bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Multi-Active Heterogeneous Biocatalyst Prepared Through a Layer-by-Layer Co-Immobilization Strategy of Lipase and Laccase on Nanocellulose-Based Materials
Authors: dos Santos Kimberle Paiva , Duarte Maíra Saldanha , Rios Nathália Saraiva , Brígida Ana Iraidy Santa , Gonçalves Luciana Rocha Barros
Published: January 2025

Lipase from Pseudomonas fluorescens (PFL) and laccase from Trametes versicolor were co-immobilized onto nanocellulose (NC), using a layer-by-layer approach. Initially, PFL was adsorbed onto NC through ionic and hydrophobic interactions. To achieve higher PFL immobilization yield and activity, NC was functionalized with aldehyde groups through periodate oxidation (NCox) or glutaraldehyde activation (NC-GA). FTIR analysis confirmed these chemical modifications. Among the functionalized NCs, NCox showed the best capacity to retain higher amounts of PFL (maximum load: 20 mg/g), and this support was selected to proceed with the co-immobilization experiments. In this process, NCox-250-PFL (NCox activated with 250 µmol/g of aldehyde groups) was covered with polyethyleneimine (PEI), laccase was co-immobilized, and a crosslinking step using glutaraldehyde was used to covalently attach the enzymes to the support, producing the biocatalyst NCox-250-PFL-PEI-Lac-GA. Co-immobilized enzymes presented higher thermal stability (50 °C) than soluble enzymes; co-immobilized laccase retained 61.1% of its activity after 24 h, and PFL retained about 90% after 48 h of deactivation at 50 °C. In operational stability assays, the heterogeneous biocatalysts maintained more than 45% of their activity after five cycles of pNPB hydrolysis and ABTS oxidation. This co-immobilized biocatalyst, with its high stability and activity retention, is a promising multi-active heterogeneous biocatalyst for use in cascade reactions of industrial interest.
A Review of Visible-Light-Active Zinc Oxide Photocatalysts for Environmental Application
Authors: Baig Alishay , Siddique Mohsin , Panchal Sandeep
Published: January 2025

Zinc oxide (ZnO) photocatalysts have emerged as a promising material for environmental and energy applications due to their exceptional photocatalytic properties. Initially recognized for their efficiency under ultraviolet (UV) light, recent advancements have focused on enhancing ZnO’s visible light activity (VLA) to address its inherent limitations. This review provides an overview of ZnO’s structure, electronic properties, and photocatalytic mechanisms. Various strategies for modifying ZnO to harness visible light, including metal and non-metal doping, dye sensitization, and semiconductor coupling, are discussed. Special emphasis is placed on the mechanisms behind visible light absorption and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, as deduced through physicochemical and photoelectrochemical analyses. The applications of ZnO in environmental remediation are comprehensively explored, particularly for water treatment, disinfection, and air purification. The photocatalytic degradation of pollutants, including persistent organic compounds, pharmaceuticals, dyes, and pesticides, using ZnO is reviewed and compared with conventional UV-activated ZnO materials. This review underscores the potential of ZnO as an efficient and sustainable solution for environmental purification.
Theoretical Insights into Methanol Electro-Oxidation on NiPd Nanoelectrocatalysts: Investigating the Carbonate–Palladium Oxide Pathway and the Role of Water and OH Adsorption
Authors: Santoveña-Uribe Alan , Ledesma-Durán Aldo , Torres-Enriquez Julisa , Santamaría-Holek Ivan
Published: January 2025

We conducted a theoretical and experimental study on the electro-oxidation of methanol (MOR) on NixPdy nanoparticles. The results are presented in terms of kinetic parameters, surface concentrations, and peak currents, showing significant differences between three main compositions: Ni3Pd1, Ni1Pd1, and Ni1Pd3. The kinetic mechanism adopted for accounting the linear voltammetry experiments performed follows the carbonate–palladium oxide pathway of the MOR. Numerical simulations of the kinetic equations, fitted to experimental data obtained at varying methanol concentrations, allowed us to distinguish the adsorption contributions of methanol, water, and OH ions from the nonlinear contribution associated with palladium oxide and carbon dioxide production. The synergistic effects of Ni:Pd nanoalloys on the MOR were then assessed by analyzing the behavior and tendencies of the reaction rate constants for different bulk methanol concentrations. Our results suggest that a higher Pd content favors more efficient oxidation mechanisms by reducing the formation of intermediate products that cause surface poisoning, such as CO, carbonates, or palladium oxide. However, as the proportion of Ni increases, an increase in the concentration of adsorbed OH is observed, which dominates the blocking of active sites even greater than the palladium oxide blocking.
TiO2-Based Photocatalysts for Removal of Low-Concentration NOx Contamination
Authors: Ma He , Li Yuanyuan , Wang Changhua , Li Yingying , Zhang Xintong
Published: January 2025

The removal of low-concentration NOx contamination in the urban atmosphere has been regarded as an urgent issue to be solved in the context of urbanization. In the past few decades, TiO2 photocatalysis has been intensively investigated as an economical, efficient, and environmentally friendly means for the abatement of low-concentration NOx. Up to now, however, there have been few reviews focusing on TiO2-based photocatalysts for photocatalytic NO removal. In this review article, we will summarize the latest advances in the photocatalytic removal of NOx contamination with TiO2-based photocatalysts, which have been endowed with the reputation of being star catalysts for atmospheric environment remediation. We will begin with a survey of the mechanistic investigations of photocatalytic NOx removal, focusing on the in situ Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (in situ FTIR) and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) studies and the theoretical calculation of reaction pathways with Density Functional Theory. We will then introduce the test methods and the ISO standards for photocatalytic NOx removal and discuss the effect of reaction parameters (catalyst mass, irradiation conditions, temperature, and humidity). Meanwhile, we also elaborate the latest modification methods to enhance photocatalytic efficiency and summarize the progress in recent years in modified TiO2-based photocatalysts applied in NOx abatement. Lastly, we will put forward some feasible suggestions. In the end, this review may provide some inspiration in designing more effective TiO2-based photocatalysts for removing NOx contamination from the ambient atmosphere.
The Effect of the Metal Oxide as the Support for Silver Nanoparticles on the Catalytic Activity for Ammonia Ozonation
Authors: State Razvan-Nicolae , Morosan Maria-Alexandra , Cretu Liubovi , Straca Alexandru-Ioan , Vasile Anca , Bratan Veronica , Culita Daniela , Atkinson Irina , Balint Ioan , Papa Florica
Published: January 2025

Ammonia is one of the common inorganic pollutants in surface waters. It can come from a wide range of sources through the discharge of wastewater (industry, agriculture, and municipal waters). Catalytic ozonation reaction can efficiently remove ammonia nitrogen without introducing other pollutants and improve the nitrogen selectivity of reaction products by controlling the reaction conditions. Catalysts based on silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have shown excellent O3 decomposition performance; therefore, they are promising catalysts for catalytic ammonia ozonation due to their high reactivity, stability, and selectivity to N2. In this study, we synthesized well-defined silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using a modified alkaline polyol method and then dispersed them on solid oxide supports (Fe3O4, TiO2, and WO3). Before being deposited on the oxide support, the silver nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV-VIS spectroscopy. The obtained catalysts, Ag_Fe3O4, Ag_TiO2, and Ag_WO3 were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), BET surface area analysis, UV-VIS spectroscopy, temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR), and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) of CO2 and NH3. It has been demonstrated that the nature of the support significantly influences the physicochemical properties of the catalysts, as well as their catalytic performance in ammonia ozonation reaction.
Using Polyvinyl Chloride and Screen-Printed Electrodes for the Determination of Levofloxacin in the Presence of Its Main Photo-Degradants in River Water: A Comparative Study
Authors: Alabbas Alhumaidi B. , Abdel-Gawad Sherif A.
Published: January 2025

The application of membrane sensors for the detection and quantification of pharmaceutical environmental contaminants has become a significant goal in recent years. Due to the widespread application of levofloxacin hemihydrate (LEVO) in medicine, its occurrence in the environment, especially in surface water bodies like rivers, is quite likely. Extended exposure of river water to sunlight and the photo-degradability of LEVO may facilitate its photo-degradation. To measure LEVO in the presence of its principal photo-degradants, two sensitive and selective membrane electrodes were designed. A polyvinyl chloride electrode (PVCE) and a screen-printed electrode (SPE) were constructed for the selective analysis of the investigated drug. Phosphomolybdic acid was used to prepare a lipophilic ion pair with the studied drug. All test parameters were optimized to achieve the best electrochemical performance. The electrodes demonstrated a linear range from 1 × 10−6 M to 1 × 10−2 M. The PVCE and SPE demonstrated slopes of 55.80 ± 0.70 mV/decade and 56.90 ± 0.50 mV/decade, respectively. The aforementioned sensors demonstrated satisfactory performance within a pH range of 3.0 to 5.0. The fabricated sensors were successfully utilized to accurately quantify LEVO in the presence of its primary photo-degradants. The membranes were effectively utilized to measure LEVO in river water samples without requiring pre-treatment processes.
Profiling of Australian Stingless Bee Honey Using Multivariate Data Analysis of High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography Fingerprints
Authors: Mello dos Santos Mariana , Jacobs Christina , Vinsen Kevin , Islam Md Khairul , Sostaric Tomislav , Lim Lee Yong , Locher Cornelia
Published: January 2025

The complex chemical composition of honey presents significant challenges for its analysis with variations influenced by factors such as botanical source, geographical location, bee species, harvest time, and storage conditions. This study aimed to employ high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprinting, coupled with multivariate data analysis, to characterise the chemical profiles of Australian stingless bee honey samples from two distinct bee species, Tetragonula carbonaria and Tetragonula hockingsi. Using a mobile phase composed of toluene:ethyl acetate:formic acid (6:5:1) and two derivatisation reagents, vanillin–sulfuric acid and natural product reagent/PEG, HPTLC fingerprints were developed to reveal characteristic patterns within the samples. Multivariate data analysis was employed to explore the similarities in the fingerprints and identify underlying patterns. The results demonstrated that the chemical profiles were more closely related to harvest time rather than bee species, as samples collected within the same month clustered together. The quality of the clustering results was assessed using silhouette scores. The study highlights the value of combining HPTLC fingerprinting with multivariate data analysis to produce valuable data that can aid in blending strategies and the creation of reference standards for future quality control analyses.
Daily Concentration of Precipitation in the Province of Alicante (1981–2020)
Authors: Sánchez-Almodóvar Esther , Olcina-Cantos Jorge , Martin-Vide Javier , Martí-Talavera Javier
Published: January 2025

The precipitation in the Mediterranean region, characterised by its annual variability and concentration in high-intensity events, is a key factor in territorial planning and the management of runoff in urban areas, particularly on the Spanish Mediterranean coast. This study focuses on the province of Alicante, applying the “daily precipitation concentration index (CI)” in 26 meteorological stations for the period 1981–2020, with the aim of analysing the statistical structure of precipitation on an annual scale. It measures the irregularity and intensity of precipitation according to the concentration of most of the annual total in a few days. Furthermore, it examines the synoptic situations and trajectories of the air masses on days of torrential rain using the HYSPLIT model. This is essential to identify the origin of moist air masses, to understand the meteorological mechanisms that intensify extreme rainfall events, and to identify recurrent patterns that explain their frequency and characteristics. The results reveal extreme CI values of between 0.58 in the interior of the province and 0.71 in the southern pre-coastal area, with a value of 0.68 in the city of Alicante. On average, the CI is 0.65, indicating that 25% of days with more rain have a concentration of around 75% of total precipitation, while 10% of the days represent 45% of the total. With respect to the origin of air masses, the most relevant in the mid-troposphere (500 hPa) are those from the north of Africa, particularly during the final periods of their trajectory, with flows from the east on the surface.
Isotretinoin and Hepatotoxicity in Patients with Acne: A Narrative Review
Authors: Tawanwongsri Weeratian , Kanchanasuwan Thanyaporn , Eden Chime
Published: January 2025

Acne vulgaris is a prevalent dermatological condition that is often treated with isotretinoin, a potent medication effective in moderate to severe cases. However, its use requires careful monitoring because of its potential hepatotoxic effects. Isotretinoin has been associated with transient elevations in liver enzyme levels, with mild abnormalities observed in up to 11% of cases. Severe elevations (grade ≥ 3), indicating potential liver dysfunction, occur infrequently, with an incidence of approximately 0.2% to 0.5%. The mechanisms underlying isotretinoin-induced liver injury involve oxidative stress and genetic susceptibility, primarily manifesting as idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury. Most enzyme abnormalities occur within the initial months of treatment, and their clinical significance varies, with many cases resolving without intervention. A review of large cohort studies highlighted the incidence of abnormal liver function tests, including elevated alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels. These abnormalities are often present within the first 3 months of therapy, particularly at higher cumulative doses. The role of routine liver function monitoring is debated, with recommendations favoring baseline and early follow-up tests and further testing guided by clinical indicators. Alanine aminotransferase may serve as a more specific marker for liver injury compared to other markers, such as aspartate aminotransferase. This review highlights the importance of evidence-based guidelines to balance effective acne treatment with the risk of isotretinoin-induced hepatotoxicity. Standardizing monitoring protocols and integrating genetic and oxidative stress markers may enhance safety and therapeutic outcomes. Further research is essential to refine these strategies and address gaps in long-term hepatotoxicity data.
Evaluating Symptom Burden Among Omani Women Newly Diagnosed with Breast Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Al Alawi Kouthar , Al Fahdi Amal , Chan Moon Fai , Al Sumri Hana , Al-Azri Mohammed
Published: January 2025

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy affecting women globally, significantly impacting their quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to assess the prevalence and severity of symptoms in newly diagnosed BC patients undergoing chemotherapy in Oman using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS-A); Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2022 and February 2024 at the Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre (SQCCCRC), University Medical City, Oman. The study included 105 Omani women, aged 18 to 60, diagnosed with stage I to III BC and undergoing chemotherapy. Symptom evaluation was performed using ESAS-A. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize socio-demographic characteristics and clinical outcomes, while the Mann–Whitney U test and multiple linear regression analysis were used to examine associations between independent variables and symptom scores; Results: Out of 127 invited participants, 105 (82.6%) agreed to participate. The average age was 43.6 years (SD = 7.2). Fatigue (37.1%), poor well-being (30.5%), and drowsiness (27.6%) were the most commonly reported symptoms. Anxiety and depression affected 21.9% and 17.1% of participants, respectively. Linear regression analysis showed that having children was linked to higher fatigue and shortness of breath, while inversely associated with pain. A family history of chronic disease was significantly correlated with higher depression scores; Conclusions: This study is the first in Oman to utilize ESAS-A for assessing symptom burden in newly diagnosed BC patients undergoing chemotherapy. The findings highlight the importance of personalized symptom management and enhanced supportive care to improve patient well-being.
Toward an Integrative Overview of Stygobiotic Crustaceans for Aquifer Delimitation in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Authors: Jaime Sarahi , Cervantes-Martínez Adrián , Gutiérrez-Aguirre Martha A. , Hernández-Flores Gerardo , González-Herrera Roger A. , Sánchez-Rivera Gabriel , Enseñat-Soberanis Fernando , Delgado-Blas Víctor H.
Published: January 2025

The Yucatan Peninsula (YP) presents heterogeneous environments in a karstic landscape that has been formed from permeable sedimentary rocks dating from the Cretaceous period. Its aquifers now face significant pressure from tourism, agriculture, soil use changes and population growth. Aquifer delimitation typically relies on environmental and socioeconomic criteria, overlooking the subterranean fauna. Stygobiotic crustaceans are highly diverse in the YP’s subterranean karstic systems, expressing adaptations to extreme environments while often also displaying the primitive morphology of evolutionary relics. With distributions restricted to specific environments, they are potential markers of water reserves. A literature review recovered records of 75 species of crustaceans from 132 subterranean systems in the YP, together with geomorphological, hydrological, hydrogeochemical and historical precipitation data. Fourteen UPGMA clusters were informative for mapping species composition, whereby the “Ring of Cenotes”, “Caribbean Cave” and “Cozumel Island” regions were delineated as consolidated aquifers. These aquifers are distinguished by abiotic factors as well: freshwater species dominate the Ring of Cenotes, while marine-affinity species characterize the Caribbean Cave and Cozumel Island aquifers. Stygobiotic crustaceans, being linked to geologically ancient water reserves and having a restricted distribution, offer a complementary tool for aquifer delimitation. Their presence suggests long-term and stable water availability. The use of these unique organisms for integrative aquifer delimitation can provide a way to improve the monitoring networks of regional aquifers.
High Diversity Unveiled by the First Genetic Survey on Wild and Captive Barbary Partridge (Alectoris barbara) from Morocco
Authors: Sabrate Laila , Forcina Giovanni , Hanane Saâd , Ichen Abdellah
Published: January 2025

Characterizing genetic diversity and structure is paramount in wildlife conservation management. Surprisingly, however, there are species that, despite being intensively managed, are largely overlooked in terms of genetic makeup. The Barbary partridge (Alectoris barbara), a medium-sized galliform native to northern Africa, is one such exemplary case. Since the early 2000s, a couple of breeding farms in Morocco have been operating using wild breeders. At that time, no genetic data were available for local wild populations, nor had the founders been genetically screened. After two decades, the degree of genetic diversity of wild Barbary partridge populations remains unknown. In this study, we genotyped the mitochondrial DNA control region (ca. 1000 bp) in wild and captive A. barbara populations from Morocco. Overall, we found a high and well-distributed genetic diversity, with a moderate differentiation between captive and wild populations likely attributable to either the sharing of widespread and allegedly ancestral haplotypes or the extensive release of farm-reared individuals. Nevertheless, the occurrence of private haplotypes across all the wild populations calls for separate management. A more comprehensive sampling and the use of genome-wide loci is advisable to achieve a thorough understanding of the genetic diversity of the Barbary partridge and define management units accordingly.
Hybrid CNN-Transformer Model for Accurate Impacted Tooth Detection in Panoramic Radiographs
Authors: Küçük Deniz Bora , Imak Andaç , Özçelik Salih Taha Alperen , Çelebi Adalet , Türkoğlu Muammer , Sengur Abdulkadir , Koundal Deepika
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: The integration of digital imaging technologies in dentistry has revolutionized diagnostic and treatment practices, with panoramic radiographs playing a crucial role in detecting impacted teeth. Manual interpretation of these images is time consuming and error prone, highlighting the need for automated, accurate solutions. This study proposes an artificial intelligence (AI)-based model for detecting impacted teeth in panoramic radiographs, aiming to enhance accuracy and reliability. Methods: The proposed model combines YOLO (You Only Look Once) and RT-DETR (Real-Time Detection Transformer) models to leverage their strengths in real-time object detection and learning long-range dependencies, respectively. The integration is further optimized with the Weighted Boxes Fusion (WBF) algorithm, where WBF parameters are tuned using Bayesian optimization. A dataset of 407 labeled panoramic radiographs was used to evaluate the model’s performance. Results: The model achieved a mean average precision (mAP) of 98.3% and an F1 score of 96%, significantly outperforming individual models and other combinations. The results were expressed through key performance metrics, such as mAP and F1 scores, which highlight the model’s balance between precision and recall. Visual and numerical analyses demonstrated superior performance, with enhanced sensitivity and minimized false positive rates. Conclusions: This study presents a scalable and reliable AI-based solution for detecting impacted teeth in panoramic radiographs, offering substantial improvements in diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. The proposed model has potential for widespread application in clinical dentistry, reducing manual workload and error rates. Future research will focus on expanding the dataset and further refining the model’s generalizability.
Comparison of Side Effects Between Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE) and Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (SARPE) in Adult Patients: A Scoping Review
Authors: Sicca Nicolò , Benedetti Giulia , Nieri Agnese , Vitale Sara , Lopponi Gaia , Mura Silvia , Verdecchia Alessio , Spinas Enrico
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the side effects of two techniques of rapid maxillary expansion—Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (SARPE) and Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE)—in adult patients, to guide the selection of the most cost-effective clinical treatment plan. Methods: The review protocol was developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis—extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Eligibility criteria were defined based on the study objectives. The research team formulated a PICO question to identify relevant studies in the literature. Five databases were queried: MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase. Additionally, a manual search was conducted. Results: The computer-assisted search identified 746 articles, of which only 26 fully met the inclusion criteria and were included in the scoping review. Among the included studies, 11 were retrospective, 12 were prospective, and 3 were randomized clinical trials. SARPE was evaluated in 21 studies, MARPE in 4 studies, and 1 article reported complications associated with both techniques. The side effects described in the studies were synthesized and categorized into five groups: expansion failure, asymmetric expansion, dentoalveolar issues, surgical complications, and appliance-related problems. Conclusions: The results indicate that both techniques involve risks. The most reported adverse effects were dentoalveolar and surgical in nature. Dentoalveolar side effects, such as dental tipping, were predominantly associated with the MARPE technique, while surgical complications were more commonly observed with the SARPE technique. Patient age is crucial for treatment choice as well as proper design and planning of the expansion device. Consequently, careful patient selection and treatment planning are essential to minimize the side effects of maxillary expansion in adult patients.
Impact of Free Sugar Consumption on Dental Caries: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Children in the United States
Authors: Cheever Val Joseph , Mohajeri Amir , Patel Kavina , Burris Richard Collin , Hung Man
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: The excessive consumption of free sugars adversely impacts health, contributing to systemic disorders and significantly increasing the risk of dental caries. Children are particularly vulnerable to dental caries due to their dietary habits and oral hygiene practices. This study aimed to examine the relationship between sugar intake and dental caries experience in a sample of children aged 6–12 years. Methods: Data were analyzed from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) covering the years 2011–2016. This cross-sectional study utilized nationally representative data from NHANES, which provides comprehensive health assessments on the U.S. population. This study focused on 3658 children aged 6–12 years. Free sugar intake and its association with dental caries were evaluated using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, a widely accepted measure for assessing cumulative caries experience in permanent teeth. Demographic and socioeconomic factors were also accounted for. The sample primarily consisted of generally healthy children, with mild to moderate health conditions included in the analysis. Results: The average Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) score was 1.69 (SD = 2.61). Untreated dental caries affected 19.1% of the sample, with disproportionately higher rates observed among Mexican American children (23.8%), children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds (24.2%), those with less-educated parents (25.1%), and overweight children (22.9%). Mean daily free sugar intake was 72.46 g (SD = 50.45), with significant variations across race/ethnicity, parental education, and gender. A statistically significant association was found between free sugar intake and dental caries in U.S. children (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Free sugar intake is strongly associated with an increased risk of dental caries. Disparities in caries prevalence were evident based on race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and parental education levels. Regulating sugar intake and promoting dietary education are effective strategies to reduce the risk of dental caries and improve oral health outcomes among children.
Accurate Tracking of Agile Trajectories for a Tail-Sitter UAV Under Wind Disturbances Environments
Authors: Zou Xu , Liu Zhenbao , Jia Zhen , Wang Baodong
Published: January 2025

To achieve more robust and accurate tracking control of high maneuvering trajectories for a tail-sitter fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operating within its full envelope in outdoor environments, a novel control approach is proposed. Firstly, the study rigorously demonstrates the differential flatness property of tail-sitter fixed-wing UAV dynamics using a comprehensive aerodynamics model, which incorporates wind effects without simplification. Then, utilizing the derived flatness functions and the treatments for singularity, the study presents a complete process of the differential flatness transform. This transformation maps the desired maneuver trajectory to a state-input trajectory, facilitating control design. Leveraging an existing controller from the reference literature, trajectory tracking is implemented. Subsequently, a low-cost wind estimation method operating during all flight phases is proposed to estimate the wind effects involved in the model. The wind estimation method involves generating a virtual wind measurement utilizing a low-fidelity tail-sitter model. The virtual wind measurement is integrated with real wind data obtained from the pitot tube and processed through fusion using an extended Kalman filter. Finally, the effectiveness of our methods is confirmed through comprehensive real-world experiments conducted in outdoor settings. The results demonstrate superior robustness and accuracy in controlling challenging agile maneuvering trajectories compared to the existing method. Additionally, the test results highlight the effectiveness of our method in wind estimation.
Information Entropy in Chimera States of Human Dynamics
Authors: Orsucci Franco , Zimatore Giovanna
Published: January 2025

In human dynamics, functioning relies on intricate coordination patterns. Networks of synchronized oscillators in various biological and semiotic fields shape these dynamics. We have observed stability, instability, and transitions at multiple levels, indicating that coordination happens on all scales. We have examined coordination models for simplified and complex dynamics. In empirical research, we can frequently observe chimera states as the coexistence of coherence and incoherence, even in homogeneous networks. They are more evident in the heterogenous networks’ standard in human dynamics, where oscillators and nodes are mixed as different types. This paper proposes a simplified and overarching model for mixed chimeras. We discuss the information dynamics in these types of networks and their pattern transitions.
Hyperbolic Diffusion Functionals on a Ring with Finite Velocity
Authors: Nizama Marco
Published: January 2025

I study a lattice with periodic boundary conditions using a non-local master equation that evolves over time. I investigate different system regimes using classical theories like Fisher information, Shannon entropy, complexity, and the Cramér–Rao bound. To simulate spatial continuity, I employ a large number of sites in the ring and compare the results with continuous spatial systems like the Telegrapher’s equations. The Fisher information revealed a power-law decay of t−ν, with ν=2 for short times and ν=1 for long times, across all jump models. Similar power-law trends were also observed for complexity and the Fisher information related to Shannon entropy over time. Furthermore, I analyze toy models with only two ring sites to understand the behavior of the Fisher information and Shannon entropy. As expected, a ring with a small number of sites quickly converges to a uniform distribution for long times. I also examine the Shannon entropy for short and long times.
The Role of Reflection in Doctoral Education: An Integrative Review of Approaches to Supporting Well-Being and Developmental Growth
Authors: Klefbeck Kamilla
Published: January 2025

Doctoral supervision is a complex and multifaceted endeavor that requires balancing the dual objectives of promoting academic development and supporting the well-being of doctoral candidates. This study examines how care-focused strategies and the concept of professional uncertainty can guide supervisors in addressing these demands. An integrative review methodology was used to synthesize findings from educational, psychological, and health-related literature, identifying methods and practices that enhance well-being and personal growth among doctoral candidates. Results indicate that fostering supportive relationships, integrating coaching practices, and adopting salutogenic approaches promote resilience and autonomy in doctoral students. Supervisors’ self-care and collegial support were also highlighted as critical for sustaining their capacity to guide students successfully. Challenges include managing conflicting expectations, navigating cultural diversity, and addressing stress within supervisory relationships. By emphasizing relational and ethical dimensions, the study demonstrates how reflective supervision can create environments that support both academic progress and mental health. While focused on doctoral education, these findings may also offer insights for teacher education programs, suggesting ways in which principles of care, reflection, and professional uncertainty could be relevant in broader educational contexts. Recommendations for practice include adopting structured supervision cycles and embedding care as a core principle in institutional policies. This paper offers practical insights and tools for integrating care-based strategies into doctoral supervision, providing a framework to enhance doctoral students’ well-being and adaptability while helping supervisors balance their dual roles.
Relationships Between Motor Skills and Academic Achievement: An Exploratory Study on Italian Primary School Children
Authors: D’Anna Cristiana , Basadonne Ilaria , Aquino Giovanna , Minghelli Valeria , Limone Pierpaolo
Published: January 2025

Several studies in recent decades have investigated the relationship between physical activity and learning, emphasising the role of corporeality as an effective tool for embodying knowledge, as well as skills, motor skills, and life. The aim of this exploratory study is to analyse and interpret the correlations existing between motor competence and school performance in all the disciplines included in the curriculum of primary school. Through non-probability sampling, a sample of 120 Italian children aged 6–10 years was involved. The TGMD-3 test was used to assess gross motor competence, while academic achievement was assessed based on the children’s GPA (grade point average) evaluation. Additional information on extracurricular sports practice was acquired through a questionnaire completed by parents. The Spearman correlation conducted between the children’s TGMD-3 scores (Gross Motor Index, Locomotion, and Ball scaled scores) and the academic achievement showed weak intensity and no statistical significance. In the analysis by sex, only weak and non-significant correlations, mostly of a negative type, were revealed in the group of males. In the group of females, on the other hand, positive, mostly moderate, and statistically significant correlations emerged between GMI and the scaled Ball scores with the learning assessments, except for Physical Education. The results suggest the need to expand studies investigating the quantity and quality of physical education and sports in the formal school context to understand whether, in sharing the educational project, it can promote better school performance and, more generally, more harmonious development of cognitive, motor, and social skills.
Examining the Influential Mechanism of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Learners’ Flow Experiences in Digital Game-Based Vocabulary Learning: Shedding New Light on a Priori Proposed Model
Authors: Wang Xuan , Feng Linfei
Published: January 2025

Over the last ten years, continuous attention has been paid to the use of digital games in vocabulary learning. Their effectiveness and availability have been widely discussed. However, the experiences of language learners and the underlying patterns of their engagement while using digital games for vocabulary learning remain underexplored. In order to fill this significant gap, this study aimed to examine the influential mechanism of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners’ flow experiences in digital game-based vocabulary learning (DGBVL). The sample consisted of 306 Chinese EFL learners who had DGBVL app usage experience, and data collection was based on a DGBVL flow experience instrument employed through an online platform. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to assess the reliability and validation of the existing scale for various DGBVL apps. A multi-group analysis was then conducted, revealing that the influential mechanism was a process in which the effects of antecedents on outcomes could be mediated by flow experiences. In addition, the role of usage frequency was also explored, and three paths were found to differ across three usage frequency levels (i.e., seldom, sometimes, and always): the effect of balance of skill and challenge on enjoyment, the effect of enjoyment on satisfaction, and the effect of perceived learning on satisfaction. These findings provide new insights for the influential mechanism of flow experiences and will assist EFL learners in optimizing their learning outcomes in digital game-based vocabulary learning.
YOLOv8-Based XR Smart Glasses Mobility Assistive System for Aiding Outdoor Walking of Visually Impaired Individuals in South Korea
Authors: Jeong Incheol , Kim Kapyol , Jung Jungil , Cho Jinsoo
Published: January 2025

This study proposes an eXtended Reality (XR) glasses-based walking assistance system to support independent and safe outdoor walking for visually impaired people. The system leverages the YOLOv8n deep learning model to recognize walkable areas, public transport facilities, and obstacles in real time and provide appropriate guidance to the user. The core components of the system are Xreal Light Smart Glasses and an Android-based smartphone, which are operated through a mobile application developed using the Unity game engine. The system divides the user’s field of vision into nine zones, assesses the level of danger in each zone, and guides the user along a safe walking path. The YOLOv8n model was trained to recognize sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, bus stops, subway exits, and various obstacles on a smartphone connected to XR glasses and demonstrated an average processing time of 583 ms and an average memory usage of 80 MB, making it suitable for real-time use. The experiments were conducted on a 3.3 km route around Bokjeong Station in South Korea and confirmed that the system works effectively in a variety of walking environments, but recognized the need to improve performance in low-light environments and further testing with visually impaired people. By proposing an innovative walking assistance system that combines XR technology and artificial intelligence, this study is expected to contribute to improving the independent mobility of visually impaired people. Future research will further validate the effectiveness of the system by integrating it with real-time public transport information and conducting extensive experiments with users with varying degrees of visual impairment.
Accurate Joint Estimation of Position and Orientation Based on Angle of Arrival and Two-Way Ranging of Ultra-Wideband Technology
Authors: Zhang Di , Xu Hongbiao , Zhan Li , Li Ye , Yin Guangqiang , Wang Xinzhong
Published: January 2025

In wireless sensor networks (WSNs), ultra-wideband (UWB) technology is essential for robot localization systems, especially for methods of the simultaneous estimation of position and orientation. However, current approaches frequently depend on rigid body models, which require multiple base stations and lead to substantial equipment costs. This paper presents a cost-effective UWB SL model utilizing the angle of arrival (AOA) and double-sided two-way ranging (DS-TWR). To improve localization accuracy, we propose a self-localization algorithm based on constrained weighted least squares (SL-CWLS), integrating a weighted matrix derived from a measured noise model. Additionally, we derive the constrained Cramér–Rao lower bound (CCRLB) to analyze the performance of the proposed algorithm. Simulation results indicate that the proposed method achieves high estimation accuracy, while real-world experiments validate the simulation results.
Rotor Position Estimation Algorithm for Surface-Mounted Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Based on Improved Super-Twisting Sliding Mode Observer
Authors: Liang Zhuoming , Cheng Lanxian , Cheng Li , Li Canqing
Published: January 2025

In response to the chattering issue inherent in sliding mode observers during rotor position estimation and to enhance the stability and robustness of sensorless control systems for surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motors (SPMSM), this study proposes a rotor position estimation algorithm for SPMSM based on an improved super-twisting sliding mode observer (ISTSMO) and a second-order generalized integrator (SOGI) structure. Firstly, the super-twisting algorithm is introduced to design the observer, which effectively attenuates the sliding mode chattering by using continuous control signals. Secondly, SOGI is introduced in the filtering stage, which not only effectively addresses the time delay issues caused by traditional low-pass filters but also enables the observer to extract rotor position information by monitoring only the back electromotive force (back-EMF) signal of the α-phase, thereby simplifying the observer structure. Finally, the proposed scheme is experimentally compared with the traditional sliding mode observer on the YXMBD-TE1000 platform. The experimental results showed that during motor acceleration and deceleration tests, the average speed estimation error was reduced from 141 r/min to 40 r/min, and the maximum position estimation error was reduced from 0.74 rad to 0.29 rad. In load disturbance experiments, the speed variation decreased from 781 r/min to 451 r/min, and the steady-state speed fluctuation was significantly reduced. These results confirm that the proposed observer exhibits superior stability and robustness.
A Lightweight Detection Model Without Convolutions for Complex Stacked Grasping Tasks
Authors: Ren Li , Kang Yiming , Jia Haitao , Wang Shaojiang , Zhong Rui
Published: January 2025

In complex environments with multi-object stacking, the spatial relationships between objects necessitate a sequential grasping strategy to ensure both the safety of the target objects and the efficiency of robotic arm operations. To address this challenge, this study introduces a Visual Manipulation Relationship Network (VMRN) to determine the optimal grasping sequence. Traditional VMRN frameworks typically rely on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for feature extraction, which often struggle with high-frequency feature extraction, long-tail data distributions, and real-time computational demands in multi-object stacking scenarios. To overcome these limitations, we propose a lightweight, convolution-free Transformer-based feature extraction network integrated into the visual detection model. This model is specifically designed for visual reasoning, with a focus on lightweight optimization to enhance the extraction of features for stacked objects. The proposed network incorporates local window attention, global information aggregation and broadcasting, and a dual-dimensional attention-based feedforward network to improve feature representation. Additionally, a novel loss function is designed to address the performance degradation in detecting long-tail categories, effectively mitigating the over-suppression of rare objects in imbalanced datasets. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model significantly improves both detection accuracy and computational efficiency, making it particularly suitable for real-time robotic grasping tasks in complex environments due to its lightweight design.
Theoretical Proof and Implementation of Digital Beam Control and Beamforming Algorithm for Low Earth Orbit Satellite Broadcast Signal Reception Processing Terminal
Authors: Shen Haoran , Li Jian , Li Xiaozhi , Cheng Ruiqi , Hao Kexin , Wang Ziwei
Published: January 2025

Compared to analog beamforming, digital beamforming offers better self-calibration and lower sidelobe performance, which has a profound impact on improving low Earth orbit receiver performance. The Digital Beamforming (DBF) module in the low Earth orbit satellite broadcast signal reception terminal can use digital phase shifting to compensate for the phase differences caused by path and spatial distance variations due to inconsistent Radio Frequency (RF) channel delays. This compensation ensures in-phase summation, thereby achieving maximum energy reception in the desired direction. Although DBF has gained widespread attention in the radar field due to its unique functions and advantages, its application is limited by beamforming accuracy and gain. Therefore, with the development of DBF technology, how to improve its accuracy and gain has also attracted extensive attention both domestically and internationally. To address this issue, this paper proposes a beamforming method based on a cap-shaped array for low Earth orbit satellite broadcast signal reception and processing terminals. The method combines prior information and spatial domain search for beam control, and employs a lookup table for beam synthesis. It derives formulas for the Signal-to-Noise Ratio, noise figure, processing flow of the beamforming network, and the determination of beamforming weights for the spherical antenna array. The paper presents a beam control approach that combines prior information with spatial domain search, along with an implementation process for beam synthesis using a lookup table. It also details the corresponding Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) implementation process. Finally, the beamforming algorithm is experimentally validated, and error analysis is conducted. The experimental results show that the measured beamforming sensitivity at all incident angles is below −133 dBm and the G/T values are all greater than −9 dB/K, the beam uniformity at three operating frequencies is less than 3°, and the measured errors in pitch and azimuth angles are both below 2°. The beam pointing error is also below 2°.