bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon Nanosphere-Based TiO2 Double Inverse Opals
Authors: Karajz Dániel Attila , Rottenbacher Kincső Virág , Hernádi Klára , Szilágyi Imre Miklós
Published: January 2025

Inverse opals (IOs) are intensively researched in the field of photocatalysis, since their optical properties can be fine-tuned by the initial nanosphere size and material. Another possible route for photonic crystal programming is to stack IOs with different pore sizes. Accordingly, single and double IOs were synthesized using vertical deposition and atomic layer deposition. In the case of the double IOs, the alternating use of the two preparation methods was successfully performed. Hydrothermally synthesized 326 and 458 nm carbon nanospheres were utilized to manufacture two different IOs; hence the name 326 nm and 458 nm IOs. Heat treatment removed the sacrificial template carbon nanospheres, and the as-deposited TiO2 crystallized upon annealing into nanocrystalline anatase form. Reflectance mode UV–visible spectroscopy showed that most IOs had photonic properties, i.e., a photonic band gap, and by the “slow” photon effect enhanced absorbance, except the 326 nm IO, even though it also had an increase in absorbance. The IOs were tested by photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine 6-G under visible light. Photocatalytic experiments showed that the 458 nm IO was more active and the double IOs showed higher efficiency compared to monolayers, even if the less effective 326 nm IO was the top layer.
Effects of Calcium-Oxide-Modified Biochar on the Anaerobic Digestion of Vacuum Blackwater
Authors: Chiang Ping Fa , Zhang Teng Ling , Giwa Abdulmoseen Segun , Maurice Ndungutse Jean , Claire Mugabekazi Joie , Ali Nasir , Shafique Ehtisham , Vakili Mohammadtaghi
Published: January 2025

The increasing global population and urbanization have led to significant challenges in waste management, particularly concerning vacuum blackwater (VBW), which is the wastewater generated from vacuum toilets. Traditional treatment methods, such as landfilling and composting, often fall short in terms of efficiency and sustainability. Anaerobic digestion (AD) has emerged as a promising alternative, offering benefits such as biogas production and digestate generation. However, the performance of AD can be influenced by various factors, including the composition of the feedstock, pH levels, and the presence of inhibitors. This review investigates the effects of calcium oxide (CaO)-modified biochar (BC) as an additive in AD of VBW. Modifying BC with CaO enhances its alkalinity, nutrient retention, and adsorption capacity, creating a more favorable environment for microorganisms and promoting biogas production, which serves as a valuable source of heat, fuel and electricity. Additionally, the digestate can be processed through plasma pyrolysis to ensure the complete destruction of pathogens while promoting resource utilization. Plasma pyrolysis operates at extremely high temperatures, effectively sterilizing the digestate and eliminating both pathogens and harmful contaminants. This process not only guarantees the safety of the end products, but also transforms organic materials into valuable outputs such as syngas and slag. The syngas produced is a versatile energy carrier that can be utilized as a source of hydrogen, electricity, and heat, making it a valuable resource for various applications, including fuel cells and power generation. Furthermore, the slag has potential for reuse as an additive in the AD process or as a biofertilizer to enhance soil properties. This study aims to provide insights into the benefits of using modified BC as a co-substrate in AD systems. The findings will contribute to the development of more sustainable and efficient waste management strategies, addressing the challenges associated with VBW treatment while promoting renewable energy production.
One-Pot Synthesis and Enhanced Vis-NIR Photocatalytic Activity of NiTiO3/TiO2 Templated by Waste Tobacco Stem-Silks
Authors: Yuan Weidong , Chen Xiaohong , Zhao Yi , Fang Ying , Zhang Han , Chen Daomei , Wang Jiaqiang
Published: January 2025

Synthesis of the photocatalysts with near-infrared light response usually involves upconversion materials or plasmon-assisted noble metals. Herein, NiTiO3/TiO2 was synthesized by using waste tobacco stem-silks as biotemplates and tetra-tert-butyl orthotitanate and nickel nitrate as precursors in a one-pot procedure. NiTiO3(1.0)/TiO2(TSS) with a mass percent of Ni 1.0% exhibited very high visible-light photocatalytic efficiency in photodegradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC), which is 8.0 and 2.3 times higher than TiO2 prepared without templates and TiO2(TSS) prepared without Ni, respectively. Interestingly, NiTiO3(1.5)/TiO2(TSS) even exhibited good activity under NIR light (λ = 840~850 nm) without upconversion materials or plasmon-assisted noble metals, which is 2.8 and 2.2 times than TiO2 prepared without templates and TiO2(TSS), respectively. The boosting photocatalytic activity has been shown to be attributed to efficient charge separation and transfer across a direct Z-scheme heterojunction between NiTiO3 and TiO2 and enhanced light-harvesting ability of special flaky structure reduplicated from tobacco stem-silks. This reported strategy provides a new idea for the multifunctional utilization of waste tobacco stem-silks and the synthesis of novel photocatalysts for the potential application in wastewater treatment.
Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Zirconium Dioxide Nanoparticles from Toddalia asiatica: Applications in Dye Degradation, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Kathirvel Arumugam , Srinivasan Ramalingam , Harini Sathasivam , Ranjith Natarajan , Kumar Govindan Suresh , Lalithambigai Kesavan , Atchudan Raji , Habila Mohamed A. , Aljuwayid Ahmed M. , Yun Hae Keun
Published: January 2025

Zirconium dioxide nanoparticles (ZrO2 NPs) have gained significant attention due to their excellent bioavailability, low toxicity, and diverse applications in the medical and industrial fields. In this study, ZrO2 NPs were synthesized using zirconyl oxychloride and the aqueous leaf extract of Toddalia asiatica as a stabilizing agent. Analytical techniques, including various spectroscopy methods and electron microscopy, confirmed the formation of aggregated spherical ZrO2 NPs, ranging from 15 to 30 nm in size, with mixed-phase structure composed of tetragonal and monoclinic structures. UV–visible spectroscopy showed a characteristic band at 281 nm with a bandgap energy of 3.7 eV, indicating effective stabilization by the phytochemicals in T. asiatica. EDX analysis revealed that the NPs contained 37.18 mol.% zirconium (Zr) and 62.82 mol.% oxygen. The ZrO2 NPs demonstrated remarkable photocatalytic activity, degrading over 95% of methylene blue dye after 3 h of sunlight exposure. Additionally, the ZrO2 NPs exhibited strong antibacterial effects, particularly against Gram-negative bacteria such as E. coli, and significant antioxidant activity, with low IC50 values for hydroxyl radical scavenging. In conclusion, the green synthesis of ZrO2 NPs using T. asiatica leaf extract is an effective, eco-friendly method that produces nanoparticles with remarkable antioxidant, antimicrobial, and photocatalytic properties, highlighting their potential for applications in water treatment, environmental remediation, and biomedicine.
Guidance on Energy Intake Based on Resting Energy Expenditure and Physical Activity: Effective for Reducing Body Weight in Patients with Obesity
Authors: Handa Tomoko , Onoue Takeshi , Maeda Ryutaro , Mizutani Keigo , Suzuki Koji , Kobayashi Tomoko , Miyata Takashi , Sugiyama Mariko , Hagiwara Daisuke , Iwama Shintaro , Suga Hidetaka , Banno Ryoichi , Arima Hiroshi
Published: January 2025

Objective: In treating obesity, energy intake control is essential to avoid exceeding energy expenditure. However, excessive restriction of energy intake often leads to resting energy expenditure (REE) reduction, increasing hunger and making weight loss difficult. This study aimed to investigate whether providing nutritional guidance that considers energy expenditure based on the regular evaluation of REE and physical activity could effectively reduce body weight (BW) in patients with obesity. Methods: A single-arm, prospective interventional study was conducted on 20 patients with obesity (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2) at the Nagoya University Hospital for 24 weeks. REE and physical activity were regularly assessed, and the recommended energy intake was adjusted based on the values. The primary outcome was the change in BW, and the secondary outcomes included changes in REE and hunger ratings, which were assessed using a visual analog scale. Results: Eighteen participants completed the study, demonstrating a significant reduction in BW after 24 weeks (−5.34 ± 6.76%, p < 0.0001). No significant changes were observed in REE or hunger ratings. No adverse events were reported throughout the study period. Conclusions: Guidance on energy intake based on REE and physical activity was effective for reducing BW in patients with obesity without decreasing REE or increasing hunger. This approach may reduce the burden on patients with obesity while losing BW.
Luteolin Alleviates Ulcerative Colitis in Mice by Modulating Gut Microbiota and Plasma Metabolism
Authors: Yang Shuai , Duan Hongwei , Yan Zhenxing , Xue Chen , Niu Tian , Cheng Wenjing , Zhang Yong , Zhao Xingxu , Hu Junjie , Zhang Lihong
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic and easily recurrent inflammatory bowel disease. The gut microbiota and plasma metabolites play pivotal roles in the development and progression of UC. Therefore, therapeutic strategies targeting the intestinal flora or plasma metabolites offer promising avenues for the treatment of UC. Luteolin (Lut), originating from a variety of vegetables and fruits, has attracted attention for its potent anti-inflammatory properties and potential to modulate intestinal flora. Methods: The therapeutic efficacy of Lut was evaluated in an established dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mice model. The clinical symptoms were analyzed, and biological samples were collected for microscopic examination and the evaluation of the epithelial barrier function, microbiome, and metabolomics. Results: The findings revealed that Lut administration at a dose of 25 mg/kg significantly ameliorated systemic UC symptoms in mice, effectively reduced the systemic inflammatory response, and significantly repaired colonic barrier function. Furthermore, Lut supplementation mitigated gut microbiota dysbiosis in a UC murine model, increasing the abundance of Muribaculaceae, Rikenella, and Prevotellaceae while decreasing Escherichia_Shigella and Bacteroides levels. These alterations in gut microbiota also influenced plasma metabolism, significantly increasing phosphatidylcholine (PC), 6′-Deamino- 6′-hydroxyneomycin C, and gamma-L-glutamyl-butyrosine B levels and decreasing Motapizone and Arachidoyl-Ethanolamide (AEA) levels. Conclusions: This study reveals that Lut supplementation modulates intestinal inflammation by restoring the gut microbiota community structure, thereby altering the synthesis of inflammation-related metabolites. Lut is a potential nutritional supplement with anti-inflammatory properties and offers a novel alternative for UC intervention and mitigation. In addition, further studies are needed to ascertain whether specific microbial communities or metabolites can mediate the recovery from UC.
Trends in Dehydration in Older People: Identifying Landmark Scientific Contributions
Authors: Masot Olga , Pascual Alexandra , García-Expósito Judith , Miranda Jéssica , Camí Carla , Botigué Teresa
Published: January 2025

Background: Dehydration and low fluid intake cause the most prevalent electrolyte imbalance in older adults and increase their morbi-mortality. Objective: To analyse the scientific production on dehydration in older adults. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was performed using the Web of Science Core Collection database. The data were analysed using two software programs, the Bibliometric package for RStudio version 4.2.2, and VOSviewer 1.6.18 for the analysis of the scientific production, authors, citations, countries and collaborations, journals, research areas, and keywords. Results: A total of 205 articles were selected. An increase in the number of publications has been observed since 2012, with 2021 being the most productive year. With respect to scientific production, although the USA had the most publications, the two most prolific authors were affiliated with an institution located in the UK, with this country having the most collaborations with other countries in the development of the subject matter. The co-occurrence analysis indicated that the words with the highest occurrence were dehydration (n = 103), hydration (n = 39), prevalence (n = 30), mortality (n = 29), and thirst (n = 29). Conclusions: This is the first bibliometric analysis that shows the publication trends on dehydration in older adults. Although the number of publications is limited, they have increased in number in the last few years. The research trends are centred on the prevalence of dehydration and its related factors. More studies are needed that are centred on interventions to correct the problem, to help fight against the electrolyte imbalances that occur, and to reduce the morbi-mortality associated with this condition.
Emerging Nanoparticle-Based Diagnostics and Therapeutics for Cancer: Innovations and Challenges
Authors: Puttasiddaiah Rachitha , Basavegowda Nagaraj , Lakshmanagowda Nityashree Kyathegowdanadoddi , Raghavendra Vinay Basavegowda , Sagar Niju , Sridhar Kandi , Dikkala Praveen Kumar , Bhaswant Maharshi , Baek Kwang-Hyun , Sharma Minaxi
Published: January 2025

Malignant growth is expected to surpass other significant causes of death as one of the top reasons for dismalness and mortality worldwide. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) study, this illness causes approximately between 9 and 10 million instances of deaths annually. Chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery are the three main methods of treating cancer. These methods seek to completely eradicate all cancer cells while having the fewest possible unintended impacts on healthy cell types. Owing to the lack of target selectivity, the majority of medications have substantial side effects. On the other hand, nanomaterials have transformed the identification, diagnosis, and management of cancer. Nanostructures with biomimetic properties have been grown as of late, fully intent on observing and treating the sickness. These nanostructures are expected to be consumed by growth in areas with profound disease. Furthermore, because of their extraordinary physicochemical properties, which incorporate nanoscale aspects, a more prominent surface region, explicit geometrical features, and the ability to embody different substances within or on their outside surfaces, nanostructures are remarkable nano-vehicles for conveying restorative specialists to their designated regions. This review discusses recent developments in nanostructured materials such as graphene, dendrimers, cell-penetrating peptide nanoparticles, nanoliposomes, lipid nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, and nano-omics in the diagnosis and management of cancer.
Retinal Protection of New Nutraceutical Formulation
Authors: La Rosa Luca Rosario , Pepe Veronica , Lazzara Francesca , Romano Giovanni Luca , Conti Federica , Giuffrida Erika , Bucolo Claudio , Viola Santa , De Pasquale Giuseppe , Curatolo Maria Cristina , Zappulla Cristina
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) protection represents an unmet need in glaucoma. This study assessed the neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effect of a new nutraceutical formulation named Epicolin, based on citicoline, homotaurine, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, forskolin, and vitamins, through in vitro and in vivo studies. Methods: The neuroprotective effect of Epicolin or its single components, and Epicolin compared to an untreated control and two marketed formulations [Formulation G (FG) and N (FN)], was evaluated in neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) challenged with staurosporine. The antioxidant potential and the scavenging activity of Epicolin compared to the untreated control, and FG and FN, was evaluated in SH-SY5Y cells and through oxygen radical absorbance capacity acellular assay, respectively. Moreover, the protective effect against hypoxic damage was evaluated in Muller cells (MIO-M1) subjected to hypoxia. The efficacy of Epicolin was also evaluated in DBA/2J glaucomatous mice through the use of a pattern electroretinogram (PERG), immunostaining, and real-time PCR. Results: Among the nutraceutical formulations tested, only Epicolin showed a significant neuroprotective effect on SH-SY5Y attributable to the synergistic action of its single ingredients. As for antioxidant and scavenging activity, Epicolin showed a higher efficacy compared to FG and FN. Furthermore, Epicolin showed the same protective effect on MIO-M1 cells reducing HIF-1α expression. Finally, Epicolin treatment on DBA/2J mice protected the RGCs from loss of function, as demonstrated by PERG analysis, and attenuated their death by enhancing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and reducing interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) expression. Conclusions: Epicolin, due to its neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, represents a promising potential treatment for glaucoma.
Development of an Adaptable Qualification Test Set for Personnel Involved in Visual Inspection Procedures of Parenteral Drug Products Manufactured Under Good Manufacturing Practice Conditions in Hospital Pharmacy Compounding Facilities
Authors: van den Born-Bondt Tessa , Huizinga Harmen P. S. , Kappert Koen R. , Westra Hans H. , van Zanten Jacoba , Woerdenbag Herman J. , Maurer Jacoba M. , Gareb Bahez
Published: January 2025

Objectives: Parenteral drug products manufactured under GMP conditions should be visually inspected for defects and particulate contamination by trained and qualified personnel. Although personnel qualification is required, no practical protocols or formal guidelines are available for the development of qualification test sets (QTSs) used for qualification procedures. The current practice is to either procure a standardized QTS from a commercial supplier or amass sufficient manufacturing rejects during visual inspection procedures to compile in-house QTSs. However, both strategies inherently possess disadvantages and limitations. The objective of this study was to develop a manufacturing protocol for an optimal and adaptable QTS for training and qualification procedures. Methods: We combined the results of a literature search, survey of five Dutch hospital pharmacy compounding facilities, semi-structured personnel interviews, and extensive pre-GMP formulation studies to develop an optimal and adaptable QTS manufacturing protocol. Results: The literature search did not identify a manufacturing protocol for an optimal and adaptable QTS, but did identify specifications and requirements for optimal QTSs. The survey among hospital pharmacy compounding facilities revealed considerable variability in the qualification procedures and used QTSs. Semi-structured personnel interviews and pre-GMP formulation studies demonstrated that defects encountered during routine productions could be realistically simulated with pharmaceutical-grade excipients. As a proof-of-concept, we manufactured two different QTSs under GMP conditions and assessed these for formal GMP training and qualification purposes, which were considered a significant improvement compared to using manufacturing rejects. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study presenting these data and our adaptable protocol, which is provided in the Supplemental Materials, may aid compounding facilities in the standardization, training, and qualification of personnel involved in visual inspection procedures.
The Genetics and Breeding of Heat Stress Tolerance in Wheat: Advances and Prospects
Authors: Zheng Yuling , Cai Zhenyu , Wang Zheng , Maruza Tagarika Munyaradzi , Zhang Guoping
Published: January 2025

Heat stress is one of the major concerns for wheat production worldwide. Morphological parameters such as germination, leaf area, shoot, and root growth are affected by heat stress, with affected physiological parameters including photosynthesis, respiration, and water relation. Heat stress also leads to the generation of reactive oxygen species that disrupt the membrane systems of thylakoids, chloroplasts, and the plasma membrane. The deactivation of the photosystems, reduction in photosynthesis, and inactivation of Rubisco affect the production of photo-assimilates and their allocation, consequently resulting in reduced grain yield and quality. The development of thermo-tolerant wheat varieties is the most efficient and fundamental approach for coping with global warming. This review provides a comprehensive overview of various aspects related to heat stress tolerance in wheat, including damages caused by heat stress, mechanisms of heat stress tolerance, genes or QTLs regulating heat stress tolerance, and the methodologies of breeding wheat cultivars with high heat stress tolerance. Such insights are essential for developing thermo-tolerant wheat cultivars with high yield potential in response to an increasingly warmer environment.
Patterns and Drivers of Surface Energy Flux in the Alpine Meadow Ecosystem in the Qilian Mountains, Northwest China
Authors: Tian Yongxin , Liu Zhangwen , Fan Yanwei , Li Yongyuan , Tao Hu , Han Chuntan , Ao Xinmao , Chen Rensheng
Published: January 2025

Alpine meadows are vital ecosystems on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, significantly contributing to water conservation and climate regulation. This study examines the energy flux patterns and their driving factors in the alpine meadows of the Qilian Mountains, focusing on how the meteorological variables of net radiation (Rn), air temperature, vapor pressure deficit (VPD), wind speed (U), and soil water content (SWC) influence sensible heat flux (H) and latent heat flux (LE). Using the Bowen ratio energy balance method, we monitored energy changes during the growing and non-growing seasons from 2022 to 2023. The annual average daily Rn was 85.29 W m−2, with H, LE, and G accounting for 0.56, 0.71, and −0.32 of Rn, respectively. Results show that Rn is the main driver of both H and LE, highlighting its crucial role in turbulent flux variations. Additionally, a negative correlation was found between air temperature and H, suggesting that high temperatures may suppress H. A significant positive correlation was observed between soil moisture and LE, further indicating that moist soil conditions enhance LE. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the impact of climate change on energy distribution in alpine meadows and calls for further research on the ecosystem’s dynamic responses to changing climate conditions.
Critical Role of Rubber Functionalities on the Mechanical and Electrical Responses of Carbon Nanotube-Based Electroactive Rubber Composites
Authors: Alam Md Najib , Azam Siraj , Yun Jongwan , Park Sang-Shin
Published: January 2025

Carbon nanomaterials, particularly carbon nanotubes (CNTs), are widely used as reinforcing fillers in rubber composites for advanced mechanical and electrical applications. However, the influence of rubber functionality and its interactions with CNTs remains underexplored. This study investigates electroactive elastomeric composites fabricated with CNTs in two common diene rubbers: natural rubber (NR) and acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), each with distinct functionalities. For NR-based composites containing 2 vol% CNTs, mechanical properties, such as elastic modulus (2.24 MPa), tensile strength (12.48 MPa), and fracture toughness (26.92 MJ/m3), show significant improvements of 125%, 215%, and 164%, respectively, compared to unfilled rubber. Similarly, for NBR-based composites, the elastic modulus (5.46 MPa), tensile strength (13.47 MPa), and fracture toughness (82.89 MJ/m3) increase by 94%, 22%, and 65%, respectively, over the unfilled system. Although NBR-based composites exhibit higher mechanical properties, NR systems show more significant improvements, suggesting stronger chemical bonding between NR chains and CNTs, as evidenced by dynamic mechanical, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric, and thermodynamic analyses. The NBR-based composite at 1 vol% CNT content exhibits 261% higher piezoresistive strain sensitivity (GF = 65 at 0% ≤ Δε ≤ 200%) compared to the NR-based composite (GF = 18 at 0% ≤ Δε ≤ 200%). The highest gauge factor of 39,125 (1000% ≤ Δε ≤ 1220) was achieved in NBR-based composites with 1 vol% CNT content. However, 1.5 vol% CNT content in NBR provides better strain sensitivity and linearity than other composites. Additionally, NBR demonstrates superior electromechanical actuation properties, with 1317% higher actuation displacement and 276% higher electromechanical pressure compared to NR at an applied electric field of 12 kV. Due to the stronger chemical bonding between the rubber and CNT, NR-based composites are more suitable for dynamic mechanical applications. In contrast, NBR-based CNT composites are ideal for stretchable electromechanical sensors and actuators, owing to the high dielectric constant and polarizable functional groups in NBR.
Water Inflow Controller Devices as a Solution for Production for Mature Oil Fields: A Literature Review
Authors: Asuaje Miguel , Rincón Nicolas , Ratkovich Nicolas , Pinilla Andres , Nieto Ricardo
Published: January 2025

The energy transition demands innovative solutions for efficient and sustainable oil and gas production, particularly for heavy and extra-heavy crude. A significant challenge in these operations is the excessive production of water, which increases operational costs and environmental impact. This paper reviews the application of mechanical water control devices to optimize water management in heavy oil fields. By analyzing over 3140 documents, only a final total of 42 previous peer-reviewed articles were considered, where 58% sought to understand and optimize water flow from the reservoir to the well mainly by well simulation; 19% studied the implementation cases in the fields, highlighting the success cases; 16% mentioned CFD and other simulations tools; and 7% are related to these devices. While simulation studies have been widely employed, there is a need for more comprehensive field implementations and data-driven insights. This paper aims to contribute to the advancement of water management techniques, ultimately enhancing the sustainability and profitability of heavy oil production, emphasizing the most significant findings.
When Remote Sensing Meets Foundation Model: A Survey and Beyond
Authors: Huo Chunlei , Chen Keming , Zhang Shuaihao , Wang Zeyu , Yan Heyu , Shen Jing , Hong Yuyang , Qi Geqi , Fang Hongmei , Wang Zihan
Published: January 2025

Most deep-learning-based vision tasks rely heavily on crowd-labeled data, and a deep neural network (DNN) is usually impacted by the laborious and time-consuming labeling paradigm. Recently, foundation models (FMs) have been presented to learn richer features from multi-modal data. Moreover, a single foundation model enables zero-shot predictions on various vision tasks. The above advantages make foundation models better suited for remote sensing images, where image annotations are more sparse. However, the inherent differences between natural images and remote sensing images hinder the applications of the foundation model. In this context, this paper provides a comprehensive review of common foundation models and domain-specific foundation models for remote sensing, and it summarizes the latest advances in vision foundation models, textually prompted foundation models, visually prompted foundation models, and heterogeneous foundation models. Despite the great potential of foundation models for vision tasks, open challenges concerning data, model, and task impact the performance of remote sensing images and make foundation models far from practical applications. To address open challenges and reduce the performance gap between natural images and remote sensing images, this paper discusses open challenges and suggests potential directions for future advancements.
Assessment of Radiometric Calibration Consistency of Thermal Emissive Bands Between Terra and Aqua Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometers
Authors: Chang Tiejun , Xiong Xiaoxiong , Diaz Carlos Perez , Wu Aisheng , Lin Hanzhi
Published: January 2025

Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensors onboard the Terra and Aqua spacecraft have been in orbit for over 24 and 22 years, respectively, providing continuous observations of the Earth’s surface. Among the instrument’s 36 bands, 16 of them are thermal emissive bands (TEBs) with wavelengths that range from 3.75 to 14.24 μm. Routine post-launch calibrations are performed using the sensor’s onboard blackbody and space view port, the moon, and vicarious targets that include the ocean, Dome Concordia (Dome C) in Antarctica, and quasi-deep convective clouds (DCC). The calibration consistency between the satellite measurements from the two instruments is essential in generating a multi-year data record for the long-term monitoring of the Earth’s Level 1B (L1B) data. This paper presents the Terra and Aqua MODIS TEB comparison for the upcoming Collection 7 (C7) L1B products using measurements over Dome C and the ocean, as well as the double difference via simultaneous nadir overpasses with the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) sensor. The mission-long trending of the Terra and Aqua MODIS TEB is presented, and their cross-comparison is also presented and discussed. Results show that the calibration of the two MODIS sensors and their respective Earth measurements are generally consistent and within their design specifications. Due to the electronic crosstalk contamination, the PV LWIR bands show slightly larger drifts for both MODIS instruments across different Earth measurements. These drifts also have an impact on the Terra-to-Aqua calibration consistency. This thorough assessment serves as a robust record containing a summary of the MODIS calibration performance and the consistency between the two MODIS sensors over Earth view retrievals.
A Study of Lithosphere–Ionosphere Seismic Precursors from Detecting Gamma-Ray and Total Electron Content Anomalies Prior to the 2018 ML6.2 Hualien Earthquake in Eastern Taiwan
Authors: Fu Ching-Chou , Jhuang Hau-Kun , Ho Yi-Ying , Tsai Tsung-Che , Lee Lou-Chuang , Lin Cheng-Horng , Lin Ching-Ren , Walia Vivek , Lee I-Te
Published: January 2025

This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of observations related to the ML6.2 Hualien earthquake that struck eastern Taiwan on February 6, 2018, focusing particularly on gamma-ray emissions and total electron content (TEC) as earthquake precursors. Prior research has shown that significant gamma-ray enhancements are frequently detected at the YMSG (Yangmingshan gamma-ray) station prior to major earthquakes in eastern and northeastern Taiwan, suggesting that gamma-ray anomalies may serve as reliable indicators for identifying seismic precursors in this area. Our findings reveal a significant rise in gamma-ray emissions at the YMSG station from January 19 to February 4, 2018, which corresponds to a precursor period of approximately 18 days before the Hualien earthquake. Positive and negative TEC anomalies were observed in Taiwan on 20–21 January and 5 February, respectively, and may be considered as ionospheric precursors to the earthquake. Additionally, deep-learning techniques applied to TEC data facilitate the detection of ionospheric precursors associated with the Hualien earthquake, enabling forecasts of an approaching seismic event. Collectively, these observations indicate that all identified anomalies are regarded as short-term precursors, explicable through the theoretical framework of lithosphere–ionosphere coupling (LIC).
Comparing Soil pH Mapping from Multi-Temporal PlanetScope and Sentinel-2 Data Across Land Use Types
Authors: Wang Ziyu , Wu Wei , Liu Hongbin
Published: January 2025

In vegetated areas, soil pH impacts plant growth, soil properties, and spectral characteristics. Remote sensing enables soil pH mapping by delivering detailed surface data, and while high-resolution satellite images show great potential in complex terrains, research in this area is still limited. This study evaluated PlanetScope (high-resolution) and Sentinel-2 (medium-resolution) images in estimating soil pH across diverse land use types in southwestern China’s hilly areas. It examined how spectral variables from four seasonal images affect prediction accuracy. We integrated topographic and spectral variables at seven spatial resolutions (3 m, 10 m, 20 m, 30 m, 40 m, 50 m, and 60 m), using extreme gradient boosting (XGboost) for orchards, dry land, and paddy fields. We found that the models developed with PlanetScope images tended to achieve better prediction accuracy compared to those utilizing Sentinel-2 images. For each satellite, single-temporal images showed greater predictive power under each land use type. In particular, the spring spectral data showed desirable predictive performance for the orchards and the paddy fields, while the autumn spectral data contributed more effectively to the models for the dry land. Specifically, PlanetScope provided the best prediction accuracy for soil pH at 3 m resolution (orchard: R2 = 0.72, MAE = 0.24, RMSE = 0.30, RPD = 1.91; dry land: R2 = 0.77, MAE = 0.37, RMSE = 0.40, RPD = 2.09; paddy field: R2 = 0.66, MAE = 0.35, RMSE = 0.41, RPD = 1.71), while Sentinel-2 performed better at 10 m resolution (orchard: R2 = 0.67, MAE = 0.29, RMSE = 0.33, RPD = 1.75; dry land: R2 = 0.70, MAE = 0.39, RMSE = 0.47, RPD = 1.83; paddy field: R2 = 0.64, MAE = 0.34, RMSE = 0.42, RPD = 1.66). Our findings demonstrate that sensor selection, land use, temporal phases, and modeling resolution significantly impact outputs. High-resolution PlanetScope images prove effective for predicting soil pH in complex terrains.
Research on the Sensitivity Enhancement Method of Inductive Conductivity Sensors Based on Impedance Matching
Authors: Li Yang , Yu Rongxing , Liu Zhiqiang , Gao Yujie , Tang Chengxu , Li Qiao , Yuan Chao
Published: January 2025

This paper presents the design and performance evaluation of an inductive conductivity sensor with a double tuning impedance matching network to enhance sensitivity and improve linearity. The sensor’s equivalent circuit model is analyzed and verified through simulation, and impedance matching is shown to significantly increase the sensor’s output signal, particularly at low conductivity measurements. Double tuning impedance matching expands the frequency response range and optimizes power transfer efficiency, achieving a higher power factor across a broader frequency range. Experimental results confirm that the sensor’s sensitivity increases by approximately 30% after impedance matching with optimal performance at a frequency of 9865 Hz. Furthermore, while the impedance matching improves sensitivity, it also introduces some nonlinear errors, which are evaluated using a performance function that balances sensitivity and linearity. The results demonstrate that impedance matching enhances the sensor’s measurement capability, making it more effective in practical applications where conductivity changes need to be accurately monitored across varying frequencies.
Heat Stroke Warning System Prototype for Athletes: A Pilot Study
Authors: Silawarawet Kanchana , Kaewchukul Phattarakorn , Saadprai Sairag
Published: January 2025

This research has developed a heat stroke warning system prototype for athletes utilizing the following sensors: DHT22, GY-906-BAA MLX90614, MAX30102. The device calculates the heat stroke risk and notifies users. The data is recorded, stored, displayed on a free-access website which graphs body temperature, ambient temperature, humidity, heart rate and heat stroke risk, and provides notifications for athletes engaged in outdoor activities. The researchers recorded sensors data (n = 1) for two sessions (12 min/session) in a closed room, at the sixth-minute marker, with an air conditioner activated to observe the changes observed by the sensors. For accuracy, the researchers employed Criterion-Related Validity, comparing sensor against standard equipment measurement. For reliability, we utilized Test-Retest Reliability, comparing sensor data from the first and second measurements. Accuracy and reliability were evaluated using the Pearson Correlation Coefficient, with significance set at p < 0.01. The DHT22 sensor demonstrates very high accuracy (r = 0.923) in ambient temperature and (r = 0.774) humidity measurements. It showed no significant reliability (r = 0.489) in temperature and (r = 0.185) humidity measurements. The GY-906-BAA MLX90614 sensor exhibited very high accuracy (r = 0.923) and reliability (r = 0.866) in body temperature measurements. The MAX30102 sensor lacked significant accuracy (r = 0.179) and reliability (r = 0.171) in heart rate measurements. The development of accuracy and reliability of sensors are important for preventing heat stroke in future applications.
Do Power Meter Data Depend on the Device on Which They Are Collected? Comparison of Eleven Different Recordings
Authors: Salas-Montoro José-Antonio , Valdivia-Fernández Ignacio , Rozas Alejandro de , Reyes-Sánchez José-Manuel , Zabala Mikel , Pérez-Díaz Juan-José
Published: January 2025

This study evaluated the influence of cycle computers on the accuracy of power and cadence data. The research was divided into three phases: (1) a graded exercise test (GXT) at different constant loads to record power and cadence data; (2) a self-paced effort lasting 1 min to measure mean maximal power output (MMP); and (3) a short all-out effort. Eight cyclists completed the GXT, ten participated in the 1-min test, and thirty participated in the sprint effort. All participants pedaled on a controlled-resistance cycle ergometer, and the data were recorded using the ergometer itself and ten synchronized cycle computers of the same brand, configured to record at 1 Hz. The results showed minimal variations in power and cadence between devices during the GXT, suggesting adequate accuracy for constant efforts lasting a certain duration. However, in self-paced and high-intensity efforts (1-min and short all-out efforts), significant differences were observed between several devices, particularly in cadence and mean power, highlighting the relevance of device selection in these contexts. These findings suggest that, while variations in constant efforts may be negligible, in short-duration, high-intensity activities, the choice of device may be crucial for the accuracy and reliability of the data.
On the Measurement of Laser Lines in 3D Space with Uncertainty Estimation
Authors: De Boi Ivan , Ghaderi Nasser , Vanlanduit Steve , Penne Rudi
Published: January 2025

Laser-based systems, essential in diverse applications, demand accurate geometric calibration to ensure precise performance. The calibration process of the system requires establishing a reliable relationship between input parameters and the corresponding 3D description of the outgoing laser beams. The quality of the calibration depends on the quality of the dataset of measured laser lines. To address this challenge, we present a stochastic method for measuring the coordinates of these lines, considering both the camera calibration uncertainties and measurement noise inherent in laser dot detection on a detection board. Our approach to composing an accurate dataset of lines utilises a standard webcam and a checkerboard, avoiding the need for specialised hardware. By modelling the uncertainties involved, we provide a probabilistic description of the fitted laser line, enabling quality assessment of the measurement and integration into subsequent algorithms. We also offer insights into the optimal number of board positions and the number of repeated laser dot measurements, which are both the main time-consuming factors in practice. In summary, our proposed method represents a significant advancement in the field of laser-based system calibration, offering a robust and efficient solution.
AFN-Net: Adaptive Fusion Nucleus Segmentation Network Based on Multi-Level U-Net
Authors: Zhao Ming , Yang Yimin , Zhou Bingxue , Wang Quan , Li Fu
Published: January 2025

The task of nucleus segmentation plays an important role in medical image analysis. However, due to the challenge of detecting small targets and complex boundaries in datasets, traditional methods often fail to achieve satisfactory results. Therefore, a novel nucleus segmentation method based on the U-Net architecture is proposed to overcome this issue. Firstly, we introduce a Weighted Feature Enhancement Unit (WFEU) in the encoder decoder fusion stage of U-Net. By assigning learnable weights to different feature maps, the network can adaptively enhance key features and suppress irrelevant or secondary features, thus maintaining high-precision segmentation performance in complex backgrounds. In addition, to further improve the performance of the network under different resolution features, we designed a Double-Stage Channel Optimization Module (DSCOM) in the first two layers of the model. This DSCOM effectively preserves high-resolution information and improves the segmentation accuracy of small targets and boundary regions through multi-level convolution operations and channel optimization. Finally, we proposed an Adaptive Fusion Loss Module (AFLM) that effectively balances different lossy targets by dynamically adjusting weights, thereby further improving the model’s performance in segmentation region consistency and boundary accuracy while maintaining classification accuracy. The experimental results on 2018 Data Science Bowl demonstrate that, compared to state-of-the-art segmentation models, our method shows significant advantages in multiple key metrics. Specifically, our model achieved an IOU score of 0.8660 and a Dice score of 0.9216, with a model parameter size of only 7.81 M. These results illustrate that the method proposed in this paper not only excels in the segmentation of complex shapes and small targets but also significantly enhances overall performance at lower computational costs. This research offers new insights and references for model design in future medical image segmentation tasks.
Seed Protein Content Estimation with Bench-Top Hyperspectral Imaging and Attentive Convolutional Neural Network Models
Authors: Said Imran , Sagan Vasit , Peterson Kyle T. , Alifu Haireti , Maiwulanjiang Abuduwanli , Stylianou Abby , Al Akkad Omar , Sarkar Supria , Shakarji Noor Al
Published: January 2025

Wheat is a globally cultivated cereal crop with substantial protein content present in its seeds. This research aimed to develop robust methods for predicting seed protein concentration in wheat seeds using bench-top hyperspectral imaging in the visible, near-infrared (VNIR), and shortwave infrared (SWIR) regions. To fully utilize the spectral and texture features of the full VNIR and SWIR spectral domains, a computer-vision-aided image co-registration methodology was implemented to seamlessly align the VNIR and SWIR bands. Sensitivity analyses were also conducted to identify the most sensitive bands for seed protein estimation. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) with attention mechanisms were proposed along with traditional machine learning models based on feature engineering including Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) regression for comparative analysis. Additionally, the CNN classification approach was used to estimate low, medium, and high protein concentrations because this type of classification is more applicable for breeding efforts. Our results showed that the proposed CNN with attention mechanisms predicted wheat protein content with R2 values of 0.70 and 0.65 for ventral and dorsal seed orientations, respectively. Although, the R2 of the CNN approach was lower than of the best performing feature-based method, RF (R2 of 0.77), end-to-end prediction capabilities with CNN hold great promise for the automation of wheat protein estimation for breeding. The CNN model achieved better classification of protein concentrations between low, medium, and high protein contents, with an R2 of 0.82. This study’s findings highlight the significant potential of hyperspectral imaging and machine learning techniques for advancing precision breeding practices, optimizing seed sorting processes, and enabling targeted agricultural input applications.
Reliability of a Low-Cost Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to Measure Punch and Kick Velocity
Authors: Pezenka Lukas , Wirth Klaus
Published: January 2025

Striking velocity is a key performance indicator in striking-based combat sports, such as boxing, Karate, and Taekwondo. This study aims to develop a low-cost, accelerometer-based system to measure kick and punch velocities in combat athletes. Utilizing a low-cost mobile phone in conjunction with the PhyPhox app, acceleration data was collected and analyzed using a custom algorithm. This involved strike segmentation and numerical integration to determine velocity. The system demonstrated moderate reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 3,1 = 0.746 to 0.786, standard error of measurement (SEM) = 0.488 to 0.921 m/s), comparable to commercially available systems. Biological and technical variations, as well as test standardization issues, were acknowledged as factors influencing reliability. Despite a relatively low sampling frequency, the hardware and software showed potential for reliable measurement. The study highlights the importance of considering within-subject variability, hardware limitations, and the impact of noise in software algorithms. Average strike velocities exhibited higher reliability than peak velocities, making them a practical choice for performance tracking, although they may underestimate true peak performance. Future research should validate the system against gold-standard methods and determine the optimal sampling frequency to enhance measurement accuracy.
Investigation of the Ultrasonic Treatment-Assisted Soaking Process of Different Red Kidney Beans and Compositional Analysis of the Soaking Water by NIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Lukacs Matyas , Somogyi Tamás , Mukite Barasa Mercy , Vitális Flóra , Kovacs Zoltan , Rédey Ágnes , Stefaniga Tamás , Zsom Tamás , Kiskó Gabriella , Zsom-Muha Viktória
Published: January 2025

The processing of beans begins with a particularly time-consuming procedure, the hydration of the seeds. Ultrasonic treatment (US) represents a potential environmentally friendly method for process acceleration, while near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) is a proposedly suitable non-invasive monitoring tool to assess compositional changes. Our aim was to examine the hydration process of red kidney beans of varying sizes and origins. Despite the varying surface areas, the beans’ soaking times of 13–15, 15–17, and 17–19 mm did not reveal significant differences between any of the groups (control; low power: 180 W, 20 kHz; high power: 300 W, 40 kHz). US treatment was observed to result in the release of greater quantities of water-soluble components from the beans. This was evidenced by the darkening of the soaking water’s color, the increase in the a* color parameter, and the rise in the dry matter value. NIRs, in combination with chemometric tools, are an effective tool for predicting the characteristics of bean-soaking water. The PLSR- and SVR-based modelling for dry matter content and light color parameters demonstrated robust model fits with cross and test set-validated R2 values (>0.95), suggesting that these techniques can effectively capture the chemical information of the samples.