bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurocognitive Safety of Endoscopic Colloid Cyst Resection: Paired Pre- and Post-Operative Cognitive Function from an Exploratory Cohort
Authors: Tosi Umberto , Sacks-Zimmerman Amanda , Villamater Francis Michael , Spat-Lemus Jessica S. , Perrine Kenneth , Souweidane Mark , Bender Heidi Allison
Published: January 2025

Objective: Resection of colloid cysts, a rare third ventricle pathology, is accepted clinical practice. Owing to their location proximal to deep gray nuclei and forniceal columns, colloid cysts have been theorized to contribute to cognitive decline. Comprehensive pre- and post-operative cognitive testing, however, has rarely been implemented. Methods: We analyzed formal neuropsychological testing performed in 20 patients undergoing endoscopic cyst resection. Pre- and post-operative performance was compared either for each individual patient or according to aggregated neuropsychological factor scores grouped via expert census. A change in performance was deemed significant if (i) it reached statistical significance and (ii) was greater than 1.5 pre-operative standard deviations. Results: Twenty patients with colloid cysts (average diameter 13.3 ± 1.3 mm) underwent matched pre- and post-operative testing. No patient had a significant change in cognitive performance. Neurocognitive metrics assessing cognitive functions typically subsumed by the temporal (p = 0.35), extratemporal (p = 0.20), occipitoparietal (p = 0.31), or frontal lobes (p = 0.11) did not change post-operatively. Similarly, no differences emerged when factor scores were generated according to composite scores of different neurocognitive domains: attention (p = 0.32), executive function (p = 0.14), language (p = 0.98), and visuospatial function (p = 0.42). Conclusions: Neuropsychological testing allows for the careful monitoring of cognitive status before and after surgery and for the identification of patients who may benefit from pre- and post-operative cognitive rehabilitation. It should also be used as a valuable surgical psychometric marker and adjuvant. No significant cognitive decline was observed in this cohort.
Incisional Hernia in Cytoreductive Surgery for Advanced-Stage Ovarian Cancer: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Míguez Medina Marta , Luzarraga Ana , Catalán Sara , Acosta Úrsula , Hernández-Fleury Alina , Bebia Vicente , Monreal-Clua Sonia , Angeles Martina Aida , Bonaldo Giulio , Gil-Moreno Antonio , Pérez-Benavente Asunción , Sánchez-Iglesias Jose Luis
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: An incisional hernia (IH) is a frequent postoperative complication after cytoreductive laparotomic surgery for advanced ovarian cancer (AOC). It occurs in 2–22% of patients in the first two years of follow-up, depending on the series. Although different risk factors have been described for various types of malignancies and surgeries, few studies have analyzed the risk factors for hernia development in ovarian cancer (OC). However, none have examined the role of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs. Methods: We performed a retrospective study that included patients with AOC and primary or interval debulking surgery through a median laparotomic approach. This study was conducted in Vall d’Hebron Hospital, Barcelona, Spain, between January 2015 and December 2022. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were conducted. Results: Of the 156 patients included, 30 (19.2%) presented with an IH. The patients with IHs were smokers in a higher proportion to non-smokers (53.9% vs. 16.1%, p = 0.003) and more frequently presented with wound dehiscence (34.4% vs. 15.0%, p = 0.026). Patients in whom negative pressure wound therapy was applied had a hernia less frequently than those who had not had it (12.5% vs. 26.7%, p = 0.043). Similarly, the incidence of hernia decreased when patients went through an ERAS protocol (10.1% vs. 28.8%, p = 0.008). In the multivariate analysis, smoking was the only independent risk factor (RR 10.84, CI 2.76–42.64), and applying an ERAS protocol was seen to be the sole protective factor (RR 0.22, CI 0.08–0.61) against the development of an IH. Conclusions: The implementation of ERAS is highly recommended due to its numerous benefits, most notably the reduction in hernia incidence. Additionally, the preoperative identification of current smokers provides an opportunity for smoking cessation and targeted respiratory prehabilitation, both of which further contribute to IH reduction.
Current and Emerging Radiotracers and Technologies for Detection of Advanced Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A Narrative Review
Authors: Pishdad Reza , Santhanam Prasanna
Published: January 2025

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), which includes papillary and follicular thyroid cancers, differs significantly in pathology compared to other thyroid malignancies such as medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), and Hurthle cell carcinoma [...]
Improving the Mechanical, Corrosion Resistance, Microstructural and Environmental Performance of Recycled Aggregate Concrete Using Ceramic Waste Powder as an Alternative to Cement
Authors: Hashim Ansam Ali , Anaee Rana , Nasr Mohammed Salah
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the effectiveness of replacing the cement with 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt.% of ceramic waste powder (HCCP) to improve the performance of recycled aggregate concrete (RCA) prepared using 25 wt.% wall tile ceramic coarse aggregates. The slump, initial and final setting time, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, electrical resistivity, bulk density, porosity, total and surface water absorption, pH level, ultrasonic pulse velocity, dynamic elastic modulus, chloride ion diffusion coefficient, chloride penetration depth, microstructure analysis, and environmental assessment properties were investigated. The results showed that replacing cement with HCCP by 5 to 20 wt.% prolonged the setting time and improved all hardened properties. The highest improvements in mechanical properties were observed at 5 wt.% HCCP, with increasing rates of 26.5%, 22%, and 22.4% at 90 days for compressive strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength, respectively. On the other hand, the optimum enhancement for the durability, microstructural, and environmental efficiency properties was recorded at a 20 wt.% HCCP replacement rate. However, the strength at this ratio tended to decrease but remained higher than that of the control RAC. For instance, the total water absorption, surface water absorption, void ratio, chloride penetration depth, and migration coefficient were reduced by 47%, 45%, 38%, 62.3%, and 55.52%, respectively, compared to the reference sample.
Evaluation of Meibography Findings and Ocular Surface Parameters in Children with Atopic Dermatitis Without Eye Complaints
Authors: Sabancı Şenol , Küçükkeleş Hediye , Çelmeli Fatih , Yavuz Sibel
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: To evaluate the meibomian gland (MG) morphology and ocular surface parameters of children with atopic dermatitis (AD) without ocular symptoms. Materials and Method: Forty-five eyes of 24 children with AD and 44 eyes of 27 healthy children were included in the study. Upper and lower eyelid meibography measurements were performed for all cases and the rate of MG loss and the amount of tortuosity were evaluated. A Schirmer 1 test, tear break-up time (TBUT) test, and corneal staining scoring (CSS) were applied to all cases. Results: MG loss in the upper eyelid was 15.51 ± 10.39% in the AD group, while it was 9.30 ± 5.30% in the control group (p = 0.002). MG loss in the lower eyelid was 15.79 ± 10.93% in the AD group, while it was 9.23 ± 6.90% in the control group (p = 0.002). The rate of tortuosity in 26–50% of the upper and lower eyelid MGs was significantly higher in the AD group than in the healthy control group (p = 0.002 and p = 0.007, respectively). The Schirmer 1 test values were 10.98 ± 3.89 in the AD group and 17.41 ± 3.73 in the healthy control group (p < 0.0001). The TBUT values were found to be 9.18 ± 1.99 in the AD group and 11.40 ± 1.82 in the healthy control group (p < 0.0001). The CSS result was found to be significantly higher in the AD group than in the control group (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Significant MG loss was detected in patients with AD without eye complaints, which may cause the early deterioration of ocular surface parameters. We believe that close follow-up examinations of children with AD in terms of ocular surface complications may be necessary.
Readability of Informed Consent Forms for Medical and Surgical Clinical Procedures: A Systematic Review
Authors: García-Álvarez José Manuel , García-Sánchez Alfonso
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: The wording of informed consent forms for medical or surgical clinical procedures can be difficult to read and comprehend, making it difficult for patients to make decisions. The objective of this study was to analyze the readability of informed consent forms for medical or surgical clinical procedures. Methods: A systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA statement using PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar databases. Primary studies analyzing the readability of informed consent forms using mathematical formulas published in any country or language during the last 10 years were selected. The results were synthesized according to the degree of reading difficulty to allow for the comparison of the studies. Study selection was performed independently by the reviewers to avoid the risk of selection bias. Results: Of the 664 studies identified, 26 studies were selected that analyzed the legibility of 13,940 forms. Of these forms, 76.3% had poor readability. Of the six languages analyzed, only English, Spanish, and Turkish had adapted readability indexes. Flesch Reading Ease was the most widely used readability index, although it would be more reliable to use language-specific indices. Conclusions: Most of the analyzed informed consent forms had poor readability, which made them difficult for a large percentage of patients to read and comprehend. It is necessary to modify these forms to make them easier to read and comprehend, to adapt them to each specific language, and to carry out qualitative studies to find out the real legibility of each specific population.
Etonogestrel Subdermal Implant in Adolescents: Everything We Should Know to Conduct Proper Counseling, a Narrative Review
Authors: Messina Alessandro , Elmotarajji Safae , Dalmasso Eleonora , Valentini Costanza , Remorgida Valentino , Leo Livio , Libretti Alessandro , Masturzo Bianca
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Comprehensive sexual education and access to contraceptives play a vital role in alleviating the economic, health, and social challenges associated with unplanned pregnancies in adolescents. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adolescence refers to the transitional stage from childhood to adulthood, encompassing individuals aged 10 to 19. This period is critical for reproductive decision making, making it essential to closely observe patterns of sexual activity and contraceptive use among young people. Despite advancements, many adolescents still encounter significant barriers to accessing and effectively utilizing contraceptive methods. Methods: A bibliographic search was performed across three major biomedical databases: PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL. The research question was developed utilizing the PIO (Population, Intervention, Outcome) framework to guide the investigation. Results: Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), including the etonogestrel (ENG) implant, have been recognized for their ability to significantly reduce maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity as well as decrease the incidence of unsafe abortions. Conclusions: Access to adequate counseling and effective contraceptive services can profoundly impact young people’s lives, preventing unplanned pregnancies and promoting optimal sexual and reproductive health.
Theoretical Investigation of Bond Dissociation Energies of exo-Polyhedral B–H and B–F Bonds of closo-Borate Anions [BnHn−1X]2− (n = 6, 10, 12; X = H, F)
Authors: Klyukin Ilya N. , Kolbunova Anastasia V. , Novikov Alexander S. , Zhizhin Konstantin Yu. , Kuznetsov Nikolay T.
Published: January 2025

This paper reports on a theoretical investigation of the bond dissociation energies of B–H and B–F interactions of closo-borate anions [BnHn−1X]2− (n = 6, 10 and 12; X = H and F), in which homolytic and heterolytic bond breaking cases were considered, and the main trends in bond dissociation energy values were analysed. The wB97X-D3/TZVPP level of theory was applied for geometry optimisation of the molecular species under consideration. DLPNO-CCSDT/CBS single-point calculations were made to ensure an accurate estimation of the target systems’ electronic energy. The correlations between the value of the bond dissociation energy and variables such as electron density descriptors of B–H and B–F interactions and frontier orbital energies (HOMO, SOMO and LUMO) were established.
The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Family Violence: A Meta-Analytical Investigation
Authors: Haddadou Melyssa , Dellazizzo Laura , Simoes-Gomes Taylor , Giguère Charles-Édouard , Dumais Alexandre
Published: January 2025

The association between family violence and the COVID-19 pandemic remains complex. This meta-analysis aimed to determine trends in the observed changes in family violence comparing the pre-pandemic period to the pandemic period. A systematic search was performed in electronic databases to identify all relevant research reporting on COVID-19 and family violence. There was a statistically significant increase in family violence after the first lockdown. The odds ratio for the prevalence of physical and sexual violence together was 7.24 (95% CI = 4.74, 11.03 p < 0.001). A small marginal increase in the prevalence of various types of family violence leading to hospitalization was found, however, the result was not statistically significant (OR = 1.91, 95% CI = 0.91, 3.96, p = 0.09). A small significant increase in the prevalence of victims with a perception of increased violence during the pandemic lockdown was observed (proportion = 33%, 95% CI = 15.72%, 50.34%, p = 0.002). This meta-analysis found that during the COVID-19 lockdown, there was an increase in the prevalence of overall family violence, a small, non-significant, increase in the prevalence of hospitalizations due to family violence, as well as an increase in the perception of family violence by victims. These results are clinically relevant for implementing effective measures of violence prevention to safeguard vulnerable populations.
Venetoclax Plus CyBorD Induction Therapy and Venetoclax Maintenance Treatment for Immunoglobulin Light Chain Amyloidosis with t(11;14) Translocation
Authors: Garami Gréta , Obajed Al-Ali Omar , Virga István , Gulyás Anita , Bedekovics Judit , Tornai István , Illés Árpád , Magyari Ferenc
Published: January 2025

Background: A total of 50% of patients with AL amyloidosis have t(11;14) translocation, allowing us to use the selective oral BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax in their treatment. Case presentation: Our patient was admitted to the gastroenterology department due to weight loss and abdominal pain. An abdominal CT scan revealed some enlarged lymph nodes; therefore, he was referred to the hematology department. A bone marrow biopsy showed massive amorphous amyloid deposition. The sample was positive on Congo red staining and exhibited double refraction under a polarized light microscope. Serum-free light chains and the difference between involved and uninvolved free light chains (dFLCs) were elevated. Using fluorescent in situ hybridization, we detected t(11;14) translocation. Further examinations confirmed the involvement of the liver, colon and heart. Stage II AL amyloidosis was confirmed. Our patient received combined induction therapy with CyBorD and venetoclax due to the presence of the t(11;14) translocation. After six cycles, the patient achieved complete remission. Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) was performed. At 100 days post-ASCT, the patient had complete hematologic remission. Venetoclax maintenance treatment was initiated. The follow-up examinations showed that the patient is in very good partial remission. Conclusions: In the case of our AL amyloidosis patient with t(11;14) translocation, the combined treatment with CyBorD and venetoclax was well tolerated and effective.
First Single-Centre Experience with the Novel HIF-α Inhibitor Belzutifan in Switzerland
Authors: Peres Tobias , Aeppli Stefanie , Fischer Stefanie , Hundsberger Thomas , Rothermundt Christian
Published: January 2025

Belzutifan is a new HIF-α inhibitor mainly used in two different indications: von Hippel–Lindau syndrome-associated renal cell carcinoma, haemangioblastomas and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours, as well as sporadic advanced pre-treated renal cell carcinoma. Although efficacy has been demonstrated in phase II and III studies, belzutifan is still not approved in many countries. In addition, von Hippel–Lindau syndrome is a rare disease. Therefore, there is virtually no real-world experience data of belzutifan efficacy available. We aim to determine the real-world efficacy and tolerability of belzutifan in patients with von Hippel–Lindau syndrome-associated tumours and in patients with sporadic advanced tyrosine kinase- and immune checkpoint inhibitors pre-treated for renal cell carcinoma. A retrospective analysis of five patients treated with belzutifan between 2023 and 2024 at a Swiss cancer centre was conducted. In this case series, all patients consistently benefitted from belzutifan with response to treatment. This case series provides real-world evidence that belzutifan is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for patients with von Hippel–Lindau syndrome-associated renal cell carcinoma, haemangioblastomas and sporadic advanced pre-treated renal cell carcinoma.
Borderline Phyllodes Breast Tumors: A Comprehensive Review of Recurrence, Histopathological Characteristics, and Treatment Modalities
Authors: Borella Fulvio , Porpiglia Mauro , Gallio Niccolò , Cito Chiara , Boriglione Lorenzo , Capella Giulia , Cassoni Paola , Castellano Isabella
Published: January 2025

Phyllodes tumors account for 2–3% of all fibroepithelial breast tumors and less than 1% of all breast cancers. These tumors are categorized into benign, borderline, or malignant based on cellular atypia, mitotic activity, and stromal overgrowth. Surgical excision with clear margins, ideally greater than 1 cm, is the primary treatment for phyllodes tumors to ensure effective local control. Preoperative diagnosis is challenging due to the clinical and radiological similarities between phyllodes tumors and fibroadenomas. The efficacy and role of adjuvant treatments remain subjects of ongoing debate and investigation. Borderline phyllodes tumors exhibit biological characteristics that straddle the line between benign and malignant, presenting significant clinical and surgical management challenges. Given the rarity of this specific subgroup and the ambiguity of the risk of recurrence or progression to malignant phyllodes, this narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the recurrence risk associated with these tumors.
The Potential Roles of IL-1β, IL-6, and RIPK3 in the Pathogenesis of Stevens–Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Authors: Sooranahalli Chandana , Rao Vidhya R. , Zelman Brandon , Shekhar Mallika , Komurlu Keceli Sevnur , Bouchard Charles , Iqbal Omer
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Stevens–Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (SJS/TEN) are rare but severe skin conditions, often triggered by medications, that can be life-threatening. These conditions frequently affect the eyes, causing ocular surface disease, which can result in visual impairment or blindness. Although the exact mechanisms behind SJS/TEN remain unclear, key inflammatory mediators such as IL-1β, IL-6, and RIPK3 are believed to play critical roles in inflammation, necroptosis, and regulatory processes. Investigating these factors offers new insights into the disease’s underlying mechanisms and potential targets for treatment. This study aims to determine the roles of IL-1β, IL-6, and RIPK3 in the pathogenesis of SJS/TEN. Methods: The study examined the expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and RIPK3 in skin biopsies from patients with biopsy-confirmed SJS/TEN, using lichen planus as a positive control and normal skin as a baseline control. Immunohistochemistry was employed for this analysis. Additionally, the impact of SJS/TEN patient plasma on mitochondrial function was assessed in platelets and human corneal epithelial (H-CET) cells. Using a fluorescent plate reader, mitochondrial activity and superoxide ion levels were measured, comparing plasma from SJS/TEN patients to normal human plasma. Results: Skin biopsies from SJS/TEN patients showed a significantly higher expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and RIPK3 compared to both lichen planus and normal controls. Furthermore, plasma from SJS/TEN patients significantly reduced platelet viability and increased mitochondrial and total cellular superoxide ions, as demonstrated by elevated levels of MitoSOX Red and CellROX Red. Conclusions: These findings suggest that IL-1β, IL-6, and RIPK3 may contribute to the pathogenesis of SJS/TEN and highlight their potential as targets for therapeutic intervention.
A Forgotten Rare Cause of Unilateral Basal Ganglia Calcinosis Due to Venous Angioma and Complicating Acute Stroke Management: A Case Report
Authors: Balodis Arturs , Strautmane Sintija , Zariņš Oskars , Verzemnieks Kalvis , Vētra Jānis , Pavlovičs Sergejs , Naudiņš Edgars , Kupčs Kārlis
Published: January 2025

Background: Unilateral basal ganglia calcinosis (BGC) is a rare radiological finding that can be diagnosed on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) but often presents challenges for clinicians and radiologists in determining its underlying cause. So far, only a few potential causes that could explain unilateral BGC have been described in the literature. Case Report: A 54-year-old Caucasian male was admitted to a tertiary university hospital due to the sudden onset of speech impairment and right-sided weakness. The patient had no significant medical history prior to this event. Non-enhanced computed tomography (NECT) of the brain revealed no evidence of acute ischemia; CT angiography (CTA) showed acute left middle cerebral artery (MCA) M2 segment occlusion. CT perfusion (CTP) maps revealed an extensive penumbra-like lesion, which is potentially reversible upon achieving successful recanalization. However, a primary neoplastic tumor with calcifications in the basal ganglia was initially interpreted as the potential cause; therefore, acute stroke treatment with intravenous thrombolysis was contraindicated. A follow-up CT examination at 24 h revealed an ischemic lesion localized to the left insula, predominantly involving the left parietal lobe and the superior gyrus of the left temporal lobe. Subsequent gadolinium-enhanced brain MRI revealed small blood vessels draining into the subependymal periventricular veins on the left basal ganglia. Digital subtraction angiography was conducted, confirming the diagnosis of venous angioma. Conclusions: Unilateral BGC caused by venous angioma is a rare entity with unclear pathophysiological mechanisms and heterogeneous clinical presentation. It may mimic conditions such as intracerebral hemorrhage or hemorrhagic brain tumors, complicating acute stroke management, as demonstrated in this case. Surrounding tissue calcification may provide a valuable radiological clue in diagnosing venous angiomas DVAs and vascular malformations.
Decoding Pain: A Comprehensive Review of Computational Intelligence Methods in Electroencephalography-Based Brain–Computer Interfaces
Authors: Alshehri Hadeel , Al-Nafjan Abeer , Aldayel Mashael
Published: January 2025

Objective pain evaluation is crucial for determining appropriate treatment strategies in clinical settings. Studies have demonstrated the potential of using brain–computer interface (BCI) technology for pain classification and detection. Collating knowledge and insights from prior studies, this review explores the extensive work on pain detection based on electroencephalography (EEG) signals. It presents the findings, methodologies, and advancements reported in 20 peer-reviewed articles that utilize machine learning and deep learning (DL) approaches for EEG-based pain detection. We analyze various ML and DL techniques, support vector machines, random forests, k-nearest neighbors, and convolution neural network recurrent neural networks and transformers, and their effectiveness in decoding pain neural signals. The motivation for combining AI with BCI technology lies in the potential for significant advancements in the real-time responsiveness and adaptability of these systems. We reveal that DL techniques effectively analyze EEG signals and recognize pain-related patterns. Moreover, we discuss advancements and challenges associated with EEG-based pain detection, focusing on BCI applications in clinical settings and functional requirements for effective pain classification systems. By evaluating the current research landscape, we identify gaps and opportunities for future research to provide valuable insights for researchers and practitioners.
Psychometric Analysis and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Croatian Version of the Oral Health Values Scale (OHVS)
Authors: Major Poljak Katarina , Barać Ivana , Kovačević Ingrid , Rožac Karla , Reili Meri , Lovrić Robert , Mudri Željko , Čandrlić Slavko , Čandrlić Marija
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: A person’s values regarding oral health significantly shape their related behaviors and habits. Therefore, it is essential to systematically study this relationship and create reliable tools to assess perceptions of oral health values, which can inform evidence-based interventions and policy decisions. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the “Oral Health Values Scale” (OHVS) for use in the Croatian context. Methods: The process involved two key phases. First, an expert committee oversaw the translation to ensure consistency across all versions and produce a test-ready instrument. To identify any ambiguities in translation and test the instrument’s reliability, a pilot study with 40 participants was conducted. Once the expert committee confirmed content validity, the finalized OHVS was administered to a sample of 702 Croatian adults to evaluate its psychometric properties. Results: Factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure in the Croatian version, differing from the original four-factor model, with items from the “Retaining Natural Teeth” subscale distributed across two factors. Results demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s α > 0.78) and test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.976, 95% CI: 0.955–0.987, p < 0.01), confirming the instrument’s reliability. Conclusions: These results confirm the OHVS-CRO as a valid and reliable instrument for assessing oral health values, offering valuable insights into the perspectives of Croatian populations. This validation study provides a foundation for future research, supports culturally tailored interventions, and highlights the potential for the OHVS to inform oral health research and policy development both locally and globally.
The Relationship Between Firm Formation and Unemployment: Evidence from Türkiye
Authors: Moiz Muhammad , Ileri Şerife Genç
Published: January 2025

This paper aims to explore the relationship between firm formation and unemployment using regional and city-level Turkish data. We focus on the post-2008 financial crisis period and analyze the effects of unemployment and other control variables on firm formation at NUTS-II and NUTS-III regions of Türkiye. We estimate a fixed-effects panel data model and control for GDP per capita, urbanization, population density, patents, high school education, and higher education. Our results suggest that there is a significant positive effect of unemployment on new firm formation. The analysis concerning the converse relation, the impact of firm formation on unemployment, reveals no significant results at the NUTS-II level; however, a significant negative relationship is found at the city level with 4- and 5-year lags.
Enhanced Deblurring for Smart Cabinets in Dynamic and Low-Light Scenarios
Authors: Sun Yali , Hu Siyang , Xie Kai , Wen Chang , Zhang Wei , He Jianbiao
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we propose a novel method to address dynamic blur and low-light issues in smart cabinets, which is named the MIMO-IMF (Multi-input Multi-output U-Net Integrated Motion Framework). This method combines a Frequency-Domain Adaptive Fusion Module (FDAFM), built on the blind deblurring framework MIMO-UNet (Multi-input Multi-output U-Net), to improve the capture of high-frequency information and enhance the accuracy of blur region recovery. Additionally, a low-light luminance information extraction module (IFEM) is designed to complement the multi-scale features of the FDAFM by extracting valuable luminance information, significantly improving the efficiency of merchandise deblurring under low-light conditions. To further optimize the deblurring effect, we introduce an enhanced residual block structure and a novel loss function. The refined multi-scale residual block, combined with the FDAFM, better restores image details by refining frequency bands across different scales. The New Loss Function improves the model’s performance in low-light and dynamic blur scenarios by effectively balancing luminance and structural information. Experiments on the GOPRO dataset and the self-developed MBSI dataset show that our method outperforms the original model, achieving a PSNR improvement of 0.21 dB on the public dataset and 0.23 dB on the MBSI dataset.
Challenges and Opportunities of Gamified BCI and BMI on Disabled People Learning: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ahmed Bilal , Khan Sumbal , Lim Hyunmi , Ku Jeonghun
Published: January 2025

This systematic review explores the potential of the gamified brain–machine interfaces (BMIs) and brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. These technologies promise to solve complex problems by delivering customized interventions considering individual needs, ethical dilemmas, and practical constraints. This review follows the PRISMA statement. The search process extensively explored multiple registered databases for studies published between 2015 and 2024. Articles were selected based on strict eligibility criteria, focusing on empirical research evaluating gamified BCIs and BMIs in rehabilitation and learning. The final analysis included 56 studies. A thorough examination emphasizes the transformative potential of gamified BCIs and BMIs for people with disabilities, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, user-centered design principles, and ethical consciousness for gamified neurotechnology. These technologies mark a significant change by providing enjoyable and effective treatments for disabled individuals. It also delves into how gamification, neurofeedback, and adaptive learning techniques can enhance motivation, engagement, and overall well-being. This evaluation underscores the efficiency of gamified BCIs and BMIs as potential instruments for improving the quality of life and empowering disabled people. However, despite their apparent potential for rehabilitation and learning, more research is needed to validate their effectiveness, accessibility, and long-term benefits.
P-A Scheme: A Robust and Lightweight Wi-Fi Device Identification Approach for Enhancing Industrial Security
Authors: Xu Zaiting , Lu Qian , Chen Fei , Zhang Hanlin , Xian Hequn
Published: January 2025

The increasing dependence on Wi-Fi for device-to-device communication in industrial environments has introduced significant security and privacy challenges. In such wireless networks, rogue access point (RAP) attacks have become more common, exploiting the openness of wireless communication to intercept sensitive operational data, compromise privacy, and disrupt industrial processes. Existing mitigation schemes often rely on dedicated hardware and cryptographic methods for authentication, which are computationally expensive and impractical for the diverse and resource-limited devices commonly found in industrial networks. To address these challenges, this paper introduces a robust and lightweight Wi-Fi device identification scheme, named the P-A scheme, specifically designed for industrial settings. By extracting hardware fingerprints from the phase and amplitude characteristics of channel state information (CSI), the P-A scheme offers an efficient and scalable solution for identifying devices and detecting rogue access points. A lightweight neural network ensures fast and accurate identification, making the scheme suitable for real-time industrial applications. Extensive experiments in real-world scenarios demonstrate the effectiveness of the scheme, achieving 95% identification accuracy within 0.5 s. The P-A scheme offers a practical pathway to safeguard data integrity and privacy in complex industrial networks against evolving cyber threats.
Using a Flexible Risk Priority Number Method to Reinforce Abilities of Imprecise Data Assessments of Risk Assessment Problems
Authors: Chang Kuei-Hu , Fang Tzu-Yi , Li Zong-Sian
Published: January 2025

Risk priority number (RPN) is the most commonly used failure risk ranking method among all risk assessment methods. However, the traditional RPN method not only cannot handle incomplete information and hesitation information (such as hesitation information between the s5=Low and s6=Moderate) provided by experts, but it also does not consider the objective weights of risk assessment factors. These reasons will lead to biased conclusions, causing decision makers to make wrong judgments. To address the limitations of the traditional RPN technique, the aim of this paper is to propose the flexible RPN assessment method under an uncertain environment. The flexible RPN assessment method is an extension of the traditional RPN technique. The flexible RPN method integrates the traditional RPN method and interval-valued 2-tuple weighted average method, and, simultaneously, considers subjective weights and objective weights. In the numerical verification, this study has adopted the example of stages of treatment planning for proton beam radiation therapy to verify the correctness and validity of the proposed flexible RPN technique. The numerical results show that the proposed flexible RPN technique not only handles the hesitation and incomplete information provided by experts but also considers the subjective and objective weights of risk assessment factors, providing more reasonable ranking results in the risk analysis.
One-Step Synthesis CuCoNiSxO4−x Thio/Oxy Spinel on Ni Foam for High-Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Migunova Anastassiya A. , Nemkayeva Renata R. , Zhakanbayev Yeldar A. , Tuleushev Yuriy Zh.
Published: January 2025

Mixed transition metal sulfides are promising materials for positive electrodes of asymmetric supercapacitors because they have a large potential for increasing the electrical characteristics of these devices. The paper presents the results of a study of a material based on spinel CuCoNiSxO4−x with both sulfide and oxide sublattices, prepared by a one-step hydrothermal method directly on nickel foam, forming an array of whiskers. Electrochemical studies showed that a positive electrode, CuCoNiS2O2, exhibited a high specific capacitance of 3612 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1. The assembled asymmetric supercapacitor with activated carbon as a negative electrode achieved a specific capacitance of 133.5 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and a potential window of 1.7 V. Its energy density was 53.6 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 805 W kg−1 and the power density reached 17,000 W kg−1 at an energy density of 18.9 W h kg−1. The assembled device exhibits 52% of capacitance retention after the 20,000 cycles at a current density of 10 A g−1 with 97% coulombic efficiency. These results demonstrate that the CuCoNiSxO4−x system is competitive with other quaternary transition metal sulfides, and this type of spinel is a perspective electrode material for high-performance supercapacitors.
Deep-Learning Techniques Applied for State-Variables Estimation of Two-Mass System
Authors: Kaczmarczyk Grzegorz , Stanislawski Radoslaw , Kaminski Marcin
Published: January 2025

The article is focused on the application of neural models for state-variables estimation. The estimators are applied in the control structure (with the state speed controller) of the electric drive with an elastic shaft. The extended amount of feedback is an additional argument for the estimation of the signal. The calculations are performed for three deep neural structures based on the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and the long short-term memory (LSTM). The design stages and the overall concept in this case are completely different than with the applications of classical observers (e.g., the Luenberger, the Kalman filter) often used for similar objects. The direct identification of the mechanical part of the drive is not necessary. The parameters and the equations describing the plant are not used. Instead, the signals are used for training the neural networks. The results (performed for the nominal values of the two-mass system and presenting the robustness of the estimators) present the high precision of the signal estimation. The second part of the work deals with the hardware implementation of the neural estimators in the low-cost programmable device with the ARM core. The experimental transients confirm the features of the neural estimators noticed in the simulations.
A Lightweight Framework for Rapid Response to Short-Term Forecasting of Wind Farms Using Dual Scale Modeling and Normalized Feature Learning
Authors: Chen Yan , Yu Miaolin , Wei Haochong , Qi Huanxing , Qin Yiming , Hu Xiaochun , Jiang Rongxing
Published: January 2025

Accurate wind power forecasting is crucial for optimizing grid scheduling and improving wind power utilization. However, real-world wind power time series exhibit dynamic statistical properties, such as changing mean and variance over time, which make it difficult for models to apply observed patterns from the past to the future. Additionally, the execution speed and high computational resource demands of complex prediction models make them difficult to deploy on edge computing nodes such as wind farms. To address these issues, this paper explores the potential of linear models for wind power forecasting and constructs NFLM, a linear, lightweight, short-term wind power forecasting model that is more adapted to the characteristics of wind power data. The model captures both short-term and long-term sequence variations through continuous and interval sampling. To mitigate the interference of dynamic features, we propose a normalization feature learning block (NFLBlock) as the core component of NFLM for processing sequences. This module normalizes input data and uses a stacked multilayer perceptron to extract cross-temporal and cross-dimensional dependencies. Experiments with data from two real wind farms in Guangxi, China, showed that compared with other advanced wind power forecasting methods, the MSE of NFLM in the 24-step ahead forecasting of the two wind farms is respectively reduced by 23.88% and 21.03%, and the floating-point operations (FLOPs) and parameter count only require 36.366 M and 0.59 M, respectively. The results show that NFLM can achieve good prediction accuracy with fewer computing resources.
High-Order Grid-Connected Filter Design Based on Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Liao Liqing , Liu Xiangyang , Zhou Jingyang , Yan Wenrui , Dong Mi
Published: January 2025

In grid-connected inverter systems, grid-connected filters can effectively eliminate harmonics. High-order filters perform better than conventional filters in eliminating harmonics and can reduce costs. For high-order filters, the use of multi-objective optimization algorithms for parameter optimization presupposes that the circuit structure must be known. To realize the design of the filter structure and related circuit parameters that meet the requirements of the grid-connected inverter system during the design process, this paper proposes a reinforcement learning (RL) method for designing higher-order filters. Our approach combines key domain knowledge with the characteristics of structural changes to obtain some constraints, which are then processed to obtain reward and are incorporated into RL strategy learning to determine the optimal structure and corresponding circuit parameters. The proposed method realizes the simultaneous design of parameters and structures in filter design, which greatly improves the efficiency of filter design. Simulation results for the corresponding grid-connected system setup show that the grid-connected filter designed by our method demonstrates a good performance in terms of filter dimension, harmonic rejection, and total harmonic distortion.
Robust Stability Analysis of Grid-Forming Converter-Dominated Grids Using Grey-Box Modelling Approach
Authors: Almawu Endalkachew Degarege , Cecati Federico , Liserre Marco
Published: January 2025

In recent years, continuous efforts have been made for the modelling and stability analysis of converter-dominated grids. Ensuring stability in converter-dominated grids presents a unique challenge, primarily due to the manufacturers’ intellectual property (IP) protections. Determining the robust stability boundary of a grid incorporating converters from various manufacturers remains an area requiring extensive research. Recently, a grey-box modelling approach for studying interoperability has been proposed in the literature. However, the existing methodology is solely suitable for grid-following converters. This study bridges the gap by proposing a GFM converters model which aligns with the methodology for analysing the interoperability of GFL converters. The model is designed to represent a range of control system implementations across different manufacturers. Using robust control theory, this approach assesses the grid’s stability margin and sensitivity analysis of the control loops under various conditions considering a single GFM converter. The results are validated both analytically and through real-time hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) tests to demonstrate the model accuracy in predicting robust stability margin and sensitivity of the control loops in GFM converter-dominated grids.
Renewable Energy from Solid Waste: A Spherical Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Model Addressing Solid Waste and Energy Challenges
Authors: Chattham Nattaporn , Thanh Nguyen Van , Jeenanunta Chawalit
Published: January 2025

With rapid urbanization and industrialization, Vietnam is facing many challenges in solid waste management and increasing energy demand. In this context, the development of renewable energy from solid waste not only solves the problem of environmental pollution but also makes an important contribution to energy security and sustainable economic development. Solid waste to energy is a system of solid waste reatment by thermal methods, in which the heat generated from this treatment process is recovered and utilized to produce energy. Site selection is one of the biggest challenges for renewable energy projects. In addition to technical factors, this decision must also consider environmental impacts, including protecting ecosystems, minimizing noise, and limiting impacts on public health. To solve this problem, multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methods combined with fuzzy numbers are often used. These methods allow planners to evaluate and balance competing factors, thereby determining the most optimal location for the project. In this study, the authors proposed a Spherical Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision-making Model (SFMCDM) for site selection in solid waste-to-energy projects. In the first stage, all criteria affecting the decision-making process are defined based on literature review, experts and triple bottom line model (social, environmental, and economic), and analytic hierarchy process (AHP), and fuzzy theory is applied for calculating the weights in the second stage. The weighted aggregated sum product assessment (WASPAS) method is utilized for ranking four potential locations in the final stage. The contribution of the proposed process is its structured, systematic, and innovative approach to solving the location selection problem for renewable energy projects. Choosing the right location not only ensures the success of the project but also contributes to the sustainable development of renewable energy.
Theoretical Investigation of C4F7N–CO2 Mixture Decomposition Characteristics Under Extreme Conditions
Authors: Wu Yuewei , Wu Jian , Wei Xiaolong , Bai Xiaochun , Shen Chen , Ding De , Zheng Bin
Published: January 2025

Due to their low greenhouse effect and exceptional insulating properties, C4F7N-CO2 gas mixtures have garnered significant attention. In particular, understanding the decomposition characteristics of C4F7N-CO2 is crucial for their practical use as an eco-friendly dielectric medium. At elevated temperatures, the pyrolysis of C4F7N produces high concentrations of CFN, CF3, and C2F2, along with lower levels of C3F5, C4F6N, C2F, and CN. A further increase in temperature may lead to the decomposition of CO2 into CO and additional components such as C2, C2F3, C3F4, C4F7 and C3F6, CF, CO, C3F7, C3F2, C3F, C3F3, C3F3N, C3, CF2, and CF2N. Under electrical discharge conditions, the decomposition of CO2 becomes more pronounced, forming products like CO, C2O, O2, C2O2, and C2O4, with up to 25 decomposition components observed. These include products originated from both C4F7N and CO2 and their combinations. In ultra-high electric field intensities, only small molecules such as O2, C2, C3, and N2 are detected among the decomposition products. This study aims to provide theoretical insights and valuable data to advance research into the decomposition behavior and practical engineering applications of C4F7N-CO2 gas mixtures under extreme conditions.
Review on the Applications of Intelligent Algorithm in Wireless Charging System for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Wei Shuguang , Xu Feifan , Yuan Dong , Chen Kewei , Liu Bin , Li Jiaqi
Published: January 2025

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the intelligent algorithms (IAs) based optimization of electric vehicle (EV) wireless charging. First, a general overview of EV wireless charging system is introduced in terms of the compensation circuit, coupling coils, and control strategies, followed by the potential application of IAs. Then, the optimization target, parameter optimization, and structure design of the compensation topologies based on IAs are elaborately expounded by citing current research findings. Subsequently, the IAs are deeply explored for optimizing the systematic parameters, structural geometries, and coupling coils. Then, the IA-based research on the control strategies in the wireless charging system is discussed in detail from three aspects, including power controlling, efficiency optimizing, and parameter tracking. Finally, the prospects for the application of IAs to the EV wireless charging system are summarized and delineated. This paper will be highly beneficial to research entities as a ready reference for the wireless charging system of EVs, with information on IA-based system design.