bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards Dynamic Human–Robot Collaboration: A Holistic Framework for Assembly Planning
Authors: Schirmer Fabian , Kranz Philipp , Rose Chad G. , Schmitt Jan , Kaupp Tobias
Published: January 2025

The combination of human cognitive skills and dexterity with the endurance and repeatability of robots is a promising approach to modern assembly. However, efficiently allocating tasks and planning an assembly sequence between humans and robots is a manual, complex, and time-consuming activity. This work presents a framework named “Extract–Enrich–Assess–Plan–Review” that facilitates holistic planning of human–robot assembly processes. The framework automatically Extracts data from heterogeneous sources, Assesses the suitability of each assembly step to be performed by the human or robot, and Plans multiple assembly sequence plans (ASP) according to boundary conditions. Those sequences allow for a dynamic adaptation at runtime and incorporate different human–robot interaction modalities that are Synchronized, Cooperative, or Collaborative. An expert remains in the loop to Enrich the extracted data, and Review the results of the Assess and Plan steps with options to modify the process. To experimentally validate this framework, we compare the achieved degree of automation using three different CAD formats. We also demonstrate and analyze multiple assembly sequence plans that are generated by our system according to process time and the interaction modalities used.
Analysis of Mutual Inductance Characteristics of Rectangular Coils Based on Double-Sided Electromagnetic Shielding Technology and Study of the Effects of Positional Misalignment
Authors: Leng Yang , Luo Derong , Li Zhongqi , Yu Fei
Published: January 2025

In wireless power transfer systems, the relative positional misalignment between transmitting and receiving coils significantly impacts the system’s mutual inductance characteristics, thereby constraining the system’s output power stability and transmission efficiency optimization potential. Hence, accurate formulas for calculating mutual inductance are crucial for optimizing coil structures and achieving mutual inductance stability. This study focuses on the mutual inductance characteristics of rectangular coils under positional misalignment conditions in a dual-sided electromagnetic shielding environment. Initially, the research deduces the incident magnetic flux density induced by the current in rectangular coils through the dual Fourier transform and magnetic vector potential method. Subsequently, Maxwell’s equations and boundary conditions are employed to analytically examine the induced eddy currents within the shielding layer, allowing for the calculation of reflected magnetic flux density. Based on these analyses, the study derives a formula for mutual inductance using the magnetic flux density method. A prototype was built for experimental verification. The experiment results show that the maximum error between the measured mutual inductance and the calculated result is less than 3.8%, which verifies the feasibility and the accuracy of the proposed calculation method. Simulations and empirical validation demonstrate the superior accuracy and practicality of the proposed formula. This research not only offers an innovative technological pathway for enhancing the stability and efficiency of wireless power transfer systems but also provides a solid theoretical foundation and guiding framework for coil design and optimization.
An Underwater Object Recognition System Based on Improved YOLOv11
Authors: Cheng Shun , Han Yan , Wang Zhiqian , Liu Shaojin , Yang Bo , Li Jianrong
Published: January 2025

Common underwater target recognition systems suffer from low accuracy, high energy consumption, and low levels of automation. This paper introduces an underwater target recognition system based on the Jetson Xavier NX platform, which deploys an improved YOLOv11 recognition algorithm. During operation, the Jetson Xavier NX invokes an industrial camera to capture underwater target images, which are then processed by the improved YOLOv11 network for inference. The recognized information is transmitted via a serial port to an STM32 control board, which adaptively adjusts the lighting system to enhance image clarity based on the target information. Finally, the system controls an actuator to release a buoyant ball with positioning capabilities and communicates with the shore. On the ROUD dataset, the improved YOLOv11 algorithm achieves an accuracy of 87.5%, with a parameter size of 2.58M and a floating-point operation count of 6.3G, outperforming all current models. Compared to the original YOLOv11, the parameter size is reduced by 5% and the floating-point operation count by 0.3G. The improved DD-YOLOv11 also shows good performance on the URPC2020 dataset. After on-site experiments and hardware–software integration tests, all functions operate normally. The system is capable of identifying a specific underwater target with an accuracy rate of over 85%, simultaneously releasing communication buoys and successfully establishing communication with the shore base. This indicates that the underwater target recognition system meets the requirements of being lightweight, high-precision, and highly automated.
Statistical Signal Integrity Analysis on DFE with Nonideal Latch Model
Authors: Park Junyong
Published: January 2025

This paper introduces the nonideal latch model for the decision feedback equalizer (DFE) for statistical signal integrity (SI) analysis. The DFE equalizes inter-symbol-interference (ISI) noise from the channel in the time domain. The nonideal DFE may propagate an error due to the ISI noise, and the nonideal latch in the DFE may also generate a bit error in the DFE operation. The dynamic latch in the slicer of the DFE circuit amplifies the received signal in a recursive manner. During the amplification, the voltage difference ebetween the signal and the threshold voltage may be less amplified when the amplification time is not enough. Thus, the nonideal dynamic latch is another error source in the DFE operation. In order to reflect the effect of the nonideal latch, the gray zone is defined based on the transfer function of the dynamic latch with iterations. In other words, the gray zone is approximated with the Gaussian distribution and reflected into the statistical eye diagram. As a result of the nonideal latch model, the statistical eye diagram has blurred probability density functions (PDFs).
Application of Reduced Order Surrogate Models in Compatible Determination of Material Properties Profiles by Eddy Current Method
Authors: Halchenko Volodymyr Y. , Trembovetska Ruslana , Tychkov Volodymyr , Kovtun Viacheslav , Tychkova Nataliia
Published: January 2025

A number of computer experiments have investigated the effectiveness in terms of accuracy of the method for simultaneously determining the distributions of electrical conductivity and magnetic permeability in the subsurface zone of planar conductive objects when modeling the process of eddy-current measurement testing by surface probes. The method is based on the use of surrogate optimization, which involves the use of a high-performance neural network proxy-model of probe by means of a deep learning as part of the target quadratic function. The surrogate model acts as a carrier and storage of a priori information about the object and takes into account the influence of all the main factors essential in the formation of the probe output signal. The problems of the surrogate model’s cumbersomeness and mitigation of the “curse of dimensionality” effect are solved by applying techniques for reducing the dimensionality of the design space based on the PCA algorithm. We investigated options for compromise solutions regarding the dimensionality of the PCA-space and the accuracy of obtaining the desired material properties profiles by the optimization method. The results of modeling the inverse measurement problem indicate a fairly high accuracy of profile reconstruction.
The State of the Art of Residential Building Energy Retrofits in Libya and Neighbouring Mediterranean Countries: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Albarssi Salwa , Hou Shan Shan , Latif Eshrar
Published: January 2025

With the increasing concern about global warming and future climate change, attention has been drawn to the need to reduce building energy use through improving buildings’ energy efficiency. Existing residential buildings constitute the largest percentage of energy demand and carbon dioxide emissions, and hence, offer significant potential for energy savings and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. This review aimed to provide an in-depth analysis of current research on improving the energy efficiency of existing residential buildings in Libya and neighbouring Mediterranean countries, with a focus on research methods and tools utilised in this domain. This helped to identify potential areas of intervention to improve the energy efficiency of existing residential stock in Libya. Under identified themes, this study systematically analysed 44 publications of high relevance to the subject area found in Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The results reveal that while energy retrofitting is a research area of interest in the region considered, studies in the Libyan context are limited. There is also limited attention to achieving net zero energy and embodied carbon reductions, specifically in the Libyan context. Moreover, some weaknesses were identified for most of the studies reviewed, including those in the Libyan context, related to the credibility and reliability of the energy models used in the various literature.
Interpretable Combinatorial Machine Learning-Based Shale Fracability Evaluation Methods
Authors: Wang Di , Jiao Dingyu , Zhang Zihang , Zhou Runze , Guo Weize , Su Huai
Published: January 2025

Shale gas, as an important unconventional hydrocarbon resource, has attracted much attention due to its great potential and the need for energy diversification. However, shale gas reservoirs with low permeability and low porosity pose challenges for extraction, making shale fracability evaluation crucial. Conventional methods have limitations as they cannot comprehensively consider the effects of non-linear factors or quantitatively analyse the effects of factors. In this paper, an interpretable combinatorial machine learning shale fracability evaluation method is proposed, which combines XGBoost and Bayesian optimization techniques to mine the non-linear relationship between the influencing factors and fracability, and to achieve more accurate fracability evaluations with a lower error rate (maximum MAPE not more than 20%). SHAP(SHapley Additive exPlanation) value analyses were used to quantitatively assess the factor impacts, provide the characteristic importance ranking, and visualise the contribution trend through summary and dependency plots. Analyses of seven scenarios showed that ‘Vertical—Min Horizontal’ and ‘Vertical Stress’ had the greatest impact. This approach improves the accuracy and interpretability of the assessment and provides strong support for shale gas exploration and development by enhancing the understanding of the role of factors.
Sealing Effects on Organic Pore Development in Marine Shale Gas: New Insights from Macro- to Micro-Scale Analyses
Authors: Zhou Qiumei , Xu Hao , Zhou Wen , Zhao Xin , Liu Ruiyin , Jiang Ke
Published: January 2025

The physics of how organic pores change under high thermal evolution conditions in overmature marine shale gas formations remains unclear. In this study, systematic analyses at the macro- to micro-scales were performed to reveal the effects of the sealing capacity on organic pore development. Pyrolysis experiments were conducted in semi-closed and open systems which provided solid evidence demonstrating the importance of the sealing capacity. Low-maturity marine shale samples from the Dalong Formation were used in the pyrolysis experiments, which were conducted at 350 °C, 400 °C, 450 °C, 500 °C, 550 °C, and 600 °C. The pore characteristics and geochemical parameters of the samples were examined after each thermal simulation stage. The results showed that the TOC of the semi-closed system decreased gradually, while the TOC of the open system decreased sharply at 350 °C and exhibited almost no change thereafter. The maximum porosity, specific surface area, and pore volume of the semi-closed system (10.35%, 2.99 m2/g, and 0.0153 cm3/g) were larger than those of the open system (3.87%, 1.97 m2/g, and 0.0059 cm3/g). In addition, when the temperature was 600 °C, the pore diameter distribution in the open system was 0.001–0.1 μm, while the pore diameter distribution in the semi-closed system was 0.001–10 μm. The pore volumes of the macropores and mesopores in the semi-closed system remained larger than those in the open system. The pore volumes of the micropores in the semi-closed and open systems were similar. The pyrolysis results indicated that (1) the pressure difference caused by the sealing capacity controls organic pore development; (2) organic pores developed in the semi-closed system, and the differences between the two systems mainly occurred in the overmature stage; and (3) the differences were caused by changes in the macropore and mesopore volumes, not the micropore volume. It was concluded that the sealing capacity is the key factor for gas pore generation in the overmature stage of marine shale gas reservoirs when the organic matter (OM) type, volume, and thermal evolution degree are all similar. The macropores and mesopores are easily affected by the sealing conditions, but the micropores are not. Finally, the pyrolysis simulation results were validated with the Longmaxi shale and Qiongzhusi shale properties. The Longmaxi shale is similar to semi-closed system, and the Qiongzhusi shale is similar to open system. Two thermal evolution patterns of organic pore development were proposed based on the pyrolysis results. This study provides new insights into the evolution patterns of organic pores in marine shale gas reservoirs.
Ultra-Short-Term Distributed Photovoltaic Power Probabilistic Forecasting Method Based on Federated Learning and Joint Probability Distribution Modeling
Authors: Wang Yubo , Huo Chao , Xu Fei , Zheng Libin , Hao Ling
Published: January 2025

The accurate probabilistic forecasting of ultra-short-term power generation from distributed photovoltaic (DPV) systems is of great significance for optimizing electricity markets and managing energy on the user side. Existing methods regarding cluster information sharing tend to easily trigger issues of data privacy leakage during information sharing, or they suffer from insufficient information sharing while protecting data privacy, leading to suboptimal forecasting performance. To address these issues, this paper proposes a privacy-preserving deep federated learning method for the probabilistic forecasting of ultra-short-term power generation from DPV systems. Firstly, a collaborative feature federated learning framework is established. For the central server, information sharing among clients is realized through the interaction of global models and features while avoiding the direct interaction of raw data to ensure the security of client data privacy. For local clients, a Transformer autoencoder is used as the forecasting model to extract local temporal features, which are combined with global features to form spatiotemporal correlation features, thereby deeply exploring the spatiotemporal correlations between different power stations and improving the accuracy of forecasting. Subsequently, a joint probability distribution model of forecasting values and errors is constructed, and the distribution patterns of errors are finely studied based on the dependencies between data to enhance the accuracy of probabilistic forecasting. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method was validated through real datasets.
Permeability Characteristics of Combined Coal with Different Water Contents
Authors: Pan Hongyu , Zhang Yao , Zhang Lei , Cao Yan , Chu Yuhang , Yang Shihua
Published: January 2025

Hydraulic fracturing changes the stress state of the coal body, and the residual water within the coal body after fracturing affects its permeability characteristics. To examine the impact of hydraulic measures on the permeability of coal under varying water contents and radial stress distributions, permeability tests were conducted using the improved LFTD1812 triaxial permeameter. The flow rate of coal under different water content combinations was measured, and the permeability, pressure gradient, and seepage velocity of the samples were calculated. The relationships among porosity, permeability, pressure gradient, and seepage velocity were analyzed. The effect of water content on permeability was evaluated, and the directional behavior of permeability was identified. The results showed that the porosity of the samples with water contents of 25%, 17.5%, and 10% decreased by 48.5%, 23.9%, and 17.6%, respectively, during the loading process. The permeability of all samples ranged from 1.91 × 10−13 m2 to 76.91 × 10−13 m2. As the absolute value of the pressure gradient increased, the downward trend of permeability was categorized into three stages: rapid, slow, and stable. Higher water content corresponded to lower initial permeability, with the permeability–pressure gradient curve shifting downward. Additionally, the slow decline zone moved to the right, and the absolute value of the pressure gradient required to enter this zone decreased. Seepage velocity consistently decreased with increasing water content across all osmotic pressure levels, although the rate of decline progressively weakened. The maximum permeability difference between the forward and reverse samples was 10.48 × 10−13 m2. Permeability directionality decreased with increasing equivalent water content and osmotic pressure, with water content identified as the primary influencing factor. Permeability variations caused by axial compression were divided into three phases: the weak influence of the polarization effect, the transition phase, and the strong influence phase. These findings confirm that water content has the most significant impact on permeability, demonstrating that gas flow primarily follows the principle of distance priority toward the nearest borehole. Boreholes closer to the source exhibit higher extraction volumes. These results provide theoretical support for improving coal permeability, enhancing gas drainage efficiency, and preventing gas accidents through hydraulic measures.
Petroleum System Analysis and Migration Pathways in the Late Paleozoic Source Rock Strata and Sandstone Reservoirs in the Ordos Basin
Authors: Guan Qingfeng , Zhang Jingong
Published: January 2025

The migration system, as the primary medium linking source rocks and traps, plays a vital role in studying hydrocarbon migration, accumulation, and reservoir formation. This study focuses on Late Paleozoic source rock (mudstone and coal rock) and sandstone samples from the Ordos Basin. By analyzing permeability, porosity, and their ratios under various conditions, this study evaluates the quality of hydrocarbon migration pathways across different lithologic strata, identifies optimal migration routes, and offers new insights for identifying favorable hydrocarbon exploration areas in the Late Paleozoic of the Ordos Basin. The findings indicate that the permeability ratio between parallel and vertical bedding planes in source rock and sandstone samples ranges from 1 to 4. Post-fracturing, permeability increases by over twofold. On average, sandstone permeability is approximately 0.1 × 10⁻3 μm2, while source rock permeability is about 0.03 × 10⁻3 μm2. Key conclusions include that without fracture development, permeability, and porosity parallel to bedding planes outperform those perpendicular to bedding planes, with sandstone showing better properties than source rocks. When fractures are present, permeability and porosity along the fracture direction are highest, followed by sandstone, with source rocks showing the lowest values. These results advance the theoretical understanding of hydrocarbon migration systems and provide significant guidance for hydrocarbon reservoir exploration and development.
Refined Assessment Method of Offshore Wind Resources Based on Interpolation Method
Authors: Meng Wenchuan , Yang Zaimin , Rao Zhi , Li Shuang , Lin Xin , Peng Jingkang , Cao Yuwei , Chen Yingquan
Published: January 2025

To enhance the prediction accuracy of offshore wind speed, this study employs an interpolation algorithm to improve spatial resolution based on the ERA5 reanalysis dataset. The objective is to identify the optimal interpolation method and apply it to wind energy assessments in the South China Sea. This paper compares the interpolation effects and accuracy of Linear, Cubic, and Bicubic interpolation methods on wind speed data, with the optimal method subsequently applied to evaluate wind resources in the South China Sea for 2023. The findings indicate that, while different interpolation methods minimally affect the correlation of wind speed data, there are notable differences in their impact on overall accuracy. The Cubic interpolation method proved to be the most effective, tripling spatial resolution and reducing wind speed errors in ERA5 data by 26%. Using this method, wind resource assessments were conducted in selected areas of the South China Sea. Results reveal that the annual available operational hours for wind turbines in most parts of the region range from 2000 to 4000 h, with fluctuations in turbine output power increasing alongside available operational hours.
Three-Direction Type of Diffuser-Shaped Vortex Generator Development for the Wind Solar Tower
Authors: Sudsanguan Anan , Boonloi Amnart , Jedsadaratanachai Withada
Published: January 2025

This study explored the use of diffuser shapes to enhance the performance of a solar updraft tower. A diffuser-shaped vortex generator, a simple device requiring no structural modifications to the tower, was installed at the chimney outlet. The generator transformed crosswind into a vortex, increasing the updraft velocity. This study employed finite element methods and numerical models to validate the results alongside physical experiments. Both approaches focused on the crosswind velocity and vortex generator height to determine an optimal semi-opening angle for the diffuser shape. The experimental results revealed that an 8° diffuser-shaped vortex generator with a height of hvg = 2D achieved the greatest updraft enhancement, increasing the speed by 86.89% compared to the prototype tower. The enhancement was found to increase proportionally with the generator’s angle and height.
Analysis of Falling Block Characteristics in Salt Caverns Energy Storage Space
Authors: Dong Shengwei , Fang Taian , Wan Jifang , Wang Shan , Zhao Yanqi , Chen Xiaowen , Yang Xiaofeng , Sun Yangqing
Published: January 2025

In the current global energy sector where energy storage technology is highly regarded, the development of storage technology is crucial. Utilizing specific underground space for the storage of oil and gas and other energy sources is the direction of future development, and the space formed by deep-salt-mine water dissolution extraction has gradually become the preferred choice. However, in actual operation, multi-layer salt cavities are prone to collapse of interlayer and bending of pipes, seriously affecting the progress, quality, and safety of the entire energy storage space construction. Therefore, based on relevant principles, a targeted experimental platform was established, by taking photos and measurements of the falling process of specific falling objects, simulating the situation of falling objects in actual energy storage spaces and their impact on related components. In-depth research was conducted on the probability of falling objects hitting the inner pipe and the horizontal impact force under different conditions, and the experimental results were verified by rigorous numerical simulation analysis. The research results show that falling objects impacts can cause related components to bend, with the maximum impact probability reaching 5.1% and the maximum horizontal impact force reaching 24.6 N. In addition, the hydraulic fluctuations caused by the suction and drainage of the cavity pipe column have a relatively small impact on the falling object trajectory. The research findings can provide practical and effective guidance for the safe construction of specific energy storage facilities, ensuring that construction can be carried out safely and efficiently, and contribute to the steady development of the energy storage industry as a whole.
Coupling Advanced Geo-Environmental Indices for the Evaluation of Groundwater Quality: A Case Study in NE Peloponnese, Greece
Authors: Papazotos Panagiotis , Vlachomitrou Maria , Psarraki Despoina , Vasileiou Eleni , Perraki Maria
Published: January 2025

Water and its management have played a pivotal role in the evolution of organisms and civilizations, fulfilling essential roles in personal use, industry, irrigation, and drinking from ancient times to the present. This study seeks to evaluate groundwater quality for irrigation and drinking in the Northern Peloponnese region, specifically the wells of Loutraki and Schinos areas and the springs of the Gerania Mountains (Mts.), using geo-environmental indices and ionic ratios. For the first time, geo-environmental indices have been applied to a region where groundwater serves multiple purposes, addressing the challenge of understanding their dynamics to optimize their application in environmental science and groundwater pollution research. To achieve this, 68 groundwater samples from the study area were utilized, and a total of 25 geo-environmental indices were calculated to assess water quality. These indices examined: (i) drinking suitability (NPI, RI, PIG, WQI, and WPI), (ii) irrigation suitability (SAR, KR, %Na, PS, MAR, RSC, SSP, TH, PI, IWQI, and TDS), (iii) potentially toxic element (PTE) loadings (Cd, HEI, and HPI), and (iv) major hydrogeochemical processes, expressed as ionic ratios (Ca/Mg, Ca/SO4, Ca/Na, Cl/NO3, Cl/HCO3, and Si/NO3). Data processing involved descriptive statistics, hydrogeochemical bivariate plots, Spearman correlation coefficients, and multivariate statistical analyses, including factor analysis (FA) and R-mode hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). Results revealed that all groundwater samples (100%) from the Loutraki area and the Gerania Mts. were of good quality for both drinking and irrigation purposes. In contrast, groundwater from the Schinos area exhibited lower quality, with most samples (93.9%) considered suitable only for irrigation. The deterioration in the coastal aquifer of the Schinos area is attributed to elevated concentrations of Cl−, Na+, NO3−, As, and Cr resulting from salinization and relatively limited anthropogenic influences. The study highlights that relying on individual geo-environmental indices can yield misleading results due to their dependence on factors such as researcher expertise, methodological choices, and the indices’ inherent limitations. Consequently, this research emphasizes the necessity of combining indices to enhance the reliability, accuracy, and robustness of groundwater quality assessments and hydrogeochemical evaluations. Last but not least, the findings demonstrate that calculating all available geo-environmental indices is unnecessary. Instead, selecting a subset of indices that either reflect the impact of specific elemental concentrations or can be effectively integrated with others is sufficient. This streamlined approach addresses challenges in optimizing geo-environmental index applications and contributes to improved groundwater resource management.
Healthy Lifestyle Motivators of Willingness to Consume Healthy Food Brands: An Integrative Model
Authors: García-Salirrosas Elizabeth Emperatriz , Escobar-Farfán Manuel , Esponda-Perez Jorge Alberto , Villar-Guevara Miluska , Rondon-Eusebio Rafael Fernando , Ezcurra-Zavaleta Ghenkis , Urraca-Vergara Elena Matilde , Guerra-Velásquez Mauricio
Published: January 2025

This study evaluated how healthy lifestyle motivators (MHLs) influence the Peruvian market’s willingness to consume healthy food (WCHBF). The main objective was to analyze the relationship of variables, such as attitude (ATT), perceived behavioral control (PBC), self-identity (SI), and moral norms (MN) with the WCHBF. This study adopted a quantitative, non-experimental, and cross-sectional approach, using a self-administered questionnaire for data collection. A total of 585 individuals participated. The participants were consumers of the Unión brand, which specializes in healthy food. A 5-point Likert scale was used to evaluate the key variables. For the analysis, IBM SPSS Statistics 25 programs were used to examine the demographic data and SmartPLS 4.1.0.9 was used to assess the conceptual model using partial least squares (PLS-SEM). The results showed that healthy lifestyle motivators positively influence the willingness to consume healthy food and ATT, PBC, SI, and MN variables. In turn, these variables significantly impact the willingness to purchase healthy food. The findings suggest that marketing campaigns should highlight these motivators to encourage the consumption of healthy food. The implications of this study reinforce the importance of understanding psychological factors in consumer decision-making.
Aguamiel, a Traditional Mexican Beverage: A Review of Its Nutritional Composition, Health Effects and Conservation
Authors: Noriega-Juárez Alma Delia , Meza-Espinoza Libier , García-Magaña María de Lourdes , Ortiz-Basurto Rosa Isela , Chacón-López Martina Alejandra , Anaya-Esparza Luis Miguel , Montalvo-González Efigenia
Published: January 2025

Aguamiel is the sap extracted from various species of maguey (Agave spp.). This liquid is highly prized in central Mexico for its pleasing sensory qualities and nutritional value. Understanding the composition of aguamiel is crucial as it may offer beneficial effects for human health. Reports have indicated its significance as a source of essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and fructooligosaccharides with prebiotic potential. Additionally, aguamiel can harbor diverse microorganisms, including lactic acid bacteria (Lactococcus and Leuconostoc spp.) and yeasts, contributing antioxidant, nutritional, prebiotic, and probiotic properties. However, aguamiel is prone to rapid fermentation due to its nature, which can alter its sensory and nutritional characteristics. This review provides insight into the broad nutritional composition, microbial diversity, and metabolites beneficial to the human health of fresh aguamiel. At the same time, it reviews the technologies applied to aguamiel to preserve its nutritional properties and functional metabolites and extend its shelf life. Thus, the data included in this document may lead to greater beverage consumption and further research to find new conservation alternatives that change its organoleptic and functional properties as little as possible.
Edible Coating Combining Liquid Smoke from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches and Turmeric Extract to Prolong the Shelf Life of Mackerel
Authors: Faisal Muhammad , Gani Asri , Muzaifa Murna , Heriansyah M. Bagas , Desvita Hera , Kamaruzzaman Suraiya , Sauqi Ahmad , Ardiansa Daru
Published: January 2025

This research aimed to evaluate the use of edible coating from a combination of liquid smoke and turmeric extract as a preservative for mackerel at room temperature. Liquid smoke was obtained from the pyrolysis of oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) at a temperature of 380 °C and purified by distillation at 190 °C. Liquid smoke with a concentration of 3% was combined with turmeric extract at a ratio of 2, 4, 6, and 8 g/L (CLS 2:1, CLS 4:1, CLS 6:1 and CLS 8:1). TVB-N testing showed that the mixture of liquid smoke and turmeric at a ratio of CLS 6: 1 and CLS 8: 1 maintains the freshness of fish for 48 h. Meanwhile, organoleptic testing reports that the best mixture was CLS 8:1. The number of colonies in the CLS 2:1, CLS 4:1, CLS 6:1, and CLS 8:1 mixtures were 4.92, 4.92, 4.16, and 4 × 10⁵ colonies/g after 44 h of soaking. The MPN test result at 48 h of soaking is 1.1 × 103 MPN/g. Generally, mackerel preserved with a mixture of turmeric extract and liquid smoke with a ratio of 8:1 can be consumed up to a shelf life of 48 h at room temperature storage.
Evaluation of Stress Tolerance and Fermentation Performance in Commercial Yeast Strains for Industrial Applications
Authors: Chen Anqi , Si Qiqi , Xu Qingyun , Pan Chenwei , Qu Tianzhi , Chen Jian
Published: January 2025

This study evaluates the stress tolerance and metabolic adaptability of twelve yeast strains, including eleven commercial strains from Wyeast Laboratories and one prototrophic laboratory strain, under industrially relevant conditions. Yeast strains were assessed for their fermentation performance and stress responses under glucose limitation, osmotic stress, acid stress, elevated ethanol concentrations, and temperature fluctuations. Results revealed significant variability in glucose consumption, ethanol production, and stress tolerance across strains. ACY34 and ACY84 demonstrated the highest fermentation efficiency, while ACY19 exhibited exceptional stress resilience, excelling under multiple stress conditions such as osmotic and ethanol stress. The findings highlight strain-specific performance, with some strains suited for high-yield fermentation and others excelling under challenging environmental conditions. These results provide critical insights for selecting and optimizing yeast strains tailored to specific industrial fermentation processes, contributing to improved productivity and product quality in food and beverage production.
Influence of Safety Culture on Safety Outcomes of a Hydrogen–CCS Plant
Authors: Shourideh Maryam , Yasseri Sirous , Bahai Hamid
Published: January 2025

This article investigates how safety culture impacts the safety performance of blue hydrogen projects. Blue hydrogen refers to decarbonized hydrogen, produced through natural gas reforming with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. It is crucial to decide on a suitable safety policy to avoid potential injuries, financial losses, and loss of public goodwill. The system dynamics approach is a suitable tool for studying the impact of factors controlling safety culture. This study examines the interactions between influencing factors and implications of various strategies using what-if analyses. The conventional risk and safety assessments fail to consider the interconnectedness between the technical system and its social envelope. After identifying the key factors influencing safety culture, a system dynamics model will be developed to evaluate the impact of those factors on the safety performance of the facility. The emphasis on safety culture is directed by the necessity to prevent major disasters that could threaten a company’s survival, as well as to prevent minor yet disruptive incidents that may occur during day-to-day operations. Enhanced focus on safety culture is essential for maintaining an organization’s long-term viability. H2-CCS is a complex socio-technical system comprising interconnected subsystems and sub-subsystems. This study focuses on the safety culture sub-subsystem, illustrating how human factors within the system contribute to the occurrence of incidents. The findings from this research study can assist in creating effective strategies to improve the sustainability of the operation. By doing so, strategies can be formulated that not only enhance the integrity and reliability of an installation, as well as its availability within the energy networks, but also contribute to earning a good reputation in the community that it serves.
Synergistic Antibacterial Action of Norfloxacin-Encapsulated G4 Hydrogels: The Role of Boronic Acid and Cyclodextrin
Authors: Sardaru Monica-Cornelia , Rosca Irina , Morariu Simona , Ursu Elena-Laura , Rotaru Alexandru
Published: January 2025

In this present study, we developed and characterized a series of supramolecular G4 hydrogels by integrating β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and boronic acid linkers into a supramolecular matrix to enhance antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). We systematically investigated how varying the number of free boronic acid moieties (ranging from two to six), along with guanosine and β-CD content, influences both the structural integrity and antimicrobial efficacy of these materials. Comprehensive characterization using FTIR, circular dichroism, X-ray diffraction, SEM, AFM, and rheological measurements confirmed successful synthesis and revealed that higher boronic acid content correlated with a stronger, more organized network. The most effective hydrogel displayed an inhibition zone of 25 mm in disk diffusion assays, and was further explored as a drug delivery platform, with the aim to exploit the capacity of the free β-CD cavity of the hydrogels to incorporate hydrophobic drugs. Norfloxacin (Nfx), a poorly water-soluble antibiotic, was successfully encapsulated within the hydrogel matrix through the inclusion of complex formation with β-CD, improving its solubility and enabling sustained, targeted release. The Nfx-loaded hydrogel expanded the inhibition zone to 49 mm and completely eradicated S. aureus cells within 24 h, outperforming both the unloaded hydrogel and free Nfx. These results highlight the synergistic effect of boronic acid moieties and controlled drug release, underlining the potential of these hydrogels as versatile platforms for localized antimicrobial therapy, such as in wound dressings or implant coatings. Nevertheless, further in vivo studies and long-term stability assessments are needed to fully establish clinical relevance, safety, and scalability before these systems can be translated into routine healthcare applications.
Polymer Gels Based on PAMAM Dendrimers Functionalized with Caffeic Acid for Wound-Healing Applications
Authors: Castro Ricardo I. , Donoso Wendy , Restovic Franko , Forero-Doria Oscar , Guzman Luis
Published: January 2025

The wound-healing process has usually been related to therapeutic agents with antioxidant properties. Among them, caffeic acid, a cinnamic acid derivative, stands out. However, the use of this natural product is affected by its bioavailability and half-life. Nowadays, different approaches are being taken to improve the above-mentioned characteristics, as many active surface groups are present in polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers; without the need for extra cross-linking agents, physical gels are created by interactions such as hydrogen bonds, van der Waals forces, or π–π interactions based on the modification of the surface. One of these is functionalization with dendrimers, such as the poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) family. To evaluate the effectiveness of functionalizing caffeic acid with PAMAM dendrimers, the in vitro and in vivo wound-healing properties of gel-PAMAM G3 conjugated with caffeic acid (GPG3Ca) and its precursor, cinnamic acid (GPG3Cin), were studied. The results showed no cytotoxicity and wound-healing activity at a concentration of 20 μg/mL in HaCaT cells with the GPG3Ca. Additionally, the ability to activate molecular mediators of the healing process was evidenced. Furthermore, GPG3Ca potentiated the in vivo wound-healing process. The positive effects and lack of cytotoxicity at the used concentration of the synthesized GPG3Ca on the wound-healing process could position it as an effective agent for wound-healing treatment.
Exploring Methacrylated Gellan Gum 3D Bioprinted Patches Loaded with Tannic Acid or L-Ascorbic Acid as Potential Platform for Wound Dressing Application
Authors: Scalia Federica , Vitale Alessandra Maria , Picone Domiziana , De Cesare Noemi , Swiontek Brzezinska Maria , Kaczmarek-Szczepanska Beata , Ronca Alfredo , Zavan Barbara , Bucchieri Fabio , Szychlinska Marta Anna , D’Amora Ugo
Published: January 2025

To improve wound healing, advanced biofabrication techniques are proposed here to develop customized wound patches to release bioactive agents targeting cell function in a controlled manner. Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinted “smart” patches, based on methacrylated gellan gum (GGMA), loaded with tannic acid (TA) or L-ascorbic acid (AA) have been manufactured. To improve stability and degradation time, gellan gum (GG) was chemically modified by grafting methacrylic moieties on the polysaccharide backbone. GGMA patches were characterized through physicochemical, morphological and mechanical evaluation. Kinetics release and antioxidant potential of TA and AA as well as antimicrobial activity against common pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in accordance with ISO 22196:2011 are reported. The cytocompatibility of the patches was demonstrated by direct and indirect tests on human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) as per ISO 10993. The positive effect of GGMA patches on cell migration was assessed through a wound healing assay. The results highlighted that the patches are cytocompatible, speed up wound healing and can swell upon contact with the hydration medium and release TA and AA in a controlled way. Overall, the TA- and AA-loaded GGMA patches demonstrated suitable mechanical features; no cytotoxicity; and antioxidant, antimicrobial and wound healing properties, showing satisfactory potential for wound dressing applications.
A Novel Permeability–Tortuosity–Porosity Model for Evolving Pore Space and Mineral-Induced Clogging in Porous Medium
Authors: Cao Wenran , Yan Guanxi , Hofmann Harald , Scheuermann Alexander
Published: January 2025

Hydrogeochemical processes contribute to long-term alterations in key physical properties of a porous medium, including porosity, tortuosity, and permeability, making it essential to understand their evolution and address clogging-dominated problems in hydrogeological systems such as acid rock drainage treatment and aquifer storage and recovery. However, accurately simulating extreme cases of evolving pore space presents challenges due to the inherent heterogeneity and nonlinear reactions in a porous medium. In response, this study introduces a comprehensive model that integrates the effects of tortuosity on permeability and surface area on reactivity during oxidative precipitation of Fe(II) in a porous medium. Benchmark simulations include an innovative permeability–tortuosity–porosity model accounting for Fe precipitation, as well as the occurrence of complete clogging from localized precipitation, which leads to a reduction of permeability and outflow. The outcomes demonstrate complete pore clogging when Fe(II) concentration reaches 10 mmol/L and a significant decrease in outflow at a Fe(II) concentration of 100 mmol/L. The model’s predictions provide detailed insights into the evolution of the pore matrix during hydrogeochemical reactions and support the development of regional engineering-scale models for applications in mining, agriculture, and environmental management.
Ergonomics and Occupational Health: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Nurses in a Tertiary Hospital in Botswana
Authors: Kgakge Kagiso , Chelule Paul Kiprono , Ginindza Themba Geoffrey
Published: January 2025

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are, to this day, considered one of the major occupational health risks, especially among healthcare workers. Poor working conditions, such as awkward postures, are associated with the development of MSD. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of nurses at a public tertiary hospital in Botswana relating to ergonomic principles. Methods: The researchers conducted a cross-sectional survey, using a self-administered questionnaire to collect the data. The researchers employed Stata v18 (StataCorp, USA) to perform descriptive and inferential statistics. The chi-square test was used to determine the association between knowledge levels and sociodemographic variables. p-values ≤ 0.05 were deemed statistically significant. Results: In total, 306 nurses participated in the study, and a response rate of 88.4% was achieved. The mean age was 35.5 (SD± 8.79) years. Most (69%) participants were female nurses. About 99.3% (95%CI: 97.7–99.9) of the participants were familiar with the concept of ergonomics. Only a small proportion of participants (26%) possessed high levels of knowledge, exhibited positive attitudes, and demonstrated good practices in relation to ergonomic principles, following the composite analysis. A statistically significant relationship was found to exist between sex and practice (p = 0.030) and between length of work and practice (p = 0.013). Conclusions: The KAP analysis indicated that most nurses had poor practices regarding essential ergonomic principles. These findings could inform policy development and enable employers to design prevention strategies, especially those aimed at preventing lower back pain (LBP).
Impact of Nurse Staffing Levels on Patient Fall Rates: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study in General Wards in Japan
Authors: Moriwaki Mutsuko , Kakehashi Masayuki , Hayashida Kenshi , Koizumi Masato , Horiguchi Hiromasa
Published: January 2025

Background: Falls are common adverse events among hospitalized patients, affecting outcomes and placing a financial burden on patients and hospitals. This study investigated the relationship between nurse staffing/workload and patient falls during hospitalization. Methods: The patients studied were hospitalized in the general wards (excluding pediatrics and obstetrics/gynecology) of 11 National Hospital Organization institutions between April 2019 and March 2020. The data were obtained from the Diagnosis Procedure Combination Work Record and institutional fall reports. The variables used in the analyses included patient conditions, number of hospitalization cases, emergency hospitalizations, surgeries/examinations, disease composition ratio, patient attributes, hospital stay duration, hospital bed size, and nursing time per patient (day and night) on a ward-day basis. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the effects of these factors on fall events. Results: A total of 36,209 ward days were analyzed, with falls reported on 2866 days (fall event rate of 9.0%). The mean nursing times per patient were 1.99 h (day) and 1.47 h (night). The nursing time per patient in the fall group compared to the non-fall group showed an odds ratio of 1.19 (p < 0.01) during day shifts and 0.17 (p < 0.02) during night shifts. An increase in nursing time per patient during the night was associated with fewer fall events, whereas during the day, increased nursing time appeared to contribute to more falls. Common background factors that increased nurse staffing and patient falls simultaneously could be suggested to exist during the day. Conclusions: Increased nursing time was correlated with reduced fall incidence, indicating the need for policy improvements in nurse staffing practices in Japan to enhance patient safety and outcomes. Further research is needed to accumulate evidence reflecting policies regarding nurse staffing.