bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Simulation of Gas–Liquid–Solid Three-Phase Erosion in a Gas Storage Tank Tee
Authors: Ren Zongxiao , Zhang Chenyu , Fan Zhaoyang , Ren Yanfei
Published: January 2025

The objective is to address the issue of gas-carrying particles generated by erosion wear problems in the transportation process of gas storage reservoir pipelines. In accordance with the principles of the multiphase flow theory, the particle discrete phase model, high temperature, high pressure, water volume fraction, and other pertinent factors, this paper presents a three-phase gas–liquid–solid erosion mathematical model of a three-way gas storage reservoir. The effects of temperature, pressure, water content volume fraction, gas extraction, particle mass flow rate, and particle size on the tee’s erosion location and erosion rate were investigated based on this model. The findings indicate that, as the pressure and temperature decline, the maximum erosion rate of the tee exhibits a decreasing trend. Gas storage reservoir water production is relatively low, and its maximum erosion rate of the tee exerts a negligible influence. Conversely, the maximum erosion rate of the tee is significantly influenced by the gas extraction rate, exhibiting an exponential relationship with the maximum erosion rate and the rate of gas extraction. It was observed that, when the volume of gas extracted exceeded 70 × 104 m3/d, the maximum erosion rate of the tee exceeded the critical erosion rate of 0.076 mm/a. The maximum erosion rate of the tee caused by the sand mass flow rate remained relatively constant. However, the maximum erosion rate of the tee exhibited a linear correlation with the salt mass flow rate and the maximum erosion rate. The maximum erosion rate of the tee is greater than the critical erosion rate of 0.076 mm/a when the gas extraction volume is greater than 37.3 × 104 m3/d and the salt mass flow rate is greater than approximately 25 kg/d. As the sand and salt particle sizes increase, the maximum erosion rate of the tee initially rises, then declines, and finally stabilizes. The findings of this study offer valuable insights into the mechanisms governing tee erosion under elevated temperatures and pressures within storage reservoirs.
Features of the Defect Structure of LiNbO3:Mg:B Crystals of Different Composition and Genesis
Authors: Titov Roman A. , Kadetova Alexandra V. , Manukovskaya Diana V. , Smirnov Maxim V. , Tokko Olga V. , Sidorov Nikolay V. , Biryukova Irina V. , Masloboeva Sofja M. , Palatnikov Mikhail N.
Published: January 2025

We proposed and investigated a refinement of technology for obtaining Mg-doped LiNbO3 (LN) crystals by co-doping it with B. LN:Mg (5.0 mol%) is now the most widely used material based on bulk lithium niobate. It is suitable for light modulation and transformation. We found that non-metal boron decreases threshold concentrations of the target dopant in many ways. In addition, we earlier determined that the method of boron introduction into the LN charge strongly affects the LN:B crystal structure. So we investigated the point structural defects of two series of LN:Mg:B crystals obtained by different doping methods, in which the stage of dopant introduction was different. We investigated the features of boron cation localization in LN:Mg:B single crystals. We conducted the study using XRD (X-ray diffraction) analysis. We have confirmed that the homogeneous doping method introduces an additional defect (MgV) into the structure of LN:Mg:B single crystals. Vacancies in niobium positions (VNb) are formed as a compensator for the excess positive charge of point structural defects. According to model calculations, boron is localized in most cases in the tetrahedron face common with the vacant niobium octahedron from the first layer (VNbIO6). The energy of the Coulomb interaction is minimal in the LN:Mg:B crystal (2.57 mol% MgO and 0.42 × 10−4 wt% B in the crystal); it was obtained using the solid-phase doping technology. The solid-phase doping technology is better suited for obtaining boron-containing crystals with properties characteristic of double-doped crystals (LN:Mg:B).
Innovative Powder Pre-Treatment Strategies for Enhancing Maraging Steel Performance
Authors: Dvorský Drahomír , Nečas David , de Prado Esther , Duchoň Jan , Svora Petr , Ekrt Ondřej , Strakošová Angelina , Kubásek Jiří , Vojtěch Dalibor
Published: January 2025

Maraging steel is a high-performance material valued for its exceptional properties, making it ideal for demanding applications such as aerospace, tooling, and automotive industries, where high strength, toughness, and precision are required. These steels can be prepared by powder metallurgy techniques, which offer new processing possibilities. This paper introduces novel thermal powder pre-treatment and its impact on the final mechanical properties. Solid solution pre-treatment results in a modest improvement in strength (from 972 MPa to 1000 MPa), while the use of pre-aged powder achieves the highest strength (1316 MPa) and lowest ductility (2.6%). A self-composite material is created by mixing pre-treated powders with the same chemical composition but different properties. Such material was characterized by intermediate strength (1174 MPa) and ductility (3.1%). Although challenges such a porosity and oxidation were present, this approach allows for tuning of mechanical properties by mixing pre-treated powders, offering significant potential for advanced engineering applications.
FSW Optimization: Prediction Using Polynomial Regression and Optimization with Hill-Climbing Method
Authors: Myśliwiec Piotr , Szawara Paulina , Kubit Andrzej , Zwolak Marek , Ostrowski Robert , Derazkola Hamed Aghajani , Jurczak Wojciech
Published: January 2025

This study presents the optimization of the friction stir welding (FSW) process using polynomial regression to predict the maximum tensile load (MTL) of welded joints. The experimental design included varying spindle speeds from 600 to 2200 rpm and welding speeds from 100 to 350 mm/min over 28 experimental points. The resulting MTL values ranged from 1912 to 15,336 N. A fifth-degree polynomial regression model was developed to fit the experimental data. Diagnostic tests, including the Shapiro–Wilk test and kurtosis analysis, indicated a non-normal distribution of the MTL data. Model validation showed that fifth-degree polynomial regression provided a robust fit with high fitted and predicted R2 values, indicating strong predictive power. Hill-climbing optimization was used to fine-tune the welding parameters, identifying an optimal spindle speed of 1100 rpm and a welding speed of 332 mm/min, which was predicted to achieve an MTL of 16,852 N. Response surface analysis confirmed the effectiveness of the identified parameters and demonstrated their significant influence on the MTL. These results suggest that the applied polynomial regression model and optimization approach are effective tools for improving the performance and reliability of the FSW process.
Impact Damage Localization in Composite Structures Using Data-Driven Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Tang Can , Zhou Yujie , Song Guoqian , Hao Wenfeng
Published: January 2025

Due to the uncertainty of material properties of plate-like structures, many traditional methods are unable to locate the impact source on their surface in real time. It is important to study the impact source-localization problem for plate structures. In this paper, a data-driven machine learning method is proposed to detect impact sources in plate-like structures and its effectiveness is tested on three plate-like structures with different material properties. In order to collect data on the localization of the impact source, four piezoelectric transducers and an oscilloscope were utilized to construct an experimental platform for impulse response testing. Meanwhile, the position of the impact source on the surface of the test plate is generated by manually releasing the steel ball. The eigenvalue of arrival time in the time domain signal is extracted to build data sets for machine learning. This paper uses the Back Propagation (BP) neural network to learn the difference in the arrival time of each sensor and predict the location of the impact source. The results demonstrate that the machine learning method proposed in this paper can predict the location of the impact source in the plate-like structure without relying on the material properties, with high test accuracy and robustness. The research work in this paper can provide experimental methods and testing techniques for locating impact damage in composite material structures.
Experimental Study on Flexural Behaviour of Prefabricated Steel–Concrete Composite I-Beams Under Negative Bending Moment: Comparative Study
Authors: Pei Huiteng , Zha Shang , Wu Tingying , Li Baidian , Zhan Gangyi , Deng Wenqin
Published: January 2025

The issues of numerous steel beam components and the tendency for deck cracking under negative bending moment zones have long been challenges faced by traditional composite I-beams with flat steel webs. This study introduces an optimized approach by modifying the structural design and material selection, specifically substituting flat steel webs with corrugated steel webs and using ultra-high-performance concrete for the deck in the negative bending moment zone. Three sets of model tests were conducted to compare and investigate the influence of deck material and web forms on the bending and crack resistance of steel–concrete composite I-beams under a negative bending moment zone. The findings indicate that, compared to a conventional steel–normal concrete composite I-beam, incorporating ultra-high performance concrete into the negative bending zone enhances the cracking load by 98%, resulting in finer and denser cracks, and improves the ultimate bearing capacity by approximately 10%. In comparison to the composite I-beam with flat steel webs, the longitudinal stiffness of the composite I-beam with corrugated steel webs is smaller, which can further enhance the bridge deck’s resistance to cracking in the negative bending moment zone, and maximize the steel-strengthening effect of the lower flange of the steel I-beam. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended to use steel ultra-high-performance concrete composite I-beams with corrugated steel webs due to their superior crack resistance, bending strength, and efficient material utilization.
Chemoresistive Gas Sensors Based on Noble-Metal-Decorated Metal Oxide Semiconductors for H2 Detection
Authors: Zhu Min , Zhang Heng , Zhang Shengming , Yao Haiyu , Shi Xuerong , Xu Shusheng
Published: January 2025

Hydrogen has emerged as a prominent candidate for future energy sources, garnering considerable attention. Given its explosive nature, the efficient detection of hydrogen (H2) in the environment using H2 sensors is paramount. Chemoresistive H2 sensors, particularly those based on noble-metal-decorated metal oxide semiconductors (MOSs), have been extensively researched owing to their high responsiveness, low detection limits, and other favorable characteristics. Despite numerous recent studies and reviews reporting advancements in this field, a comprehensive review focusing on the rational design of sensing materials to enhance the overall performance of chemoresistive H2 sensors based on noble-metal-decorated MOFs is lacking. This review aims to address this gap by examining the principles, applications, and challenges of chemoresistive H2 sensors, with a specific focus on Pd-decorated and Pt-decorated MOSs-based sensing materials. The observations and explanations of strategies employed in the literature, particularly within the last three years, have been analyzed to provide insights into the latest research directions and developments in this domain. This understanding is essential for designing and fabricating highly efficient H2 sensors.
From Powders to Performance—A Comprehensive Study of Two Advanced Cutting Tool Materials Sintered with Pressure Assisted Methods
Authors: Momot Kinga , Klimczyk Piotr , Leszczyńska-Madej Beata , Podsiadło Marcin , Rumiantseva Yuliia , Gubernat Agnieszka
Published: January 2025

This paper presents a comprehensive study of two tool materials designed for the machining of Inconel 718 superalloy, produced through two distinct sintering techniques: High Pressure–High Temperature (HPHT) sintering and Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS). The first composite (marked as BNT), composed of 65 vol% cubic boron nitride (cBN), was sintered from the cBN–TiN–Ti3SiC2 system using the HPHT technique at a pressure of 7.7 GPa. The second composite (marked as AZW) was fabricated from the Al2O3–ZrO2–WC system using SPS at a pressure of 63 MPa. The final phase composition of BNT material differed significantly from the initial composition due to reactions occurred during sintering. In contrast, the phase composition of the AZW ceramic composite before and after sintering was similar. The materials exhibited high quality, as evidenced by a Young’s modulus of 580 GPa for BNT and 470 GPa for AZW, along with hardness of 26 GPa for BNT and 21 GPa for AZW. Both composites were used to prepare cutting inserts that were evaluated for their performance in machining Inconel 718 alloy. While both inserts showed durability comparable to their respective reference commercial inserts, they differed in performance and price relative to one another.
Investigating the Detachment of Glazed Ceramic Tiles Used in Buildings: A Brazilian Case Study
Authors: Sahade Renato , Leal Priscila , Lima Sérgio , da Silva Paulo , Lima Carlos
Published: January 2025

Ceramic detachments in cladding systems are indicative of adhesion loss between the ceramic tiles and the substrate or its adhesive mortar due to inadequate quality workmanship, the quality of the adhesive mortar or that of the ceramic material, whether acting simultaneously or not. The shear stresses resulting from the ceramic tiles’ expansion due to humidity accelerate this process. There is a shortage of studies on the quality of ceramic tiles and adhesive mortars. This study conducted elemental, physical and microstructural characterization tests on ceramic tiles and adhesive mortars that showed detachment up to two years after being laid. At first glance, the adhesive mortar samples had adequate traits and degree of hydration. The ceramic tiles, on the other hand, showed high porosity and high levels of amorphous and poorly sintered materials, with no crystalline phase. In a second analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests associated with boiling plus autoclave moisture expansion tests executed on unused ceramic pieces of the same conformation proved to be more suitable for predicting expansion potential than standard tests. Due to the costs and difficulties in accessing and analyzing the SEM tests, chemical analysis of the ceramic tiles was executed using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to assess the presence of the amorphous silica (free quartz) and alkaline oxides. Together with pressure and temperature determination tests (autoclave), they may represent another alternative that is easier to access and more cost-effective for predicting future expansion.
Effects of the Combination of Chemical Pretreatments and Dry Grinding of the Arundo donax L. Plant
Authors: Schmitt Patricia O. , Rodrigues Débora da S. , Goularte Matheus de P. , da Silva Silvia H. F. , Morais Marcilio M. , Gatto Darci A. , Silva Cláudia F. Lemons e , Cholant Camila M. , Missio André L.
Published: January 2025

Arundo donax L. is a plant with great potential as lignocellulosic biomass, being a promising source for the development of biodegradable materials. This study evaluated the effects of different chemical pretreatments (H2SO4, NaOH, and NaClO) combined with dry milling on the physicochemical properties of biomass. Pretreatment with NaClO was the most effective in removing lignin, reducing its content to 0.2%, while increasing the cellulose content to 67%. Pretreatment with H2SO4, although retaining a higher lignin content (24%), resulted in the greatest reduction in particle size, reaching a mean diameter (Dm) of 44.31 µm after 20 h of milling. Density analysis revealed that the raw samples reached a maximum density of 0.218 g/cm3 after 20 h of milling, with the pretreated samples showing lower densities due to the removal of structural components. Thermal analysis showed mass losses of up to 66.4% for samples pretreated with NaClO after 10 h of milling, indicating significant structural changes and improved thermal stability. Morphological analysis via SEM demonstrated elongated and fine particles, with acid pretreatment resulting in the most pronounced structural changes. These findings highlight the efficiency of combining chemical and physical pretreatments to modify the structure of A. donax L., optimizing its properties for the production of high-performance biodegradable materials.
Graph-Based Feature Crossing to Enhance Recommender Systems
Authors: Cai Congyu , Chen Hong , Liu Yunxuan , Chen Daoquan , Zhou Xiuze , Lin Yuanguo
Published: January 2025

In recommendation tasks, most existing models that learn users’ preferences from user–item interactions ignore the relationships between items. Additionally, ensuring that the crossed features capture both global graph structures and local context is non-trivial, requiring innovative techniques for multi-scale representation learning. To overcome these difficulties, we develop a novel neural network, CoGraph, which uses a graph to build the relations between items. The item co-occurrence pattern assumes that certain items consistently appear in pairs in users’ viewing or consumption logs. First, to learn relationships between items, a graph whose distance is measured by Normalised Point-Wise Mutual Information (NPMI) is applied to link items for the co-occurrence pattern. Then, to learn as many useful features as possible for higher recommendation quality, a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and the Transformer model are used to parallelly learn local and global feature interactions. Finally, a series of comprehensive experiments were conducted on several public data sets to show the performance of our model. It provides valuable insights into the capability of our model in recommendation tasks and offers a viable pathway for the public data operation.
Enhancing Diversity and Convergence in MMOPs with a Gaussian Similarity-Based Evolutionary Algorithm
Authors: Wei Shizhao , Cho Da-Jung
Published: January 2025

Multi-modal multi-objective optimization problems (MMOPs) are challenging due to multiple solutions sharing similar objective values. Existing algorithms for solving MMOPs typically evaluate the crowding in the decision space and objective space independently, leading to an imbalance in diversity between the two spaces. We introduce a mechanism that balances diversity in both the decision and objective spaces, aiming to enhance diversity while maintaining convergence in both spaces. We propose a multi-modal multi-objective evolutionary algorithm (MMEA) that selects qualified solutions based on Gaussian similarity. Gaussian similarity assesses the closeness of solution pairs and serves as the diversity fitness criterion for the algorithm. We conducted experiments on 28 benchmark problems and compared MMEA-GS with five state-of-the-art approaches. The results demonstrate that MMEA-GS effectively addresses most MMOPs, achieving higher diversity and convergence.
Ordinal Random Tree with Rank-Oriented Feature Selection (ORT-ROFS): A Novel Approach for the Prediction of Road Traffic Accident Severity
Authors: Ghasemkhani Bita , Balbal Kadriye Filiz , Birant Kokten Ulas , Birant Derya
Published: January 2025

Road traffic accident severity prediction is crucial for implementing effective safety measures and proactive traffic management strategies. Existing methods often treat this as a nominal classification problem and use traditional feature selection techniques. However, ordinal classification methods that account for the ordered nature of accident severity (e.g., slight < serious < fatal injuries) in feature selection still need to be investigated thoroughly. In this study, we propose a novel approach, the Ordinal Random Tree with Rank-Oriented Feature Selection (ORT-ROFS), which utilizes the inherent ordering of class labels both in the feature selection and prediction stages for accident severity classification. The proposed approach enhances the model performance by separately determining feature importance based on severity levels. The experiments demonstrated the effectiveness of ORT-ROFS with an accuracy of 87.19%. According to the results, the proposed method improved prediction accuracy by 10.81% over state-of-the-art studies on average on different train–test split ratios. In addition, it achieved an average improvement of 4.58% in accuracy over traditional methods. These findings suggest that ORT-ROFS is a promising approach for accurate accident severity prediction, supporting road safety planning and intervention strategies.
Application of Real-Coded Genetic Algorithm–PID Cascade Speed Controller to Marine Gas Turbine Engine Based on Sensitivity Function Analysis
Authors: Lee Yunhyung , Ryu Kitak , So Gunbaek , Kwon Jaesung , Ahn Jongkap
Published: January 2025

Gas turbine engines at sea, characterized by nonlinear behavior and parameter variations due to dynamic marine environments, pose challenges for precise speed control. The focus of this study was a COGAG system with four LM-2500 gas turbines. A third-order model with time delay was derived at three operating points using commissioning data to capture the engines’ inherent characteristics. The cascade controller design employs a real-coded genetic algorithm–PID (R-PID) controller, optimizing PID parameters for each model. Simulations revealed that the R-PID controllers, optimized for robustness, show Nyquist path stability, maintaining the furthest distance from the critical point (−1, j0). The smallest sensitivity function Ms (maximum sensitivity) values and minimal changes in Ms for uncertain plants confirm robustness against uncertainties. Comparing transient responses, the R-PID controller outperforms traditional methods like IMC and Sadeghi in total variation in control input, settling time, overshoot, and ITAE, despite a slightly slower rise time. However, controllers designed for specific operating points show decreased performance when applied beyond those points, with increased rise time, settling time, and overshoot, highlighting the need for operating-point-specific designs to ensure optimal performance. This research underscores the importance of tailored controller design for effective gas turbine engine management in marine applications.
Finite and Infinte Time Blow Up of Solutions to Wave Equations with Combined Logarithmic and Power-Type Nonlinearities
Authors: Dimova Milena , Kolkovska Natalia , Kutev Nikolai
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we investigate the global behavior of the weak solutions to the initial boundary value problem for the nonlinear wave equation in a bounded domain. The nonlinearity includes a logarithmic term and several power-type terms with nonnegative variable coefficients. Two new necessary and sufficient conditions for blow up of the weak solutions are established. The first one addresses the blow up of the global weak solutions at infinity. The second necessary and sufficient condition is obtained in the case of strong superlinearity and concerns blow up of the weak solutions for a finite time. Additionally, we derive new sufficient conditions on the initial data that guarantee blow up for either finite or infinite time. A comparison with previous results is also given.
Metabolic Blockade-Based Genome Mining of Malbranchea circinata SDU050: Discovery of Diverse Secondary Metabolites
Authors: Yang Hu , Luo Xiaowei , Shang Zhuo , Li Kunlong , Cai Jian , Chen Yingying , Xin Longchao , Ju Jianhua
Published: January 2025

Malbranchea circinata SDU050, a fungus derived from deep-sea sediment, is a prolific producer of diverse secondary metabolites. Genome sequencing revealed the presence of at least 69 biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), including 30 encoding type I polyketide synthases (PKSs). This study reports the isolation and identification of four classes of secondary metabolites from wild-type M. circinata SDU050, alongside five additional metabolite classes, including three novel cytochalasins (7–9), obtained from a mutant strain through the metabolic blockade strategy. Furthermore, bioinformatic analysis of the BGC associated with the isocoumarin sclerin (1) enabled the deduction of its biosynthetic pathway based on gene function predictions. Bioactivity assays demonstrated that sclerin (1) and (−)-mycousnine (10) exhibited weak antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Bacillus subtilis. These findings underscore the chemical diversity and biosynthetic potential of M. circinata SDU050 and highlight an effective strategy for exploring marine fungal metabolites.
Comparison of Asymptomatic Brain Lesions Between Thalassemia Major and Sickle Cell Anemia Patients
Authors: Demiray Derya Yavuz , Eriş Davut Özge , Oktay Gönül
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to identify asymptomatic brain lesions in patients with β-thalassemia major (TM) and sickle cell anemia (SCA) and evaluate the correlation of these lesions with factors such as splenectomy, thrombocytosis, and blood transfusions. Materials and Methods: A total of 26 patients with thalassemia major and 23 patients with sickle cell anemia were included. Ischemic lesions were categorized as lacunar, small vessel, or multifocal. Variables including age, years of education, presence and type of MRI-detected ischemia, smoking status, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count, ferritin levels, vitamin B12 levels, fasting blood sugar, splenectomy status, chelation therapy, and hydroxyurea treatment were compared between the two groups. Results: The mean age was 27.33 years in the thalassemia major group and 32.65 years in the sickle cell anemia group (p = 0.010). No statistically significant difference was observed in the distribution of ischemia types between the groups (p = 0.303). The thalassemia major group had a lower mean hemoglobin level (8.37 g/dL) compared to the sickle cell anemia group (9.57 g/dL) (p = 0.003). Ferritin levels were significantly higher in the thalassemia major group (2018.92 ng/mL) than in the sickle cell anemia group (660.39 ng/mL) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Although ischemic lesions were more frequently observed in patients with sickle cell anemia, the difference was not statistically significant. These findings emphasize the importance of ongoing surveillance and individualized management to mitigate cerebrovascular risks in both patient populations.
Telling Ghost Stories Around a Bonfire—A Literature Review of Acute Bleeding Secondary to Pancreatitis
Authors: Bellio Gabriele , Fattori Silvia , Sozzi Andrea , Cimino Matteo Maria , Kurihara Hayato
Published: January 2025

Bleeding is a rare but serious complication of pancreatitis, significantly increasing morbidity and mortality. It can arise from various sources, including erosion of blood vessels by inflammatory processes, formation of pseudoaneurysms, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Early diagnosis and timely intervention are crucial for patient survival. Imaging modalities such as computed tomography and angiography are essential for identifying the bleeding source, where endoscopy may help in detecting and treating intraluminal hemorrhage. Management strategies for patients with extraluminal bleeding may involve angioembolization or surgical intervention, depending on the severity and location of the bleeding. While advances in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques have improved outcomes, bleeding in pancreatitis remains a challenging clinical problem requiring a multidisciplinary approach. This review aims to focus its attention specifically on the bleeding complications of pancreatitis.
Design of Dielectric Elastomer Actuator and Its Application in Flexible Gripper
Authors: Meng Xiaoyu , Xie Jiaqing , Pang Haoran , Wei Wenchao , Niu Jiping , Zhu Mingqiang , Gu Fang , Fan Xiaohuan , Fan Haiyan
Published: January 2025

Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are difficult to apply to flexible grippers due to their small deformation range and low output force. Hence, a DEA with a large bending deformation range and output force was designed, and a corresponding flexible gripper was developed to realize the function of grasping objects of different shapes. The relationship between the pre-stretch ratio and DEA deformation degree was tested by experiments. Based on the performance test results of the dielectric elastomer (DE), the bending deformation process of DEAs with different shapes was simulated by Finite Element Method (FEM) simulation. DEAs with different shapes were prepared through laser cutting and the relationship between the voltage and the bending angle, and the output force of the DEAs was measured. The result shows that under uniaxial stretching, the deformation of the DEA in the stretching direction gradually increases and decreases in the unstretched direction with the increase in the pre-stretch ratio. Under biaxial stretching, DEA deformation increases with the increase in the pre-stretch ratio. The shape of the DEA has a certain influence on the bending deformation range under the same conditions, and the elliptical DEA has a larger bending deformation range and higher output force compared with the rectangular DEA and the trapezium DEA. The elliptical DEA can produce a bending deformation of 40° and an output force of 37.2 mN at a voltage of 24 kV. The three-finger flexible gripper composed of an elliptical DEA can realize the grasping of a paper cup.
Temperature-Responsive Hybrid Composite with Zero Temperature Coefficient of Resistance for Wearable Thermotherapy Pads
Authors: Ahn Ji-Yoon , Lee Dong-Kwan , Kim Min-Gi , Kim Won-Jin , Park Sung-Hoon
Published: January 2025

Carbon-based polymer composites are widely used in wearable devices due to their exceptional electrical conductivity and flexibility. However, their temperature-dependent resistance variations pose significant challenges to device safety and performance. A negative temperature coefficient (NTC) can lead to overcurrent risks, while a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) compromises accuracy. In this study, we present a novel hybrid composite combining carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with NTC properties and carbon black (CB) with PTC properties to achieve a near-zero temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) at an optimal ratio. This innovation enhances the safety and reliability of carbon-based polymer composites for wearable heating applications. Furthermore, a thermochromic pigment layer is integrated into the hybrid composite, enabling visual temperature indication across three distinct zones. This bilayer structure not only addresses the TCR challenge but also provides real-time, user-friendly temperature monitoring. The resulting composite demonstrates consistent performance and high precision under diverse heating conditions, making it ideal for wearable thermotherapy pads. This study highlights a significant advancement in developing multifunctional, temperature-responsive materials, offering a promising solution for safer and more controllable wearable devices.
Measurement and Analysis of Interconnects’ Resonance and Signal/Power Integrity Degradation in Glass Packages
Authors: Kim Youngwoo
Published: January 2025

In this article, resonance phenomena of high-speed interconnects and power delivery networks in glass packages are measured and analyzed. The resonances are generated in the interconnection by the physical dimension, cancelation of reactance components, and modes. When the resonances are generated in the operation frequency band, the signal/power integrity of the interconnect can be affected. As such, resonances generated in high-speed interconnects increase insertion loss, which degrades signal integrity. Also, resonances of the power delivery network (PDN) associated with boundary conditions increase PDN impedance, which degrades power integrity by generating power/ground noise and return current discontinuity of through vias. Recently, glass packaging has been gaining more attention due to its advantages associated with low substrate loss and large dimensions compared to silicon wafers. However, the low loss of the substrate and process variation may affect the resonance properties of interconnects. The resonance impacts on signal/power integrity must be analyzed, and mitigation plans should be proposed to maximize the advantages of the glass packaging technology. To analyze the resonance impacts on signal/power integrity, various glass package test vehicles are designed and fabricated. The fabricated test vehicles include transmission lines, PDNs, and patterns to measure an interaction between the through via and PDN. First, transmission line patterns that have 50-ohm characteristic impedance are measured. Due to the process variations, quarter-wave resonances are monitored, and at those frequencies, a sharp increase in insertion loss is observed, which deteriorates the signal integrity of the interconnect. Various PDN patterns are measured in the frequency domain, and regardless of the PDN shape, PDN impedance peaks are observed at the mode resonance frequencies. Due to a low-loss characteristic of the glass substrate, sharp PDN impedance peaks are generated at these frequencies. Also, at these frequencies, both signal and power integrity degradations are measured and analyzed. To fully benefit from the advantages of glass packaging technology, a thorough electrical performance analysis should be conducted to avoid resonances in the target frequency range.
Cultivatable Bacteriota of Chronic Wound of Patients with Diabetic Foot Syndrome with Critical Limb Ischemia Based on Wound Biopsy in Peri-Revascularization Period
Authors: Hussaini Syedah Sarah , Grubesa Fran Dominic , Gajda Mateusz , Schönborn Martyna , Bogucka Katarzyna , Maga Mikołaj , Maga Paweł , Wójkowska-Mach Jadwiga
Published: January 2025

Diabetic foot syndrome is often associated with inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of improved blood supply on the change in the clinical status and culturable bacteriota of chronic wounds. Patients with diabetic foot and peripheral arterial disease with a Rutherford score of 5 or 6 were included (n = 23). The blood supply to the limb was assessed with laboratory tests and two time-point qualitative cultures using a wound biopsy. The baseline parameters of the blood supply to the limb were Transcutaneous Oxygen Perfusion (TCPO2) of 15.0 mmHg, an Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) of 0.7, and a Toe Brachial Index (TBI) of 0.1, with an average Wound, Infection, Inflammation (WIfI) score of 5.7 (high). The most frequently isolated pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus (26.1%), followed by the Enterobacteriaceae family and Pseudomonas spp. (13.0%, each). Negative cultures were present in 47.8% (n = 11). The control parameters of blood supply improved; TCPO2 was 38.5 mmHg, the ABI was 0.9, and the TBI was 0.3, with a reduction in the average WIfI score to 3.7 (mild), while total colony-forming units (CFUs) increased by 13.5%. No cases of reocclusion or restenosis were observed during the study; however, small amputations were performed in two patients (8.7%). Five (21.7%) ulcers were significantly reduced and two (8.7%) progressed, while a negative culture at follow-up was obtained in five fewer patients than at baseline and nine patients presented growth despite having an initial negative result. Quantitative reduction was obtained in four (17.4%) cases. Pathogen distribution at follow-up resembled baseline findings. Optimizing clinical environments (enhancing blood flow and controlling inflammation) in general over focusing singularly on microbiota composition or revascularization seems to be crucial and arguably outweighed the impact of microbial change alone; in particular, reperfusion may increase the conditions to bacterial growth at the first stage.
Antifungal and Antibacterial Activity of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Different Rosa rugosa Parts
Authors: Maželienė Žaneta , Kirvaitienė Jolita , Kaklauskienė Kamilė , Volskienė Rasa , Aleksandravičienė Asta
Published: January 2025

With the rising incidence of drug-resistant pathogens, focus should be placed on biologically active compounds derived from plant species used in herbal medicine, as these compounds may provide a new source of antifungal and antibacterial activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal and antibacterial activity of ethanol and aqueous extracts from different parts of Rosa rugosa. In order to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the extracts of R. rugosa rose hips, flowers, petals, leaves, stems, and roots, a laboratory microbiological test was performed using the well diffusion method in agar. A rotary evaporator was used for extract concentration and extractant removal. Antimicrobial activity was tested against one fungus, four Gram-positive, and four Gram-negative bacteria. The leaf extracts exhibited the strongest antimicrobial activity, followed by the extracts from the petals and rose hips, while weaker activity was observed in the root extracts. The extracts from the stems and rose hips showed the weakest effect. Ethanol extracts were more effective than water extracts. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of R. rugosa parts demonstrated antifungal activity against Candida albicans, with ethanol extracts proving to be more effective. Among all the R. rugosa parts analyzed, the petals exhibited the strongest antifungal activity.
Microbial Composition Change and Heavy Metal Accumulation in Response to Organic Fertilization Reduction in Greenhouse Soil
Authors: Qin Qin , Wang Jun , Sun Lijuan , Yang Shiyan , Sun Yafei , Xue Yong
Published: January 2025

Increased application of organic fertilizer is an effective measure to improve greenhouse soil quality. However, prolonged and intensive application of organic manure has caused nutrient and certain heavy metal accumulation in greenhouse soil. Therefore, the optimal quantity of organic manure required to sustain soil fertility while mitigating the accumulation of heavy metals and other nutrients resulting from continuous application remains unclear. This study evaluated the impacts of sustained and reduced organic manure application on soil physicochemical properties, heavy metal contents, and microbial community through a 9-year greenhouse field experiment. Treatments included a control without any fertilizer (CK), conventional manure (M), and three reduced manure treatments (−25%M, −37.5%MNPK, and −50%MNPK). Compared to CK, either M treatment or manure reduction treatments either maintained or significantly elevated soil pH and soil organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and available phosphorus. Notably, −37.5%MNPK exhibited further increases in the available nitrogen and potassium. The M treatment significantly increased in the total concentrations of cadmium, copper, lead, zinc, and the availability of chromium and zinc. However, reduced manure treatments showed no change or a significantly reduced in heavy metal availability. The −25%M and −37.5%MNPK treatments significantly improved bacterial diversity. Reducing organic manure altered microbial taxa abundance. The soil pH emerged as the primary driving factor for variation in the bacterial community structure, whereas available nitrogen, potassium, and lead were the key factors influencing fungal community structural changes. These results indicate that reducing excessive organic manure input is an effective strategy to control heavy metal accumulation, enhance soil fertility, and optimize microbial community structure.
Fungal Infections in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Comprehensive Narrative Review
Authors: Mazzitelli Maria , Nalesso Federico , Maraolo Alberto Enrico , Scaglione Vincenzo , Furian Lucrezia , Cattelan Annamaria
Published: January 2025

Background: Despite kidney transplantation being a life-saving procedure, patients experience a high risk of developing fungal infections (FIs), with an increased risk of both morbidity and mortality, especially during the first year after transplant. Methods: We herein conducted a narrative review of the most common FIs in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), with a focus on prevalence, risk factors, mortality, and prevention strategies. Results: The most common fungal pathogens in KTRs include Candida species (up to 70% of the overall FIs), Aspergillus species, Pneumocystis jiroveci, and Cryptococcus species. Fungal colonization, diabetes mellitus, chronic liver disease, malnutrition, and pre-existing lung conditions should all be acknowledged as possible predisposing risk factors. The mortality rate can vary from 25 to 50% and according to different settings and the types of FIs. Preventive strategies are critical for reducing the incidence of FIs in this population. These include antifungal prophylaxis, environmental precautions, and infection control measures. The use of novel tools (such as PCR-based molecular assays and NGS) for rapid and accurate diagnosis may play an important role. Conclusions: Early recognition, the appropriate use of antifungal therapy, and preventive strategies are essential for improving graft loss and fatal outcomes in this vulnerable population. Future research is needed to optimize diagnostic tools, identify novel antifungal agents, and develop better prophylactic strategies for high-risk transplant recipients.
NupR Is Involved in the Control of PlcR: A Pleiotropic Regulator of Extracellular Virulence Factors
Authors: Qin Jiaxin , Wang Ziqi , Qian Cheng , Ji Guohui , Zhang Yizhuo , Cao Zhanglei , Yan Bing , Cai Jun
Published: January 2025

NupR is a nucleoside permease regulator belonging to the GntR family, mainly regulating nucleoside transport in Bacillus thuringiensis. A conserved binding site for NupR was found in the promoter region of plcR. This study aimed to investigate the regulation of the virulence regulator PlcR by NupR and its impact on Bt virulence. We demonstrated that NupR can directly repress the expression of plcR. The expression of plcR can be induced by glucose and nucleosides. Glucose impacts the expression of plcR mainly through Spo0A, while the induction effect of nucleosides may be due to the production of ribose through nucleoside catabolism. In addition, NupR regulates the expression of the PlcR regulon, including hemolysin, phospholipase C, papR, and oligopeptide permease, which could result in the culture supernatant of BMB171 being less virulent to sf9 cells compared to the nupR knockout strain. The results combine the nutritional status of cells with virulence to form a regulatory loop, providing new ideas and research foundations for the study of bacterial virulence.
Anti-Tick-Bourne Encephalitis IgM Intrathecal Synthesis as a Prediction Marker in Tick-Borne Encephalitis Patients
Authors: Czupryna Piotr , Grygorczuk Sambor , Siemieniako-Werszko Agnieszka , Okrzeja Jakub , Dunaj-Małyszko Justyna , Adamczuk Justyna , Pancewicz Sławomir , Zajkowska Joanna , Narejko Karolina , Oklińska Joanna , Trojan Gabriela , Moniuszko-Malinowska Anna
Published: January 2025

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of IgM anti-Tick-Borne Encephalitis (anti-TBE) intrathecal synthesis in the diagnosis and prediction of the clinical course of the disease. Thirty-six patients were included in the study (patients reported symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, and nausea/vomiting). CRP, White Blood Cells (WBC), pleocytosis, Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) protein concentration, CSF albumin concentration, serum IgM, serum IgG, CSF IgM, CSF IgG, IgM Index, IgG Index, and IgG Index/IgM Index ratio were the parameters which were examined in the individuals. An analysis of correlation presented statistical significance between IgM Index and pleocytosis and protein concentration in CSF in the whole group of individuals. IgM Index and IgG Index/IgM Index ratio may be used in the prediction of severity of TBE. The most probable link between the IgM intrathecal production and severity of TBE may be a result of delayed seroconversion to IgG, and therefore not an adequate response to the virus presence.
Effects of Echinacea purpurea and Alkylamides on Respiratory Virus Replication and IL-8 Expression In Vitro
Authors: Puchalski Keely , Gerstel Johanne A. , Jimoh Abiola , Shokoohinia Yalda , Langland Jeffrey
Published: January 2025

Echinacea purpurea is a perennial medicinal herb with important immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, especially purported for the alleviation of cold and flu symptoms. Different classes of secondary metabolites of the plant, such as alkylamides, caffeic acid derivatives, polysaccharides, flavonoids, and glycoproteins, are believed to be biologically and pharmacologically active. Although previous research suggests that the alkylamides present in Echinacea may be responsible for reducing the symptoms associated with the common cold or flu through their immunomodulatory activity, the roles of specific alkylamides and their targets (i.e., immune and/or antiviral) have not been well-elucidated or established. This study tested the antiviral and cytokine regulatory activity of various specific alkylamides that are present predominantly in Echinacea root extracts and found that one specific alkylamide, Dodeca-2E,4E-Dienoic acid isobutylamide, had potent antiviral activity against rhinovirus (the causative agent of most common colds) and influenza virus, as well as potent inhibition of IL-8 cytokine production. IL-8 is responsible for many of the symptoms associated with the common cold and is upregulated in other common respiratory infections. The broad activity and low cytotoxicity of this specific alkylamide support its potential use for treating rhinovirus and influenza virus infections.
The General Principle of the Warburg Effect as a Possible Approach for Cancer Immunotherapy: The Regulatory Effect of Plant Extracts Could Change the Game
Authors: Ivanova Donika , Semkova Severina , Grigorov Boncho , Tzanova Milena , Georgieva Ana , Danchev Dancho , Nikolova Biliana , Yaneva Zvezdelina
Published: January 2025

The interpretation of the biochemistry of immune metabolism could be considered an attractive scientific field of biomedicine research. In this review, the role of glycolysis in macrophage polarization is discussed together with mitochondrial metabolism in cancer cells. In the first part, the focus is on the Warburg effect and redox metabolism during macrophage polarization, cancer development, and management of the immune response by the cancer cells. The second part addresses the possibility of impacts on the Warburg effect through targeting peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). This could be an activator of native immune responses. Because of the reported serious adverse effects of using synthetic ligands for PPARs in combination with chemotherapeutics, searches for less toxic and more active PPAR inhibitors, as well as blocking undesirable cellular PPAR-dependent processes, are in progress. On the other hand, recent research in modern immunotherapy has focused on the search for gentle immune-modulating natural compounds with harmless synergistic chemotherapeutic efficacy that can be used as an adjuvant. It is a well-known fact that the plant kingdom is a source of important therapeutic agents with multifaceted effectiveness. One of these is the known association with PPAR activities. In this regard, the secondary metabolites extracted from plants could change the game.