bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solution Algorithms for the Capacitated Location Tree Problem with Interconnections
Authors: Mendoza-Andrade Nidia , Ruiz-y-Ruiz Efrain , Rodriguez-Romo Suemi
Published: January 2025

This paper addresses the Capacitated Location Tree Problem with Interconnections, a new combinatorial optimization problem with applications in network design. In this problem, the required facilities picked from a set of potential facilities must be opened to serve customers using a tree-shaped network. Costs and capacities are associated with the opening of facilities and the establishment of network links. Customers have a given demand that must be satisfied while respecting the facilities and link capacities. The problem aims to minimize the total cost of designing a distribution network while considering facility opening costs, demand satisfaction, capacity constraints, and the creation of interconnections to enhance network resilience. A valid mixed-integer programming was proposed and an exact solution method based on the formulation was used to solve small- and medium-sized instances. To solve larger instances two metaheuristic approaches were used. A specific decoder procedure for the metaheuristic solution approaches was also proposed and used to help find solutions, especially for large instances. Computational experiments and results using the three solution approaches are also presented. Finally, a case study on the design of electrical transportation systems was presented and solved.
LEAF-Net: A Unified Framework for Leaf Extraction and Analysis in Multi-Crop Phenotyping Using YOLOv11
Authors: Khan Ameer Tamoor , Jensen Signe Marie
Published: January 2025

Accurate leaf segmentation and counting are critical for advancing crop phenotyping and improving breeding programs in agriculture. This study evaluates YOLOv11-based models for automated leaf detection and segmentation across spring barley, spring wheat, winter wheat, winter rye, and winter triticale. The key focus is assessing whether a unified model trained on a combined multi-crop dataset can outperform crop-specific models. Results show that the unified model achieves superior performance in bounding box tasks, with mAP@50 exceeding 0.85 for spring crops and 0.7 for winter crops. Segmentation tasks, however, reveal mixed results, with individual models occasionally excelling in recall for winter crops. These findings highlight the benefits of dataset diversity in improving generalization, while emphasizing the need for larger annotated datasets to address variability in real-world conditions. While the combined dataset improves generalization, the unique characteristics of individual crops may still benefit from specialized training.
Characterization of PHT Genes in ‘duli’ (Pyrus betulifolia Bunge) and Expression Analysis of PbPHTs in Response to Plant Growth Regulators, P, and Salt Stress
Authors: Yuan Shuai , Zhang Weilong , Zhang Yuxing
Published: January 2025

The phosphate transporter (PHT) family plays an important role in the uptake and transport of P elements in plants. A total of 158 PbPHTs were identified from the genome of ‘duli’ (Pyrus betulifolia Bunge) in this study, including 70 PbPHT1s, 2 PbPHT2s, 70 PbPHT3s, 12 PbPHT4s, and 4 PbPHT5s. Among the 158 PHT genes, 150 were localized to 17 ‘duli’ chromosomes. Gene duplication analysis identified 18 tandemly duplicated gene pairs. The promoter analysis showed that there were a large number of cis-acting elements related to phytohormones, growth, development, stress, and light response in PbPHTs. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that most PHT genes in ‘duli’ were highly expressed in the fruits, flowers, leaves, stems, and roots, and 15 PbPHT genes were responsive to 5 μM, 0.5 mM, 5 mM H2PO4, NaCl, GR24 (synthetic SL analog), GA3 (gibberellin 3), ABA (abscisic acid), and IAA (indole-3-acetic acid). GR24, GA3, IAA, and 5 mM KH2PO4 treatments could increase the concentration, absorption, transport, and distribution of P elements in the rhizomes and leaves of ‘duli’, but 5 μM KH2PO4, NaCl, and ABA had the opposite effect. This study therefore provides a list of PbPHT genes with substantial roles in abiotic stress response, as well as important information to understand the functional characteristics of PbPHT during ‘duli’ abiotic stress tolerance, and explores the function of PbPHTs in exogenous hormones, phosphorus, and salt stress in the future.
Advancements in End-to-End Audio Style Transformation: A Differentiable Approach for Voice Conversion and Musical Style Transfer
Authors: Aggarwal Shashwat , Uttam Shashwat , Garg Sameer , Garg Shubham , Jain Kopal , Aggarwal Swati
Published: January 2025

Introduction: This study introduces a fully differentiable, end-to-end audio transformation network designed to overcome these limitations by operating directly on acoustic features. Methods: The proposed method employs an encoder–decoder architecture with a global conditioning mechanism. It eliminates the need for parallel utterances, intermediate phonetic representations, and speaker-independent ASR systems. The system is evaluated on tasks of voice conversion and musical style transfer using subjective and objective metrics. Results: Experimental results demonstrate the model’s efficacy, achieving competitive performance in both seen and unseen target scenarios. The proposed framework outperforms seven existing systems for audio transformation and aligns closely with state-of-the-art methods. Conclusion: This approach simplifies feature engineering, ensures vocabulary independence, and broadens the applicability of audio transformations across diverse domains, such as personalized voice assistants and musical experimentation.
Quality Improvement Project to Change Prescribing Habits of Surgeons from Combination Opioids Such as Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen to Single-Agent Opioids Such as Oxycodone in Pediatric Postop Pain Management
Authors: Aishat Muhammad , Segovia Alicia , Campbell Throy , Williams Lorrainea , Reyes Kristy , Hamby Tyler , Farbo David , Brooks Meredith Rockeymoore , Gandhi Artee
Published: January 2025

Background: While multimodal analgesia is the standard of care for postoperative pain relief, opioid medications continue to be a part of the treatment regimen, especially for more invasive surgeries such as spinal fusion, craniofacial reconstruction, laparotomy, and others. In pediatric patients, safe usage, storage, and dosing are especially important, along with clear instructions to caregivers on how to manage their child’s pain. Combination opioids such as hydrocodone with acetaminophen and acetaminophen with codeine are the most commonly prescribed opioid medications for postoperative pain control. However, these combination products can lead to acetaminophen toxicity, limit the ability to prescribe acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and add to caregiver confusion. Administering acetaminophen and ibuprofen individually rather than in combination products allows the maximal dosing of these nonopioid medications. The primary aim of this quality improvement (QI) project was to increase the utilization of single-agent opioids for postoperative pain control, primarily oxycodone, by the various surgical groups here at Cook Children’s Medical Center (CCMC). Methods: The project setting was a tertiary-level children’s hospital with a level 2 trauma center, performing over 20,000 surgeries annually. The opioid stewardship committee (OSC) mapped the steps and overlapping activities in the intervention that led to changes in providers’ prescription practices. A Plan–Do–Study–Act continuous improvement cycle allowed for an assessment and modification of implementation strategies. Statistical control process charts were used to detect the average percentage change in surgical specialties using single-agent opioid therapy. Data were monitored for three periods: one-year pre-intervention, one-year post-intervention, and one-year sustainment periods. Results: There were 4885 (41%) pre-intervention procedures, 3973 (33%) post-intervention procedures, and 3180 (26%) sustainment period procedures that received opioids. During the pre-intervention period, the average proportion of single-agent opioids prescribed was 8%. This average shifted to 89% for the first five months of the post-intervention period, then to 91% for the remainder of the study. Conclusions: The methodical application of process improvement strategies can result in a sustained change from outpatient post-surgical combination opioid prescriptions to single-agent opioid prescriptions in multiple surgical departments.
Multi-Omics Insights into Rumen Microbiota and Metabolite Interactions Regulating Milk Fat Synthesis in Buffaloes
Authors: Yu Ye , Fu Runqi , Jin Chunjia , Han Lin , Gao Huan , Fu Binlong , Qi Min , Li Qian , Leng Jing
Published: January 2025

The present study was conducted to analyze the correlation between the milk fat content of Binglangjiang buffaloes and their microbial and host metabolites. The 10 buffaloes with the highest milk fat content (HF, 5.60 ± 0.61%) and the 10 with the lowest milk fat content (LF, 1.49 ± 0.13%) were selected. Their rumen fluid and plasma were collected for rumen microbiota and metabolome analysis. The results showed that the rumen bacteria abundance of Synergistota, Quinella, Selenomonas, and Fretibacterium was significantly higher in the HF buffaloes. The abundance of 14 rumen fungi, including Candida, Talaromyces, Cyrenella, and Stilbella, was significantly higher in the HF buffaloes. The analysis of the metabolites in the rumen and plasma showed that several metabolites differed between the HF and LF buffaloes. A total of 68 and 42 differential metabolites were identified in the rumen and plasma, respectively. By clustering these differential metabolites, most of those clustered in the HF group were lipid and lipid-like molecules such as secoeremopetasitolide B, lucidenic acid J LysoPE (0:0/18:2 (9Z, 12Z)), and 5-tetradecenoic acid. Spearman’s rank correlations showed that Quinella, Fretibacterium, Selenomonas, Cyrenella, and Stilbella were significantly positively correlated with the metabolites of the lipids and lipid-like molecules in the rumen and plasma. The results suggest that rumen microbiota such as Quinella, Fretibacterium, Selenomonas, and Cyrenella may regulate milk fat synthesis by influencing the lipid metabolites in the rumen and plasma. In addition, the combined analysis of the rumen microbiota and host metabolites may provide a fundamental understanding of the role of the microbiota and host in regulating milk fat synthesis.
Thromboelastometry-Based Profiling of Haemostatic Alterations in Neonatal Sepsis by Causative Pathogens
Authors: Sokou Rozeta , Gounari Eleni A. , Tsante Konstantina A. , Konstantinidi Aikaterini , Lampridou Maria , Theodoraki Martha , Kriebardis Anastasios G. , Fortis Sotirios P. , Iacovidou Nicoletta , Tsantes Andreas G.
Published: January 2025

Background: Neonatal sepsis is a serious condition with high mortality, especially in premature and low-birth-weight neonates. This study aims to examine whether the haemostatic profile of neonates with sepsis defers depending on the type of bacteria (Gram-positive or Gram-negative), by using the method of Rotational Thromboelastometry (ROTEM). Methods: This single-centre prospective cohort study was conducted on 128 neonates with sepsis, including 95 cases caused by Gram-negative pathogens and 33 cases caused by Gram-positive bacteria. All participants were hospitalised in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). ROTEM parameters were compared between neonates with Gram-positive and Gram-negative infections. Results: The ROTEM parameters were found to be significantly different between neonates suffering from Gram-positive versus Gram-negative infections, with Gram-positive pathogens associated with an increased clotting potential compared to Gram-negative pathogens. This is reflected in the higher ROTEM values such as A10, α-angle, and MCF in the EXTEM and INTEM assays. Multivariant analysis showed that Gram-positive infections were linked to increased clot thickness at 10 min (coefficient: 8.9, CI: 2.8–15.0, p = 0.004), higher maximum clot stability (coefficient: 10.4, CI: 4.3–16.6, p = 0.001), and a bigger α-angle (coefficient: 8.0, CI: 2.7–13.2, p = 0.003). Similar findings were observed in the INTEM assay parameters. Conclusions: Neonatal sepsis caused by Gram-positive bacteria leads to a hypercoagulable haemostatic state, whereas neonates with sepsis caused by Gram-negative bacteria exhibit a more hypocoagulable profile and a higher incidence of haemorrhagic episodes. These findings provide valuable insights into the haemostatic disorders associated with sepsis, and may aid in developing an individualised approach for the treatment of those disorders, dependent on and adapted for the specific type of causative organism.
The Introduction of the Global Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Healthcare (TCIH) Research Agenda on Antimicrobial Resistance and Its Added Value to the WHO and the WHO/FAO/UNEP/WOAH 2023 Research Agendas on Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Baars Erik W. , Weiermayer Petra , Szőke Henrik P. , van der Werf Esther T.
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Given the magnitude and urgency of the global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) problem and the insufficiency of strategies to reduce antimicrobial use, there is a need for novel strategies. Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Healthcare (TCIH) provides strategies and solutions that contribute to reducing (inappropriate) antimicrobial use, preventing or treating infections in both human and veterinary medicine, and may contribute to promoting the health/resilience of humans and animals and reducing AMR. The aims of this study were to present the core results of a global TCIH research agenda for AMR and its added value to two existing global AMR research agendas published in 2023. Methods: A survey, interviews, and consensus meetings among network members, as an adapted version of the nominal group technique, were executed to develop the global TCIH research agenda. A comparison of the global TCIH research agenda with the two existing global AMR research agendas was performed. The TCIH additions to these two existing global AMR research agendas were determined. Results: The global TCIH research agenda adds to 19 of 40 research priorities of the World Health Organization (WHO) AMR research agenda 2023 and three of the five pillars of the WHO/Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)/United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)/World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) research agenda 2023. In addition, the TCIH research agenda adds two new research themes with four new research priorities and three new research priorities to already existing themes of the two global AMR research agendas. Conclusions: The global TCIH research agenda fits with and adds to two global AMR research agendas and can be used as an additional strategy to reduce AMR and (inappropriate) use of antibiotics.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles of Commensal Staphylococcus spp. Isolates from Chickens in Hungarian Poultry Farms Between 2022 and 2023
Authors: Szabó Ábel , Jerzsele Ákos , Kovács László , Kerek Ádám
Published: January 2025

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest challenges of our time, urging researchers in both veterinary and public health to engage in collaborative efforts, thereby fostering the One Health approach. Infections caused by Staphylococcus species can not only lead to significant diseases in poultry but also pose serious threats to human life, particularly in hospital (nosocomial) infections; therefore, it is crucial to identify their antimicrobial resistance. Methods: Our objective was to assess the susceptibility profile of commensal Staphylococcus aureus strains (n = 227) found in commercial chicken flocks in Hungary through the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. Results: Based on our findings, resistance to tiamulin (82.8%; 95% CI: 77.4–87.2%) and doxycycline (74.4%; 95% CI: 68.5–79.7%) is the most critical. The 55.1% (95% CI: 48.8–61.3%) resistance rate to enrofloxacin, a critically important antimicrobial, is also concerning. The fact that 58.6% (95% CI: 52.4–64.5%) of the strains were resistant to amoxicillin and 35.7% (95% CI: 29.7–42.1) were resistant to amoxicillin–clavulanic acid suggests that a proportion of the strains produce β-lactamase. Comparing our results with the available human hospital data, it was found that resistance to macrolide antibiotics is similarly high in both cases. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the necessity of conducting regular surveillance studies, which would allow the monitoring of future temporal trends. This information could benefit practitioners making clinical decisions to successfully treat infections. To uncover the underlying causes of multidrug resistance, next-generation sequencing can be employed to elucidate the genetic basis of phenotypic resistance.
Enhancing Public Space Experiences: Evaluating Perception of Digital and Digitized Sculptures in Augmented Reality
Authors: Đurić Isidora , Medić Saša , Ecet Dejan , Grgić Stanislav , Atanacković Jeličić Jelena
Published: January 2025

Augmented reality (AR) technologies offer innovative possibilities for creating virtual artworks that seamlessly blend digital and physical elements, thereby enhancing public spaces and engaging users with both their environment and the AR content. Key concepts for assessing user experiences in AR environments include immersion, with subcategories that further elaborate on this concept. This research aims to explore the potential of AR as a tool for presenting and evaluating artworks in public spaces, with a particular focus on user engagement and immersion in AR content. Additionally, it seeks to determine whether significant differences in immersion levels exist between specific categories of virtual sculptures. Ten sculptures were displayed as mobile AR experiences in a selected public square. To achieve these objectives, a standardized questionnaire designed to measure immersion in location-based AR applications was adapted, validated, and applied. The results provide valuable insights into user experiences with different categories of AR artworks, such as digitized versus digitally created models and figurative versus abstract representations.
Evaluation of Two-Stage Backwashing on Membrane Bioreactor Biofouling Using cis-2-Decenoic Acid and Sodium Hypochlorite
Authors: Park Sungjin , Song Wonjung , Kim Chehyeun , Jiang Zikang , Han Jiwon , Kweon Jihyang
Published: January 2025

Biofouling in the membrane bioreactor (MBR) is a bottleneck in operation. This study explores the use of cis-2-decenoic acid (CDA) to mitigate biofouling. CDA is a signaling molecule known to disperse biofilms, which is reported to reduce the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of biofilms and make them less chemically resistant. In our experiments, CDA 300 nM was used for the backwashing biofouling in MBR, and backwashing with CDA followed by 0 to 500 mg/L sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) was also performed. The synergistic effect of CDA and NaOCl in alleviating biofouling was observed at CDA 300 nM and 100 mg/L NaOCl. However, controversial phenomena occurred under other conditions. An increase in biofilm removal efficiency with higher concentrations of NaOCl was not observed. Instead, the fouling rate increased at a 200 mg/L NaOCl condition compared to the control condition (i.e., DW washing). This phenomenon is hypothesized to result from the antagonistic interaction between the dispersion induction by CDA and the stress induced by NaOCl. This study specifically demonstrated the efficiency of two-stage backwashing with CDA and NaOCl in various aspects. The results of this study are expected to be utilized for optimizing MBR backwashing protocols.
Analysis of the Surface Quality Characteristics in Hard Turning Under a Minimal Cutting Fluid Environment
Authors: Mane Sandip , Patil Rajkumar Bhimgonda , Roy Anindita , Shah Pritesh , Sekhar Ravi
Published: January 2025

This paper analyzes the surface quality characteristics, such as arithmetic average roughness (Ra), maximum peak-to-valley height (Rt), and average peak-to-valley height (Rz), in hard turning of AISI 52100 steel using a (TiN/TiCN/Al2O3) coated carbide insert under a minimal cutting fluid environment (MCFA). MCFA, a sustainable high-velocity pulsed jet technique, reduces harmful effects on human health and the environment while improving machining performance. Taguchi’s L27 orthogonal array was used to conduct the experiments. The findings showed that surface roughness increases with feed rate, identified as the most influential parameter, while the depth of cut shows a negligible effect. The main effects plot of signal-to-noise (S/N) ratios for the combined response of Ra, Rt, and Rz revealed the optimal cutting conditions: cutting speed of 140 m/min, feed rate of 0.05 mm/rev, and depth of cut of 0.3 mm. Feed rate ranked highest in influence, followed by cutting speed and depth of cut. The lower values of surface roughness parameters were observed in the ranges of Ra ≈ 0.248–0.309 µm, Rt ≈ 2.013–2.186 µm, and Rz ≈ 1.566 µm at a feed rate of 0.05–0.07 mm/rev. MCFA-assisted hard turning reduces surface roughness by 35–40% compared to dry hard turning and 10% to 24% when compared to the MQL technique. Moreover, this study emphasizes the significant environmental benefits of MCFA, as it incorporates minimal eco-friendly cutting fluids that minimize ecological impact while enhancing surface finish.
Perceptual Disturbances and Disorders in the ICD-11: An Overview and a Proposal for Systematic Classification
Authors: Langguth Berthold , Landgrebe Michael , De Ridder Dirk
Published: January 2025

The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) has been developed and edited by the World Health Organisation and represents the global standard for recording health information and causes of death. The ICD-11 is the eleventh revision and came into effect on 1 January 2022. Perceptual disturbances refer to abnormalities in the way sensory information is interpreted by the brain, leading to distortions in the perception of reality. These can manifest as distorted perceptions or as phantom perceptions and can occur in all sensory modalities as visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory tactile, vestibular, proprioceptory or interoceptory disturbances. There are similar brain mechanisms involved in the generation of these analogous perceptual disturbances and disorders, and they are treated with similar approaches. Perceptual disturbances are highly prevalent, with large variations across the different sensory modalities. They can be associated with significant suffering and cause a high socioeconomic burden. Perceptual disturbances can be symptoms of another disease or disease entities on their own. In the context of pain, this is reflected by the distinction between secondary pain (pain as a symptom of another underlying condition) and primary pain (a disease in its own right, rather than being a symptom of another underlying condition) in the ICD-11. Such a clear distinction is not found in an entirely consistent way across the various sensory modalities. By using the example of auditory phantom perceptions, we propose a framework for the classification of sensory disorders in alignment with the classification of pain in the ICD-11. The descriptions of the sensory disturbances should include (1) a causal aspect (primary versus secondary), (2) a temporal aspect (acute vs. chronic and persistent vs. intermittent), (3) a cognitive, emotional and autonomic interpretation aspect (=suffering) and (4) a social aspect (=disability). If the latter two aspects are present, we propose that the sensory disturbance is called a sensory disorder.
Influencing Factors and Purification Performance of a Negative Ion Air Purifier for Indoor Ammonia Gas Removal
Authors: Li Yilin , Liu Zewen , Li Yidong , Chen Ying , Bai Ziding , Jing Huaiwang , Zhang Ruiyan , Chen Jianbo
Published: January 2025

The negative ion air purifier (NIAP) has been used for capturing particulate matter. Nevertheless, the knowledge on its effectiveness in removing other air pollutants such as ammonia gas remains limited. In this study, the effect of an NIAP for indoor ammonia gas removal was evaluated through a series of experimental studies. The applicability and different influencing, operating, and environmental factors on the ammonia gas removal performance were firstly investigated by conducting a series of experiments. Then, in order to understand the performance of the NIAP and the spatial distribution of ammonia gas and other by-products, indoor field measurements of ammonia gas, ozone, and negative ion concentrations in a real bathroom were performed for different cases with the NIAP turned on and off. The results indicated that negative ions were effective in reducing ammonia gas concentration. The operating and environmental factors including upstream wind speed, degree of operating voltage, and initial ammonia gas concentration have great influences on the ammonia gas removal efficiency of the NIAP. The highest removal efficiency can reach to 95.8%, when the upstream wind speed was 0.8 m/s and the degree of operating voltage was at gear 3 (3.0 kV). The purification efficiency of ammonia gas for the NIAP could reach up to 80%.
Calreticulin—From the Endoplasmic Reticulum to the Plasma Membrane—Adventures of a Wandering Protein
Authors: Okura Gillian C. , Bharadwaj Alamelu G. , Waisman David M.
Published: January 2025

Calreticulin (CRT) is a 46 kDa highly conserved protein initially identified as calregulin, a prominent Ca2+-binding protein of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Subsequent studies have established that CRT functions in the ER’s protein folding response and Ca2+ homeostatic mechanisms. An ER retention signal on the carboxyl terminus of CRT suggested that CRT was restricted to the ER. However, the identification of CRT in the nucleus and cytosol has established that CRT is a multi-compartmental, multifunctional protein. CRT also plays an important role in cancer progression. Most recently, CRT was identified on the cell surface and shown to be a potent ‘eat-me’ signal that plays a key role in the uptake of apoptotic and viable cancer cells by phagocytes. Elevated CRT exposure on the outer leaflet of cancer cells has been linked with anticancer immunity and superior therapeutic outcomes in patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma, colorectal carcinoma, acute myeloid leukemia, ovarian cancer, and high-grade serous carcinomas. Mutations in the CRT gene have been identified in a subset of patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms. The most recent studies from our laboratory have revealed a new and significant function for extracellular CRT as a plasminogen receptor. This discovery has profound implications for our understanding of the role of CRT in myeloproliferative neoplasms, specifically, essential thrombocythemia.
Comparative Study of the Effects of Different Surface States During the Laser Sealing of 304 Steel/High-Alumina Glass
Authors: Chen Changjun , Bao Bei , Shao Jiaqi , Zhang Min , Liu Haodong
Published: January 2025

Laser welding (sealing) is a promising technology for joining metal to glass, but it shows poor joint strength in existing studies. This study conducted the laser sealing of a 304 stainless steel alloy to high-alumina glass using pre-oxidation and laser surface melting as an interlayer. The present investigation aimed to determine the influence of this surface modification strategy on the mechanical behavior of glass-to-metal sealing joints made via laser welding. An experimental campaign was conducted on 304 stainless steel and high-alumina glass. Pre-oxidation and laser surface melting treatment were performed on the 304 steel alloy surface before joining to improve the mechanical interlock and chemical bonding between the substrates. The microstructures of the 304 steel alloy/glass interface were investigated by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and an energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and the interface evolution mechanism and the correlation between the steel/glass joining strength and the interface morphology were discussed. Finite element analysis software simulated the temperature field and stress field in the welding process, and the reasons for the differences in the welding strengths of different surface treatment samples were analyzed in depth. The results showed that the laser surface melting strategy used significantly influenced the mechanical behavior of the joints and the failure mode. Adopting a higher number of scans improved the mechanical interlock and, consequently, the mechanical behavior of the joints.
Construction of a Compound Model to Enhance the Accuracy of Hepatic Fat Fraction Estimation with Quantitative Ultrasound
Authors: Boglárka Zsély , Zsombor Zita , Rónaszéki Aladár D. , Egresi Anna , Stollmayer Róbert , Himsel Marco , Bérczi Viktor , Kalina Ildikó , Werling Klára , Győri Gabriella , Maurovich-Horvat Pál , Folhoffer Anikó , Hagymási Krisztina , Kaposi Pál Novák
Published: January 2025

Background: we evaluated regression models based on quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameters and compared them with a vendor-provided method for calculating the ultrasound fat fraction (USFF) in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Methods: We measured the attenuation coefficient (AC) and the backscatter-distribution coefficient (BSC-D) and determined the USFF during a liver ultrasound and calculated the magnetic resonance imaging proton-density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) and steatosis grade (S0–S4) in a combined retrospective–prospective cohort. We trained multiple models using single or various QUS parameters as independent variables to forecast MRI-PDFF. Linear and nonlinear models were trained during five-time repeated three-fold cross-validation in a retrospectively collected dataset of 60 MASLD cases. We calculated the models’ Pearson correlation (r) and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) in a prospectively collected test set of 57 MASLD cases. Results: The linear multivariable model (r = 0.602, ICC = 0.529) and USFF (r = 0.576, ICC = 0.54) were more reliable in S0- and S1-grade steatosis than the nonlinear multivariable model (r = 0.492, ICC = 0.461). In S2 and S3 grades, the nonlinear multivariable (r = 0.377, ICC = 0.32) and AC-only (r = 0.375, ICC = 0.313) models’ approximated correlation and agreement surpassed that of the multivariable linear model (r = 0.394, ICC = 0.265). We searched a QUS parameter grid to find the optimal thresholds (AC ≥ 0.84 dB/cm/MHz, BSC-D ≥ 105), above which switching from a linear (r = 0.752, ICC = 0.715) to a nonlinear multivariable (r = 0.719, ICC = 0.641) model could improve the overall fit (r = 0.775, ICC = 0.718). Conclusions: The USFF and linear multivariable models are robust in diagnosing low-grade steatosis. Switching to a nonlinear model could enhance the fit to MRI-PDFF in advanced steatosis.
Tumor Markers in Pleural Fluid: A Comprehensive Study on Diagnostic Accuracy
Authors: Aleksiev Vladimir , Markov Daniel , Bechev Kristian
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) pose a significant challenge in clinical practice and exert a considerable socio-economic burden on the healthcare system, affecting approximately 1 million individuals annually. These effusions are a leading cause of debilitating dyspnea and a diminished quality of life among cancer patients, with distant metastasis to the pleural layers occurring in about 20% of cases during treatment. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational case-control study was conducted on 151 Bulgarian patients with a hydrothorax. The control group included 72 patients with benign diseases, confirmed via biopsy, with 38 having inflammatory and 34 non-inflammatory pleural effusions. The other 79 patients had malignant pleural involvement. These groups are representative of the main types of pleural pathology. Results: The study found that all of the tumor markers, except for PIVKA-II (Protein induced by vitamin K absence-II), showed statistically significant differences between the malignant and non-malignant patient groups, with CAE (carcinoembryonic antigen) and CA19-9 showing the most notable differences. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that CA72-4 had the best ability to distinguish between the two groups, while PIVKA was the weakest, with optimal cut-off values for all of the relevant tumor markers being derived using the Youden index. Conclusions: In conclusion, our study highlights the transformative potential of pleural fluid tumor markers as precise and minimally invasive resources for distinguishing malignant from non-malignant pleural effusions. These findings pave the way for improved diagnostic accuracy and personalized clinical management, addressing a critical gap in the care of patients with pleural pathologies.
Elucidating the Role of the T Cell Receptor Repertoire in Myelodysplastic Neoplasms and Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Barakos Georgios Petros , Georgoulis Vasileios , Koumpis Epameinondas , Hatzimichael Eleftheria
Published: January 2025

T cells, as integral components of the adaptive immune system, recognize diverse antigens through unique T cell receptors (TCRs). To achieve this, during T cell maturation, the thymus generates a wide repertoire of TCRs. This is essential for understanding cancer evolution, progression, and the efficacy of immunotherapies. Myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are hematological neoplasms that are characterized by immune evasion mechanisms, with immunotherapy giving only modest results thus far. Our review of TCR repertoire dynamics in these diseases reveals distinct patterns: MDS patients show increased TCR clonality with disease progression, while AML exhibits varied TCR signatures depending on disease stage and treatment response. Understanding these patterns has important clinical implications, as TCR repertoire metrics may serve as potential biomarkers for disease progression and treatment response, particularly in the context of immunotherapy and stem cell transplantation. These insights could guide patient stratification and treatment selection, ultimately improving therapeutic outcomes in MDS and AML.
Multi-Condition Remaining Useful Life Prediction Based on Mixture of Encoders
Authors: Liu Yang , Xu Bihe , Geng Yangli-ao
Published: January 2025

Accurate Remaining Useful Life (RUL) prediction is vital for effective prognostics in and the health management of industrial equipment, particularly under varying operational conditions. Existing approaches to multi-condition RUL prediction often treat each working condition independently, failing to effectively exploit cross-condition knowledge. To address this limitation, this paper introduces MoEFormer, a novel framework that combines a Mixture of Encoders (MoE) with a Transformer-based architecture to achieve precise multi-condition RUL prediction. The core innovation lies in the MoE architecture, where each encoder is designed to specialize in feature extraction for a specific operational condition. These features are then dynamically integrated through a gated mixture module, enabling the model to effectively leverage cross-condition knowledge. A Transformer layer is subsequently employed to capture temporal dependencies within the input sequence, followed by a fully connected layer to produce the final prediction. Additionally, we provide a theoretical performance guarantee for MoEFormer by deriving a lower bound for its error rate. Extensive experiments on the widely used C-MAPSS dataset demonstrate that MoEFormer outperforms several state-of-the-art methods for multi-condition RUL prediction.
A Proposal of In Situ Authoring Tool with Visual-Inertial Sensor Fusion for Outdoor Location-Based Augmented Reality
Authors: Brata Komang Candra , Funabiki Nobuo , Panduman Yohanes Yohanie Fridelin , Mentari Mustika , Syaifudin Yan Watequlis , Rahmadani Alfiandi Aulia
Published: January 2025

In location-based augmented reality (LAR) applications, a simple and effective authoring tool is essential to create immersive AR experiences in real-world contexts. Unfortunately, most of the current tools are primarily desktop-based, requiring manual location acquisitions, the use of software development kits (SDKs), and high programming skills, which poses significant challenges for novice developers and a lack of precise LAR content alignment. In this paper, we propose an intuitive in situ authoring tool with visual-inertial sensor fusions to simplify the LAR content creation and storing process directly using a smartphone at the point of interest (POI) location. The tool localizes the user’s position using smartphone sensors and maps it with the captured smartphone movement and the surrounding environment data in real-time. Thus, the AR developer can place a virtual object on-site intuitively without complex programming. By leveraging the combined capabilities of Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping(VSLAM) and Google Street View (GSV), it enhances localization and mapping accuracy during AR object creation. For evaluations, we conducted extensive user testing with 15 participants, assessing the task success rate and completion time of the tool in practical pedestrian navigation scenarios. The Handheld Augmented Reality Usability Scale (HARUS) was used to evaluate overall user satisfaction. The results showed that all the participants successfully completed the tasks, taking 16.76 s on average to create one AR object in a 50 m radius area, while common desktop-based methods in the literature need 1–8 min on average, depending on the user’s expertise. Usability scores reached 89.44 for manipulability and 85.14 for comprehensibility, demonstrating the high effectiveness in simplifying the outdoor LAR content creation process.
CrowdBA: A Low-Cost Quality-Driven Crowdsourcing Architecture for Bounding Box Annotation Based on Blockchain
Authors: Guo Rongxin , Liao Shenglong , Zhu Jianqing
Published: January 2025

Many blockchain-based crowdsourcing frameworks currently struggle to address the high costs associated with on-chain storage and computation effectively, and they lack a quality-driven incentive mechanism tailored to bounding box annotation scenarios. To address these challenges, this paper proposes CrowdBA: A low-cost, quality-driven crowdsourcing architecture. The CrowdBA utilizes the Ethereum public blockchain as the foundational architecture and develops corresponding smart contracts. First, by integrating Ethereum with the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS), storage and computation processes are shifted off-chain, effectively addressing the high costs associated with data storage and computation on public blockchains. Additionally, the CrowdBA introduces a Dynamic Intersection over the union-weighted bounding box fusion (DWBF) algorithm, which assigns dynamic weights based on IoU to infer true bounding boxes, thereby assessing each worker’s annotation quality. Annotation quality then serves as a key criterion for incentive distribution, ensuring fair and appropriate compensation for all contributors. Experimental results demonstrate that the operational costs of each smart contract function remain within reasonable limits; the off-chain storage and computation approach significantly reduces storage and computation expenses, and the DWBF algorithm shows marked improvements in accuracy and robustness over other bounding box fusion methods.
AI-Driven Signal Processing for SF6 Circuit Breaker Performance Optimization
Authors: Liz Philippe A. V. D. , Vitor Giovani B. , Lima Ricardo T. , Coelho Aurélio L. M. , Silveira Eben P.
Published: January 2025

This work presents an approach based on signal processing and artificial intelligence (AI) to identify the pre-insertion resistor (PIR) and main contact instants during the operation of high-voltage SF6 circuit breakers to help improve the settings of controlled switching and attenuate transients. For this, the current and voltage signals of a real Brazilian substation are used as AI inputs, considering the noise and interferences common in this type of environment. Thus, the proposed modeling considers the signal preprocessing steps for feature extraction, the generation of the dataset for model training, the use of different machine learning techniques to automatically find the desired points, and, finally, the identification of the best moments for controlled switching of the circuit breakers. As a result, the models evaluated obtained good performance in the identification of operation points above 93%, considering precision and accuracy. In addition, valuable statistical notes related to the controlled switching condition are obtained from the circuit breakers evaluated in this research.
Numerical Simulation and Structural Optimization of Combustion Processes in a 750 t/d Waste Incinerator
Authors: Zhang Lei , Yang Fei , Xu Li , Zhang Shuhui , Ren Xiaohan
Published: January 2025

This paper presents a numerical simulation and structural optimization study of the combustion process within the grate and boiler furnace of a 750 t/d waste incineration. The study focuses on adjusting the secondary air velocity, secondary air inclination angle, and the arrangement of secondary air nozzles. These adjustments aim to optimize parameters such as the temperature field, pollutant emission, flow field, particle residence time, and filling degree. The findings demonstrate that high-temperature zones, which lead to slagging problems, are likely to form beneath the front arch. The combustibles inside the furnace are thoroughly burnt, reflecting efficient combustion. The concentration of NOx in the flue gas at the furnace outlet generally ranges between 170 and 200 ppm. Optimal operating conditions are identified as a secondary air inclination angle of 20° with an air velocity of 55 m/s, and an angle of 30° with an air velocity of 55 m/s and 65 m/s, in conjunction with a relative arrangement of the nozzles. Under these conditions, the incineration furnace achieves its best operational state.
A Review of AI Applications in Unconventional Oil and Gas Exploration and Development
Authors: Chen Feiyu , Sun Linghui , Jiang Boyu , Huo Xu , Pan Xiuxiu , Feng Chun , Zhang Zhirong
Published: January 2025

The development of unconventional oil and gas resources is becoming increasingly challenging, with artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as a key technology driving technological advancement and industrial upgrading in this field. This paper systematically reviews the current applications and development trends of AI in unconventional oil and gas exploration and development, covering major research achievements in geological exploration; reservoir engineering; production forecasting; hydraulic fracturing; enhanced oil recovery; and health, safety, and environment management. This paper reviews how deep learning helps predict gas distribution and classify rock types. It also explains how machine learning improves reservoir simulation and history matching. Additionally, we discuss the use of LSTM and DNN models in production forecasting, showing how AI has progressed from early experiments to fully integrated solutions. However, challenges such as data quality, model generalization, and interpretability remain significant. Based on existing work, this paper proposes the following future research directions: establishing standardized data sharing and labeling systems; integrating domain knowledge with engineering mechanisms; and advancing interpretable modeling and transfer learning techniques. With next-generation intelligent systems, AI will further improve efficiency and sustainability in unconventional oil and gas development.
Molecular Simulation of Graphene Growth Reactions at Various Temperatures Derived from Benzene in Coal Tar Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Zhao Shuhan , Luo Zhongyang , Fang Mengxiang , Wang Qinhui , Cen Jianmeng
Published: January 2025

Coal tar, a by-product of the pyrolysis of coal, is rich in aromatic compounds that have the potential to facilitate the synthesis of graphene, a high-quality carbon material, via low-temperature chemical vapor deposition (CVD). This approach offers a promising avenue for the cost-effective and large-scale industrial production of graphene while minimizing energy consumption. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of research focused on the low-temperature synthesis mechanisms of graphene derived from aromatic compounds in the context of graphene growth. To achieve high-quality graphene synthesis from coal tar and its aromatic constituents at reduced temperatures, a comprehensive investigation into the reaction pathways of these aromatic compounds is essential. In this study, we meticulously simulate the pyrolysis of benzene, a key aromatic component of coal tar, across various temperature settings utilizing reactive force field (ReaxFF) methodology. Furthermore, we apply density functional theory (DFT) calculations, executed through the Vienna Ab initio Simulation Package (VASP), to assess the dehydrogenation energy associated with the adsorption of benzene on vapor-deposited copper foils. Our molecular dynamics simulations, enhanced by a mixed force field approach, revealed that the dehydrogenated benzene ring (C6 intermediate) acts as a critical precursor for graphene synthesis. This research significantly elucidates the reaction pathways of aromatic benzene in coal tar through molecular simulations conducted at different temperatures, both in the gas phase and on solid copper foil substrates.
Optimal µPMU Placement Considering Node Importance and Multiple Deployed Monitoring Devices in Distribution Networks
Authors: Zhao Ruifeng , Lu Jiangang , Chen Yizhe , Gao Yifan , Gan Kai , Li Ming , Wei Chengzhi , Huang Runhong , Xiao Fan , Che Liang
Published: January 2025

The placement of micro phasor measurement units in an active distribution network can improve the monitoring performance of the system. However, the price and placement cost of micro phasor measurement units are high, so existing research mostly focuses on solving the problem of achieving global observability with the minimum number of micro phasor measurement units. However, the problems of frequent topology change in the distribution network and the increase in the number of faults that will be caused by the high proportion of distributed energy resources connected to the system may lead to the above placement scheme losing the observability of the system. The balance of maintaining the number of micro phasor measurement units placed while ensuring the monitoring stability of the system remains a crucial challenge. To address this issue, a micro phasor measurement unit placement method that considers the observability of multiple monitoring devices and node importance is proposed in this paper, which, on the one hand, fully considers the impact of the observability of existing monitoring devices on the micro phasor measurement units placement scheme and reduces the number of micro phasor measurement units that are used to achieve global observability, and, on the other hand, gives priority to placing the micro phasor measurement units at important nodes in the distribution network that are closely related to observation stability, improving the observation performance of the system. The superiority of the proposed μPMU method is verified in standard systems such as IEEE-33, IEEE-34, and P&G69, in which the number of required μPMUs is reduced by 20%, and the observation performance of the system is improved by 30% in special cases.