bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychiatric Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tambelli Renata , Tosto Sara , Favieri Francesca
Published: February 2025

The perinatal period, due to the many physical, psychological, and social changes in future mothers, may represent a critical phase with an increased risk for mental health. Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the main syndromes that affect around 17 percent of women after pregnancy and in the first months of motherhood. This systematic review, following PRISMA guidelines, aimed to identify the main pre-partum psychiatric risk factors that may influence the occurrence and diagnosis of PPD with a focus on the antenatal and clinical history of depression, bipolar disorders, obsessive–compulsive disorder, and psychosis. From the search in main scientific databases (Web of Science, Pubmed, Psychinfo, and Scopus), 37 articles were included for the critical evaluation. The studies showed that antenatal depression and depressive episodes during pregnancy represent higher risk factors for PPD. Also, a clinical history of major depression, especially if associated with other risk factors (such as poor demographic or social conditions) increases the risk for PPD. From the systematic analysis emerged a paucity of studies considering the other psychiatric syndromes that should be overcome. PPD represents a multisystemic syndrome involving all the aspects of a mother’s life as well as affecting children’s development; for this reason, exploring the role of mental health risk factors for PPD onset, progression, and prognosis is relevant, from a clinical point of view, to find the best way to promote the mother’s psychological well-being from the antenatal period.
Schedule Risk Analysis of Prefabricated Building Projects Based on DEMATEL-ISM and Bayesian Networks
Authors: Zhong Chunling , Zhang Siyu
Published: February 2025

The schedule is a critical factor in the development of prefabricated buildings. This paper establishes the schedule risk influencing factors for prefabricated building projects across five dimensions—design, production, transportation, installation, and others—encompassing a total of 14 factors. By integrating DEMATEL and ISM, it constructs a hierarchical network model using expert knowledge and maps it to Bayesian networks (BN), and the node probabilities were calculated using fuzzy set theory combined with the noisy-OR gate model. This DEMATEL-ISM-BN model not only infers the probability of schedule risk occurrence in prefabricated construction projects through causal reasoning and controls the schedule risk of prefabricated construction projects, but it also deduces the posterior probabilities of other influencing factors when a schedule risk occurs through diagnostic reasoning. This approach identifies the key factors contributing to schedule risk and pinpoints the final influencing factors. Research has shown that the three influencing factors of “tower crane worker lifting level”, “construction worker component installation technology”, and “design changes” significantly affect project progress, providing a new risk assessment tool for prefabricated building project progress, effectively helping enterprises identify potential risks, formulate risk control strategies, improve project success rates, and overall benefits.
Therapeutic Targeting of the Janus Kinase/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription Pathway in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Kashyap Alisha , Dai Julia , Ni Xiao
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a rare group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas characterized by the clonal expansion of malignant T cells. While current treatments can alleviate symptoms and significant progress has been made in treating leukemic CTCL, a definitive cure remains elusive. Dysregulation of the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway is a key driver of CTCL pathogenesis. As a result, therapeutic strategies targeting JAK/STAT signaling have gained momentum, with the increasing use of JAK inhibitors and other agents that effectively suppress this pathway. These immune-modulating therapies have broad effects on physiological processes, inflammation, and the pathological changes associated with both inflammatory diseases and cancers. Several JAK inhibitors, originally FDA-approved for inflammatory conditions, are now being investigated for cancer treatment. Methods: In this paper, a brief review of the literature on JAK/STAT pathway dysregulation in CTCL is provided, highlighting both clinical and preclinical studies involving JAK inhibitors and other agents that target this pathway. Results: Specifically, we focus on six JAK inhibitors currently under clinical investigation—golidocitinib, ruxolitinib, cerdulatinib, tofacitinib, upadacitinib, and abrocitinib. Additionally, we discuss preclinical studies that explore the mechanisms underlying JAK/STAT pathway inhibition in CTCL. Furthermore, we review reported cases in which CTCL relapsed or emerged following JAK inhibitor treatment. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings support the potential clinical utility of targeting the JAK/STAT pathway in CTCL. However, further research is needed to evaluate safety risks, minimize adverse effects, and optimize these therapeutic strategies.
Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Drug and Biomarker Discovery for Glioblastoma: A Scoping Review of the Literature
Authors: Conte Luana , Caruso Gerardo , Philip Anil K. , Cucci Federico , De Nunzio Giorgio , Cascio Donato , Caffo Maria
Published: February 2025

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative tool in healthcare, particularly in drug and biomarker discovery, where it can enhance precision, streamline discovery processes, and optimize treatment strategies. Despite its potential, the application of AI in glioblastoma (GB) research, especially in identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets, remains underexplored. The aim of this review is to map the existing literature on AI-driven approaches for biomarker and drug discovery in GB, highlighting key trends and gaps in current research. Design: Following a PRISMA methodology, this scoping review examined studies published between 2012 and 2024. Searches were conducted across multiple databases, including MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science (WOS). Eligible studies were screened, and relevant data were extracted and synthesized to provide a comprehensive overview of AI applications in GB research. Results: A total of 224 records were identified, including 210 from PubMed, 104 from Scopus, 4 from WOS, and 6 from the Cochrane Library. After screening and applying eligibility criteria, 33 studies were included in the final review. These studies showcased diverse AI methodologies applied to both drug discovery and biomarker identification, focusing on various aspects of GB biology and treatment. Conclusions: This scoping review reveals an increasing interest in AI-driven strategies for biomarker and drug discovery in GB, with promising initial results. However, further large-scale, rigorous studies are needed to validate real-world applications of AI and the development of standardized protocols to enhance reproducibility and clinical translation.
Predictive Value of Circulatory Total VEGF-A and VEGF-A Isoforms for the Efficacy of Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 Antibodies in Patients with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Hirakawa Tetsu , Yamaguchi Kakuhiro , Funaishi Kunihiko , Shimoji Kiyofumi , Sakamoto Shinjiro , Horimasu Yasushi , Masuda Takeshi , Nakashima Taku , Iwamoto Hiroshi , Hamada Hironobu , Yamada Shingo , Hattori Noboru
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A promotes an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, potentially affecting the efficacy of anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibody therapy. VEGF121 and VEGF165, VEGF-A isoforms, promote and inhibit tumor growth, respectively. Additionally, VEGF-A levels differ depending on whether they are measured in serum or plasma. However, whether the serum or plasma levels of total VEGF-A (tVEGF-A) or its isoforms are the most suitable for predicting anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibody therapy efficacy remains unclear. Methods: Eighty-six patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who were treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibody monotherapy between December 2015 and December 2023 were retrospectively enrolled. The association between the serum and plasma levels of tVEGF-A and its isoforms (VEGF121 and VEGF165) and treatment outcomes was analyzed. Results: The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 2.9 months, and the objective response rate (ORR) was 23.3%. PFS was significantly shorter in patients with higher tVEGF-A serum levels (≥484.2 pg/mL) than in those without (median PFS 2.1 vs. 3.7 months, p = 0.004). In contrast, plasma tVEGF-A levels could not be used to stratify PFS. Therefore, the serum levels of VEGF-A isoforms were measured. Patients with higher VEGF121 serum levels (≥523.5 pg/mL) showed both significantly shorter PFS (median PFS 2.3 vs. 3.3 months, p = 0.022) and a lower ORR (9.7% vs. 30.9%, p = 0.033) than those without. Multivariate Cox and logistic regression analyses showed that higher levels of serum VEGF121 were significantly associated with shorter PFS and a lower ORR. Conclusions: Serum VEGF121 levels may be useful in predicting anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibody monotherapy efficacy.
Coal Fly Ash and Acid Mine Drainage-Based Fe-BEA Catalysts for the Friedel–Crafts Alkylation of Benzene
Authors: Hlatywayo Tapiwa , Petrik Leslie , Louis Benoit
Published: February 2025

Coal fly ash and acid mine drainage are significant environmental issues in South Africa, causing storage constraints and impacting water quality. This study explores the use of coal fly ash and acid mine drainage in preparing zeolite HBEA-supported Fe catalysts. The Na-BEA parent catalysts were synthesised hydrothermally using coal fly ash as a feedstock. The Fe was loaded upon the H-BEA form zeolite using liquid-phase ion exchange or wet impregnation, using Fe-rich acid mine drainage as the metal precursor. The ion-exchanged Fe-BEA catalysts exhibited excellent activity, with the highest selectivity achieved over the 25 AHW after 0.5 h on stream. The study also found that when impregnation was used to load Fe onto the zeolite support, other metals present in the AMD affected the overall activity, with Mn, Ca, Mg, and Na decreasing conversion and selectivity, while Ni had a promoting effect. This study demonstrates that green solid acid catalysts with high catalytic activity can be prepared using two waste materials, coal fly ash and acid mine drainage. To the best of our knowledge, we are reporting for the first time the use of acid mine drainage as a metal precursor in Fe-BEA catalyst preparation.
Treatment Response in Individual Organs Affected by Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Authors: Morishita Takanobu , Martin Paul J. , Inamoto Yoshihiro
Published: February 2025

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) occurs in 30–70% of patients after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and increases the risks of morbidity and mortality. Systemic corticosteroids are the standard initial treatment, but one-third of patients require subsequent treatment with other systemic agents. Treatment decisions are often based on physicians’ experience. The expected treatment response rates in specific organs affected by chronic GVHD may inform such decisions. In this review, we identify 20 studies reporting treatment response rates in individual organs according to objective criteria, summarize the results, discuss the caveats in data interpretation, identify the unmet needs, and suggest future directions in the field. For cutaneous sclerosis, we observed large discrepancies in organ response rates according to the current NIH criteria and patient-reported improvement, highlighting the need for better measurement tools. High response rates for lung involvement with certain novel drugs deserve further investigation.
Caspase-8: Arbitrating Life and Death in the Innate Immune System
Authors: Gupta Sahil , Lopez Monica Aida , Ektesabi Amin M. , Tsoporis James N. , Vaswani Chirag M. , Gandhi Shil Y. , Fairn Gregory D. , Dos Santos Claudia C. , Marshall John C.
Published: February 2025

The canonical function of caspase-8 is to control timely cellular apoptosis to maintain tissue homeostasis and clear dysfunctional cells; however, emerging findings reveal novel, non-canonical roles of caspase in addition to regulating cellular apoptosis, including inflammatory response regulation, immune function, and cell differentiation. Furthermore, the functional versatility of caspase-8 is reported to be contingent on the presence and dimerization of various isoforms, which are produced through alternative splicing, altering its function and protein–protein interactions. Equally important are post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation and ubiquitination, which can act as a nexus to control caspase-8 activity and cellular localization. Here, we review the alternative splicing and post-translational modifications made to caspase-8 and discuss their influence on its canonical and non-canonical roles.
Postnatal Growth Assessment of the Very-Low-Birth-Weight Preterm Infant
Authors: McNelis Kera , Thoene Melissa , Huff Katie A. , Fu Ting Ting , Alja’nini Zaineh , Viswanathan Sreekanth
Published: February 2025

Preterm birth represents a nutritional emergency and a sudden dissociation of the maternal–placental–fetal unit that regulates metabolic and endocrine physiology. Growth demonstrates health and is a signal of physiological well-being. Growth is expensive for a critically ill infant and possible only after other homeostasis energy demands are met. Despite an expert-stated goal that preterm infants should grow at a similar rate to their gestational age-matched fetal counterparts, this is not the reality for many preterm infants. Other investigators have proposed new metrics for growth quality in the neonatal intensive care unit. This review discusses growth assessment and standards in very-low-birth-weight infants and attempts to address the knowledge gap of which growth metrics are the most important to monitor.
The Use of General Inverse Problem Platform (GRIPP) as a Robust Backtracking Solution
Authors: de Souza Nikolas Gomes Silveira , Lugon Jader , Fernandes Alexandre Macedo , Neves Ramiro Joaquim de Jesus , Silva Neto Antônio José da
Published: February 2025

This study addresses the challenge of identifying pollutant sources in aquatic coastal environments using inverse problem techniques hampered by particularities in hydrodynamic and Lagrangian models. An approach is presented employing the General Inverse Problem Platform (GRIPP) coupled with a General Simulated Annealing (GenSA) algorithm for robust backtracking. This methodology was applied to a hypothetical case study in Guanabara Bay, Brazil, using the MOHID Water platform for hydrodynamic and Lagrangian simulations. GRIPP significantly improved emission identification and pathway representativeness compared to traditional backtracking methods by exploring multiple potential particle origins and optimizing seeding parameters. The optimization yielded a solution with a mean error of 0.019 degrees between predicted and observed tracer locations. This demonstrates the potential of GRIPP and GenSA for solving practical environmental problems in coastal regions. The use of GRIPP can bypass eventual numerical errors in cases of long-term pollution source identification when compared to traditional methods. This approach contributes with blended models for the identification of potential sources of Lagrangian tracer emissions, as well as a potential solution to determine the pathways of pollutants.
Stress Analysis in Tungsten Alloys Modified with Plasma Flows and Irradiated with Helium Ions
Authors: Ryskulov Azamat , Shymanski Vitaliy , Amanzhulov Bauyrzhan , Ivanov Igor , Uglov Vladimir , Astashynski Valiantsin , Koloberdin Mikhail , Kuzmitski Anton , Kurakhmedov Alisher
Published: February 2025

As the development of nuclear fusion depends on plasma-facing materials, new methods for improving the radiation resistance of tungsten are being created and tested. This paper presents the results of studying the structure, surface morphology, phase composition, and residual internal stresses in tungsten alloys modified by plasma flows and irradiated with helium ions with an energy of 40 keV and doses of (1–3) × 1017 cm−2. It is shown that the effect of compression plasma flows on tungsten leads to the modification of its grain structure in the near-surface layer, forming dispersed cells of 220–320 nm in size due to high-speed crystallization. The results of measuring the lattice parameters and internal stresses in irradiated tungsten alloys showed that the near-surface layer accumulates radiation defects, creating internal stresses, the relaxation of which leads to local destruction of the surface. Preliminary plasma treatment creates an increased density of intergranular boundaries, which serve as sinks for radiation defects and increase the radiation resistance of tungsten alloys.
Farmers’ Perception of Ecosystem Services Provided by Historical Rubber Plantations in Sankuru Province, DR Congo
Authors: Mobunda Tiko Joël , Ndjadi Serge Shakanye , OBANDZA - AYESSA Jémima Lydie , Banga Daniel Botshumo , Balandi Julien Bwazani , Musavandalo Charles Mumbere , Mweru Jean Pierre Mate , Michel Baudouin , Rakotondrasoa Olivia Lovanirina , To Hulu Jean Pierre Meniko
Published: February 2025

The province of Sankuru, located within the Democratic Republic of Congo, is distinguished by its extensive rubber plantations, which have a long history in the region. These plantations have had a considerable impact on the region’s agrarian landscape over time. In addition to the exploitation of latex, for which the conditions are currently very limited, these plantations provide goods and services to the local population and are dominated by rural communities that are highly dependent on these natural resources. This study aimed to characterize the socio-demographic and agrarian profile of historical rubber plantations while assessing the occurrence of the ecosystem services (ESs) they provide. Particular attention will be paid to the farmers’ perceptions of these services, an essential element for the rational management of natural resources. This study used a mixed methodological approach, integrating semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and statistical analyses including chi-square testing and multiple correspondence factorial analysis (MCAFA) to obtain and analyze the data comprehensively. The results indicate that historical rubber plantations in Sankuru provide 21 ESs, which are grouped into four categories: eleven provisioning services, four regulating services, four cultural services, and two supporting services. It has been observed that local communities attach significant importance to the provision of services including the provision of firewood (96.67%) and the utilization of forest resources for traditional pharmacopoeia (91.33%). These plantations have come to be regarded as valuable cultural heritage by local communities over time. The younger generation evinces a greater interest in utility services than the older generation, which displays a preference for cultural services. However, older people demonstrate a more profound understanding of cultural and regulatory services. By emphasizing the species that contribute to ESs and recognizing plantations as cultural heritage, the study enhances the comprehension of the significance of local ecosystems. These findings provide a crucial foundation for directing local policy toward integrated management of historic rubber plantations in Sankuru. By considering the perceptions of local people, the study contributes to the sustainable conservation of these plantations for the present and future generations.
Flash-Flood-Induced Changes in the Hydrochemistry of the Albufera of Valencia Coastal Lagoon
Authors: Soria Juan M. , Muñoz Rafael , Campillo-Tamarit Noelia , Molner Juan Víctor
Published: February 2025

In the context of climate change, extreme meteorological events such as severe storms produced by an isolated high-level atmospheric depression (known in Spanish as “Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos”—DANA) are becoming increasingly frequent in the Mediterranean region, posing significant risks to ecosystems and human infrastructure. This study evaluates the impact of a DANA event in October 2024 on the water quality of Albufera Lake (Spain), a crucial Mediterranean wetland. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted by combining field data on physicochemical and biological parameters with satellite observations (Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8) to assess alterations before and after the event. Variables such as conductivity, nitrate, and total solids exhibited significant reductions immediately following the DANA, with conductivity decreasing by 82% compared to pre-event levels. These alterations signify a substantial renewal of the lake system driven by heavy rainfall and subsequent water releases. However, the lake demonstrated signs of recovery toward pre-event conditions over the following month. These results are consistent with previous findings, underscoring the system’s resilience and the necessity of periodic water releases to maintain ecological balance. The use of remote sensing tools effectively captured these dynamics, offering valuable insights for the long-term monitoring of water quality. This study highlights the urgent need for proactive management strategies to mitigate the effects of increasingly intense meteorological disturbances.
Bilateral Maculopathy After Self-Inflicted Laser Pointer Injury
Authors: Wójcik-Niklewska Bogumiła , Zdort Zofia , Oliwa Zofia , Sawuła Paulina
Published: February 2025

We present the case of an 11-year-old male with bilateral maculopathy caused by exposure to an astronomy laser pointer with an estimated power output of 50–100 mW. Symptoms began after exposure, and initial evaluation revealed a temporal pigment nevus in the left eye. Further examination identified bilateral retinal photoreceptor loss and subfoveal structural changes on optical coherence tomography (OCT), including reduced hyperreflectivity and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) defects. Visual acuity was recorded as 0.6 in the right eye and 0.4 in the left eye. Laser pointer maculopathy has been increasingly reported, especially in children, raising significant public health concerns. OCT findings commonly reveal hyperreflective outer retinal changes and RPE disruptions. Prognosis varies, ranging from partial recovery to permanent visual impairment. Preventive measures, including public education and regulation of high-powered lasers, are critical to mitigating this avoidable cause of retinal injury. This case highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis, imaging, and awareness to address the growing prevalence of laser-induced ocular injuries.
Spontaneous Closure of a Full-Thickness Traumatic Macular Hole in a Paediatric Patient
Authors: Wójcik-Niklewska Bogumiła , Filipek Erita
Published: February 2025

A macular hole is a defect of the neurosensory retina at the fovea. Post-traumatic holes can occur immediately after blunt trauma, causing severe non-penetrating retinal contusion or after sudden detachment of the vitreous from the retina. Post-traumatic macular holes can close spontaneously or may require vitreoretinal surgery. This paper aims to present the case of an 11-year-old boy with a macular hole following a ball injury. The child reported deterioration of visual acuity. Ophthalmic examination, ocular ultrasound, optical coherence tomography (OCT), perimetry, and a pattern visual evoked potential (VEP) test were performed. On the day of injury, the visual acuity of the right eye was 0.04 and intraocular pressure was 28 mmHg; the eyelid skin was reddened, and superficial conjunctival injection was observed. A fundus examination revealed oedema, pre-retinal haemorrhages, and a macular hole; peripheral retinal oedema in the superior temporal quadrant with pre-retinal haemorrhages was also seen. At the follow-up appointment scheduled 5 months following hospital discharge, visual acuity of the right eye was 0.3 and intraocular pressure was 20 mmHg. Follow-up OCT images of the OD macula were comparable to the findings obtained on the day of hospital discharge, i.e., 10 days after blunt trauma to the right eye. The left-eye OCT did not reveal any abnormalities.
Transcriptome Study in Sicilian Patients with Huntington’s Disease
Authors: Salemi Michele , Di Stefano Vincenzo , Schillaci Francesca A. , Marchese Giovanna , Salluzzo Maria Grazia , Cordella Angela , De Leo Ilenia , Perrotta Concetta Simona , Nibali Giuseppe , Lanza Giuseppe , Ferri Raffaele
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Huntington’s disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by the expansion of the CAG nucleotide repeat in the first exon of the huntingtin (HTT) gene. The disease typically manifests between the second and third decades of life and progresses gradually. The pathogenesis of HD involves the dysregulation of gene expression, influenced by various molecular processes ranging from transcription to protein stability. Methods: To investigate potential variations in gene expression associated with HD, a transcriptome study was conducted using peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples from 15 HD patients and 15 controls, all of Sicilian origin. Results: The analysis identified 7179 statistically significant differentially expressed genes between the two groups. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Gene Ontology (GO) terms were applied to identify the pathways affected by these differentially expressed mRNAs. The GSEA results highlighted significant associations between HD and GO pathways related to ribosomal functions and structure. These pathways were predominantly characterized by negative expression, with a substantial number of genes showing dysregulation. This suggests that the molecular processes leading to protein translation via ribosomes may be impaired in HD. Furthermore, dysregulation was observed in genes and non-coding RNAs involved in regulatory roles across various transcriptional processes. Conclusions: These findings support the hypothesis that the entire process, from transcription to translation, is disrupted in HD patients carrying the CAG repeat expansion in the first exon of the HTT gene.
Joint Optimization of Data Collection for Multi-UAV-and-IRS-Assisted IoT in Urban Scenarios
Authors: Yang Yuhang , Hong Yi , Fan Xin , Li Deying , Chen Zhibo
Published: February 2025

Due to their distinct economic efficiency and adaptability advantages, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) can serve as mobile data collectors, collecting data from Internet of Things Devices (IoTDs). As a promising emerging technology, the Intelligent Reflecting Surface (IRS) holds the potential to overcome architectural barriers and improve communication quality in urban environments. This study investigates the development of an IoT data collection system tailored for urban environments, leveraging the synergistic operation of multiple UAVs and IRSs. In light of the limited coverage capacity of an individual IRS, we deploy several IRSs, with multiple UAVs stationed at various base stations (BSs) to collect data from IoTDs. We propose a grouping genetic algorithm-independent double deep-Q network-alternating optimization (GGA-IDDQN-AO) approach, aiming to minimize the average mission completion time for a mission cycle. This approach optimizes both the deployment and mission allocation strategies of UAVs using the grouping genetic algorithm. Additionally, by integrating deep reinforcement learning with the alternating optimization algorithm, the flight trajectories of UAVs and IRSs’ phase shifts are fine-tuned. The effectiveness of the GGA-IDDQN-AO approach is validated through comprehensive simulations, which demonstrate that the integration of IRSs leads to a notable performance enhancement in the IoT data collection system.
Association Between the Information Environment, Knowledge, Perceived Lack of Information, and Uptake of the HPV Vaccine in Female and Male Undergraduate Students in Belgrade, Serbia
Authors: Mandić-Rajčević Stefan , Stojković Vida Jeremić , Paunić Mila , Ristić Snežana Stojanović , Obradović Marija , Vuković Dejana , Cvjetković Smiljana
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study was to assess the association between the use of and trust in sources of information, knowledge about human papillomavirus (HPV) and vaccines against it, perceived lack of information, and the decision to receive the HPV vaccine in undergraduate students in Belgrade. The sample of this cross-sectional study included students aged 18 to 27 who received the second dose of the HPV vaccine or used other services of the general medicine department at the Institute for Students’ Health of Belgrade during the period June–July 2024. The research instrument was a questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic data, information environment (sources of information, trust in sources of information, as well as questions related to perceived lack of information), knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccines, and vaccination status. Participants filled out an online questionnaire created on the RedCap platform of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, which they accessed via a QR code. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to assess the association between vaccine status and socio-demographic characteristics, use and trust in information sources, knowledge, and perceived lack of information. Of the 603 participants who filled out the questionnaire completely, 78.6% were vaccinated against HPV. Key factors associated with vaccine uptake were female gender (OR = 2.33, p < 0.05), use of scientific literature (OR = 1.40, p < 0.05) and family as a source of information (OR = 1.37, p < 0.01), less frequent use of regional TV channels (OR = 0.76, p < 0.05), higher level of knowledge (OR = 1.43, p < 0.01), and lower perceived lack of information (OR = 0.50, p < 0.01). These variables explained 41% of variability in vaccine uptake in the multivariate hierarchical logistic regression model. Exposure to and trust in sources of information were significantly associated with knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccination, as well as with the perceived lack of information regarding HPV vaccination, and were the most significant determinants of the decision to accept HPV vaccine in the student population.
Enhanced Radiation in a Millimeter-Wave Circularly Polarized On-Chip Bowtie Antenna Using a Low-Cost PCB Package
Authors: Wang Yanjun , Liang Jiasheng , Hong Aguan , Yi Xiang , Qin Pei , Zhu Haoshen , Che Wenquan , Xue Quan
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a circularly polarized on-chip antenna (OCA) operating in the D-band for a fully integrated bidirectional transceiver in TSMC 40 nm bulk CMOS process. Circular polarization is achieved by arranging two pairs of antennas in an orthogonal configuration. The target design at 145 GHz features a compact hybrid structure that integrates a bowtie antenna with a PCB package. This configuration not only shields the antenna from environmental interference but also improves its radiation efficiency. The proposed OCA demonstrates a simulated gain of −1.4 dBi and a radiation efficiency of 32% at 145 GHz, along with a compact footprint of 0.4 × 0.4 mm2. To further enhance radiation efficiency and gain, the antenna elements are integrated into chip arrays. The OCA design presented in this work addresses key objectives in system design, including compactness, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility with existing technologies.
Floating Reduced Duty Cycle Step-Down Converter
Authors: Himmelstoss Felix A.
Published: February 2025

Alongside the interleaved concept, the floating two-stage converter concept can be applied to increase the power of a converter. Two converters can be connected in parallel at the input and in series at the output. Using two non-inverting step-down converters with a limited duty cycle, the output voltage of the complete converter is the sum of the output voltages of the two stages reduced by the input voltage. The load current of each stage is equal to the load current of the complete converter. It is useful to build such a converter symmetrically. The converter is treated in the steady state, and large and small signal models are derived using one converter stage which is loaded with the output current of the complete converter in the case of a resistive load. The inrush is studied when the converter is applied to a stable input voltage. To avoid the inrush, a pre-stage is connected in front of the converter. The voltage and the current stress of the semiconductor components are investigated. The transfer functions are calculated and Bode plots are shown for an operating point.
Transient Stability Analysis and Enhancement of Grid-Forming Converters: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Chen Xingyou , Si Wenjia , Yu Qun , Fang Jingyang
Published: February 2025

Grid-forming converters (GFMCs) have emerged as enablers in modern power systems. However, they face the transient stability problem, which hinders them from successful fault ride-through (FRT) and potentially results in the system’s collapse. These problems have drawn increasing attention, leading to a rise in related research. To capture the advancements in the field, this paper reviews studies on the transient stability analysis and enhancement of GFMCs. In particular, the transient stabilities of GFMCs with first- and second-order power control modes are reviewed, and a comprehensive comparison of the two modes is provided. Additionally, this paper classifies the transient stability enhancement methods of GFMCs into six types: active power, reactive power, voltage amplitude, virtual impedance, inertia and damping regulations. Moreover, this paper summarizes the effects and limitations of each method from the perspective of practical application. Based on the analysis, this paper further discusses future research directions for the transient stability of GFMCs.
A Comprehensive Review of AI-Based Digital Twin Applications in Manufacturing: Integration Across Operator, Product, and Process Dimensions
Authors: Alfaro-Viquez David , Zamora-Hernandez Mauricio , Fernandez-Vega Michael , Garcia-Rodriguez Jose , Azorin-Lopez Jorge
Published: February 2025

Digital twins (DTs) represent a transformative technology in manufacturing, facilitating significant advancements in monitoring, simulation, and optimization. This paper offers an extensive bibliographic review of AI-Based DT applications, categorized into three principal dimensions: operator, process, and product. The operator dimension focuses on enhancing safety and ergonomics through intelligent assistance, utilizing real-time monitoring and artificial intelligence, notably in human–robot collaboration contexts. The process application concerns itself with optimizing production flows, identifying bottlenecks, and dynamically reconfiguring systems through predictive models and real-time simulations. Lastly, the product dimension emphasizes the applications focused on the improvements in product design and quality, employing lifecycle and historical data to satisfy evolving market requirements. This categorization provides a structured framework for analyzing the specific capabilities and trends of DTs, while also identifying knowledge gaps in contemporary research. This review highlights the key challenges of technological interoperability, data integration, and high implementation costs while emphasizing how digital twins, supported by AI, can drive the transition toward sustainable, human-centered manufacturing systems in line with Industry 5.0. The findings provide valuable insights for advancing the state of the art and exploring future opportunities in digital twin applications.
Research on Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows Based on Improved Genetic Algorithm and Ant Colony Algorithm
Authors: Chen Guangqiao , Gao Jun , Chen Daozheng
Published: February 2025

The Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Window (VRPTW) is of crucial importance in modern societies, where the aim is to optimize resource utilization, reduce costs and address constraints such as time and vehicle capacity. Traditional genetic algorithms often face premature convergence and slow speed in solving such problems. This paper proposes an Improved Genetic Ant Colony Optimization (IGA-ACO) algorithm to efficiently solve VRPTW. The algorithm combines the strengths of a genetic algorithm with the Generalized Variable Neighborhood Search (GVNS) and Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), aiming to minimize the total cost and optimize balance. The Solomon insertion heuristic is employed to initialize the population and enhance local search capabilities, while the two-population structure improves global search performance by exchanging the optimal solutions between the two populations, helping to avoid local optima. Experiments on the Solomon benchmark dataset show that the IGA-ACO algorithm matches the Best Known Solution (BKS) in Class C instances, reduces vehicle usage by 24.45% in Class R, with a travel distance deviation of 9.19%, and slightly reduces vehicle usage by 0.19% in Class RC, with a travel distance deviation of 7.05%. These results demonstrate the algorithm’s effectiveness in optimizing vehicle routing, particularly under complex constraints, and its competitive advantage over other methods.
Artificial Intelligence and Nature-Inspired Techniques on Optimal Biodiesel Production: A Review—Recent Trends
Authors: Kyriklidis Christos , Koutouvou Aikaterini , Moustakas Konstantinos , Karayannis Vayos , Tsanaktsidis Constantinos
Published: February 2025

Humanity has consumed large amounts of energy in recent decades. Energy requirements increase continuously, and fossil fuel overuse pollutes the environment extremely. The researchers turned their attention to alternative solutions, such as renewable sources of fuels, which reduce negative emissions. At the same time, biodiesel is produced from environmentally friendly raw materials and is a competitive fuel with acceptable properties. The scientific community investigates new approaches to further improve the physicochemical properties of biodiesel in more economical ways. Artificial intelligence and nature-inspired techniques are particularly capable of searching for optimal fuels in complex optimization fields. The current study concerns a recent review of biodiesel production approaches based on evolutionary computation methods. These methods lead to innovative biodiesel development, costing less with lower sulfur content. Except for the economic profits, the reduction of environmental emissions in praxis confirms biodiesel appropriateness for more consumption than fossil blends. The algorithms’ accuracy and effectiveness were evaluated in various case studies and detailed results were offered in every publication. The optimal fuels are produced in laboratories and tested in common engines too. In the literature, there exists a gap in relation to the financial and environmental aspects of biodiesel fuel production, which should also be investigated.
Numerical Analysis of Combustion and Thermal Performance of a Bluff-Body and Swirl-Stabilized Micro-Combustor with Premixed NH3/H2/Air Flames
Authors: Sheykhbaglou Soroush , Dimitriou Pavlos
Published: February 2025

This research presents a novel bluff-body and swirl-stabilized micro-combustor fueled by an ammonia/hydrogen mixture, aimed at enhancing flame stabilization for zero-carbon micro-combustion-based power generators. Employing numerical simulations, the study examines the effects of bluff-body geometry, inlet mass flow rate, vane angle, and combustor material on combustion and thermal efficiencies. Key findings demonstrate that the shape of the bluff-body significantly influences the combustion outcomes, with cone-shaped designs showing the lowest radiation efficiency among the tested geometries. The study identifies an optimal inlet mass flow rate of 9×10−6 kg/s, which achieves a combustion efficiency of 99% and superior uniformity in the mean outer wall temperature. While variations in flow rate primarily affect NO emissions and outer wall temperatures, they have minimal impact on combustion efficiency. Further analysis reveals that adjusting the vane angle from 15 to 60 degrees significantly improves mean outer wall temperatures, temperature uniformity, and combustion and radiation efficiencies, while also reducing NO emissions. The 60-degree angle is particularly effective, achieving approximately 44% radiation efficiency. Additionally, material selection plays a pivotal role, with silicon carbide outperforming others by delivering an optimized mean outer wall temperature (approximately 910 K), radiation efficiency (38.5%), and achieving the most uniform outer wall temperature. Conversely, quartz exhibits significantly lower thermal performance metrics.
The Influence of Different Oat–Pea Mixed Cropping Ratios in a Corral Coupled with Lactic Acid Bacteria Inoculation on Silage Quality
Authors: Ma Yuyan , Xu Chengmei , Lin Gang , Zhao Yajiao , Xiang Jiahong , Wu Tao
Published: February 2025

This study was carried out in Haiyan County, Qinghai Province. The aim was to explore the impacts of a mixed cropping of oats and peas sown in a corral with the addition of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) including Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus buchneri, and Pediococcus pentosaceus on silage quality, so as to alleviate the shortage of winter forages. A two-factor experimental design was adopted. For the treatments with and without LAB addition, the ratios of oat to pea in the plots were set as 1:0, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, and 0:1, respectively. Subsequently, the materials were subjected to the silage process at 19 °C for 45 days. Silage samples were collected to determine their sensory quality, nutritional quality, and fermentation quality in order to evaluate the fermentation effect. The results showed that mixed cropping could improve forage quality. Without the addition of LAB, the soluble sugar content of the mixture of oats and peas in a 2:1 ratio increased significantly by 21.9% compared with that of the pea monoculture (p < 0.05), and the crude protein content of the mixture of oats and peas in a 1:2 ratio increased by 31.6% compared with that of the oat monoculture (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the contents of acid and neutral detergent fibers decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with the increase in pea radios. After the addition of LAB, different results were obtained due to the fermentation of lactic acid bacteria during the silage process. The pH value decreased, the lactic acid content increased significantly, and the ratio of ammonia nitrogen to total nitrogen decreased significantly. Based on comprehensive analysis, an appropriate mixed cropping ratio combined with LAB addition can improve silage quality. Among them, the mixture of oats and peas in a 1:1 ratio with LAB addition for silage had the highest silage score, indicating good silage and feed quality. I While with or without LAB addition, the ratio of 1:2 is the best, followed by the ratio of 1:1.
Optimizing Merkle Proof Size Through Path Length Analysis: A Probabilistic Framework for Efficient Blockchain State Verification
Authors: Kuznetsov Oleksandr , Frontoni Emanuele , Kuznetsova Kateryna , Arnesano Marco
Published: February 2025

This study addresses a critical challenge in modern blockchain systems: the excessive size of Merkle proofs in state verification, which significantly impacts scalability and efficiency. As highlighted by Ethereum’s founder, Vitalik Buterin, current Merkle Patricia Tries (MPTs) are highly inefficient for stateless clients, with worst-case proofs reaching approximately 300 MB. We present a comprehensive probabilistic analysis of path length distributions in MPTs to optimize proof size while maintaining security guarantees. Our novel mathematical model characterizes the distribution of path lengths in tries containing random blockchain addresses and validates it through extensive computational experiments. The findings reveal logarithmic scaling of average path lengths with respect to the number of addresses, with unprecedented precision in predicting structural properties across scales from 100 to 300 million addresses. The research demonstrates remarkable accuracy, with discrepancies between theoretical and experimental results not exceeding 0.01 across all tested scales. By identifying and verifying the right-skewed nature of path length distributions, we provide critical insights for optimizing Merkle proof generation and size reduction. Our practical implementation guidelines demonstrate potential proof size reductions of up to 70% through optimized path structuring and node layout. This work bridges the gap between theoretical computer science and practical blockchain engineering, offering immediate applications for blockchain client optimization and efficient state-proof generation.
Hand Warmers: A Cost-Effective Solution to Accelerate Oxygen Depletion During Hermetic Storage
Authors: Li Wenbo , Yaninek John Stephen , Ambrose Kingsly , Baributsa Dieudonne
Published: February 2025

Postharvest grain losses often result from insect infestations. Hermetic storage creates airtight conditions that limit insect survival. However, oxygen depletion can be slow during hermetic storage, leading to a loss of grain quality and market value. Oxygen scavengers offer a solution to accelerate oxygen depletion. This study evaluated hand warmers as a cost-effective alternative to commercial oxygen scavengers. Experiments in sealed empty 4-gallon glass jars with 10-h hand warmers depleted oxygen faster and more cost-effectively than those with 2000 cc Oxy-Sorb oxygen absorbers. One hand warmer depleted similar amounts of oxygen as two Oxy-Sorb oxygen absorbers and reached the 5% threshold for pest suppression in 48 h. A follow-up study found that oxygen levels in empty 4-gallon jars dropped faster than in grain-filled 25-kg hermetic bags, with jars containing two or three hand warmers reaching the 5% threshold in the first 6 h. Temperature remained constant regardless of the number of hand warmers. At the same time, the relative humidity rose in empty jars but stayed stable in grain-filled hermetic bags, with no effect on grain quality. Hand warmers can potentially serve as cost-effective alternatives to commercial oxygen scavengers in hermetic storage.