bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable Utilization of Coffee Pulp, a By-Product of Coffee Production: Effects on Metabolic Syndrome in Fructose-Fed Rats
Authors: Andrade Nelson , Rodrigues Ilda , Carmo Francisca , Campanher Gabriela , Bracchi Isabella , Lopes Joanne , Patrício Emília , Guimarães João T. , Barreto-Peixoto Juliana A. , Costa Anabela S. G. , Santo Liliana Espírito , Machado Marlene , Soares Thiago F. , Machado Susana , Oliveira Maria Beatriz P. P. , Alves Rita C. , Martel Fátima , Silva Cláudia
Published: February 2025

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities that include insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and abdominal obesity. Coffee production generates large quantities of waste products, which pose a serious threat to the environment. However, coffee by-products, such as coffee pulp (CP), possess an undeniable wealth of bioactive components. Based on this, we investigated whether a 10-week dietary intervention with 250 mg/kg/d of CP could prevent or ameliorate MetS in high-fructose-fed rats. Consumption of CP by rats fed a high-fructose diet reduced body weight gain, lowered systolic blood pressure (SBP), fasting plasma glucose and insulin levels, and improved insulin resistance compared to rats fed a high-fructose diet alone. At the hepatic level, CP attenuated the increase in lipid storage, reduced lipid peroxidation, and improved glutathione levels when combined with a high-fructose diet. CP also affected the expression of key genes related to glucose and lipid metabolism in hepatic and adipose tissues, in rats fed a fructose-rich diet. This study demonstrates that CP ameliorates several consequences of high-fructose-induced MetS in the rat (weight gain, hypertension, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, changes in liver, and adipose tissue function). Hence, our data provide evidence that CP consumption in the context of a high-fructose diet can be used to improve MetS management.
Smart Electronic Device-Based Monitoring of SAR and Temperature Variations in Indoor Human Tissue Interaction
Authors: Laganà Filippo , Bibbò Luigi , Calcagno Salvatore , De Carlo Domenico , Pullano Salvatore A. , Pratticò Danilo , Angiulli Giovanni
Published: February 2025

The daily use of devices generating electric and magnetic fields has led to potential human overexposure in home and work environments. This paper assesses the possible effects of electric fields on human health at low and high frequencies. It presents an electronic monitoring device that captures the incidence of specific absorption rate (SAR) and temperature variation (∆T) on the human body. The system transmits data to a cloud platform, where a feedforward neural network (FFNN) processes the received information. SAR and surface temperature values are detected in an indoor environment, monitoring stationary and moving subjects. The results effectively assess temperature distribution due to electromagnetic fields. The prototype detected temperature peaks and high SAR values when the subjects remained motionless. Predictive analysis confirms the need for workplaces with materials shielding external electromagnetic signals and attenuating internal sources. Moderate mobile phone use could lower SAR and temperature values.
Neuromuscular and Biomechanical Adaptations of the Lower Limbs During the Pre-Landing and Landing Phase of Running Under Fatigue Conditions
Authors: Chen Bocheng , Wu Jiaxin , Jiang Jingyuan , Wang Guoxiang
Published: February 2025

Objective: Our objective was to investigate the biomechanical and neuromuscular adaptations of the lower limbs during the landing phase of running under fatigue conditions. Methods: A controlled fatigue protocol was used to induce running-related fatigue in participants. Data were collected using a three-dimensional motion capture system, force platform analysis, and surface electromyography (sEMG). Kinematic variables, such as hip, knee, and ankle joint angles and range of motion, were analyzed alongside kinetic parameters, including vertical ground reaction forces (vGRFs) and joint moments. sEMG was used to measure the muscle activation levels of the rectus femoris, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius, and to calculate antagonist coactivation ratios. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the differences in pre- and post-fatigue using paired t-tests, with a significance level set at α = 0.05, and FDR correction was applied to control for multiple comparisons. Results: Post-fatigue, hip and knee flexion angles at initial contact decreased by 4.5% and 4.8%, respectively (FDR-adjusted p = 0.023, 0.0157), while their range of motion increased significantly by 10.4% and 11.1% (FDR-adjusted p = 0.0115, 0.0063). The second vGRF peak increased by 2.1% post-fatigue (FDR-adjusted p = 0.0086), with no significant changes in the first vGRF peak (p > 0.05). Muscle activation levels significantly increased in the rectus femoris (10.7%), biceps femoris (8.3%), tibialis anterior (9.1%), and gastrocnemius (10.2%) (FDR-adjusted p < 0.05). The antagonist coactivation ratio significantly decreased in the early and late landing phases (FDR-adjusted p = 0.0033, 0.0057), reflecting neuromuscular adjustments to fatigue. Conclusions: Fatigue-induced adaptations in joint kinematics, muscle activation, and coactivation strategies optimize performance and stability but may increase mechanical stress on lower-limb joints, highlighting a need for targeted interventions to mitigate injury risk.
Geochemical Background Values for the Characterization of Sediment Contamination with Trace Elements in Romania: A Case Study in the Lower Danube Basin
Authors: Vîjdea Anca-Marina , Popescu Iustina , Ivanov Alexandru Anton , Alexe Veronica Elena , Asimopolos Natalia-Silvia , Bălan Lidia Lenuța
Published: February 2025

The contamination of the Lower Danube Basin with trace elements has been the subject of intense study in recent years, with several pollution indices being employed for the assessment of water, soil, and sediment quality. Most pollution indices are calculated by comparing the measured concentration to a reference value, with different values from various sources being used. In this study, the threshold values for trace elements (As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in Romania were selected based on the median of their concentration in stream sediment from 167 locations, which were carefully selected to be far from contamination sources. The threshold values were established based on a calculation starting from the geochemical concentration presented in the Geochemical Atlas of Romania (scale: 1:3,000,000, developed in 2006 by a collaborative Romanian-German team). By using these thresholds, pollution indices were calculated for nine sampling locations, from which suspended sediment, bottom sediment, and active floodplain sediment samples were collected and analyzed in an accredited laboratory. Most of the selected thresholds were found to be below the limits for sediments established by Romanian legislation, except for Cr and Ni, the higher values of which are consistent with the specific geological background of the country and the broader Balkan region.
Research on Eco-Product Supply Chain Decision-Making and Coordination Under Different Subsidy Strategies with Ecological Cost-Sharing Contracts
Authors: Chen Yuanhua , Sun Zhihao , Wu Qinglian
Published: February 2025

In order to solve the problem of poor market circulation in the process of realizing the value of ecological products, this paper studies a supply chain system composed of a single ecological product supplier, an ecological product distributor, and a consumer. Since government subsidies will greatly affect the operation of the supply chain system, the supply chain decision-making model under three scenarios, of no government subsidies, development and operation subsidies, and consumer subsidies, is constructed with an ecological cost-sharing contract coefficient between suppliers and dealers. Then, the Stackelberg game is used to solve the optimal strategy and maximum profit of all parties in the supply chain under different financial subsidy scenarios in order to form eco-product development suggestions in line with market rules.
FFMT: Unsupervised RGB-D Point Cloud Registration via Fusion Feature Matching with Transformer
Authors: Qiu Jiacun , Han Zhenqi , Liu Lizhaung , Zhang Jialu
Published: February 2025

Point cloud registration is a fundamental problem in computer vision and 3D computing, aiming to align point cloud data from different sensors or viewpoints into a unified coordinate system. In recent years, the rapid development of RGB-D sensor technology has greatly facilitated the acquisition of RGB-D data. In previous unsupervised point cloud registration methods based on RGB-D data, there has often been an overemphasis on matching local features, while the potential value of global information has been overlooked, thus limiting the improvement in registration performance. To address this issue, this paper proposes a self-attention-based global information attention module, which learns the global context of fused RGB-D features and effectively integrates global information into each individual feature. Furthermore, this paper introduces alternating self-attention and cross-attention layers, enabling the final feature fusion to achieve a broader global receptive field, thereby facilitating more precise matching relationships. We conduct extensive experiments on the ScanNet and 3DMatch datasets, and the results show that, compared to the previous state-of-the-art methods, our approach reduces the average rotation error by 26.9% and 32% on the ScanNet and 3DMatch datasets, respectively. Our method also achieves state-of-the-art performance on other key metrics.
Sustainability Enhancement and Evaluation of a Concrete Dam Using Recycling
Authors: Mostafaei Hasan , Chamasemani Niyousha Fallah , Mashayekhi Mohammadreza , Hamzehkolaei Naser Safaeian , Santos Paulo
Published: February 2025

Examining the life cycle of structures, such as concrete dams, holds paramount importance for engineers, as it facilitates a comprehensive assessment of overall sustainability, enabling the balancing of the benefits and costs associated with dam development. The recycling of materials emerges as a crucial factor in mitigating environmental impacts. This study employs the IMPACT 2002+ methodology to perform a life cycle assessment (LCA) of a concrete dam, covering the stages from construction to decommissioning. Additionally, carbon footprint analysis (CFA) and life cycle costing (LCC) are performed to pinpoint greenhouse gas (GHG) emission sources and access economic performance. This investigation spans three key-stages: (1) initial construction; (2) decommissioning; (3) hypothetical scenarios with recycling rates for demolished concrete and steel, evaluating how different recycling percentages influence both the environmental benefits and LCC outcomes. The results emphasize the significance of reducing air pollution, with climate change identified as the primary environmental concern compared to ecosystem and resource indicators. The findings show that the carbon footprint associated with the construction of 1 m width of the dam is estimated to be around 355 ton CO2 eq. Furthermore, the total carbon emissions resulting from the demolition of the dam were identified to amount to 735 ton CO2 eq/m. The recycling of the dam materials after demolition led to a notable reduction in pollution associated with the decommissioning process of the dam, compared to the dams’ destruction without recycling.
Fine-Tuning a Personalized OpenBioLLM Using Offline Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Shi Jinsheng , Yuan Yuyu , Wang Ao , Nie Meng
Published: February 2025

In the past decade, personalized treatment has become increasingly significant; however, the individualized care provided by physicians incurs substantial labor costs. The advancement of artificial intelligence, particularly the emergence of large language models, offers promising prospects for personalized treatment. These models have the potential to create intelligent agents capable of delivering tailored medical care. Nonetheless, current large language models face challenges in achieving precise treatment recommendations and optimizing treatment strategies. This study aims to enhance the accuracy of medical large language models by employing representation learning, inverse reinforcement learning, and offline reinforcement learning techniques for fine-tuning. The fine-tuned models are capable of generating personalized treatment plans. Through experiments on the mechanical ventilation therapy dataset constructed from the MIMIC-III database, we found that the similarity between the treatment actions suggested by the fine-tuned models and those of clinical physicians reaches 90.4% in the survival dataset, while it decreases to 72.3% in the mortality dataset. These results suggest that fine-tuned models are able to effectively capture individual patient information and provide treatment strategies that differ from routine clinical practice in complex situations, rather than merely mimicking physician behavior. Nevertheless, we emphasize that the recommendations of the model should be used as an auxiliary tool for physician decision making, and the final medical decision still needs to be comprehensively considered in combination with the patient’s clinical background, medical history, and autonomy.
Electrochemical Surface Modification of Fully Biodegradable Mg-Based Biomaterials as a Sustainable Alternative to Non-Resorbable Bone Implants
Authors: Radwan-Pragłowska Julia , Legutko Kinga , Janus Łukasz , Sierkowska-Byczek Aleksandra , Kuźmiak Klaudia , Radwan-Pragłowska Natalia
Published: February 2025

Given the increasing demand for biocompatible implant materials in regenerative engineering, novel surface modification techniques are essential to enhance tissue integration, durability, and corrosion resistance. This study investigates the application of plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO), a high-voltage anodic oxidation technique, for the surface modification of magnesium (Mg) implants. The research emphasizes both functionality enhancement and process sustainability, adhering to green chemistry principles. A comprehensive analysis was conducted to evaluate the physicochemical and biological properties of the modified surfaces. The chemical structure of the coatings was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (ASA). Surface morphology and composition were examined via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while wettability was assessed through contact angle measurements. Additionally, biodegradation and biocorrosion studies were performed to evaluate stability, and cytotoxicity was tested using MG-63 human osteosarcoma cells. Results demonstrated that carefully optimized PEO process parameters, combined with appropriate electrolyte compositions, enabled the formation of MgO coatings with significantly enhanced stability, reduced biocorrosion, and improved biocompatibility. These findings indicate the potential of surface-modified magnesium implants for advanced biomedical applications.
Solid-State Lithium Batteries: Advances, Challenges, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Antony Jose Subin , Gallant Amethyst , Gomez Pedro Lechuga , Jaggers Zacary , Johansson Evan , LaPierre Zachary , Menezes Pradeep L.
Published: February 2025

Solid-state lithium-ion batteries are gaining attention as a promising alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries. By utilizing a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid, these batteries offer the potential for enhanced safety, higher energy density, and longer life cycles. The solid electrolyte typically consists of a polymer matrix integrated with ceramic fillers, which can significantly boost ionic conductivity. Research efforts are currently focused on advancing materials for the battery’s three primary components: the electrolyte, anode, and cathode. Furthermore, innovative strategies are being developed to optimize the interfaces between these components, addressing key challenges in performance and durability. Cutting-edge manufacturing techniques are also being explored to improve production efficiency and reduce costs. With continued advancements, solid-state lithium-ion batteries are poised to become integral to next-generation technologies, including electric vehicles and wearable electronics.
Alterations in the Neuromuscular Control Mechanism of the Legs During a Post-Fatigue Landing Make the Lower Limbs More Susceptible to Injury
Authors: Fan Penglei , Kim Youngsuk , Han Dong-Wook , Kim Sukwon , Wang Ting
Published: February 2025

Fatigue causes the lower limb to land in an injury-prone state, but the underlying neuromuscular control changes remain unclear. This study aims to investigate lower limb muscle synergies during landing in basketball players, both before and after fatigue, to examine alterations in neuromuscular control strategies induced by fatigue. Eighteen male recreational basketball players performed landing tasks pre- and post-fatigue induced by 10 × 10 countermovement jumps. Electromyographic (EMG) data from eight muscles, including the erector spinae (ES), rectus abdominus (RA), gluteus maximus (GM), rectus femoris (RF), biceps femoris (BF), lateral gastrocnemius (LG), soleus (SM), and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles, were analyzed using non-negative matrix factorization to extract muscle synergies. Post-fatigue results revealed significant changes: synergy primitive 1 decreased before landing (18–30% phase) and synergy primitive 2 decreased after landing (60–100% phase). Muscle weights of the LG and SM in synergy module 2 increased. Fatigue reduced synergistic muscle activation levels, compromising joint stability and increasing knee joint loading due to greater reliance on calf muscles. These changes heighten the risk of lower limb injuries. To mitigate fatigue-induced injury risks, athletes should improve thigh muscle endurance and enhance neuromuscular control, fostering better synergy between thigh and calf muscles during fatigued conditions.
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Prefer Undisturbed Shoals over Shoals Exposed to the Synthetic Alarm Substance Hypoxanthine-3N-oxide (C5H4N4O2)
Authors: Velkey Andrew , Kinslow Kaitlyn , Bowers Megan , Hoffman Ethan , Martin Jamie , Surisetty Bandhavi
Published: February 2025

As an anti-predation behavior, shoaling enhances survival among prey species by reducing individual predation risk through mechanisms like the dilution effect and collective vigilance. Zebrafish—a highly social and genetically tractable species—are valuable for studying these behaviors. The present study examined zebrafish’s social preferences in a 3-chamber open-tank free-swim task, assessing whether visual cues alone could distinguish between an intact and an alarmed shoal exposed to the synthetic alarm substance H3NO. Subjects were allowed to freely associate with either shoal while their behaviors were recorded and analyzed. The results reveal a significant preference for proximity to the intact shoal, indicating zebrafish’s ability to visually discern threat levels. Subjects spent nearly twice as much time in the zone near the intact shoal, with reduced freezing and faster movement velocities compared to the alarmed shoal zone. Males exhibited more freezing behavior than females, consistent with sex-specific strategies in threat response. These findings underscore zebrafish’s reliance on visual cues for social responding under predatory threat and highlight sex-based differences in threat perception. This research expands the understanding of zebrafish’s social dynamics and provides a robust framework for future exploration of the neural mechanisms underlying social behavior and threat assessment in zebrafish.
Enhanced Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity in Germinated Seeds of the New Peanut Variety
Authors: Yu Hwan-Hee , Park Jong-Suk , Lee Sanghyun
Published: February 2025

The sprout market in Korea is expanding as consumers seek healthier food options and farmers strive to increase added value and competitiveness. This study examined the changes in the phytochemical composition of Sinpalkwang (SPK), a peanut variety developed in Korea, during germination. Four samples (SPK1, SPK2, SPK3, and SPK4) were collected at different growth stages and analyzed for total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activities using ABTS+ and DPPH assays. The levels of trans-resveratrol and soyasaponin Bb were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a photo-diode array (PDA). Among the samples, SPK2 exhibited the highest TFC (1.61 mg QE/g ext.) and trans-resveratrol content (0.054 mg/g ext.), while SPK4 showed the highest TPC (29.38 mg TAE/g ext.) and soyasaponin Bb content (6.543 mg/g ext.). In terms of radical scavenging activities, SPK2 and SPK3 performed best in the ABTS+ and DPPH assays, respectively. Germinated samples demonstrated strong results across all analyses, highlighting the benefits of germination in enhancing phytochemical properties. This study provides foundational information on the phytochemical composition of SPK and the effects of germination. Future research will focus on optimizing germination conditions to further enhance the functionality and value of this Korean-bred variety as a source of high-value bioactive ingredients.
Naringenin’s Neuroprotective Effect on Diazino-Induced Cerebellar Damage in Male Albino Rats, with Modulation of Acetylcholinesterase
Authors: Saati Abdullah A.
Published: February 2025

Background: Diazinon, a well-known organophosphorus compound, is recognized for its neurotoxic effects, primarily through the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and induction of oxidative stress. Aim: This study evaluates the neuroprotective effects of naringenin, a citrus flavonoid, against diazinon-induced cerebellar damage in male albino rats. Materials and methods: Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups: control, naringenin, diazinon, and diazinon with naringenin. Results: Histological examination revealed altered structures of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum of the diazinon group. Naringenin co-treatment significantly improved cerebellar histology and modulated oxidative stress markers by decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) and increasing glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels. Additionally, naringenin exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) levels, while increasing interleukin-10 (IL-10). It also reduced apoptotic markers, including p53, Bax, caspase-9, caspase-8, and caspase-3, while increasing the anti-apoptotic marker Bcl-2. Furthermore, naringenin modulated AChE activity, leading to decreased acetylcholine levels and reduced neurotoxicity. Conclusions: These findings suggest that naringenin’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties contribute to its neuroprotective role against diazinon-induced cerebellar damage.
Improving Stuttering Through Augmented Multisensory Feedback Stimulation
Authors: Muscarà Giovanni , Vergallito Alessandra , Letorio Valentina , Iannaccone Gaia , Giardini Martina , Randaccio Elena , Scaramuzza Camilla , Russo Cristina , Scarale Maria Giovanna , Abutalebi Jubin
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Stuttering is a speech disorder involving fluency disruptions like repetitions, prolongations, and blockages, often leading to emotional distress and social withdrawal. Here, we present Augmented Multisensory Feedback Stimulation (AMFS), a novel personalized intervention to improve speech fluency in people who stutter (PWS). AMFS includes a five-day intensive phase aiming at acquiring new skills, plus a reinforcement phase designed to facilitate the transfer of these skills across different contexts and their automatization into effortless behaviors. The concept of our intervention derives from the prediction of the neurocomputational model Directions into Velocities of Articulators (DIVA). The treatment applies dynamic multisensory stimulation to disrupt PWS’ maladaptive over-reliance on sensory feedback mechanisms, promoting the emergence of participants’ natural voices. Methods: Forty-six PWS and a control group, including twenty-four non-stuttering individuals, participated in this study. Stuttering severity and physiological measures, such as heart rate and electromyographic activity, were recorded before and after the intensive phase and during the reinforcement stage in the PWS but only once in the controls. Results: The results showed a significant reduction in stuttering severity at the end of the intensive phase, which was maintained during the reinforcement training. Crucially, worse performance was found in PWS than in the controls at baseline but not after the intervention. In the PWS, physiological signals showed a reduction in activity during the training phases compared to baseline. Conclusions: Our findings show that AMFS provides a promising approach to enhancing speech fluency. Future studies should clarify the mechanisms underlying such intervention and assess whether effects persist after the treatment conclusion.
Associations Among Religiosity, Religious Rejection, Mental Health, and Suicidal Ideation in Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Adults
Authors: Cull Steph L. , Perrin Paul B. , Henry Richard S.
Published: February 2025

Objectives: Religiosity has generally been shown to be a protective factor against adverse mental health in the general population. Transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) individuals, however, may not experience the same protective effects, as many religions are unsupportive of diverse gender identities. This study examined whether increased religiosity and having been rejected by a religious community because of one’s gender identity were associated with mental health issues in TGNC individuals. Methods: A sample of TGNC adults (n = 154), predominantly from the United States, completed an online survey assessing these constructs. Results: These constructs were highly represented in the sample, with 46.1% of participants having experienced religious rejection at some point throughout their lifetime because of their gender identity, 40.3% currently experiencing symptoms of elevated depression and 34.4% of elevated anxiety, and 48.7% with suicidal ideation over the past 2 weeks. Religious rejection was associated with increased depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Neither interpersonal nor intrapersonal religiosity was associated in a bivariate way with any of the three mental health outcomes. However, among participants who experienced rejection by one’s religious community, interpersonal religiosity was strongly associated with increased depression symptoms and suicidal ideation, whereas conversely among TGNC individuals who had not experienced rejection by their religious community, interpersonal religiosity was weakly associated with depression and suicidal ideation. Conclusion: The results underscore the extremely harmful effects of religious rejection due to one’s gender identity on religious TGNC individuals, pointing to the active contributions of the behaviors of traditional religious groups towards TGNC mental health problems and suicide.
Effect of the Initial Damage State on the Seismic Behavior of A Five-Story CLT Building
Authors: Benedetti Franco , Álvarez M. Julieta , Jara-Cisterna Alan , Opazo-Vega Alexander , Rosales Víctor
Published: February 2025

Timber construction experiences a growing trend in different countries due to its inherent environmental benefits and proven lateral load performance. However, most of the previous studies on structural and seismic performance have focused on undamaged structures without any signs of deterioration. This paper focuses on the analysis of the effects of the initial damage state on the seismic response and fragility of a five-story CLT building designed under a force-based approach. A detailed 3D finite element model was developed and validated through experimental data in order to perform incremental dynamic analyses that considered different arbitrarily imposed initial damage states. The residual response and the fragility functions are analyzed to characterize the impact of the initial state on seismic behavior. The results of this work highlight the need to properly consider the effect of previous load actions for the seismic performance evaluation during the operating life of CLT structures. Findings suggest that the initial state can significantly modify the probability of reaching a given limit state. Moreover, it was found that if the initial damage is defined as severe, the collapse margin ratio is reduced by 58.8% compared to the case in which the initial state is undamaged.
The Current Status of Structural Monitoring: A Bibliometric Literature Review
Authors: Isac Mihai Dorin , Cîmpean Cosmina , Manea Daniela Lucia
Published: February 2025

Monitoring the behavior of structures over time is a defining activity for any type of construction that provides data necessary to assess whether these structures meet requirements for stability and durability. In today’s rapidly urbanizing world, it is essential to monitor construction projects. Whether monitoring the impact on buildings surrounded by new constructions, underground infrastructure, or high-rise structure projects, the solutions and results provided by the construction monitoring process, carried out during the execution phase and/or operational stage, enable communities to progress and thrive without jeopardizing people and assets. This study aimed to highlight the level of interest in structural monitoring activities. A bibliometric analysis based on scientific articles published in the most popular databases brings to the forefront correlations and links between various fields of activity and the domain of construction monitoring through the application of various technologies. These published studies and the centralization of the number of searches for specialized terms related to structural health monitoring activities present a combination of classical theories with modern technologies that have evolved rapidly due to the continuous development of civil and geodetic engineering technology, as well as the introduction of artificial intelligence in interpreting recorded observations. This research results show that this topic is relevant and increasingly studied; for example, the number of scientific articles published on this subject doubled in the last three years compared to previous years. According to the literature, research trends are focused on new technologies, including the application of various sensor types, UAV technology, and LiDAR. The number of publications showed an increased interest in the study, monitoring, and evaluation of bridges, followed by research on civil constructions. Among civil constructions, aging or special buildings were most frequently encountered, while new structures accounted for a smaller percentage according to scientific articles published in the specialized literature.
Housing Behaviors for Older Households in South Korea: The Role of Intergenerational Networks
Authors: Kim Jinyhup
Published: February 2025

This study assesses the predictions of future mobility rates and tenure choice behaviors by characterizing older households by age and place, focusing on the role of intergenerational networks. This study employed mixed effects logistic regression along with longitudinal household data acquired from the 2008–2020 Korea Longitudinal Study of Aging. The findings are as follows. First, co-residence with children encouraged older people to remain in their current places of residence. In contrast, those within 30 min of a child’s house by public transportation tended to experience residential mobility and dissave their accumulated housing wealth. Second, the effects of intergenerational networks on housing behaviors—independent living, residential mobility, and tenure transition—seemed greater and statistically significant for the oldest cohort, aged 75 years and above, and in non-metropolitan areas. Finally, intergenerational networks might help vulnerable households—being single or having poor health—stay in their current independent living situations, but they did not appear to be major factors influencing housing decisions, such as residential mobility or housing adjustments, in older households. In conclusion, intergenerational networks seem to have a partial direct impact on aging in place (AIP) in Korea. Instead, older Koreans tend to relocate closer to their children and seem to age in those areas. Understanding the reasons why older households choose to stay or leave their current homes is crucial, as it relates to aging in place (AIP), a widely used term in aging-related matters and a goal of elderly housing policies. This study provides seminal insights into this issue.
Quantitative Comparison of Geographical Color of Traditional Village Architectural Heritage Based on K-Means Color Clustering—A Case Study of Southeastern Hubei Province, China
Authors: Dong Li , Kang Meiqi
Published: February 2025

The architectural heritage of traditional villages, as an important bearing entity of regional culture, contains strong regional color attributes. However, under the wave of contemporary rapid economic development, the color of traditional village architectural heritage is facing serious challenges. The K-means clustering algorithm has outstanding advantages in image color clustering and is suitable for the large-scale data collection of sample picture primary colors to reduce subjective bias and can be combined with the HSV color space to optimize the results. In this study, the architectural heritage of four traditional villages of the Ming and Qing dynasties in the southeastern region of Hubei Province is taken as the research object, the K-means clustering algorithm is used to quantify the color data of the architectural heritage, and the HSV color space is used to analyze the distribution characteristics of the color data and to excavate the uniqueness of its colors and the regional characteristics. The results of this study show that the color characteristics of the architectural heritage of the four villages are as follows: the main colors, red-yellow and red, and the overall color percentage should be between 80% and 100%. The auxiliary colors, cyan blue and blue, should range from 0 to 20% and show low saturation and medium-high value characteristics. Based on the above results, the recommended range of values for the architectural heritage colors in the southeastern part of Hubei Province is clarified: the hue values are between the ranges of 0–40 and 200–230, the saturation is between 0 and 30%, and the values are in the range of 30–70%. At the same time, based on this range of values, a set of recommended chromatograms was generated to provide a visual reference for the adjustment of architectural heritage colors, which is helpful for the conservation and development of architectural heritage colors and landscapes.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Developing the Tall Buildings of Tomorrow
Authors: Emad Samaa , Aboulnaga Mohsen , Wanas Ayman , Abouaiana Ahmed
Published: February 2025

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in tall buildings’ development provides transformative opportunities for facing population growth pressures and sustainability challenges in cities. This study presents a comprehensive review of both the current literature and the theoretical framework of AI and its role in construction, specifically analyzing the convergence of AI and skyscraper development. The research methodology combines scholarly sources, AI image generation techniques, an analytical approach, and a comparative analysis of traditional versus AI-enhanced approaches. This study identifies key domains where AI significantly impacts skyscraper evolution, including design optimization, energy management, construction processes, and operational efficiencies. It highlights short-term benefits like enhanced architectural design through rapid generative design iterations and material optimization, alongside long-term implications involving adaptive building technologies and sustainability enhancements. Additionally, it addresses the advantages and challenges of adopting AI in architecture, considering various factors (e.g., sustainability, security, and occupant well-being), as well as the impact of different climates on AI in architecture and construction. It also explores transformative applications across diverse skyscraper functions and how AI can bridge different cultures and technologies. The findings reveal AI’s substantial potential in TBs’ design and management, (i.e., structural optimization, energy saving, safety protocols, and operational efficiency) by leveraging innovative technologies such as machine learning, computer vision, and predictive modeling. In conclusion, AI’s dual role as both a revolutionary tool that enhances traditional architectural methods and a catalyst for new design paradigms prioritizing sustainability and resilience has been reflected. Ultimately, this research underscores the importance of balancing AI innovation with established architectural principles to foster a favorable urban future that embraces both technological advancement and foundational design values. This study serves as a base for future research in the AI field.
Experimental Study on the Influence of Cooling Rates on the Permeability Coefficient of Thawed Soil After Open Frozen
Authors: Wang Zhen , Wang Haoran , Ni Xiaohui , Wu Ming , Zhu Shu , Maimaitiyusupu Semaierjiang , Zhu Zhende
Published: February 2025

Adjusting freezing patterns is a critical technology in artificial ground freezing (AGF) projects to mitigate frost heave. The distribution of ice lenses formed under varying freezing patterns not only influences frost heave but also modifies the structure of thawed soil, thereby affecting the thaw settlement process. However, most existing research on freezing patterns has primarily focused on their impact on frost heave, with limited attention paid to thaw settlement. This study investigates the cooling rates at the cold side of open frozen systems, which are the key variables defining different freezing patterns, and examines their effect on the permeability coefficient of thawed soil. Experimental results demonstrate that the cooling rate significantly influences the soil permeability coefficient. This is specifically manifested as a 12.18-fold enhancement in permeability coefficients as cooling rates decrease from 0.5 °C/s to 0.005 °C/s. As the temperature gradient increases, the permeability coefficients increase. The minimum enhancement magnitude in the permeability coefficient was recorded at −75 °C. A decrease in the cooling rate leads to an increase in the permeability coefficient, particularly under high frozen temperature conditions. Utilizing the Kozeny–Carman permeability coefficient equation, a predictive model for the permeability coefficient of thawed soil was developed. In practical AGF projects, any freezing pattern can be represented as a combination of different cooling rates. By applying this predictive model, the permeability coefficient of thawed soil under any freezing pattern can be simulated using the corresponding combination of cooling rates. This study provides a valuable reference for predicting thaw settlement following artificial freezing construction.
Colitis-Associated Dysplasia in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Features and Endoscopic Management
Authors: Schiavone Sara C. , Biancone Livia , Fiorillo Mariasofia , Divizia Andrea , Mancone Roberto , Neri Benedetto
Published: February 2025

Patients with long-standing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involving the colon are at higher risk of developing colorectal dysplastic or neoplastic lesions. While from sporadic colorectal cancer follows an “adenoma-carcinoma” sequence, IBD colitis-associated carcinogenesis is mainly related to an “inflammation-dysplasia-carcinoma” sequence. Currently, specific endoscopic surveillance strategies involving dye spray and virtual chromoendoscopy have been standardized, aiming for early CRC diagnosis. When detected, colitis-associated dysplasia should be classified according to standard classification, thus allowing for better treatment. Indeed, most IBD-associated dysplastic lesions can be treated with endoscopic resection, even though available procedures are usually more challenging than those in the general population. The higher frequency of severe submucosal fibrosis and the difficulty in the definition of lesions’ margins account for this issue. Current endoscopic resection techniques include polypectomy, endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Recent evidence suggests the relevance of en bloc resection, as this may be associated with lower rates of recurrence. Therefore, particularly for larger (>20 mm) lesions, ESD should be preferred, even though it is considered the most difficult technique due to frequent severe submucosal fibrosis. Considering the growing number of new endoscopic resective techniques, including underwater EMR or ESD, which in the general population have been suggested to lower procedure-related risks and may also allow a larger spread of advanced endoscopic resection in IBD. However, additional data are needed to assess the medium- and long-term efficacy of endoscopic resection of visible dysplasia in IBD patients, which are burdened by a high risk of local and, more importantly, metachronous recurrence.
Dapansutrile Regulates Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress and Reduces Hepatic Lipid Accumulation in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Wu Ying , Zhou Jiaqiang
Published: February 2025

(1) Background: Hepatic lipid accumulation is the initial factor in metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in type 2 diabetics, leading to accelerated liver damage. The NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays a critical role in this process. Dapansutrile (DAPA) is a novel NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor; however, its effect on ectopic lipid accumulation in the liver remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of DAPA on hepatic lipid accumulation in a diabetic mouse model and its potential mechanisms. (2) Methods: The effects of DAPA on hepatic ectopic lipid deposition and liver function under metabolic stress were evaluated in vivo using db/db and high-fat diet (HFD) + streptozotocin (STZ) mouse models. Additionally, the role and mechanism of DAPA in cellular lipid deposition, mitochondrial oxidative stress, and inflammation were assessed in HepG2 cells treated with free fatty acids (FFA) and DAPA. (3) Results: Our findings indicated that DAPA treatment improved glucose and lipid metabolism in diabetic mice, particularly addressing liver heterotopic lipid deposition and insulin resistance. DAPA treatment also ameliorated lipid accumulation and mitochondrial-related functions and inflammation in HepG2 cells through the NLRP3-Caspase-1 signaling axis. (4) Conclusions: Targeting NLRP3 with DAPA may represent a novel therapeutic approach for diabetes-related fatty liver diseases.
Cataloging the Alien Flora of the Costa Brava (NE Iberian Peninsula): New Findings and Updates in a Plant Invasion Hotspot
Authors: Gómez-Bellver Carlos , Nualart Neus , Bosch-Guiu Arnau , Ibáñez Neus , López-Pujol Jordi
Published: February 2025

The Costa Brava, a Mediterranean coastal strip spanning ca. 250 km (in NE Spain), is a hotspot of plant invasions. To address this issue, the LIFE medCLIFFS project was launched to improve the management of invasive species along sea cliffs in the region. The initial phase of the project involved designing more than 100 transects distributed across the coastline, each 1 km in length, which were to be monitored by volunteers. During the fieldwork for transect design, we identified a total of 126 alien species. This is a substantial number, considering that the observations were confined to the transect areas. Notably, among the 126 observed taxa, 24 represented floristic novelties: 7 were new to the Costa Brava, 7 to the province of Girona, 4 to Catalonia, 1 to Spain, 1 to the Iberian Peninsula, and 4 to Europe. Additionally, we provide information on other alien taxa that, although not novel for the study area, could be significant for control and management efforts. These observations provide a foundation for compiling a comprehensive catalog of the alien flora of the Costa Brava.
Breast Cancer Detection via Multi-Tiered Self-Contrastive Learning in Microwave Radiometric Imaging
Authors: Galazis Christoforos , Wu Huiyi , Goryanin Igor
Published: February 2025

Background: Early and accurate detection of breast cancer is crucial for improving treatment outcomes and survival rates. To achieve this, innovative imaging technologies such as microwave radiometry (MWR)—which measures internal tissue temperature—combined with advanced diagnostic methods like deep learning are essential. Methods: To address this need, we propose a hierarchical self-contrastive model for analyzing MWR data, called Joint-MWR (J-MWR). J-MWR focuses on comparing temperature variations within an individual by analyzing corresponding sub-regions of the two breasts, rather than across different samples. This approach enables the detection of subtle thermal abnormalities that may indicate potential issues. Results: We evaluated J-MWR on a dataset of 4932 patients, demonstrating improvements over existing MWR-based neural networks and conventional contrastive learning methods. The model achieved a Matthews correlation coefficient of 0.74 ± 0.02, reflecting its robust performance. Conclusions: These results emphasize the potential of intra-subject temperature comparison and the use of deep learning to replicate traditional feature extraction techniques, thereby improving accuracy while maintaining high generalizability.