bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the measurement of the barrel bore based on laser scanning and eccentricity correction
Authors: Jin Wei , Zhang Pengjun , Zhang Xinyi , Shi Zhiyu
Published: January 2025

Measuring the bore of artillery barrels is often a challenging task due to limited automation, inaccuracies in measurement, and the need to process large volumes of test data. To tackle these issues, research has focused on utilizing high-precision laser technology for scanning and detecting barrel bores. This process involves creating a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the bore morphology based on the collected test data. This work addresses the problem of eccentricity error during detection by developing a rotational model of the robot within the bore. The model aids in analyzing errors and introduces a position calibration method that utilizes a double Position Sensitive Detector (PSD). The bore of the barrel has been reconstructed using the Delaunay triangular section interpolation algorithm, resulting in a 3D contour structure of the artillery barrel bore. Experimental results demonstrate that the profile curve of the artillery barrel bore exhibits significant fluctuations before calibration, but becomes much more stable afterward. The maximum degree of calibration achieved was up to 40%. The 3D reconstructed model displays robust structural integrity and offers compelling visual corroboration for the test data. Furthermore, the recti-linearity of the corrected 3D model of the artillery barrel has been significantly improved in this work.
YOLOv8s-Longan: a lightweight detection method for the longan fruit-picking UAV
Authors: Li Jun , Wu Kaixuan , Zhang Meiqi , Chen Hengxu , Lin Hengyi , Mai Yuju , Shi Linlin
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Due to the limited computing power and fast flight speed of the picking of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), it is important to design a quick and accurate detecting algorithm to obtain the fruit position.

Methods

This paper proposes a lightweight deep learning algorithm, named YOLOv8s-Longan, to improve the detection accuracy and reduce the number of model parameters for fruitpicking UAVs. To make the network lightweight and improve its generalization performance, the Average and Max pooling attention (AMA) attention module is designed and integrated into the DenseAMA and C2f-Faster-AMA modules on the proposed backbone network. To improve the detection accuracy, a crossstage local network structure VOVGSCSPC module is designed, which can help the model better understand the information of the image through multiscale feature fusion and improve the perception and expression ability of the model. Meanwhile, the novel Inner-SIoU loss function is proposed as the loss function of the target bounding box.

Results and discussion

The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has good detection ability for densely distributed and mutually occluded longan string fruit under complex backgrounds with a mAP@0.5 of 84.3%. Compared with other YOLOv8 models, the improved model of mAP@0.5 improves by 3.9% and reduces the number of parameters by 20.3%. It satisfies the high accuracy and fast detection requirements for fruit detection in fruit-picking UAV scenarios.
Effects of meteorological factors on the retention of particulate matter in lawn grass blades
Authors: Wang Junrui , Kong Weihan , Li Haimei , Sun Xiaodan , Sun Yingkun , Liu Yu
Published: January 2025

Plant leaves can reduce the concentration of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) by absorbing it in the air, and this mitigates the deleterious human health effects of PM. However, the ability of plant leaves to retain dust is limited and varies continually due to various meteorological factors such as rainfall, extreme wind speed, and PM10 concentrations. Here, we measured the ability of seven types of turfgrass with leaves similar in macromorphology but varying in micromorphology to retain dust particles of different sizes; we also analyzed the effects of various meteorological factors, such as rainfall, maximum wind speed, and PM10 concentration, on the ability of leaves to retain particles of different sizes. There were significant differences in the ability of the seven types of turfgrass to retain particles of different sizes; the dust retention capacity of Zoysia sinensis was the strongest(2.04 g·m-2), and that of Festuca elata was the weakest(1.39 g·m-2). The elution rates of PM>10 after rainfall of 3 mm and 4 mm were significantly higher than those of PM2.5-10 and PM2.5; the elution rates of PM>10, PM2.5-10, and PM2.5 increased as the amount of rainfall increased. When the amount of dust on leaves is low, wind promotes increases in leaf PM retention. When the blade retains a certain amount of dust, the maximum wind speed is greater than 9.1 m·s-1, which leads to a decrease in the dust retention of lawn grass blades. The concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 were positively correlated with the retention of particles of different particle sizes. Therefore, evaluations of the dust retention ability of plant leaves require consideration of the effects of local rainfall, maximum wind speed, PM10 concentration, and other factors.
Early harmonies, enduring echoes—how early life experiences and personality traits shape music performance anxiety
Authors: Aubry Ludivine , Küssner Mats B.
Published: January 2025

Music performance anxiety (MPA) is a deeply personal and often debilitating experience, causing talented musicians to dread the very stages upon which they showcase their art. An increasing number of studies have addressed this anxiety phenomenon, however, definitions vary and the underlying causes remain unclear. According to the DSM-5, MPA is categorized as a specific subtype of social anxiety disorder, with a shared understanding that its development is shaped by predisposing vulnerabilities as well as external stressors and circumstances. This mini-review provides an overview of relevant literature on the multi-dimensional causes of MPA, with a particular focus on early life experiences and personality traits. It aims to address three key challenges in the field by emphasizing the importance of an enhanced investigation of formative life events, recognizing the (potentially) mediating effects of personalities, and highlighting the necessity to explore protective factors. Investigating early life experiences and personality traits in the context of MPA can deepen our understanding of its origin and development, offering valuable perspectives to tailor interventions, prevent the escalation of anxiety, and foster supportive environments conducive to the well-being and professional growth of musicians.
How it affects me: the effects of arguments in public debates on marriage equality for young people in Taiwan
Authors: Lee I-Ching
Published: January 2025

How do arguments in public debates regarding same-sex marriage affect young people? The literature has suggested three possible effects. These debates may affect young people, regardless of their sexual identities, due to the fact that young people widely share a set of values pertaining to human rights and equality (H1). These debates may affect sexual minority individuals more strongly than heterosexual individuals because the arguments used in such debates are targeted at sexual minority individuals (H2). Alternatively, these debates may affect positive and negative outcomes in different ways depending on the nature of the arguments (H3). Two experimental studies (N = 92 and N = 411) were conducted in Taiwan with the goal of testing these three hypotheses. The evidence revealed by these studies largely supported the first hypothesis. The effects observed were similar across young people with different sexual identities and various types of outcomes: reading arguments in support of same-sex marriage increased positive emotions (in both studies) and reduced negative emotions (in Study 2) in comparison with a control condition. Further implications regarding young people's responses to social changes are discussed.
Listening habits and subjective effects of background music in young adults with and without ADHD
Authors: Lachance Kelly-Ann , Pelland-Goulet Pénélope , Gosselin Nathalie
Published: January 2025

Adults listen to an average of 20.7 hours of music per week, according to a study conducted across 26 countries. Numerous studies indicate that listening to music can have beneficial effects on cognitive performance and emotional well-being. Music listening habits may vary depending on individual needs and listening contexts. However, a limited number of studies have specifically examined the patterns of background music usage during various more or less cognitive activities, especially among individuals with attentional difficulties related to ADHD. This study primarily aimed to compare music listening habits during daily activities that are more and less cognitive (e.g., studying, problem-solving versus cleaning, engaging in sports) between neurotypical young adults and those screened for ADHD (respondents who were identified as likely having ADHD based on the number of self-reported symptoms). To achieve this, 434 young adults aged 17 to 30 responded to an online survey. The results indicate that certain listening habits differ significantly between the neurotypical and ADHD-screened groups. The ADHD-screened group reports significantly more background music listening during less cognitive activities and while studying, compared to the neurotypical group. The results also reveal a difference in the proportion of individuals preferring stimulating music between the groups: ADHD-screened individuals report significantly more frequent listening to stimulating music, regardless of the activity type (more or less cognitive). Other aspects of music listening are common to both groups. Regardless of the group, more respondents reported preferring to listen to relaxing, instrumental, familiar and self-chosen music during more cognitive activities, whereas for less cognitive activities, more individuals mentioned preferring to listen to music that is stimulating, with lyrics, familiar and self-chosen. Overall, the results confirm that most young adults listen to music during their daily activities and perceive positive effects from this listening.
Nonlinear association between depressive symptoms and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance: a cross-sectional analysis in the American population
Authors: Jiang Chunqi , Wang Bo , Qu Yinuo , Wang Jun , Zhang Xin
Published: January 2025

Background

Depressive symptom, a pervasive mental health disorder, has garnered increasing attention due to its intricate interconnections with various physiological processes. One emerging avenue of investigation delves into the potential association between depressive symptom and Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), a parameter reflecting insulin resistance. The intricate interplay between these two domains holds promising implications for understanding the multifaceted nature of depressive symptom and its impact on metabolic health.

Methods

We used weighted multivariable logistic regression models with subgroup analysis to explore the relationship between depressive symptom and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. Non-linear correlations were explored using fitted smoothing curves. Then, we constructed a two-piece linear regression model and performed a recursive algorithm to calculate the inflection point.

Results

The study included 20,282 participants in the United States. In the regression model adjusted for all confounding variables, the odds ratio (OR) for the correlation between depressive symptom and the Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) was 1.01 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.01). However, a significant discrepancy between trend tests and regression analyses suggests a potential non-linear relationship between depressive symptom and the assessment of insulin resistance using the Homeostasis Model. Constrained cubic spline analysis confirmed this non-linear relationship, identifying an inflection point at 10.47. Before the inflection point, depressive symptom exhibited a significantly positive correlation with the assessment of insulin resistance using the Homeostasis Model. However, after the inflection point, a negative correlation was observed, though it did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

We found a curve-like relationship between depressive symptom and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance.
Improved brain functional network in major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation after individual target-transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment: a graph-theory analysis
Authors: Zhang Yao , Mu Nan , Qi Shun , Sun Chuanzhu , Rao Yang , Yang Xinyi , Guo Jianying , Mu Yunfeng
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation (MDD/SI+) is characterized by high prevalence, high recurrence rate, high disability rate and low response rate. There is an urgent need for clarifying the pathogenesis and developing novel treatment methods.

Methods

Subjects were recruited for the collection of Magnetic Resonance Imaging data and clinical scales. Individual target-transcranial magnetic stimulation (IT-TMS) using Stanford Neuromodulation Therapy over individualized left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was performed to treat MDD/SI+ with the ethical approval (KY20212218-C-1). GRETNA software was used to analyze brain network characteristics according to graph theory.

Results

A total of 32 patients (aged 18-55) and 28 healthy controls (aged 20-51) had been recruited. Patients after IT-TMS treatment had significant reduction in suicidal ideation and depressive symptom. The functional network of all three groups conformed to small-world topology. There was a renormalization in topology structure after IT-TMS treatment. Decreased functional connectivity between right insula and left anterior cingulate gyrus correlated with improvement in Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation scores.

Discussion

The current study highlights that MDD/SI+ patients in this cohort showed abnormal brain network connections compared to healthy controls, and that IT-TMS may exert its treatment effects by reducing spontaneous hyper-connectivity in the salience network and insula.
A 32-year trend analysis of lower respiratory infections in children under 5: insights from the global burden of disease study 2021
Authors: Wang Yan , Han Ruiyang , Ding Xiao , Chen Junli , Feng Wenjia , Wang Chunping , Gao Runguo , Ma Anning
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Lower respiratory infections are the most significant health threat to children under 5 years old, leading to the highest disease burden across all age groups. This study aims to provide an up-to-date assessment of the global burden of lower respiratory infections in children under 5 years of age.

Methods

This study utilizes data and methodologies from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 to analyze changes in the burden of lower respiratory infections from 1990 to 2021, focusing on incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years. A jointpoint model is employed to calculate trends and the average annual percentage change in the disease burden among children under 5 years old over the period 1990–2021. Additionally, frontier analysis is used to visually depict the potential for burden reduction in each country or region based on their level of development.

Results

In 2021, the global burden of lower respiratory infections in children under 5 years old included 37,828,159 incidence cases, 501,909.50 deaths, and 44,779,174.70 disability-adjusted life years. From 1990 to 2021, the global burden of LRIs in this age group showed a marked decline. Incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years decreased by 54.02, 37.57, and 39.49%, respectively. The average annual percent change for age-standardized incidence rate, age-standardized mortality rate, and age-standardized disability-adjusted life years rate were −3.35, −4.53%, and −4.52%, respectively. The disease burden was notably higher in children under 1 year old compared to those aged 2–4 years and the overall under-5 age group, with significant gender differences observed. Additionally, there was a strong negative correlation between the burden of lower respiratory infections in children under 5 and the socio-demographic index. Frontier analysis indicated that countries or regions with higher socio-demographic index values showed greater potential for reducing the burden.

Conclusion

The global burden of lower respiratory infections in children under 5 years old has declined significantly from 1990 to 2021. However, given the substantial disease burden, particularly in low-SDI countries, it is crucial to address risk factors and implement more effective interventions to further reduce the impact of lower respiratory infections on this vulnerable population.
Cyclodextrin-assisted fluorescein decoration of gold nanoclusters for ratiometric and selective Hg2+ analysis
Authors: Sun Siyuan , Yuan Zhiqin
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The construction of nanomaterial-based ratiometric detection systems usually requires covalent modification, which undergoes reactive environments and may change the natural properties of supporting nanomaterials.

Methods

In this study, dualemissive and fluorescein-decorated gold nanoclusters (F-Au NCs) through cyclodextrin-supported host–guest interaction (non-covalent modification) are explored as ratiometric Hg2+ nanoprobes through d10–d10-interactioncaused fluorescence quenching of Au NCs.

Results and Discussion

The fluorescein decoration only provides a fluorescent internal reference but does not change the Hg2+-Au NCs affinity nature. Ratiometric and selective Hg2+ detection is achieved through the proposed F-Au NC probes with a limit of detection of 15 nM. The Hg2+ analysis in river water samples with small relative standard deviations validates the practical application of these probes.
Getting small to feel big: the psychology of weight cutting in combat sports
Authors: Levy Jacob J. , Boyd Christopher
Published: January 2025

This mini review explores the psychological factors associated with weight cutting practices among combat sport athletes. We overviewed combat sport athletes' extrinsic and intrinsic motivations for their sport participation and performance expectations and goals associated with weight cutting. Next, we reviewed the extant research on psychological risk factors associated with weight cutting with a particular focus on combat sport athletes' relationship with food, societal expectations concerning body image, and disordered eating. Finally, we examined how applying task-oriented strategies and Goal Attainment Theory aligns with combat sport athletes' motivation for sport participation. We called for further research into exploring how promoting gradual weight loss may promote psychological resilience with the goal of promoting healthier weight management strategies among combat sport athletes.
An investigation of consumer willingness to pay for traceable pork accompanied by supplementary quality assurance information
Authors: Liu Zengjin , Fan Tingting , Li Caixia , Wang Shanshan
Published: January 2025

Introduction

With increasing consumer concern regarding food safety, willingness to pay (WTP) for food has become a significant focal point of research. This study explored consumer willingness to pay for traceable pork in Shanghai with additional quality credit information.

Methods

In October of 2020, 669 valid respondents were surveyed across 15 urban districts in Shanghai. By employing the contingent valuation method and a binary logit model, we empirically analyze consumer WTP for credit-traceable pork and its influencing factors, and estimate the average WTP.

Results

The results indicate the following. (1) As bid prices increase, fewer consumers are willing to pay extra for credit-traceable pork. Specifically, 94.59% of the consumers were willing to pay an additional price when the bid price was 2 yuan/kg, whereas only 10.53% were willing to pay 30 yuan/kg. (2) Nine variables significantly influence consumer WTP for credit-traceable pork: bid price, purchase experience, trust level, concern for pork, confidence in pork, purchasing from specialty stores, local pork purchasing habits, gender, and education level. On average, consumers are willing to pay an additional 8.48 yuan/kg for credit-traceable pork compared with regular pork. Although certain variables do not exhibit a significant impact, the WTP for credit-traceable pork varies considerably among different consumer groups.

Discussion

Based on these findings, we propose strategies to expedite the development of a credit traceability system for agricultural products.
Taqwa, Spiritual Shame, and Divine Forgiveness in Islam
Authors: Ameer Sadaf , Ghayas Saba , Adil Adnan
Published: January 2025

Background. The present study aimed to investigate the influence of taqwa on divine forgiveness moderated by spiritual shame in Pakistani adult Muslims.Method. A convenient sample of 329 women and 206 men (N = 535) Pakistani adult Muslims (age range 19-75 years; M = 30.68 years, SD = 11.92 years) from Sargodha, Lahore, and Rawalpindi was recruited. We collected data using Urdu-translated versions of the Taqwa Scale (Nazam et al., 2022), the Divine Forgiveness Scale (Fincham & May, 2022), the offense-related shame subscale that was taken from the Offense-related Shame and Guilt Scale (Wright & Gudjonsson, 2007) in a cross-sectional survey design.Results. Data were analyzed with SPSS and moderation analysis by PROCESS macro (Model 1) for SPSS. Findings revealed significant main and interaction effects of taqwa and spiritual shame on divine forgiveness. Analysis of the conditional effects revealed that spiritual shame strengthened the positive association between taqwa and divine forgiveness.Conclusion. By revealing how spiritual shame can augment the relationship between taqwa and seeking divine absolution, the research provides valuable insights into one of the  mechanisms of forgiveness in Islamic theology, emphasizing the role of self-reflection, repentance, and emotional states in establishing a relation with the divine.
Enhancing In-Context Learning of Large Language Models for Knowledge Graph Reasoning via Rule-and-Reinforce Selected Triples
Authors: Wang Shaofei
Published: January 2025

Knowledge graph (KG) reasoning aims to obtain new knowledge based on existing data. Utilizing large language models (LLMs) through in-context learning for KG reasoning has become a significant direction. However, existing methods mainly extract in-context triples by manually defined standards (such as the neighbors that are directly linked with the query triple), without considering whether they are useful for LLM reasoning. Furthermore, the triples beyond the neighbors can also provide important clues for reasoning. Therefore, it is necessary to extract more useful in-context triples of LLMs for KG reasoning. This paper proposes a rule-and-reinforce in-context triple extraction method to enhance the in-context learning of LLMs for KG reasoning. First, we collect the in-context triples specific to each query triple with the guidance of logical rules, and a neural extractor is pre-trained by the collected triples. Subsequently, the feedback of LLMs is collected as rewards to further optimize the extractor, where the policy gradient is utilized to encourage the extractor to explore more useful triples that yield higher rewards. The experimental results on five different knowledge graphs demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively improve the reasoning performance of LLMs. Compared to the traditional reasoning method AnyBURL, the greatest improvement is 0.147 on Hits@10, FB15k-237.
Distributed Inference Models and Algorithms for Heterogeneous Edge Systems Using Deep Learning
Authors: Yuan Qingqing , Li Zhihua
Published: January 2025

Computations performed by using convolutional layers in deep learning require significant resources; thus, their scope of applicability is limited. When deep neural network models are employed in an edge-computing system, the limited computational power and storage resources of edge devices can degrade inference performance, require a considerable amount of computation time, and result in increased energy consumption. To address these issues, this study presents a convolutional-layer partitioning model, based on the fused tile partitioning (FTP) algorithm, for enhancing the distributed inference capabilities of edge devices. First, a resource-adaptive workload-partitioning optimization model is designed to promote load balancing across heterogeneous edge systems. Next, the FTP algorithm is improved, leading to a new layer-fused partitioning method that is used to solve the optimization model. The results of simulation experiments show that the proposed convolutional-layer partitioning method effectively improves the inference performance of edge devices. When five edge devices are used, the speed of the proposed method becomes 1.65–3.48 times those of existing algorithms.
Optimization Using Central Composite Design of the Response Surface Methodology for the Compressive Strength of Alkali-Activated Material from Rice Husk Ash
Authors: Na Seunghyun , Zhang Wenyang , Kitagawa Mai , Hirooka Atsushi , Komatsu Masaya
Published: January 2025

Alkali-activated materials are promising alternatives to cement. This study investigated the effects of the silica content, particle size, and replacement ratio of rice husk ash (RHA) on the compressive strength and the optimization of these parameters. Seventeen mixtures with different materials were tested to evaluate their compressive strengths. Three levels of particle size, silica content, and RHA replacement ratio were used. The effects of RHA characteristics on the compressive strength were investigated based on Archimedes porosity, pH, ignition loss, and X-ray diffraction. The experimental results reveal that the replacement ratio of RHA was p-values < 0.002, which affected the compressive strength compared with the particle size (p-values < 0.450) and silica content of the RHA (p-values < 0.017). It was confirmed that the optimum values of particle size, silica content, and replacement ratio of RHA were 50 µm, 90%, and 15 wt.%, respectively. After re-testing, the compressive strength of mortar made with the optimum values was 49.8 MPa. This increase in compressive strength was also found to be closely related to the porosity, pH, and ignition loss of the paste. It was confirmed that the replacement ratio of RHA increased with decreasing porosity and pH and increasing ignition loss, which was related to the formation of calcite and C-S-H.
Complex Analysis of Micronutrient Levels and Bone Mineral Density in Patients with Different Types of Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Authors: Valeeva Diana , Akhiiarova Karina , Minniakhmetov Ildar , Mokrysheva Natalia , Khusainova Rita , Tyurin Anton
Published: January 2025

Background: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare monogenic connective tissue disorder characterized by fragility of bones and recurrent fractures. In addition to the hereditary component, there are a number of factors that influence the course of the disease, the contribution of which is poorly understood, in particular the levels of micronutrients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 45 with OI and 45 healthy individuals. The concentrations of micronutrients (calcium, copper, inorganic phosphorus, zinc, and magnesium) and bone mineral density (BMD) were evaluated in all the participants. Results: The concentrations of micronutrients in all the groups were within the reference values. In the OI overall, magnesium and copper were elevated, and phosphorus and zinc were lower. Type I exhibited higher concentrations of magnesium and copper and the lowest phosphorus; type III was associated with lower zinc, type IV with lower calcium and higher copper, and type V with the lowest phosphorus. OI overall was associated with lower BMD values. A correlational analysis in the OI group showed that the number of fractures correlated with BMD in absolute values but not with the Z-score. Conclusions: The obtained data emphasize the importance of the levels of micronutrients in the pathogenesis of connective tissue diseases, in particular OI. As in the results of previous studies, the levels of micronutrients were within the population norm, which probably requires the development of individual criteria for the content of substances in this category of patients.
CPS-RAUnet++: A Jet Axis Detection Method Based on Cross-Pseudo Supervision and Extended Unet++ Model
Authors: Gan Jianhong , Cai Kun , Fan Changyuan , Deng Xun , Hu Wendong , Li Zhibin , Wei Peiyang , Liao Tao , Zhang Fan
Published: January 2025

Atmospheric jets are pivotal components of atmospheric circulation, profoundly influencing surface weather patterns and the development of extreme weather events such as storms and cold waves. Accurate detection of the jet stream axis is indispensable for enhancing weather forecasting, monitoring climate change, and mitigating disasters. However, traditional methods for delineating atmospheric jets are plagued by inefficiency, substantial errors, and pronounced subjectivity, limiting their applicability in complex atmospheric scenarios. Current research on semi-supervised methods for extracting atmospheric jets remains scarce, with most approaches dependent on traditional techniques that struggle with stability and generalization. To address these limitations, this study proposes a semi-supervised jet stream axis extraction method leveraging an enhanced U-Net++ model. The approach incorporates improved residual blocks and enhanced attention gate mechanisms, seamlessly integrating these enhanced attention gates into the dense skip connections of U-Net++. Furthermore, it optimizes the consistency learning phase within semi-supervised frameworks, effectively addressing data scarcity challenges while significantly enhancing the precision of jet stream axis detection. Experimental results reveal the following: (1) With only 30% of labeled data, the proposed method achieves a precision exceeding 80% on the test set, surpassing state-of-the-art (SOTA) baselines. Compared to fully supervised U-Net and U-Net++ methods, the precision improves by 17.02% and 9.91%. (2) With labeled data proportions of 10%, 20%, and 30%, the proposed method outperforms the MT semi-supervised method, achieving precision gains of 9.44%, 15.58%, and 19.50%, while surpassing the DCT semi-supervised method with improvements of 10.24%, 16.64%, and 14.15%, respectively. Ablation studies further validate the effectiveness of the proposed method in accurately identifying the jet stream axis. The proposed method exhibits remarkable consistency, stability, and generalization capabilities, producing jet stream axis extractions closely aligned with wind field data.
An Experimental Study of a Conventional Cylindrical Oscillating Water Column Wave Energy Converter: Fixed and Floating Devices
Authors: Sheng Wanan , Aggidis George
Published: January 2025

Oscillating water column (OWC) wave energy converters (WECs) are very popular types of wave energy converters due to their practical implementations, their versatility in deployment in different marine environments, and their high reliability in wave energy conversion. In development, different forms of OWCs have been proposed and advanced, such as fixed OWCs (on the shoreline, on breakwaters, or bottom standing) and floating OWCs (the spar and the backward-bent duct buoy, BBDB). In reality, a special type of OWC, the cylindrical OWC, is the simplest OWC in terms of its structural design and possible analytical/numerical solutions. However, such a simple OWC has not seen any practical applications because a cylindrical OWC is inefficient in wave energy absorption when compared to other types of OWC WECs. To study the simplest cylindric OWC, an experiment was carried out in a wave tank, and the relevant results are presented in this paper, with the aims of (i) analyzing the experimental data and exploring why such an OWC is inefficient in terms of wave energy absorption; (ii) providing experimental data for those who want experimental data to validate their numerical models; and (iii) establishing a baseline model so that comparisons can be made for improvements to the simple cylindrical OWC. As an example, an innovative solution was applied to the simple OWC such that its hydrodynamics and energy extraction performance can be significantly improved (the corresponding results will be presented in a separate paper).
Development of Pectin-Based Films with Encapsulated Lemon Essential Oil for Active Food Packaging: Improved Antioxidant Activity and Biodegradation
Authors: Akachat Belkis , Himed Louiza , Salah Merniz , D’Elia Maria , Rastrelli Luca , Barkat Malika
Published: January 2025

This study evaluated the physicochemical, morphological, and functional properties of pectin-based films incorporated with lemon essential oil (EO) to assess their potential as biodegradable food packaging materials. The results showed that EO incorporation significantly influenced the film’s characteristics. The control film exhibited a smooth surface, while the EO-containing film had a rougher texture with globular structures and interconnected channels, likely representing dispersed EO droplets and matrix alterations. The mechanical analysis revealed increased elongation at break (20.05 ± 0.784%) for EO-incorporated films, indicating improved flexibility, while tensile strength and Young’s modulus decreased, suggesting reduced stiffness. Film thickness increased slightly with EO (0.097 ± 0.008 mm) compared to the control (0.089 ± 0.001 mm), though the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Moisture content decreased in EO-containing films (28.894%) compared to the control (35.236%), enhancing water resistance. Water solubility increased slightly (16.046 ± 0.003% vs. 15.315 ± 0.040%), while the swelling rate decreased significantly (0.189 ± 0.003 vs. 0.228 ± 0.040; p < 0.05), indicating greater structural stability in aqueous environments due to the hydrophobic nature of EO. Transparency tests showed that EO slightly increased film opacity (0.350 ± 0.02 vs. 0.290 ± 0.012), aligning with trends in UV-protective materials. The EO-incorporated films also exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Antifungal tests revealed strong inhibition of Botrytis cinerea (100%) and moderate inhibition of Alternaria alternata (50%) in EO-containing films. These results demonstrate that EO incorporation improves the functional properties of pectin films, enhancing their flexibility, antimicrobial activity, and environmental stability, making them promising candidates for sustainable food packaging applications. These novel active food packaging materials exhibit strong physical properties and significant potential in maintaining food quality and prolonging shelf life.
Hyers–Ulam Stability Analysis of Nonlinear Volterra–Fredholm Integro-Differential Equation with Caputo Derivative
Authors: Gokulvijay Govindaswamy , Boulaaras Salah , Sabarinathan Sriramulu
Published: January 2025

The main aim of this study is to examine the Hyers–Ulam stability of fractional derivatives in Volterra–Fredholm integro-differential equations using Caputo fractional derivatives. We explore the existence and uniqueness of solutions for the proposed integro-differential equation using Banach and Krasnoselskii’s fixed-point techniques. Furthermore, we examine the Hyers–Ulam stability of the equation under the Caputo fractional derivative by deriving suitable sufficient conditions. We analyze the graphical behavior of the obtained results to demonstrate the efficiency of the analytical method, highlighting its ability to deliver accurate and precise approximate numerical solutions for fractional differential equations. Finally, numerical applications are presented to validate the stability of the proposed integro-differential equation.
Women’s Experiences with Nicotine and Cannabis Vaping During Pregnancy and Postpartum
Authors: Brabete Andreea C. , Greaves Lorraine , Poole Nancy , Huber Ella , Stinson Julie
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: There is limited research on vaping during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Amid the legalization of cannabis in Canada, and evolving patterns of nicotine use, there is a growing need to understand how women experience using nicotine and cannabis vaping during pregnancy and postpartum. This information is essential to inform both women and healthcare providers (HCPs) and to develop resources and best practices for supporting women and healthcare services. Methods: In this descriptive study, a sample of 111 women who vaped nicotine and/or cannabis during pregnancy/postpartum was recruited via social media to answer survey questions on reasons for vaping, perceptions of the risks to fetal and maternal health, attitudes toward vaping, and reasons for consulting HCPs regarding vaping during pregnancy. Results: Among the 111 women, 51.4% vaped nicotine, 27.9% vaped cannabis, and 20.7% vaped both. Of the respondents, 63.1% were currently pregnant, while 36.9% were postpartum. Most participants (64.9%) reported vaping daily, followed by 15.3% with an inconsistent pattern, 9.9% vaping 1–2 days a week, and 9% vaping 5–6 days a week. Flavor preferences were prevalent, with fruit flavors being the most popular, followed by menthol/mint and candy, dessert, or sweet flavors. The primary reasons for vaping were relaxation, managing anxiety/depression, enjoyment, and the belief that vaping is less harmful than smoking. Women commonly consulted HCPs about potential harm to their pregnancy, fetal health, and their child’s health. Conclusions: The findings suggest that vaping among pregnant and postpartum women, particularly cannabis vaping, is perceived as healthier than smoking and is often used to manage mental and physical symptoms. These findings were used to create knowledge products to help guide HCPs’ conversations with women and provide evidence-based information on vaping.
The Influence of the Substrate and the Environmental Conditions on the Performance of Lime-Based Repair Mortars: Paimogo Fort, a Case Study
Authors: Santos Ana Rita , Veiga Maria do Rosário , Santos Silva António
Published: January 2025

In order to revitalize and preserve the Paimogo Fort, a Portuguese coastline military fortification built in 1674 and classified as of public interest since 1957, several lime-based repair rendering mortars were developed, considering the compatibility requirements with the original ones. In this investigation, the different lime-based mortar compositions proposed are briefly described and their main physical and mechanical characteristics are analyzed at successive ages (28, 90 and 180 days). Furthermore, some applications of the same mortars’ compositions on different porous substrates were carried out and their performances in laboratory and in situ conditions were compared. Finally, the possible degradation mechanisms and the impact of the composition, interaction with the substrate and climatic and environmental conditions on the durability of the mortars are discussed. The main outcomes show that mortars with some content of quicklime result in a balanced solution for the restoration work of the fort; they show an increase of more than 50% of strength compared to slaked air lime mortars, namely when applied on a medium-absorbent substrate. When applied on very absorbent substrates, although improving the compressive strength and porosity, all lime-based mortar compositions suffer a decrease in their modulus of elasticity and adhesion to the substrate. Air lime mortar compositions applied on a very absorbent and porous substrate generally show an increase in their mechanical strength when subjected to the severe marine environment of the fort.
Co-Location of QTL for Vigor and Resistance to Three Diseases in Juglans microcarpa × J. regia Rootstocks
Authors: Saxe Houston J. , Leslie Charles A. , Brown Patrick J. , Westphal Andreas , Kluepfel Daniel A. , Browne Gregory T. , Dandekar Abhaya M.
Published: January 2025

A QTL on chromosome 4D of the Juglans microcarpa × J. regia genome that co-located resistance against Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Phytophthora pini, and Phytophthora cinnamomi disease scores was investigated for additional traits. Phenotypic data for Pratylenchus vulnus counts and tree height were analyzed in this study for the same hybrids previously used to identify this QTL. Using the same GBS genotype data, the same co-located QTL for A. tumefaciens and Phytophthora spp. disease scores were reproduced and the QTL for P. vulnus counts and tree height were co-located with resistance to A. tumefaciens and Phytophthora spp. Moreover, we found GBS genotype data to harbor additional genetic variation unrelated to any of the traits analyzed. Marker-assisted and genomic selection models were created and assessed for their performance in selection. The ability to predict traits using SNP data was strongest with two-year tree height, followed by A. tumefaciens disease score, three-year tree height, Phytophthora spp. disease score, and P. vulnus counts. These results suggest a shared mechanism of action that links disease to tree height. Moreover, deploying these selection models would assist efforts in walnut improvement for rootstock genotypes.
Identification and Evaluation of Hub Long Non-Coding RNAs and mRNAs in PM2.5-Induced Lung Cell Injury
Authors: Sui Jing , Zhang Yanni , Zhang Linjie , Xia Hui
Published: January 2025

Exposure to air pollution, especially fine particulate matter (PM2.5), is closely linked to various adverse health effects, particularly in the respiratory system. The present study was designed to investigate the lncRNA–mRNA interactions in PM2.5-induced lung cell injury using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). We downloaded the gene expression data of GSE138870 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and screened for differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs. We constructed co-expression modules with WGCNA. Furthermore, functional enrichment analysis was also performed. We also constructed lncRNA–mRNA co-expression networks and lncRNA–mRNA-pathway networks to identify key regulatory relationships. The results revealed several modules significantly correlated with PM2.5-induced lung injury, such as the turquoise and blue modules. Genes within these modules were enriched in pathways related to signal transduction, metabolism, and cancer. Hub lncRNAs in the turquoise module, including LOC100129034 and CROCCP2, were found to be co-expressed with mRNAs involved in apoptosis and proliferation regulation. In the blue module, lnc-CLVS2-2 and GARS1-DT were connected to genes related to cell migration, invasion, and lung injury. These findings contribute novel perspectives to the molecular mechanisms involved in PM2.5-induced lung injury and suggest that WGCNA could be a valuable tool for predicting and understanding this disease process.
Unusual Symptoms of Lacertus Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Chlebanowski Bartosz , Walkowiak Paweł , Czupryniak Emilia , Domżalski Marcin , Pigońska Justyna
Published: January 2025

Background: Lacertus syndrome, a condition characterized by median nerve compression at the elbow due to anatomical variations, is often misdiagnosed. This case report describes a 53-year-old female patient who presented with severe lateral elbow and shoulder pain, previously diagnosed with cervicalgia and tennis elbow. Methods: Upon admission, she reported significant pain (NRS—Numerical Rating Scale 8/10) and occasional radiating paresthesia in the first three digits of her left hand. Clinical examination revealed weakness in the wrist and finger flexion, which was exacerbated by a positive Cutaneous Scratch Test (CST), while Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine showed no definitive abnormalities. Electroneurography (ENG) indicated reduced amplitude in the left anterior interosseous nerve. Ultrasound excluded carpal tunnel syndrome but identified nerve flattening beneath the pronator teres muscle. A surgical decompression of the median nerve was performed, resulting in immediate improvement in muscle strength and significant pain reduction (NRS 1/10) postoperatively. Follow-up evaluations confirmed substantial recovery in nerve function and morphology. Conclusions: This case illustrates the atypical presentation of Lacertus syndrome, emphasizing the need for comprehensive diagnostic approaches that include clinical, imaging, and neurophysiological assessments. Awareness of this syndrome is crucial for differential diagnosis in patients exhibiting uncharacteristic symptoms, such as shoulder or elbow pain, to ensure timely and effective treatment.
The Impact of the Brain Wave Modulation Technique (BMW-T) on Heart Rate Variability: A Single Session for Short-Term Stress Reduction
Authors: Borgese Marco , Tinella Luigi , Cozzolino Mauro , Celia Giovanna
Published: January 2025

Background: Recent advances in psychophysiology have underscored the importance of autonomic nervous system modulation in managing short-term stress. While several interventions have demonstrated efficacy in reducing short-term stress and anxiety symptoms, there remains a gap in understanding how different short-term techniques compare in terms of both psychological and physiological outcomes. This study investigated the effects of a single session of the Brain Wave Modulation Technique (BWM-T) compared with a psychoeducational session on short-term stress management. Methods: A total of 72 university students participated in this study (mean age = 27.5 years, 79% female). They were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 36) receiving BWM-T or a control group (n = 36) receiving a standard psychoeducational short-term stress management session. Pre- and post-intervention measures included HRV parameters, perceived stress (using the Distress Thermometer, DT), and anxiety (using the STAI-Y State Anxiety Scale, S-ANX). Results: Both groups experienced significant reductions in perceived stress (DT: MD = 1.42, p < 0.001) and anxiety (S-ANX: MD = 6.93, p < 0.001). However, only the experimental group demonstrated physiological changes indicative of improved autonomic function: decreased low-frequency (LF) power (MD = −0.369, p < 0.05) and a lower LF/HF ratio (MD = −1.09, p < 0.05). These findings highlight the unique physiological benefits of BWM-T, beyond the general psychological improvements seen in both interventions. Conclusions: BWM-T appears to be a promising, effective short-term intervention for reducing short-term stress and enhancing autonomic regulation. Further studies are needed to evaluate its long-term effects and potential for broader implementation.
RETRACTED: Wang et al. Amplitude and Phase Computable Ocean Wave Real-Time Modeling with GPU Acceleration. J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2022, 10, 1208
Authors: Wang Guigui , Tan Shihan , Song Ge , Wang Sheng
Published: January 2025

The journal retracts the article titled “Amplitude and Phase Computable Ocean Wave Real-Time Modeling with GPU Acceleration” [...]