bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leveraging Digital Twins for Enhancing Building Energy Efficiency: A Literature Review of Applications, Technologies, and Challenges
Authors: Sghiri Amina , Gallab Maryam , Merzouk Safae , Assoul Saliha
Published: February 2025

Amid global efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, improving the energy efficiency of buildings has emerged as a strategic priority. Buildings account for approximately 40% of global energy consumption and a significant share of CO2 emissions, making them key targets for sustainable practices. This study employs a systematic literature review combined with a bibliometric analysis to explore the transformative potential of digital twins in building energy efficiency. The review synthesizes key contributions of digital twins in real-time monitoring, predictive modeling, renewable energy integration, and proactive maintenance while addressing critical challenges such as interoperability, scalability, and privacy. The originality of this work lies in its integrated approach, which identifies emerging trends and research gaps, providing actionable insights to guide the future adoption of digital twins in the building sector. These findings highlight the pivotal role of digital twins in fostering sustainable and intelligent energy practices.
The Cradle-to-Gate Life Cycle Assessment on Hardwood Lumber Production in New Brunswick, Canada
Authors: Zahabi Nadia , Gong Meng , Gu Hongmei , Blackadar Janet
Published: February 2025

This case study conducted a cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA) on the production of hardwood lumber in New Brunswick, Canada, evaluating the environmental impacts from raw material extraction to the point where lumber exited the mill as rough green lumber, the primary input for manufacturing pallets and railway ties. Data on annual production, material flow, and energy use for harvesting and sawmilling were gathered through survey questionnaires and on-site visits. The life cycle inventory (LCI) was developed in SimaPro software, the life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) was conducted using the North American TRACI method to quantify impact categories, and the cumulative energy demand (CED) method was employed to analyze the total energy consumption. It was found that rough green hardwood lumber production emitted approximately 41 kg CO2−eq/m3 (excluding biogenic carbon storage), with manufacturing accounting for 42% of total emissions and consuming 736 MJ/m3 of total energy, 98% of which came from non-renewable sources. The carbon stored in lumber was 975 CO2 eq/m3, 24 times greater than its cradle-to-gate emissions, highlighting its significant environmental benefit. Future research will aim to conduct a cradle-to-grave LCA on hardwood production by including drying and planing and increase the number of sawmill samples.
Drowsiness Detection of Construction Workers: Accident Prevention Leveraging Yolov8 Deep Learning and Computer Vision Techniques
Authors: Onososen Adetayo Olugbenga , Musonda Innocent , Onatayo Damilola , Saka Abdullahi Babatunde , Adekunle Samuel Adeniyi , Onatayo Eniola
Published: February 2025

Construction projects’ unsatisfactory performance has been linked to factors influencing individuals’ well-being and mental alertness on projects. Drowsiness is a significant indicator of sleep deprivation and fatigue, so being able to identify the cognitive and physical preparedness of workers on site to engage in construction tasks is important. As a consequence of the strenuous nature of the work involved in construction, long work hours, and environmental conditions, drowsiness is commonplace and has received less attention despite being a leading cause of accidents occurring on-site. Detecting drowsiness is essential for determining the safety and well-being of site workers. This study presents a vision-based approach using an improved version of the You Only Look Once (YOLOv8) algorithm for real-time drowsiness exposure among construction workers. The proposed method leverages computer vision techniques to analyze facial and eye features, enabling the early detection of signs of drowsiness, effectively preventing accidents, and enhancing on-site safety. The model showed significant precision and efficiency in detecting drowsiness from the given dataset, accomplishing a drowsiness class with a mean average precision (mAP) of 92%. However, it also exhibited difficulties handling imbalanced classes, particularly the underrepresented ‘Awake with PPE’ class, which was detected with high precision but comparatively lower recall and mAP. This highlighted the necessity of balanced datasets for optimal deep learning performance. The YOLOv8 model’s average mAP of 78% in drowsiness detection compared favorably with other studies employing different methodologies. The system improves productivity and reduces costs by preventing accidents and enhancing worker safety. However, limitations, such as sensitivity to lighting conditions and occlusions, must be addressed in future iterations.
Eccentric Compression Behavior of RCFST Columns with Web Perforated T-Shaped Stiffeners
Authors: Jiang Qifan , Zhang Jun , Sun Lvhong , Wu Yanchao , Lei Tuo
Published: February 2025

Based on the previous axial compression tests by the authors, this study investigates the eccentric compression behavior of rectangular concrete-filled steel tubular (RCFST) columns with web-perforated T-shaped stiffeners through finite element analysis. Finite element models (FEM) of RCFST columns were established and validated against failure modes and load-displacement curves obtained from axial compression tests. Subsequently, a detailed parametric analysis of RCFST columns under eccentric compression was conducted, including the stiffening details (i.e., material strength, the number, and dimension of stiffeners). Results show that the stiffening method enhances the RCFST ultimate bearing capacity. Increasing the number and dimensions of stiffeners, as well as the strengths of steel and concrete, leads to higher peak loads, whereas an increase in the slenderness ratio results in a reduction in ultimate capacity. Finally, an N-M (axial force-moment) interaction curve calculation method for RCFST columns with web-perforated T-shaped stiffeners was proposed, simplifying the calculation process for stiffeners and incorporating the correction factors for eccentric columns. The results indicate that this method can achieve higher accuracy while ensuring safety, whereas the calculations based on CECS 28 are overly conservative.
Salivary Gland Volume Changes and Dry Mouth Symptom Following Definitive Radiation Therapy in Oropharyngeal Cancer Patients—A Comparison of Two Different Approaches: Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy Versus Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy/Intensity-Modulated Proton Therapy Combination
Authors: Park Seung Gyu , Ahn Yong Chan , Oh Dongryul , Yang Kyungmi , Ju Sang Gyu , Kim Jin Man , Kwon Dongyeol , Choi Euncheol , Yoon Han Gyul
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: We aimed to compare the salivary gland volume changes following intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) alone versus IMRT/intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) combination in oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 78 OPC patients who underwent definitive RT with ipsilateral neck irradiation. RT techniques were either IMRT alone or IMRT/IMPT combination. Salivary gland volumes over time in relation to dry mouth symptom were evaluated. Results: Patients’ characteristics were well balanced between groups. The mean dose to the ipsilateral parotid gland (PG) was significantly lower in IMRT alone than in IMRT/IMPT combination, while those to the contralateral PG and submandibular glands (SMGs) were significantly higher in IMRT alone. The volume ratio of ipsilateral PG showed an initial sharp decline, reaching 0.74, and stabilized thereafter. The ipsilateral SMG showed a continuous decline until 24 months and reached approximately 0.47 by 48 months. The contralateral PG/SMG showed initial decline and subsequent recovery to the initial volume by 48 months. There were no significant differences in salivary gland volume changes between groups. Within 6 months, 60.3% of patients experienced dry mouth symptom, and the dry mouth incidence decreased to 41.0% in 12 months and remained stable thereafter. There were no significant differences in dry mouth symptom between groups. The volume reduction in the ipsilateral salivary glands was greater in patients with dry mouth symptom. Conclusions: No significant differences in salivary gland volume changes and dry mouth symptom were apparent between groups. The critical factor in salivary gland volume change was the delivered dose to the salivary glands, not the RT techniques.
Magnetically Stimulated Myogenesis Recruits a CRY2-TRPC1 Photosensitive Signaling Axis
Authors: Iversen Jan Nikolas , Tai Yee Kit , Wu Kwan Yu , Wong Craig Jun Kit , Lim Hao Yang , Franco-Obregón Alfredo
Published: February 2025

The cryptochromes are flavoproteins that either individually or synergistically respond to light and magnetic field directionality as well as are implicated in circadian rhythm entrainment and development. Single brief exposures (10 min) to low energy (1.5 mT) pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) were previously shown to enhance myogenesis by stimulating transient receptor potential canonical 1 (TRPC1)-mediated Ca2+ entry, whereby downwardly directed fields produced greater myogenic enhancement than upwardly directed fields. Here, we show that growth in the dark results in myoblasts losing their sensitivity to both magnetic field exposure and directionality. By contrast, overexpressing or silencing cryptochrome circadian regulator 2 (CRY2) in myoblasts enhances or reduces PEMF responses, respectively, under conditions of ambient light. Reducing cellular flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) content by silencing riboflavin kinase (RFK) attenuated responsiveness to PEMFs and inhibited selectivity for magnetic field direction. The upregulation of TRPC1 and cell cycle regulatory proteins typically observed in response to PEMF exposure was instead attenuated by upwardly directed magnetic fields, growth in the darkness, magnetic shielding, or the silencing of CRY2 or RFK. A physical interaction between CRY2 and TRPC1 was detected using coimmunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence, revealing their co-translocation into the nucleus after PEMF exposure. These results implicate CRY2 in an identified TRPC1-dependent magnetotransduction myogenic cascade.
Effect of Neutron Radiation on 10BPA-Loaded Melanoma Spheroids and Melanocytes
Authors: Szczepanek Monika , Silarski Michał , Panek Agnieszka , Telk Anna , Dziedzic-Kocurek Katarzyna , Parisi Gabriele , Altieri Saverio , Stępień Ewa Ł.
Published: February 2025

Melanoma is an aggressive disease that arises from mutations in the cells that produce the pigment melanin, melanocytes. Melanoma is characterized by a high mortality rate, due to avoidance of applied therapies and metastasis to other organs. The peculiar features of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), particularly its cell-level selectivity, make BNCT a promising modality for melanoma treatment. However, appropriate cellular models should be used to study new therapies or improve the efficacy of existing therapies. Spheroids, which have been used for years for in vitro studies of the efficacy of anti-cancer therapies, have many characteristics shared with tumors through which they can increase the accuracy of the cellular response compared to 2D culture in vitro studies and reduce the use of animals for research in the future. To the best of our knowledge, when we started researching the use of spheroids in BNCT in vitro, there was no publication showing such use. Our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a 3D cellular model (spheroids) for testing BNCT on melanoma cells. We assessed boronophenylalanine (10BPA) uptake using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in both spheroids and 2D cultures of melanoma and melanocytes. DNA damage, Ki67 protein expression, and spheroid growth were analyzed. The experimental groups included: (1) IR_B (neutron flux + 50 µg 10B/mL), (2) IR (neutron flux alone), (3) C_B (no irradiation, 50 µg 10B/mL), and (4) C (no irradiation and no treatment with boron). The total absorbed doses were estimated to be 2.1–3.1 Gy for IR_B cells and spheroids as well as 8.3–9.4 Gy for IR_B spheroids, while estimated doses for IR cells were 0.5–1.9 Gy. The results indicated that IR_B spheroids might exhibit a reduced diameter. Melanoma cells in the 3D model showed that their DNA damage levels may be higher than those in the 2D model. Moreover, the Ki67 assay revealed differences in the expression of this marker between irradiated melanoma cell lines. In conclusion, preincubation with 10BPA enhances BNCT efficacy, leading to cell growth inhibition and increased DNA fragmentation. Differences in DNA damage between 2D and 3D models may be due to dissimilarities in cell metabolism caused by a changed cell architecture.
Influence of Robotic Neurorehabilitation in Cerebral Palsy on Motor Function and Gait
Authors: Colovic Hristina , Nikolic Dejan , Zlatanovic Dragan , Zivkovic Vesna , Stankovic Anita , Stojkovic Jasna , Mujovic Natasa , Mitrovic Sindi , Krstic Nevena , Radosavljevic Natasa
Published: February 2025

Background and aim: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a nonprogressive neurological disorder characterized by permanent developmental disorders of movement and posture. One of the most common goals of rehabilitation is the treatment of gait disorders. Ataxic gait disorder tends to worsen in the adolescent period. Research indicates a positive therapeutic effect of the combined application of conventional rehabilitation, robotic neurorehabilitation (RNR) and virtual reality, but there is no consensus on the length of treatment and frequency of application. The aim of this case report was to contribute to the definition of the RNR protocol for the treatment of ataxic gait disorder in adolescents with CP. Case report: In a female child with an ataxic form of CP who was on regular conventional kinesitherapy in the age period between 13 to 15 years, robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) was applied for the treatment of gait disorders. The rehabilitation protocol lasted 10 weeks, 5 times a week, and included individual, conventional kinesitherapy for 30 min and RAGT for 30 min. Combined RNR treatment was conducted once a year in the period between July and September. The results of the therapeutic evaluation revealed that the functional motor level remained unchanged, while the improved functional motor status for the category of standing and gait was maintained during treatment between the patient’s 13 and 15 years age. In their 15th year, independent gait over a shorter distance (14 m) was achieved, as well as a normal gait frequency (83 steps/minute), with a desirable duration of the left leg support phase of 65% and 70% for the right leg support phase. Conclusions: The results of our research indicate that the application of conventional kinesitherapy and RAGT, over the period of 10 weeks a year, can have a positive effect on improving the postural and locomotor functions of ataxic gait in adolescents with CP.
Enhancing Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Preterm Infants Through the Sensory Development Care Map
Authors: Sampson Lisa , Luther Maureen , Rolnitsky Asaph , Ng Eugene
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Preterm infants are at a high risk of neurodevelopmental impairments due to immature brain development and the stressors of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) environment. To improve outcomes, incorporating a neuropromotion strategy by promoting nurturing encounters (NEs) is essential. Methods: In this 48-bed tertiary perinatal care center, an informal survey showed that staff lacked consistent knowledge about sensory neurodevelopment, while parents expressed a need for clearer guidance. This paper describes the development and implementation of the Sensory Developmental Care Map (SDCM) as part of a larger quality-improvement initiative. The SDCM is an educational tool designed to guide NICU staff and families in providing neuroprotective and neuropromotive care, based on the infant’s gestational age (GA). The SDCM was created by integrating evidence on sensory development across GAs and providing practical strategies to promote positive sensory input while protecting the developing brain. The map visually indicates when to protect or stimulate each sense, offering clear, developmentally appropriate guidance. Printed and digital versions of the map were made accessible to families and staff, with bedside copies and a poster displayed in the unit. Results: A post-implementation evaluation is ongoing, but preliminary feedback suggests that the SDCM improved the family understanding of sensory developmental care. The SDCM serves as a valuable resource for promoting appropriate sensory input for preterm infants and further enhancing developmentally supportive care within the NICU.
Vitamin D and LL-37 in Serum and Saliva: Insights into Oral Immunity
Authors: Davidopoulou Sotiria , Makedou Kali , Kourti Areti , Gkeka Ioanna , Karakostas Panagiotis , Pikilidou Maria , Tolidis Kosmas , Kalfas Sotirios
Published: February 2025

(1) Background: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in understanding the innate immunity of the mouth, particularly the mechanisms through which vitamin D influences oral health. Researchers have increasingly focused on the association between vitamin D and the antimicrobial peptide LL-37 since the CAMP gene, responsible for encoding the LL-37 peptide, is a direct target of both vitamin D and its receptor (vitamin D receptor, VDR). This study aimed to explore the correlation between the 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and the concentration of the LL-37 peptide in both serum and saliva. The objective was to compare the serum concentrations of 25(OH)D and ll-37 with those in saliva and to access the correlations between the two compounds. (2) Methods: Serum and whole saliva samples were collected from 72 healthy adults (mean age 28.68 ± 8.35). The levels of 25(OH)D and LL-37 were assessed in both the saliva and serum samples using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. (3) Results: The 25(OH)D levels in the serum (median 5.92 ng/mL, min–max 2.7–10.4 ng/mL) correlated with the LL-37 serum levels (62 ng/mL, min–max 18–378 ng/mL; Pearson’s r 0.328, p = 0.005). Additionally, the 25(OH)D levels in saliva (median 1.16 ng/mL, min–max 0.54–2.12 ng/mL) strongly correlated with the LL-37 salivary levels (median 44 ng/mL, min–max 6.5–205 ng/mL; Pearson’s r 0.667, p < 0.001). The 25(OH)D salivary levels demonstrated a robust correlation with the LL-37 salivary levels. (4) Conclusions: This discovery emphasizes the complex interplay between vitamin D and LL-37 and lay the groundwork for the further exploration of vitamin D’s role in oral immune function.
Climate Change and Arbovirus: A Review and Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Sant’Anna Maryly Weyll , Ferreira Maurício Lamano , da Silva Leonardo Ferreira , Côrtes Pedro Luiz
Published: February 2025

The rise in Earth’s temperature is capable of influencing the occurrence of catastrophic natural events, contributing to outbreaks of arboviruses in endemic areas and new geographical regions. This study aimed to conduct a bibliometric review and analysis of research activities on climate change with a focus on human arboviruses, using the Scopus database. A total of 1644 documents were found related to the topic between 1934 and 2023. The United States continues to lead in the number of academic publications. Dengue was the arbovirosis with the highest number of publications, followed by West Nile fever, Zika and chikungunya fever. Due to the rise in global temperature, a trend of arbovirus dissemination to non-endemic areas is observed, with a possible global increase in morbidity and mortality. Consequently, more effective measures are expected from epidemiological surveillance, vector control services, governmental authorities and, crucially, social engagement in combating and preventing new outbreaks.
Traumatic Brain Injury as an Invisible Disability: Institutional Barriers in Medical, Social and Financial Services in Finland
Authors: Engström Olivia Emelie , Katsui Hisayo , Ned Lieketseng
Published: February 2025

People who sustain traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) often experience unmet rehabilitation needs. The aim of our research was to explore how the invisible aspects of traumatic brain injury affect the experiences of survivors of TBI in accessing the necessary medical, social, and financial assistance. Using Giorgi’s descriptive phenomenological inquiry, we purposefully sampled 11 participants who had experienced TBI when aged 13–27 for interviews. The time since their injuries ranged from 7 to 37 years. Three key themes emerged: (1) lack of knowledge and guidance in medical services, (2) lack of social service assistance, and (3) battles with insurance companies. Our findings show that, due to the hidden nature of TBI-related disabilities and a general lack of societal knowledge about TBI outcomes, survivors face significant difficulties in accessing essential medical, social, and financial services. This study underscores the critical need to address the challenges faced by youth survivors of TBI, as their injuries occur during a pivotal developmental phase when they are developing psychosocial skills, pursuing education, and transitioning into the workforce. Delays or lack of proper medical, social, and financial support hinder rehabilitation and the successful reintegration of these youth into society.
Multi-Space Feature Fusion and Entropy-Based Metrics for Underwater Image Quality Assessment
Authors: Du Baozhen , Ying Hongwei , Zhang Jiahao , Chen Qunxin
Published: February 2025

In marine remote sensing, underwater images play an indispensable role in ocean exploration, owing to their richness in information and intuitiveness. However, underwater images often encounter issues such as color shifts, loss of detail, and reduced clarity, leading to the decline of image quality. Therefore, it is critical to study precise and efficient methods for assessing underwater image quality. A no-reference multi-space feature fusion and entropy-based metrics for underwater image quality assessment (MFEM-UIQA) are proposed in this paper. Considering the color shifts of underwater images, the chrominance difference map is created from the chrominance space and statistical features are extracted. Moreover, considering the information representation capability of entropy, entropy-based multi-channel mutual information features are extracted to further characterize chrominance features. For the luminance space features, contrast features from luminance images based on gamma correction and luminance uniformity features are extracted. In addition, logarithmic Gabor filtering is applied to the luminance space images for subband decomposition and entropy-based mutual information of subbands is captured. Furthermore, underwater image noise features, multi-channel dispersion information, and visibility features are extracted to jointly represent the perceptual features. The experiments demonstrate that the proposed MFEM-UIQA surpasses the state-of-the-art methods.
The Challenges of Using Large Language Models: Balancing Traditional Learning Methods with New Technologies in the Pedagogy of Sociology
Authors: Kos Živa , Mažgon Jasna
Published: February 2025

The increasing use of artificial intelligence (hereafter AI) in education, particularly through large-scale language models such as ChatGPT and Bing, offers both challenges and opportunities. These models facilitate interaction in conversations and can perform tasks that require natural language processing, from answering questions to solving problems. However, their integration into education raises concerns about the credibility and reliability of the information they provide and about the role of the teacher, emphasizing the need for guided use in educational environments. This article contributes to the discourse from the perspective of the pedagogy of sociology, focusing on the role of chatbots in analyzing texts within the social sciences and humanities fields. Our pilot study, conducted with 17 first-year master’s students studying sociology, reveals that while chatbots can optimize the creation of summaries and the provision of basic information, their reliance on sources such as Wikipedia calls into question the depth and impartiality of the content. In addition, students have criticized chatbots for providing biased or inaccurate outputs. A significant part of our research has compared the epistemological and methodological approaches of chatbots with a traditional, independent literature analysis (deep reading), and we found notable differences in learning outcomes. However, a hybrid approach that combines AI tools with conventional methods offers a promising way to improve learning and teaching strategies and can enhance the critical analytical skills that are crucial for future pedagogies.
Prompting Theory into Practice: Utilizing ChatGPT-4 in a Curriculum Planning Course
Authors: Biberman-Shalev Liat
Published: February 2025

As of late, generative AI tools have been rapidly gaining purchase as an important part of life. Thus, one cannot ignore their growing integration into educational landscapes, including teacher education. This qualitative study examines how pre-service teachers (PSTs) leverage ChatGPT-4 to apply constructivist theory in curriculum planning (CP). The findings revealed three approaches through which PSTs used the chatbot to apply theory to practice: (a) simplifying theory, (b) applying theory, and (c) visualizing theory. The findings suggest that the need to refine prompts using curricular language and engaging in creative and critical thinking supported the translation process. In incorporating ChatGPT-4 into their CP, PSTs considered multiple factors, including ideation, inspiration, creativity, reliability, and insufficient personalization—attesting to a balanced perspective on the use of this tool, i.e., recognizing the potential and benefits of utilizing the chatbot, while remaining cognizant of its associated risks and limitations. This study points to aspects of CP using generative AI, which teacher educators should discuss with PSTs.
How Valid Is Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory to Explain Physical Activity Behavior?
Authors: Egele Viktoria Sophie , Klopp Eric , Stark Robin
Published: February 2025

(1) Background: Although social cognitive theory (SCT) has been widely tested and applied in numerous interventions aimed at optimizing physical activity behavior, the complete theory has rarely been tested in its entirety. Only selected elements have been tested, and specific samples, some of them pathological, have been studied rather than the general population, for whom a lack of physical activity is a huge problem. The present study addresses these two research gaps and tests the tenability of the theoretical assumptions of SCT to explain physical activity behavior in the general population. (2) Methods: A total of 194 German adults (109 male, 85 female) with a mean age of 26.03 years (SD = 10.33) completed two validated questionnaires concerning their expressions on SCT components (t1) and their physical activity (t2). SCT was modeled using a structural equation model with latent variables. (3) Results: The results showed the very good fit of the structural model, indicating that the theoretically stated relations between the constructs in SCT seem to be corroborated, despite some paths seeming to be more important than others. (4) Conclusions: The use of SCT to explain and predict behavior can be seen as justified, even though it once again appears that some aspects (i.e., self-efficacy) are more crucial than others.
Study on a User Preference Conversational Recommender Based on a Knowledge Graph
Authors: Duan Ganglong , Xie Shanshan , Du Yutong
Published: February 2025

In the era of information explosion, as a form of personalized recommendation, dialogue recommendation systems provide users with personalized recommendation services through natural language interaction. However, in the face of complex user preferences, the traditional dialogue recommendation system has the problem of a poor recommendation effect. To solve these problems, this paper proposes a user preference dialogue recommendation algorithm (KGCR) based on a knowledge graph, which aims to enhance the understanding of user preferences through the semantic information of the knowledge graph and improve the relevance and accuracy of recommendations. This paper proposes a personalized conversation recommendation algorithm framework for user preference modeling. The framework uses a bilinear model attention mechanism and self-attention hierarchical coding structure to model user preferences to rank and recommend candidate items. By introducing rich user-related information, the recommendation results are not only more in line with users’ individual preferences but also have better diversity, effectively reducing the negative impact of information cocoons and other phenomena. At the same time, the experimental results on the open dataset prove the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed model in the personalized conversation recommendation task.
Virtual Machine Placement in Edge Computing Based on Multi-Objective Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Yi Shanwen , Hong Shengyi , Qin Yao , Wang Hua , Liu Naili
Published: February 2025

With the popularization of internet of things (IoT), the energy consumption of mobile edge computing (MEC) servers is also on the rise. Some important IoT applications, such as autonomous driving, smart manufacturing, and smart wearables, have high real-time requirements, making it imperative for edge computing to reduce task response latency. Virtual machine (VM) placement can effectively reduce the response latency of VM requests and the energy consumption of MEC servers. However, the existing work does not consider the selection of weighting coefficients for the optimization objectives and the feasibility of the solution. Besides, these algorithms scalarize the objective functions without considering the order-of-magnitude difference between objectives. To overcome the above problems, the article proposes an algorithm called EVMPRL for VM placement in edge computing based on reinforcement learning (RL). Our aim is to find the Pareto approximate solution set that achieves the trade-off between the response latency of VM requests and the energy consumption of MEC servers. EVMPRL is based on the Chebyshev scalarization function, which is able to efficiently solve the problem of selecting weighting coefficients for objectives. EVMPRL can always search for solutions in the feasible domain, which can be guaranteed by selecting the servers that can satisfy the current VM request as the next action. Furthermore, EVMPRL scalarizes the Q-values instead of the objective functions, thus avoiding the problem in previous work where the order-of-magnitude difference between the optimization objectives makes the impact of an objective function on the final result too small. Finally, we conduct experiments to prove that EVMPRL is superior to the state-of-the-art algorithm in terms of objectives and the solution set quality.
Performance Analysis of a Wireless Power Transfer System Employing the Joint MHN-IRS Technology
Authors: Kusnins Romans , Gailis Kristaps , Eidaks Janis , Kolosovs Deniss , Babajans Ruslans , Cirjulina Darja , Pikulins Dmitrijs
Published: February 2025

The present study is concerned with the power transfer efficiency enhancement using a combination of the multi-hop node (MHN) and the Intelligent Reflecting Surface (IRS)-based passive beamforming technologies. The primary objective is to ensure a high RF-DC converter power conversion efficiency (PCE) used at the receiving end, which is difficult to achieve due to path loss and multi-path propagation. An electronically tunable reconfigurable reflectarray (RRA) designed to operate at the sub-GHz ISM band (865.5 MHz) is utilized to implement the IRS concept. Both the MHN and RRA were developed and studied in our earlier research. The RRA redirects the reflected power-carrying wave amplified by the MHN toward the intended receiver. It comprises two layers: the RF layer containing tunable phase shifters and the ground plane. Each phase shifter comprises two identical eight-shaped metal patches coupled by a pair of varactor diodes used to achieve the reflection phase tuning. The phase gradient method is used to synthesize the RRA phase profiles, ensuring different desired reflection angles. The RRA prototype, composed of 36 phase shifters, is employed in conjunction with the MHN equipped with two antennas and an amplifier. The RRA parameter optimization is accomplished by randomly varying the varactor diode voltages and measuring the corresponding received power levels until the power reflected in the desired direction is maximized. Two measurement scenarios are examined: power transmission without and with the MHN. In the first scenario, the received power is calculated and measured at several distinct beam steering angles for different distances between the Tx antenna and RRA. The same procedure is applied to different distances between the RRA and MHN in the second scenario. The effect of slight deviations in the operating frequency from the designed one (865.5 MHz) on the RRA performance is also examined. Additionally, the received power levels for both scenarios are estimated via full-wave analysis performed using the full-wave simulation software Ansys HFSS 2023 R1. A Huygens’ surface equivalence principle-based model decomposition method was developed and employed to reduce the CPU time. The calculated results are consistent with the measured ones. However, some discrepancies attributed to the adverse effect of RRA diode biasing lines, manufacturing tolerances, and imperfection of the indoor environment model are observed.
Key Determinants of Energy Intensity and Greenhouse Gas Emission Savings in Commercial and Public Services in the Baltic States
Authors: Miskinis Vaclovas , Galinis Arvydas , Konstantinaviciute Inga , Bobinaite Viktorija , Niewierowicz Jarek , Neniskis Eimantas , Norvaisa Egidijus , Tarvydas Dalius
Published: February 2025

The improvement of energy efficiency (EE) and growing consumption of renewable energy sources (RES) in the commercial and public services sector are playing important roles in seeking to pursue sustainable development in the Baltic States and contributing to the transition to a low-carbon economy. This paper provides findings from a detailed analysis of energy intensity trends in economic sectors from 2005 to 2022 in three countries, considering the role of transformations in the energy and climate framework of the European Union (EU). Based on the Fisher Ideal Index application, the different contributions from improving EE and structural changes are revealed. The dominant role of EE improvements in energy savings is identified in Estonia and Lithuania, and structural changes are dominant in Latvia. Changes in energy-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the commercial and public services sector and the main determinants of their reduction are examined. Based on applying the Kaya identity and the logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) method, decreasing energy intensity is the most important determinant in all three countries. Due to the different extents of RES deployment, their role was very important in Estonia and Latia but was less effective in Lithuania. Reduction in emission intensity has the largest impact in Latvia. The GHG emissions decreased by 34.1% in Estonia, 17.5% in Latvia, and 16.7% in Lithuania. The results confirm the need for new policies, implementation of relevant EE measures, and the growing contribution from RES in Latvia and Lithuania.
Development of a Tendon-Driven Continuum Robot for Medical Applications
Authors: Siva Sai N. Yaswanth , Koratkar Prajakta , Desai Indrajit , Patil Rajkumar Bhimgonda , Mane Sandip
Published: February 2025

This paper presents the design, kinematics, and development of a tendon-driven continuum robot for surgical applications. The continuum robot has a flexible and adaptable construction that imitates the movements of natural organisms. The robot’s unique structure comprises disk members, springs, and a continuum backbone member, enabling it to bend, contract, and deform in complex ways. The robot is operated by pulling tendons, giving it the agility and flexibility necessary to bend in confined spaces. This study discusses the main design considerations and challenges in creating a tendon-driven continuum robot, including the kinematics of the four-tendon mechanism. The developed tendon-driven continuum robot is categorized into two modules: the distal end and the proximal end. The distal end consists of the continuum robot structure, whereas the proximal module consists of the actuating unit that actuates the distal end. The experimental results demonstrate the continuum robot’s ability to be used in medical fields and pipe inspections because of the miniaturized design of the distal end, which allows it to enter confined spaces. This paper provides valuable insights into the design, kinematics, and appropriate materials to build a tendon-driven continuum robot; its bending and deformation capabilities can be used in many fields, especially surgical applications and confined space explorations.
Relationship Between the Feeding Habits of Chlamys farreri and the Community Structure and Abundance of Phytoplankton in the Yellow Sea
Authors: Li Lei , Cai Jiaying , Liao Dagui , Zheng Yinjie , Kang Wei , Gao Qian , Chen Xinya , Yu Yebing , Sui Yanming , Jiang Mei
Published: February 2025

Filter-feeding shellfish primarily rely on suspended particles in the surrounding waters for nourishment. This study aims to understand the potential food sources for Chlamys farreri in the Yellow Sea off Long Island, Shandong Province, China, by comparing the phytoplankton composition in the aquaculture waters with the stomach contents of the scallops. The abundance of dominant species in the aquaculture waters exhibited significant shifts between summer and autumn. Key environmental factors influencing phytoplankton abundance included salinity and nutrient levels. Notably, there were differences in the types of phytoplankton that C. farreri could filter and consume, displaying a marked preference for 17 distinct phytoplankton species during foraging. The proportional similarity observed in summer suggested that C. farreri feeding behavior was selective and not influenced by the surrounding phytoplankton community. Diatom phytoplankton dominated both the aquaculture waters and the stomach contents of the scallops, while only minimal amounts of Dinoflagellates, Cyanophyceae, Chlorophyceae, and Chrysophyceae were found in the stomach contents. This relationship between marine phytoplankton and the stomach contents of the scallops provides foundational data for enhancing aquaculture yields of C. farreri.
Application of Isochoric Impregnation: Effects on Microbial and Physicochemical Parameters and Shelf Life of Strawberries Stored Under Refrigeration
Authors: Atci Sumeyye , Bilbao-Sainz Cristina , McGraw Valerie S. , Li Jiayuan , Takeoka Gary , McHugh Tara , Rubinsky Boris
Published: February 2025

This study evaluates the effectiveness of isochoric impregnation during isochoric cold storage in extending the shelf life of strawberries. Strawberries in two different impregnation solutions—(1) sucrose solution and (2) sucrose solution containing calcium chloride (CaCl2) and ascorbic acid (AA)—were first stored in an isochoric chamber at −2 °C/48 MPa for 1 week, followed by refrigeration at 4 °C for 3 weeks. For comparison, strawberries were also immersed in each solution for 1 week at 4 °C then refrigerated at 4 °C for 3 weeks. Additionally, a control group of fresh strawberries was stored at 4 °C for 4 weeks. The quality of the strawberries was assessed at 1-week intervals throughout the storage period. Isochoric cold storage effectively inhibited microbial growth and reduced the weight loss of the strawberries compared to refrigerated storage. Also, isochoric cold storage resulted in strawberries that retained their color attributes, whereas refrigeration led to a significant change in their color attributes. Isochoric impregnated strawberries in the sucrose solution containing CaCl2 and AA showed better mechanical properties and higher nutrient contents (anthocyanins and ascorbic acid) than those impregnated in the sucrose solution, impregnated in the solutions at 4 °C, and refrigerated with no impregnation (control). The results demonstrated that isochoric cold storage in a solution containing sucrose, CaCl2, and ascorbic acid effectively maintained the quality of the strawberries, as indicated by parameters such as firmness, color retention, and reduced microbial growth. This method extended the strawberries’ shelf life by up to 4 weeks.
Focused Ultrasound-Mediated Release of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 from Hydrogels for Bone Regeneration
Authors: Yeingst Tyus J. , Helton Angelica M. , Rawnaque Ferdousi S. , Arrizabalaga Julien H. , Ravnic Dino J. , Simon Julianna C. , Hayes Daniel J.
Published: February 2025

An ultrasound-responsive hydrogel system was developed that provides on-demand release when stimulated by focused ultrasound (fUS). Diels–Alder cycloadducts crosslinked polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogels and underwent a retrograde Diels–Alder reaction when exposed to fUS. Four-arm and eight-arm furan-based Diels–Alder hydrogel compositions were used to evaluate the link between the crosslinking density and the fUS-induced release and retention rates. PEG crosslinked with glutaraldehyde was also used as a non-Diels–Alder control hydrogel. By increasing the exposure time and the amplitude of fUS, the Diels–Alder-based hydrogels exhibited a correlative increase in the release of the entrapped BMP-2. Real-time B-mode imaging was used during fUS to visualize the on-demand degradation of the crosslinking matrix for the release of BMP-2. When monitored with a thermocouple, the increase in temperature observed was minimal in the area surrounding the sample during fUS stimulation, indicating fUS to be an external stimulus which could be used safely for spatiotemporally controlled release. PEG hydrogels were characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and compression testing. PEG degradation byproducts were evaluated for cytocompatibility in vitro. Overall, this study demonstrated that Diels–Alder-based PEG hydrogels can encapsulate BMP-2, undergo a retrograde reaction when externally stimulated with fUS, and release active BMP-2 to induce differentiation in human mesenchymal stem cells.
Irrigation Water Treated with Oxygen Nanobubbles Decreases Irrigation Volume While Maintaining Turfgrass Quality in Central Chile
Authors: Calvo Jesús Daniela , Del Campo Tomás Vicente , Acuña Alejandra Antonieta
Published: February 2025

The efficient use of water resources is a growing priority in multiple sectors, including the turfgrass industry. Nanobubbles (NB) represent an innovative technology that, by enriching solutions with various gases, offers significant benefits in several industrial areas. In crop irrigation, they have been shown to increase dissolved oxygen in the root zone and thereby boost yields. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the use of oxygen NB in irrigation water on turfgrass quality, considering different levels of water restriction (0%, 30%, and 50% of daily crop evapotranspiration), compared to conventional irrigation. During the summer of 2024, trials were conducted using turf quality indices based on multispectral reflectance and RGB digital image analysis. The results showed that the use of NB allowed for a reduction in irrigation by 50% without compromising turf quality, reaching values similar to treatments without water restriction. In contrast, treatment with the same restriction but without NB (WNB50%) showed a deterioration in quality. This study shows NB as an innovative tool to optimize water use, with great potential for applications in landscape green areas, promote water use efficiency, and reduce the costs associated with irrigation.
Ghosts in the Machine: Kafka and AI
Authors: Meyer Imke
Published: February 2025

The writings of Franz Kafka open, perhaps precisely because of their temporal distance to our present, a unique window onto the nexus of power, material, and the human that constitutes AI today. Anxiety and Unbehagen [discontent] are states of mind that often grip both Kafka and his characters in an early-20th-century world increasingly dependent upon and perceived through the lens of disembodied communication and technology. But can we draw a line from Kafka’s reflections on analog media to the digital media that have come to dominate our lives in the 21st century, and whose effects are felt on a planetary scale? The short answer is “yes”. In Kafka’s analog world of technological horrors, glitches in the machinic administration of human life turn out to be not bugs, but rather features of the system; precisely the arbitrary effects that accompany the rigid implementation of rules and the slippages that occur during their merciless application enhance the power of the system as a whole. Kafka’s apparatuses and bureaucratic systems, in their powerful and toxic confluence of regularity and opacity, systematicity and arbitrariness, foreshadow the effects of AI upon our embodied existence in the 21st century.
Evaluation of ABL90 and ABL800 Radiometer Blood Gas Analyzers: Challenges and Applications in Point-of-Care Cancer Diagnostics in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-shahrani Abdulaziz Yahya , Khan Johra
Published: February 2025

Background: Point-of-care (POC) diagnostics is an innovative approach to healthcare analysis that brings the diagnostic process closer to the patient’s immediate care setting. This study was conducted to assess POC testing devices’ use in diagnosing cancer and detecting the main challenges facing laboratory specialists. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on conveniently selected laboratory specialists working in the Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Hospital in Riyadh for six weeks. Result: A total of 187 study participants (51% males and 49% females) were enrolled. Around one-half of them (96, 51%) were less than 30 years old, and 85% had 1–5 years of experience, with 61% (124) having no previous cancer diagnosis devices training. Most of this study’s cohort was using ABL 90 Radio meter/blood gases (45, 24%), followed by ABL 800 Radio meter/blood gases (39, 20.9%), as the main cancer diagnostic devices. Several challenges were faced by this study’s participants during their work with cancer diagnosis devices. The participants shared that some time was needed to use most of the devices, and learning how to use them was a significantly steep learning curve (2.99 ± 0.07 of participants). Most participants (113, 60.4%) carried out all the control testing, and their results were compared completely (100%) with the central laboratory. They took special precautions to keep the instruments safe (162, 86.6%). Conclusion: The correlation between type of devices used and the challenges faced during the use of POCT cancer diagnosis devices showed that there is a significant correlation between all challenges facing the participants and the type of devices (p = 0.001), except for the need for time to use these devices (p = 0.53). There are many challenges facing workers who operate point-of-care cancer diagnosis devices to a high degree.