bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of resource management practices on the performance of micro and small enterprises in Werabe Town, Ethiopia
Authors: Refera Matewos Kebede , Habib Redela Seman , Lemma Habtamu Regassa , Seman Abdilkerim Asrar , Antonios Endalew Adamu
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Efficient resource management is essential for enhancing organizational performance; however, its implementation in micro and small enterprises (MSEs) has received limited academic attention. Taking into account these obvious reasons, this study aims to investigate the influence of resource management practices on the performance of micro and small enterprises in Werabe Town, Ethiopia.

Methods

We distributed a structured questionnaire to 265 randomly selected small business operators. Both descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including correlation and regression analysis were used to analyse the collected data.

Results

The findings indicate low overall MSE performance, driven by inadequate financial, human resource, material, and information management practices. Based on regression analysis, these four factors explain 64.3% of the variations in performance, showing that they have a positive and statistically significant effect.

Conclusion

Therefore, improving financial planning, cash flow, and working capital management is crucial for maintaining efficient financial operations. However, financial efficiency alone is not enough; a formal HR planning process, a well-defined job description, carrying out a recruiting and selection, and establishing a pay system are equally crucial. Additionally, streamlining material requirement planning, procurement processes, and inventory control systems ensures resource availability and operational efficiency. Furthermore, pre-made and streamlined information management software is appropriate to improve the flow of information for better decision-making across financial, human, and material resources.
Optimizing Investment Portfolios with Bacterial Foraging and Robust Risk Management
Authors: Zarzycki Hubert
Published: February 2025

This study introduces a novel portfolio optimization approach that combines Bacterial Foraging Optimization (BFO) with risk management techniques and Sharpe ratio analysis. BFO, a nature-inspired algorithm, is employed to construct diversified portfolios, while risk management strategies, including stop-loss limits and transaction cost considerations, enhance risk control. The Sharpe ratio is used to evaluate the efficiency of the investment strategy by accounting for risk-adjusted returns. The experiments demonstrate that this approach effectively balances risk and return, making it a valuable tool for portfolio management in dynamic financial markets.
A Comparative Study of Unsupervised Machine Learning Methods for Anomaly Detection in Flight Data: Case Studies from Real-World Flight Operations
Authors: Jasra Sameer Kumar , Valentino Gianluca , Muscat Alan , Camilleri Robert
Published: February 2025

This paper provides a comparative study of unsupervised machine learning (ML) methods for anomaly detection in flight data monitoring (FDM). The study applies various unsupervised ML techniques to real-world flight data and compares the results to the current state-of-the-art flight data analysis techniques applied in industry. The results are validated by the industrial experts. The study finds that a hybrid Local Outlier Factor (LOF) approach provides significant advantages compared to the current state of the art and other ML techniques because it requires less hyperparameter tuning, reduces the number of false positives, provides an ability to establish trends amongst the entire fleet and has an ability to investigate anomalies at each timestep within every flight. Finally, the study provides an in-depth review for some of the cases highlighted by the hybrid LOF and discusses the particular cases providing insights from an academic and flight safety/operational point of view. The analysis conducted by the human expert regarding the outcomes produced by an ML technique is predominantly absent in scholarly research, thereby offering extra value. The study presents a compelling argument for transitioning from the current approach, based on analyzing occurrences through the exceedances of a threshold value, towards an ML-based method which provides a proactive nature of data analysis. The study shows that there is an untapped opportunity to process flight data and achieve valuable information for enhancing air transport safety and improved aviation operations.
A Comparison of Reliability and Resource Utilization of Radiation Fault Tolerance Mechanisms in Spaceborne Electronic Systems
Authors: Kim Changhyeon , Lee Dongmin , Na Jongwhoa
Published: February 2025

The advent of the New Space Era has significantly accelerated the development of space equipment systems using commercial off-the-shelf components. Field Programmable Gate Arrays are increasingly favored for their ability to be easily modified, which substantially reduces both development time and costs. However, their high susceptibility to space radiation poses a considerable risk of mission failure, potentially compromising system reliability in harsh space environments. To mitigate this vulnerability, the implementation of fault-tolerant mechanisms is essential. In this study, we applied eight distinct fault-tolerant mechanisms to various circuits and conducted a comparative analysis between two different categories: hardware redundancy and informational redundancy. This comparison was based on consistent criteria, specifically the Architectural Vulnerability Factor and resource consumption. Utilizing statistical fault injection tests and specialized software, we quantitatively measured structural vulnerability, power consumption, delay, and area. The results revealed that while the Hamming Code achieved the lowest structural vulnerability, it resulted in approximately fourfold increases in resource consumption. Conversely, Triple Modular Redundancy provided high reliability with relatively minimal resource usage. This research elucidates the trade-offs between reliability and resource overhead among different fault-tolerant mechanisms, highlighting the critical importance of selecting appropriate mechanisms based on system requirements to optimize the balance between reliability and resource utilization. Our analysis offers new insights essential for optimizing fault-tolerant mechanisms in space applications. Future work should explore more complex circuit architectures and diverse fault models to refine the selection criteria for fault-tolerant mechanisms tailored to real-world space missions.
Research on the Impact of Lumbar Support on Tractor Operators’ Ride Comfort Considering Body Pressure Distribution and Subjective Assessment
Authors: Huang Qingyang , Gao Mengyu , Wei Yuning , Zhang Jingyuan , Jin Xiaoping
Published: February 2025

Nowadays, lumbar supports are applied when designing tractor seats to address the issue of tractor operators’ lumbar discomfort. This research aimed to investigate the effect of lumbar support on ride comfort using various lumbar support thicknesses and running velocities based on body pressure distribution measures and subjective comfort evaluations. The repeated measures ANOVA results revealed that the lumbar support thickness (p < 0.05) and running velocity (p < 0.05) had a prominent, main effect on the pressure distribution indexes, and the interaction effect between them was also significant (p < 0.05). As the lumbar support thickness increased, the degree of comfort at the waist, thigh, elbow, and for the overall body first increased and then decreased, while shoulder comfort was reduced continuously. There was an obvious relationship between the outcome of the subjective comfort assessment and the pressure distribution indexes. The 3 cm thick lumbar support did not enhance ride comfort significantly, whereas the 9 cm thick lumbar support imposed excessive pressure on the lumbar spine, thus leading to an excessive forward inclination of the lumbar spine and increased tiredness. Most tractor operators selected the 6 cm thick lumbar support. This research provides insights from practical applications that may be useful for the design and assessment of tractor seats, based on body pressure distribution, to increase overall ride comfort and reduce operator fatigue.
Physiological Response to Salinity in Novel M-Series Grapevine Rootstocks: A Comparison with Commercial Standards
Authors: Rius-Garcia Xavier , Videgain-Marco María , Casanova-Gascón José , Acuña-Rello Luis , Martín-Ramos Pablo
Published: February 2025

Rising soil salinity poses significant challenges to Mediterranean viticulture. While some rootstocks effectively reduce salt accumulation in grafted scions, the mechanisms and performance of novel rootstocks remain largely unexplored. This study compared two novel M-series rootstocks (M2, M4) with established commercial rootstocks (1103 Paulsen, R110) to evaluate their physiological responses and salt tolerance under irrigation with varying salinity levels (0, 25, 50, and 75 mM NaCl) over 5 months. Growth parameters, photosynthetic efficiency, chlorophyll content (SPAD), ion homeostasis, and visual symptoms were monitored. Results revealed genotype-specific strategies: 1103 Paulsen exhibited robust photosynthetic efficiency and ion exclusion, maintaining growth and chlorophyll stability; M2 demonstrated superior biomass retention and moderate ion compartmentalization but showed reduced photosynthetic performance at higher salinity levels; R110 displayed effective ion management at moderate salinity but experienced significant growth reduction under severe stress; and M4 was the most sensitive, with severe reductions in growth and ion homeostasis. Organ-specific responses highlighted roots acting as primary ion reservoirs, particularly for sodium and calcium; leaves exhibited high potassium and chloride concentrations, critical for photosynthesis but prone to ionic imbalance under stress; and stems and wood played a buffering role, compartmentalizing excess sodium and minimizing damage to photosynthetic tissues. The reported findings provide valuable insights for rootstock selection and breeding programs, particularly for regions facing increasing soil and water salinization challenges.
Non-Invasive Wearable Sensor for Real-Time Neonatal Jaundice Monitoring Using Forehead Skin Tone Analysis
Authors: Fatoni Amin , Anggraeni Mekar Dwi , Rahmawati Eni
Published: February 2025

Neonatal jaundice affects over 80% of newborns globally, posing significant health risks if untreated. Current diagnostic methods either lack accuracy or are prohibitively expensive, limiting accessibility in low-resource settings. This study presents a cost-effective, wearable device for non-invasive bilirubin monitoring based on forehead skin tone analysis. The device, comprising a TCS34725 color sensor and ESP32-C3 microcontroller, offers real-time bilirubin predictions validated against standard clinical methods. Calibration ensures reproducibility across devices, with recovery rates of 91–107%, meeting analytical validation standards. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize neonatal care by providing accessible, sustainable, and accurate monitoring, especially in underserved regions.
The Microbiological Background of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ): Clinical Evidence Based on Traditional Culture and Molecular Biological Detection Methods
Authors: Kövér Zsanett , Gajdács Márió , Polgár Beáta , Szabó Dóra , Urbán Edit
Published: February 2025

Background: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a common adverse event following antiresorptive treatment, leading to chronic inflammation and exposed, necrotic bone surfaces in the jawbone. There is an increasing recognition of the role of compositional changes in the colonizing members of the oral microbiota implicated in triggering and/or maintaining MRONJ. The aim of our study was to characterize the culturable and non-culturable microbiota—with particular focus on Actinomyces spp. and Actinomyces-like organisms (ALOs)—from surgically removed bone samples of MRONJ patients and healthy control subjects. Methods: n = 35 patients (median age: 70 years) in various stages of MRONJ, with a history of receiving oral or intravenous antiresorptive treatment were included in the study. The controls (n = 35; median age: 35 years) consisted of otherwise healthy individuals undergoing tooth extraction. Traditional, quantitative, aerobic, and anaerobic culture, and Actinomyces-specific PCR was performed for all bone samples from patients and controls, while microbiome analyses—based on 16S rRNA sequencing—were carried out in 5-5 randomly selected samples. Mann–Whitney U test, Wilcoxon rank sum test (alpha diversity), and PERMANOVA analysis (beta diversity) were performed. Results: In MRONJ samples, 185 anaerobic isolates, corresponding to 65 different species were identified (vs. 72 isolates, corresponding to 27 different species in the control group). The detection of Actinomyces spp. and ALOs was more common in MRONJ bone samples, based on traditional culture (65.7% vs. 17.1%; p < 0.001) and PCR (82.9% vs. 37.1%; p < 0.001), respectively. The isolation of Fusobacterium spp. (22 vs. 7; p = 0.001), Prevotella spp. (22 vs. 6; p = 0.034), and Gram-positive anaerobic cocci (GPAC) (30 vs. 9; p = 0.016) was significantly more common in MRONJ patient samples. The microbiota of the controls’ bone samples were characterized by a considerable dominance of Streptococcus spp. and Veillonella spp, while the bacterial abundance rates were substantially more heterogeneous in MRONJ bone samples. Notable differences were not observed among the samples related to the abundance of Actinomyces in the bone microbiota. Conclusions: According to the “infection hypothesis”, alterations in the oral microbiome—with Actinomyces and ALOs being the most relevant—may play a key role in the development, aggravation, and progression of MRONJ. The timely detection of Actinomyces in necrotic bone is crucial, as it has important therapeutic implications.
Prognostic Value of C-Reactive Protein in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Mederake Moritz , Hofmann Ulf Krister , Eleftherakis Georgios
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are feared complications in arthroplasty and are associated with an increased mortality rate. PJI prevention is of paramount importance since treatment is difficult. In case of an infection, it is crucial to diagnose it at an early stage in order to initiate adequate therapy. The Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) proposed a catalog of different major and minor diagnostic criteria in 2011 to define a PJI. They were adapted in the following years. One of these criteria is the blood level of C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP is a non-specific acute-phase protein that also increases in response to various non-infectious inflammatory responses. CRP is also routinely obtained prior to total hip arthroplasty (THA) to screen for possible contraindications for arthroplasty such as an acute infection. The validity of this approach has rarely been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of perioperative CRP in patients receiving a THA. Methods: A total of 239 patients were included in this study and retrospectively analyzed. CRP values were obtained preoperatively and three values postoperatively. Sensitivity, specificity, area under the curve (AUC) and optimal thresholds were calculated. Results: In the whole group, 10 patients developed a PJI. No significance was demonstrated between patients without and with later PJI in terms of preoperative CRP (p = 0.182), postoperative CRP (p = 0.167), relative CRP increase (p = 0.684) and respective CRP differences (p = 0.456). We were not able to find cut-off values with adequate sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions: Perioperative CRP values do not seem to be helpful in predicting further PJI. Rather, they should be used as a screening tool to detect ongoing infections in the individual patient prior to THA. This trial should encourage studies with more statistical power due to the small effect sizes.
Genomic Insights into Colistin and Tigecycline Resistance in ESBL-Producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae Harboring blaKPC Genes in Ecuador
Authors: Ortega-Paredes David , Del Canto Felipe , Rios Rafael , Diaz Lorena , Reyes Jinnethe , Arias Cesar A. , Zurita Jeannete
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) are resistant to third-generation cephalosporins (3GCs), carbapenems, colistin, and tigecycline, making them a major public health priority, mainly within the developing world. However, their genomic epidemiology and possible determinants of resistance remain to be elucidated. Thus, this study aimed to perform a genomic characterization of E. coli and K. pneumoniae, both of which are resistant to last-line antibiotics, isolated from humans, poultry, and a dairy farm environment within Ecuador. Methods: This study analyzed nine 3GC-resistant E. coli isolates harboring the mcr-1 gene (six from poultry farms, two from human infections, and one from dairy farm compost), together with ten isolated colistin- and carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae clinical samples. Results: The E. coli isolates of human origin belonged to ST609 and phylogroup A, while the poultry and compost isolates belonged to phylogroups A, B1, E, and F. Diverse STs of the K. pneumoniae isolates included ST13 (five isolates), ST258 (four isolates), and ST86 (one isolate). Within the E. coli isolates, blaCTX-M-55, blaCTX-M-65, blaCTX-M-15, and blaCTX-M-2 genes were identified. This study also identified blaCMY-2 and blaKPC-3 (the latter in a carbapenem-susceptible isolate). In E. coli, the plasmid-borne mcr-1.1 gene was identified across all E. coli isolates within an IncI2 plasmid. Tigecycline-reduced susceptibility or resistance was related to missense amino acid substitutions coded in the marA and acrA genes. Within K. pneumoiae, blaCTX-M-15 and blaCTX-M-65, on the one hand, and blaKPC-2 and blaKPC-3, on the other, were associated with 3GC and carbapenem resistance, respectively. The blaKPC-2 allele was identified in a ~10 kb Tn4401 transposon (tnpR–tnpA–istA–istB–blaKPC-2–tnpA). In K pneumoniae, sequence data and phenotypic analysis linked a nonsense amino acid substitution coded in the mgrB (K3*) gene and missense amino acid substitutions coded in the marA, acrA, arnB, eptA, pmrB, pmrJ, and phoQ genes to colistin resistance. Meanwhile, tigecycline resistance was linked to nonsense and missense amino acid substitutions coded within the ramR sequence. Additionally, this study identified several integron structures, including Int191 (5′CS-dfrA14-3′CS), which was the most prevalent integron (Int) among E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates in this study, followed by Int0 (5′CS-3′CS) and Int18 (5′CS-dfrA1-3′CS). Conclusions: These results contribute to the genomic epidemiology of MDR E. coli and K. pneumoniae in our setting and to the worldwide epidemiology in the One Health approach.
Nanoparticles with Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Daré Regina G. , Lautenschlager Sueli O. S.
Published: February 2025

Oxidative stress is commonly defined as an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and an organism’s ability to neutralize them via antioxidant defense mechanisms, leading to damage to biomolecules, including lipids, proteins, and DNA [...]
Spermidine Supplementation Effectively Improves the Quality of Mouse Oocytes After Vitrification Freezing
Authors: Wang Li , Li Weijian , Liu Yalan , Dilixiati Airixiati , Chang Zhanzhan , Liang Yibai , Wang Yuhan , Ma Xiuling , Tang Ling , He Zhi , Zhang Yuan , Wang Xuguang
Published: February 2025

The cryopreservation of oocytes through vitrification is imperative for the conservation of livestock germplasm resources. However, as oocytes exhibit significant oxidative stress and organelle damage following vitrification freezing, it is crucial to optimise the vitrification conditions to mitigate the deleterious effects of freezing. In this study, we demonstrated that spermidine has been showed to enhance oocyte survival after vitrification freezing (92% ± 4% vs. 82% ± 3%, p < 0.01) and blastocyst formation after freezing for in vitro fertilisation (14.86% ± 7% vs. 6% ± 3, p < 0.05). Spermidine supplementation rescued 47.3% of dysregulated pathways, including ovarian steroidogenesis, and restored normal expression levels in 43.3% of aberrantly expressed genes. Subsequent studies elucidated that spermidine effectively rescued mitochondrial dysfunction after vitrification, alleviated oxidative stress damage, and regulated intracellular calcium homeostasis. Consequently, we concluded that the addition of spermidine during vitrification freezing is an effective method to protect oocytes from freezing damage.
A Behavioral Robotics Approach to Radiation Mapping Using Adaptive Sampling
Authors: Adams Joel , Cintas Brendon , Sung Nakwon , Abrahao Anthony , Lagos Leonel , McDaniel Dwayne
Published: February 2025

Radiation mapping is a desirable task to automate because of the inherent risks involved and its tedious nature. A novel system was designed to address this by combining various existing technologies, utilizing behavior-based robotics and Bayesian optimization. The system uses a quadruped robot equipped with a manipulator and gamma detector to take measurements at locations that are selected based on the uncertainty of a surrogate model used to estimate the true radiation field. The robot uses input from the world with depth cameras to avoid collisions with the robot’s body, and unreachable points for the end effector are addressed by both allowing for a soft collision with the environment to occur, prompting the system to abandon that point, and varying the exploration tendency of the optimization based on consecutive collisions. This approach provides unique traversability and adaptability over other strategies in the literature. Experiments were performed by placing a Cesium-137 source on the ground and varying geometric setups and an optimization parameter demonstrating the adaptability to diverse environments and the increased robustness resulting from the designed behavior. The results additionally demonstrate that dynamically adjusting the optimization algorithm’s exploration tendency based on the arm’s collision history improves the system’s ability to navigate cluttered environments and construct accurate radiation maps without getting stuck in unreachable areas.
Use of a Yeast Protein-Based Intumescent Fire Retardant Bioadditive as Thermal and Mechanical Reinforcement for a PVAc Adhesive for Wood Products
Authors: Vidal-Vega Marcela , Núñez-Decap Mario , Hernández-Espinoza Diógenes , Fernández-Pérez Arturo
Published: February 2025

In this study, an intumescent fire retardant (IFR) bioadditive was designed based on a commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast protein matrix. Lignosulfonate was used as a cohesive reinforcement of its polymeric structure, along with magnesium hydroxide Mg(OH)2, as agents that enhance the binder-intumescent properties, with the aim of improving the thermal stability and fire resistance of the commercial PVAc adhesive. Firstly, two formulations of the bioadditive were elaborated and characterized for their physicochemical and electrical properties, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), adherence properties (shear strength), and fire resistance, to modify the PVAc adhesive. Thus, it was found that the IFR bioadditive formulation with a higher percentage of Mg(OH)2 was more thermally stable than the other one, although both of them were able to enhance the binder-intumescent properties of the commercial adhesive PVAc. Then, ten adhesive blends of PVAc modified with these two different bioadditives were added in different proportions, and were elaborated and characterized for their physicochemical and electrical properties, mechanical properties including a shear test (dry, elevated temperature, and three-cycle conditions) and delamination. Based on these results, five adhesive blends were selected, and we performed the following tests: adhesive penetration, fire resistance, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and morphological and elemental analysis by scanning electron microscope (SEM/EDS). From the modified PVAc adhesive blends, two samples were selected, which were able to improve the high temperature and fire performance of a PVAc adhesive.
Exploring the Impact of Local Operator Configurations in the Multi-Demand Multidimensional Knapsack Problem
Authors: García José , Cattarinich Ivo , Moraga Paola , Pinto Hernan
Published: February 2025

The Multi-demand Multidimensional Knapsack Problem (MDMKP) is a challenging combinatorial task due to its capacity and demand constraints. Local search operators play a key role in metaheuristics when navigating such complex solution spaces, yet their impact on MDMKP performance has received limited attention. In this work, we investigate four local operator configurations—Add, Drop, Swap, and All Operator—within the Whale Optimization Algorithm framework. Our approach integrates these operators to broaden search coverage and refine candidate solutions. This design aims to enhance solution quality by balancing exploration and exploitation across multiple dimensions of the MDMKP. Experimental results on benchmark instances with different sizes (n=100,250, and 500) show that the All Operator configuration consistently achieves better maximum and average values. In large-scale instances (n = 500), the “All Operator” configuration achieves an average maximum value of 107,967, which is approximately 1.4% higher than the 106,490 achieved by the “Add Operator” and about 0.2% higher than the 107,771 obtained by the “Swap Operator”, while significantly outperforming the “Drop Operator” (average maximum of 99,164). Statistical tests confirm its advantage over the other configurations, suggesting that combining multiple local operators can significantly strengthen performance in high-dimensional and constraint-heavy settings like the MDMKP.
GIS-Based Analysis of Distribution Patterns and Underlying Motivations of Prehistoric Settlements in the Middle and Lower Yuanjiang River Basin, Central China
Authors: Yang Guifang , Yao Changhong
Published: February 2025

Exploring prehistoric settlement patterns and their relationship to natural environments is a key focus in geological research, particularly in historically significant regions. The middle and lower reaches of the Yuanjiang River in northwestern Hunan Province are central to the development of early civilizations. Unlike previous studies that focused on individual sites, this research analyzed settlement distribution and migration trends across the entire catchment area. Combining field research with geological, geomorphological, archaeological, remote sensing data, and Geographic Information System techniques, the study revealed a clear pattern: prehistoric settlements increased from higher elevations to lower areas in the east, with concentrations along rivers, especially at river junctions. High floodplains and terraces, offering flat terrain, abundant water, and rich vegetation, were key to supporting early communities. The analysis showed that climate change significantly impacted prehistoric occupations, limiting population growth and stability due to natural disasters. A regional comparison within the Yuanjiang basin indicated that ancient cultures in the downstream area were more similar to those of the Lishui River Basin, while the Wushui cultural group in the middle reaches displayed distinct differences. These findings highlight the complex relationship between geography and cultural development, with the lower reaches being more influenced by climatic fluctuations and natural disasters, especially during the Shijiahe and Shang-Zhou periods. Additionally, the middle reaches of the Yangtze River may have originated in the Xiajiang Area and shifted southward, leading to the rise of cultural centers in the Lishui River Basin. These results emphasize the significance of the Yuanjiang River catchment in Hunan Province in shaping ancient cultures and offer insights for contemporary sustainable practices.
Network Security Situational Awareness Based on Improved Particle Swarm Algorithm and Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory Modeling
Authors: Zheng Peng , Cheng Yun , Zhu Wei , Liu Bo , Liu Shuhong , Wang Shijie , Bai Jinyin
Published: February 2025

With the continuous development of information technology, network security risks are also rising, and the ability to quickly perceive network threats has become an important prerequisite and an important means to cope with network risks. Currently, there are various types of network attacks and complex attacking techniques, and the large differences between them have led to the difficulty of collecting and recognizing the common characteristics of network attacks. Considering the regular temporal fluctuations in network attacks, a method for network security situational awareness, based on an enhanced Particle Swarm Optimization Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) network model, is proposed. By gathering and organizing critical information within the network, an encapsulated Wrapper feature selection algorithm is utilized for the extraction of element features. The refined Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm is applied to optimize the parameters of the BiLSTM network, enabling a rapid convergence and enhancing the training efficiency, thus effectively identifying the categories of network attacks. The experimental results show that the MAPE for the proposed model has been diminished to 0.36%, while the sMAPE is 2.654%. Additionally, the fitting coefficient attains a value of 0.92. This indicates a high level of recognition and precision exhibited by the proposed model in detecting network security risk behaviors. Furthermore, in contrast to the traditional CNN neural network, the proposed model is more compact, which significantly reduces the computational overhead and allows for efficient network security situational awareness.
Simulation Tests on Granite Pillar Rockburst
Authors: Xu Xinmu , Zeng Peng , Zhao Kui , Lei Daxing , Xiong Liangfeng , Gong Cong , Chen Yifan
Published: February 2025

Parallelepipeds specimens were made to further investigate the rockburst occurrence mechanism of ore pillars in underground mining units. The investigation was carried out with uniaxial compression systems and real-time testing systems, such as stress, video, and acoustic emission, combined with digital image correlation (DIC) and SEM electron microscope scanning technology, to systematically analyze the evolution of rockburst of ore pillars, strain field characteristics, acoustic emission characteristics, mesoscopic characteristics of the rockburst fracture, morphology of the bursting crater, and debris characteristics. The findings demonstrate that the pillar’s rockburst process went through four stages, including the calm period, the particle ejection period, the block spalling period, and the full collapse period. According to DIC digital image correlation technology, the development of cracks in the rock is not obvious during the calm period, but during the small particle ejection and block spalling periods, the microcracks started to form and expand more quickly and eventually reached the critical surface of the rock, resulting in the formation of a complete macro-rockburst rupture zone. During stage I of the test, the rate of acoustic emission events and energy was relatively low; from stages II to IV, the rate gradually increased; and in stage V, the rate of acoustic emission events and energy reached its maximum value at the precise moment the rock exploded, releasing all of its stored energy. The specimen pit section primarily exhibits shear damage and the fracture exhibits shear fracture morphology, while the ejecta body primarily exhibits tensile damage and the fracture exhibits tensile fracture morphology. The location of the explosion pit is distributed on the left and right sides of the middle pillar of the specimen, and the shape is a deep “V”. The majority of the rockburst debris is greater than 5 mm, and it mostly takes the shape of thin plates, which is comparable to the field rockburst debris’s shape features.
Comparative Analysis of Product Information Provision Methods: Traditional E-Commerce vs. 3D VR Shopping
Authors: Kim Hui-Jun , Jeong Seok Chan , Kim Sung-Hee
Published: February 2025

VR shopping combines the advantages of both online and offline shopping, demonstrating significant potential. In online settings, where consumers cannot directly experience products, providing detailed product information is essential. However, research on the impact of product information provision methods in VR shopping on perceived product emotion and ease of product recognition is limited. Therefore, we compare the effects of the existing e-commerce product information provision method and the VR shopping method on perceived product emotion and product information recognition. We focus on shoes as a product where emotion and detailed information heavily influence the final purchase decision. The results showed that the VR shopping method delivered product emotions more consistently and demonstrated higher product information recognition ease. This study is significant as it provides practical verification of the effectiveness of product information provision methods in VR shopping and suggests directions for future research in this field.
Human Respiration and Motion Detection Based on Deep Learning and Signal Processing Techniques to Support Search and Rescue Teams
Authors: Niyaz Özden , Erenoğlu Mehmet Ziya , Türk Ahmet Serdar , Colak Sultan Aldirmaz , Erkmen Burcu , Tokan Nurhan Türker
Published: February 2025

The quick and effective detection of humans trapped under debris is crucial in search and rescue operations. This study explores the use of antennas operating within the 150–650 MHz frequency range to identify human respiration and movement under building wreckage. A debris model consisting of construction materials was generated at the laboratory, and attenuation characteristics were observed to set ideal operating frequencies. Time-dependent transmission coefficient data were collected over 20 s and processed using short-time Fourier transform, wavelet transform, and empirical mode decomposition for time-frequency analysis. To enhance signal clarity, denoising techniques were applied before the radar signals were categorized into three classes: empty debris, human respiration, and human movement. Generative adversarial networks augmented environmental noise data to enrich training datasets comprising nine subsets. Deep learning models, including temporal convolutional networks, long short-term memory, and convolutional neural networks, were employed for classification. Hyperparameter optimization via random search further refined model performance. Results indicate that the convolutional neural networks using short-time Fourier transform data consistently achieved the highest classification accuracy across subsets. These findings demonstrate the potential of combining radar with deep learning for reliable human detection under debris, advancing rescue efforts in disaster scenarios.
Human Factors and Ergonomics in Industry 5.0—A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Trstenjak Maja , Benešova Andrea , Opetuk Tihomir , Cajner Hrvoje
Published: February 2025

Human-centricity, sustainability, and resilience are the core pillars of the Industry 5.0 concept. The human-centric perspective emphasizes the development of socio-technical systems designed to enhance human health, safety, and well-being while fostering sustainable practices that benefit society at large. This paper presents a systematic literature review to identify the key characteristics of human-centered work environments. The findings reveal growing interest in human factors and ergonomics, with notable gaps in cognitive ergonomics requiring further attention. Beyond ensuring safety and health, human-centric systems must address cognitive workload and well-being to maintain productivity, efficiency, and motivation, which are closely tied to a company’s market performance. This study provides valuable insights for both scientific and industrial stakeholders, outlining the principles and requirements essential for the effective implementation of human-centric systems.
The Characteristics and Possible Mechanisms of the Strongest Ionospheric Irregularities in March 2024
Authors: Li Jinghua , Ma Guanyi , Fan Jiangtao , Wan Qingtao , Maruyama Takashi , Zhang Jie , Chao Chi-Kuang , Dong Liang , Wang Dong , Gao Yang , Zhang Le
Published: February 2025

A geomagnetic storm occurred on 3 March 2024, with the minimum SYM-H reaching −127 nT. Although this geomagnetic storm was not very strong, the ionospheric irregularities on this day resulted in a strong ionospheric scintillation. The amplitude scintillation index was larger than 1.0. Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers experienced numerous cycle slips and loss of lock of carrier phase over a large longitudinal range of ~30 degrees within ~5 h in the south of China. The occurrence of cycle slips over such a long duration and extensive longitudinal range is rarely reported. Ground-based GNSS receivers, ionosondes and in situ satellite measurements were utilized to analyze the characteristics of the equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) during this event. The EPBs began before the main phase of the geomagnetic storm and extended to 30°N in latitude. Possible physical mechanisms for the initial generation and the development of the EPBs are discussed. It is believed that different mechanisms played vital roles in the initial generation and development of the EPBs before and after the onset of the main phase of the geomagnetic storm. Moreover, a large-scale wave structure (LSWS) could potentially serve as the seeding source of the EPBs.
Inductor-Based Active Balancing Topology with Wide Voltage Range Capability
Authors: Song Hourong , Hredzak Branislav , Fletcher John
Published: February 2025

With the increasing number of batteries integrated into the grid, the electrification of transportation, and the importance of reusing secondary batteries to preserve natural resources, active balancing techniques are becoming critical for optimizing battery performance, ensuring safety, and extending their lifespan. There is a demand for battery management solutions that can efficiently manage the balancing of battery cells across a wide range of voltage levels. This paper proposes a new inductor-based active balancing topology that achieves balancing by transferring energy from battery cells to the battery pack. One of its main advantages over existing designs is that it can operate over a wide battery cell voltage range. Moreover, multicell balancing with a balancing current independent of the imbalance level can be achieved by adjusting the width and interval of pulses. The proposed topology can be implemented using traditional low-side gate driving integrated circuits, avoiding the need for expensive isolated power modules and high-side gate drivers. Sample balancer designs for low-voltage battery cells as well as higher-voltage cells are provided. The presented experimental results verify the operation of the proposed balancer on a lithium-ion battery pack.
Intracranial Aneurysm Segmentation with a Dual-Path Fusion Network
Authors: Wang Ke , Zhang Yong , Fang Bin
Published: February 2025

Intracranial aneurysms (IAs), a significant medical concern due to their prevalence and life-threatening nature, pose challenges regarding diagnosis owing to their diminutive and variable morphology. There are currently challenges surrounding automating the segmentation of IAs, which is essential for diagnostic precision. Existing deep learning methods in IAs segmentation tend to emphasize semantic features at the expense of detailed information, potentially compromising segmentation quality. Our research introduces the innovative Dual-Path Fusion Network (DPF-Net), an advanced deep learning architecture crafted to refine IAs segmentation by adeptly incorporating detailed information. DPF-Net, with its unique resolution-preserving detail branch, ensures minimal loss of detail during feature extraction, while its cross-fusion module effectively promotes the connection of semantic information and finer detail features, enhancing segmentation precision. The network also integrates a detail aggregation module for effective fusion of multi-scale detail features. A view fusion strategy is employed to address spatial disruptions in patch generation, thereby improving feature extraction efficiency. Evaluated on the CADA dataset, DPF-Net achieves a remarkable mean Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of 0.8967, highlighting its potential in automated IAs diagnosis in clinical settings. Furthermore, DPF-Net’s outstanding performance on the BraTS 2020 MRI dataset for brain tumor segmentation with a mean DSC of 0.8535 further confirms its robustness and generalizability.
Screening and Analysis of Potential Aquaculture Spaces for Larimichthys crocea in China’s Surrounding Waters Based on Environmental Temperature Suitability
Authors: Yang Ling , Zhou Weifeng , Cui Xuesen , Lu Yanan , Liu Qin
Published: February 2025

This research evaluates the potential spaces of deep offshore waters for cultivating the Larimichthys crocea, analyzing ocean profile temperature data from 2000 to 2022 according to the species’ environmental temperature suitability. There are significant seasonal variations and differences in habitat distributions of different temperature ranges in China’s surrounding waters. The range of maximum living space obtained according to the tolerance temperature shows a trend of being larger in summer and smaller in winter; and the range of viable habitat space obtained based on the suitable and optimal temperature shows a trend of being smaller in summer and larger in winter. Broad areas meeting tolerance temperatures offer broad, yet impractical, site selection options. In contrast, areas with optimal temperatures are limited, which means the availability of ideal site locations is very restricted. Regions consistently within the 20–28 °C range are best for practical site selection. Year-round suitable areas are primarily found at depths of 30 to 90 m in the southern East China Sea and the South China Sea, particularly within the 40 to 50 m depth range. Water mass like the South China Sea Surface Water and the Kuroshio Surface Water consistently maintain suitable temperatures, making them ideal for aquaculture.
Gait Asymmetry and Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Pringle Samuel , D’Août Kristiaan
Published: February 2025

Knee post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) often develops in younger populations following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, accounting for 12% of all symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA). The current literature implicates gait asymmetry in late-stage knee OA progression; however, early-knee PTOA development involvement is ill defined. This study explored gait asymmetry involvement in early-stage knee PTOA following ACL ruptures. Gait asymmetry, measured as asymmetry in duty factor (relative contact time), and joint loading data were collected, using infrared-camera motion capture and Kistler force plates for participants exhibiting either historical ACL ruptures (ACL+; n = 4) or no previous joint trauma (ACL−; n = 11). Joint loading measures included external knee adduction moment (EKAM) and external knee flexion moment (KFM), early (peak 1; EKAMp1 and KFMp1) and late (peak 2; EKAMp2 and KFMp2), stance peaks (Nm/kg), and respective time integrals (Nm·ms/kg; iEKAMp1, iEKAMp2, iKFMp1, and iKFMp2). ACL+ exhibited greater asymmetrical duty factor (78% difference) and greater joint load differences: EKAMp1 (26%), EKAMp2 (49%), KFMp1 (37%), iKFMp1 (44%), and iKFMp2 (60%). Significant relationships were found between duty factor asymmetry and both KFMp2 (R2 = 0.665) and iKFMp2 (R2 = 0.504). These preliminary data suggest gait asymmetry-induced joint loading may contribute to knee PTOA progression, but further research with increased sample sizes and the quantitative assessment of cartilage status is required.
Prognostic Value of Tumor Dissemination (Dmax) Derived from Basal 18F-FDG Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in Patients with Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Pellegrino Sara , Fonti Rosa , Morra Rocco , Di Donna Erica , Servetto Alberto , Bianco Roberto , Del Vecchio Silvana
Published: February 2025

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to test whether a parameter reflecting tumor dissemination (Dmax), derived from basal 18F-FDG PET/CT, may predict clinical outcome in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: A total of 78 patients (55 men, 23 women) with stage III and IV NSCLC who had undergone whole-body 18F-FDG PET/CT scan at diagnosis were included in this study. Imaging parameters of primary lung tumors along with total MTV (MTVTOT) and whole-body TLG (TLGWB) of all malignant lesions were determined. Moreover, the largest distance between two 18F-FDG avid lesions (Dmax) in each patient was measured. Univariate and multivariate analyses of clinical and imaging variables were performed followed by overall survival (OS) curves. Results: A total of 441 lesions were analyzed, including 78 primary tumors, 174 metastatic lymph nodes, and 189 distant metastases. In primary tumors, the average values of SUVmax, SUVmean, MTV, and TLG were 11.80 ± 5.73, 5.37 ± 2.09, 60.61 ± 102.57 mL, and 340.36 ± 558.40 g, respectively. The mean value of Dmax was 29.98 ± 20.98 cm, whereas the average values of MTVTOT and TLGWB were 155.90 ± 176.94 mL and 851.08 ± 1032.17 g, respectively. In the univariate analysis, OS was predicted by MTVTOT (p = 0.0145), TLGWB (p = 0.0518), Dmax (p = 0.0031), and stage (p = 0.0130), whereas in the multivariate analysis, only Dmax was retained in the model (χ2 = 7.3130, p = 0.0068). In particular, a high Dmax value indicates a worse prognosis. Moreover, the combination of Dmax with MTVTOT was able to improve the prognostic stratification of patients with advanced stages of NSCLC. Conclusions: Dmax, by reflecting tumor dissemination throughout the body, can predict overall survival in NSCLC patients.