bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age and Sex Differences in Carotid Intima-Media Thickness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Myasoedova Veronika A. , Ravani Alessio L. , Frigerio Beatrice , Moschetta Donato , Valerio Vincenza , Massaiu Ilaria , Amato Mauro , Baldassarre Damiano , Poggio Paolo
Published: November 2024

Background: Ageing is a significant risk factor for carotid atherosclerosis, affecting over a billion people worldwide. Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) is a surrogate marker for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, with age- and sex-related differences in levels and progression. The onset of clinical manifestations of CVD in women is delayed by about 10 years compared to men. The present study aims to evaluate whether subclinical atherosclerosis is the same disease in men and women or two pathologies with a possible different etiology. For this purpose, we analyzed the differences in cIMT, the impact of patient characteristics, and the influence of age on cIMT in men and women. Methods: A systematic search related to cIMT measured by an ultrasound and gender-specific differences was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Ninety studies, enrolling 165,551 subjects (76,955 men and 88,553 women), were included in the quantitative synthesis. Results: We found that men compared to women had greater common cIMT, (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.506, p < 0.03; I2: 98.2, p < 0.0001), greater bifurcation IMT (SMD = 1.056, p = 0.022; I2: 99.9%, p < 0.001), and higher internal cIMT (SMD = 1.124, p = 0.017; I2: 99.9%, p < 0.001). The study did not reveal any association between cardiovascular risk factors and differences in cIMT between men and women. A virtual analysis revealed that age-related cIMT is equal between sexes but postponed by 10 years in women. Conclusions: This study showed that classical risk factors for CVD have a comparable effect on cIMT in men and women. While subclinical atherosclerotic disease, as assessed by cIMT, is essentially identical in the two sexes, it manifests itself by about 10 years later in women.
Mechanism and Experimental Study on the Recovery of Rare Earth Elements from Neodymium Iron Boron Waste Using the ZnF2 Fluorination Method
Authors: Liu Youwei , Zhong Yuan , Lei Xiang , Wang Jinliang
Published: November 2024

We conducted a mechanistic and experimental study on zinc fluoride roasting for the recovery of NdFeB waste to address the difficulties faced during this pyrometallurgical recovery process, such as the high dependence on the quality of raw materials, the high energy consumption involved in roasting transformations, and the low added value of mixed rare earth products. Thermodynamic calculations showed the feasibility of fluorinating rare earths in NdFeB waste, and one-factor experiments were performed. The results showed that at a roasting temperature of 850 °C, a reaction time of 90 min, and 100% ZnF2 addition, the fluorination rate of rare earths could reach 95.69%. In addition, after analyzing the mesophase composition of a clinker under different roasting temperature conditions, it was found that, when the roasting temperature exceeded 850 °C, the fluorination rate of rare earths was reduced, which was consistent with the thermodynamic results. On this basis, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to carry out experiments to investigate in depth the effects of various factors and their interactions on the fluorination rate of rare earths, which provides a sufficient experimental basis for the recovery of NdFeB waste via fluorination roasting. The results of this study show that ZnF2 addition had the greatest influence on the rare earth fluorination reaction, followed by roasting temperature and roasting time. According to the optimization results of the model, the optimal roasting conditions were determined as follows: 119% ZnF2 addition at 828 °C, a roasting time of 91 min, and a rare earth element fluorination rate of 97.29%. The purity of the mixed fluorinated rare earths was as high as 98.92% after leaching the roasted clinker with 9 M hydrochloric acid at a leaching temperature of 80 °C, a liquid–solid ratio of 4 mL/g, and a leaching time of 2.5 h. This study will lay the foundation for promoting the application of pyrometallurgical technology in the recycling of NdFeB waste.
Visibility of Recurrent Caries Through Universal Shade Resin Composite Restorations
Authors: Yago Ryotaro , Kawamoto Chiharu , Wu Di , Mirokuin Takuma , Islam Rafiqul , Yamauti Monica , Sano Hidehiko , Tomokiyo Atsushi
Published: November 2024

This in vitro study aimed to investigate whether color differences in the stained cavity floor simulating recurrent caries can be detected using various restored resin composites. Artificial teeth were made with conventional resin composite (Estellite Sigma Quick A3; ET), and class V cavities were prepared. To simulate the color of caries, a dot was marked in the center of the cavity floor using four different magic pens. The cavities were filled with ET and two universal shade resin composites (UC, Omnichroma; OMI, Essentia Universal; ESS). For photographic analysis, a standard correction color chart was used. The color difference (ΔE00) between (i) the lab value at the center of the cavity and (ii) the average lab value at 1 mm mesial and distal to the center of the cavity was calculated. The data were statistically746o-way ANOVA (p < 0.05). For visual analysis, 25 dentists were asked to complete a questionnaire to determine whether the color differences were noticeable. In the photographic analysis, UC showed larger ΔE00 values than ET in all colors. Visual analysis revealed higher detection rates for UC than ET. Universal shade resin composite tends to reflect the color of the cavity more effectively than conventional resin composite.
The Effect of Oil Additives on the Properties of Fly Ash-Based Foamed Geopolymers
Authors: Kozub Barbara , Dudek Jan , Melnychuk Mykola
Published: November 2024

Geopolymers are a modern class of construction materials that show significant potential for sustainable development, especially through the use of industrial wastes such as fly ash. This study investigated the effect of different oil additives on the properties of fly ash-based geopolymers, with particular emphasis on the use of both new and used oils. Test samples were prepared using class F fly ash and a 10-molar solution of sodium hydroxide and an aqueous solution of sodium silicate. Oil additives were added at 5%, 10% and 15% by weight. The physical and mechanical properties of the samples were assessed by measuring density, thermal conductivity, compressive and flexural strength, and by analyzing porosity and microstructure. The results showed that oil additives significantly affected the pore structure and mechanical properties of the geopolymers. Furthermore, the type and condition of the used oil determined the mechanical properties, including compressive and flexural strength. Research indicates the possibility of using oils as additives to geopolymers, which helps improve their physical properties and promotes sustainable development through recycling oil waste.
Simulation of Reactive Fluoropolymer-Based Material Penetrator
Authors: Li Peiyu , Liu Zhenyang , Zhang Jiahao , Guo Mengmeng , Yu Qingbo
Published: November 2024

It is very important to solve the numerical simulation of fluoropolymer-based reactive materials in the process of engineering design. Although custom development techniques are rapidly being applied to numerical simulation problems of reactive materials, they are inconvenient for engineering designers to implement. This paper presents several simulation methods for fluoropolymer-based reactive materials that can be implemented on commercial software platforms. Comparative analyses were conducted on the intrusion–explosion simulation based on a segmented simulation, a simulation based on the Lee–Tarver EOS, and a simulation of impact response models based on the MPM-SICR algorithm. Additionally, the similarities between these methods and experiments were compared. The results show that the impact response model simulation method based on the MPM-SICR algorithm has certain advantages in describing the impact detonation characteristics of reactive materials. The research findings can provide design assistance and a reference for the application design and damage assessment of fluoropolymer-based reactive material penetrators.
Advances in Mineral Processing and Hydrometallurgy: 2nd Edition
Authors: Anderson Corby G. , Cui Hao
Published: November 2024

After a very successful initial debut, this second edition of a Special Issue of Metals has been commissioned that is specifically devoted to aspects of mineral processing and hydrometallurgy [...]
Application of Nanocomposites in Covalent Organic Framework-Based Electrocatalysts
Authors: Zhou Haiping , Li Kechang , Pan Qingqing , Su Zhongmin , Wang Rui
Published: November 2024

In recent years, the development of high-performance electrocatalysts for energy conversion and environmental remediation has become a topic of great interest. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs), linked by covalent bonds, have emerged as promising materials in the field of electrocatalysis due to their well-defined structures, high specific surface areas, tunable pore structures, and excellent acid–base stability. However, the low conductivity of COF materials often limits their intrinsic electrocatalytic activity. To enhance the catalytic performance of COF-based catalysts, various nanomaterials are integrated into COFs to form composite catalysts. The stable and tunable porous structure of COFs provides an ideal platform for these nanomaterials, leading to improved electrocatalytic activity. Through rational design, COF-based composite electrocatalysts can achieve synergistic effects between nanomaterials and the COF carrier, enabling efficient targeted electrocatalysis. This review summarizes the applications of nanomaterial-incorporated COF-based catalysts in hydrogen evolution, oxygen evolution, oxygen reduction, carbon dioxide reduction, and nitrogen reduction. Additionally, it outlines design principles for COF-based composite electrocatalysis, focusing on structure–activity relationships and synergistic effects in COF composite nanomaterial electrocatalysts, as well as challenges and future perspectives for next-generation composite electrocatalysts.
Beta-Alanine Supplementation for CrossFit® Performance
Authors: Verity Hannah , Candow Darren , Chilibeck Philip D.
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to investigate whether beta-alanine supplementation (BA) improves performance and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and reduces the respiratory exchange ratio (RER) during a CrossFit® workout. Fourteen participants were randomized in a double-blind design to either BA or placebo, with 12 participants (7 males, 5 females, 32 ± 9.2 y) completing the study. Participants performed two tests, separated by three weeks of supplementing with either 6.4 g/day of BA or placebo. Performance tests involved time to complete an adapted CrossFit® “Fran” Workout of the Day: 21-15-9 repetition scheme alternating between dumbbell thrusters and kipping pull-ups. No significant differences between the BA group and the placebo group were observed for performance time improvement (−13.4 s vs. −12.9 s, p = 0.97), change in mean RER (0.06 vs. 0.05, p = 0.84), or change in RPE (10-point scale) (−0.4 vs. −0.07, p = 0.56). There was a group × time × time during test interaction for RER (p = 0.021). Compared to pre-testing, post-testing RER was higher at the 25% time point of the test for the BA group and at the 75% and 100% time points in the placebo group (p < 0.05). Beta-alanine did not show significant ergogenic effects during an adapted version of the CrossFit® workout “Fran”, although it might have helped with the buffering of acidity later in the test, based on RER.
Cardiovascular Adverse Events Associated with Prostate Cancer Treatment: A Disproportionality Analysis from the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System Database
Authors: Frey Connor
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Several drugs used to treat prostate cancer have been reported to cause cardiovascular adverse events, and this study sought to identify the real-world risk. Methods: This study utilized real-world data from the FAERS to analyze the association between prostate cancer treatment and cardiovascular adverse events. It evaluated men treated with LHRH agonists and antagonists, antiandrogens, androgen synthesis inhibitors, and PARP inhibitors from 2003 to 2023. This study included patients treated with leuprolide, goserelin, triptorelin, degarelix, relugolix, bicalutamide, flutamide, apalutamide, nilutamide, abiraterone, enzalutamide, olaparib, rucaparib, talazoparib, and niraparib. The main outcome measure was the reported odds ratio (ROR) of adverse cardiovascular event associated with these treatments. Results: Among the 4,049,329 unique adverse event reports, 4391 cardiovascular events were identified. Leuprolide (ROR 0.481, 95% CI: 0.423–0.547), triptorelin (ROR 0.527, 95% CI: 0.305–0.909), enzalutamide (ROR 0.393, 95% CI: 0.341–0.452), and olaparib (ROR 0.145, 95% CI: 0.054–0.386) reduced the risk of myocardial infarction. Goserelin increased the risk of myocardial infarction (ROR 2.235, 95% CI: 1.367–3.654). Degarelix and relugolix both increased the risk of heart failure (ROR 3.136, 95% CI: 2.186–4.497), and enzalutamide was associated with an increased risk of heart failure (ROR 1.305, 95% CI: 1.135–1.501). Bicalutamide increased the risk of unstable angina (ROR 3.019, 95% CI: 1.621–5.622) and heart failure (ROR 3.730, 95% CI: 3.085–4.510). Niraparib increased the risk of hypertension (ROR 4.154, 95% CI: 1.709–10.092). Conclusions: These findings underscore the need for clinicians to monitor cardiac complications in patients undergoing these therapies.
New Insight into the Related Candidate Genes and Molecular Regulatory Mechanisms of Waterlogging Tolerance in Tree Peony Paeonia ostii
Authors: Zhou Minghui , Liu Xiang , Zhao Jiayan , Jiang Feng , Li Weitao , Yan Xu , Hu Yonghong , Yuan Junhui
Published: November 2024

Research on the waterlogging tolerance mechanisms of Paeonia ostii helps us to further understand these mechanisms in the root system and enhance its root bark and oil yields in southern China. In this study, root morphological identification, the statistics of nine physiological and biochemical indicators, and a comparative transcriptome analysis were used to investigate the waterlogging tolerance mechanism in this plant. As flooding continued, the roots’ vigor dramatically declined from 6 to 168 h of waterlogging, the root number was extremely reduced by up to 95%, and the number of roots was not restored after 96 h of recovery. Seven of the nine physiological indicators, including leaf transpiration and photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, root activity, and soluble protein and sugar, showed similar trends of gradually declining waterlogging stress and gradual waterlogging recovery, with little difference. However, the leaf conductivity and super oxide dismutase (SOD) activity gradually increased during flooding recovery and decreased in recovery. The tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle is essential for plants to grow and survive and plays a central role in the breakdown, or catabolism, of organic fuel molecules, also playing an important biological role in waterlogging stress. In total, 591 potential candidate genes were identified, and 13 particular genes (e.g., isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), ATP citrate lyase (ACLY), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), and fumarase (FumA)) in the TCA cycle were also tested using qPCR. This study identifies potential candidate genes and provides theoretical support for the breeding, genetic improvement, and enhancement of the root bark yields of P. ostii, supporting an in-depth understanding of the plant’s physiological and molecular response mechanisms to waterlogging stress, helping future research and practice improve plant waterlogging tolerance and promote plant growth and development.
Effect of Cow Manure Biochar on Lettuce Growth and Nitrogen Agronomy Efficiency
Authors: Park Jae-Hyuk , Cho Han-Na , Lee Ik-Hyeong , Kang Se-Won
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to produce livestock manure biochar to decrease environmental problems from livestock manure and evaluate its effectiveness as an organic fertilizer by examining the growth and nutrient use efficiency of crops. A plot experiment was conducted to investigate the characteristics of lettuce growth and nitrogen use efficiency in upland soils treated with cow manure biochar. The cow manure biochar was applied at rates of 0, 3, 5, 7, and 10 t ha−1 (referred to as CMB0, CMB3, CMB5, CMB7, and CMB10, respectively), along with inorganic fertilizer (IF, NPK—200-59-12 kg ha−1). The lettuce cultivation test was carried out for 42 days, during which the fresh weight, dry weight, length, and number of lettuce leaves were measured. Nitrogen use efficiency was evaluated by determining the agronomic efficiency of N and the apparent recovery fraction of N. Overall, as the cow manure biochar application rate increased, crop growth and nitrogen uptake improved. Soils treated with CMB5 and CMB7 showed higher lettuce growth, nitrogen content, and nitrogen uptake compared to soils under other treatments. Nitrogen use efficiency followed a pattern similar to that of crop productivity, with cow manure biochar application levels playing a significant role. In particular, the agronomic efficiency of N and the apparent recovery fraction of N, which are both related to crop nutrient utilization, were significantly higher in the CMB5 treatment compared to the IF treatment. These results indicate that nitrogen use efficiency can be enhanced through biochar application when growing crops on agricultural land. Therefore, it is suggested that the appropriate application of cow manure biochar can reduce inorganic fertilizer use and increase crop productivity, thereby enabling sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture.
Analysis of Phenolic Compounds of Reynoutria sachalinensis and Reynoutria japonica Growing in the Russian Far East
Authors: Suprun Andrey R. , Kiselev Konstantin V. , Aleynova Olga A. , Manyakhin Artem Yu. , Ananev Alexey A.
Published: November 2024

The Russian Far East is a region of unique biodiversity, with numerous plant species, including Reynoutria japonica and Reynoutria sachalinensis. These plants are considered a serious threat to biodiversity and are classified as threatened species. However, Reynoutria plants synthesize and accumulate a variety of metabolites that are valued for their positive effects on human health. The main objective of this study is to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the content of secondary metabolites in different parts of R. japonica and R. sachalinensis plants. In this study, the results of phylogenetic analysis of the ITS2, matK, and rps16 genes showed that samples collected in the Sakhalin region were closest to R. sachalinensis, while samples collected in Primorsky krai were closer to R. japonica. The high-performance chromatography and mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method was used to identify the compounds. As a result of the identification of metabolites in the leaves, stem, and roots of R. japonica and R. sachalinensis, we showed the presence of a total of 31 compounds, including stilbenes, phenolic acids, flavan-3-ols, flavones and flavonols, naphthalene derivatives, anthraquinones and derivatives, and phenylpropanoid disaccharide esters. The root of R. japonica was shown to be a rich source of stilbenes (up to 229.17 mg/g DW), which was 8.5 times higher than that of R. sachalinensis root (up to 27.04 mg/g DW). The root also contained high amounts of emodin derivatives and vanicoside B. Quercetin and its derivatives were the major metabolites in the leaves and stems of both Reynoutria species. In R. japonica leaves, quercetin-3-O-pentoside was the major compound, reaching a total of 7 mg/g DW, accounting for 34% of all compounds analyzed. In contrast, in R. sachalinensis leaves, quercitrin was the major compound (up to 13.96 mg/g DW), accounting for 62% of all compounds and 12.7 times higher than in R. japonica leaves. In turn, R. japonica leaves also contained high amounts of phenolic acids (up to 10 mg/g DW). Thus, the obtained results showed significant differences in the qualitative and quantitative composition of metabolites between R. japonica and R. sachalinensis plants. Additionally, in this work, a cell culture of R. japonica was obtained and tested for its ability to synthesize and accumulate stilbenes.
Deep Proteome Coverage of Microglia Using a Streamlined Data-Independent Acquisition-Based Proteomic Workflow: Method Consideration for a Phenotypically Diverse Cell Type
Authors: Wohlfahrt Jessica , Guergues Jennifer , Stevens Stanley M.
Published: November 2024

As the primary innate immune cells of the brain, microglia play a key role in various homeostatic and disease-related processes. To carry out their numerous functions, microglia adopt a wide range of phenotypic states. The proteomic landscape represents a more accurate molecular representation of these phenotypes; however, microglia present unique challenges for proteomic analysis. This study implemented a streamlined liquid- and gas-phase fractionation method with data-dependent acquisition (DDA) and parallel accumulation–serial fragmentation (PASEF) analysis on a TIMS-TOF instrument to compile a comprehensive protein library obtained from adult-derived, immortalized mouse microglia with low starting material (10 µg). The empirical library consisted of 9140 microglial proteins and was utilized to identify an average of 7264 proteins/run from single-shot, data-independent acquisition (DIA)-based analysis microglial cell lysate digest (200 ng). Additionally, a predicted library facilitated the identification of 7519 average proteins/run from the same DIA data, revealing complementary coverage compared with the empirical library and collectively increasing coverage to approximately 8000 proteins. Importantly, several microglia-relevant pathways were uniquely identified with the empirical library approach. Overall, we report a simplified, reproducible approach to address the proteome complexity of microglia using low sample input and show the importance of library optimization for this phenotypically diverse cell type.
Rolling Resistance Evaluation of Pavements Using Embedded Transducers on a Semi-Trailer Suspension
Authors: Levesque William , Bégin-Drolet André , Lépine Julien
Published: November 2024

Road agency initiatives to reduce traffic-related greenhouse gas emissions are limited by the inability of current experimental methods to assess pavement impacts on vehicle energy consumption. This study addresses this by examining the rolling resistance of a semi-trailer suspension under highway conditions using a precise measurement system with embedded transducers. Data were collected over 174 km of highway, covering various pavement types under mild summer conditions. The analysis revealed notable differences in rolling resistance due to pavement characteristics, with more pronounced variations observed within pavement types than between them. For instance, geographically consecutive jointed rigid pavements showed a 34% variation in rolling resistance, likely correlated with harmonic excitations generated by slab presence, while flexible pavements exhibited up to a 21% variation under similar tire operating conditions. Composite pavements generally performed the worst, possibly due to interactions between bituminous materials and older cement-based foundations. The study also highlighted the critical role of tire operating conditions, showing a decrease of 0.09 kg/tonne in rolling resistance for every 1 °C increase in temperature. This research shows that precisely measuring the rolling resistance (±0.1 kg/tonne) in situ for heavy vehicles is feasible and underscores the need for additional data in diverse weather scenarios to better align laboratory results with on-road realities.
Kolmogorov–Arnold Network in the Fault Diagnosis of Oil-Immersed Power Transformers
Authors: Cabral Thales W. , Gomes Felippe V. , de Lima Eduardo R. , Filho José C. S. S. , Meloni Luís G. P.
Published: November 2024

Instabilities in energy supply caused by equipment failures, particularly in power transformers, can significantly impact efficiency and lead to shutdowns, which can affect the population. To address this, researchers have developed fault diagnosis strategies for oil-immersed power transformers using dissolved gas analysis (DGA) to enhance reliability and environmental responsibility. However, the fault diagnosis of oil-immersed power transformers has not been exhaustively investigated. There are gaps related to real scenarios with imbalanced datasets, such as the reliability and robustness of fault diagnosis modules. Strategies with more robust models increase the overall performance of the entire system. To address this issue, we propose a novel approach based on Kolmogorov–Arnold Network (KAN) for the fault diagnosis of power transformers. Our work is the first to employ a dedicated KAN in an imbalanced data real-world scenario, named KANDiag, while also applying the synthetic minority based on probabilistic distribution (SyMProD) technique for balancing the data in the fault diagnosis. Our findings reveal that this pioneering employment of KANDiag achieved the minimal value of Hamming loss—0.0323—which minimized the classification error, guaranteeing enhanced reliability for the whole system. This ground-breaking implementation of KANDiag achieved the highest value of weighted average F1-Score—96.8455%—ensuring the solidity of the approach in the real imbalanced data scenario. In addition, KANDiag gave the highest value for accuracy—96.7728%—demonstrating the robustness of the entire system. Some key outcomes revealed gains of 68.61 percentage points for KANDiag in the fault diagnosis. These advancements emphasize the efficiency and robustness of the proposed system.
Quantifying Arm and Leg Movements in 3-Month-Old Infants Using Pose Estimation: Proof of Concept
Authors: Rosales Marcelo R. , Simsic Janet , Kneeland Tondi , Heathcock Jill
Published: November 2024

Background: Pose estimation (PE) has the promise to measure pediatric movement from a video recording. The purpose of this study was to quantify the accuracy of a PE model to detect arm and leg movements in 3-month-old infants with and without (TD, for typical development) complex congenital heart disease (CCHD). Methods: Data from 12 3-month-old infants (N = 6 TD and N = 6 CCHD) were used to assess MediaPipe’s full-body model. Positive predictive value (PPV) and sensitivity assessed the model’s accuracy with behavioral coding. Results: Overall, 499 leg and arm movements were identified, and the model had a PPV of 85% and a sensitivity of 94%. The model’s PPV in TD was 84% and the sensitivity was 93%. The model’s PPV in CCHD was 87% and the sensitivity was 98%. Movements per hour ranged from 399 to 4211 for legs and 236 to 3767 for arms for all participants, similar ranges to the literature on wearables. No group differences were detected. Conclusions: There is a strong promise for PE and models to describe infant movements with accessible and affordable resources—like a cell phone and curated video repositories. These models can be used to further improve developmental assessments of limb function, movement, and changes over time.
Three-Dimensional Weld Pool Monitoring and Penetration State Recognition for Variable-Gap Keyhole Tungsten Inert Gas Welding Based on Stereo Vision
Authors: Wang Zishun , Shi Yonghua , Cui Yanxin , Yan Wenqian
Published: November 2024

K-TIG welding offers the advantages of single-sided welding and double-sided formation, making it widely used for medium/thick-plate welding. The welding quality of K-TIG is closely linked to its penetration state. However, the assembly gap in medium/thick-plate workpieces can easily result in an unstable penetration state. In K-TIG welding, the geometric characteristics of the weld pool are closely related to the penetration state. Compared to arc voltage sensing and acoustic signal sensing, visual sensing is a method capable of obtaining the three-dimensional geometric features of the weld pool. To this end, a K-TIG weld pool three-dimensional monitoring algorithm based on a semantic segmentation network using a stereo vision system with a single High-Dynamic-Range (HDR) camera is proposed in this paper. In order to identify the assembly gap of medium/thick-plate workpieces, a gap width extraction algorithm based on the watershed method is proposed. Subsequently, a penetration state recognition model is constructed, taking the three-dimensional geometric features of the weld pool and the gap width as inputs, with the penetration state as the output. The relationship between the input features and the accuracy of penetration recognition is analyzed through feature ablation experiments. The findings reveal that gap width is the most critical feature influencing the accuracy of penetration recognition, while the area feature negatively affects this accuracy. After removing the area feature, the accuracy of the proposed penetration recognition model reaches 96.7%.
New Design Scheme for and Application of Fresnel Lens for Broadband Photonics Terahertz Communication
Authors: Tian Peng , Han Yang , Li Weiping , Yang Xiongwei , Wang Mingxu , Yu Jianjun
Published: November 2024

In terahertz communication systems, lens antennas used in transceivers are basically plano-convex dielectric lenses. The size of a plano-convex lens increases as the aperture increases, and thinner lenses have longer focal lengths. Through theory and simulation, we designed a Fresnel lens suitable for the terahertz band to meet the requirements of large aperture and short focal length, and simulated the performance, advantages, and disadvantages of the terahertz Fresnel lens. A 300 GHz terahertz wireless communication system was built to verify the gain effect of the Fresnel lens antenna. The experimental results demonstrate that the Fresnel lens can be used for long-distance terahertz communication with larger aperture diameters, overcoming the limitations of traditional plano-convex lenses. The theoretical gain of a 30 cm Fresnel lens is 48.83 dB, while the actual measured gain is approximately 45 dB.
The Impact of AI and LMS Integration on the Future of Higher Education: Opportunities, Challenges, and Strategies for Transformation
Authors: Alotaibi Nayef Shaie
Published: November 2024

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and learning management systems (LMS) is revolutionising higher education, offering unprecedented opportunities for personalised learning, adaptive assessments, and data-driven decision-making. This review investigates the impact of AI–LMS integration on educational quality, student success, and institutional performance in higher education. In addition, this review not only examines the technological integration but also evaluates how AI–LMS systems contribute to sustainable development in higher education through reduced resource consumption, improved accessibility, and enhanced educational equity. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive search of the Scopus database yielded 60 relevant studies published between 2014 and 2023. The review reveals significant benefits of AI–LMS integration, including enhanced student engagement, personalised learning paths, and improved learning outcomes. Key applications include AI-powered conversational agents, adaptive assessments, and learning analytics. However, challenges such as data privacy concerns, algorithmic bias, and the need for faculty training were also identified. The findings highlight strategies for effective AI–LMS implementation, emphasising the importance of ethical considerations and addressing the digital divide. Results demonstrate that AI–LMS integration can significantly enhance educational quality and student performance when implemented thoughtfully. The review also uncovers areas requiring further research, including long-term impacts on learning outcomes, scalability of AI–LMS solutions, and strategies for ensuring equitable access. Future studies should focus on longitudinal assessments of AI–LMS effectiveness, the development of ethical frameworks for AI in education, and the exploration of AI–LMS applications in diverse educational contexts. This review provides valuable insights for higher education institutions seeking to leverage AI–LMS integration to transform teaching and learning practices.
Double-Layer Optimization and Benefit Analysis of Shared Energy Storage Investment Considering Life-Cycle Carbon Emission
Authors: Chen Shijia , Ye Ze
Published: November 2024

As a crucial path to promote the sustainable development of power systems, shared energy storage (SES) is receiving more and more attention. The SES generates carbon emissions during its manufacturing, usage, and recycling process, the neglect of which will introduce a certain extent of errors to the investment of SES, especially in the context of the large-scale integration of renewable energy and dramatic increase in demand for SES capacity. To enhance the accuracy of SES investment, we propose a double-layer optimization model to compute the optimal configuration of a shared energy storage station (SESS) considering its life-cycle carbon emission. First, the service mode, settlement method, profit mechanism, and application scenarios of SESS are introduced. Second, the life-cycle assessment approach is used to calculate the life-cycle carbon emission of SESS, and the uncertainty of supply and demand is considered. Then, a double-layer optimization model that considers the economic operation of multi-microgrid systems and the optimal allocation of SESS is established. The lower-layer model’s Karush–Kuhn–Tucher (KKT) condition is derived to convert the double-layer model into a single-layer one. Finally, a combined heat and power (CHP) three-microgrid system is used to demonstrate the validity of our proposed model, and the economy of SESS investment is analyzed from multiple perspectives. The results show that considering the life-cycle carbon emission of SESS can provide more accurate guidance for investing in and measuring the carbon emission and reduction for SESS.
Local Lidocaine–Prilocaine for Immunisation in Infants
Authors: Pop Claudia-Felicia , Coblișan Petronela , Sas Valentina , Drugă Cătălina , Cherecheș-Panța Paraschiva
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Lidocaine–prilocaine cream effectively reduces vaccination pain, improving vaccination adherence and advocating for its routine use in healthcare settings. Methods: This review used PRISMA guidelines and the PICOT format to structure the analysis. The focus was on paediatric patients aged 0–12 months requiring intramuscular vaccinations, comparing the application of lidocaine–prilocaine cream to other interventions or no treatment. Data sources included MEDLINE, PUBMED, EMBASE, BMC, Research GATE, and Cochrane Library. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, with data extracted regarding participant demographics, pain assessment scales, and study conclusions. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool assessed study quality, while statistical analyses evaluated the effectiveness of the intervention. Results: Fifty studies were identified, with nine ultimately included in the analysis, involving 704 participants. The primary outcome was the effectiveness of lidocaine–prilocaine cream in reducing pain after vaccinations. Results showed a significant mean difference of −1.719 in pain scores for infants treated with lidocaine–prilocaine compared to those receiving other interventions. Behavioural indicators, such as crying duration and latency to the first cry, favoured the lidocaine–prilocaine group. Conclusions: Lidocaine–prilocaine cream effectively reduces vaccination pain, supporting its routine use in healthcare settings. Engaging parents can enhance vaccination adherence. Training healthcare professionals on lidocaine–prilocaine cream application and pain scales is vital for improving patient satisfaction. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term effects of lidocaine–prilocaine cream on vaccination experiences and infant behavioural health.
Advancements in Nanoparticle-Based Adjuvants for Enhanced Tuberculosis Vaccination: A Review
Authors: Wang Jiao , Zhao Zian , Wang Quan , Shi Jingyu , Wong Duo Wai-Chi , Cheung James Chung-Wai
Published: November 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, necessitating the development of more effective vaccines. Nanoparticle-based adjuvants represent a promising approach to enhancing tuberculosis vaccine efficacy. This review focuses on the advantages of nanoparticulate-loaded vaccines, emphasizing their ability to improve antigen delivery, safety, and immunogenicity. We discuss the various types of nanoparticles and their unique physicochemical properties that contribute to improved antigen delivery and sustained immune activation. Additionally, we highlight the advantages of nanoparticle-based adjuvants in inducing strong cellular and humoral immunity, enhancing vaccine stability, and reducing adverse effects. Finally, we address current challenges and future perspectives in the application of these novel adjuvants, emphasizing their potential to transform TB vaccine strategies and ultimately contribute to better global health outcomes.
Strategy for the development of the territory of the Murmansk region: branding and legending
Authors:   Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Glukhovchenko E. V. , Zeveke O. Yu. ,   Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Moscow
Published: November 2024

The Murmansk region offers a variety of outdoor activities, including skiing and snowboarding,
fishing and hunting, quad biking excursions and boat trips due to its rich and diverse nature. Tourism in the Murmansk region is a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the pristine nature of the Arctic,
enjoy the northern flavor, as well as get a lot of new impressions and emotions. At any time of the year, this region attracts with its beauty and hospitality, leaving an unforgettable impression on every visitor.
Model of sustainable tourism development in the Republic of Georgia
Authors:   Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Tamari Dzhashi , Zeveke O. Yu. ,   Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Moscow
Published: November 2024

The article is devoted to the Model of Sustainable Tourism Development in Georgia, which
plays a significant role in the country’s economy. It contributes to the development of infrastructure, the creation of new jobs and an increase in the population’s income. However, the growth of tourism can
have a negative impact on the environment, cultural heritage and social structures. To ensure sustainable
tourism development, it is necessary to consider economic, environmental and socio-cultural aspects.
The model of sustainable tourism development includes measures to preserve natural resources, support
local communities and cultural traditions, as well as ensure economic benefits for all industry participants.
Tourism plays a significant role in the economy of the Republic of Georgia, being one of the main sources of income for the country. Georgia attracts tourists with its diverse natural and cultural heritage, as well as the hospitality of residents. Tourism in Georgia has great potential for development, but there is a need to create a sustainable development model that would consider environmental, social and economic aspects.
Professional burnout among healthcare work - ers (development determinants and prevention strategies)
Authors:   FSBEI HE Samara State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Babanov S. A. , Ostryakova N. A. ,   FSBEI HE Samara State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Lysova M. V. ,   FSBEI HE Samara State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
Published: November 2024

Introduction. The novel coronavirus pandemic has made adjustments to all areas of modern
people’s lives. The number of COVID-19 cases has a significant impact on HCWs, increasing
their susceptibility to burnout. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the highest levels of
burnout syndrome is observed in HCWs. The additional challenges they faced multiplied the workload
of healthcare professionals, as well as increased their susceptibility to stress.
The purpose of the study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the severity of the phases of emotional
burnout according to V. V. Boyko among healthcare workers and determine the role of occupational
factors in the formation of burnout among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Materials and methods. The study involved HCWs working in the «red zone» (n=201), HCWs from
polyclinics (n=186), HCWs of multidisciplinary hospitals (n=195), and a control group (n=190).
The following research methods were used: a questionnaire survey to assess the attitude of HCWs
to the situation during the COVID-19 pandemic; the questionnaire by V. V. Boyko «Diagnostics of
Emotional Burnout Level,» which is a questionnaire of 84 questions.
Results. A high level of emotional burnout has been revealed in the general sample of healthcare
workers compared with the control group. The most pronounced phases of emotional burnout, such
as tension, resistance, and exhaustion, are found in HCWs working in the «red zone» compared
with HCWs in multidisciplinary hospitals and those in polyclinics. The occupational factors involved
in the formation of emotional burnout among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic
include: high workload, imposed restrictive measures, fear of disease, lack and shortage of PPE,
threat and risk of contracting the novel coronavirus infection, long period of isolation, financial
instability, insufficient (at the first stage) accumulated knowledge about the new little-studied disease,feeling of discrimination and/or stigmatization.
Compliance with ethical standards. The study was conducted in compliance with all ethical principles.
Formation of a current concept of silicosis pathogenesis (on the 100th birthday anniversar y of RAS academician B. T. Velichkovskiy)
Authors:   FSBEI HE Samara State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Babanov S.A.
Published: November 2024

Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Boris Tikhonovich Velichkovsky (October 6,
1923 — September 17, 2020) holds a special place among scientists of occupational pathologists
and hygienists — Soviet and Russian scientist-hygienist, health organizer, full member of the
Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR (1988), Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, RAS
(2013). Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor B. T. Velichkovsky was born in 1923 in the city of
Orel, moved with his parents to Sverdlovsk. In August 1941, he volunteered for the army and was sent to the school of second lieutenants of infantry in Novosibirsk, but did not pass the mandatory
commission. As a member of the construction company, he worked on In the Urals, he worked as
a miner at the Degtyarsky copper mine and, after a spinal injury, as a grinder at the tool shop of the
OCM plant in the city of Revda. He also had an open form of pulmonary tuberculosis.
Tuberculosis in children and adolescents in the Ryazan region in 2010–2023: dynamics of the main epidemiological indicators and problems of prevention
Authors:   FSEI HPE «Ryazan State Medical University named after Academician I. P. Pavlov» Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Ryazan, Russia, Senkina E. L. , Zdolnik T. D. ,   FSEI HPE «Ryazan State Medical University named after Academician I. P. Pavlov» Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Ryazan, Russia, Burtasova M. S. ,   FSEI HPE «Ryazan State Medical University named after Academician I. P. Pavlov» Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Ryazan, Russia, Demchenko M. A. ,   FSEI HPE «Ryazan State Medical University named after Academician I. P. Pavlov» Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Ryazan, Russia
Published: November 2024

Tuberculosis is included in the list of socially significant infectious diseases that pose a
threat to public health. Despite the fact that the structure of tuberculosis cases in the Russian Federation
is dominated by the adult population, the incidence of this infection in children and adolescents
can be considered as an indicator of epidemic distress, which determines the relevance of analyzing
the state of the problem in this particular population group. The aim is to identify the features of the
course of the epidemic process of tuberculosis in children and adolescents in the Ryazan region in
2010–2023. It was established that in 2010–2023 in the Ryazan region there were changes in the
dynamics and structure of children and adolescents with tuberculosis. An increase in the incidence
of children aged 0–14 years in 2019–2023 was revealed against the background of stabilization of
this indicator in the group of adolescents. The highest incidence rates occurred among people aged
15–17 and 7–14 years. In 2018–2022, more severe forms of the disease began to prevail in the structure
of sick children and adolescents: tuberculosis of the intracoracic lymph nodes was replaced by
pulmonary tuberculosis. At the same time, there were changes in the indicators characterizing the
early detection of this infection: the coverage of tuberculin diagnostics and fluorographic examinations
decreased, there were errors in dispensary monitoring of children in contact with sources
of infection, the proportion of people who received chemoprophylaxis and sanatorium treatment
decreased. The revealed changes are markers of latent epidemic distress and require immediate
targeted measures of influence.