bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unraveling the Determinant Mechanisms in Flow-Mediated Crystal Growth and Phase Behaviors
Authors: Willis L. Connor , Janicki Tesia D. , Rao Rekha R. , Liu Z. Leonardo
Published: February 2025

To uncover the critical mechanisms responsible for mesoscopic level development during flow-mediated crystal growth, we develop a semi-two-way hydrodynamic coupled structural phase-field crystal formalism (HXPFC-s2). The new formalism, inspired by previous attempts at coupling hydrodynamic and phase-field crystal (PFC) equations, allows for studying mesoscopic flow-mediated crystallization at diffusive timescales pertinent to industrial applications. Unlike previous efforts, the devised coupling to the structural PFC (XPFC) equations allows generalization to more complex crystal structures through explicit parameterization of the direct correlation function (DCF). Utilizing the HXPFC-s2 formalism, we seek to uncover the determinant physical mechanisms in crystallization under simple shear flows by comparing temperature-driven crystallization to flow-mediated crystallization under varying flow-strengths. Parallels and deviations of under-cooling and flow-strength effects on crystal growth are drawn using the crystal cluster-size and system ordering time evolutions. In doing so, we identify scaling behaviors with a Peclet-like number, Pe∼, a critical Peclet-like number, Pe∼*, and flow-field-crystal plane-dependent interactions. Our findings may be relevant for controlling crystal growth and phase behaviors in flow applications.
The Healthcare Professionals’ and Patient Advocates’ Perspectives on the Care for Children with Cancer in Europe—A Report from the ESCALIER Project
Authors: Otth Maria , Ocokoljic Marko , Armenkova Theodora , Ban Irina , Essiaf Samira , Hopfgartner Maximilian , Kameric Lejla , Kearns Pamela R. , Kokkinou Georgia , Rizzari Carmelo , Schneider Carina , Scheinemann Katrin
Published: February 2025

Cancer in children and adolescents is rare. Therefore, experienced multidisciplinary teams of health care professionals and input from patient advocates are needed. Within the ESCALIER project, we present the current situation of care for children and adolescents with cancer in Europe from the perspective of these stakeholders and highlight the topics relevant for them. A survey developed by representatives from the European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOPE) and Childhood Cancer International-Europe (CCI-E) was sent to European paediatric oncologists and patient organizations. We analysed all six questions related to general aspects of care and ten questions especially relevant for SIOPE or CCI-E using descriptive statistics. In total, 159 paediatric oncologists from 35 European countries and 41 CCI-E member organizations from 30 countries replied. Six of the ten questions selected by SIOPE and CCI-E representatives were identical and covered topics from diagnosis to end of treatment and follow-up care. This highlights the alignment of topics relevant for both stakeholders. However, the answers provided by SIOPE and CCI-E respondents to the same questions differed to varying degrees, and answers also differed between respondents from the same country. The differences in the answers provided to our survey highlight the need to raise awareness, improve knowledge, and strengthen communication between different stakeholders, organisations, patients, and families. The stakeholders’ different experiences and knowledge must be considered, and can thus strengthen common goals to provide the best possible care to children and adolescents with cancer in Europe.
An Open Database of the Internal and Surface Temperatures of a Reinforced-Concrete Slab-on-I-Beam Section
Authors: Cavadia Pedro , Benjumea José M. , Begambre Oscar , Osorio Edison , Mantilla María A.
Published: February 2025

Due to climate change, the temperature monitoring of reinforced-concrete (RC) structures is becoming critical for preventive maintenance and extending their lifespan. Significant temperature variations in RC elements can affect their natural frequencies and modulus of elasticity or generate abnormal stress levels, potentially leading to structural damage. Data from thermal monitoring systems are invaluable for testing and validating numerical methodologies for estimating internal thermal responses and aiding in prevention/maintenance decision making. Despite its importance, few experimental outdoor data on the internal and external temperatures of concrete structures are available. This study presents a comprehensive dataset from a 120-day temperature-monitoring campaign on a 1.2 m long reinforced-concrete slab-on-I-beam model under tropical conditions in Bucaramanga, Colombia. The monitoring system measured the internal temperatures at 40 points using embedded thermocouples, while the surface temperatures were recorded with handheld and drone-mounted thermal cameras. Simultaneously, the ambient temperature, solar radiation, rainfall, wind velocity, and other parameters were monitored using a weather station. The instrumentation ensured the synchronization and high spatial resolution of the thermal data. The data, collected at 30 min intervals, are openly available in CSV format, offering valuable resources for validating numerical models, studying thermal gradients, and enhancing structural health-monitoring frameworks.
CubicPat: Investigations on the Mental Performance and Stress Detection Using EEG Signals
Authors: Ince Ugur , Talu Yunus , Duz Aleyna , Tas Suat , Tanko Dahiru , Tasci Irem , Dogan Sengul , Hafeez Baig Abdul , Aydemir Emrah , Tuncer Turker
Published: February 2025

Background\Objectives: Solving the secrets of the brain is a significant challenge for researchers. This work aims to contribute to this area by presenting a new explainable feature engineering (XFE) architecture designed to obtain explainable results related to stress and mental performance using electroencephalography (EEG) signals. Materials and Methods: Two EEG datasets were collected to detect mental performance and stress. To achieve classification and explainable results, a new XFE model was developed, incorporating a novel feature extraction function called Cubic Pattern (CubicPat), which generates a three-dimensional feature vector by coding channels. Classification results were obtained using the cumulative weighted iterative neighborhood component analysis (CWINCA) feature selector and the t-algorithm-based k-nearest neighbors (tkNN) classifier. Additionally, explainable results were generated using the CWINCA selector and Directed Lobish (DLob). Results: The CubicPat-based model demonstrated both classification and interpretability. Using 10-fold cross-validation (CV) and leave-one-subject-out (LOSO) CV, the introduced CubicPat-driven model achieved over 95% and 75% classification accuracies, respectively, for both datasets. Conclusions: The interpretable results were obtained by deploying DLob and statistical analysis.
The Promise of Infrared Spectroscopy in Liquid Biopsies for Solid Cancer Detection
Authors: Delrue Charlotte , De Bruyne Sander , Speeckaert Marijn M.
Published: February 2025

Attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy has shown significant promise in the context of liquid biopsy, offering a potential tool for cancer diagnostics. Unlike traditional tissue biopsies, which may not fully capture the clonal heterogeneity of tumors, liquid biopsy reflects the dynamic state of the disease and its progression more comprehensively. Biofluids such as serum and plasma are low-cost, minimally invasive diagnostic media with well-established clinical uses. This review assesses the use of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy to detect biochemical changes in biofluids linked to various malignancies, including breast, ovarian, endometrial, prostate, bladder, kidney, pancreatic, colorectal, hepatic, esophageal, gastric, lung, and brain cancers. While ATR-FTIR offers the advantages of rapid, minimally invasive detection and real-time disease monitoring, its integration into clinical practice faces challenges, particularly in terms of reproducibility due to variability in sample preparation, spectral acquisition, and data processing. The translation of ATR-FTIR into routine diagnostics will require validation through large-scale cohort studies and multicenter trials to ensure its clinical reliability and effectiveness.
The Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos Control of Pricing Games in Group Robot Systems
Authors: Wang Chen , Sun Yi , Han Ying , Zhang Chao
Published: February 2025

System stability control in resource allocation is a critical issue in group robot systems. Against this backdrop, this study investigates the nonlinear dynamics and chaotic phenomena that arise during pricing games among finitely rational group robots and proposes control strategies to mitigate chaotic behaviors. A system model and a business model for group robots are developed based on market mechanism mapping, and the dynamics of resource allocation are formulated as a second-order discrete nonlinear system using game theory. Numerical simulations reveal that small perturbations in system parameters, such as pricing adjustment speed, product demand coefficients, and resource substitution coefficients, can induce chaotic behaviors. To address these chaotic phenomena, a control method combining state feedback and parameter adjustment is proposed. This approach dynamically tunes the state feedback intensity of the system via a control parameter M, thereby delaying bifurcations and suppressing chaotic behaviors. It ensures that the distribution of system eigenvalues satisfies stability conditions, allowing control over unstable periodic orbits and period-doubling bifurcations. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed control method effectively delays period-doubling bifurcations and stabilizes unstable periodic orbits in chaotic attractors. The stability of the system’s Nash equilibrium is significantly improved, and the parameter range for equilibrium pricing is expanded. These findings provide essential theoretical foundations and practical guidance for the design and application of group robot systems.
Empirical Performance Evaluation of 5G Millimeter Wave System for Industrial-Use Cases in Real Production Environment
Authors: Biosca Caro Jordi , Ansari Junaid , Olsson Bengt-Erik , Beckmann Niklas , König Niels , Schmitt Robert H. , Popp Falko , Scheike-Momberg Daniel
Published: February 2025

Wireless communication plays an important role in the digitization of industries. A 5G cellular communication system enables several industrial automation use cases. Fifth-generation deployments in industrial use cases have mainly been carried out in the sub-7 GHz frequency range. In this work, we empirically study 5G system performance in the millimeter wavelength (mmW) range for industrial use cases: additive manufacturing processes and precision manufacturing robotics. We carry out an experimental performance evaluation of a commercially available non-public 5G mmW system to assess its latency, reliability and throughput for uplink and downlink data traffic in a real industrial environment. We also investigate the impact of various 5G configurations on 5G performance characteristics with insights from the baseband log information as well as unidirectional latency measurements. Our empirical results indicate that 5G mmW system can achieve low latency with high reliability in both one-way traffic directions. The throughput is observed to be high for line-of-sight (LOS) scenarios, making the use of the 5G mmW system appealing especially for data rate-intensive and time-critical industrial use cases. We also observe that industrial environments with lots of metal and reflective surfaces provide favorable propagation conditions for non-LOS transmissions. Our results indicate that static industrial use cases with low mobility can leverage the performance benefits of 5G mmW systems.
HawkFish Optimization Algorithm: A Gender-Bending Approach for Solving Complex Optimization Problems
Authors: Alkharsan Ali , Ata Oguz
Published: February 2025

Inspired by the gender transition behavior seen in hawkfish, this paper introduces the HawkFish optimization algorithm, a nature-inspired optimization technique modeled on the unique gender transition behavior of hawkfish. By leveraging this biological phenomenon, the proposed method addresses optimization problems through dual fitness functions, combining an original and inverse fitness function to drive search space exploration while avoiding local minima. The algorithm’s performance is rigorously evaluated against benchmark problems, including the CEC/GECCO 2019 suite, and applied to real-world engineering challenges like welded beam and tension/compression spring design. The proposed method consistently outperforms existing algorithms in terms of convergence rate, accuracy, and solution quality. The results underscore the algorithm’s efficiency in exploring unknown search spaces and solving complex optimization tasks, making it a promising tool for various domains requiring high precision and optimization efficiency.
Nanofluids in Thermal Energy Storage Systems: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Peer Mohamed Shameer , Cascetta Mario , Migliari Luca , Petrollese Mario
Published: February 2025

Nanofluids, which consist of nanosized particles dispersed in a base fluid, represent a promising solution to improve the performance of thermal energy storage systems. This review offers a comprehensive overview of nanofluids and their applications in thermal energy storage systems, discussing their thermal properties, heat transfer mechanisms, synthesis techniques, and application in latent heat storage systems. Various types of nanofluids are examined, including metal oxide, carbon-based, and metallic nanofluids, highlighting their effects on thermal conductivity, latent heat and the phase change temperature. A review of experimental and numerical studies showcases the performance of thermal energy storage systems incorporating nanofluids and the factors influencing their thermophysical characteristics and energy storage capacity. Finally, the key findings of current research are summarized, as well as the challenges and the potential future directions in nanofluid-based thermal energy storage systems research, emphasizing the need to optimize nanoparticle concentration and long-term durability.
Hydrogen Production from Renewable and Non-Renewable Sources with a Focus on Bio-Hydrogen from Giant reed (Arundo donax L.), a Review
Authors: Vasmara Ciro , Galletti Stefania , Cianchetta Stefano , Ceotto Enrico
Published: February 2025

In the last five years, the use of hydrogen as an energy carrier has received rising attention because it can be used in internal combustion and jet engines, and it can even generate electricity in fuel cells. The scope of this work was to critically review the methods of H2 production from renewable and non-renewable sources, with a focus on bio-H2 production from the perennial grass giant reed (Arundo donax L.) due to its outstanding biomass yield. This lignocellulosic biomass appears as a promising feedstock for bio-H2 production, with a higher yield in dark fermentation than photo-fermentation (217 vs. 87 mL H2 g−1 volatile solids on average). The H2 production can reach 202 m3 Mg−1 of giant reed dry matter. Assuming the average giant reed dry biomass yield (30.3 Mg ha−1 y−1), the attainable H2 yield could be 6060 m3 ha−1 y−1. A synthetic but comprehensive review of methods of H2 production from non-renewable sources is first presented, and then a more detailed analysis of renewable sources is discussed with emphasis on giant reed. Perspectives and challenges of bio-H2 production, including storage and transportation, are also discussed.
Comparative Evaluation of the Effect of Exhaust Gas Recirculation Usage on the Performance Characteristics and Emissions of a Natural Gas/Diesel Compression-Ignition Engine Operating at Part-Load Conditions
Authors: Rizopoulos Nikolaos , Papagiannakis Roussos
Published: February 2025

The use of natural gas as an alternative fuel in dual-fuel compression-ignition engines can lead to a substantial reduction in the majority of pollutant emissions compared to fossil fuels, while the thermal efficiency of the engine can be maintained at adequate levels. Its usage has increased widely in recent years, and significant efforts have been made to investigate the inherent physical and chemical processes that take place during this engine’s combustion, as well as the parameters that affect the operation of the engine and use natural gas as energy source. The scope of this study is to investigate the effect of EGR temperature (cold and hot) and rate (10% and 20%) on the performance characteristics and emissions of a dual-fuel compression-ignition engine operating at a specific engine operating point under dual-fuel (diesel–natural gas) conditions. For this reason, a phenomenological two-zone combustion model was developed. The results of the model were validated against the experimental data obtained from a single-cylinder direct-injection, turbocharged compression-ignition dual-fuel research engine operated under part-load conditions (IMEP = 0.52 Mpa and engine speed = 1500 rpm) and at various replacement percentages of diesel using methane (which was treated as a natural gas surrogate). The model results were in good agreement with the experimental results, revealing the ability of the model to be used in the aforementioned EGR analysis. The results of the study revealed that engine operation with 10% cold EGR does not significantly affect the engine performance characteristics, and combined with the addition of 80% gaseous fuel energy, can lead to a substantial reduction in NO and soot emissions, with a moderate increase in CO emissions. On the other hand, a significant finding of the present work is that engine operation with hot EGR under the investigated operating conditions, even though it had a beneficial effect on NO-specific emissions, led to a reduction in engine efficiency and may raise issues regarding the mechanical strength of the engine.
Online Measurement Method for Condensable Particulate Matter Based on an Innovative Dilution Cooling Chamber
Authors: Liu Yutong , Wang Lu , Yang Luopeng , Li Yuzhong
Published: February 2025

Condensable particulate matter (CPM), a significant environmental and health concern, has garnered extensive attention from researchers. The current lack of comprehensive and reliable online measurement methods for CPM has become a hindrance, limiting progress in both CPM research and environmental regulations. Therefore, this study designed an innovative dilution cooling sampling device to address this challenge, which, combined with a β-ray absorption dust detector and an Electrical Low Pressure Impactor (ELPI+), successfully achieved the online measurement of CPM concentration and particle size characteristics. The experimental results indicate a similar trend between online and offline measurement outcomes. This method can achieve online measurements of CPM concentration and particle size characteristics. The data obtained through online measurement methods exhibit slight dispersion. However, the proposed method offers a novel perspective for measuring CPM and even total particulate matter. This method not only enhances the efficiency of CPM research, but also paves the way for the implementation of online supervision of CPM emissions—an advancement crucial for environmental oversight.
Comparative Analysis of BTM Systems Made of a Fireproof Composite Material with Nano Boron Nitride
Authors: Szabo Ioan , Mariasiu Florin , Buidin Thomas Imre Cyrille
Published: February 2025

The paper presents a numerical analysis of the possibilities of replacing the aluminum serpentines in the current construction of battery thermal management systems (BTMS) with cooling serpentines made of fireproof composite materials with high heat transfer parameters (fireproof epoxy resin + nano boron nitride). This approach was given by the need to replace aluminum (which, in case of fire, maintains and accelerates the combustion process) with fireproof materials that reduce/eliminate the fire risk due to improper battery operation. Numerical analysis methods were used through simulation to identify the most efficient design among the single-channel, multichannel, multiflow and multiple coolant inlet–outlet solutions for cooling serpentine. In addition to these geometric constructive parameters, the variation of the coolant flow rate (9, 12, 15 and 18 L/min) and coolant inlet temperature (17, 20 and 25 °C) was also considered. The obtained results showed that the single-inlet nanocomposite resin cooling serpentine four-channel configuration presents the highest cooling efficiency of the cells that form the battery module while ensuring very good thermal uniformity as well. These findings are supported by the lowest average heat absorption by the batteries, of 34.44 kJ, as well as the lowest average internal resistance difference (caused by thermal gradients), of 5.23%. Future research is needed to identify the degree of structural resistance of serpentines made of fireproof composite material to external stresses (vibrations characteristic of the operation of electric vehicles).
Stock Structure of the Gulf Hake Urophycis cirrata (Teleostei: Phycidae) in South-Western Atlantic Using Otolith Shape and Elemental Analyses
Authors: Santificetur César , Rossi-Wongtschowski Carmen Lúcia Del Bianco , Ruperti André , Almeida Agostinho , Pinto Edgar , Correia Alberto Teodorico
Published: February 2025

Urophycis cirrata is an important demersal fish species targeted by Brazilian industrial fisheries. With high exploitation rates, its stock(s) is(are) currently deemed fully exploited or overexploited. While basic ecological information, such as length at first maturity, exists, knowledge of its population structure is limited. A sub-sample of 90 sagittal otoliths of U. cirrata juveniles (300–411 mm total length) collected during the Program for Assessment of the Sustainable Potential of Living Resources in the Exclusive Economic Zone (REVIZEE) in 2001/2002 was analyzed. Samples came from the outer continental shelf and upper slope of the southeast-south Brazilian coast, divided into three regions: northern (Cabo São Tomé to São Sebastião), central (São Sebastião to Cabo Santa Marta Grande), and southern (Cabo Santa Marta Grande to Chuí). Otolith shape (elliptic Fourier descriptors) and elemental (element:Ca) signatures were examined using univariate (ANOVA, Tukey) and multivariate (MANOVA, LDFA) statistical methods. An overall reclassification success rate of 86% was achieved using both signatures. However, individuals from the three regions were not fully separable, indicating a single, albeit not homogeneous, population unit for fisheries management. As fish stocks are dynamic, contemporary studies should be conducted to verify whether this population structure persists.
Antibacterial Activity, Probiotic Potential, and Biocontrol Efficacy of Two Lactic Acid Bacteria Against Penicillium expansum on Fresh Grapes
Authors: Hou Yuting , Duan Yaoke , Wu Guofang , Zhang Jianbo , Luo Xuan , Zhang Miao , Pang Huili , Hao Yuxuan , Wang Yanping , Cai Yimin , Wang Lei , Tan Zhongfang
Published: February 2025

Lactic acid bacteria are commonly present in various sources and possess significant probiotic properties. They can inhibit pathogenic bacteria and fungi simultaneously, making them promising candidates as bio-preservatives. This study investigated two potential probiotic strains: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LR5-2 (isolated from fermented meat products) and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus SQ63 (isolated from infant feces). The study evaluated their aggregation ability, anti-pathogenic activity, safety, and tolerance to gastrointestinal conditions, phenol, and bile salts. Additionally, their biological control potential against Penicillium expansum on fresh grapes was assessed. The results demonstrated that both strains exhibited high survival rates under extreme gastrointestinal conditions, enhanced Auto-aggregation, co-aggregation, and hydrophobicity. They displayed strong antioxidant activity and significant antibacterial effects against 11 pathogenic fungi and foodborne pathogens. Biosafety testing revealed that both strains are sensitive to most antibiotics, do not produce biogenic amines, and exhibit no hemolytic or DNase activity. In grapes, L. plantarum LR5-2 and L. rhamnosus SQ63 significantly reduced the incidence and disease index of P. expansum infection. In conclusion, the characterization analysis and bio-preservation experiments revealed that LR5-2 and SQ63 have strong potential as probiotics and bio-preservatives.
The Release of Bound Phenolics to Enhance the Antioxidant Activity of Cornmeal by Liquid Fermentation with Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Zhang Ping , Zhang Jialan , Li Li , Gu Tong , Chen Suo , Wang Jinsong , Gao Mengxiang
Published: February 2025

This study investigated the influence of Bacillus subtilis fermentation on the composition of phenolic substances and antioxidant activity in cornmeal. The results indicate that the fermentation process significantly increased both the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). After 5 days of fermentation, the TPC rose from 31.68 ± 1.72 mg/g to 39.46 ± 2.95 mg/g, representing a 24.56% increase, while the TFC increased from 2.13 ± 0.11 mg/g to 7.56 ± 0.29 mg/g, marking a 254.93% increase. Additionally, the proportion of free phenolic compounds in cornmeal increased from 20.24% to 83.98%, while the proportion of bound phenolic compounds decreased from 79.76% to 16.02%. Furthermore, the hydrolytic enzyme activities of cellulase, β-glucosidase, and xylanase were significantly correlated with the free phenolic content (FPC) (r > 0.85, p < 0.05), indicating their crucial role in releasing free phenolic compounds from cornmeal. Employing scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analyses, we inferred that the enzymes produced by the microorganisms disrupted the cellular structure of cornmeal and weakened the interactions between bound phenolics and the food matrix, thereby facilitating the release of phenolic compounds. This release resulted in an overall increase in the antioxidant activity of the cornmeal. The study provided a novel approach to enhancing the bioavailability of phenolic acids in cornmeal, indicating the potential benefits of fermentation in food processing.
Qualitative Analysis of Generalized Power Nonlocal Fractional System with p-Laplacian Operator, Including Symmetric Cases: Application to a Hepatitis B Virus Model
Authors: Algolam Mohamed S. , Almalahi Mohammed A. , Suhail Muntasir , Muflh Blgys , Aldwoah Khaled , Hassan Mohammed , Islam Saeed
Published: February 2025

This paper introduces a novel framework for modeling nonlocal fractional system with a p-Laplacian operator under power nonlocal fractional derivatives (PFDs), a generalization encompassing established derivatives like Caputo–Fabrizio, Atangana–Baleanu, weighted Atangana–Baleanu, and weighted Hattaf. The core methodology involves employing a PFD with a tunable power parameter within a non-singular kernel, enabling a nuanced representation of memory effects not achievable with traditional fixed-kernel derivatives. This flexible framework is analyzed using fixed-point theory, rigorously establishing the existence and uniqueness of solutions for four symmetric cases under specific conditions. Furthermore, we demonstrate the Hyers–Ulam stability, confirming the robustness of these solutions against small perturbations. The versatility and generalizability of this framework is underscored by its application to an epidemiological model of transmission of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and numerical simulations for all four symmetric cases. This study presents findings in both theoretical and applied aspects of fractional calculus, introducing an alternative framework for modeling complex systems with memory processes, offering opportunities for more sophisticated and accurate models and new avenues for research in fractional calculus and its applications.
Multifractal Structures and the Energy-Economic Efficiency of Chinese Cities: Using a Classification-Based Multifractal Method
Authors: Wang Jiaxin , Meng Bin , Lu Feng
Published: February 2025

Improper urban spatial structure can lead to problems such as traffic congestion, long commuting times, and diseconomies of scale. Evaluating the efficiency of urban spatial structure is an important means to enhance the sustainable development of cities. The fractal method has been widely used in the identification and efficiency evaluation of urban spatial structure due to its sufficient characterization of urban complexity. However, the identification of urban fractal structures has expanded from monofractal structures to multifractal structures, while the efficiency evaluation of urban fractal structures remains limited to the single-dimensional efficiency evaluations of single fractals, seriously affecting the reliability of urban fractal structure evaluation. Therefore, this study identifies and evaluates urban spatial structure within the unified framework of multifractal analysis. Specifically, a classification-based multifractal method is introduced to identify the multifractal structure of 290 cities in China. An iterative application of the geographic detector method is used to evaluate the comprehensive energy-economic efficiency of urban multifractal structures. The results indicate that the 290 Chinese cities include 6 typical multifractal structures. The explanatory power of these six typical multifractal structures for urban energy-economic efficiency is 16.27%. The advantageous multifractal structures of cities that achieve higher energy-economic efficiency rates satisfy a cubic polynomial form. By comparing them with the advantageous multifractal structures, the main problems affecting the efficiency of urban multifractal structures in the other five types of cities are shown to include overly strong or weak concentration capacity of high-level centers, weak hierarchical structures among centers, and the spreading of low-level centers.
Fractal Analysis of Volcanic Rock Image Based on Difference Box-Counting Dimension and Gray-Level Co-Occurrence Matrix: A Case Study in the Liaohe Basin, China
Authors: Li Sijia , Wang Zhuwen , Mou Dan
Published: February 2025

Volcanic rocks, as a widely distributed rock type on the earth, are mostly buried deep within basins, and their internal structures possess characteristics by irregularity and self-similarity. In the study of volcanic rocks, accurately identifying the lithology of volcanic rocks is significant for reservoir description and reservoir evaluation. The accuracy of lithology identification can improve the success rate of petroleum exploration and development as well as the safety of engineering construction. In this study, we took the electron microscope images of four types of volcanic rocks in the Liaohe Basin as the research objects and comprehensively used the differential box-counting dimension (DBC) and the gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) to identify the lithology of volcanic rocks. Obtain the images of volcanic rocks in the research area and conduct preprocessing so that the images can meet the requirements of calculations. Firstly, calculate the different box-counting dimension. Divide the grayscale image into boxes of different scales and determine the differential box-counting dimension based on the variation of grayscale values within each box. The differential box-counting dimension of basalt ranges from 1.7 to 1.75, that of trachyte ranges from 1.82 to 1.87, that of gabbro ranges from 1.76 to 1.79, and that of diabase ranges from 1.78 to 1.82. Then, the gray-level co-occurrence matrix is utilized to extract four image texture features of volcanic rock images, namely contrast, energy, entropy, and variance. The recognition of four types of volcanic rock images is achieved by combining the different box-counting dimension and the gray-level co-occurrence matrix. This method has been experimentally verified by volcanic rock image samples. It has a relatively high accuracy in identifying the lithology of volcanic rocks and can effectively distinguish four different types of volcanic rocks. Compared with single-feature recognition methods, this approach significantly improves recognition accuracy, offers reliable technical support and a data basis for volcanic rock-related geological analyses, and drives the further development of volcanic rock research.
Integrating Renewable Fuels and Sustainable Practices in Equestrian Centers: A Model for Carbon Footprint Reduction and Environmental Impact Mitigation
Authors: Fernández-Cortés Matías , Revuelta-Aramburu Marta , Morales-Polo Carlos
Published: February 2025

This research investigates the feasibility of utilizing anaerobic digestion to produce biogas from organic waste generated at an equestrian center, emphasizing energy savings and environmental sustainability. The biogas system produces an estimated 85,495 kWh annually, surpassing the center’s electricity consumption of 18,644 kWh. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 2753 kg of CO2. Photovoltaic systems, which meet 70.77% of the energy demand, further contribute to a reduction of 1178 kg of CO2. Substituting fossil fuels with biofuels and planting 1700 trees achieved reductions of 26,263 kg of CO2 and 51,033 kg of CO2, respectively, resulting in a 49% overall carbon footprint reduction. This study evaluates the economic viability of biogas systems in the equestrian sector and optimal feedstock characteristics for efficient production. Additionally, complementary strategies, including photovoltaic solar panels and water management systems, are analyzed for their roles in promoting sustainable resource management. These integrated solutions support a transition to a circular economy while reducing environmental impacts and fostering energy independence in the equestrian industry.
Evaluation of Prenatal Transportation Stress on DNA Methylation (DNAm) and Gene Expression in the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal (HPA) Axis Tissues of Mature Brahman Cows
Authors: Earnhardt-San Audrey L. , Baker Emilie C. , Cilkiz Kubra Z. , Cardoso Rodolfo C. , Ghaffari Noushin , Long Charles R. , Riggs Penny K. , Randel Ronald D. , Riley David G. , Welsh Thomas H.
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: The experience of prenatal stress results in various physiological disorders due to an alteration of an offspring’s methylome and transcriptome. The objective of this study was to determine whether PNS affects DNA methylation (DNAm) and gene expression in the stress axis tissues of mature Brahman cows. Methods: Samples were collected from the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), anterior pituitary (PIT), and adrenal cortex (AC) of 5-year-old Brahman cows that were prenatally exposed to either transportation stress (PNS, n = 6) or were not transported (Control, n = 8). The isolated DNA and RNA samples were, respectively, used for methylation and RNA-Seq analyses. A gene ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of each data set within each sample tissue was conducted with the DAVID Functional Annotation Tool. Results: The DNAm analysis revealed 3, 64, and 99 hypomethylated and 2, 93, and 90 hypermethylated CpG sites (FDR < 0.15) within the PVN, PIT, and AC, respectively. The RNA-Seq analysis revealed 6, 25, and 5 differentially expressed genes (FDR < 0.15) in the PVN, PIT, and AC, respectively, that were up-regulated in the PNS group relative to the Control group, as well as 24 genes in the PIT that were down-regulated. Based on the enrichment analysis, several developmental and cellular processes, such as maintenance of the actin cytoskeleton, cell motility, signal transduction, neurodevelopment, and synaptic function, were potentially modulated. Conclusions: The methylome and transcriptome were altered in the stress axis tissues of mature cows that had been exposed to prenatal transportation stress. These findings are relevant to understanding how prenatal experiences may affect postnatal neurological functions.
How Do the Timing of Early Rehabilitation Together with Cognitive and Functional Variables Influence Stroke Recovery? Results from the CogniReMo Italian Multicentric Study
Authors: Mancuso Mauro , Iosa Marco , Morone Giovanni , De Bartolo Daniela , Irene Ciancarelli , Cogniremo Study Group Cogniremo Study Group
Published: February 2025

Background: The time lapse between the acute event and the beginning of rehabilitation seems to play a significant role in determining the effectiveness of rehabilitation together with the severity of neurological deficits and impairments of motor and cognitive functions. The present study aims to further explore the prognostic role of cognitive and motor functions, concerning the different times of the beginning of neurorehabilitation. Methods: A secondary examination was conducted by applying a cluster analysis on the data of 386 stroke patients in the subacute phase who were enrolled in the Cognitive and Recovery of Motor Functions (CogniReMo) study. Results: The Barthel Index at the admission predicts clinical outcome: if BI was 0, it was on average 28.7 ± 24.1 at discharge. For patients with Barthel Index <15 at discharge, the discriminant was unaltered executive functions having an average output of 61.3 instead of 45.5. In the range of BI at admission between 16 and 45, the discriminant variable was to have an NIHSS ≤ 5 to obtain a high outcome (BI = 75.4 instead of BI = 61.9). Subjects with a BI at admission >45 were the best responders to rehabilitation, with a mean BI at discharge of 85 if they have alteration in spatial attention, and 95.3 if they have no deficits in spatial attention. Also, for inpatients hospitalized in a period ranging from the 20th to the 37th day after stroke, spatial attention was a discriminant variable to have a poor outcome (BI = 34.3) vs. a good one (BI = 76.7). Conclusions: The algorithm identified a hierarchical decision tree that might assume a significant role for clinicians in defining an appropriate rehabilitation pathway, depending on the time of rehabilitation beginning and the severity of motor and cognitive deficits.
Effectiveness of Simulation with a Standardized Patient on Knowledge Acquisition, Knowledge Retention, and Self-Efficacy Among Moroccan Nursing Students: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Blaak Hicham , Lkoul Abdelmajid , Iziki Hayat , Arechkik Abderrahman , Sbai Idrissi Karim , El Hilali Samia , Razine Rachid , Belyamani Lahcen , Kharabch Ahmed , Obtel Majdouline
Published: February 2025

Background: Simulation is a crucial component in the training of healthcare professionals, offering a safe environment for practical learning without posing risks to patients. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the effect of simulation with a standardized patient on the acquisition and retention of knowledge, as well as on the self-efficacy of nursing students. Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a pre-test and post-test design was conducted with 120 nursing students, who were randomly assigned to two groups. The experimental group (60) received training through simulation with a standardized patient, supplemented by a lecture-based course. The control group (60) received only the same lecture-based course. A pre-test was conducted to assess students’ baseline knowledge and self-efficacy before any intervention. Student performance was then assessed with a post-test immediately after the training to measure knowledge acquisition and self-efficacy and a post-test three months after the intervention to measure long-term knowledge retention. Results: The results showed a statistically significant difference in mean scores between the intervention and control groups in terms of knowledge acquisition (14.92 vs. 13.32; p < 0.001; d = 0.99), self-efficacy (33.02 vs. 31.05; p < 0.001; d = 1.03) and knowledge retention three months after training (12.4 vs. 10.6; p < 0.001; d = 0.94). Conclusions: The results of this study confirmed the effectiveness of simulation in knowledge acquisition and retention, as well as in the self-efficacy of nursing students. These findings support the integration of this method into training programs to strengthen the skills of future healthcare professionals.
Upregulation of Autophagy During the Differentiation of Primary Human Term Cytotrophoblast Cells into Syncytial Cells: Ultrastructural Analysis
Authors: Tozawa Shohei , Takahashi Hironori , Noguchi Syunya , Takizawa Takami , Sakurai Takanobu , Ohkuchi Akihide , Fujiwara Hiroyuki , Takizawa Toshihiro
Published: February 2025

The villous trophoblast cells are of fundamental importance because they fulfill a variety of functions that are vital for the growth of the fetus and the maintenance of pregnancy. A simple in vitro villous trophoblast cell model that grows on standard tissue culture plates has been utilized for various functional studies on villous trophoblast cells. Despite the potential value of incorporating electron microscopy analysis in reports on functional analysis of primary human trophoblast cells, electron microscopy analysis is exclusively ancillary to functional analysis in previous publications. In the context of autophagy research of villous trophoblast cells using primary trophoblast cells, a detailed ultrastructural analysis of autophagy flux using electron microscopy is imperative; however, it has not been conducted to date. In this study, we isolated term villous trophoblast cells (i.e., cytotrophoblast cells, CTB cells) using the most up-to-date isolation method for isolating pure CTB cells from human term placenta and investigated the ultrastructural dynamic process of autophagy of cultured CTB cells by means of transmission electron microscopy. The initial 6 h culture resulted in CTB cell aggregation; however, the majority of CTB cells did not differentiate into syncytial cells. In contrast, after 72 h, CTB cells exhibited a promotion of differentiation into syncytial cells. The electron microscopy analysis revealed the upregulation of autophagy and visualized unique autophagic profiles during differentiation into syncytial cells, which exhibited perinuclear accumulation of extremely large autophagosomes/autolysosomes. This study provides novel insights into the reproductive biology of primary trophoblast cells, thereby demonstrating the substantial value of primary trophoblast cells as research resources.
From Cell Clones to Recombinant Protein Product Heterogeneity in Chinese Hamster Ovary Cell Systems
Authors: Wang Chong , Guo Xiao , Wang Wen , Li Jia-Xin , Wang Tian-Yun
Published: February 2025

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are commonly used to produce recombinant therapeutic proteins (RTPs). The yield of RTPs in CHO cells has been greatly improved through cell editing and optimization of culture media, cell culture processes, and expression vectors. However, the heterogeneity of cell clones and product aggregation considerably affect the yield and quality of RTPs. Recently, novel technologies such as semi-targeted and site-specific transgene integration, endoplasmic reticulum-residents, and cell culture process optimization have been used to address these issues. In this review, novel developments in the field of CHO cell expression system heterogeneity are summarized. Moreover, the advantages and limitations of the new strategies are discussed, and important methods for the control of RTP quality are outlined.
Predicting Which Mitophagy Proteins Are Dysregulated in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 (SCA3) Using the Auto-p2docking Pipeline
Authors: Vieira Jorge , Barros Mariana , López-Fernández Hugo , Glez-Peña Daniel , Nogueira-Rodríguez Alba , Vieira Cristina P.
Published: February 2025

Dysfunctional mitochondria are present in many neurodegenerative diseases, such as spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), also known as Machado–Joseph disease (MJD). SCA3/MJD, the most frequent neurodegenerative ataxia worldwide, is caused by the abnormal expansion of the polyglutamine tract (polyQ) at ataxin-3. This protein is known to deubiquitinate key proteins such as Parkin, which is required for mitophagy. Ataxin-3 also interacts with Beclin1 (essential for initiating autophagosome formation adjacent to mitochondria), as well as with the mitochondrial cristae protein TBK1. To identify other proteins of the mitophagy pathway (according to the KEGG database) that can interact with ataxin-3, here we developed a pipeline for in silico analyses of protein–protein interactions (PPIs), called auto-p2docking. Containerized in Docker, auto-p2docking ensures reproducibility and reduces the number of errors through its simplified configuration. Its architecture consists of 22 modules, here used to develop 12 protocols but that can be specified according to user needs. In this work, we identify 45 mitophagy proteins as putative ataxin-3 interactors (53% are novel), using ataxin-3 interacting regions for validation. Furthermore, we predict that ataxin-3 interactors from both Parkin-independent and -dependent mechanisms are affected by the polyQ expansion.
Predictors of Visceral Infectious Aneurysms in Patients with Infective Endocarditis and Systemic Embolization
Authors: Boukobza Monique , Ilic-Habensus Emila , Duval Xavier , Laissy Jean-Pierre
Published: February 2025

Background: To study whether infective endocarditis patients (IE-patients) with visceral embolic events (VEEs) at admission are at greater risk of developing visceral infectious aneurysms (VIAs) in left-sided infective endocarditis (LSIE) patients. Methods: We compared the data of prospectively collected 474 consecutive LSIE-patients (2005–2020) with and without VIAs. A whole-body-CTA was part of the initial work-up for all patients. Results: A total of 24 patients (5.1%) with VIA were included, of whom 19 (79.2%) had at least one VEE, compared to a proportion of 34% (p < 0.001) in IE-patients without VIAs. Both groups also differed in terms of vegetation size (>15 mm: 48% vs. 18%, p < 0.001), microorganisms, Streptococcus spp. (68.5% vs. 42%, p = 0.003), rare microorganisms (36% vs. 8.3%, p < 0.001) and concomitant extra-visceral infectious aneurysms (42% vs. 12.8%, p < 0.001). Cardiac surgery was performed in 21 patients (87.5%) and in-hospital mortality occurred in 2 (8%). Conclusions: This study shows a different profile of VIA–LSIE patients compared to LSIE-patients without. Streptococcus species were the most frequent causal agents. Our study indicates that the presence of VEEs in LSIE-patients could suggest an increased risk of VIA. This study also shows the need for further abdominal-CTA in all cases of left sided IE to detect asymptomatic visceral aneurysms.