bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Bearing Capacity Characteristics of Cave Piles
Authors: Ou Lixin , Huang Yufeng , Chen Xu , Xue Yang , Li Qingfu , Guo Biao
Published: January 2025

To investigate the load-bearing characteristics of a pile foundation with multiple piles passing through karst caves and the extent of the caves’ influence, this study takes the Qihe Bridge, a key project of the second section of the Anhe Expressway, as a case study. Field tests on the bearing capacity of the pile foundation, passing through underlying karst caves, were conducted. Piles passing through the caves were selected as test piles, and a finite element analysis of the Qihe Bridge pile foundation structure was performed using Midas GTS NX 2022 software. After verifying the accuracy of the software’s calculation results, this study further explored the distribution patterns of factors such as axial force, side friction resistance, settlement, and relative displacement between the pile and soil with respect to the position of the pile. Special attention was given to monitoring locations at the interface between rock and soil layers, as well as within the depth range of the karst caves. The horizontal axial force on the piles was found to increase with the depth of the caves. By analyzing the distribution patterns of axial force, side friction resistance, settlement, and pile–soil relative displacement, the study clarifies the mechanism by which karst caves affect the load-bearing behavior of pile foundations.
Benign or Malignant? Ex Vivo Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy for Bedside Histological Assessment of Melanocytic Lesions
Authors: Deußing Maximilian , Buttgereit Lisa , Maurer Michaela , Swarlik Alisa , Stärr Lara , Ohlmann Andreas , Kerl-French Katrin , Flaig Michael , Sattler Elke , French Lars , Hartmann Daniela
Published: January 2025

Objective: Ex vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy (EVCM) is an emerging imaging technique, which offers rapid tissue examination. While the current literature shows promising results in the evaluation of non-melanoma skin cancer, only limited research exists on the application of EVCM in melanocytic lesions. This study aimed to assess the utility of EVCM in the characterization of melanocytic lesions and compare its findings with gold-standard histopathology. Methods: A total of 130 skin lesions, including 76 benign and 54 malignant melanocytic lesions, were prospectively collected and imaged using EVCM. Three blinded investigators were asked to identify characteristic morphologic features observed in the lesions and classify them into benign vs. malignant. The results were then compared with the corresponding histopathology. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated using contingency tables to assess the diagnostic performance. Results: The application of EVCM allowed for the visualization of cellular and tissue-level details, including cellular pleomorphism and atypical melanocytes. A comprehensive list of benign and malignant features identified by EVCM was compiled. Using these diagnostic criteria, the imaging of the inexperienced and dermatohistopathology-experienced investigator reached 67.7% concordance, and the imaging trained dermatologist obtained 69.2% agreement with dermatohistopathology in differentiating benign vs. malignant lesions. The imaging-trained dermatohistopathologist performed best with concordance up to 79.2%. Conclusions: In conclusion, EVCM is a promising technique for the rapid assessment of melanocytic lesions. Our study provides a comprehensive overview of morphologic EVCM features, which will contribute to the development of diagnostic algorithms for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning. Further studies are needed to evaluate its clinical utility and validate our diagnostic criteria.
Association of Proteasome Activity and Pool Heterogeneity with Markers Determining the Molecular Subtypes of Breast Cancer
Authors: Kondakova Irina , Sereda Elena , Sidenko Evgeniya , Vtorushin Sergey , Vedernikova Valeria , Burov Alexander , Spirin Pavel , Prassolov Vladimir , Lebedev Timofey , Morozov Alexey , Karpov Vadim
Published: January 2025

Background: Proteasomes degrade intracellular proteins. Different proteasome forms were identified. Proteasome inhibitors are used in cancer therapy, and novel drugs directed to specific proteasome forms are developed. Breast cancer (BC) therapy depends on the subtype of the tumor, determined by the expression level of Ki67, HER-2, estrogen and progesterone receptors. Relationships between the presence of specific proteasome forms and proteins that determine the BC subtype remain unclear. Here, using gene expression data in 19,145 tumor samples from 144 datasets and tissues from 159 patients with different subtypes of BC, we investigated the association between the activity and expression of proteasomes and levels of BC subtype markers. Methods: Bioinformatic analysis of proteasome subunit (PSMB1-10) gene expression in BC was performed. Proteasome heterogeneity in BC cell lines was investigated by qPCR. By Western blotting, proteasome composition was assessed in cells and patient tissue lysates. Proteasome activities were studied using fluorogenic substrates. BC molecular subtypes were determined by immunohistochemistry. Results: BC subtypes demonstrate differing proteasome subunit expression pattern and strong PSMB8-10 co-correlation in tumors. A significant increase in chymotrypsin- and caspase-like proteasome activities in BC compared to adjacent tissues was revealed. The subunit composition of proteasomes in tumor tissues of BC subtypes varied. Regression analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between proteasome activities and the expression of Ki67, estrogen receptors and progesterone receptors. Conclusion: BC subtypes demonstrate differences within the proteasome pool. Correlations between the proteasome activity, hormone receptors and Ki67 indicate possible mutual influence. Obtained results facilitate development of novel drug combinations for BC therapy.
Small Extracellular Vesicles Promote Axon Outgrowth by Engaging the Wnt-Planar Cell Polarity Pathway
Authors: Ahmad Samar , Christova Tania , Pye Melanie , Narimatsu Masahiro , Song Siyuan , Wrana Jeffrey L. , Attisano Liliana
Published: January 2025

In neurons, the acquisition of a polarized morphology is achieved upon the outgrowth of a single axon from one of several neurites. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), such as exosomes, from diverse sources are known to promote neurite outgrowth and thus may have therapeutic potential. However, the effect of fibroblast-derived exosomes on axon elongation in neurons of the central nervous system under growth-permissive conditions remains unclear. Here, we show that fibroblast-derived sEVs promote axon outgrowth and a polarized neuronal morphology in mouse primary embryonic cortical neurons. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that the sEV-induced increase in axon outgrowth requires endogenous Wnts and core PCP components including Prickle, Vangl, Frizzled, and Dishevelled. We demonstrate that sEVs are internalized by neurons, colocalize with Wnt7b, and induce relocalization of Vangl2 to the distal axon during axon outgrowth. In contrast, sEVs derived from neurons or astrocytes do not promote axon outgrowth, while sEVs from activated astrocytes inhibit elongation. Thus, our data reveal that fibroblast-derived sEVs promote axon elongation through the Wnt-PCP pathway in a manner that is dependent on endogenous Wnts.
Influence of Cell Geometry on the Mechanical and Failure Characteristics of 3D Voronoi Hydroxyapatite Through the Stereolithography Technique
Authors: Arab Ali , Sktani Zhwan Dilshad Ibrahim , Alknery Zainab , Zhang Chunwei
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the design and mechanical evaluation of hydroxyapatite (HAp) scaffolds for bone tissue engineering, using stereolithography (SLA) to fabricate homogeneous and hollow elongated Voronoi structures. HAp, known for its biocompatibility and biodegradability, was selected to create scaffolds with a structure that supports cell growth. Both scaffold designs were tested under compression to measure key properties, including compressive strength, Young’s modulus, stiffness, and energy absorption. The homogeneous design demonstrated superior mechanical properties, achieving a maximum load of 913.6 N at a displacement of 0.166 mm and a stiffness of 5162.8 N/mm, indicating a higher load-bearing capacity and energy absorption compared to the hollow design. Despite these strengths, failure analysis revealed early fractures at strut junctions, particularly in slender areas, leading to fluctuations in the load–displacement curve and suggesting a risk to neighboring tissues in practical applications. These findings underscore the potential of Voronoi-based scaffolds for orthopedic use, while also highlighting the need for structural refinements to improve scaffold durability and clinical effectiveness.
The Association of Vitamin D, Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), and Glial Cell-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) with Development in Children
Authors: Dewi Mia Milanti , Imron Akhmad , Risan Nelly Amalia , Mediana Grace , Judistiani Raden Tina Dewi , Setiabudiawan Budi
Published: January 2025

Background: Short stature remains a global problem and is associated with vitamin D status. Vitamin D is also a neurosteroid with regard to neurotrophic factors but its role in development is unclear. Therefore, this study analyzed the relationships between vitamin D, NGF, GDNF, and BDNF and developmental status in children with a history of short stature (<2 years). Methods: This research is a prospective cross-sectional study conducted in March 2022. The vitamin D, NGF, GDNF, and BDNF levels were measured in stored biological materials from children aged 2–4 years, and their Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) scores were also assessed. The results were analyzed via the chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, Mann–Whitney test for NGF, unpaired t-test, and Spearman rank correlation. Results: Among the 85 study subjects, 41.2% were short in stature, with 37% having developmental deviation. Male sex (p = 0.038) and low maternal education (p = 0.024) were associated with short stature. The mean vitamin D level was lower (p = 0.041) in children with short stature (27.65 ng/dL). The risk factors associated with short stature were vitamin D levels ≤ 32.7 ng/dL, GDNF levels ≤ 12.99 ng/mL, male sex, and low maternal education. Children with short stature (<2 years old) also demonstrated impaired problem-solving as assessed by the ASQ-3 (p = 0.005). Vitamin D was also associated with gross motor skills (p = 0.035) and personal social development (p = 0.038). Conclusions: There was no association of vitamin D with NGF, GDNF, or BDNF levels. Vitamin D levels are associated with short stature and development in children, especially gross motor skills, personal social development, and problem solving.
Application of Machine Learning in Terahertz-Based Nondestructive Testing of Thermal Barrier Coatings with High-Temperature Growth Stresses
Authors: Xu Zhou , Ye Dongdong , Yin Changdong , Wu Yiwen , Chen Suqin , Ge Xin , Wang Peiyong , Huang Xinchun , Liu Qiang
Published: January 2025

The gradual growth of oxides inside thermal barrier coatings is a key factor leading to the degradation of thermal barrier coating performance until its failure, and accurate monitoring of the growth stress during this process is crucial to ensure the long-term stable operation of engines. In this study, terahertz time-domain spectroscopy was introduced as a new method to characterize the growth stress in thermal barrier coatings. By combining metallographic analysis and scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation techniques, the real microstructure of the oxide layer was obtained, and an accurate simulation model of the oxide growth was constructed on this basis. The elastic solutions of the thermally grown oxide layer of thermal insulation coatings were obtained by using the controlling equations in the rate-independent theoretical model, and the influence of the thickness of the thermally grown oxide (TGO) layer on the stress distribution was explored. Based on experimental data, multidimensional 3D numerical models of thermal barrier coatings with different TGO thicknesses were constructed, and the terahertz time-domain responses of oxide coatings with different thicknesses were simulated using the time-domain finite difference method to simulate the actual inspection scenarios. During the simulation process, white noise with signal-to-noise ratios of 10 dB to 20 dB was embedded to approximate the actual detection environment. After adding the noise, wavelet transform (WT) was used to reduce the noise in the data. The results showed that the wavelet transform had excellent noise reduction performance. For the problems due to the large data volume and small sample data after noise reduction, local linear embedding (LLE) and kernel-based extreme learning machine (KELM) were used, respectively, and the kernel function was optimized using the gray wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm to improve the model’s immunity to interference. Experimental validation showed that the proposed LLE-GWO-KELM hybrid model performed well in predicting the TGO growth stress of thermal insulation coatings. In this study, a novel, efficient, nondestructive, online, and high-precision measurement method for the growth in TGO stress of thermal barrier coatings was developed, which provides reliable technical support for evaluating the service life of thermal barrier coatings.
Mapping the Distribution and Population Status of Alosa immaculata and Alosa tanaica (Teleostei, Clupeidae) in the Bulgarian Black Sea Area
Authors: Rozdina Desislava , Stoyanova Yana , Terziyski Georgi , Studenkov Slavi , Karakushev Boris , Delov Venceslav , Mihaylov Konstantin , Kozhuharov Dimitar , Kutsarov Yordan , Kolev Nikolay , Nedyalkov Nikolay , Natchev Nikolay
Published: January 2025

(1) Background: To date, data concerning the population of Alosa immaculata and Alosa tanaica from the marine waters of Bulgaria are rather scarce. In the range of a project for mapping the Bulgarian marine protected sites from the network NATURA 2000, we provide an intense investigation of the biology and distribution of both Alosa species. (2) Methods: A trawling survey was carried out within 102 predefined sampling plots of 10 × 10 km grid cells (93 cells on the continental shelf, up to 100 m depth, and 9 offshore cells). In some coastal regions, sampling was conducted with gill nets of different mesh sizes (28 mm to 36 mm). Analysis of the suitability of the occupied habitat of both species was carried out using the MAXENT v 3.4.0 software application. The status of the populations was studied based on the parameters abundance (ind./km−2), biomass (kg/km−2), size, sex structure, maturity, and food spectrum. (3) Results: Out of 102 transects studied, A. immaculata was found in 12 transects and A. tanaica in 13. A total of 408 fish specimens were captured, out of which 313 were A. immaculata and 95 were A. tanaica. Both species were distributed along Bulgaria’s entire Black Sea coast, with a numerical prevalence of the catches in the southern part. The population size of A. immaculata for the number of individuals on a biographical level in the Marine Black Sea Biographic Region (MBLS) was a minimum of 100,255 individuals and a maximum of 526,408 individuals (the average was 313,286). The population size for A. tanaica was a minimum of 28,183 individuals and a maximum of 449,549 individuals (an average of 238,866). The current population density of A. immaculata in the MBLS was 25.98 ind./km−2, and for A. tanaica, it was 19.00 ind./km−2. The current biomass of the population of A. immaculata in the MBLS was 3.44 kg/km−2, and the population of A. tanaica was 0.53 kg/km−2. The sex ratio for A. immaculata was 1 male:2.6 females, and for A. tanaica, 1 male:3.8 females. Both shad species were feeding with less intensity or not feeding during the winter. The diversity in the food spectrum of A. tanaica was more limited compared to that of A. immaculata. (4) Conclusions: Key parameters for the Bulgarian Black Sea Exclusive Economic Zone indicate current stability in the resources of A. immaculata and A. tanaica and more favorable conditions for the populations in the Natura 2000 sites compared to that outside the Natura 2000. The results of this study should be used to develop management plans for marine protected areas, and future monitoring projects should follow the sampling protocol.
The Role of NT-proBNP Levels in the Diagnosis of Hypertensive Heart Disease
Authors: Mouzarou Angeliki , Hadjigeorgiou Nikoleta , Melanarkiti Despo , Plakomyti Theodora Eleni
Published: January 2025

Hypertension is a major risk factor of various cardiac complications, including hypertensive heart disease (HHD). This condition can lead to a number of structural and functional changes in the heart, such as left ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, and, eventually, systolic dysfunction. In the management of hypertensive heart disease, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for preventing the progression to congestive heart failure. One potential diagnostic marker that has gained attention in recent years is the N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). The natriuretic peptides, including the brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and its inactive N-terminal fragment, are secreted by the myocardium in response to increased wall stress and volume overload. In patients with hypertensive heart disease, increased NT-proBNP levels may reflect the structural and functional changes occurring in the myocardium as a result of chronic pressure overload. Several studies have investigated the diagnostic utility of NT-proBNP in hypertensive heart disease. NT-proBNP levels can be a useful adjunct in the diagnosis of hypertensive heart disease, particularly in the assessment of diastolic dysfunction and left ventricular hypertrophy. This review paper explores the role of NT-proBNP levels in the diagnosis of hypertensive heart disease.
Robotic Surgery from a Gynaecological Oncology Perspective: A Global Gynaecological Oncology Surgical Outcomes Collaborative Led Study (GO SOAR3)
Authors: Gaba Faiza , Ash Karen , Blyuss Oleg , Chandrasekaran Dhivya , Nobbenhuis Marielle , Ind Thomas , Brockbank Elly ,   on behalf of the GO SOAR Collaborators
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: For healthcare institutions developing a robotic programme, delivering value for patients, clinicians, and payers is key. However, the impact on the surgeon, training pathways, and logistics are often overlooked. We conducted a study on the impact of robotic surgery on surgeons, access to robotic surgical training, and factors associated with developing a successful robotic programme. Method: In our international mixed-methods study, a customised web-based survey was circulated to gynaecological oncologists. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test and Fisher’s exact test, tested the hypothesis of the differences in continuous and categorical variables. Multiple linear regression was used to model the effect of variables on outcomes adjusting for gender, age, and postgraduate experience. Outcomes included situational awareness, surgeon fatigue/stress, and the surgical learning curve. Qualitative data were collected via in-depth semi-structured interviews using an inductive theoretical framework to explore access to surgical training and logistical considerations in the development of a successful robotic programme. Results: In total, 94%, 45%, and 48% of survey respondents (n = 152) stated that robotic surgery was less physically tiring/mentally tiring/stressful in comparison to laparoscopic surgery. Our data suggest gender differences in the robotics learning curve with men six times more likely to state robotic surgery had negatively impacted their situational awareness in the operating theatre (OR = 6.35, p ≤ 0.001) and 2.5 times more likely to state it had negatively impacted their surgical ability due to lack of haptic feedback in comparison to women (OR = 2.62, p = 0.046). Women were more risk-averse in case selection, but there were no self-reported differences in the intra-operative complication rates between male and female surgeons (OR = 1, p = 0.1). In total, 22/25 robotically trained surgeons interviewed did not follow a structured curriculum of learning. Low and middle income country centres had less access to robotic surgery. The success of robotic programmes was measured by the number of cases performed per annum, with 74% of survey respondents stating that introducing robotics increased the proportion of surgeries performed by minimal access surgery. There was a distinct lack of knowledge on the environmental impact of robotic surgery. Conclusions: Whilst robotic surgery is considered a landmark innovation in surgery, it must be responsibly implemented through effective training and waste minimisation, which must be a key metric in measuring the success of robotic programmes.
ASILO-Based Active Fault-Tolerant Control of Spacecraft Attitude with Resilient Prescribed Performance
Authors: Yang Ze , Yang Baoqing , Ji Ruihang , Ma Jie
Published: January 2025

In this study, an active fault-tolerant control problem was addressed for a rigid spacecraft in the presence of unknown actuator faults, uncertainties, and disturbances. First, an adaptive sliding mode iterative learning-based observer (ASILO) is proposed for diagnosing and reconstructing unknown faults. It achieves greater accuracy and rapidity while consuming less computing resources by constructing adaptive gain based on an auxiliary error. Specifically, it significantly improved the computational efficiency by 76% compared with the Strong Tracking Kalman Filter while achieving a similar accuracy. It also enhanced the accuracies relative to the traditional ILO and adaptive ILO by 67% and 36%, respectively, and demonstrated 82% and 52% increases in rapidity. Then, fault-tolerant control with resilient prescribed performance (RPP) that can adapt to changing initial conditions and adaptively adjust performance constraints online by sensing faults and error trends is proposed. It avoided the control singularity by constructing adaptive resilient boundaries with almost no impact on the computational overhead. It significantly improved the performance and conservatism. Finally, the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed strategy were demonstrated by numerical simulations.
Intrusion Detection System Based on Multi-Level Feature Extraction and Inductive Network
Authors: Mao Junyi , Yang Xiaoyu , Hu Bo , Lu Yizhen , Yin Guangqiang
Published: January 2025

With the rapid development of the internet, network security threats are becoming increasingly complex and diverse, making traditional intrusion detection systems (IDSs) inadequate for handling the growing variety of sophisticated attacks. In particular, traditional methods based on rule matching and manual feature extraction demonstrate significant limitations in dealing with small samples and unknown attacks. This paper proposes an intrusion detection system based on multi-level feature extraction and inductive learning (MFEI-IDS) to address these challenges. The model innovatively integrates Fully Convolutional Networks (FCNs) with the Transformer architecture (FCN–Transformer) for feature extraction and utilizes an inductive learning component for efficient classification. The FCN–Transformer Encoder extracts multi-level features from raw network traffic, capturing local spatial patterns and global temporal dependencies, significantly enhancing the representation of network traffic while reducing reliance on manual feature engineering. The inductive learning module employs a dynamic routing mechanism to map sample feature vectors into robust class vector representations, achieving superior generalization when detecting unseen attack types. Compared to existing FCN–Transformer models, MFEI-IDS incorporates inductive learning to handle data imbalance and small-sample scenarios. Experiments on ISCX 2012 and CIC-IDS 2017 datasets show that MFEI-IDS outperforms mainstream IDS methods in accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score, excelling in cross-dataset validation and demonstrating strong generalization capabilities. These results validate the practical potential of MFEI-IDS in small-sample learning, unknown attack detection, and dynamic network environments.
DBD-Net: Dual-Branch Decoder Network with a Multiscale Cascaded Residual Module for Ship Segmentation
Authors: Ding Xiajun , Jiang Xiaodan , Jiang Xiaoliang
Published: January 2025

The segmentation of visible ship images is an important part of intelligent ship monitoring systems. However, this task is faced with many difficulties in practical applications, such as complex background environments, variations in illumination, and target scale changes. In view of these situations, we present a dual-branch decoder network with a multiscale cascaded residual module for ship segmentation. Specifically, in the encoding stage, we introduce a multiscale cascaded residual module as a replacement for traditional convolution layers. By leveraging its multiscale architecture, the module effectively captures both the global context and fine-grained details. In the decoding phase, our framework incorporates two parallel branches, both of which utilize the cascading residual module to enhance feature extraction and representation. Additionally, one of the branches is equipped with spatial attention and channel attention mechanisms. Finally, comprehensive tests were conducted on the publicly available ship datasets MariBoatsSubclass and SeaShipsSeg. Our proposed network achieved impressive results, with Dice, Recall, Mcc, and Jaccard scores of 0.9003, 0.9105, 0.8706, and 0.8197 on the MariBoatsSubclass dataset. Similarly, it demonstrated outstanding performance on the SeaShipsSeg dataset, attaining Dice, Recall, Mcc, and Jaccard scores of 0.9538, 0.9501, 0.9519, and 0.9129, respectively. These results highlight the superior accuracy and robustness of DBD-Net in segmenting and detecting ships across diverse scenarios and datasets.
Development and Implementation of the MPPT Based on Incremental Conductance for Voltage and Frequency Control in Single-Stage DC-AC Converters
Authors: Ramírez Torres Javier Alonso , Lastres Danguillecourt Orlando , González Domínguez Roberto Adrián , Ibáñez Duharte Guillermo Rogelio , Verea Valladares Laura Elena , Pantoja Enríquez Joel , Enríquez Santiago Jesús Antonio , López López Andrés , Verde Añorve Antonio
Published: January 2025

This paper presents the design, simulation, and experimental evaluation of a low-cost, fixed-step MPPT algorithm based on the incremental conductance technique for operation in a low-power photovoltaic (PV) system with a full-bridge DC-AC converter. The performance of the MPPT algorithm was improved by selecting an appropriate fixed perturbation step size and frequency, ensuring efficient power tracking. The implementation was further optimized by restructuring the conventional algorithm and adapting the DC-AC converter control parameters, which enhanced overall performance and optimized coupling for AC loads. The simulation was performed in Simulink/Matlab with a 560 Wp PV system and a resistive load, under variable irradiation conditions. The perturbation step size was set to 1%, and the perturbation frequency ranged between 2 Hz and 15 Hz, with the converter output at 60 Hz. Experimentally, it was validated at an irradiance of 1000 W/m2 and an ambient temperature of 45 °C. The algorithm achieved simulation efficiencies of up to 98.93% and an average experimental efficiency of 96.76%. The response time improved by 86% with a perturbation frequency of 15 Hz. This developed MPPT algorithm demonstrates its reliability, accuracy, and feasibility for implementation.
The Effect of Contaminants and Temperatures of a High-Palm-Oil Biodiesel Blend on the Lifetime of a Diesel Fuel Filter
Authors: Haryono Ihwan , Suryantoro Muchammad Taufiq , Kurniawan Ade , Ma’ruf Muhammad , Rochmanto Budi , Setiapraja Hari , Rohman Ahmad Taufiqur , Soewono Respatya Teguh , Yuwono Taufik , Auzani Ahmad Syihan
Published: January 2025

The use of a high concentration of biodiesel blends has been implemented nationally in Indonesia as part of the government’s program to increase energy security and improve environmental quality. However, a high concentration of biodiesel, specifically a blending volume of 30% (B30), leads to a shorter fuel filter lifetime compared with pure diesel fuel (B0), due to the precipitation of impurities from biodiesel and the presence of contaminants from the environment. A study was conducted involving a rig test to evaluate the effect of using B30 on filter lifetime, referred to as JIS D1617:1998. The results showed that the temperature and cleanliness of the biodiesel had a strong influence on filter blocking. B30 with an ISO cleanliness of 22/21/17 without added standard dust contaminants at 15 °C for 48 h produced larger amounts of deposits compared to B0 with an ISO cleanliness of 16/13/7 with the addition of 1 g of contaminant for the same treatment. B30 with 1 g of additional contaminants soaked at 15 °C produced a larger amount of deposit than B30 with 2 g of added contaminant soaked at ~27 °C. The weighing of the used filters showed that deposits that originated from biodiesel impurities and precipitations were the dominant material causing a reduced fuel filter lifetime. In addition to the cleanliness factor, a decrease in the micron rating of the filter resulted in a shorter filter lifetime.
Clustering Analysis for Active and Reactive Energy Consumption Data Based on AMI Measurements
Authors: Bustos-Brinez Oscar A. , Rosero Garcia Javier
Published: January 2025

Electrical data analysis based on smart grids has become a fundamental tool used by electrical grid stakeholders to understand the energy consumption patterns of users, although many proposals in this area do not consider reactive energy as another source of useful information regarding distribution costs and threats to the grid. In this regard, the analysis of reactive energy patterns can become an extremely useful addition to existing electrical data analysis frameworks. This work shows the application of a series of clustering techniques over measurements of both active and reactive energy consumption measured for end users from the Colombian electrical network, including an analysis of the efficiency of the network measured by calculating the ratio of active energy to total consumption (power factor) per user. This allows a detailed characterization of users to be compiled, based on the identification of different active and reactive energy consumption behaviors, which could help grid operators to improve overall grid management and to increase the efficiency of their reactive energy compensation strategies.
Quantification of Soil Water Dynamics Response to Rainfall in Forested Hillslope Based on Soil Water Potential Measurement
Authors: Yang Ruxin , Wang Fei , Tang Xiangyu , Cui Junfang , Wang Genxu , Guo Li , Zhang Han
Published: January 2025

Soil hydrological response is crucial for controlling water flow and biogeochemical processes on hillslopes. Understanding soil water dynamics in response to rainfall is essential for accurate hydrological modeling but remains challenging in humid mountainous regions characterized by high antecedent moisture and substantial heterogeneity. We sought to elucidate soil water response patterns to rainfall by estimating lag time, wetting front velocity, rainfall threshold, and preferential flow (PF) frequency in 166 rainfall events across 36 sites on two hillslopes within the Hailuogou catchment, located on the eastern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Results indicated that over 90% of the events triggered rapid soil water potential (SWP) responses to depths of 100 cm, with faster responses observed at steeper upslope positions with thinner O horizons. Even light rainfall (2–3 mm) was sufficient to trigger SWP responses. PF was prevalent across the hillslopes, with higher occurrence frequencies at upslope and downslope positions due to steep terrain and consistently moist conditions, respectively. Using the Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS) model, we found that site factors (e.g., soil properties and topography) had a greater influence on SWP responses than rainfall characteristics or antecedent soil wetness conditions. These findings highlighted the value of SWP in capturing soil water dynamics and enhancing the understanding and modeling of complex hillslope hydrological processes.
Fitting and Evaluating Taper Functions to Predict Upper Stem Diameter of Planted Teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) in Eastern and Central Regions of Nepal
Authors: Pokhrel Nawa Raj , Subedi Mukti Ram , Malego Bibek
Published: January 2025

Teak [Tectona grandis L.f.] has a wide distribution range in tropical countries and is Nepal’s second most planted commercial tree species. This study aimed to develop a robust and reliable taper equation for Teak species in Nepal. To achieve this, 15 parametric taper equations were fitted and evaluated using the diameter and height data of 100 trees sampled from two stands of the Sagarnath Plantation projects, Nepal. The data set was split into training (90%) and testing (10%) sets based on the trees’ ID, and model fitting was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, nonlinear models were fitted to the training data using 10-fold cross-validation, and the performance was evaluated based on fit and validation statistics. The top five models were further analyzed in the second phase using a mixed effects framework to account for variance and correlation structures. The modified Bi model performed best under a fixed effects modeling framework (R2 = 0.96, RMSE = 1.83 cm). However, the Sharma and Zhang model performed the best under a mixed-effects modeling framework (R2 = 0.97, RMSE = 1.54 cm). Therefore, we suggest using the modified Bi under fixed effects and variable exponent equation of Sharma and Zhang under mixed-effects modeling as a taper equation for Teak. The Sharma and Zhang’s equation is recommended for its high accuracy and better performance over previously recommended variable exponents equations.
Projecting the Shift of Chub Mackerel (Scomber japonicus) Spawning Grounds Driven by Climate Change in the Western North Pacific Ocean
Authors: Go Seonggil , Lee Joon-ho , Jung Sukgeun
Published: January 2025

Spawning grounds may shift due to climate change and subsequent variations in the marine environment, but few studies have aimed to project shifts in the spawning grounds of chub mackerel driven by climate change. We projected the effects of climate change on the spawning grounds of chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) by developing and applying a suitable spawning ground index based on a regional ocean circulation model for the western North Pacific. Our model indicated that the potential spawning grounds of chub mackerel extended from southern waters of the East China Sea to the Korea Strait, Yellow Sea, and Japan/East Sea. Despite some uncertainty, our model based on climate change scenarios projected that, by the 2050s, spawning grounds will shift northward due to warming of the ocean surface, resulting in a subsequent westward shift of nursery grounds from the Japan/East Sea to the Korea Strait and Yellow Sea. Our projections will contribute to clarifying the impacts of climate change on the distribution of exploitable chub mackerel, the adaptation of fisheries to climate change, and the reliability of stock assessments used for fisheries management in the region.
Cichorium intybus L. Oligo-Polysaccharides (CIO) Exerts Antianxiety and Antidepressant Effects on Mice Experiencing Behavioral Despair and Chronic Unpredicted Mild Stress
Authors: Luo Yanqin , Bei Xueyi , Zhang Yiwen , Sun Xinran , Zhao Yongzhi , Chen Fang , Pan Ruile , Chang Qi , He Qinghu , Liu Xinmin , Jiang Ning
Published: January 2025

Cichorium intybus L. oligo-polysaccharides (CIOs), obtained from Cichorium intybus L., is a mixture of oligosaccharides and polysaccharides. This study explores the antianxiety and antidepressant effects and mechanisms of CIOs by using acute behavioral despair and chronic unpredictable mild stress mice models and measuring the levels of 5-HT and the expression of proteins related to the BDNF/ERK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways. Moreover, 56 male C57BL/6N mice were used to test behavioral despair. They were randomized into seven groups (Control, Citalopram, CIO 12.5 mg/kg, CIO 25 mg/kg, CIO 100 mg/kg, and CIO 200 mg/kg) based on body weight; they were administered with the corresponding medication daily for 7 days; and behavioral tests were conducted on them (forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST)) after 7 days. Seventy male C57BL/6N mice were adopted in the next part of the experiment and randomly divided into seven groups (Control, CUMS, Fluoxetine, MOO, CIO 25 mg/kg, and CIO 100 mg/kg) based on the sucrose preference index. Except for the control group, the other groups were subjected to 6 weeks of CUMS. From the fifth week of stress, the corresponding drugs were administered by gavage until the end of the behavioral tests. In the behavioral despair tests, the immobility time was significantly reduced in the FST and TST after the CIO (25 and 100 mg/kg) treatment of 7 days. After 6 weeks of chronic unpredicted mild stress (CUMS) treatment, CIO (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) administration significantly reduced the number of buried beads in the marble burying test (MBT), decreased the latency in the novelty-suppressed feeding test (NSFT), and shortened the immobility time in the FST and TST. CIO administration significantly increased the sucrose preference index in the sucrose preference test (SPT). Additionally, CIO treatment increased hippocampal 5-HT levels while upregulating the expression of BDNF, P-PI3K/PI3K, P-ERK/ERK, P-Akt/Akt, and P-mTOR/mTOR. In summary, CIO exerted promising antidepressant effects in behavioral despair and antianxiety and antidepressant effects in CUMS-induced depressive mice. Moreover, CIO therapy was facilitated by increasing the 5-HT content, alleviating the damage of hippocampal neurons, and upregulating the BDNF/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR cascade. Thus, CIO is a substance with the potential to treat anxiety and depression.
Multifractal Applications in Hydro-Climatology: A Comprehensive Review of Modern Methods
Authors: Vahab Shamseena , Sankaran Adarsh
Published: January 2025

Complexity evaluation of hydro-climatic datasets is a challenging but essential pre-requisite for accurate modeling and subsequent planning. Changes in climate and anthropogenic interventions amplify the complexity of hydro-climatic time-series. Understanding persistence and fractal features may help us to develop new and robust modeling frameworks which can work well under non-stationary and non-linear environments. Classical fractal hydrology, rooted in statistical physics, has been developed since the 1980s and the modern alternatives based on de-trending, complex network, and time–frequency principles have been developed since 2002. More specifically, this review presents the procedures of Multifractal Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (MFDFA) and Arbitrary Order Hilbert Spectral Analysis (AOHSA), along with their applications in the field of hydro-climatology. Moreover, this study proposes a complex network-based fractal analysis (CNFA) framework for the multifractal analysis of daily streamflows as an alternative. The case study proves the efficacy of CNMFA and shows that it has the flexibility to be applied in visibility and inverted visibility schemes, which is effective in complex datasets comprising both high- and low-amplitude fluctuations. The comprehensive review showed that more than 75% of the literature focuses on characteristic analysis of the time-series using MFDFA rather than modeling. Among the variables, about 70% of studies focused on analyzing fine-resolution streamflow and rainfall datasets. This study recommends the use of CNMF in hydro-climatology and advocates the necessity of knowledge integration from multiple fields to enhance the multifractal modeling applications. This study further asserts that transforming the characterization into operational hydrology is highly warranted.
Screening Colonoscopy Uptake Among Adult Stroke Survivors: Findings from the 2022 BRFSS Data
Authors: Ansa Benjamin E. , Head Alaina , Johnson Zola , Hatekah Wonder King Selassie , Ansa Beulah , Nettles Darryl
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Screening for cancer helps to prevent comorbid conditions among individuals with chronic medical conditions, such as stroke. The gold standard for CRC screening is colonoscopy. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of long-term disability. This study examined the prevalence of screening colonoscopy among individuals who reported ever having had a stroke (stroke survivors). Methods: The 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data were analyzed for the weighted prevalence and odds of screening colonoscopy uptake among adults aged 45 years and older, based on having had a stroke and socioeconomic status. Results: Almost 6% (n = 16,371) of the adults included in the analysis (N = 285,329) reported having had a stroke, and the weighted prevalence of screening colonoscopy for this group was 73.3% compared to 67.8% for those without stroke. Stroke survivors were 1.3 times more likely to have had a screening colonoscopy compared to those without a history of stroke. Higher odds of screening colonoscopy uptake were observed among stroke survivors that were older than 45–49 years old, with high school or greater than high school education. Stroke survivors that were multiracial and without health insurance coverage had lower odds of screening colonoscopy uptake compared to those that were white and had health insurance coverage, respectively. Conclusions: Though adult stroke survivors, compared to those without a stroke, are more likely to report having had a screening colonoscopy, differences in screening colonoscopy uptake were observed among subgroups of this population based on sociodemographic status. Tailored interventions are needed for increasing screening colonoscopy uptake among disadvantaged subgroups.
Kombucha Versus Vegetal Cellulose for Affordable Mucoadhesive (nano)Formulations
Authors: Popa-Tudor Ioana , Tritean Naomi , Dima Ștefan-Ovidiu , Trică Bogdan , Ghiurea Marius , Cimpean Anisoara , Oancea Florin , Constantinescu-Aruxandei Diana
Published: January 2025

Cellulose nanofibers gained increasing interest in the production of medical devices such as mucoadhesive nanohydrogels due to their ability to retain moisture (high hydrophilicity), flexibility, superior porosity and durability, biodegradability, non-toxicity, and biocompatibility. In this work, we aimed to compare the suitability of selected bacterial and vegetal nanocellulose to form hydrogels for biomedical applications. The vegetal and bacterial cellulose nanofibers were synthesized from brewer’s spent grains (BSG) and kombucha membranes, respectively. Two hydrogels were prepared, one based on the vegetal and the other based on the bacterial cellulose nanofibers (VNC and BNC, respectively). VNC was less opaque and more fluid than BNC. The cytocompatibility and in vitro antioxidant activity of the nanocellulose-based hydrogels were investigated using human gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1, ATCC CRL-2014). The investigation of the hydrogel–mucin interaction revealed that the BNC hydrogel had an approx. 2× higher mucin binding efficiency than the VNC hydrogel at a hydrogel/mucin ratio (mg/mg) = 4. The BNC hydrogel exhibited the highest potential to increase the number of metabolically active viable cells (107.60 ± 0.98% of cytotoxicity negative control) among all culture conditions. VNC reduced the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by about 23% (105.5 ± 2.2% of C−) in comparison with the positive control, whereas the ROS level was slightly higher (120.2 ± 3.9% of C−) following the BNC hydrogel treatment. Neither of the two hydrogels showed antibacterial activity when assessed by the diffusion method. The data suggest that the BNC hydrogel based on nanocellulose from kombucha fermentation could be a better candidate for cytocompatible and mucoadhesive nanoformulations than the VNC hydrogel based on nanocellulose from brewer’s spent grains. The antioxidant and antibacterial activity of BNC and both BNC and VNC, respectively, should be improved.
Preliminary Results of the Kuznetsk Coal Basin Cover Deposits Radon Hazard Assessment
Authors: Leshukov Timofey , Legoshchin Konstantin , Baranova Elizaveta , Larionov Aleksey
Published: January 2025

The study of the influence of geological structure (e.g., faults) on radon emanations is usually applicable provided that there are conditionally background (control) territories with which radon indicators will be compared. In the presented study, we selected an area where pre-Cenozoic faults that could potentially be associated with the radon hazard of the Kuznetsk coal basin were not identified. The cover deposits in the study area are represented by loamy and clayey strata overlying the Paleozoic sedimentary cycles. The radon field was estimated based on the radon flux density (RFD) and radon activity concentration (RAC) in the soil gas. The RAC was measured in two ways—by the sorption method on activated carbon and by the method of active sampling of soil gas from a borehole. At the same time, the role of meteorological conditions and the physical properties of the soil in the radon field was assessed. Our study shows that local variations in the physical properties of the soil are insignificant and do not have a significant effect on the RAC in the soil gas of the Kuznetsk coal basin, with the exception of soil moisture. High values of RAC in the territory considered as conditionally background, in the absence of pre-Cenozoic faults, suggest other causes (the presence of the latest Neogene–Quaternary faults, high concentrations of 226Ra, or other insufficiently studied causes). Due to the absence of faults, it is possible to assume a diffusion type of radon transfer in the geological environment, which indicates a shallow source of radon in such high concentrations. Our results indicate that studies of the 226Ra content and additional studies of the radon hazard of similar areas should also be carried out.