bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AcrAB Efflux Pump Plays a Crucial Role in Bile Salts Resistance and Pathogenesis of Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Shu Rundong , Liu Ge , Xu Yunyu , Liu Bojun , Huang Zhi , Wang Hui
Published: November 2024

Bile salts possess innate antibacterial properties and can cause significant damage to bacteria. To survive in the mammalian gut, Klebsiella pneumoniae has developed mechanisms to tolerate bile salts; however, the specific mechanisms remain unclear. Transposon library screening revealed that the efflux pump AcrAB is involved in bile salt resistance. acrA and acrB mutants exhibited high sensitivity not only to bile salts but also to SDS and various antibiotics, with a switch-loop, comprising residues G615, F616, A617, and G618, proving to be crucial in this process. A colonization defect of acrA and acrB mutants was demonstrated to be located in the mouse small intestine, where the bile salt concentration is higher compared to the large intestine. Additionally, both acrA and acrB mutants displayed reduced virulence in the Galleria mellonella model. In conclusion, our results suggest that the Resistance-Nodulation-Cell Division efflux pump serves as a critical determinant in the pathogenesis of K. pneumoniae through various aspects.
Ferulic Acid Relieves the Oxidative Stress Induced by Oxidized Fish Oil in Oriental River Prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense) with an Emphasis on Lipid Metabolism and Gut Microbiota
Authors: Liu Xin , Sun Cunxin , Zhou Qunlan , Zheng Xiaochuan , Jiang Sufei , Wang Aimin , Han Yongquan , Xu Gangchun , Liu Bo
Published: November 2024

To investigate the potential of ferulic acid (FA) in attenuating the deleterious effects of oxidized fish oil (OF) on Macrobrachium nipponense, four experimental diets were formulated: 3% fresh fish oil (CT group, peroxide value: 2.2 mmol/kg), 3% oxidized fish oil (OF group, peroxide value: 318 mmol/kg), and 3% OF with an additional 160 and 320 mg/kg of FA (OF+FA160 group and OF+FA320 group, respectively). M. nipponense (initial weight: 0.140 ± 0.015 g) were randomly divided into four groups with six replicates (60 individuals per replicate) and reared for a period of 10 weeks. The results showed that the OF treatments significantly reduced the growth performance, the expression of antioxidant genes in the hepatopancreas, the levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and the gene expression levels of ACC, FAS, FABP10, ACBP, G6PDH, and SCD in the hepatopancreas (p < 0.05). OF supplementation significantly increased the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in hemolymph and the gene expression levels of CPT1 (p < 0.05). Addition of FA to the OF group significantly increased total bile acids (p < 0.05). In addition, it was found by Oil Red staining that the proportion of lipid droplets was significantly increased in the OF group (p < 0.05). However, the lipid droplets were alleviated by FA supplementation in the diet. OF was found to significantly reduce the diversity of intestinal microbiota by 16S rDNA sequencing and significantly increase the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio (p < 0.05). Functional analysis of gut microbiota also showed that OF reduced lipolysis and led to fat deposition, which is related to gut microbiota. However, this study found that the composition of the gut microbiome of M. nipponense was changed by the addition of FA in the diet, including an increase in the abundance of Ruminococcaceae UCG-005 and Lachnospiraceae, a reduction in the F/B ratio, and an improvement in lipid metabolism. In conclusion, the OF induced oxidative stress, disturbed the balance of intestinal microbiota, promoted lipid accumulation, and caused disorders of lipid metabolism in M. nipponense by increasing lipid synthesis and reducing β-oxidation. However, the results of this study highlighted the potential of FA supplementation to modulate intestinal microbial composition, promote bile acid production, and activate genes related to lipid metabolism in the hepatopancreas, ultimately leading to a reduction in lipid deposition in M. nipponense.
The Role of Melatonin on Caprine (Capra hircus) Sperm Freezability: A Review
Authors: Cardenas-Padilla Alberto Jorge , Jimenez-Trejo Francisco , Cerbon Marco , Medrano Alfredo
Published: November 2024

In mammals, the pineal hormone melatonin is the most powerful pacemaker of the master circadian clock and is responsible for reproduction in seasonal breeders. It is also well known that melatonin and its metabolites play antioxidant roles in many tissues, including reproductive cells. Melatonin synthesis and secretion from the pineal gland occurs during scotophase (the dark phase during a day–night cycle), while its inhibition is observed during photophase (period of light during a day–night cycle). Short-day breeders, such as goats, are stimulated to breed in a manner dependent on high endogenous levels of melatonin. This hormone can be synthesized in various extra-pineal tissues, such as retina, gastrointestinal tract, ovaries, and testis, with its main function being as a local antioxidant, given that melatonin and its metabolites are potent scavengers of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Moreover, it has been reported that some functions of melatonin can be exerted through plasma membrane and intracellular receptors expressed in the male reproductive system, including germ cells, immature and mature spermatozoa. It has been shown that melatonin may enhance gamete cryosurvival mainly by its addition into the media and/or in exogenous melatonin treatments in several species. In the present review, the physiological effects of endogenous melatonin in mammals are described, with a deeper focus on caprine reproduction. Additionally, results from recent investigations on the roles of exogenous melatonin aimed at improving the reproductive efficiency of goat bucks are discussed. There are contradictory findings and a limited amount of research available in the field of goat sperm cryopreservation associated with the use of melatonin. Understanding and improving goat reproduction and production is essential for many marginalized human populations around the world who directly depend on goats to maintain and improve their lifestyle.
Bisphenol A and Its Emergent Substitutes: State of the Art of the Impact of These Plasticizers on Oxidative Stress and Its Role in Vascular Dysfunction
Authors: Palacios-Valladares José R. , Martinez-Jimenez Yesenia I. , Morillon-Torres Vanessa , Rivera-Maya Omar B. , Gómez Rocio , Calderon-Aranda Emma S.
Published: November 2024

The “One Health approach” has evidenced the significant impact of xenobiotic exposure to health, and humans are a relevant target for their toxic effects. Bisphenol A (BPA) exerts a ubiquitous exposure source in all ecosystems. Given its endocrine-disrupting and harmful consequences on health, several countries have enforced new regulations to reduce exposure to BPA. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are complex conditions that lead to higher mortality worldwide, where family history, lifestyle, and environmental factors, like BPA exposure, have a remarkable contribution. This chemical compound is the most widely used in plastic and epoxy resin manufacturing and has been associated with effects on human health. Therefore, new-generation bisphenols (NGBs) are replacing BPA use, arguing that they do not harm health. Nonetheless, the knowledge about whether NGBs are secure options is scanty. Although BPA’s effects on several organs and systems have been documented, the role of BPA and NGBs in CVDs has yet to be explored. This review’s goals are focused on the processes of endothelial activation (EA)–endothelial dysfunction (ED), a cornerstone of CVDs development, bisphenols’ (BPs) effects on these processes through oxidant and antioxidant system alteration. Despite the scarce evidence on pro-oxidant effects associated with NGBs, our review demonstrated a comparable harmful effect on BPA. The results from the present review suggest that the biological mechanisms to explain BPs cardiotoxic effects are the oxidant stress ↔ inflammatory response ↔ EA ↔ ED → atherosclerotic plate → coagulation promotion. Other effects contributing to CVD development include altered lipid metabolism, ionic channels, and the activation of different intracellular pathways, which contribute to ED perpetuation in a concerted manner.
Administration of Delphinidin to Improve Survival and Neurological Outcome in Mice After Cardiac Arrest and Resuscitation
Authors: Bajorat Rika , Grest Stella Line , Bergt Stefan , Klawitter Felix , Vollmar Brigitte , Reuter Daniel A. , Bajorat Jörn
Published: November 2024

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) after cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CA-CPR). Early administration of vitamin C at a high dose in experimental models resulted in less myocardial damage and had a positive effect on survival after resuscitation. Here, we postulated that the ROS scavenging activity of an anthocyanin (i.e., delphinidin) would positively influence resuscitation outcomes. We hypothesized that administration of delphinidin immediately after CA-CPR could attenuate systemic inflammation in a standardized mouse model and thereby improve survival and long-term outcomes. Outcomes up to 28 days were evaluated in a control group (saline-treated) and a delphinidin-treated cohort. Survival, neurological and cognitive parameters were assessed. Post-CPR infusion of delphinidin deteriorated survival time after a 10 min CA. Survivors amongst the controls showed significantly more anxious behavior than in the pre-CPR phases. This tendency was also observed in the animals treated with delphinidin. In our study, we did not find an improvement in survival with delphinidin after CA-CPR and observed no effect on learning behavior. Our long-term behavioral tests clearly show that CA-CPR is associated with the development of post-interventional anxiety-like symptoms. Our findings open up scopes to investigate the intrinsic factors (e.g., oxidative stress, inflammatory and systemic-microbial response, etc.) influencing the therapeutic efficacy of anthocyanins in vivo.
Long-Term Pentoxifylline Therapy Is Associated with a Reduced Risk of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Cell Apoptosis in Diabetic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Wang Jie-Sian , Tsai Ping-Hsuan , Tseng Kuo-Feng , Lin Cheng-Li , Chen Fang-Yu , Chang Chiz-Tzung , Shen Ming-Yi
Published: November 2024

There is limited understanding of the optimal duration and dosage of pentoxifylline (PTX) therapy required to achieve significant reductions in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk, particularly in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of long-term PTX therapy on the risk of ASCVD in patients with DKD who do not have pre-existing cardiovascular disease, while also exploring potential vascular protective mechanisms. This retrospective cohort study included data from Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Health and Welfare Data Science Center. In 2008–2019, we identified and analyzed a specific sample of 129,764 patients with DKD without established cardiovascular disease. Participants were categorized according to their PTX treatment regimen. Short-term PTX users (<763 days) had a greater risk of developing ASCVD than non-PTX users. However, those who used PTX for >763 days (long-term PTX treatment) had a significantly lower risk of ASCVD, with a 47% lower cumulative incidence. A dose-dependent reduction in apoptosis was observed via Klotho treatment in cultured human aortic endothelial cells following PTX treatment. Long-term PTX treatment (24 h) caused a higher reduction in H2O2-induced reactive oxygen species production and cell apoptosis than short-term PTX treatment (2 h). In the DKD mice model experiments, PTX reduced the ASCVD risk by increasing the Klotho levels to inhibit endothelial cell damage. These findings suggest that the cardiovascular and renoprotective benefits of PTX may be extended to primary prevention strategies for people with DKD.
VdCHS2 Overexpression Enhances Anthocyanin Biosynthesis, Modulates the Composition Ratio, and Increases Antioxidant Activity in Vitis davidii Cells
Authors: He Liyuan , Lai Gongti , Lin Junxuan , Guo Aolin , Yang Fangxue , Pan Ruo , Che Jianmei , Lai Chengchun
Published: November 2024

Anthocyanins are significant secondary metabolites that are essential for plant growth and development, possessing properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities and cardiovascular protection. They offer significant potential for applications in food, medicine, and cosmetics. However, since anthocyanins are mainly obtained through plant extraction and chemical synthesis, they encounter various challenges, including resource depletion, ecological harm, environmental pollution, and the risk of toxic residuals. To address these issues, this study proposes a plant cell factory approach as a novel alternative solution for anthocyanin acquisition. In this study, the VdCHS2 gene was successfully transformed into spine grape cells, obtaining a high-yield anthocyanin cell line designated as OE1. Investigations of the light spectrum demonstrated that white light promoted spine grape cell growth, while short-wavelength blue light significantly boosted anthocyanin production. Targeted metabolomics analysis revealed that the total anthocyanin content in the OE1 cell line reached 11 mg/g, representing a 60% increase compared to the WT. A total of 54 differentially accumulated metabolites were identified, among which 44 were upregulated. Overexpression of the CHS gene enhanced the expression of downstream genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis, resulting in the differential expression of CHI, F3Hb, F3′5′H, DFR4, and LDOX. This led to the differential accumulation of anthocyanin monomers, predominantly consisting of 3-O-glucosides and 3-O-galactosides, thereby causing alterations in anthocyanin levels and composition. Furthermore, the OE1 cell line increased the activity of various antioxidant enzymes, improved the clearance of reactive oxygen species, and reduced the levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA). The subsequent cultivation of the transformed OE1 cell line, in conjunction with cell suspension culture, established a plant cell factory for anthocyanin production, significantly increasing anthocyanin yield while shortening the culture duration. This study elucidates the molecular mechanisms through which the VdCHS2 gene influenced anthocyanin accumulation and compositional variations. Additionally, it established a model for a small-scale anthocyanin plant cell factory, thereby providing a theoretical and practical foundation for the targeted synthesis of anthocyanin components and the development and utilization of plant natural products.
Dynamic Bending Behaviour of Sandwich Structures for Marine Applications
Authors: Osa-uwagboe Norman , Silberschmidt Vadim V. , Demirci Emrah
Published: November 2024

This paper examines the mechanical performance of fibre-reinforced composite sandwich structures (FRPSSs) for maritime applications, focusing on the impact bending and damage sequence after seawater exposure. Glass-fibre/epoxy facesheets with various PVC foam core configurations underwent low-velocity single and multiple impacts. An in situ moisture-uptake methodology monitored moisture ingress until saturation. Results showed moisture uptake reduced impact bending capacity and bending stiffness to varying degrees. While energy-absorption performance remained largely unchanged under single impacts, significant differences were noted for multiple impacts. Failure analysis confirmed the reductions in some damage modes such as facesheet fracture, indentation, and core shear failures, while core shearing, delamination, core/facesheet debonding, and fibre breakage were identified as the main failure modes. These insights enhance understanding and optimisation of FRPSSs for improved out-of-plane damage resistance in marine applications.
Energy Intelligence: A Systematic Review of Artificial Intelligence for Energy Management
Authors: Safari Ashkan , Daneshvar Mohammadreza , Anvari-Moghaddam Amjad
Published: November 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) can assist in the effective development of the power system by improving reliability and resilience. The rapid advancement of AI and ML is fundamentally transforming energy management systems (EMSs) across diverse industries, including areas such as prediction, fault detection, electricity markets, buildings, and electric vehicles (EVs). Consequently, to form a complete resource for cognitive energy management techniques, this review paper integrates findings from more than 200 scientific papers (45 reviews and more than 155 research studies) addressing the utilization of AI and ML in EMSs and its influence on the energy sector. The paper additionally investigates the essential features of smart grids, big data, and their integration with EMS, emphasizing their capacity to improve efficiency and reliability. Despite these advances, there are still additional challenges that remain, such as concerns regarding the privacy of data, challenges with integrating different systems, and issues related to scalability. The paper finishes by analyzing the problems and providing future perspectives on the ongoing development and use of AI in EMS.
Random Exploration and Attraction of the Best in Swarm Intelligence Algorithms
Authors: Vargas Maria , Cortes Domingo , Ramirez-Salinas Marco Antonio , Villa-Vargas Luis Alfonso , Lopez Antonio
Published: November 2024

In this paper, it is revealed that random exploration and attraction of the best (REAB) are two underlying procedures in many swarm intelligence algorithms. This is particularly shown in two of the most known swarm algorithms: the particle swarm optimization (PSO) and gray wolf optimizer (GWO) algorithms. From this observation, it is here proposed that instead of building algorithms based on a narrative derived from observing some animal behavior, it is more convenient to focus on algorithms that perform REAB procedures; that is, to build algorithms to make a wide and efficient explorations of the search space and then gradually make that the best-evaluated search agent to attract the rest of the swarm. Following this general idea, two REAB-based algorithms are proposed; one derived from the PSO and one derived from the GWO, called REAB-PSO and REAB-GWO, respectively. To easily and succinctly express both algorithms, variable-sized open balls are employed. A comparison of proposed procedures in this paper and the original PSO and GWO using a controller tuning problem as a test bench show a significant improvement of the REAB-based algorithms over their original counterparts. Ideas here exposed can be used to derive new swarm intelligence algorithms.
Mastication of Carrots with Different Shapes Affects the Composition of the Salivary Proteome—A Pilot Study
Authors: Pérez-Jiménez María , Boieiro Dora , Simões Carla , Carreira Laura , Capela e Silva Fernando , Lamy Elsa
Published: November 2024

Chewing is a sensorimotor activity that aims to prepare food for swallowing, in which saliva intervenes, moistening food particles, assisting in bolus formation, enzymatic digestion, and swallowing. This study investigated the effect of chewing carrots of different shapes on salivary secretion and protein profiles using 2-DE gel electrophoresis. Fifteen participants chewed sliced or grated carrots, or parafilm (non-food control), in a crossover design, with saliva samples collected before and after mastication. The results showed significant differences in salivation and saliva composition when chewing carrots vs. the control, with sliced carrots inducing greater changes: 37 protein spots, including amylase and immunoglobulin spots, 9 protein spots, and 1 protein spot were significantly altered after chewing sliced carrots, grated carrots, and parafilm, respectively. Mastication combined with the sensory properties of food had a greater effect on saliva secretion and salivary protein levels than mastication alone. Among carrot shapes, the results suggest that harder food textures, which require more chewing effort, lead to more pronounced changes in salivary protein profiles. These findings contribute to the understanding of how food shape and texture influence salivation and salivary proteome dynamics, with potential implications for oral digestion, food-related sensory experiences, and the personalisation of diets for individuals with a compromised chewing capacity.
Effect of Adding Gold Nanoparticles on the Anti-Candidal Activity and Release Profile of Itraconazole from Hydrogels
Authors: Balwierz Radosław , Biernat Paweł , Bursy Dawid , Shanaida Mariia , Kasperkiewicz Katarzyna , Jasińska-Balwierz Agata , Ochędzan-Siodłak Wioletta
Published: November 2024

Gold nanoparticles have been identified as a promising avenue for the development of drug carriers, particularly in the context of antimicrobial drug delivery, where limited solubility represents a significant challenge. The ability of gold nanoparticles to penetrate biofilms and disrupt fungal cell membranes makes them an effective tool to support antifungal therapy, especially against resistant strains. Gold nanoparticles also demonstrate synergistic effects with chemotherapeutics and can influence the release profile of the active substances. This study aimed to develop a topical hydrogel drug formulation containing itraconazole (ITZ), with the addition of gold nanoparticles, to enhance its therapeutic properties. Due to ITZ’s poor water solubility, three types of the gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) of different sizes were synthesized and subsequently coated with itraconazole. The resulting formulations were incorporated into carbopol gels and their ability to diffuse through semipermeable membranes was assessed. The findings demonstrated that the combination of gold nanoparticles and itraconazole elevated the diffusion coefficient to twice the level observed in gels without nanoparticles. Furthermore, the combined effect of gold nanoparticles and itraconazole against a reference Candida albicans strain was investigated. The combination of gold nanoparticles and itraconazole demonstrated a growth-inhibitory effect on this strain, indicating that this formulation could potentially be employed in the treatment of fungal infections. The study confirms that hydrogels with itraconazole and gold nanoparticles can be obtained, offering enhanced drug diffusion.
Computational Methodology for the Development of Wrinkled Tubes by Plastic Deformation
Authors: Soares Samara C. R. , Silva Gilmar C. , Fonseca Elza M. M.
Published: November 2024

Traditional methods for wrinkled tubes involve welding processes and additional elements, such as plates, screws, rivets, and guides. Considering all the limitations of these processes, this work aims to propose a methodology that allows for maximising the manufacturing process of carbon steel tube joints with seaming using cold forming and minimising the cost of the final product. Therefore, the present work aims to develop a computational model, based on the finite element method, to optimise the deformation process of T6 Aluminium tubes (ø 45 × ø 38.6 mm) with a length of 120 mm. The method uses a steel die with cavities to achieve wrinkled tubes by a forming process. This numerical study was carried out using the Ansys® 2022 R2 software. A nonlinear material and an incremental structural analysis were used. The applied methodology allowed the optimisation of process parameters, the application of forces during tube deformation, the geometry of the die cavity, boundary conditions, and mesh discretisation. Numerical modelling was carried out using the axial symmetry of the assembly (tube–die), enabling a simplified and efficient execution of the final tube geometry. The results were analysed based on the maximum pressure applied to the tube, and the vertical and horizontal displacements of the deformed component, thus obtaining the tube flow with complete filling inside the die cavity at the end of deformation. The die geometry that produced the best results presented a cavity with a radius of curvature of 3 mm, 6 mm in height, and with a depth of 4 mm. The optimised result of the die geometry generated satisfactory results, with the displacement on the x-axis of the tube of approximately 2.85 mm, ensuring the filling of the cavity at the end of the process. For this, the maximum pressure exerted on the tube was approximately 374 MPa.
Mechanical Resistance of Different Dental Ceramics and Composite, Milled, or Printed Materials: A Laboratory Study
Authors: Iliev Georgi , Vasileva Radosveta , Kirov Dimitar , Deliverska Elitsa , Kirilova Janet
Published: November 2024

Contemporary indirect restorative materials vary in their physical and mechanical properties, necessitating additional research. This investigation aims to compare the mechanical properties (such as fatigue and compressive strength) of indirect dental restorative materials. In an in vitro study, the mechanical behaviour of monolithic onlay restorations made from a lithium disilicate glass–ceramic (Group A), a ceramic-infiltrated composite (Group B), a polymer-based composite resin (Group C), and zirconia (Group D), bonded to a prepared tooth model, was evaluated after ageing and mechanical cycling. The average value of compressive strength (stage of cracking) in each group was as follows: Group A, 871 N; Group B, 728 N; Group C, 2655 N; and Group D, 2005 N. Moreover, the results of the compressive strength test (stage of destruction) in each group were as follows: Group A, 2516.5 N; Group B, 2266 N; Group C, 5670 N; and Group D, 3543 N. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s (HSD) post hoc test was conducted to assess pairwise comparisons among group means. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between Groups C and D and the others, highlighting the potential of these materials in clinical applications. Based on the average values, it can be concluded that the 3D-printed ceramic-infiltrated composite onlays exhibited the highest compressive resistance values among the materials evaluated. The lithium disilicate glass–ceramic and the ceramic-infiltrated composite are brittle materials, which should be considered when covering teeth with high occlusal stress.
Active Disturbance Rejection Control Based on an Improved Topology Strategy and Padé Approximation in LCL-Filtered Photovoltaic Grid-Connected Inverters
Authors: Wang Jinpeng , Wei Haojie , Dou Shunyao , Gillbanks Jeremy , Zhao Xin
Published: November 2024

Although the smart grid, equipped with situational awareness and contextual understanding, represents the future of energy management and offers flexible, extensible, and adaptable intelligent grid services, it still shares similarities with traditional systems. For instance, the control performance of the DC (Direct Current) bus voltage will continue to be adversely affected by various uncertain interference factors in the future smart grid. In practice, this often leads to challenges, as inverters typically operate at high frequencies when connected to the grid. Therefore, the ability to effectively suppress fluctuations in DC bus voltage and mitigate their impact, as well as enhance the dynamic performance of the system, will be one of the key indicators for evaluating the upcoming smart grid. Consequently, this paper proposes DC-link Voltage Control using a two-stage Extended State Observer (ESO)-Cascaded Topology Structure in an LCL (Inductive-Capacitive-Inductive) Filtered Photovoltaic Grid-Connected Inverter based on Padé Approximation and Improved Active Disturbance Rejection Control. Results from both simulations and experiments demonstrate that the proposed algorithm performs effectively and is capable of suppressing fluctuations.
Evaluation of Mixed Traffic Flow Efficiency and Safety on Hard-Shoulder-Running Freeways
Authors: Zhi Ye , Zhang Zhengping , Zhou Wenhui , Hou Dongyang , Zhang Jun
Published: November 2024

Most of the existing studies on the freeway hard-shoulder-running (HSR) strategy only focus on the traffic flow with human-driven vehicles (HDVs) but neglect the potential impacts of connected automated vehicles (CAVs) with various penetration rates on the macroscopic traffic flow. The purpose of this paper is to ascertain whether the effects of mixed traffic flow for the freeway HSR strategy differ from those of a traditional traffic flow or not. In this research, a sophisticated methodology is employed, integrating microscopic simulation with factorial experimental design. By meticulously examining and statistically analyzing the simulation results, significant and novel insights are obtained. We find a complex interplay between the penetration rate of CAVs and HSR strategy on traffic flow efficiency and safety metrics. Without HSR, the traffic flow efficiency does not exhibit an immediate enhancement as the penetration rate increases. Instead, a notable improvement in overall traffic flow efficiency is observed only when the penetration rate attains a specific threshold. After implementing the HSR, the penetration rate of CAVs has a pronounced positive influence both on the traffic efficiency and safety, regardless of the prevailing traffic flow conditions. However, different speed limits for the HSR can lead to varying degrees of efficiency improvement under different traffic demands. Within a penetration rate range of 0.4 to 0.7 during the congested traffic flow, the traffic efficiency achieved at a speed limit of 120 km/h does not necessarily exceed that achieved at a speed limit of 80 km/h. Finally, we observe that the opening of hard shoulders would result in a decrease in traffic safety under congested traffic conditions. This finding provides important guidance for determining the appropriate timing of hard shoulder utilization in mixed traffic flow scenarios in the future.
Securing Trading Card Game Assets Using Blockchain Technology
Authors: Rak Maciej , Niemiec Marcin
Published: November 2024

Physical Trading Card Games (TCGs) face inherent challenges, including vulnerability to theft, damage, and counterfeiting. Trading systems primarily depend on third-party marketplaces that collect fees from each trade, without benefiting the game developers. Players also deal with problems associated with shipping, such as high prices, long shipping times, and the risk of counterfeit goods. This paper introduces a blockchain-based solution that decouples card ownership from the physical media, which represents ownership with secure and verifiable digital tokens. The system leverages Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), the ERC-1155 standard, and InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) storage, ensuring flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency. The adoption of the lazy minting technique minimizes upfront costs for game developers by creating tokens only when acquired by end users. Physical representations of such digital goods can be printed on demand as they remain only a game accessory. The system also provides low-cost exchanges, significantly reducing the financial and logistical burdens associated with the trading of physical assets. Finally, the protocol empowers developers to monetize secondary markets through transaction fees. This approach addresses the limitations of physical card systems and also unlocks new opportunities for innovation and revenue in the TCG ecosystem.
Comparison of Abrasive Wear Resistance of Hardox Steel and Hadfield Cast Steel
Authors: Zemlik Martyna , Konat Łukasz , Leśny Kacper , Jamroziak Krzysztof
Published: November 2024

Among the materials used for components subjected to abrasive wear, chromium cast iron, hardfaced layers, martensitic steels and Hadfield steel should be singled out. Each of these types of materials exhibits a different morphology of structure and strength properties. Hadfield steel, characterized by an austenitic microstructure, shows the ability to strengthen the subsurface layers by cold work, while maintaining a ductile core. Hardox steels belong to the group of low-alloy martensitic boron steels. However, it should be noted that increasing hardness does not always translate into low wear values due to a change in the nature of wear. In view of the above, the authors decided to subject selected Hardox steels and Hadfield cast steels in the post-operational condition to abrasive wear tests in the presence of loose abrasive. The study showed that Hardox Extreme steel exhibits the highest resistance to abrasive wear (value of the coefficient kb is equal to 1.39). In the case of Hadfield steel, the recorded values are slightly lower (kb = 1.32 and 1.33), while the above ratios remain higher compared to Hardox 600 and Hardox 500 steels. The main wear mechanism of high-manganese steels is microploughing, plastic deformation and breakouts of larger fragments of material. In the case of Hardox 450 and Hardox 500 steels, the predominant wear mechanisms are microploughing and breaking out of material fragments. As the hardness of the steel increases, the proportion of wear by microcutting and scratching predominates.
LSRM: A New Method for Turkish Text Classification
Authors: Borandağ Emin
Published: November 2024

The text classification method is one of the most frequently used approaches in text mining studies. Text classification requires a model generation using a predefined dataset, and this model aims to assign uncategorized data to a correct category. In line with this purpose, this study used machine learning algorithms, deep learning algorithms, word embedding algorithms, and transfer-learning algorithms to classify Turkish texts using three diverse datasets, one of which is new, to analyze text classification performances for the Turkish language. The preparation process of the newly added dataset involved the variations in Turkish word usage patterns over the years, since it consisted of timestamp-enabled data. The study also developed a novel method named LSRM to increase the text classification performance for agglutinative languages such as Turkish. After testing the new method on datasets, the statistical ANOVA method revealed that applying the proposed LSRM method increased the classification performance.
Enhancing Player Experience in a First-Person Shooter with Dynamic Audio Cue Adjustment Based on Gaussian Progress Regression
Authors: Li Xiaoxu , Xia Yi , Gursesli Mustafa Can , You Xiao , Chen Siyuan , Thawonmas Ruck
Published: November 2024

This paper analyzes the experience of first-person shooter (FPS) players when game difficulty is adjusted by personalizing their audio cue settings, considering the balance between player performance, modeled using Gaussian process regression (GPR), and prior data serving as designer preference. In addition, we investigate why player experience changes according to in-game audio cues. Previous studies have proposed various dynamic difficulty adjustment (DDA) methods for FPS games. However, few studies have considered the role of audio cues in the player experience. This paper compares the player experience of personalized enemy audio cue volume settings (GPR-DDA) with that of predetermined settings in an FPS game. Two comprehensive experimental phases, involving 80 participants, are conducted to assess the efficacy of GPR-DDA. The experience of our players is measured using questions taken from the Game User Experience Satisfaction Scale (GUESS) questionnaire and a final survey asking for their open-ended feedback. A large language model (LLM) is used to analyze the natural language expressions of the players according to their native languages. To ensure the LLM effectively assists a limited number of qualified human evaluators in classifying player responses, we have developed an original procedure for this task. The GUESS results show that GPR-DDA can improve the player experience. In addition, the high consistency in the classification results over multiple runs of the selected LLM, as well as the similarity between its results and those of our human evaluators, reflects the reliability of the proposed LLM-assisted procedure.
The Effect of Stick–Slip Friction on the Stability of Nanostructuring Burnishing
Authors: Tatarintsev Igor V. , Kuznetsov Viktor P. , Popov Mikhail , Popov Valentin L.
Published: November 2024

Nanostructuring burnishing is an effective and mature process for enhancing the surface properties of metallic workpieces. Through severe mechanical deformation, nanostructuring burnishing forms a very hard and smooth surface layer that improves the wear resistance and other properties of the workpiece. This surface treatment requires careful control of process conditions, as the application of large forces and sliding velocities can easily damage the workpiece either through overheating or self-excited oscillation, resulting in an uneven surface. In this paper, we investigate one possible source of such instabilities, namely, unstable stick–slip motion in the sliding direction. When combined with the coupling of normal and tangential stresses through the von Mises yield criterion, the resulting fluctuations of the coefficient of friction can temporarily decrease the effective indentation hardness in the normal direction and thereby produce an uneven indentation track. A dynamical model based on this mechanism is investigated numerically, and the results are found to be in qualitative agreement with experimentally observed surface irregularities encountered in the burnishing of a long drive shaft. The influence of the local bending stiffness at various points along the shaft is also taken into account.
Characterization of Wind Turbine Blade Deformation and Wake Flow Field with Different Numbers of Lay-Up Layers
Authors: Hou Yuqi , Zhang Liru , Jia Jing , Qiu Tong , Wang Jianwen
Published: November 2024

The change in the composite lay-up method affects the blade stiffness, which in turn affects the structural dynamic and aerodynamic characteristics, but the influence law is not yet clear. In this paper, two-way fluid–structure coupling is used to study wind turbine blades with different numbers of lay-up layers. The analysis results show the following: (1) With the increase in the number of pavement layers, the maximum deformation of the blade tip decreases, the magnitude of the decrease also decreases gradually, and the growth trend of deformation along the blade spreading direction is gradually flattened. (2) The maximum stress–strain of the root of the blade gradually decreases, the tip of the blade is the opposite of the blade, the unevenness of the distribution of the stress–strain of the surface of the blade is gradually slowed down, and the concentration area is shifted back. (3) The different numbers of pavement layers affect the turbulence intensity of the blade in the flow field space. Herein, the spatial distribution trend of turbulence intensity in the flow field of wind turbine blades with different numbers of layers is basically the same, and the trend of turbulence intensity changes is gentle when the number of layers is increased. (4) The amount of the tip vortex in the wake stream of the wind turbine decreases, and the decay rate of the center vortex increases. A reasonable lay-up scheme can improve the deformation and stress of the blade, extend the service life of the blade, promote airflow mixing, and enhance the energy conversion efficiency.
Decision-Making System for Electric Vehicle Management by Integrating Smart Technologies and Local Characteristics
Authors: Kunicina Nadezhda , Beliaev Vladimir , Grants Roberts , Caiko Jelena , Amanova Raikhan , Brūzgienė Rasa , Mansurova Madina
Published: November 2024

With the global shift to electric vehicles, countries face unique challenges and opportunities shaped by their geographical and economic contexts. This paper presents a system that leverages smart transport technologies, the Internet of Things, and decision-making algorithms, such as PROMETHEE, to optimize charging stations and their positioning in diverse urban and rural settings. The system addresses key obstacles, including managing charging infrastructure, balancing energy consumption, and enhancing transport accessibility. By analyzing local conditions, the proposed solution incorporates innovative algorithms for electricity demand forecasting, charging station management, and integration with urban transport systems. This approach ensures a flexible, scalable, and sustainable electric vehicle management system that aligns with international standards and evolving technological trends.
Semi-Supervised Deep Subspace Embedding for Binary Classification of Sella Turcica
Authors: Shakya Kaushlesh Singh , Alavi Azadeh , Porteous Julie , Khatri Priti , Laddi Amit , Jaiswal Manojkumar , Kumar Vinay
Published: November 2024

In orthodontics, the manual tracing of cephalometric radiographs is a common practice, where the Sella Turcica (ST) serves as a reference point. The radiologist often manually traces the outline of the sella using manual tools (e.g., calipers on radiographs). Perhaps the inherent complexity and variability in the shapes of sella and the lack of advanced assessment tools make the classification of sella challenging, as it requires extensive training, skills, time, and manpower to detect subtle changes that often may not be apparent. Moreover, existing semi-supervised learning (SSL) methods face key limitations such as shift invariance, inadequate feature representation, overfitting on small datasets, and a lack of generalization to unseen variations in ST morphology. Medical imaging data are often unlabeled, limiting the training of automated classification systems for ST morphology. To address these limitations, a novel semi-supervised deep subspace embedding (SSLDSE) framework is proposed. This approach integrates real-time stochastic augmentation to significantly expand the training dataset and introduce natural variability in the ST morphology, overcoming the constraints of small and non-representative datasets. Non-linear features are extracted and mapped to a non-linear subspace using Kullback–Leibler divergence, which ensures that the model remains consistent despite image transformations, thus resolving issues related to shift invariance. Additionally, fine-tuning the Inception-ResNet-v2 network on these enriched features reduces retraining costs when new unlabeled data becomes available. t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) is employed for effective feature representation through manifold learning, capturing complex patterns that previous methods might miss. Finally, a zero-shot classifier is utilized to accurately categorize the ST, addressing the challenge of classifying new or unseen variations. Further, the proposed SSLDSE framework is evaluated through comparative analysis with the existing methods (Active SSL, GAN SSL, Contrastive SSL, Modified Inception-ResNet-v2) for ST classification using various evaluation metrics. The SSLDSE and the existing methods are trained on our dataset (sourced from PGI Chandigarh, India), and a blind test is conducted on the benchmark dataset (IEEE ISBI 2015). The proposed method improves classification accuracy by 15% compared to state-of-the-art models and reduces retraining costs.
Thermal Analysis of Radiation Heat Transfer of Improved Fractal Solar Collectors
Authors: Kibishov Adylkhan , Kilic Gulenay Alevay , Rustamov Nassim , Genc Naci
Published: November 2024

This study proposes parabolic dish-based, toroidal-structured fractal solar collectors. The potential of fractal geometry to increase heat transfer and the ability of the parabolic dish to concentrate solar rays form the basis of the proposed design for increasing efficiency. In this study, the thermal and hydrodynamic behaviors of the proposed 3-row, 4-row, and 5-row parabolic collectors were investigated comprehensively. Using theoretical modeling and experimental results, the performances of the proposed parabolic dish-based toroidal fractal solar collectors were evaluated and compared via numerical simulation methods. After the experimental studies of the 3-row toroidal fractal collector, the analysis studies were completed using the ANSYS-Fluent program. Then, simulations were carried out for other toroidal solar collectors using the results of these experimental studies. As a result of the converging numerical analyses, the radiative, hydrodynamic, and thermal analysis results of the toroidal absorbers in 3-row, 4-row, and 5-row structures integrated with the parabolic dish were compared. In the temperature distribution analysis, it was observed that the parabolic dish effectively focuses on the sun rays and provides a gradual temperature increase of approximately 21 K for the fractal collector. It is observed that 96.84% convergence was achieved between the experimental and numerical results.
Action Research Approach to Analysis of Teaching of Blockchain Web 3.0 Application Based on MACH Architecture
Authors: Katipoglu Gokmen , Utku Semih , Mijailović Ivan , Mekić Edis , Avdić Dženan , Milić Petar
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the integration of agile methodologies, particularly Scrum, into the teaching of microservices, API-first, cloud-native, and headless (MACH) architecture within a university setting. Using an action research framework, we see the impact of agile approaches on student learning and the practical application of MACH principles. The findings reveal that agile methodologies not only enhance students’ technical proficiency, but also foster collaborative and iterative learning environments that simulate real-world software development. Over a 15-week course, students applied agile techniques to design, build, and deploy microservices-based systems, benefiting from structured yet adaptable sprints that broke complex tasks into manageable stages. Quantitative assessments showed substantial improvements in knowledge and confidence, while qualitative feedback emphasized the hands-on, project-based learning’s alignment with industry practices. This research underscores the potential of agile frameworks to enhance education in emerging software architectures, offering insights into how higher education can align more closely with the dynamic needs of the software industry.
Intelligent End-Edge Computation Offloading Based on Lyapunov-Guided Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Feng Xue , Xu Chi , Jin Xi , Xia Changqing , Jiang Jing
Published: November 2024

To address the end-edge computation offloading challenge in the multi-terminal and multi-server environment, this paper proposes an intelligent computation offloading algorithm based on Lyapunov optimization and deep reinforcement learning. We formulate a network computation rate maximization problem while balancing constraints including offloading time, CPU frequency, energy consumption, transmission power, and data queue stability. Due to the fact that the problem is mixed integer nonlinear programming, we transform it into a deterministic problem based on Lyapunov optimization theory, and then model it as a Markov decision process. Then, we employ deep reinforcement learning algorithm, i.e., asynchronous advantage actor-critic (A3C), and propose Lyapunov-guided A3C algorithm named LyA3C to approximate the optimal computation offloading policy. Experiments show that the LyA3C algorithm can converge stably and effectively improve the long-term network computation rate by 2.8% and 5.7% in comparison to the A2C-based and TD3-based algorithms.