bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Tools for the Automatic Processing of Advanced Driver Assistance System Test Data
Authors: Licci Pasquale , Giannoccaro Nicola Ivan , Palermo Davide , Dollorenzo Matteo , Lomartire Salvatore , Dodde Vincenzo
Published: December 2024

Advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) technologies are key to improving road safety and promoting innovation in the automotive sector. The approval and analysis of ADAS systems, especially automatic emergency braking (AEB) tests, require complex procedures and in-depth data management. This work presents innovative tools developed to facilitate the post-processing of ADAS AEB test data, created in collaboration with Nardò Technical Center. The tool, called Autonomous Code Generation Intelligence (ACGI), introduces an intuitive and intelligent user interface that helps analyze and interpret ADAS test approval regulations. ACGI automates the generation of code sections within a data analytics framework, streamlining the compliance process and significantly reducing the time and programming skills required. This tool allows engineers to focus on high-value tasks, improving overall process efficiency. To achieve this objective, the tool encodes the DAART code framework (Data Analysis and Automated Report Tool) which allows users to carry out real post-processing of the tests conducted on the track. The results demonstrate that both tools simplify and automate critical steps in the ADAS automatic emergency braking test data analysis process. In fact, the tool not only improves the accuracy and efficiency of the analyses but also offers a high degree of customization, making it a flexible and adaptable tool to meet the specific needs of users. In future developments, ACGI could be extended to cover additional ADAS tests and could be equipped with artificial intelligence to suggest configurations based on new regulations.
Damage and Failure Modeling of Composite Material Structures Using the Pam-Crash Code
Authors: Martin-Santos Eduardo , Barbu Lucia G. , Cruz Pablo
Published: December 2024

Simulating composite material structures requires complex constitutive models, which normally require fine meshes to obtain an accurate prediction of their behavior. Pam-Crash software has been used for several years in the automotive industry and has been proved to be an efficient tool for simulating metallic structures, returning good correlations in a fast computational time. However, constitutive models for composite materials in Pam-Crash present some difficulties: some materials are not able to be suitably modeled and the predictive results depend on the mesh refinement. This work proposes a solution for predicting the progressive damage of composite materials in Pam-Crash, which scales the energy dissipated by the damage mechanisms and checks the viability of modeling the material behavior, taking into account the recommended size of finite elements in the automotive industry. The proposed solution is applied for the simulation of Open Hole specimens to evaluate the ultimate strength consistency. After this, it is applied for the simulation of Compact Tension specimens to check the consistency of crack propagation behavior. By considering the target size of the finite elements in the material card definition, the predictions demonstrate great improvement in the equivalence in results between different mesh refinements. Finally, the solution is applied to simulate impact tests on large structures. Good correlations with experimental data are obtained in fast computational times, making this methodology a candidate for application in composite-related automotive simulations.
Survey of Quantum Generative Adversarial Networks (QGAN) to Generate Images
Authors: Pajuhanfard Mohammadsaleh , Kiani Rasoul , Sheng Victor S.
Published: December 2024

Quantum Generative Adversarial Networks (QGANs) represent a useful development in quantum machine learning, using the particular properties of quantum mechanics to solve the challenges of data analysis and modeling. This paper brings up a general analysis of five QGAN architectures, focusing on their evolution, strengths, weaknesses, and limitations in noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices. Primary methods like Entangling Quantum GAN (EQ-GAN) and Quantum state fidelity (QuGAN) concentrate on stability, convergence, and robust performance on small-scale datasets such as 2 × 2 grayscale images. Intermediate models such as Image Quantum GAN (IQGAN) and Experimental Quantum GAN (EXQGAN) provide new ideas like trainable encoders and patch-based sub-generators that are scalable to 8 × 8 datasets with increasing noise resilience. The most advanced method is Parameterized Quantum Wasserstein GAN (PQWGAN), which uses a hybrid quantum-classical structure to obtain high-resolution image processing for 28 × 28 grayscale datasets while trying to maintain parameter efficiency. This study explores, analyzes, and summarizes critical problems of QGANs, including accuracy, convergence, parameter efficiency, image quality, performance metrics, and training stability under noisy conditions. In addition, developing QGANs can generate and train parameters in quantum approximation optimization algorithms. One of the useful applications of QGAN is generating medical datasets that can generate medical images from limited datasets to train specific medical models for the recognition of diseases.
HER2-Positive Serous Endometrial Cancer Treatment: Current Clinical Practice and Future Directions
Authors: Papageorgiou Dimitrios , Liouta Galateia , Sapantzoglou Ioakeim , Zachariou Eleftherios , Pliakou Dimitra , Papakonstantinou Katerina , Floros Theofanis , Pliakou Evangelia
Published: December 2024

The most common histological subtypes of endometrial cancer consist of endometrioid and uterine serous carcinoma, with the latter being more aggressive and accompanied by poor prognosis. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor associated with cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. HER2 positivity can be diagnosed in many solid tumors. It has been found that approximately one-third of the patients diagnosed with serous carcinoma may overexpress HER2/neu protein and/or show the amplification of the c-erBb2 gene. The prognostic and predictive value of HER2 biomarker is nowadays highlighted and the updates of HER2-directed treatment offer new opportunities for improved efficacy and survival. A number of HER2-targeted therapies have become available in recent years and have had promising results, prompting full drug approvals and additional investigation in many cancer types, among which is endometrial cancer. Data from clinical trials combining classical chemotherapy with anti-HER2 agents, mainly trastuzumab, alone or in combination with pertuzumab, do exist and have been incorporated into international guidelines. Moreover, further research with antibody–drug conjugates and tyrosine kinase inhibitors is being conducted. Acquired resistance remains an important problem, and its underlying mechanisms in endometrial cancer are mostly unknown. Studies exploring earlier use of Her2-directed therapy are also on the way. The purpose of this literature review is to describe the available therapies in the current clinical practice and the most prominent research data regarding the future. In any case, a number of unmet medical needs do exist for HER2-positive serous endometrial cancer, and additional research and studies are warranted to provide further understanding and improved outcomes for this tumor type.
A Better Understanding of the Clinical and Pathological Changes in Viral Retinitis: Steps to Improve Visual Outcomes
Authors: Nguyen Nghi M. , Conrady Christopher D.
Published: December 2024

Infectious retinitis, though rare, poses a significant threat to vision, often leading to severe and irreversible damage. Various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, tick-borne agents, parasites, and fungi, can cause this condition. Among these, necrotizing herpetic retinitis represents a critical spectrum of retinal infections primarily caused by herpes viruses such as varicella-zoster virus (VZV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV). This review underscores the retina’s susceptibility to viral infections, focusing on the molecular mechanisms through which herpetic viruses invade and damage retinal tissue, supported by clinical and preclinical evidence. We also identify existing knowledge gaps and propose future research directions to deepen our understanding and improve therapeutic outcomes.
Transcriptional Regulation in Bacteria
Authors: Shimada Tomohiro
Published: December 2024

The goal of research in the post-genomic era, now that the full extent of the genes encoded on microbial genomes is known [https://www [...]
Optimization of Combined Ultrasound and Microwave-Assisted Extraction for Enhanced Bioactive Compounds Recovery from Four Medicinal Plants: Oregano, Rosemary, Hypericum, and Chamomile
Authors: Laina Konstantina Theodora , Drosou Christina , Stergiopoulos Chrysanthos , Eleni Panagiota Maria , Krokida Magdalini
Published: December 2024

This study presents the synergistic application of ultrasound- and microwave-assisted extraction (UAE–MAE) as a novel and efficient method for recovering bioactive compounds from the medicinal plants oregano, rosemary, Hypericum perforatum, and chamomile. Extraction parameters, including microwave (MW) power, ultrasound (US) power, and extraction time, were optimized using the response surface methodology (RSM), with ethanol as the solvent. Extracts were evaluated for total phenolic content (TPC) via the Folin–Ciocalteu method and antioxidant activity (IC50) using the DPPH assay. High-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC–DAD) identified the main bioactive compounds contributing to their antioxidant and therapeutic potential. The optimized UAE–MAE conditions enhanced phenolic recovery and antioxidant potential across all plants. Notably, Hypericum perforatum exhibited the highest TPC (53.7 mg GAE/g) and strongest antioxidant activity (IC50 29.8 mg extract/g) under 200 W MW, 450 W US, and 12 min, yielding 14.5%. Rosemary achieved the highest yield (23.36%) with a TPC of 26.35 mg GAE/g and an IC50 of 40.75 mg extract/g at 200 W MW, 700 W US, and 8 min. Oregano’s optimal conditions (500 W MW, 700 W US, 12 min) produced a TPC of 34.99 mg GAE/g and an IC50 of 50.31 mg extract/g. Chamomile extracts demonstrated lower phenolic content and antioxidant activity but achieved significant yields under 500 W MW, 700 W US, and 5 min. This study highlights UAE–MAE’s superior efficiency, showcasing its potential to maximize phenolic recovery sustainably, making it a promising technique for industrial and therapeutic applications.
Invisible but Insidious Effects of Microplastics
Authors: Stefanova Natalia A. , Sotnikova Yulia S. , Osechkova Aleksandra E. , Karpova Elena V. , Polovyanenko Dmitriy N. , Fursova Anzhella Zh. , Kiseleva Daria A. , Tolstikova Tatyana G. , Kolosova Nataliya G. , Bagryanskaya Elena G.
Published: December 2024

Increasing evidence on the adverse health impacts of microplastics (MPs) is available, but their associated risks to the well-being of humans and long-term impacts are poorly understood. An indicator of the remote effects of MPs may be their influence on the rate of aging. To assess the effects of MPs on the aging process, we used accelerated senescence OXYS rats that develop a complex of geriatric diseases. We prepared the polyethylene terephthalate MPs (2–6 microns in size) and in OXYS and Wistar (maternal strain) rats assessed the influence of chronic administration of MPs (10 or 100 mg/kg per day from age 1.5 to 3.5 months,) on the hematological and biochemical blood parameters, spatial learning, and memory. In addition, the effects of MPs on the development of cataracts and retinopathy, similar to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), in OXYS rats were assessed. We found that in the absence of significant changes in standard clinical blood parameters, chronic MP administration negatively affected the cognitive functions of both Wistar rats and OXYS rats. Additionally, a dose of 100 mg/kg MPs contributed to cataract and AMD progression in OXYS rats. Our results suggest that MPs may increase the rate of aging and, in the long term, lifespan.
Characterization of Nodulation-Compatible Strains of Native Soil Rhizobia from the Rhizosphere of Soya Bean (Glycine max L.) Fields in South Africa
Authors: Ndhlovu Khumbudzo , Bopape Francina Lebogang , Diale Mamonokane Olga , Mpai Tiisetso , Morey Liesl , Mtsweni Nompumelelo Prudence , Gerrano Abe Shegro , Vuuren Ansa van , Babalola Olubukola Oluranti , Hassen Ahmed Idris
Published: December 2024

Prolonged inoculation of soya bean (Glycine max L.) farms with exotic strains of Bradyrhizobium species starting in the 1960s resulted in the establishment of populations of Bradyrhizobium strains in the soils of several soya bean farms in South Africa. With the increasing number of new soya bean genotypes in the country, it is challenging to determine which genotypes are highly compatible with a given rhizobium strain. In this study, we investigated the symbiotic compatibility of native rhizobial isolates and the strains from the South African Rhizobium Culture Collection (SARCC) on ten selected locally available soya bean genotypes. A glasshouse soil trap experiment using soil samples collected from Lothair, Bothaville, and Standerton was performed on five cultivars. The trapped rhizobial strains were further screened in the glasshouse to authenticate their nodulation compatibility with the different soya bean cultivars. The rhizobial strains showed significant nodulation compatibility with the selected cultivars. These strains were also tested for beneficial traits in vitro and characterized using DNA sequencing methods to elucidate their taxonomic identity. Some of the most nodulation-compatible strains characterized as Bradyrhizobium and Sinorhizobium species exhibited significant symbiotic performance in terms of plant biomass, nodule number, and nodule dry weight. The study generated valuable data that provide information on the extent of symbiotic compatibility of some of the existing cultivars used in South Africa with native rhizobia and whether inoculation of soya bean with commercial products is vital on some soya bean farms.
Efficient Second-Harmonic Generation in Thin-Film Lithium Tantalate Through Modal Phase-Matching
Authors: Liu Jiacheng , Xia Gongyu , Zhu Pingyu , Zhang Kaikai , Xu Ping , Zhu Zhihong
Published: December 2024

Lithium tantalate (LT) exhibits nonlinear optical properties that are comparable to those of lithium niobate (LN), yet the former surpasses the latter in several respects. These include an enhanced optical damage threshold, a wider transparency range, and lower birefringence. Consequently, LT is an excellent material for optical frequency conversion applications. In this study, we have devised a novel device based on thin-film lithium tantalate (TFLT) for the efficient generation of second-harmonic waves. The design employs modal phase-matching (MPM), which circumvents the intricacies of conventional poling techniques, and attains a normalised conversion efficiency of 120% W−1cm−2. In order to address the challenges presented by higher-order modes, a mode converter with an insertion loss of less than 0.1 dB has been developed, thereby ensuring the efficient utilisation of the second harmonic. This study not only demonstrates the potential of TFLT for high-performance SHG, but also promotes the development of integrated nonlinear TFLT platforms.
Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface-Aided Security Enhancement for Vehicle-to-Vehicle Visible Light Communications
Authors: Jing Xiaoqiong , Wu Yating , Yu Fei , Xu Yuru , Wang Xiaoyong
Published: December 2024

Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) visible light communication (VLC) systems are increasingly being deployed for real-time data exchange in intelligent transportation systems (ITS). However, these systems are highly vulnerable to eavesdropping, especially in scenarios such as road intersections where signals may be exposed to unauthorized receivers. To address these security challenges, we propose a novel reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS)-assisted security enhancement scheme for V2V VLC networks. The proposed scheme leverages RIS to improve the reception of legitimate signals at the destination vehicle while simultaneously introducing artificial noise (AN) to interfere with potential eavesdroppers. Optimization problems are formulated to maximize the SINR of the destination vehicle and simultaneously minimize the worst-case SINR of eavesdroppers. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme achieves a notable improvement in the system’s secrecy rate by 1.64 bit/s/Hz and enhances the overall security performance, offering a robust solution to the security challenges in V2V VLC systems.
Super Porous Carboxymethyl Cellulose–Tannic Acid (TA@CMC) Cryogels with Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and α-Glucosidase Enzyme Inhibition Abilities
Authors: Sahiner Mehtap , Demirci Sahin , Sahiner Nurettin
Published: December 2024

Here, super porous carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) cryogels were synthesized in 10–100% crosslinker and the presence of TA, at varying amounts of TA, e.g., 10 and 25 wt% of CMC under cryogenic conditions (−20 °C) as TA@CMCs. To control the degradation of CMC cryogel networks, the crosslinking ratio of divinyl sulfone (DVS:X) to CMC varied at 10, 25, 50, and 100% moles of the CMC repeating unit. Higher hydrolytic degradation was observed for CMC 10%X cryogels at pH 1.0 with 28.4 ± 1.2% weight loss. On the other hand, the TA-release studies from TA@CMC-based cryogels showed that higher TA releases were observed for both TA@CMC 10% and 25% cryogels at pH 7.4, with 23.6 ± 1.1, and 46.5 ± 2.3 mg/g in 480 min, which are equal to almost 24% and 18% of the TA contents of the corresponding cryogels, respectively. The antioxidant properties of TA@CMC cryogels were examined, and worthy antioxidant properties were observed due to the TA. The alpha-glucosidase enzyme inhibition ability of the prepared cryogels was examined at different concentrations by grinding cryogels, and it was determined that TA@CMC 25% cryogel at 3 mg/mL concentration inhibited 70.4 + 1.3% of the enzyme. All bare CMC-based cryogels were found to be non-hemolytic with a less than 1% hemolysis ratio and also effective on the blood coagulation mechanism with blood-clotting index (BCI) values between 62.1 and 81.7% at 1 mg/mL concentrations. On the other hand, TA@CMC 25% cryogels exhibited a slight hemolytic profile with a 6.1 ± 0.8% hemolysis ratio and did not affect the blood coagulation mechanism with 97.8 ± 0.4% BCI value.
Preparation and Characterization of Supercapacitor Cells Using Modified CNTs and Bimetallic MOFs
Authors: Argirusis Christos , Angelara Christina , Argirusis Nikolaos , Karantonis Antonis , Pandis Pavlos P. , Sourkouni Georgia
Published: December 2024

The synthesis of CoZn-MOF was accomplished via a simple hydrothermal method. The characterization of the synthesized materials was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), providing a thorough understanding of their structure and content. Subsequently, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) underwent three different pretreatment procedures prior to their application as an anode in a supercapacitor (SC) arrangement, with CoZn-MOF functioning as the cathode. The use of CNTs as electrode material led to an inherent improvement in conductivity and an intrinsic increase in the specific capacitance of the supercapacitor. Galvanostatic charge–discharge measurements of the three cells with different electrodes proved that the supercapacitor based on the CNT (acetic acid)//CoZn-MOF exhibited a capacity of 0.2285 F/g, a moderate energy density of 0.1944 Whkg−1 at a power density of 26.48 Wkg−1 as compared to the other two supercapacitors (CNT (nitric acid)//CoZn-MOF and CNT (unprocessed)//CoZn-MOF). This study utilized the advantages of carbon nanotubes in supercapacitor electrodes and examined the impact of CNT pretreatment.
Influence of Material Composition and Quenching Severity on Numerical Prediction of Residual Stresses and Hardness in Induction-Hardened Cylinders
Authors: Goñi Aritz , Segurajauregi Unai , Areitioaurtena Maialen , Esnaola Jon Ander , Cabello Mario Javier
Published: December 2024

Induction hardening is a heat treatment process that enhances the mechanical properties of materials, improving their resistance to fatigue, fracture, and wear. Unlike conventional methods, induction hardening selectively heats the surface of the material, forming a high-hardness layer while leaving the core relatively unaffected. In addition, it generates a compressive residual stress layer in the surface, which is beneficial for the component service behaviour. This compressive layer progressively decreases, turning tensile at the boundary of the hardened layer, and gradually decreases in the untreated core. This study first focused on the numerical simulation model to analyze the physical mechanisms involved in the process and select the ideal calculation method. Subsequently, the effects of the material’s carbon content and the quenching severity on hardness and residual stress formation after the induction hardening of a cylindrical 42CrMo4 steel specimen are examined. For this purpose, a coupled thermo-metallurgical-mechanical finite element model in ANSYS® is employed. The findings underscore the importance of accounting for all factors contributing to stress generation to accurately predict the material’s behaviour. Additionally, the results highlight the significant impact of carbon content on the hardness of the hardened layer, as well as the substantial role of quenching medium severity in shaping the axial residual stress profile within the material.
Investigation of Coal Structure and Its Differential Pore–Fracture Response Mechanisms in the Changning Block
Authors: Yang Xuefeng , Zhao Shengxian , Chen Xin , Zhang Jian , Li Bo , Ding Jieming , Zhu Ning , Fang Rui , Zhang Hairuo , Yang Xinyu , Wang Zhixuan
Published: December 2024

The deep coal seams in the southern Sichuan region contain abundant coalbed methane resources. Determining the characteristics and distribution patterns of coal structures in this study area, and analyzing their impact on pore and fracture structures within coal reservoirs, holds substantial theoretical and practical significance for advancing coal structure characterization methods and the efficient development of deep coalbed methane resources. This paper quantitatively characterizes coal structures through coal core observations utilizing the Geological Strength Index (GSI) and integrates logging responses from different coal structures to develop a quantitative coal structure characterization model based on logging curves. This model predicts the spatial distribution of coal structures, while nitrogen adsorption data are used to analyze the development of pores and fractures in different coal structures, providing a quantitative theoretical basis for accurately characterizing deep coal seam features. Results indicate that density, gamma, acoustic, and caliper logging are particularly sensitive to coal structure variations and that performing multiple linear regression on logging data significantly enhances the accuracy of coal structure identification. According to the model proposed in this paper, primary-fragmented structures dominate the main coal seams in the study area, followed by fragmented structures. Micropores and small pores predominantly contribute to the volume and specific surface area of the coal samples, with both pore volume and specific surface area increasing alongside the degree of coal fragmentation. Additionally, the fragmentation of coal structures generates more micropores, enhancing pore volume and suggesting that tectonic coal has a greater adsorption capacity. This study combines theoretical analysis with experimental findings to construct a coal structure characterization model for deep coal seams, refining the limitations of logging techniques in accurately representing deep coal structures. This research provides theoretical and practical value for coal seam drilling, fracturing, and reservoir evaluation in the southern Sichuan region.
Efficient One-Pot Hydrothermal Synthesis of TiO2 Nanostructures for Reactive Black 5 Dye Removal: Experimental and Theoretical Insights
Authors: Nassar Mostafa , Taha Manar , Tolba Sarah , Masoud Emad , Adam Mohamed , Khalil Ahmed
Published: December 2024

Water scarcity continues to be a major worldwide issue. Therefore, from a scientific perspective, it is crucial to develop a highly effective, affordable, environmentally friendly, and readily available metal-based adsorbent for wastewater treatment. This study focuses on synthesizing a mesoporous/nanosphere TiO2 using a free-template and eco-friendly method to effectively remove Reactive Black 5 (RB5) dye. The synthesis of TiO2 nanospheres was achieved through the use of titanium isopropoxide at 100 °C for 12 h in a one-pot hydrothermal process, successfully regulating their morphology and crystallite size. The TiO2 nanospheres were extensively characterized using multiple techniques, such as XRD, FE-SEM, zeta potential, FT-IR, HR-TEM, and BET surface area tools. Adsorption experiments revealed a notable capacity of 109 mg g−1 for RB5 dye, following pseudo-second-order kinetic behavior. The equilibrium data conformed well to the Langmuir isotherm model, indicating monolayer adsorption. Thermodynamic evaluations confirmed that the process was spontaneous, endothermic, and governed by physisorption. Calculations using density functional theory (DFT) provided additional support for the experimental findings, demonstrating strong binding interactions between the dye and the TiO2 (101) surface. The TiO2 nano-adsorbent showed excellent reusability and maintained high adsorption efficiency over multiple cycles, making it a promising candidate for wastewater treatment.
The Barthian Revolt or the New Modernism: Karl Barth and the Limits of American Evangelical Theology
Authors: Sharp Isaac B.
Published: December 2024

Throughout the twentieth century, U.S. American evangelicals engaged in an ongoing series of definitional debates over the contours and limits of a distinctly evangelical approach to theology. Developed as an explicit counter to theological liberalism—and often signaled by strict adherence to biblical inerrancy—American evangelical theology might conceivably have made common cause with Karl Barth, whose infamous rebellion against his liberal teachers became one of the founding events in the story of twentieth-century Christian theology. Despite Barth’s putative anti-liberalism, evangelical theologians never fully embraced Barthian theology, consistently vilifying it as un-evangelical and beyond the pale. In this essay, I recover the history of U.S. American evangelical theologians wrestling with Karl Barth and his legacy, highlighting how an enduring aversion to Barthianism became a key feature of evangelical theology.
Prospects for an Evangelical Rule of Life: A Case-Study in Living as a Dispersed Community of Missional Discipleship
Authors: Briggs Richard S.
Published: December 2024

From 2020 to 2023, I spent 3 years as the Prior of the Community of St Cuthbert based at St Nics Church in central Durham. St Nics is a classic UK evangelical city-centre church with a beloved history of Bible teaching, market-square engagement, and mission. In 2019 the church leadership discerned an opportunity to refresh the church’s (and wider) practice of discipleship by launching the Community of St Cuthbert, and I was recruited as its Prior. This article gives an account of some of the strengths and weaknesses of this endeavour, focused particularly on four issues: the importance of a clear, positive and upbuilding ‘rule of life’ statement; the core issue of how a Rule of Life can facilitate widespread missional discipleship in a dispersed community model; the importance of a clear marker of membership in the Community (and the difficulties around developing one); and the potential (albeit largely unrealised) to use the Community of St Cuthbert model as a way of establishing new worshipping communities. My own retrospective reflection as Prior concludes with two convictions that may be of relevance to those considering such a ‘Community’: the nature and challenge of keeping the focus on God rather than on policing practices; and the ways in which such a re-energising of discipleship can offer an evangelical contribution to the life of the whole church, rather than being limited to self-described evangelical churches.
The Impact of Sports Training on the Spinal Cord Injury Individual’s Balance
Authors: Chieffo Cristina , Chini Giorgia , Varrecchia Tiwana , Gennarelli Irene , Silvetti Alessio , Molinaro Vincenzo , Poni Ida , Mariotti Andrea , Tiberti Simone , Tamburro Annamaria , Calabrese Ilaria , Felici Sara , Bartoli Marco , Gigli Loredana , Minella Roberto , Lucia Barbara , Toscano Aldo , Ranavolo Alberto
Published: December 2024

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes major challenges to mobility and daily life activities and maintaining balance becomes a crucial issue. Individuals with SCI often need to adopt new strategies to manage balance with minimal discomfort. Sports and physical activities have become one of the most popular rehabilitation methods for people with SCI. The assessment of balance improvement currently relies on subjective evaluation scales, and this study aims to quantitively assess the efficacy of sports on the balance strategies of people with SCI. Twenty-two SCI people remained seated still for 30 s, with their eyes open and closed, and we recorded trunk kinematics with an optoelectronic system before and after a three-months sports program. We also computed trunk total sway length, mean velocity, and sway density curve. Statistical analyses were performed to compare SCI people before and after the rehabilitation program and to investigate any correlations between the trunk balance parameters and the clinical scales. The results demonstrate improvements in static balance, with significant reductions in sway length and mean velocity. In conclusion, our findings confirm the potential of sports to enhance balance in SCI individuals and suggest that integrating structured sports programs into rehabilitation can improve stability and postural control.
Torsion Pendulum Apparatus for Ground Testing of Space Inertial Sensor
Authors: Wang Shaoxin , Wang Zuolei , Liu Dongxu , Dong Peng , Min Jian , Luo Ziren , Qi Keqi , Lei Jungang
Published: December 2024

The precise movement of the test mass along a geodesic is crucial for gravitational wave detection in space. To maintain this motion, the core payload-inertial sensor incorporates multiple functional units designed to mitigate various sources of stray force noise affecting the test mass. Understanding the limits of these noise sources is essential for enhancing the inertial sensor system design. Additionally, thorough ground-based verification of these functional units is necessary to ensure their reliability for space missions. To address these challenges, we developed a low-frequency torsion pendulum apparatus that utilizes a commercial autocollimator as the optical readout element for testing this type of space inertial sensor. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the apparatus’s operating principle, structural characteristics, and the results of laboratory tests of its background noise. Experimental data demonstrate that the torsion pendulum achieves a sensitivity of 1 × 10−11 Nm/Hz1/2 within the measurement band from 1 mHz to 0.1 Hz, confirming its suitability for various inertial sensor tests. Furthermore, the insights gained from constructing the torsion pendulum will inform future system upgrades.
An Explainable Multi-Model Stacked Classifier Approach for Predicting Hepatitis C Drug Candidates
Authors: Noviandy Teuku Rizky , Maulana Aga , Idroes Ghifari Maulana , Suhendra Rivansyah , Afidh Razief Perucha Fauzie , Idroes Rinaldi
Published: December 2024

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects over 71 million people worldwide, leading to severe liver diseases, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The virus’s high mutation rate complicates current antiviral therapies by promoting drug resistance, emphasizing the need for novel therapeutics. Traditional high-throughput screening (HTS) methods are costly, time-consuming, and prone to false positives, underscoring the necessity for more efficient alternatives. Machine learning (ML), particularly quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) modeling, offers a promising solution by predicting compounds’ biological activity based on chemical structures. However, the “black-box” nature of many ML models raises concerns about interpretability, which is critical for understanding drug action mechanisms. To address this, we propose an explainable multi-model stacked classifier (MMSC) for predicting hepatitis C drug candidates. Our approach combines random forests (RF), support vector machines (SVM), gradient boosting machines (GBM), and k-nearest neighbors (KNN) using a logistic regression meta-learner. Trained and tested on a dataset of 495 compounds targeting HCV NS3 protease, the model achieved 94.95% accuracy, 97.40% precision, and a 96.77% F1-score. Using SHAP values, we provided interpretability by identifying key molecular descriptors influencing the model’s predictions. This explainable MMSC approach improves hepatitis C drug discovery, bridging the gap between predictive performance and interpretability while offering actionable insights for researchers.
Driving Green Innovation Through Digital Transformation: Empirical Insights on Regional Variations
Authors: Yang Chao , Liu Qi
Published: December 2024

This research examines the impact of digital transformation on green innovation across different regions in China, using data from the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets from 2007 to 2022. The study reveals that digital transformation significantly enhances green innovation in enterprises, with notable regional disparities. The effects are most pronounced in the economically advanced eastern coastal areas, followed by central regions, while the western regions lag behind. This spatial pattern underscores the importance of tailored policies and strategies to address specific regional barriers and opportunities. Integrating digital technologies such as AI and big data has empowered companies to enhance their innovation activities, particularly in energy efficiency, pollution mitigation, and eco-friendly manufacturing. However, challenges such as lack of motivation for innovation and inadequate greener technologies persist, necessitating new strategies to revive eco-friendly innovations. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers, highlighting the need for regional cooperation, knowledge sharing, and technology transfer to promote sustainable economic development. By leveraging digital transformation, regions can improve their green innovation capabilities, contributing to the broader goals of China’s “dual carbon” initiative and sustainable development. This study emphasizes the critical role of digital technologies in driving green innovation and calls for comprehensive strategies to enhance digital infrastructure, digital literacy, and environmental consciousness across all regions of China.
Integrated System of Reverse Osmosis and Forward Pressure-Assisted Osmosis from ZrO2 Base Polymer Membranes for Desalination Technology
Authors: Alaswad Saleh O. , Abdallah Heba , Mansor Eman S.
Published: December 2024

In this work, reverse osmosis and forward osmosis membranes were prepared using base cellulosic polymers with ZrO2. The prepared membranes were rolled on the spiral-wound configuration module. The modules were tested on a pilot unit to investigate the efficiency of the RO membrane and the hydraulic pressure effect on both sides of the FO membranes. The RO membrane provided a rejection of 99% for the seawater desalination, and the brine was used as a draw solution for the FO system. First, seawater was used as a draw solution to indicate the best hydraulic pressure, where the best one was 3 bar for the draw solution side, and 2 bar for the feed side, where the water flux reached 48.89 L/m2·h (LMH) with a dilution percentage of 80% and a low salt reverse flux of 0.128 g/m2·h (gMH) after 5 h of operation time. The integrated system of RO and forward-assisted osmosis (PAO) was investigated using river water as a feed and RO brine as a draw solute, where the results of PAO indicate a high-water flux of 68.6 LMH with a dilution of 93.2% and a salt reverse flux of 0.18 gMH. Therefore, using PAO improves the performance of the system.
Reanalysis of the MACHO Constraints on PBH in the Light of Gaia DR3 Data
Authors: García-Bellido Juan , Hawkins Michael
Published: December 2024

The recent astrometric data of hundreds of millions of stars from Gaia DR3 has allowed for a precise determination of the Milky Way rotation curve up to 28 kpc. The data suggest a rapid decline in the density of dark matter beyond 19 kpc. We fit the whole rotation curve with four components (gas, disk, bulge, and halo), and compute the microlensing optical depth to the Large Magellanic Cloud. With this model of the galaxy we reanalyse the microlensing events of the MACHO and EROS-2 Collaborations. Using the published MACHO efficiency function for the duration of their survey, together with the rate of expected events according to the new density profile, we find that the Dark Matter halo could be composed of up to 20% of massive compact halo objects for any mass between 0.001 to 1M⊙. For the EROS-2 survey, using a modified efficiency curve for consistency with the MACHO analysis, we also find compatibility with a MACHO halo, but with a tighter constraint around 0.005M⊙ where the halo fraction cannot be larger than ∼10%. This result assumes that all the lenses have the same mass. If these were distributed in an extended mass function like that of the Thermal History Model, the constraints are weakened, allowing 100% of all DM in the form of Primordial Black Holes.
APAVAC Immunotherapy for the Adjuvant Treatment of a Canine Mucosal Melanoma
Authors: Rinaldi Valentina , Bongiovanni Laura , Crisi Paolo Emidio , Vignoli Massimo , Peli Renato Ennio , Masci Stefano , Boari Andrea , Finotello Riccardo
Published: December 2024

An 11-year-old spayed female Beagle presented with tenesmus and was identified with a rectal wall mass. Diagnostic imaging (abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography) localised the mass in the right rectal wall and documented no evidence of metastatic disease. Subsequently, the dog underwent surgery for tumour excision. A histopathological diagnosis of melanoma was performed. To confirm the tumour histotype, immunohistochemistry was performed using anti-Melan A and anti-Ki67. Neoplastic cells exhibited focal Melan A immunoreactivity and widespread nuclear immunoreactivity for Ki67 with a Ki67 index of 27%. Adjuvant immunotherapy with APAVAC® was initiated. After APAVAC administration, no local or systemic acute adverse events were observed. Four pre- and post-contrast computed tomography (CT) studies were performed in an 18-month follow-up period every 4–5 months. Follow-up rectal palpation and conscious visualisation of the surgical site have also resulted in no macroscopic signs of tumour recurrence. The dog remains alive and with no clinical evidence of tumour recurrence and/or distant progression at the time of writing, therefore, surviving over 540 days from the diagnosis.
An Optimization-Based Power-Following Energy Management Strategy for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles
Authors: Bo Zhang , Chen Huipeng , Zhu Shaopeng , Li Congxin , Wang Yongliang , Du Yongang , Zhu Junjie , Jay Tsai Chien Chou
Published: December 2024

This paper presents an energy management algorithm based on an extended proportional integral derivative (PID) controller. To validate the proposed algorithm, comprehensive simulation models were developed, including a longitudinal dynamics-based vehicle model, an ampere–hour integration-based power battery model, a fuel cell model based on the Nernst equation, and a hydrogen consumption model. An economic assessment was conducted through integrated simulation across all subsystems. The extended PID power regulation method was compared with the conventional power regulation method and the on–off power regulation method in a simulation environment using the China heavy-duty commercial vehicle test cycleB (CHTC-B) criterion. Additionally, the power consumption of the lithium battery was converted into equivalent hydrogen consumption, combining it with the hydrogen consumption of the fuel cell. The results showed that the extended PID strategy achieves an equivalent hydrogen consumption of 19.64 kg per 100 km, compared to 20.41 kg for the traditional power–following strategy and 21.54 kg for the on–off strategy. Therefore, the extended PID power–following strategy reduces equivalent hydrogen consumption by 8.8% compared to the on–off strategy and by 3.7% compared to the traditional power–following strategy.
Women’s Perspectives on Black Infant Mortality in the United States
Authors: Obeng Cecilia S. , Nolting Tyler M. , Jackson Frederica , Obeng-Gyasi Barnabas , Brandenburg Dakota , Byrd Kourtney , Obeng-Gyasi Emmanuel
Published: December 2024

Although global neonatal mortality rates have significantly decreased, Black infant mortality in the US continues to be a major issue. This study identifies, assesses, and illustrates women’s views on infant mortality and the resources needed to address the problem. Women of diverse demographic backgrounds were recruited via purposive sampling, with 91 participating. Seventy percent of participants were aged 18 to 39 (n = 64), and forty three percent lived in Indiana (n = 39). Access to care, sleeping issues, supporting breastfeeding, awareness, affordability challenges, healthcare provider factors, and creating sustainable programs and policies to address infant mortality emerged as prominent themes in the data. This study highlights the importance of cultural congruency in addressing maternal and child health issues, emphasizing the need for stakeholder involvement to ensure interventions are acceptable, practical, and sustainable.
Designing and implementation of agricultural landscapes and ecological farming systems in the Central Chernozem Region at the present stage
Authors:   Land Management and Cadaster Faculty, Voronezh State Agrarian University named after Emperor Peter I, Kharitonov A. A. , Nedikova E. V. ,   Land Management and Landscape Design Department, Voronezh State Agrarian University named after Emperor Peter I
Published: December 2024

This article is dedicated to the memory of Mikhail Ivanovich Lopyrev – an
outstanding scientist, Professor of land management and landscape design in the Voronezh
State Agrarian University. The experience of designing agricultural landscapes and ecological
farming systems in the Central Chernozem region is discussed in this paper. The authors propose
the prospects for improving land management activities at the present stage.
نتائج دعم الإدارة العليا للسلوك الأخلاقي: دراسة تطبيقية على مديرين كويتيين
Authors: محمد علي حسين
Published: December 2024

استهدفت الدراسة تحديد نتائج دعم الإدارة العليا للسلوك الأخلاقي في المنظمات الكويتية. ويفترض النموذج الذي تم اختباره أن دعم الإدارة للسلوك الأخلاقي يؤثر في الولاء التنظيمي للعاملين، وذلك من خلال تأثيره على إحساسهم بالعدالة الإجرائية، وهو ما يؤدي بالعاملين إلى المبادلة بالمثل من خلال رفع مستوى ولائهم التنظيمي. كما يفترض النموذج أيضا - بناء على دراسة Viswevaran (1998) - أن دعم الإدارة العليا للسلوك الأخلاقي يؤثر في الرضا الوظيفي للعاملين. وقد بينت نتائج الدراسة أن دعم الإدارة العليا للسلوك الأخلاقي يعد من محددات العدالة الإجرائية وأن العدالة الإجرائية تتوسط العلاقة بين دعم الإدارة العليا والولاء التنظيمي. كما بينت النتائج أيضا أن دعم الإدارة للسلوك الأخلاقي يعد من محددات الرضا الوظيفي.
Aktörlerinin Gözünden İlahiyat Fakültelerinde Öğretmen Yetiştirme
Authors: Gümüş Sarı Arife , Altın Zarife Şeyma
Published: December 2024

Türkiye’de öğretmen yetiştirme hem öğretmen yetiştiren kurumların kurumsallaşma süreçleri hem de istihdam alanları açısından her zaman tartışmalı bir alan olmuştur. Tarihsel süreç içerisinde farklı uygulamalar geçiren öğretmen yetiştirme çalışmalarının bugün de bir istikrar kazandığını söylemek güçtür. Öğretmen yetiştiren bir kurum olarak İlahiyat Fakültelerinin öğretmen yetiştirme uygulamaları bu çalışma için önemli olmuştur. İlahiyat Fakültelerinde öğretmen yetiştirme faaliyetinin imkân ve sınırlılıklarının İlahiyat Fakültelerinde görev yapan akademisyenler, İlahiyat Fakültesi mezunu DKAB-Meslek dersi öğretmenleri ve İlahiyat Fakültesi son sınıf öğrencilerinin gözünden tespiti ve değerlendirilmesini amaçlayan çalışma, gömülü teori yaklaşımıyla yapılandırılmıştır. İstanbul Üniversitesi ve Marmara Üniversitesi İlahiyat Fakültelerinden 15 akademisyen, 7 son sınıf öğrencisi ve çeşitli okullarda DKAB-Meslek dersi veren 16 öğretmen ile derinlemesine görüşmeler yapılmıştır. Görüşmeler neticesinde elde edilen veriler CİTAVİ programı kullanılarak analiz edilmiştir. Görüşmelerde öğretmen yetiştirme açısından İlahiyat Fakülteleri farklı boyutlarıyla ele alınmıştır. İlahiyat Fakültelerinde yetişen öğretmenlerin sahip olması gereken özellikler, öğretmen yetiştirme uygulamaları, eğitim ortamının özellikleri, fakültelerin insan kaynağının nitelikleri ve istihdam alanlarına ilişkin değerlendirmeler öne çıkan alanlar olmuştur. Çalışmanın neticesinde İlahiyat Fakültelerinin politik ve modern yükseköğretim yapılarına uyum sağlama sürecinde zorluklar yaşadığı görülmüştür. Medrese geleneği ile modern üniversite anlayışı arasındaki çatışmanın, fakültelerin hedef belirleme ve konumlandırmada sıkıntılar yaşamasına neden olduğu anlaşılmıştır. Eğitimde teorik olarak geleneksel yaklaşımları benimseyen fakültelerin, pratikte modern bilim yöntemlerini izledikleri görülmüştür. Akademik araştırma ile mesleki eğitim arasındaki gerilimin, İlahiyat Fakültelerinin öğretmen yetiştirme süreçlerinde de sorunlara yol açtığı, fakültelerin mevcut yapısının iş piyasasının ihtiyaçlarına uygun olmadığı, bilimsel organizasyon ve üniversite içindeki yapı ve metodolojik sorunların öğretmen yetiştirme uygulamalarında önemli sınırlamalar yarattığı tespit edilmiştir.
Kur’ân-I Kerîm’de Ebed İle Hulûd Kavramları ve Bunların Meallerdeki Yansımaları
Authors: Zamur Hüseyin
Published: December 2024

Kur’ân-ı Kerîm’de ebediyet/sonsuzluk kavramı genellikle cennet ve cehennemin ebedîliği çerçevesinde zikredilmiştir. Ebedîliğin ifadesi için de genellikle (أبَداً) “ebeden” ve (خَالِدِينَ) “hâlidîne” kelimeleri tercih edilmiştir. (أبَداً) kelimesi sözlüklerde “uzun müddet/ebediyet/dehr” gibi manalar verilmiştir. Aynı şekilde (خَلَدَ) “halede” fiili de sözlükte daha çok “sebât, bekâ, bir yere yapışıp kalma” gibi anlamlara gelmiştir. Sahip oldukları anlam genişliği nedeniyle bu kelimelerin Kur’ân-ı Kerîm’de farklı manalarda kullanılmaları icap ederken bunların genellikle tüm meallerde ebediyet ifade edecek şekilde Türkçeye çevrildiği dikkatleri çekmektedir. Bu çalışmada mezkûr iki kelimenin şiir, sözlük ve Kur’ân-ı Kerîm’deki kullanımlarına değinilmiş ve konu “ebed” ile “hulûd” kelimelerinin ebediyet ifade etmeyen bazı kullanımlarına hasredilmeye çalışılmıştır.