bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic In Vivo Sensing of COVID-19 Antibody Detection Using DNA-Linking Graphene Oxide Synthetic Mimic Skin Tattoo Probes
Authors: Lee Kyung , Kim Dong Ho , Jun Sihyun , Oh Yeseul , Oh Ye Jun , Lee Seo Jun , Kim Keumsook , Ly Suw Young
Published: February 2025

COVID-19 antibody detection is dependent on highly specialized, time-consuming techniques, such as PCR separation, DNA amplification, and other methods such as spectrophotometric absorption. For these reasons, specialized technical training is necessary because individual diagnostic treatment is difficult. We have attempted to perform rapid sensing with a detection time of only 30 s. Additionally, we used a wearable multi-layer graphene oxide nanocolloid synthetic skin tattoo probe assay for influenza and COVID-19 virus detection with an electrochemical antigen–antibody redox ionic titration circuit. Cyclic voltametric−2 V~2.0 V potential windows were used. The diagnostic detection limit was determined using stripping anodic and cathodic amplifiers, and the working probe was fabricated with a graphene molecule structure with a virus antigen-immobilized amplifier. With redox potential strength obtained within −1.0 V~−1.3 V ionic activity, anodic and cathodic current linearly increased in the phosphate-buffered saline 5 mL electrolyte. The results indicate that instant detection was enabled via individual and wearable tattoo sensors.
Harnessing Emerging Technologies in the Global Mining Sector from a Bibliometric Standpoint
Authors: Emere Chijioke , Oguntona Olusegun , Ohiomah Ifije , Ayorinde Emmanuel
Published: February 2025

The numerous challenges facing the global mining industry and the adverse impacts on the natural and human environment call for urgent action. In the present industry 4.0, the signature influx of emerging technologies (ETs) has seen various sectors of the economy embracing their application. To improve the safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability of the mining value chain, there has been a significant increase in the adoption, incorporation and application of ETs such as digital twins, artificial intelligence, the internet of things, and blockchain. Through a bibliometric analysis of scholarly publication outputs on ETs in the mining industry, this study visualises and ascertains the development and trends of these technologies from 1986 until now. Bibliometric datasets made up of 135 articles drawn from the popular Scopus database were employed. Dataset analysis revealed influential scholarly outputs, authors, and research clusters. The study provides relevant stakeholders in the sector with firsthand insight into the state of ET integration and use in the mining sector. Further studies are recommended to explore innovative technological interventions in other industries that can be adapted to enhance and optimise the activities and processes of the mining sector.
Enhanced Underground Communication: A Circularly Polarized Smart Antenna with Beam Steering for Improved Coverage
Authors: Mahboob Muhammad Ahsan , Ashraf Muhammad Ahsan , Atif Iqra , Ikeda Hajime , Nwaila Glen T. , Masood Amer , Qureshi Jahanzeb , Genc Bekir , Khan Inamullah , Mellado Bruce
Published: February 2025

The underground mining industry faces significant challenges in maintaining reliable communication due to multipath fading and physical obstructions, leading to weak signals and dead spots. This study addresses these issues by proposing a smart antenna system with circular polarization and beam steering capabilities. The system utilizes a four-element square patch array and a Butler matrix for beamforming, enabling directional signal transmission. The antenna was designed and optimized using CST simulations. The experimental results demonstrate the antenna’s ability to steer beams in four directions, significantly reducing signal interference and improving coverage. The antenna achieved a bandwidth of 400 MHz (5.52–5.99 GHz) and a gain of up to 9.69 dBi, effectively mitigating polarization mismatches. The novelty of this study lies in the integration of circular polarization and beam steering into a compact, cost-effective system, specifically designed to enhance communication in underground mining environments. This solution improves both safety and operational efficiency by providing reliable communication in harsh conditions.
Rational Design, Synthesis, and In Vitro Activity of Heterocyclic Gamma-Butyrobetaines as Potential Carnitine Acetyltransferase Inhibitors
Authors: Stoyanova Savina , Bogdanov Milen G.
Published: February 2025

This study investigates heterocyclic gamma-butyrobetaine (GBB) analogs as metabolic modulators through an integrated approach involving rational design, molecular docking, synthesis, and in vitro evaluation. The compounds synthesized demonstrated promising inhibitory potential toward carnitine acetyltransferase (CAT) and presumably other enzymes within the carnitine transferase family, with IC50 values ranging from 2.24 to 43.6 mM. Notably, some compounds demonstrated superior activity to the reference drug Meldonium (IC50 = 11.39 mM). A substantial outcome of the study that might serve as a foundation for future optimization and synthesis of more potent compounds was that a bulky, hydrophobic substituent at the gamma position enhances inhibitory activity, whereas esterification and increased polarity diminish it. The most effective compound was determined to be a reversible competitive inhibitor of CAT, with a Ki value of 3.5 mM comparable to Meldonium’s Ki of 1.63 mM. These results suggest that heterocyclic GBB analogs present potential candidates for regulating metabolic processes and treating conditions including ischemic diseases, diabetes, and specific cancers.
Computation of the pKa Values of Gallic Acid and Its Anionic Forms in Aqueous Solution: A Self-Similar Transformation Approach for Accurate Proton Hydration Free Energy Estimation
Authors: Molski Marcin
Published: February 2025

The Gibbs free energies of gallic acid (GA) and its anionic forms in aqueous solution were computed utilizing density functional theory (DFT) at the LSDA, M062X, B3LYP/QZVP levels, in conjunction with the SMD solvation model. The pKa values corresponding to the four-step deprotonation of GA were determined through a non-linear self-similar transformation expressed as, pKa = a⋅pKa(the)c which establishes a link between theoretical and experimental pKa values. This approach replaces the previously employed linear relationship, pKa = a⋅pKa(the) + b. The proposed model demonstrates high accuracy in reproducing the experimental pKa1 = 4.16 ± 0.02, pKa2 = 8.55 ± 0.01, pKa3 =11.40 ± 0.10, pKa4 =12.8 ± 0.40 values of GA, with a standard error (SE) of 0.045 and a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.019 in pKa unit. Furthermore, it facilitates the precise determination of the Gibbs free energy of the proton hydration, yielding ∆G(H+)aq = 259.4272(75) [kcal mol−1]. This result conforms acceptably with the experimental value of ∆G(H+)aq = −259.5 [kcal mol−1].
Bioactive Potential and Chemical Composition of Vitex agnus-castus L. Leaf Extracts Collected in Algeria: A Combined In Vitro and In Silico Approach
Authors: Bramki Amina , Barboucha Ghozlane , Benslama Ouided , Andolfi Anna , Makhlouf Fatima Zohra , Smati Maria , Benouchenne Djamila , Moussaoui Mohamed , Bensouici Chawki , Cimmino Alessio , Zorrilla Jesús G. , Salvatore Maria Michela , Masi Marco
Published: February 2025

Vitex agnus-castus L., a medicinal plant widespread in the Middle East and Europe, is traditionally used to treat various disorders. In this study, extracts from its leaves, collected in Algeria, were evaluated for their antioxidant, enzymatic, and antibacterial activities through in vitro and in silico studies. The hydroalcoholic extract was fractionated using solvents of varying polarity to isolate bioactive compounds with potential biological effects. Notable levels of total phenolics, flavonoids, and flavonols were detected in the dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extracts. NMR and GC-MS were used to identify metabolites in the extracts, which were discussed in relation to their biological activities. Antioxidant assays showed that the EtOAc extract had a remarkable effect, particularly in the DPPH• free radicals test (IC50 = 15.68 ± 1.51 μg/mL), while enzymatic assays revealed that the dichloromethane extract moderately inhibited butyrylcholinesterase (IC50 = 133.54 ± 1.45 μg/mL). Antibacterial assays showed that the extracts inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Escherichia coli strains, with the most significant effect observed for the n-hexane extract, especially against S. aureus and B. subtilis (respectively, 22.33 ± 0.47 and 18.33 ± 0.47 mm diameters). These outcomes were validated via molecular docking simulations on three DNA gyrase enzymes: 3G7E (from E. coli), 3G75 (from S. aureus), and 4DDQ (from B. subtilis), revealing that linolenic and palmitic acids, as well as phytol significantly interacted with these enzymes, showing varying binding affinities and suggesting antibacterial potential against the targeted species E. coli and S. aureus. These findings highlight the potential therapeutic use of V. agnus-castus leaves, encouraging further research into their applicability in the development of plant-derived drugs.
The Potential Role of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Regeneration of Peripheral Nerves
Authors: Mohan Sunil P. , Priya Sivan P. , Tawfig Nada , Padmanabhan Vivek , Babiker Rasha , Palaniappan Arunkumar , Prabhu Srinivasan , Chaitanya Nallan CSK , Rahman Muhammed Mustahsen , Islam Md Sofiqul
Published: February 2025

Peripheral nerve injuries are common complications in surgical and dental practices, often resulting in functional deficiencies and reduced quality of life. Current treatment choices, such as autografts, have limitations, including donor site morbidity and suboptimal outcomes. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have shown assuring regenerative potential due to their accessibility, ease of harvesting and propagation, and multipotent properties. This review investigates the therapeutic potential of ADSCs in peripheral nerve regeneration, focusing on their use in bioengineered nerve conduits and supportive microenvironments. The analysis is constructed on published case reports, organized reviews, and clinical trials from Phase I to Phase III that investigate ADSCs in managing nerve injuries, emphasizing both peripheral and orofacial applications. The findings highlight the advantages of ADSCs in promoting nerve regeneration, including their secretion of angiogenic and neurotrophic factors, support for cellular persistence, and supplementing scaffold-based tissue repair. The regenerative capabilities of ADSCs in peripheral nerve injuries offer a novel approach to augmenting nerve repair and functional recovery. The accessibility of adipose tissue and the minimally invasive nature of ADSC harvesting further encourage its prospective application as an autologous cell source in regenerative medicine. Future research is needed to ascertain standardized protocols and optimize clinical outcomes, paving the way for ADSCs to become a mainstay in nerve regeneration.
Cobalamin Deficiency in Children and Adolescents with Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Hatabah Dunia , Krieger Rachel , Brown Lou Ann , Harris Frank , Korman Rawan , Reyes Loretta , Umana Jasmine , Benedit Laura , Wynn Bridget A. , Rees Chris A. , Dampier Carlton , Morris Claudia R.
Published: February 2025

Background/Objective: Cobalamin (B12) deficiency is reported in 18% of adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) and only 10% without SCD; limited data are available on children. Diagnosing B12 deficiency is challenging given the lack of an established gold standard method of assessment and the unique renal features of SCD. B12 metabolism can be impacted by the clinical use of nitrous oxide gas (N2O), which is a standard therapy for SCD pain in some European countries. In response to emerging reports of neurologic sequalae in patients with SCD receiving N2O, we evaluated the prevalence of B12 deficiency in children with SCD pain. Methods: Secondary analysis of prospective blood and urine samples in children aged 3–21 hospitalized with SCD pain. B12 deficiency was defined as plasma methylmalonic acid (MMA) > 592 nmol/L or urine MMA/creatinine ≥ 2.2 mmol/mol. Results: Ninety-four children (13 ± 4 years, 54% female, 68% hemoglobin-SS, and 72% on hydroxyurea) were assessed. Further, 53% (50/94) had B12 deficiency diagnosed by either urine, plasma, or both; 27% (25/94) were deficient based on urine; 39% (37/94) were deficient by plasma; and 13% (12/94) were deficient by both plasma and urine. Plasma MMA and urine MMA/creatinine did not correlate with hemoglobin or mean corpuscular volume. Conclusions: B12 deficiency was common in children with SCD. The absence of a gold standard for diagnosing B12 deficiency compounded with the reliability issues of testing modalities make it impractical to determine whether this is an over- or under-estimation of the true prevalence. Future studies to better understand the dynamics of B12 metabolism during acute and steady states in SCD are warranted and could elucidate the influence of acute SCD pain on these biomarkers.
The Validation of the Tanner–Whitehouse 3 Method for Radiological Bone Assessments in a Pediatric Population from the Canary Islands
Authors: Martín Pérez Sebastián Eustaquio , Martín Pérez Isidro Miguel , Molina Suárez Ruth , Vega González Jesús María , García Hernández Alfonso Miguel
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Bone age assessments are essential for evaluating the growth and skeletal development of children and adolescents, influenced by factors such as genetics, ethnicity, culture, and nutrition. Clinical standards for these assessments must be adapted to the specific populations under study. This study validates the use of the Tanner–Whitehouse 3 method for determining bone age in pediatric and adolescent populations in the Canary Islands. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed 214 posteroanterior radiographs of the left hand and wrist from 80 females and 134 males, aged between 5 and 18 years. The radiographs were independently evaluated by three raters: a Radiologist Specialist (Rater 1), a General Practitioner (Rater 2), and a Medical Student (Rater 3). Intra- and inter-rater reliability were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Accuracy was evaluated by comparing estimated bone age with chronological age, stratified by sex and developmental stage. Results: Strong intra-rater reliability was observed across all raters. Raters 1 and 2 demonstrated excellent consistency (ICCs: 0.990–0.996), while Rater 3 exhibited slightly lower yet robust reliability (ICCs: 0.921–0.976). Inter-rater agreement was high between Raters 1 and 2 but decreased with Rater 3, reflecting the influence of experience (ICCs: 0.812–0.912). Bone age was underestimated in preschool children (mean difference: 3.712 mos.; 95% CI: 1.290–6.130; p = 0.199) and school-age males (mean difference: 3.978 mos.; 95% CI: −12.550 to 4.590; p = 0.926), with minimal discrepancies in females. In teenagers, the Tanner–Whitehouse 3 method slightly overestimated bone age (mean difference: −0.360 mos.; 95% CI: −0.770 to −0.954; p = 0.299). Conclusions: In conclusion, the Tanner–Whitehouse 3 method demonstrates overall precision and reliability but requires caution, as it underestimates bone age in preschool children and school-age males, while slightly overestimating it in adolescents.
Root Exudates in Soilless Culture Conditions
Authors: de Haas Brechtje , Dhooghe Emmy , Geelen Danny
Published: February 2025

Root metabolite secretion plays a critical role in increasing nutrient acquisition, allelopathy, and shaping the root-associated microbiome. While much research has explored the ecological functions of root exudates, their relevance to horticultural practices, particularly soilless cultivation, remains underexplored. Steering root exudation could help growers enhance the effectiveness of plant growth-promoting bacteria. This review summarizes current knowledge on root exudation in soilless systems, examining its process and discussing environmental influences in the context of soilless cultivation. Plants in soilless systems exhibit higher total carbon exudation rates compared to those in natural soils, with exudation profiles varying across systems and species. Root exudation decreases with plant age, with most environmental adaptations occurring during early growth stages. Several environmental factors unique to soilless systems affect root exudation. For instance, nutrient availability has a major impact on root exudation. Light intensity reduces exudation rates, and light quality influences exudation profiles in a species- and environment-dependent manner. Elevated CO2 and temperature increase exudation. Factors related to the hydroponic nutrient solution and growing media composition remain insufficiently understood, necessitating further research.
Widely Targeted Metabolomics Analyses Provide Insights into the Transformation of Active Ingredients During Drying and the Mechanisms of Color Change for Forest Ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Mey. cv. Sativi-nemoralis)
Authors: Xing Junjia , Yang Limin , Zhang Lianxue , Han Jiahong , Cai Enbo
Published: February 2025

In this study, we investigated the mechanism of conversion of active components as well as the color change of forest ginseng (FG) during the drying process with the self-developed negative-pressure circulating airflow-assisted desiccator (PCAD) drying method, using a widely targeted metabolomics analytical method based on ultraperformance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). During the drying process, a total of 1862 metabolites were identified in FG, along with 748 differential abundant metabolites (DAMs). Further analysis of the types and metabolic pathways of the DAMs revealed that both primary and secondary metabolites changed by 50–70% moisture content (MC); secondary metabolites dominated with a 30–50% MC, and primary metabolites dominated with a 10–30% MC, which revealed the differences in the transformation of the active ingredients in the drying process. In addition, the results showed the browning characteristics during the drying process. MC-50 and MC-10 showed the smallest and largest color changes, as well as enzyme activities, compared to the other MCs, respectively. As drying proceeded, browning reactions were mainly related to lipid and nucleotide metabolism and phenylpropane and flavonoid biosynthesis. In conclusion, the present study provides theoretical support for the mechanisms of active ingredient transformation as well as the color change of FG during PCAD drying.
Mechanochemically Synthesized PEG-OTs as a Green Corrosion Inhibitor
Authors: Wang Qiannian , Sang Yuan , Yang Jiang , Liu Hailing
Published: February 2025

Polymer corrosion inhibitors are reported to form dense films on carbon steel surfaces, and their thermostability enables survival in harsh downhole environments. In this paper, PEG-OTs was synthesized by mechanochemistry using ball mill by grafting tosyl on PEG. Using this solvent-free green chemistry, non-toxic PEG and PEG-OTs with various molecular weights (600, 2000, and 10,000 g/mol) were prepared and used as corrosion inhibitors. The corrosion inhibition performance of 5 × 10−3 mol/L inhibitors on Q235 carbon steel in 0.5 M HCl solution was investigated using static weight-loss, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, polarization curves, SEM, and contact angle measurements. The results show that, after modification, PEG-OTs has an elevated corrosion inhibition effect compared to PEG. A maximum of 90% corrosion inhibition efficiency was achieved using static weight-loss. The morphology study shows that a dense film formed to protect carbon steel. Thanks to their polymeric structure, a higher molecular weight leads to better corrosion inhibition.
Effects of Process Parameters on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Additively Manufactured Carbon Black Particles-Reinforced Thermoplastic Polyurethane Composite Samples
Authors: Hira Fatima , Asif Muhammad , Ullah Hammad , Khan Imran , Hussain Ghulam , Amir Muhammad , Alkahtani Mohammed
Published: February 2025

Additive manufacturing (AM) techniques make fabricating complex designs, prototypes, and end-user products possible. Conductive polymer composites find applications in flexible electronics, sensor fabrication, and electrical circuits. In this study, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-based conductive polymer composite samples were fabricated via fused filament fabrication (FFF). The effects of three important process parameters, including infill density (ID), layer thickness (LT), and fan speed (FS), on various mechanical properties (tensile and compressive properties) were investigated. It was observed that all the considered process parameters affect the mechanical properties, and they are significant parameters, as per the analysis of variance (ANOVA). From scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy, various combinations of parameters such as low ID, high LT, and high FS resulted in the formation of defects such as voids, cracks, and warping, which resulted in low mechanical properties. Finally, process parameter optimization was performed, resulting in a conductive polymer composite with the best possible combination of mechanical properties at high ID, low LT, and medium FS.
In Vitro Release Dynamics of Atorvastatin-Loaded Alginate Particles for Enhanced Periodontal Treatment
Authors: Hlawa Imke , Reske Thomas , Chabanovska Oleksandra , Scholz Malte , Vasudevan Praveen , Oschatz Stefan , Grabow Niels , Lang Hermann
Published: February 2025

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the periodontium, which often leads to tooth loss. Recently, statins have emerged as potent anti-inflammatory agents with pleiotropic effects that can potentially outperform conventional periodontal treatments. However, the clinical application of statins is limited by the lack of suitable drug carriers that fit the periodontal region and provide a controlled local drug release. In this study, we address the critical gap in localized periodontal drug delivery and introduce an ultrasound-assisted technique to encapsulate atorvastatin within alginate microparticles (10–400 µm in diameter)—a simple, scalable, and biocompatible solution. While ultrasound is widely used in polymer synthesis, its application in alginate polymerization remains underexplored. To mimic physiological conditions, particles were incubated in artificial saliva at 37 °C, with drug release being analyzed via high-performance liquid chromatography. A methylcellulose-based hydrogel served as a conventional reference product. Results revealed that alginate particles exhibited at least a 10-fold increase in mean dissolution time compared to the methylcellulose gel, indicating superior stability. Increasing atorvastatin concentration extended the time interval needed for 50% of the drug to be released (t50%) from 1 h to 11 h, maintaining the overall drug diffusion level for several days. Further analysis showed that covalent cross-linking of alginate with divinyl sulfone significantly delayed the initial drug release by 3 h (p < 0.05) due to the additional molecular stabilization. These findings underscore the utility of ultrasonic atomization for the processing of alginate-based formulations. Given the ease of production, biocompatibility, and small size, successfully fabricated alginate particles represent a promising carrier for delivery of statins or other related drugs in clinical dentistry.
Innovative Utilization of Citrus Sinensis Peel Hydrogels: Enhancing Soil Water Retention and Efficient Removal of Methylene Blue from Wastewater
Authors: Teng Bingqin , Wu Jun , Zhong Yuan , Wang Yinhua , Qiao Decheng , Quan Runqi , Zhou Zhengqian , Cai Liqun , Qi Peng , Luo Zhuzhu , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: February 2025

In the context of increasing water scarcity and environmental pollution, this study investigates the synthesis and application of p(AA-Oco-AAm)-g-Citrus Sinensis Peel hydrogel (CSP hydrogel) to enhance soil water retention and remove organic dyes from wastewater. Hydrogels were prepared using a combination of acrylamide and acrylic acid, with the incorporation of citrus peel as a natural resource. The water absorption capacity of the hydrogels was evaluated, achieving a maximum retention rate of 477 g/g, significantly improving the water-holding ability of various soil types. Additionally, the hydrogels demonstrated a strong affinity for methylene blue, with an equilibrium adsorption capacity reaching 2299.45 mg/g, indicating their effectiveness in wastewater treatment. Kinetic and isothermal adsorption models were applied to analyze the adsorption dynamics, revealing a superior fit to the Langmuir model. The hydrogels maintained structural integrity and reusability over multiple cycles, underscoring their potential for sustainable agricultural practices and environmental remediation. This research highlights the dual benefits of utilizing agricultural waste for the development of eco-friendly materials while addressing critical challenges in water management and pollution control.
Numerical Simulation of Fatigue Damage in Cross-Ply CFRP Laminates: Exploring Frequency Dependence and Internal Heat Generation Effects
Authors: Kudo Natsuko , Fikry M. J. Mohammad , Ogihara Shinji , Koyanagi Jun
Published: February 2025

A numerical simulation investigating the frequency dependence of fatigue damage progression in carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRPs) is conducted in this study. The initiation and propagation of transverse cracks under varying fatigue test frequencies are successfully simulated, consistent with experiments, using an enhanced degradable Hashin failure model that was originally developed by the authors in 2022. The results obtained from the numerical simulation in the present study, which employs adjusted numerical values for the purpose of damage acceleration, indicate that the number of cycles required for the formation of three transverse cracks was 174 cycles at 0.1 Hz, 209 cycles at 1 Hz, and 165 cycles at 10 Hz. Based on these results, it is demonstrated that under high-frequency cyclic loading, internal heat generation caused by dissipated energy from mechanical deformation, attributed to the viscoelastic and/or plastic behavior of the material, exceeds thermal dissipation to the environment, leading to an increase in specimen temperature. Consequently, damage progression accelerates under high-frequency fatigue. In contrast, under low-frequency fatigue, viscoelastic dissipation becomes more pronounced, reducing the number of cycles required to reach a similar damage state. The rate of damage accumulation initially increases with test frequency but subsequently decreases. This observation underscores the importance of incorporating these findings into discussions on the fatigue damage of real structural components.
Protective Effect of a Hyperimmune Serum Against Homologous Enterococcus cecorum Infection in Experimentally Challenged Meat-Type Chickens
Authors: Rosenbaum Amanda , Rautenschlein Silke , Jung Arne
Published: February 2025

Knowledge about chickens’ immune response to infection with Enterococcus cecorum (EC) and prophylactic strategies is scarce. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of an EC-specific hyperimmune serum after experimental challenge with homologous EC. A total of 284 one-day-old meat-type chickens were randomly assigned to three groups (non-inoculated (C), passively immunized with hyperimmune serum and EC-inoculated (EPI), and EC-inoculated (E)). At 1 and 2 days post-hatch (dph), the hyperimmune serum was subcutaneously administered to each chicken in group EPI. Oral inoculation with EC was carried out at 2 dph. Blood samples and cloacal swabs were collected at 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 dph and necropsy was carried out at 42/43 dph. Extraintestinal colonization with EC was significantly decreased in group EPI compared to group E. Additionally, femoral head necrosis and spondylitis of the free thoracic vertebra were significantly decreased in group EPI compared to group E. Flow cytometric analysis revealed a significant increase in heterophils, monocytes, and the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio in the peripheral blood of bacteriological positive chickens. Although the parenteral application of a hyperimmune serum lacks practicability in meat-type chicken flocks, the results of this study encourage further research on vaccination of meat-type chicken breeder flocks.
Adsorption Pore Volume Distribution Heterogeneity of Middle and High Rank Coal Reservoirs and Determination of Its Influencing Factors
Authors: Wang Kai , Quan Fangkai , Zhang Shizhao , Zhao Yubo , Shi He , Yin Tingting , Qin Zhenyuan
Published: February 2025

Heterogeneity of adsorption pore volume distribution affects desorption and diffusion processes of coal reservoirs. In this paper, N2 and CO2 adsorption and desorption experiment tests were used to study the pore structure of middle and high rank coal reservoirs in the study area. The fractal theory of volume and surface area is used to achieve a full-scale fractal study of adsorption pores (pore diameter is less than 100 nm) in the study area. Firstly, adaptability and control factors of volume fractals and surface area fractals within the same aperture scale range are studied. Secondly, fractal characteristics of micro-pores and meso-pores are studied. Thirdly, fractal characteristics within different aperture scales and the influencing factors of fractal characteristics within different scale ranges are studied. The results are as follows. With the increase in coal rank, pore volume and specific surface area of pores less than 0.8 nm increase, and dominant pore size changes from 0.55~0.8 nm (middle coal rank) to 0.5~0.7 nm (high coal rank). As coal rank increases, TPV and average pore diameter (APD) decrease under the BJH model, while SSA changes are not significant under the BET model. Moreover, as the pore diameter decreases, the correlation between the integral dimension of pore volume and degree of coal metamorphism decreases. This result can provide a theoretical basis for the precise characterization of the target coal seam pore and fracture structure and support the optimization of favorable areas for coalbed methane.
The Impact of Non-Market Attributes on the Property Value
Authors: Buszta Julia , Kik Iwona , Maciuk Kamil
Published: February 2025

In the realm of real estate, each property owns a unique set of characteristics that distinguish it from others. While each property has its own distinctive features, the appraisal process prioritises only those qualities that meaningfully affect the value in the given market context. However, in the dynamically evolving market situation, expectations of real estate buyers can also transform. This study aims to explore how the surrounding environment and micro-location aspects affect the property value, which can deliver valuable outcomes for real estate market participants and researchers. For that purpose, the authors selected nine factors, called non-market attributes, that may affect the estimated value: air quality, noise emissions, green areas, rivers and water reservoirs, kindergartens and primary schools, universities, medical facilities, shopping centres and religious buildings. Moreover, apart from non-market attributes, the authors selected six market attributes usually used for the determination of residential real estate values according to the Polish regulations in this field. The detailed analysis of factors influencing the property value has been conducted based on the residential apartments in the district Zwięczyca in Rzeszów. Specifically, with the use of Pearson’s total correlation coefficients, authors explored market and non-market attributes and examined their relationships with unit transaction prices, attempting to answer the research question on whether non-market attributes can differentiate market values of residential apartments, when local real estate markets are considered. The results demonstrate that all selected market factors have a visible effect on analysed real estate prices and might be adopted for appraisal. Among nine non-market factors, only three of them have a pronounced effect on prices and might be used for the valuation of residential properties on the local market. The combined database of market and non-market factors reveals eight attributes (five market and three non-market) affecting prices of residential apartments.
Study on the Extraction of Topsoil-Loss Areas of Cultivated Land Based on Multi-Source Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Zhang Xinle , Qin Chuan , Ma Shinai , Liu Jiming , Wang Yiang , Liu Huanjun , An Zeyu , Ma Yihan
Published: February 2025

Soil, a crucial natural resource and the cornerstone of agriculture, profoundly impacts crop growth, quality, and yield. However, soil degradation affects over one-third of global land, with topsoil loss emerging as a significant form of this degradation, posing a grave threat to agricultural sustainability and socio-economic development. Therefore, accurate monitoring of topsoil-loss distribution is essential for formulating effective soil protection and management strategies. Traditional survey methods are limited by time-consuming and labor-intensive processes, high costs, and complex data processing. These limitations make it particularly challenging to meet the demands of large-scale research and efficient information processing. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a more efficient and accurate extraction method. This study focuses on the Heshan Farm in Heilongjiang Province, China, as the research subject and utilizes remote sensing technology and machine learning methods. It introduces multi-source data, including Sentinel-2 satellite imagery and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data, to design four extraction schemes. (1) spectral feature extraction; (2) spectral feature + topographic feature extraction; (3) spectral feature + index extraction; (4) spectral feature + topographic feature + index extraction. Models for topsoil loss identification based on Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithms are developed, and the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is introduced to optimize the models. The performance of the models is evaluated using overall accuracy and Kappa coefficient indicators. The results show that Scheme 4, which integrates spectral features, topographic features, and various indices, performs the best in extraction effects. The RF model demonstrates higher classification accuracy than the SVM model. The optimized PSO-RF and PSO-SVM models show significant improvements in extraction accuracy, especially the PSO-RF model, with an overall accuracy of 0.97 and a Kappa coefficient of 0.94. The PSO-RF model using Scheme 4 improves OA by 34.72% and Kappa by 38.81% compared to the RF model in Scheme 1. Topsoil loss has a significant negative impact on crop growth, severely restricting the normal growth and development of crops. This study provides an efficient technical means for monitoring soil degradation in black-soil regions and offers a scientific basis for formulating effective agricultural ecological protection strategies, thereby promoting the sustainable management of soil resources.
Efficient Collaborative Learning in the Industrial IoT Using Federated Learning and Adaptive Weighting Based on Shapley Values
Authors: Bhatti Dost Muhammad Saqib , Ali Mazhar , Yoon Junyong , Choi Bong Jun
Published: February 2025

The integration of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and federated learning (FL) can be a promising approach to achieving secure and collaborative AI-driven Industry 4.0 and beyond. FL enables the collaborative training of a global model under the supervision of a central server while ensuring that data remain localized to ensure data privacy. Subsequently, the locally trained models can be aggregated to enhance the global model training process. Nevertheless, the merging of these local models can significantly impact the efficacy of global training due to the diversity of each industry’s data. In order to enhance robustness, we propose a Shapley value-based adaptive weighting mechanism that trains the global model as a sequence of cooperative games. The client weights are adjusted based on their Shapley contributions as well as the size and variability of their local datasets in order to improve the model performance. Furthermore, we propose a quantization strategy to mitigate the computational expense of Shapley value computation. Our experiments demonstrate that our method achieves the highest accuracy compared to existing methods due to the efficient assignment of weights. Additionally, our method achieves nearly the same accuracy with significantly lower computational cost by reducing the computation overhead of Shapley value computation in each round of training.
Multi-Sensor Temporal Fusion Transformer for Stock Performance Prediction: An Adaptive Sharpe Ratio Approach
Authors: Yang Jingyun , Li Pan , Cui Yiwen , Han Xu , Zhou Mengjie
Published: February 2025

Accurate prediction of the Sharpe ratio, a key metric for risk-adjusted returns in financial markets, remains a significant challenge due to the complex and stochastic nature of stock price movements. This paper introduces a novel deep learning model, the Temporal Fusion Transformer with Adaptive Sharpe Ratio Optimization (TFT-ASRO), designed to address this challenge. The model incorporates real-time market sensor data and financial indicators as input signals, leveraging multiple data streams including price sensors, volume sensors, and market sentiment sensors to capture the complete market state. Using a comprehensive dataset of US historical stock prices and earnings data, we demonstrate that TFT-ASRO outperforms traditional methods and existing deep learning models in predicting Sharpe ratios across various time horizons. The model’s multi-task learning framework, which simultaneously predicts returns and volatility, provides a more nuanced understanding of risk-adjusted performance. Furthermore, our adaptive optimization approach effectively balances the trade-off between return maximization and risk minimization, leading to more robust predictions. Empirical results show that TFT-ASRO achieves a 18% improvement in Sharpe ratio prediction accuracy compared to state-of-the-art baselines, with particularly strong performance in volatile market conditions. The model also demonstrates superior uncertainty quantification, providing reliable confidence intervals for its predictions. These findings have significant implications for portfolio management and investment strategy optimization, offering a powerful tool for financial decision-makers in the era of data-driven investing.
Preparation, Characterization, and Mechanism of SMS Titanium–Manganese Nanocomposite for Antimony Removal from Water
Authors: Lv Yannan , Wen Wenqing , Han Shenrui , Li Kaixin , Fu Ziyu , Mu Fansong , Luo Meng
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the synthesis of SMS-Ti-Mn (SMS-Ti-Mn stands for spent mushroom substrate activated carbon-Ti-Mn) nanocomposites and their application in removing the heavy metal antimony from water. In the process of antimony mining and smelting, the concentration of antimony in the waste residue can still reach as high as 80.5 mg/L. In addition, the soil in the electronic waste dismantling area is severely contaminated with antimony. In short, antimony enters the environment in various ways from mining, smelting, and manufacturing to the final waste process and continuously migrates in different environmental media, increasing the environmental exposure risk of antimony pollution. Single-factor experiments and response surface methodology were employed to determine the optimal conditions, including the adsorption time, pH, and solid–liquid ratio. Material characterization was performed to understand the role of nano-metals, and adsorption kinetics were analyzed using the quasi-first-order kinetic model. The research results revealed that the optimal conditions for antimony removal were an adsorption time of 40 min, a pH of 4, and a solid–liquid ratio of 2:1 (mg/mL). Under these conditions, the nanocomposites showed an adsorption capacity of 10.502 mg/g, which was 5.8 times higher than that of iron coagulants, 11 times higher than that of manganese-modified activated carbon, and 1.7 times higher than that of iron–manganese sludge adsorbents. Characterization revealed enhanced functional groups (carbonyl, Ti=O, Mn=O), contributing to improved adsorption. Kinetic analysis indicated physical adsorption as the dominant mechanism, and the regression model accurately predicted the adsorption capacity. SMS-Ti-Mn nanocomposites offer a promising strategy for treating antimony-contaminated water, with strong potential for practical applications in water treatment. They can decompose naturally after use, reduce secondary pollution, and promote ecological balance. Secondly, agricultural waste treated with heavy metal removal can be used as a fertilizer and soil amendment to improve soil quality and promote sustainable agricultural development.
Seasonal and Land Use Effects on Soil Respiration and Its Controlling Factors in Arid Lands from Northeastern Mexico
Authors: Campuzano Emmanuel F. , Guillen-Cruz Gabriela , Juárez-Altamirano René , Flores-Rentería Dulce
Published: February 2025

The extreme conditions in arid ecosystems make these environments sensitive to environmental changes. Particularly, land use and seasonal changes are determinants of their soil carbon dynamics. The effect of those elements on soil respiration (RS) is still poorly known in several arid regions of the world. This study investigates the seasonal effect on the RS and its controlling factors throughout different land use systems in northeastern Mexico. RS and 34 biotic and abiotic variables were measured across agricultural crops, natural shrublands, livestock farms, walnut orchards, and industrially influenced soils during the dry and wet seasons. Six variables (soil water content, soil organic matter, soil temperature, silt, and pH) were found as drivers of RS on both local and regional scales. Seasonal and land use had a transversal effect on RS and its controlling factors. RS dynamics were primarily modulated by soil water content, with the wet season and managed lands showing increased sensitivity to climatic and anthropogenic changes. These results indicate that land management strategies are critical for carbon cycling, particularly in water-limited regions like northeastern Mexico, where land use changes are occurring at an accelerated pace.
Sex-Based Effects on Muscle Oxygenation During Repeated Maximal Intermittent Handgrip Exercise
Authors: Lebron Modesto A. , Starling-Smith Justine M. , Hill Ethan C. , Stout Jeffrey R. , Fukuda David H.
Published: February 2025

Background: This investigation aimed to examine sex-based differences in deoxy[heme] (HHb), tissue saturation (StO2), and force-deoxygenation ratio (FD) of the forearm flexor muscles during a maximal-effort intermittent fatiguing handgrip protocol. Methods: Thirty-three healthy males (n = 15) and females (n = 18) completed a fatiguing handgrip protocol consisting of 60 4 s contractions separated by a 1 s rest. Near-infrared spectroscopy was used to measure muscle oxygenation before, during, and after the protocol. Results: Sex differences in HHb (p = 0.033) and StO2 (p = 0.021) were observed with significantly greater values for females (HHb: 110.204 ± 12.626% of baseline; StO2: 72.091 ± 5.812%) in comparison to males (HHb: 101.153 ± 12.847% of baseline; StO2: 66.978 ± 7.799%). Females (0.199 ± 0.081 AU) also demonstrated significantly (p = 0.001) lower FD in comparison to males (0.216 ± 0.094 AU). However, males (b = −0.023 ± 0.008 AU) demonstrated a significantly (p < 0.001) greater rate of decline in FD in comparison to females (b = −0.017 ± 0.006 AU). Conclusions: Prior to, during, and after a maximal-effort intermittent fatiguing handgrip fatiguing protocol, males demonstrate significantly lower StO2 than females and a faster rate of decline in FD. Moreover, females demonstrate greater HHb values than males when assessed relative to a resting baseline.
Towards Sustainable Development: Assessing the Significance of World Uncertainty in Green Technology Innovation
Authors: Dou Jie , Dou Junyi , Qin Meng , Su Chi-Wei
Published: February 2025

This paper uses the two-way fixed effects model to empirically examine the impact of the World Uncertainty Index (WUI) on Green Patents (GPs). Quantitative results indicate that WUI negatively affects GPs, meaning that world uncertainty significantly hinders green technology innovation. This effect is mediated through relaxed environmental regulation and reduced financial support. These findings underline that increased uncertainty decreases both the variables of environmental regulation and financial support, thus delaying the innovation of green technology. Low-income countries’ weak economic and technological bases have a statistically insignificant negative impact on GP. However, a statistically significant negative impact is indicated for high-income countries, reflecting their higher sensitivity to world uncertainties. The WUI’s more negative effect on GPs is experienced in middle-income countries due to continuous economic and technological development and less adaptability.
Research on Fine-Scale Terrain Construction in High Vegetation Coverage Areas Based on Implicit Neural Representations
Authors: Zhang Yi , He Peipei , Jing Haihang , He Bin , Yin Weibo , Meng Junzhen , Ma Yuntian , Zhang Haifeng , Zhang Bo , Shen Haoxiang
Published: February 2025

Due to the high-density coverage of vegetation, the complexity of terrain, and occlusion issues, ground point extraction faces significant challenges. Airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology plays a crucial role in complex mountainous areas. This article proposes a method for constructing fine terrain in high vegetation coverage areas based on implicit neural representation. This method consists of data preprocessing, multi-scale and multi-feature high-difference point cloud initial filtering, and an upsampling module based on implicit neural representation. Firstly, preprocess the regional point cloud data is preprocessed; then, K-dimensional trees (K-d trees) are used to construct spatial indexes, and spherical neighborhood methods are applied to capture the geometric and physical information of point clouds for multi-feature fusion, enhancing the distinction between terrain and non-terrain elements. Subsequently, a differential model is constructed based on DSM (Digital Surface Model) at different scales, and the elevation variation coefficient is calculated to determine the threshold for extracting the initial set of ground points. Finally, the upsampling module using implicit neural representation is used to finely process the initial ground point set, providing a complete and uniformly dense ground point set for the subsequent construction of fine terrain. To validate the performance of the proposed method, three sets of point cloud data from mountainous terrain with different features are selected as the experimental area. The experimental results indicate that, from a qualitative perspective, the proposed method significantly improves the classification of vegetation, buildings, and roads, with clear boundaries between different types of terrain. From a quantitative perspective, the Type I errors of the three selected regions are 4.3445%, 5.0623%, and 5.9436%, respectively. The Type II errors are 5.7827%, 6.8516%, and 7.3478%, respectively. The overall errors are 5.3361%, 6.4882%, and 6.7168%, respectively. The Kappa coefficients of the measurement areas all exceed 80%, indicating that the proposed method performs well in complex mountainous environments. Provide point cloud data support for the construction of wind and photovoltaic bases in China, reduce potential damage to the ecological environment caused by construction activities, and contribute to the sustainable development of ecology and energy.