltage sensitivity and reactive power control can be beneficial in reducing power transmission costs and maintaining the balance between generation and consumption.
A study of the 23 October 2022 southern England damaging MCS
Authors: Pryor Kenneth , Flack David L. A. , Smart David , Horton Sarah
Published: January 2025

During the afternoon of 23 October 2022, a mesoscale convective system (MCS) developed and intensified over the English Channel and tracked north‐northeastward into southern England, producing widespread damaging winds and at least three moderate to strong tornadoes in Hampshire. In general, atmospheric temperature and moisture profiles from radiosonde observations and NOAA satellites indicated a high potential for severe thunderstorms, marginally severe straight‐line wind, and tornado occurrence over southern England. Radar and satellite observations showed coincidental high rain rates and very low storm‐top temperatures, as well as prominent trends in MCS organisation and intensity that suggested damaging outflow wind.
Effect of konjac glucomannan aerogel‐immobilized Chlorella vulgaris LH‐1 on oil‐contaminated seawater remediation and endogenous bacterial community diversity
Authors: Du Zhuorong , Wang Xudong , Song Zhao , Zhu Baikang , Feng Lijuan , Chen Zhi , Chen Qingguo
Published: January 2025

Ocean oil spills can severely impact ecosystems and disrupt marine biodiversity and habitats. Microbial remediation is an effective method for removing thin oil slick contamination. In this study, the adsorption and degradation of low‐concentration oil spills by Chlorella vulgaris LH‐1 immobilized in konjac glucomannan (KGM) aerogel were investigated. The effect of the KGM aerogel‐immobilized C. vulgaris on the bacterial community structure in seawater environments was analyzed through bacterial diversity sequencing. In seawater containing 0.01 and 1.00 g/L of crude oil, after 14 days of remediation with the KGM aerogel‐immobilized C. vulgaris, crude oil removal rates of 98.73% and 95.13% were achieved, respectively. The FDA hydrolytic enzyme activity curve indicated that the microbial growth activity in the immobilized C. vulgaris group was significantly higher than that in other groups. After remediation, the top three dominant bacterial genera in the seawater were found to be Vitellibacter, Roseitalea, and Methylophaga. Vitellibacter, a genus known for its ability to degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in marine environments, showed increased abundance in seawater treated with the KGM aerogel‐immobilized C. vulgaris, suggesting enhanced PAH degradation capability in the presence of the immobilized C. vulgaris. Functional prediction using PICRUSt indicated that the oil metabolism capability of bacteria was promoted by the KGM aerogel‐immobilized C. vulgaris.

Practitioner Points

High degradation efficiency across various oil concentrations is exhibited by KGM‐immobilized microalgae.

KGM aerogels effectively confine C.vulgaris, reducing loss in marine systems.

The impact of KGM aerogel‐immobilized C. vulgaris on bacterial community structure in marine environments was analyzed.

Immobilized C. vulgaris enhanced the growth of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon‐degrading bacteria, such as Vitellibacter, in seawater.
Physicochemical Characterization at the Drawing and Bathing Points of Lake Kivu, by the Water Quality Index
Authors: Wand'arhasima L. , Zebaze Togouet S. H. , Djocgoue P. F. , Mbalassa M. , Masilya P. , Muvundja F. , Riziki J. , Hyangya B.
Published: January 2025

Water quality assessment in freshwater ecosystems is crucial for understanding their health and ensuring safe water use for various domestic purposes. This study on Lake Kivu highlights the significance of physicochemical parameters in evaluating quality dynamics by the water quality index (WQI). The sampling for physicochemical characterization, including T°, DO, EC, pH, TDS, SiO2−, PO43−, NO3−, salinity, transparency, and chlorophyll‐a, was collected in four campaigns: spatial (seven urban and seven rural drawing and bathing stations) and temporal (quarterly and seasonal), from August 2021 to June 2022, twice per season (rainy and dry). Eight parameters contributed to classifying the WQI, in global gradient, from strong to low of the average water quality. In rainy seasons, Lake Kivu water is slightly more disturbed but without spatially significant differences. WQI correlated significantly with nutrients (r = −0.845 for PO43−, −0.649 for NO3−, and −0.824 for SiO2−; p = 0.000), T° (r = −0.371; p = 0.005), and transparency (r = −0.359; p = 0.007), which are raised and promote toxic algal blooms (particularly Cyanophyceae). Water quality at urban and rural drawing and bathing points is inadequate for sustaining aquatic life. Chemical treatment, disinfection, and rigorous monitoring are necessary for safe use. The correlation between WQI and nutrient levels during the rainy season suggests that improving governance in reducing nutrient inputs into Lake Kivu catchments can sustainably enhance water quality at these use points. Physicochemical parameters are essential, but their standalone analysis often fails to capture water variations adequately. Focusing on these physicochemical parameters related to toxic Cyanophyceae, the biological analysis offers a complementary perspective with a multiparametric approach, including the WHO cyanophycean standards, not used to date, for aquatic life and the health of beneficiaries/users.
Influence of a tilted external magnetic field on interstitial fluid pressure within the spherical solid tumors
Authors: Ghanbari Ahmad , Khordad Reza
Published: January 2025

In the present work, we have investigated the interstitial fluid pressure within a spherical solid tumor under a tilted external magnetic field. A proper form of the fluid flow equations, mass, and momentum conservation laws has been used in addition to the sufficient boundary conditions. The interstitial fluid pressure is analytically calculated and the effect of various parameters on the behavior of the tumor is studied. The obtained results have been compared with the experimental data. Our calculations show that in a homogeneous tumor with no necrotic core, drug particles are distributed non‐uniformly. This behavior occurred due to the interstitial pressure distribution. Also, we considered the critical tumor radius and critical necrotic radius and analyzed the pressure distribution for various parameters of necrotic radii. We showed that tumor radius has a critical size, and the drug particles transport to the tumors with a radius smaller than this critical size. Also, the magnetic field has a significant effect on this drug delivery. Thus, there is a critical necrotic radius in drug delivery, and therapeutic influences have occurred. We have studied the effect of the external magnetic field on the values of the critical necrotic radius. Our results are applicable to injecting anticancer drug agents into the human body.
Modeling shear‐induced flow dynamics in a thermal Riga channel containing radioactive rGO‐magnetite‐mercury in an intense electromagnetic rotational setting
Authors: Das Sanatan , Karmakar Poly , Pal Tilak Kumar , Ali Asgar
Published: January 2025

The main goal of our study is to examine the shear‐induced flow dynamics of a hybrid nanofluid (HNF) composed of rGO/magnetite‐mercury within a thermal vertical Riga channel in an intense electromagnetic rotational framework, invoking the existence of Hall and ion‐slip currents. The model configuration involves a static right wall and a left wall undergoing either impulsive motion (IM) or accelerated motion (AM), initiating fluid movement, which is mathematically represented by unsteady partial differential equations. The Laplace transform (LT) method is harnessed to get a closed‐form solution for the flow‐regulating equations. Through graphical representations, we detail the dominance of critical parameters on model functions and quantities for both IM and AM scenarios. Our key findings admit that an upswing in rotation and the modified Hartmann number significantly diminishes velocity components in both IM and AM cases. The primary velocity experiences a notable diminution with an amplification in the Hall and ion‐slip parameters, while the secondary velocity's magnitude strengthens. Primary and secondary velocities are consistently higher in IM compared to AM. A heightened modified Hartmann number reduces shear stresses at the moving wall due to primary flow in both IM and AM scenarios. Additionally, the magnitude of shear stresses at the moving wall is consistently more pronounced in IM than in AM, with shear stresses notably higher in IM. As the radiation parameter grows, the rate of heat transfer RHT at both channel walls diminishes. Moreover, rate of heat transfer for the HNF consistently exceeds that for the nanofluid (NF). The novelty of the study lies in its unique combination of a radioactive HNF, the thermal Riga channel, and electromagnetic rotational effects, providing new insights into the flow dynamics under extreme conditions, with potential applications in energy systems, nuclear reactor technology, spacecraft propulsion, satellite operations, space exploration, aerospace engineering, chemical mixing, and materials processing.
Design of neural networks to study the significance of induced magnetic field considering Darcy–Forchheimer flow of Casson fluid
Authors: Nawaz Yasir , Irfan Muhammad , Mansoor Muavia , Ashraf Muhammad Usman , Abas Siti Sabariah , Muhammad Taseer
Published: January 2025

Nowadays, Casson fluid has been broadly used in plasma, sweetie, coffee, and several polymer solutions, for which the analysis of its essential flow and transport of heat devices in multifaceted surroundings is of energetic importance. One exclusive specific of the Casson fluid is its exceptional aspects of yield stress. The Casson fluid works similarly to a dense when the shear power is less than the yield stress, whereas it collapses and arises to flow once the shear power is above the yield stress. This fluid benefits in describing fluids with unbounded viscosity at nil shear rate and nil viscosity at unbounded shear rate, which has fascinated greatly consideration. Here, the transport of heat via Darcy–Forchheimer Casson fluid considering induced magnetic effects has been studied by utilizing finite element method (FEM). The similarity alterations are exploited to convert the partial differential equations (ODEq) into ordinary differential equations (ODEq). A transformed method of FEM is an appropriate scheme when the interpolation is executed, exhausting the linear polynomials and derivatives of attained solutions are essential to be established. Furthermore, the working FEM is based on the weighted residual Galerkin method. Here, observed progressive values of magnetic factor rise that velocity field. For the authentication aims, fallouts are associated with those obtained results given in the past study with different methodologies. Moreover, the neural network tactic is working for input and aims to obtain solutions of reduced ODEq.
Dynamic features of heat transfer in a square enclosure induced by an adiabatic rotating circular cylinder with double‐diffusive buoyancy forces
Authors: Olayemi Olalekan Adebayo , Oladimeji Leke Thaddeus , Ibitoye Segun Emmanuel , Obalalu Adebowale Martins , Olayemi David Omotayo , Khan Umair , Prasannakumara Ballajja Chandrappa , Sherif El‐Sayed M. , Pop Ioan
Published: January 2025

The study discusses steady‐state double‐diffusive convective heat and mass transfer (HMT) in a square enclosure containing a clockwise rotating adiabatic cylinder located in the center of the enclosure. The model is a 2‐D square enclosure. The left vertical wall of the enclosure is the higher concentrated‐heated wall, the right is the lower concentrated‐cold wall, T while the cylinder and the horizontal walls of the enclosure are thermally insulated with zero‐mass flux. The descriptive equations were solved by the finite element method for . The implications of cylinder size , cylinder rotational‐speed , Lewis number , buoyancy ratio , and Richardson number on concentration, streamlines, and isotherms are reported. Furthermore, the responses of HMT to the parameters of interest were presented in terms of Nusselt and Sherwood numbers. Results showed that while increasing both the cylinder size and the rotational speed of the cylinder were found to augment both heat and mass transfer, the maximum heat and mass transfer occurred at of the concentrated‐heated wall length, and a critical buoyancy ratio of , for which both HMT were maximized was established. Finally, both HMT diminished as Ri increased. This study provides a pathway for performance improvement in micro‐chip‐cooling in the electronic industry, drying technology, and heat exchangers. The impacts of cylinder rotation and size on HMT for the configuration investigated had not been previously investigated. Furthermore, the study established a critical buoyancy ratio value that ensures maximum heat and mass transfer enhancements.
Activities for Ocean Literacy
Authors: Vita Laura , Dabbah Marcelle , Anta Alba Hérnandez , Monoga Ana Maria Montaña , Murray Emily Margaret , Quist Sofie Elise , Hayden-Nygren Juliana , Peftieva Olena , Ahmed Dana , Heckman Stéphanie , Porrone Arianna , Panieri Giuliana , Angeles Inés Barrenechea , Zimmermann Jane , Pooladi Mojgan , Nyanda Shamim Wasii
Published: January 2025

This chapter showcases over 20 examples of ocean literacy activities developed during the Ocean Incubator Network Living Laboratory and beyond (the Foraminifera Box contains more than six activities that can be downloaded freely). The authors of these activities include students, scientists, researchers, educators, linguists, legal scholars, and experts in accessibility. Each activity has been scrutinized through the educational and pedagogical lens of Marcelle Dabbah to ensure its efficacy and relevance. Both teachers and learners can find inspiration in these activities, which are available for download and can be tailored to meet specific learning objectives and classroom needs. Each activity is structured according to an outline developed by Laura Vita, and includes details such as the contributors, activity name, target audience, focus of the activity, learning objectives, and guidance or instructions.
Towards a Functional Continuum Operating System – ICOS MetaOS
Authors: Jaworski Artur , Kotlinski Marcin , Zrazinska Izabela , Masip-Bruin Xavier , Garcia Jordi , Esfandiyar Iman
Published: January 2025

This article presents the intermediate results of the ICOS project, which aims to create a meta-operating system for cloud continuum, and describes the adaption of ICOS in two (out of four) project’s pilot Use Cases. For each described scenario, the paper provides insight into the specific key architectural features, identifies the expected benefits, and provides some initial validation results. The purpose of this research is to highlight the advantages of using a metaOS in real scenarios as well as to illustrate the ease of integration into ICOS.
Outcomes of popliteal artery injuries in a level 1 trauma centre: a 6-year review
Authors: van Rensburg Kewen , Steyn Wilme , Cassimjee Ismail , Moeng Maeyane Stephens
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To determine modifiable and non-modifiable factors contributing to limb loss in PAI the relevance and accuracy of published scoring systems for PAI within a South African State hospital.

Methodology

Retrospective review of patients (> 18 years) with PAI, presenting to CMJAH trauma unit from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2022.

Results

Sixty-four patient records were analysed. Thirty (46.9%) had blunt trauma and thirty-four (53.1%) had penetrating trauma. Gunshot wounds (GSW) were the most common mechanism of injury (MOI). Blunt PAI had a 40% amputation rate and penetrating trauma, 33.3%. Forty-seven (73.4%) had a delay to surgery of > 6 h. The mean time to arrival at our emergency department was 478 min, and the mean time from arrival to surgery was 368 min (total delay of 838 min). The primary amputation rate was 28.6%, and 63.5% had successful limb salvage surgeries. The secondary amputation rate was 7.8%.

Conclusion

Compared to international literature, our rate of primary amputation is high (10% vs. 28.8%) and prolonged ischaemia is the likely cause. Only 17 (26.6%) patients presented before 6 h. Of the 45 patients that had an attempt at revascularisation, 7.8% had a secondary amputation. Thus, despite prolonged ischaemia, revascularisation should be attempted in patients with at least two viable compartments on fasciotomy. The MESS and POPSAVEIT scoring systems should not be relied on in patients with delayed presentations. Strengthening referral triage for suspected PAI to Level 1 Trauma centres directly will decrease the delays and likely improve the outcomes.
Erosion in the contact periphery in the initiation zone due to erosion of abrasive water jet
Authors: Ravasio Chiara , Conconi Simone , Stehle Daniel , Pude Frank , Poloprudský Jakub , Šiška Filip , Chlupová Alice , Hloch Sergej
Published: January 2025

This study deals with the kerf’s characteristics and examines the morphology of its upper part, known as the initial zone, when subjected to abrasive water jet machining. The hydrodynamics of the abrasive water jet were analyzed in relation to technological parameters, including traverse speed, abrasive mass flow rate, and stand-off distance, and their impact on the structural integrity of Copper 5457-T. Key assessments included the kerf’s top width, edge bevelling, the extent of the upper region impaired by abrasive particles, and subsurface hardness. The varied process parameters significantly influenced the kerf’s geometric features and structural integrity. Contrary to previous assertions, zones exhibiting post-peening effects were identified around the contact boundary. Microhardness tests revealed variations along the profile, influenced by the abrasive mass flow rate and kinetic energy distribution. The study found traces of compressive residual stresses in the contact area, suggesting deeper penetration of abrasive particles than initially anticipated, leading to the presence of compressive residual stresses in the subsurface regions.
Online forecasting using neighbor-based incremental learning for electricity markets
Authors: Melgar-García L. , Gutiérrez-Avilés D. , Rubio-Escudero C. , Troncoso A.
Published: January 2025

Electricity market forecasting is very useful for the different actors involved in the energy sector to plan both the supply chain and market operation. Nowadays, energy demand data are data coming from smart meters and have to be processed in real-time for more efficient demand management. In addition, electricity prices data can present changes over time such as new patterns and new trends. Therefore, real-time forecasting algorithms for both demand and prices have to adapt and adjust to online data in order to provide timely and accurate responses. This work presents a new algorithm for electricity demand and prices forecasting in real-time. The proposed algorithm generates a prediction model based on the k-nearest neighbors algorithm, which is incrementally updated in an online scenario considering both changes to existing patterns and adding new detected patterns to the model. Both time-frequency and error threshold based model updates have been evaluated. Results using energy demand from 2007 to 2016 and prices data for different time periods from the Spanish electricity market are reported and compared with other benchmark algorithms.
Repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation on the bilateral cerebellum to improve symptoms of ataxia with multiple system atrophy: a prospective, randomized, sham-controlled pilot study
Authors: Li Dongrui , Jiang Changchun , Liu Jiahui , Fan Yu , Hao Xiwa , Fu Meng , Xu Ying , Chen Xianpeng , Zhang Jinfeng , Liu Guorong
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Ataxia is a common symptom in patients with Cerebellar subtype of Multiple system atrophy (MSA-C), but effective treatments remain elusive. The present study aims to investigate whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the bilateral cerebellum could relieve ataxia in patients with MSA-C.

Patients and methods

This is a single-center, randomized and double-blind trial. 26 patients with MSA-C were randomly divided into experimental group and control group. The experimental group underwent (rTMS) in both cerebellum for 10 consecutive days, while the control group was given sham rTMS. The participants underwent clinical assessments at baseline (T0), and three follow-up timepoints, that is, immediately after the tenth treatment session (T1), 2 weeks (T2), and 4 weeks (T3) after T1. The Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia scores (SARA) was used as the primary outcome measure, with the Fatigue Severity Scale-9 (FSS-9), the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-24 (HAMD-24) as secondary outcomes.

Results

Two-way repeated ANOVAs showed significant group × time interactions among SARA (p < 0.001), FSS-9 (p < 0.001), HAMA (p < 0.001) and HAMD-24 (p < 0.001). Post-hoc analyses showed that compared with T0, the activity group showed significant improvement in SARA, HAMA and HAMD-24 scores at T1, T2 and T3, and significant improvement in FSS-9 scores at T1 and T2, but no significant improvement in T3.

Conclusion

rTMS over bilateral cerebellum could provide short-term improvements for alleviating ataxia and the symptoms of fatigue, depression anxiety, but the beneficial effects last no more than 4 weeks.
Evaluating the transferability of adversarial robustness to target domains
Authors: Kopetzki Anna-Kathrin , Bojchevski Aleksandar , Günnemann Stephan
Published: January 2025

Knowledge transfer is an effective method for learning, particularly useful when labeled data are limited or when training a model from scratch is too expensive. Most of the research on transfer learning focuses on achieving accurate models, overlooking the crucial aspect of adversarial robustness. However, ensuring robustness is vital, especially when applying transfer learning in safety-critical domains. We compare robustness of models obtained by 11 training procedures on source domains and 3 retraining schemes on target domains, including normal, adversarial, contrastive, and Lipschitz constrained training variants. Robustness is analyzed by adversarial attacks with respect to two different transfer learning model outputs: (i) the latent representations and (ii) the predictions. Studying latent representations in correlation with predictions is crucial for robustness of transfer learning models, since they are solely learned on the source domain. Besides adversarial attacks that aim at changing the prediction, we also analyze the effect of directly attacking representations. Our results show that adversarial robustness can transfer across domains, but effective robust transfer learning requires techniques that ensure robustness independent of the training data to preserve them during the transfer. Retraining on the target domain has a minor impact on the robustness of the target model. Representations exhibit greater robustness compared to predictions across both the source and target domain.
An efficient heuristic search algorithm for discovering large Condorcet domains
Authors: Zhou Bei , Riis Søren
Published: January 2025

We explore large peak-pit Condorcet domains (CD), an active research area in voting theory. The search for large CDs, defined combinatorially, serves as a benchmark for heuristic-based optimisation algorithms. Since 1996, Fishburn’s alternating scheme produced the largest known CDs for

$$n \le 15$$

n
≤
15

alternatives until recent discoveries surpassed it for

$$n = 8$$

n
=
8

and

$$n \ge 13$$

n
≥
13

. For

$$8< n < 13$$

8
<
n
<
13

, exhaustive searches are infeasible, necessitating the design of heuristic methods. We developed a novel algorithm using a specially designed heuristic function and a 5-alternative subset lookup database to obtain new record-size CDs in this critical range. This approach, distinct from existing methods used for

$$n \le 8$$

n
≤
8

, found new large peak-pit CDs: size 1082 (previously 1069) for

$$n = 10$$

n
=
10

, and 2349 (previously 2324) for

$$n = 11$$

n
=
11

, establishing new lower bounds for these cases. Notably, these new CDs hold restrictions of remarkably small size. These findings fill a significant gap in our knowledge of CDs on

$$8< n < 13$$

8
<
n
<
13

and offer new insights into the structure of large CDs.
Alterations in Muscle Coordination to Reduce Knee Joint Loading for People with Limb Loss
Authors: Hu Jiayu , Ding Ziyun , Bull Anthony M. J.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

People with unilateral transtibial amputation experienced a higher incidence of knee osteoarthritis due to abnormal movement patterns. This study aimed to explore alternations in muscle coordination to reduce mechanical burdens in their daily activities.

Methods

Five males with unilateral transtibial amputation were recruited. Two daily activities (level walking and standing up from a chair) were simulated using muscle-driven simulation. Two cost functions were applied: minimising the knee adduction moment and minimising both the knee adduction moment and knee flexion moment. This enabled the identification of altered muscle coordination and any possible changes in kinematic patterns.

Results

For people with unilateral transtibial amputation, reducing knee adduction angles during stance was found effective in reducing knee adduction moments. To mitigate peak contact forces at the intact knee, muscle activations of vasti and gastrocnemius should be decreased, while muscle activations of soleus should be increased during activities of level walking and standing up from a chair.

Conclusion

Our study suggested that minimising knee adduction moments was effective in reducing joint loading during level walking while minimising both knee adduction moments and knee flexion moments was effective during standing up from a chair. Therefore, the alteration of muscle coordination should be carefully designed for different daily activities.
Mapping site amplification with the dense recording of ambient vibration for the city of Lucerne (Switzerland): comparison between two approaches
Authors: Janusz Paulina , Panzera Francesco , Bergamo Paolo , Perron Vincent , Fäh Donat
Published: January 2025

Reliable site-specific amplification information can be retrieved using earthquake-based methods that involve the deployment of a permanent (or temporary) network of seismic recording stations. Such an endeavour may need to operate for years, especially within regions of high risk but low recurrence rates in seismic activity. Hence, time- and cost-effective approaches using ambient vibrations are gaining popularity. Among such techniques, the canonical correlation approach (CC) collates measured empirical amplification with its indicator computed from ambient vibrations (i.e. horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratios) for a training set of seismic stations, to predict site response at locations without earthquake recordings. Another method, the hybrid standard spectral ratio method (SSRh) takes advantage of simultaneous recordings of ambient vibrations that are adjusted using earthquake ground motion data using a limited number of instrumented sites to estimate local seismic soil response. We apply both methods in the Lucerne area (Switzerland), which is located on a soft sedimentary basin, and obtain consistent results that are comparable to amplification estimates derived solely from earthquake ground motion data. These results show significant linear amplification factors (8–10 or more) at the fundamental frequency of resonance of the sediments (0.8–2 Hz). However, both techniques show systematic differences in the spatial and frequency domains. The CC method tends to underestimate the amplification at the fundamental frequency, while the SSRh technique predicts higher amplification in the centre of the basin and lower amplification at the basin edges in comparison to the CC approach. The study discusses the impact of the limitations in the completeness of the calibration dataset, and variability introduced by the choice of the shear wave velocity model of the shallow subsurface and inelastic behaviour treatment for the CC method, as well as the influence of the measurement setup for the SSRh method.
Proteomic Variation in the Oral Secretion of Spodoptera exigua and Spodoptera littoralis Larvae in Response to Different food Sources
Authors: García-Marín Elena , Gamir Jordi , Crava Cristina M.
Published: January 2025

The Spodoptera genus is defined as the pest-rich genus because it contains some of the most destructive lepidopteran crop pests, characterized by a wide host range. During feeding, the caterpillars release small amounts of oral secretion (OS) onto the wounded leaves. This secretion contains herbivore-induced molecular patterns (HAMPs) that activate the plant defense response, as well as effectors that may inhibit or diminish the plant’s anti-herbivory response. In this study, we explored the protein components of the OS of two Spodoptera species, Spodoptera exigua and Spodoptera littoralis. We identified 336 and 276 proteins, respectively, with a major role in digestion. Using a label-free quantitative proteomics approach, we investigated changes in protein abundance in the OS of both species after switching from a laboratory artificial diet to detached pepper and tomato leaves. Several proteins, such as various lipases, polycalin and a β-1,3-glucan binding protein, were more abundant in the OS of leaf-fed larvae in both species. Conversely, a tryptophan-aspartic acid (WD)-repeat containing protein significantly decreased upon feeding on plant leaves in both species. Phenotypic plasticity dependent on each Spodoptera-plant combination was observed for several peptidases, potentially related to the need to overcome the effects of proteinase inhibitors differentially produced by the two plant species, and for several REPAT proteins, possibly related to the specific modulation of each Spodoptera-plant interaction. Altogether, our results provide useful information for understanding the interaction of these two polyphagous Spodoptera species with the host plants, and help to identify evolutionary traits that may influence the outcome of herbivory in each of these two related species.
Experimental study and numerical simulation of short- and long-term shear stress relaxation behaviors of magnetorheological elastomers
Authors: Nam Tran Huu , Petríková Iva , Marvalová Bohdana
Published: January 2025

An experimental study and numerical simulation of short- and long-term shear stress relaxation behaviors of nonaligned and aligned magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) were investigated. The aligned MRE was created by aligning micro-size carbonyl iron particles in chains in silicon rubber using an external magnetic field during the curing process, while the nonaligned MRE was fabricated without applying a magnetic field. The effects of permanent magnetic fields on the shear stress relaxation of the nonaligned and aligned MREs were examined using the double-lap shear stress relaxation test with a short-term period of 1200 s and a long-term period of

$1.08 \times 10^{6}\text{ s}$

1.08
×

10

6

 s

. The shear stress and relaxation modulus of the nonaligned and aligned MREs increased considerably with the rise of magnetic flux density to about 500 mT and then enhanced slightly above 500 mT. The shear stress and relaxation modulus of the aligned MRE were considerably higher than those of the nonaligned one. The shear stress relaxation of the nonaligned and aligned MREs was numerically simulated using the fractional derivative viscoelastic Kelvin–Voigt model. The model parameters were identified by fitting the relaxation modulus to the short-term measured data of the MREs. The shear stress estimated from the investigated model with fitted parameters was in excellent agreement with the short-term experimental data of the MREs measured under different magnetic fields. Besides, the short-term model-fitted parameters were used to predict the long-term shear stress relaxation of the nonaligned and aligned MREs. The largest difference between model-predicted and long-term measured results for the nonaligned and aligned MREs was less than 1%. Therefore, the studied model can be used to predict the long-term shear stress relaxation of the nonaligned and aligned MREs.
Non-targeted metabolomics-based molecular networking enables the chemical characterization of Rumex sanguineus, a wild edible plant
Authors: Ramundi Valentina , Zdouc Mitja M. , Donati Enrica , van der Hooft Justin J. J. , Cimini Sara , Righetti Laura
Published: January 2025

Introduction and Objective

Rumex sanguineus, a traditional medicinal plant of the Polygonaceae family, is gaining popularity as an edible resource. However, despite its historical and nutritional significance, its chemical composition remains poorly understood. To deepen the understanding of the of Rumex sanguineus composition, an in-depth analysis using non-targeted, mass spectrometry-based metabolomics was performed. 

Methods

Rumex roots, stems and leaves samples were analyzed by UHPLC-HRMS and subsequently subjected to feature-based molecular networking.

Results and Conclusion

Overall, 347 primary and specialized metabolites grouped into 8 biochemical classes were annotated. Most of these metabolites (60%) belong to the polyphenols and anthraquinones classes. To investigate potential’ toxicity due to the presence of anthraquinones, the amount of emodin was quantified with analytical standard, revealing higher accumulation in leaves compared to stems and roots. This highlights the need for thorough metabolomic studies to understand both beneficial and harmful compounds, especially in plants with historical medicinal use transitioning to modern culinary use.
Implementation of the BIRCH algorithm to construct a data-adaptive network design for regional gravity field modeling via SRBF
Authors: Ulug Rasit
Published: January 2025

This study presents a new methodology to establish an optimal network for the spherical radial basis functions (SRBFs) by employing the Balanced Iterative Reducing and Clustering using Hierarchies (BIRCH) algorithm. In the proposed methodology, sub-cluster centers obtained by the BIRCH algorithm are replaced with the center of the SRBFs. Since the horizontal positions of the observations are utilized in the clustering, the SRBFs are distributed adaptively to the data. The algorithm’s performance and the effects of the BIRCH parameters are investigated in detail with real and simulated data sets in the Auvergne and Colorado areas, respectively. The bandwidth of each SRBF is determined by the generalized cross-validation (GCV) technique. The turning point algorithm is employed to reduce long-wavelength errors that occur due to the always positivity of the selected Legendre coefficients in the spatial domain. The outcomes of the numerical tests show that only one parameter (threshold) is enough to construct a proper data-adaptive network design for SRBFs. Compared to existing algorithms, fewer SRBFs are required to achieve the same accuracy on the control points while saving more than 95% of the time in the network design. Furthermore, the proposed methodology improves the condition number of the normal equation matrix. That makes it possible to estimate unknown coefficients without regularization in the least-square procedure depending on the selected threshold parameter. Therefore, the BIRCH algorithm is very effective and suitable to establish an optimal data-adaptive network design, especially in large data sets.
Biodegradable polymeric microsphere formulations of full-length anti-VEGF antibody bevacizumab for sustained intraocular delivery
Authors: Iyer Shwetha , Lee Cameron , Amiji Mansoor M.
Published: January 2025

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of central vision loss in the elderly population. Bevacizumab, a full-length humanized monoclonal anti-VEGF antibody, is commonly used off-label drug to treat AMD. However, the dosing regimen of bevacizumab and other anti-VEGF antibodies requires monthly intravitreal injections followed by regular intravitreal injections at 4–16-week intervals. In 2021, the FDA approved an innovative port delivery system of ranibizumab (Susvimo®) that can be implanted intravitreally to slowly release the active ingredient anti-VEGF antibody and reduce injection frequency to once every 6 months. An approach utilizing polymeric slow-release microspheres encapsulating a full-length antibody, such as bevacizumab, would be much more patient-friendly because it could be injected intravitreally, avoiding surgical implantation. While microsphere encapsulation is traditionally successful for small molecule hydrophobic drugs, we assessed two different polymers, namely poly(D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) and discovered the benefits of utilizing a slow degrading hydrophobic polymer such as PCL for large protein therapeutic. Using the traditional double emulsion fabrication method with PCL polymer, we could produce microspheres that encapsulate bevacizumab antibody and demonstrate the release of biologically active therapeutic agent for up to 60 days. This novel approach could lead to significant advancements in our field and potentially open new avenues for future research.

Graphical Abstract
Common Neighbor Completion with Information Entropy for Link Prediction in Social Networks
Authors: Zhou Zhengyun , Wan Guojia , Du Bo
Published: January 2025

Link prediction is essential for identifying hidden relationships within network data, with significant implications for fields such as social network analysis and bioinformatics. Traditional methods often overlook potential relationships among common neighbors, limiting their effectiveness in utilizing graph information fully. To address this, we introduce a novel approach, Common Neighbor Completion with Information Entropy (IECNC), which enhances model expressiveness by considering logical neighbor relationships. Our method integrates a dynamic node function with a Message Passing Neural Network (MPNN), focusing on first-order neighbors and employing set-based aggregation to improve missing link predictions. By combining the information entropy of probabilistic predictions of common neighbors with MPNN and leveraging information entropy to assess uncertainty in adjacent connections, our approach significantly enhances prediction accuracy. Experimental results demonstrate that our IECNC method achieves optimal performance across multiple datasets, surpassing existing techniques. Furthermore, visualizations confirm that our model effectively captures and accurately learns feature information from various categories, Demonstrating the method’s efficacy and adaptability.
Impact of a Momentary Mindfulness Intervention on Rumination, Negative Affect, and their Dynamics in Daily Life
Authors: Bolzenkötter Teresa , Neubauer Andreas B. , Koval Peter
Published: January 2025

Rumination and negative affect are mutually reinforcing experiences. Their dynamic relation can confer vulnerability to psychopathology. Cultivating mindfulness has been proposed to buffer against such downward spirals of negativity. However, it remains unclear whether practicing mindfulness in daily life causally impacts rumination, negative affect, and their dynamics. We investigated this using a micro-randomized intensive longitudinal trial. Participants (N = 91) were prompted eight times per day for 10 days using a smartphone app. At each prompt, participants were randomized to complete a brief mindfulness intervention or an active-control task and then reported levels of rumination and negative affect. Results of dynamic structural equation models showed that the mindfulness intervention led to lower levels of rumination and negative affect but that it had no reliable impact on their dynamics. Thus, cultivating mindfulness in daily life may be a promising approach for decreasing rumination and negative affect but not their dynamical relation.
Enhancing biocomposite critical quality indicators (CQIs): the impact of biochar content in additive manufacturing
Authors: Vidakis Nectarios , Petousis Markos , Sagris Dimitrios , David Constantine , Mountakis Nikolaos , Spiridaki Mariza , Maravelakis Emmanuel , Charitidis Costas , Stratakis Emmanuel
Published: January 2025

Biocomposite filaments for material extrusion (MEX) additive manufacturing, particularly those derived from agricultural biomass, have attracted significant research and industrial interest. Biochar is a well-documented reinforcement agent that is used in several polymeric matrices. However, systematic research efforts regarding the quality scores of parts built with MEX 3D printing with biochar-based filaments are marginal. Herein, the impact of biochar loading on the quality metrics of the five most popular polymers for MEX 3D printing (ABS, HDPE, PETG, PP, and PLA) is quantitatively examined in depth. Sophisticated and massive Non-Destructive Tests (NDTs) were conducted, and the impact of biochar loading on the critical quality indicators (CQIs), including porosity, dimensional conformity, and surface roughness, was documented. The quality scores for the biochar filler loading, also five in total, were statistically correlated with the corresponding reinforcement metrics for the five polymeric matrices. A statistically significant antagonistic interaction between the tensile strength course and porosity/dimensional deviation metrics, particularly for PETG, was observed. It can be concluded that the lowest porosity and dimensional deviation are associated with the highest strength. The 4 wt% biocomposite exhibited optimal quality performance in most polymers studied.

Graphical abstract