bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Synergistic Development Status of Nature-Based Tourism in the National Parks Agglomeration of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Li Meng , Zhong Linsheng , Yu Hu , Wang Jingwen , Zheng Xin , Zhang Bin
Published: December 2024

The national parks agglomeration in China is presently undergoing a pivotal phase of planning and construction. Synergistic development of nature-based tourism within the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau National Parks Agglomeration is essential for optimizing the spatial configuration of regional functions and substantiating the necessity of the agglomeration development of national parks. This study develops an assessment framework for the synergistic development of nature-based tourism based on the interconnection of elements. By constructing a model of nature-based tourism elements’ interconnections and employing social network analysis, it investigates the characteristics and status of synergistic development in nature-based tourism within the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau National Parks Agglomeration, while also proposing pathways for optimization. The findings reveal that: (1) By integrating multi-source heterogeneous data on resource complementarity, product connectivity, tourist source sharing, and information linkage, a robust assessment framework for the synergistic development of nature-based tourism in the national parks agglomeration was established. (2) The synergistic development of nature-based tourism within the national parks agglomeration on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau demonstrates spatial heterogeneity. Shangri-La National Park and Qinghai Lake National Park serve as the core of the tourism flow network, whereas Mount Kailash National Park, Gaoligong Mountain National Park, and Pamir–Kunlun Mountains National Park exhibit the least favorable states of coordinated development. (3) Utilizing social network analysis, this study classified the national parks into core and peripheral positions within the nature-based tourism synergy network and proposed corresponding optimization strategies. The findings of this research contribute to optimizing the overall layout of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau national parks agglomeration. Additionally, they provide theoretical and methodological references for the nature-based tourism synergistic development in other national park agglomerations.
Long-Term Monitoring of Trends in Xerothermality and Vegetation Condition of a Northeast Mediterranean Island Using Meteorological and Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Xofis Panteleimon , Feloni Elissavet , Emmanouloudis Dimitrios , Chatzigiovanakis Stavros , Kravari Kalliopi , Samourkasidou Elena , Kefalas George , Nastos Panagiotis
Published: December 2024

There is no doubt that global climate change is happening and affecting life on Earth in a variety of ways. It can be seen on the extreme events of natural disasters, prolonged periods of drought, and increased summer and annual temperatures. While climate change affects every place on Earth, the Mediterranean region is considered a hot spot of climate change. Temperature is expected to increase further, precipitation, especially during summer months, is expected to decrease, and extreme rainfall events are projected to increase. These projected changes will affect both continental and insular environments, with small islands being particularly vulnerable due to the lack of space for species to move into more favorable conditions. As a result, these environments need to be studied, the changes quantified, and the consequences monitored. The current study focuses on the island of Fournoi in the central eastern part of the Aegean Sea. We employed data from a local meteorological station, which operates for a limited period, the Climate Research Unit TS data, and remote sensing thermal data to monitor the trends in aridity over a period of almost 40 years. The results show that summer temperature has increased significantly over the last 40 years, and this is confirmed by both meteorological and remote sensing data. At the same time, precipitation seems to remain stable. Despite the increased aridity imposed by the increased temperature and stable precipitation, vegetation seems not to be experiencing extreme stress. On the contrary, it seems to be following a positive trend over the study period. This observation is explained by the extreme resilience of the plant species of the study area and the fact that vegetation has been recovering over the last 50 years after a period of human overexploitation, and this recovery overcomes the stress imposed by increased aridity.
Assessment and Prediction of Coastal Ecological Resilience Based on the Pressure–State–Response (PSR) Model
Authors: Wan Zhaoyi , Zhao Chengyi , Zhu Jianting , Ma Xiaofei , Chen Jiangzi , Wang Junhao
Published: December 2024

Coastal zones are facing intensive ecological pressures and challenges, which could vary over a wide range of spatiotemporal scales. Our limited capability to understand and especially predict this variability can lead to the misinterpretation of coastal ecological resilience. Therefore, the assessment and prediction of ecological resilience are particularly important. In this study, a new approach based on the Pressure–State–Response model is developed to assess and predict pixel-scale multi-year ecological resilience (ER) and then applied to investigate the spatiotemporal variations of ER in the China’s coastal zone (CCZ) in the past few decades and predict future ER trend under various scenarios. The results show that ER in the CCZ displayed a general spatial distribution pattern of “higher in the southern half and lower in the northern half” from 1995 to 2020. Over the 25-year period, ER exhibited a declining trend. Specifically, the eastern provinces experiencing the most significant decline. The ER levels across scenarios ranked from high to low as follows: SSP1-2.6 > SSP4-3.4 > SSP2-4.5 > SSP3-7.0 > SSP5-8.5. The assessment and prediction methods designed can be applied to ER studies in other coastal zones, making it a valuable approach for broader applications.
How Does the Intensive Use of Urban Construction Land Improve Carbon Emission Efficiency?—Evidence from the Panel Data of 30 Provinces in China
Authors: Liu Dengjuan , Liu Wei , He Yuming
Published: December 2024

China actively explores the green development road by promoting the intensive use of urban construction land and low carbon emissions. This research evaluates urban construction land intensity and carbon emission efficiency by using a multifactor comprehensive evaluation method and SBM model and measures the spatial characteristics of between urban construction land intensity and carbon emission efficiency by Moran’s I and LISA scattering. The result shows that (1) the average value of urban construction land intensity was constantly improving from 0.11 in 2000 to 0.29 in 2021, (2) the value of carbon emission efficiency generally showed a fluctuating downward from 0.89 in 2000 to 0.66 in 2009 and then a fluctuating upward to 0.84 in 2021, with many provinces located in the Level III and IV carbon emission efficiency intervals, (3) the land development, road density, technology development, and fixed asset investment have a negative impact on carbon emission efficiency, while the greening level and tax have a positive promotion effect, and (4) the correlation and spatial features between urban construction land intensity and carbon emission efficiency in 30 provinces have consistency, as well as heterogeneity in the temporal and spatial development trends. Policy implications are accordingly proposed.
Changes in Safety Performance on Single-Carriageway Roads After Installation of Additional Lighting at Pedestrian Crossing
Authors: Ziółkowski Robert , Pérez-Acebo Heriberto , Gonzalo-Orden Hernán , Linares-Unamunzaga Alaitz
Published: December 2024

Pedestrian safety is a critical concern worldwide, as pedestrians account for nearly a quarter of all road crash deaths. In Poland, in the last decade, the number of pedestrians killed in road accidents varied from 25 to 30% of all road accident victims each year. A similar tendency is observed in EU countries, but the average number of pedestrian fatalities is lower and amounts to 20%. Numerous activities have been undertaken to improve the safety of vulnerable road users. Land planning plays a crucial role in enhancing pedestrian safety. Effective land-use planning can mitigate risks by integrating pedestrian-friendly infrastructure into urban design. Numerous measures have been implemented to improve the safety of vulnerable road users, including education campaigns, speed reduction measures, and infrastructure enhancements. One of the latest initiatives involves enhancing the visibility of pedestrian crossings through the installation of additional lighting systems. In order to assess the effects of the undertaken activities, a number of zebra crossings with and without additional luminance were investigated. Crash data gained from police statistics, along with the calculated crash rates (CRs), were utilized to evaluate changes in safety performance at selected crosswalks. For this purpose, a „before–after” method was applied. Importantly, the research results did not show a clear impact of additional lighting on reducing the number of road crashes and they highlight that other factors, including the geometric characteristics of crossings and their location and proximity to land uses generating significant pedestrian traffic, significantly influence crash rates.
Spatiotemporal Evolution Patterns and Influencing Factors of Rural Shrinkage Under Rapid Urbanization: A Case Study of Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Zhuo Rongrong , Xu Xinni , Zhou Yuchen , Guo Xinwei
Published: December 2024

Under the context of urban–rural mobility driven by rapid urbanization, rural shrinkage is particularly pronounced in the developed regions of China, yet studies exploring its patterns and influencing factors are scarce. This paper uses Zhejiang Province as a case study to investigate the spatiotemporal evolution and influencing factors of rural shrinkage from 2000 to 2020. By employing spatial autocorrelation analysis and spatial econometric modeling, the study investigates both population and spatial shrinkage. The findings reveal the following: (1) a marked spatiotemporal imbalance exists in population and spatial dynamics in Zhejiang’s rural areas, where the interplay between population and spatial shrinkage contributes to regional disparities. (2) From 2000 to 2020, population shrinkage shifted from a global shrinkage to a more localized decline in the northeast and southwest, while spatial shrinkage shifted from a global non-shrinkage to a focus on central and southwestern areas. (3) Urbanization significantly negatively impacts rural shrinkage, while the spatial spillover effect of urbanization is notably positive. In contrast, factors related to natural conditions, location, and agricultural investment show significant positive effects but also notable negative spatial spillover effects. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analytical framework for understanding rural shrinkage and offers valuable insights for rural development, infrastructure planning, and spatial governance.
Research on Climate Drivers of Ecosystem Services’ Value Loss Offset in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau Based on Explainable Deep Learning
Authors: Liu Wenshu , You Chang , Yang Jingbiao
Published: December 2024

As one of the highest and most ecologically vulnerable regions in the world, the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) presents significant challenges for the application of existing ecosystem service value (ESV) assessment models due to its extreme climate changes and unique plateau environment. Current models often fail to adequately account for the complex climate variability and topographical features of the QTP, making accurate assessments of ESV loss deviations difficult. To address these challenges, this study focuses on the QTP and employs a modified ESV loss deviation model, integrated with explainable deep learning techniques (LSTM-SHAP), to quantify and analyze ESV loss deviations and their climate drivers from 1990 to 2030. The results show that (1) between 1990 and 2020, the offset index in the eastern QTP consistently remained low, indicating significant deviations. Since 2010, low-value clusters in the western region have significantly increased, reflecting a widening range of ecological damage caused by ESV losses, with no marked improvement from 2020 to 2030. (2) SHAP value analysis identified key climate drivers, including temperature seasonality, diurnal temperature variation, and precipitation patterns, which exhibit nonlinear impacts and threshold effects on ESV loss deviation. (3) In the analysis of nonlinear relationships among key climate drivers, the interaction between diurnal temperature range and precipitation in wet seasons demonstrated significant effects, indicating that the synergistic action of temperature variation and precipitation patterns is critical to ecosystem stability. Furthermore, the complex nonlinear interactions between climate factors exacerbated the volatility of ESV loss deviations, particularly under extreme climate conditions. The 2030 forecast highlights that wet season precipitation and annual rainfall will become key factors driving changes in ESV loss deviation. By combining explainable deep learning methods, this study advances the understanding of the relationship between climate drivers and ecosystem service losses, providing scientific insights for ecosystem protection and sustainable management in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau.
Groundwater-Driven Evolution of Prebiotic Alkaline Lake Environments
Authors: Tutolo Benjamin M. , Perrin Robert , Lauer Rachel , Bossaer Shane , Tosca Nicholas J. , Hutchings Alec , Sevgen Serhat , Nightingale Michael , Ilg Daniel , Mott Eric B. , Wilson Thomas
Published: December 2024

Alkaline lakes are thought to have facilitated prebiotic synthesis reactions on the early Earth because their modern analogs accumulate vital chemical feedstocks such as phosphate through the evaporation of dilute groundwaters. Yet, the conditions required for some building block synthesis reactions are distinct from others, and these conditions are generally incompatible with those permissible for nascent cellular function. However, because current scenarios for prebiotic synthesis have not taken account of the physical processes that drive the chemical evolution of alkaline lakes, the potential for the co-occurrence of both prebiotic synthesis and the origins and early evolution of life in prebiotic alkaline lake environments remains poorly constrained. Here, we investigate the dynamics of active, prebiotically relevant alkaline lakes using near-surface geophysics, aqueous geochemistry, and hydrogeologic modeling. Due to their small size, representative range of chemistry, and contrasting evaporation behavior, the investigated, neighboring Last Chance and Goodenough Lakes in British Columbia, Canada offer a uniquely tractable environment for investigating the dynamics of alkaline lake behavior. The results show that the required, extreme phosphate enrichments in alkaline lake waters demand geomorphologically-driven vulnerability to evaporation, while the resultant contrast between evaporated brines and inflowing groundwaters yields Rayleigh–Taylor instabilities and vigorous surface–subsurface cycling and mixing of lake and groundwaters. These results provide a quantitative basis to reconcile conflicting prebiotic requirements of UV light, salinity, metal concentration, and pH in alkaline lake environments. The complex physical and chemical processing inherent to prebiotic alkaline lake environments thus may have not only facilitated prebiotic reaction networks, but also provided habitable environments for the earliest evolution of life.
Rates of PCR Positivity of Pleural Drainage Fluid in COVID-19 Patients: Is It Expected?
Authors: Turut Hasan , Ozcelik Neslihan , Copur Cicek Aysegul , Tuluce Kerim , Sevilgen Gokcen , Sakin Mustafa , Erdivanli Basar , Klisic Aleksandra , Mercantepe Filiz
Published: December 2024

Background: Tube thoracostomy, utilized through conventional methodologies in the context of pleural disorders such as pleural effusion and pneumothorax, constitutes one of the primary therapeutic interventions. Nonetheless, it is imperative to recognize that invasive procedures, including tube thoracostomy, are classified as aerosol-generating activities during the management of pleural conditions in patients afflicted with COVID-19, thus raising substantial concerns regarding the potential exposure of healthcare personnel to the virus. The objective of this investigation was to assess the SARS-CoV-2 viral load by detecting viral RNA in pleural drainage specimens from patients who underwent tube thoracostomy due to either pleural effusion or pneumothorax. Methods: In this single-center prospective cross-sectional analysis, a real-time reverse transcriptase (RT) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was employed to conduct swab tests for the qualitative identification of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2 in pleural fluids acquired during tube thoracostomy between August 2021 and December 2021. Results: All pleural drainage specimens from 21 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 via nasopharyngeal PCR, of which 14 underwent tube thoracostomy due to pneumothorax, 4 due to both pneumothorax and pleural effusion, and 3 due to pleural effusion, were found to be negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Moreover, individuals exhibiting pleural effusion were admitted to the intensive care unit with a notably higher incidence, yet demonstrated significantly more radiological anomalies in patients diagnosed with pneumothorax. Conclusions: The current findings, inclusive of the results from this study, do not furnish scientific evidence to support the notion that SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted via aerosolization during tube thoracostomy, and it remains uncertain whether the virus can be adequately contained within pleural fluids.
Evaluation of the Low-Level Laser Therapy in Pain, Bite Force, and Mouth Opening Following Midfacial Trauma
Authors: Pavelski Mateus Diego , Pavelski Maicon Douglas , Oliveira Luana Ferreira , da Silva Helio Doyle Pereira , Frigo Lucio , Magro-Filho Osvaldo
Published: December 2024

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is known for its biostimulant properties, which can reduce inflammation and promote tissue regeneration. The present study is randomized, blinded, and placebo-controlled and aims to investigate the role of LLLT in the postoperative recovery of facial fractures. Patients with fractures of the zygomatic bone are selected and divided into two groups: low-level laser and red placebo light. The patients are evaluated for bite force, pain, mouth opening, and paresthesia in the pre-operatory day, on days 1, 2, 7, and 14. The trismus data demonstrated better results in the laser with a significant difference in the periods 7 and 14 days, with p-values of 0.0442 and 0.026, respectively. Regarding the bite force analyzed, no statistically significant differences were observed. In the pain scale comparison, there was a difference between the PLACEBO group and the LASER group for day 1 (p = 0.011), day 2 (p = 0.001), 7 (p = 0.001), and 14 days (p = 0.010). In the evaluation of paresthesia, on days 7 and 14, there were better results in the LASER group with p = 0.012 and p = 0.001. The laser acted as a moderator of the healing process, having a considerable effect on the aspects of trismus, pain, postoperative paresthesia, and bite force.
Phytochemical Analysis and Multifaceted Biomedical Activities of Nitraria retusa Extract as Natural Product-Based Therapies
Authors: Khowdiary Manal M. , Alatawi Zinab , Alhowiti Amirah , Amin Mohamed A. , Daghistani Hussam , Albaqami Faisal Miqad K. , Abdel-Rahman Mohamed Ali , Ghareeb Ahmed , Shaer Nehad A. , Shawky Ahmed M. , Fouda Amr
Published: December 2024

This study examined the phytochemical profile and biomedical activities of Nitraria retusa, a halophytic and drought-resistant shrub. HPLC analysis showed gallic acid (1905.1 μg/g), catechin (1984.1 μg/g), and ellagic acid (2671.1 μg/g) as the primary constituents, while FT-IR analysis revealed a complex organic profile with significant functional groups. The extract demonstrated strong antioxidant activity in DPPH assays, outperforming ascorbic acid (IC50 = 18.7 ± 1.0 μg/mL) with an IC50 of 16.4 ± 4.4 μg/mL. It demonstrated specific antiproliferative effects on cancer cell lines as it showed selective cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines; normal WI38 cells were largely unaffected, showing 50.0% viability at 125 μg/mL. The most sensitive cell line was Caco2, which showed 50.0% viability at 125 μg/mL. Anti-diabetic properties were exhibited by means of inhibition of α-amylase (IC50 = 68.2 ± 4.2 μg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC50 = 22.8 ± 3.3 μg/mL). Additionally, antimicrobial activity was observed to be broad-spectrum, and it was most effective against E. coli (32.6 mm inhibition zone at 400 μg/mL) and Penicillium glabrum (35.3 mm at 400 μg/mL). These findings highlight the potential of N. retusa in developing plant-based therapeutic approaches.
Endothelial Dysfunction Markers in Ovarian Cancer: VTE Risk and Tumour Prognostic Outcomes
Authors: de Melo Inês Guerra , Tavares Valéria , Savva-Bordalo Joana , Rei Mariana , Liz-Pimenta Joana , Pereira Deolinda , Medeiros Rui
Published: December 2024

Ovarian cancer (OC) presents daunting lethality rates worldwide, with frequent late-stage diagnosis and chemoresistance, highlighting the need for improved prognostic approaches. Venous thromboembolism (VTE), a major cancer mortality factor, is partially driven by endothelial dysfunction (ED). ED’s pro-inflammatory state fosters tumour progression, suggesting a VTE-independent link between ED and cancer. Given this triad’s interplay, ED markers may influence OC behaviour and patients’ prognosis. Thus, the impact of ED-related genes and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on OC-related VTE and patient thrombogenesis-independent prognosis was investigated. NOS3 upregulation was linked to lower VTE incidence (χ2, p = 0.013), while SELP upregulation was associated with shorter overall survival (log-rank test, p = 0.048). Dismissing patients with VTE before OC diagnosis, SELP rs6136 T allele carriers presented lower progression-free survival (log-rank test, p = 0.038). Nevertheless, due to the SNP minor allele underrepresentation, further investigation is required. Taken together, ED markers seem to exhibit roles that depend on the clinical context, such as tumour-related thrombogenesis or cancer prognosis. Validation with larger cohorts and more in-depth functional studies are needed for data clarification and potential therapeutic strategies exploitation to tackle cancer progression and thrombosis in OC patients.
Impact of Biochar on Nitrogen-Cycling Functional Genes: A Comparative Study in Mollisol and Alkaline Soils
Authors: Ding Junnan , Yu Shaopeng
Published: December 2024

Biochar has gained considerable attention as a sustainable soil amendment due to its potential to enhance soil fertility and mitigate nitrogen (N) losses. This study aimed to investigate the effects of biochar application on the abundance of key N-cycling genes in Mollisol and alkaline soils, focusing on nitrification (AOA, AOB, and nxrB) and denitrification (narG, norB, and nosZ) processes. The experiment was conducted using soybean rhizosphere soil. The results demonstrated that biochar significantly altered the microbial community structure by modulating the abundance of these functional genes. Specifically, biochar reduced narG and nosZ abundance in both soil types, indicating a potential reduction in N2O emissions. In contrast, it promoted the abundance of nxrB, particularly in alkaline soils, suggesting enhanced nitrite oxidation. The study also revealed strong correlations between N-cycling gene abundances and soil properties such as pH, EC (electrical conductivity. Biochar improved soil pH and nutrient availability, creating favorable conditions for AOB and Nitrospira populations, which play key roles in ammonia and nitrite oxidation. Additionally, the reduction in norB/nosZ ratios in biochar-treated soils suggests a shift towards more efficient N2O reduction. These findings highlight biochar’s dual role in enhancing soil fertility and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in Mollisol and alkaline soils. The results provide valuable insights into the sustainable management of agricultural soils through biochar application, emphasizing its potential to optimize nitrogen-cycling processes and improve soil health. Further research is needed to explore the long-term impacts of biochar on microbial communities and nitrogen-cycling under field conditions.
A Short Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System-Based Description for Classification of Breast Mass Grade
Authors: Grande-Barreto Jonas , Lopez-Armas Gabriela C. , Sanchez-Tiro Jose Antonio , Peregrina-Barreto Hayde
Published: December 2024

Identifying breast masses is relevant in early cancer detection. Automatic identification using computational methods helps assist medical experts with this task. Although high values have been reported in breast mass classification from digital mammograms, most results have focused on a general benign/malignant classification. According to the BI-RADS standard, masses are associated with cancer risk by grade depending on their specific shape, margin, and density characteristics. This work presents a methodology of testing several descriptors on the INbreast dataset, finding those better related to clinical assessment. The analysis provides a description based on BI-RADS for mass classification by combining neural networks and image processing. The results show that masses associated with grades BI-RADS-2 to BI-RADS-5 can be identified, reaching a general accuracy and sensitivity of 0.88±0.07. While this initial study is limited to a single dataset, it demonstrates the possibility of generating a description for automatic classification that is directly linked to the information analyzed by medical experts in clinical practice.
Fumed Silica in Coconut Oil Based Nanofluids for Cooling and Lubrication in Drilling Applications
Authors: Jiménez-Galea Jesús J. , Gómez-Merino Ana Isabel
Published: December 2024

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is an edible vegetable oil that is eco-friendly, biodegradable, and sustainable, with high thermal and chemical stability as a phase change material (PCM). In this work, VCO filled with fumed silica A200 nanoparticles was tested as a cutting fluid in drilling processes. Silica concentrations ranging from 1 to 4 vol% were analyzed. Thermal properties were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal conductivity measurements at different temperatures and concentrations. Thermal conductivity showed an enhancement with the addition of silica powder and reduced with increasing temperature. Based on thermal and flow properties, VCO-3A200 was found to be the optimal concentration. The thermal images of this nanofluid taken after 60 s of drilling exhibited a reduction of 12 °C with respect to the dry process. The friction coefficient versus shear rate was also measured. With 8% VCO, a reduction in the friction coefficient of 8% compared to the dry test was achieved. The addition of 3 vol% of silica to the base oil reduced the friction coefficient by 16% compared to the dry test. The use of fumed silica dispersed in VCO has proven to be a sustainable, recyclable, and environmentally friendly refrigerant and lubricant cutting fluid.
Ceramic–Ceramic Hip Implants: Investigation of Various Factors Associated with Squeaking
Authors: Schroeder Stefan , Gaedeke Luisa , Hariri Mustafa , Bormann Therese , Weiss Maurice , Kretzer Jan Philippe , Uhler Maximilian
Published: December 2024

Despite the low wear rate of ceramic–ceramic hip implants, hard-on-soft bearings remain the most commonly used bearings in North America and Western Europe. A major concern with ceramic–ceramic hip implants is the occurrence of squeaking phenomena, which are still not fully understood. Various factors are mentioned in the literature, but currently, studies mostly focus on only one specific parameter. The goal of this study was to systematically analyze four different factors (cup orientation, protein concentration of the test fluid, contact pressure and head roughness) that may influence the squeaking behavior of this bearing type. An in vitro simulation according to ISO 14242-1 was performed using an AMTI Vivo simulator, and acoustic signals were recorded. No squeaking occurred for any of the four parameters when bovine serum or water was used as the test fluid. Squeaking was observed only under dry conditions with the ceramic–ceramic bearing. Under dry conditions, the maximum resulting torque increased steadily, and squeaking occurred after approximately 300 cycles at a resulting torque of more than 22 Nm. Thus, the resulting torque might be one factor leading to squeaking and should be kept low to reduce the risk of squeaking.
VN Quantum Dots Anchored onto Carbon Nanofibers as a Superior Anode for Sodium Ion Storage
Authors: Wu Xiaoyu , Zhang Haimin , Yanghe Jiachen , Liu Sainan
Published: December 2024

Vanadium-based compounds exhibit a high theoretical capacity to be used as anode materials in sodium-ion batteries, but the volume change in the active ions during the process of release leads to structural instability during the cycle. The structure of carbon nanofibers is stable, while it is difficult to deform. At the same time, the huge specific surface area energy of quantum dot materials can speed up the electrochemical reaction rate. Here, we coupled quantum-grade VN nanodots with carbon nanofibers. The strong coupling of VN quantum dots and carbon nanofibers makes the material have a network structure of interwoven nanofibers. Secondly, the carbon skeleton provides a three-dimensional channel for the rapid migration of sodium ions, and the material has low charge transfer resistance, which promotes the diffusion, intercalation and release of sodium ions, and significantly improves the electrochemical activity of sodium storage. When the material is used as the anode material in sodium ion batteries, the specific capacity is stable at 230.3 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 0.5 A g−1, and the specific capacity is still maintained at 154.7 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at 2 A g−1.
Enhanced Barrier and Optical Properties of Inorganic Nano-Multilayers on PEN Substrate Through Hybrid Deposition
Authors: Sun Xiaojie , Chen Lanlan , Feng Wei
Published: December 2024

In this study, an inorganic multilayer barrier film was fabricated on the polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) substrate, which was composed of a SiO2 layer prepared by inductively coupled plasma chemical vapor deposition (ICP-CVD) and a Al2O3/ZnO nanolaminate produced by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD). The multilayer composite film with a structure of 50 nm SiO2 + (4.5 nm Al2O3/6 nm ZnO) × 4 has excellent optical transmittance (88.1%) and extremely low water vapor permeability (3.3 × 10−5 g/m2/day, 38 °C, 90% RH), indicating the cooperation of the two advanced film growth methods. The results suggest that the defects of the SiO2 layer prepared by ICP-CVD were effectively repaired by the PEALD layer, which has excellent defect coverage. And Al2O3/ZnO nanolaminates have advantages over single-layer Al2O3 due to their complex diffusion pathways. The multilayer barrier film offers potential for encapsulating organic electronic devices that require a longer lifespan.
Study on the Preparation and Test Method of Transformer Oil Used in Laboratory
Authors: Sun Zeming , Shi Minxia
Published: December 2024

The power transformer is one of the most important parts of a power system. The transformer oil in a transformer not only increases its insulation strength, but also helps its cooling. Cellulose particles are one of the main factors affecting the breakdown characteristics of transformer oil, and the withstand voltage test can effectively detect the quality of transformer oil. Therefore, the withstand voltage test on transformer oil with different cellulose particle content levels in the laboratory can determine the breakdown characteristics of transformer oil and the method of improving the insulation strength of power transformers. However, there is lack of a set of effective preparation and test methods of transformer oil for laboratory use in the industry. Based on national standards and engineering practice, this paper puts forward a method of preparing transformer oil with different cellulose particle content levels in the laboratory and a method of the withstand voltage test on transformer oil in the laboratory, which can improve the efficiency and the scientificity of such experiments.
Enhanced Wear Resistance and Thermal Dissipation of Copper–Graphene Composite Coatings via Pulsed Electrodeposition for Circuit Breaker Applications
Authors: Almonti Daniele , Salvi Daniel , Ucciardello Nadia , Vesco Silvia
Published: December 2024

Copper, though highly conductive, requires improved wear resistance and thermal dissipation in applications that involve continuous movement and current-induced vibrations, such as power breakers. Conventional solutions, such as copper–tungsten alloys or lubricant use, face limitations in durability, friction, or environmental impact. This study explores the development of copper–graphene (Cu-GNPs) composite coatings using pulsed electrodeposition to enhance the tribological, thermal, and mechanical properties of circuit breaker components by adopting an industrially scalable technique. The influence of deposition bath temperature, duty cycle, and frequency on coating morphology, hardness, wear resistance, and heat dissipation was systematically evaluated using a 23 full factorial design and an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The results revealed that optimized pulsed electrodeposition significantly improved coating performance: hardness increased by 76%, wear volume decreased by more than 99%, and friction coefficient stabilized at 0.2, reflecting effective graphene integration. The addition of graphene further improved thermal diffusivity by 19.5%, supporting superior heat dissipation. These findings suggest that pulsed copper–graphene composite coatings offer a promising alternative to traditional copper alloys, enhancing the lifespan and reliability of electronic components through improved wear resistance, lower friction, and superior heat transfer.
Determination of Strength Parameters of Composite Reinforcement Consisting of Steel Member, Adhesive, and Carbon Fiber Textile
Authors: Dybizbański Maciej Adam , Rzeszut Katarzyna , Abdusattarkhuja Saydiolimkhon , Li Zheng
Published: December 2024

The main aim of the study was the determination of the strength parameters of composite bonded joints consisting of galvanised steel elements, an adhesive layer, and Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) fabric. For this purpose, shear laboratory tests were carried out on 60 lapped specimens composed of 2 mm thick hot-dip galvanised steel plates of S350 GD. The specimens were overlapped on one side with SikaWrap 230 C carbon fibre textile (CFT) using SikaDur 330 adhesive. The tests were carried out in three series that differed in overlap length (15 mm, 25 mm, and 35 mm). A discussion on the failure mechanism in the context of the bonding capacity of the composite joint was carried out. We observed three forms of joint damage, namely, at the steel-adhesive interface, fibre rupture, and mixed damage behaviour. Moreover, an advanced numerical model using the commercial finite element (FE) program ABAQUS/Standard and the coupled cohesive zone model was developed. The material behaviour of the textile was defined as elastic-lamina and the mixed-mode Hashin damage model was implemented with bi-linear behaviour. Special attention was focused on the formulation of reliable methodologies to determine the load-bearing capacity, failure mechanisms, stress distribution, and the strength characteristics of a composite adhesive joint. In order to develop a reliable model, validation and verification were carried out and self-correlation parameters, which brought the model closer to the laboratory test, were proposed by the authors. Based on the conducted analysis, the strength characteristics including the load-bearing capacity, failure mechanisms, and stress distribution were established. The three forms of joint damage were observed as steel-adhesive interface failure, fibre rupture, and mixed-damage behaviour. Complex interactions between the materials were observed. The most dangerous adhesive failure was detected at the steel and adhesive interface. It was also found that an increase in adhesive thickness caused a decrease in joint strength. In the numerical analysis, two mechanical models were employed, namely, a sophisticated model of adhesive and fabric components. It was found that the fabric model was very sensitive to the density of the finite element mesh. It was also noticed that the numerical model referring to the adhesive layer was nonsensitive to the mesh size; thus, it was regarded as appropriate. Nevertheless, in order to increase the reliability of the numerical model, the authors proposed their own correlation coefficients α and β, which allowed for the correct mapping of adhesive damage.
Preparation and Mechanical Properties of (TiCrZrNb)C4-SiC Multiphase High-Entropy Ceramics
Authors: Wen Chunmei , Xu Shuai , Li Bingsheng , Gan Shuyun , Wang Li , Chen Keyuan , Xue Yuwen , Fang Zhongqiang , Zhao Fan
Published: December 2024

Five carbide powders, TiC, Cr3C2, ZrC, NbC and SiC, were selected as raw materials and mixed by dry or wet milling. Then (TiCrZrNb)C4-SiC multiphase ceramics were successfully prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 1900 °C, using D-HECs-1900 (dry milling method) and W-HECs-1900 (wet milling method), respectively. In this study, the effects of the ball milling method on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the multiphase high-entropy ceramics were systematically investigated. Compared to D-HECs-1900, W-HECs-1900 has a more uniform elemental distribution and smaller grain size, with an average grain size of 1.8 μm, a higher Vickers hardness HV0.1 = 2178.41 kg/mm2 and a higher fracture toughness of KIC = 4.42 MPa·m1/2. W-HECs-1900 also shows better wear resistance with a wear rate 1.01 × 10−8 mm3·N−1·m−1. The oxide friction layer formed during friction is beneficial for reducing frictional wear, making W-HECs-1900 a potential wear-resistant material.
Concurrent AI Tuning of a Double-Loop Controller for Multi-Phase Drives
Authors: Satué Manuel G. , Barrero Federico , Martínez-Heredia Juana María , Colodro Francisco
Published: December 2024

The control of electric drives is an important topic due to the wide-spread use of such devices. Among these, multi-phase induction machines are gaining momentum in variable-speed applications. The usual control practice is the use of a speed Proportional–Integral loop that sets the current reference for an inner controller. This inner controller decides the voltage to be applied, which is realized by an electronic power converter. This paper presents an Artificial Intelligence (AI) scheme for tuning. It aims to optimize the usual figures of merit for drives. Moreover, tuning for both loops is tackled concurrently. The adjustment is performed relying on the operating region to address non-linear behavior. The results obtained using a five-phase induction motor illustrate that the proposed method can work in the entire operating range of the drive with improved results.
Insight on the Nonhomogeneous Pantograph Equation with an Arbitrary Polynomial of Degree n: Explicit Solution
Authors: Aljoufi Mona D.
Published: December 2024

This paper solves a nonhomogeneous version of the pantograph equation. The nonhomogeneous term is taken as a polynomial of degree n with arbitrary coefficients. The nonhomogeneous pantograph equation is successfully converted to the standard homogeneous version by means of a simple transformation. An explicit formula is derived for the coefficients of the assumed transformation. Accordingly, the solution of the nonhomogeneous version is obtained in different forms in terms of power series, in addition to exponential functions. The obtained solution in power-series form is investigated to produce exact solutions for several examples under specific relationships between the involved parameters. In addition, exact solutions in terms of trigonometric and hyperbolic functions are determined at a certain value of the proportional delay parameter. The obtained results may be reported for the first time for the present nonhomogeneous version of the pantograph equation and can be further applied to include other versions with different nonhomogeneous terms.
Analytical Investigation of Time-Dependent Two-Dimensional Non-Newtonian Boundary Layer Equations
Authors: Barna Imre Ferenc , Mátyás Laszló , Hriczó Krisztián , Bognár Gabriella
Published: December 2024

In this study, five different time-dependent incompressible non-Newtonian boundary layer models in two dimensions are investigated with the self-similar Ansatz, including external magnetic field effects. The power-law, the Casson fluid, the Oldroyd-B model, the Walter fluid B model, and the Williamson fluid are analyzed. For the first two models, analytical results are given for the velocity and pressure distributions, which can be expressed by different types of hypergeometric functions. Depending on the parameters involved in the analytical solutions of the nonlinear ordinary differential equation obtained by the similarity transformation, a vast range of solution types is presented. It turned out that the last three models lack self-similar symmetry; therefore, no analytic solutions can be derived.
A Unified Graph Theory Approach: Clustering and Learning in Criminal Data
Authors: Al-Ibrahim Haifa , Kurdi Heba
Published: December 2024

Crime report clustering plays a critical role in modern law enforcement, enabling the identification of patterns and trends essential for proactive policing. However, traditional clustering approaches face significant challenges with the complex, unstructured nature of crime reports and their inherent sparse relationships. While graph-based clustering shows promise, issues of noise sensitivity and data sparsity persist. This study introduces a unified approach integrating spectral graph-based clustering with Graph Convolutional Networks (GCN) to address these challenges. The proposed approach encompasses data collection, preprocessing, linguistic feature extraction, vectorization, graph construction, graph learning, and clustering to effectively capture the intricate similarities between crime reports. The proposed approach achieved significant improvements over existing methods: a Silhouette Score of 0.77, a Davies–Bouldin Index of 0.51, and consistent performance across varying dataset sizes (100–1000 nodes). These results demonstrate the potential for enhanced crime pattern detection in law enforcement operations.
Oral Hygiene, Dietary Habits, and Saliva Properties in Relation to the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth Index of Dental Students: A Pilot Study
Authors: Mandinić Zoran , Stojanović Jelena , Prokić Aleksandra , Beloica Miloš , Jovanović Svetlana , Kuzmanović Pfićer Jovana , Mladenovic Rasa , Kosanović Dušan , Milanović Milena , Todorović Miloš , Milošević Marković Maja , Dožić Ivan
Published: December 2024

Background and Objectives: Caries development is associated with poor oral hygiene, inadequate dietary habits, quantitative and qualitative food content, and a high level of bacterial plaque. Physical and chemical changes in saliva composition and particularly changes in its buffering capability play a significant role in caries development. This study aimed to determine the predictors of poor oral health among a sample of second-year dental students. Materials and Methods: The oral health of students was estimated with clinical examination and the DMFT index. The interview included questions about demographics status (gender, age), a dietary habits questionnaire, questions about oral hygiene, and a demonstration of tooth brushing technique. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected to measure buffering capacity and pH. Results: Almost half of the students have a low level of caries experience (46.7%), followed by a slightly smaller number having a medium level (41.3%), while one in eight students (12.0%) demonstrates a high level of caries experience. Male students have a statistically higher DMFT index 5.7 ± 1.2 than female participants 4.5 ± 0.5 (p = 0.036). Significant predictors for the DMFT index score in students were milk [β-coefficient = −0.338, p = 0.011] and yoghurt [β-coefficient = 0.284, p = 0.040] consumption. All students brushed their teeth two or more times during the day, usually after waking up before breakfast and before bedtime. Most students (85.3%) apply the proper tooth brushing technique, with female students applying it more frequently (p = 0.038). The mean salivary pH was 6.9, while the mean buffer capacity was 5.8. Female respondents have a statistically lower buffer capacity (5.8 ± 0.5) than male respondents (6.1 ± 0.4) (p = 0.047). Conclusions: Dentistry students are introduced to good oral hygiene habits, especially female students, while dietary habits should be improved. However, one in eight dental students is at high caries risk. By assessing the level of caries experience, targeted strategies can be developed to promote, maintain, and enhance oral health among dental students.
Surgical Treatment of Post-Traumatic Radio-Ulnar Synostosis
Authors: Gavrilă Mihai Tudor , Cristea Vlad , Smarandache Cătălin Gabriel , Ștefan Cristea
Published: December 2024

Radio-ulnar synostosis is a rare complication which develops following forearm trauma, the main manifestation being stiffness and leading to the loss of pronation and supination. For the patient, it is a very frustrating experience due to the impairment of the normal function of the forearm, whereas for the surgeon the treatment is difficult as, unfortunately, there is no consensus regarding the best way to approach it. Many surgical techniques and other kinds of adjuvant therapies have been developed in an effort to solve this disability. This paper presents an overview of the principal factors which contribute to the development of synostosis and the best therapeutic approach methods found in the literature.
Catamenial Pneumothorax—Still an Unveiled Disease
Authors: Damps-Konstańska Iwona , Szukalska Adriana , Janowiak Piotr , Jassem Ewa
Published: December 2024

This review presents current opinions on an uncommon condition called catamenial pneumothorax (CP), which is usually associated with thoracic endometriosis syndrome (TES). TES is characterized by the presence of endometriotic lesions in pleura and lung parenchyma and presents with various clinical signs and symptoms, including catamenial pneumothorax. Their diagnosis is often delayed. Pulmonary endometric lesions, however, often detected in patients with hemothorax and hemoptysis, may be absent in a proportion of cases of pneumothorax. The typical presentation of CP includes signs and symptoms of pneumothorax, which occur along with menstruation, most commonly around 24 h before and 48–72 h after its onset. However, they may not occur during every menstrual cycle. Suggestive CP lesions on conventional radiography (RTG) include pneumoperitoneum accompanying right-sided pneumothorax, lung opacities, pleural effusion, and nodular infiltrates. Chest and abdomen computed tomography (CT), particularly contrast-enhanced, may additionally show pneumoperitoneum and diaphragmatic lesions. The management of CP includes supportive treatment of acute symptoms and causal treatment to prevent recurrent disease. This article presents the pathophysiology of CP, an overview of the diagnostic methods, and the current therapeutic approaches. The necessity for a multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis of CP and to the choice of the best treatment modality is underlined (promising new therapeutic options are also mentioned); however, international guidelines are still missing.