bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bouveret’s Syndrome as a Rare Life-Threatening Complication of Gallstone Disease—A Surgical Problem: Two Case Reports
Authors: Ignjatovic Nebojsa S. , Golubovic Ilija D. , Djordjevic Miodrag N. , Stojanovic Marko M. , Benedeto Stojanov Daniela A. , Ignjatovic Jelena S. , Zivadinovic Jelena D. , Golubovic Sonja
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Bouveret syndrome, a rare and often underdiagnosed variant of gallstone ileus, is characterized by the presence of a large gallstone impacted in the proximal duodenum, resulting in significant gastric outlet obstruction and aerobilia. Early identification of Bouveret syndrome is crucial for developing an appropriate surgical strategy. Case 1: A 76-year-old female underwent a contrast-enhanced abdominal CT scan, which revealed a cholecysto-duodenal fistula with a 3.9 cm × 4.0 cm × 4.0 cm gallstone located in the proximal duodenum, along with a distended, fluid-filled stomach and aerobilia. Intraoperatively, due to chronic inflammation and adhesion between the gallbladder and duodenum, a cholecystectomy and fistula repair were performed. Case 2: A 72-year-old female presented with a gastroduodenal passage obstruction confirmed by imaging, which identified a duodeno-biliary fistula. The radiological examination showed oval filling defects in the duodenal bulb consistent with Bouveret’s syndrome, with the largest stone measuring approximately 6 cm in diameter. An enterotomy was performed for stone extraction and was followed by cholecystectomy and duodenal repair with omentoplasty. Conclusions: Bouveret’s syndrome is a rare but clinically significant condition that should be considered in patients presenting with signs of upper gastrointestinal obstruction, particularly in those with a history of chronic cholelithiasis. Early recognition and prompt surgical intervention are essential for obtaining optimal patient outcomes.
Longitudinal Metabolomics Data Analysis Informed by Mechanistic Models
Authors: Li Lu , Hoefsloot Huub , Bakker Barbara M. , Horner David , Rasmussen Morten A. , Smilde Age K. , Acar Evrim
Published: December 2024

Background: Metabolomics measurements are noisy, often characterized by a small sample size and missing entries. While data-driven methods have shown promise in terms of analyzing metabolomics data, e.g., revealing biomarkers of various phenotypes, metabolomics data analysis can significantly benefit from incorporating prior information about metabolic mechanisms. This paper introduces a novel data analysis approach to incorporate mechanistic models in metabolomics data analysis. Methods: We arranged time-resolved metabolomics measurements of plasma samples collected during a meal challenge test from the COPSAC2000 cohort as a third-order tensor: subjects by metabolites by time samples. Simulated challenge test data generated using a human whole-body metabolic model were also arranged as a third-order tensor: virtual subjects by metabolites by time samples. Real and simulated data sets were coupled in the metabolites mode and jointly analyzed using coupled tensor factorizations to reveal the underlying patterns. Results: Our experiments demonstrated that the joint analysis of simulated and real data had better performance in terms of pattern discovery, achieving higher correlations with a BMI (body mass index)-related phenotype compared to the analysis of only real data in males, while in females, the performance was comparable. We also demonstrated the advantages of such a joint analysis approach in the presence of incomplete measurements and its limitations in the presence of wrong prior information. Conclusions: The joint analysis of real measurements and simulated data (generated using a mechanistic model) through coupled tensor factorizations guides real data analysis with prior information encapsulated in mechanistic models and reveals interpretable patterns.
Modulation of Stress-Related Protein in the African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Using Bacillus-Based Non-Ribosomal Peptides
Authors: Neurov Alexey Mikhailovich , Zaikina Anna Andreevna , Prazdnova Evgeniya Valer’evna , Anuj Ranjan , Rudoy Dmitriy Vladimirovich
Published: December 2024

Probiotics, due to their multifaceted benefits to the host, are essential in medicine, agriculture, and aquaculture. The mechanisms of their action at the molecular level are complex and less explored. Both previous research and our own investigations have highlighted that incorporating probiotics into the feed of commercial fish can increase growth and influence the expression of genes related to stress and immunity. Additionally, probiotics with antioxidant properties often exert systemic effects. The aim of this work was to explore possible mechanisms of probiotic effects on stress-related proteins in African catfish C. gariepinus using molecular docking and dynamics approaches. Stress biomarker proteins such as catalase, cytochrome P450, HSP70, metallothionein 1, and superoxide dismutase were evaluated for possible interactions with bioactive non-ribosomal peptides (NRPs) from Bacillus subtilis R5, used as ligands. The study involved molecular docking and dynamics interactions between proteins and NRPs. The results of molecular docking and dynamics reveal multiple bindings between proteins and ligands, forming stable complexes, which may explain the mechanisms of action of probiotics and their particularly positive effects, such as the reduction in stress levels, which was demonstrated in the clarium catfish model in our previous work. Non-ribosomal peptides synthesized by probiotics may influence key signalling pathways underlying antioxidant and antimutagenic properties.
Charge Transfer Mechanism in Type II WO3/Cu2O Heterostructure
Authors: Murashkina Anna A. , Rudakova Aida V. , Bakiev Tair V. , Emeline Alexei V. , Bahnemann Detlef W.
Published: December 2024

In this study, we explore the charge transfer mechanism between WO3 and Cu2O in heterostructured WO3/Cu2O electrodes and in a WO3||Cu2O tandem photoelectrochemical cell. The physical–chemical characterizations of the individual WO3 and Cu2O electrodes and the heterostructured WO3/Cu2O electrode by XRD, XPS, and SEM methods confirm the successful formation of the target systems. The results of photoelectrochemical studies infer that in both the heterostructured WO3/Cu2O electrode and WO3||Cu2O tandem photoelectrochemical cell, the major mechanism of charge transfer between WO3 and Cu2O is a realization of the Z-scheme.
Assessing the Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods in People with Diabetes: Is a Specific NOVA Questionnaire Always Necessary?
Authors: D’Abbronzo Giovanna , Quaglia Cinzia , Di Costanzo Giuseppe , Testa Roberta , Giacco Rosalba , Riccardi Gabriele , Vaccaro Olga , Vitale Marilena
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Despite the accumulating evidence on the detrimental impact of UPFs on health, a common limit of the available studies concerns the instruments used to collect information about the consumption of processed foods. Recently, a specific NOVA-FFQ was proposed for the evaluation of ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption, but it does not allow the simultaneous assessment of energy and nutrient intake. We evaluate the concordance between the NOVA-FFQ and a common questionnaire (EPIC-FFQ) when assessing (1) the intake of foods with different degrees of processing and (2) the relationship between diet composition and cardiometabolic profile. Methods: One hundred and thirty people with diabetes (70 men and 60 women) completed the NOVA-FFQ and the EPIC-FFQ in random order two weeks apart. Anthropometric and major cardiovascular risk factors were measured. Results: Non-significant differences were detected for processed culinary ingredients and processed foods; larger significant differences were observed for minimally processed foods and UPFs, which were somewhat underestimated by the EPIC-FFQ (−24% vs. −21%, respectively; p < 0.001). However, Bland–Altman plots showed intraindividual differences between the two questionnaires within an acceptable range, and the intraclass correlation showed a moderate consistency. Furthermore, the energy and nutrient composition of the diet and the metabolic parameters were comparable for people classified in the highest tertile of UPF consumption by either method. Conclusions: The NOVA-FFQ provides more detailed information on the consumption of UPF foods; however, the EPIC-FFQ is a valid alternative, particularly practical when the simultaneous assessment of the overall quality of the diet is needed.
Determining the Ground State for Superheavy Nuclei from the Deformed Relativistic Hartree–Bogoliubov Theory in Continuum
Authors: Wang Sibo , Guo Peng , Pan Cong
Published: December 2024

The deformed relativistic Hartree–Bogoliubov theory in continuum (DRHBc) has garnered significant attention for its ability to describe the properties of nuclei across the entire nuclear chart, from light to heavy nuclei, including both stable and exotic ones. As part of ongoing efforts to construct a mass table using the DRHBc theory, determining the ground states of nuclei is a crucial task in the systematic studies of deformed nuclei. In this work, a strategy for identifying the ground state in the superheavy nuclei region is proposed and evaluated, by taking Z=134 and 135 isotopes as examples. First, we examine how the step size of the initial quadrupole deformation parameter, Δβ2, affects the pattern of the potential energy curves (PECs) and the determination of the ground state. Our findings indicate that Δβ2=0.05 producing smooth and well-defined PECs while maintaining an acceptable numerical cost. Next, we explore the convergence of PECs with respect to the angular momentum cutoff, Jmax. Based on the results, we recommend using Jmax=31/2ℏ, especially for nuclei with competing oblate and prolate minima. Finally, we conclude that the accurate identification of the ground state can be achieved by performing unconstrained calculations around the minima of the PECs.
Correction: AlRasheed et al. Aspartames Alter Pharmacokinetics Parameters of Erlotinib and Gefitinib and Elevate Liver Enzymes in Wistar Rats. Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15, 1400
Authors: AlRasheed Hajer , Almomen Aliyah , Aljohar Haya I. , Arafah Maria , Almotawa Rana Y. , Alossaimi Manal A. , Alzoman Nourah Z.
Published: December 2024

In the original publication [...]
Multivalent Neuroprotective Activity of Elettaria cardamomum (Cardamom) and Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel) in H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress in SH-SY5Y Cells and Acellular Assays
Authors: Sharma Himadri , Yang Hyewon , Sharma Niti , An Seong Soo A.
Published: December 2024

Background: Elettaria cardamomum (Cardamom) and Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel) are well-known spices and are also used as natural mouth fresheners. This study was performed to evaluate their neuroprotective ability based on certain acellular and cellular assays. Methods: Hexane and ethyl acetate extracts were prepared using cardamom and fennel seeds. GC/MS was performed for the identification of important bioactive compounds. Cell-based assays were performed using SH-SY5Y cells. Hydrogen peroxide was used for the induction of oxidative stress, and evaluation was done based on neuroprotection, reduced reactive oxygen species, and restoration of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Additionally, anti-Aβ fibrillization/oligomerization activities were also analyzed along with anti-acetylcholinesterase activity. Results: α-Terpinyl acetate and anethol were identified as major phytocompounds in cardamom and fennel, respectively. Cardamom extracts and α-terpinyl acetate were more potent acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors than fennel extracts and anethol [IC50 cardamom extracts, 130–150 μg/mL; α-terpinyl acetate, 61.87 μg/mL; anethol, 374.2 μg/mL; fennel extracts, >1 mg/mL] and showed mixed-type inhibition. Only the extracts displayed potent anti-Aβ fibrilization activity (>50%). Anethol showed potent anti-Aβ oligomerization activity (>50%), followed by α-terpinyl acetate and fennel-H (~36%). The neuroprotective potential of the spice extracts/phytochemicals was evaluated in SH-SY5Y cells by using H2O2-induced oxidative stress. Cardamom-EA displayed the best neuroprotection (0.01 to 30 μg/mL). No neuroprotection was observed by α-terpinyl acetate and anethol. Cardamom extracts and fennel-H restored the normal reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels at 30 µg/mL and 1 µg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: Overall, the extracts provided better neuroprotection than the pure compounds in cellular assays and displayed strong anti-Aβ fibrilization activity.
Identification of ZmSNAC06, a Maize NAC Family Transcription Factor with Multiple Transcripts Conferring Drought Tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Fei , Chen Yong , Yang Ruisi , Luo Ping , Wang Houwen , Zhang Runze , Li Wenzhe , Yang Ke , Xu Xinlong , Hao Zhuanfang , Li Xinhai
Published: December 2024

Drought is one of the most serious environmental stresses affecting crop production. NAC transcription factors play a crucial role in responding to various abiotic stresses in plants. Here, we identified a maize NAC transcription factor, ZmSNAC06, between drought-tolerant and drought-sensitive inbred lines through RNA-seq analysis and characterized its function in Arabidopsis. ZmSNAC06 had five transcripts, of which ZmSNAC06-T02 had a typical NAC domain, while ZmSNAC06-P02 was localized in the nucleus of maize protoplasts and had transactivation activity in yeasts. The expression of ZmSNAC06 in maize was induced by drought. The overexpression of ZmSNAC06-T02 in Arabidopsis resulted in hypersensitivity to abscisic acid (ABA) at the germination stage, and overexpression lines exhibited higher survival rates and higher antioxidant enzyme activities compared with the wild-type under drought stress. These results suggest that ZmSNAC06 acts as a positive regulator in drought tolerance and may be used to improve drought tolerance in crops.
An Extended Analysis of the Correlation Extraction Algorithm in the Context of Linear Cryptanalysis
Authors: Graebnitz Christoph , Pickel Valentin , Eble Holger , Morgner Frank , Hattenbach Hannes , Margraf Marian
Published: December 2024

In cryptography, techniques and tools developed in the subfield of linear cryptanalysis have previously successfully been used to allow attackers to break many sophisticated cryptographic ciphers. Since these linear cryptanalytic techniques require exploitable linear approximations to relate the input and output of vectorial Boolean functions, e.g., the plaintext, ciphertext, and key of the cryptographic function, finding these approximations is essential. For this purpose, the Correlation Extraction Algorithm (CEA), which leverages the emerging field of quantum computing, appears promising. However, there has been no comprehensive analysis of the CEA regarding finding an exploitable linear approximation for linear cryptanalysis. In this paper, we conduct a thorough theoretical analysis of the CEA. We aim to investigate its potential in finding a linear approximation with prescribed statistical characteristics. To support our theoretical work, we also present the results of a small empirical study based on a computer simulation. The analysis in this paper shows that an approach that uses the CEA to find exploitable linear approximations has an asymptotic advantage, reducing a linear factor to a logarithmic one in terms of time complexity, and an exponential advantage in terms of space complexity compared to a classical approach that uses the fast Walsh transform. Furthermore, we show that in specific scenarios, CEA can exponentially reduce the search space for exploitable linear approximations in terms of the number of input bits of the cipher. Neglecting the unresolved issue of efficiently checking the property of linear approximations measured by the CEA, our results indicate that the CEA can support the linear cryptanalysis of vectorial Boolean functions with relatively few (e.g., n≤32) output bits.
Identification Tests of Modern Vehicles’ Electromagnetic Environment as Part of the Assessment of Their Functional Safety
Authors: Sterniczuk Daniel , Zaklika Weronika , Kozłowski Maciej
Published: December 2024

Are the regulations relating to electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) sufficient to ensure the safety of all autonomy systems? EMC is one of the critical factors influencing the proper functioning of a vehicle and its safety. However, the safety of autonomous vehicles from the perspective of EMC has not been comprehensively researched to date. The purpose of this article is to evaluate whether the currently imposed requirements are adequate. To assess research methods and requirements, it is necessary to determine the electromagnetic environment of vehicles. For this purpose, identification tests of the vehicle’s operating environment were conducted. The article presents the results of research on both the internal and external electromagnetic environments of vehicles. These studies were carried out using normative methods. Despite the significant importance of EMC and the existence of defined normative requirements, the results of the conducted research indicate that some devices available on the market, including those unrelated to vehicle autonomy, fail to meet these standards. Consequently, devices responsible for vehicle safety must be resistant to such electromagnetic exposures. In extreme cases, the malfunction of a single vehicle component due to inadequate electromagnetic compatibility could lead to the disruption of vehicle functions or driver disorientation. Such occurrences pose a direct threat to road traffic safety and the well-being of passengers.
Challenges and Prospects of Sensing Technology for the Promotion of Tele-Physiotherapy: A Narrative Review
Authors: Kakegawa Kei , Matsuda Tadamitsu
Published: December 2024

Significant developments in sensing technology have had many impacts, enhancing monitoring and assessment accuracy across diverse fields. In the field of physical therapy, sensing, which plays a pivotal role in tele-physiotherapy, rapidly expanded amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Its primary objective is to monitor biological signals and patient movements at remote locations. To further enhance the effectiveness and the scope of tele-physiotherapy, it is essential to further develop sensing and data analysis technologies. However, there are usability and analysis issues that have limited its use. The development of these technologies will not only enhance the accuracy of deep learning by AI through the acquisition of big data, but also has the potential to elucidate movement characteristics associated with movement disorders or pathological conditions. Furthermore, improving sensing technologies can broaden applications extending beyond tele-physiotherapy to impact daily life. Looking forward, it holds promise for improving our understanding of disease prognosis and progression.
A Study on the Development of Real-Time Chamber Contamination Diagnosis Sensors
Authors: Lee Junyeob , Kim Kyongnam
Published: December 2024

Plasma processes are critical for achieving precise device fabrication in semiconductor manufacturing. However, polymer accumulation during processes like plasma etching can cause chamber contamination, adversely affecting plasma characteristics and process stability. This study focused on developing a real-time sensor system for diagnosing chamber contamination by quantitatively monitoring polymer accumulation. A quartz crystal sensor integrated with flexible printed circuit boards was designed to measure the frequency shifts corresponding to polymer thickness changes. An impedance probe was also employed to monitor variations in the plasma discharge characteristics. The sensor demonstrated high reliability with a measurement scatter of 2.5% despite repeated plasma exposure. The experimental results revealed that polymer accumulation significantly influenced the plasma impedance, and this correlation was validated through real-time monitoring and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The study further showed that the sensor could detect the transition point of the plasma state changes under varying process gas conditions, enabling the early detection of potential process anomalies. These findings suggest that the developed sensor system can be crucial for diagnosing plasma and chamber conditions, providing valuable data for optimizing preventive maintenance schedules. This advancement offers a pathway for improving process reliability and extending the operational lifetime of semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
Exploration of Optical Fiber and Laser Cutting Head Applications in High-Radiation Environments for Fast Reactor Spent Fuel Reprocessing
Authors: Chen Qi , Zheng Jiarong , Zhou Jia , Chen Zhengbin , Mo Zengliang , Cao Zhi , Tang Chunwei , Li Tianchi , Liu Fang , Yan Taihong , Zheng Weifang
Published: December 2024

Fast-neutron reactors are an important representative of Generation IV nuclear reactors, and due to the unique structure and material properties of fast reactor fuel, traditional mechanical cutting methods are not applicable. In contrast, laser cutting has emerged as an ideal alternative. However, ensuring the stability of optical fibers and laser cutting heads under high radiation doses, as well as maintaining cutting quality after irradiation, remains a significant technical challenge. Here, we study the performance changes in optical fibers exposed to a total radiation dose of 105 Gy, focusing on power transmission and thermal characteristics. By integrating irradiated optical fibers with irradiated laser cutting heads, simulated cutting experiments on the hexagonal tubes of spent fuel from fast reactors (fast reactor simulation assembly) were conducted. Critical cutting quality parameters, including kerf width, surface roughness, and slagging length, were analyzed. The results indicate that, while the power transmission performance of irradiated optical fibers shows slight degradation, its impact on cutting quality is minimal. High-quality cutting can still be achieved under optimized parameters. This study confirms the feasibility of laser cutting technology in high-radiation environments and provides essential technical support for its application in nuclear fuel reprocessing.
Creating and Validating Hybrid Large-Scale, Multi-Modal Traffic Simulations for Efficient Transport Planning
Authors: Schuhmann Fabian , Nguyen Ngoc An , Schweizer Jörg , Huang Wei-Chieh , Lienkamp Markus
Published: December 2024

Mobility digital twins (MDTs), which utilize multi-modal microscopic (micro) traffic simulations and an activity-based demand generation, are envisioned as flexible and reliable planning tools for addressing today’s increasingly complex and diverse transport scenarios. Hybrid models may become a resource-efficient solution for building MDTs by creating large-scale, mesoscopic (meso) traffic simulations, using simplified, queue-based network-link models, in combination with more detailed local micro-traffic simulations focused on areas of interest. The overall objective of this paper is to develop an efficient toolchain capable of automatically generating, calibrating, and validating hybrid scenarios, with the following specific goals: (i) an automated and seamless merge of the meso- and micro-networks and demand; (ii) a validation procedure that incorporates real-world data into the hybrid model, enabling the meso- and micro-sub-models to be validated separately and compared to determine which simulation, micro- or meso-, more accurately reflects reality. The developed toolchain is implemented and applied to a case study of Munich, Germany, with the micro-simulation focusing on the city quarter of Schwabing, using real-word traffic flow and floating car data for validation. When validating the simulated flows with the detected flows, the regression curve shows acceptable values. The speed validation with floating car data reveals significant differences; however, it demonstrates that the micro-simulation achieves considerably better agreement with real speeds compared to the meso-model, as expected.
Sentiment Analysis for Tourism Insights: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Charfaoui Kenza , Mussard Stéphane
Published: December 2024

This paper explores international tourism regarding Morocco’s leading touristic city Marrakech, and, more precisely, its two prominent public spaces, Jemaa el-Fna and the Medina. Following a web-scraping process of English reviews on TripAdvisor, a machine learning technique is proposed to gather insights into prominent topics in the data, and their corresponding sentiment with a specific voting model. This process allows decision makers to direct their focus onto certain issues, such as safety concerns, animal conditions, health, or pricing issues. In addition, the voting method outperforms Vader, a widely used sentiment prediction tool. Furthermore, an LLM (Large Language Model) is proposed, the SieBERT-Marrakech. It is a SieBERT model fine-tuned on our data. The model outlines good performance metrics, showing even better results than GPT-4o, and it may be an interesting choice for tourism sentiment predictions in the context of Marrakech.
Local Food Production Based on Culinary Heritage—A Way to Local Sustainability
Authors: Ossowska Luiza , Janiszewska Dorota , Kwiatkowski Grzegorz , Oklevik Ove
Published: December 2024

This research assess the role of traditional food producers’ activities in fostering local sustainability in Poland. The study was carried out at the turn of 2021 and 2022, involving a sample of 70 traditional food producers. It utilized semi-structured interviews, which included two categories of questions: the characteristics of traditional food producers and the significance of their operational goals. Given the unique nature of traditional food in Poland, producers can be categorized into three groups, based on their connection to tradition: local, regional, and national. Differences among these groups were analyzed using a series of t-tests. The findings indicate that in the hierarchy of goals for traditional food producers, socio-cultural objectives take precedence, followed by business goals, while goals related to food safety, quality, and environmental responsibility rank as the least important, with significant differences noted. Producers associated with local traditions, predominantly consisting of family businesses, show the least interest in achieving food safety, quality, and environmental responsibility objectives. While traditional food producers in Poland are adopting pro-ecological practices, these are primarily driven by business considerations and market demands.
Green Supply Chain Practices and Environmental Performance: A Moderated Role of Adaptive Green Culture and Mediated Role of Competitive Pressure
Authors: Mousa Housamaden , Khalifa Wagdi , Alzubi Ahmad
Published: December 2024

The global push for sustainability has driven firms to adopt green supply chain management (GSCM) practices to mitigate environmental impacts and enhance performance. However, the link between GSCM and environmental performance (EP) remains inconclusive, particularly in developing economies and polluting industries, such as textiles. This study investigates the impact of GSCM on EP in the Turkish textile sector, addressing gaps in the understanding of the mediating role of competitive pressure (CP) and the moderating influence of adaptive green culture (AGC). Grounded in the natural resource-based view (NRBV) and stakeholder theory, this study employs a quantitative approach. Data were collected through a structured survey of 408 Turkish textile industry managers using purposive sampling. The findings confirm that GSCM positively affects EP and CP and that CP mediates the relationship between GSCM and EP. AGC further enhances the direct and indirect effects of GSCM on EP. This research contributes by demonstrating how cultural adaptability and competitive pressure optimize green practices, providing valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to advance sustainable supply chains in emerging economies.
The Dark Side of Project Financing: Leverage, CEO Overconfidence, and Sustainability Challenges in the Construction Sector
Authors: Ro Seunghan , Lee Jaehong , Kim Dongwook
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the influence of leverage and managerial overconfidence on the decision-making process regarding real estate project financing (PF) guarantees in South Korea. Utilizing a dataset of 570 firm-year observations from construction companies listed on the South Korean stock market from 2007 to 2022, the analysis reveals that more highly leveraged companies are more likely to engage in real estate PF investments. These investments are preferred by financially strained constructors because they can use PF investments to record guarantees as contingent liabilities, avoiding the recognition of additional debt on their financial statements. This study further finds that the positive correlation between leverage and real estate PF investments strengthens with increasing managerial overconfidence, indicating that overconfident managers are prone to overestimate future project revenues and the positive impacts of potential business developments, thereby making riskier investment decisions under unfavorable borrowing conditions.
Assessment of Habitat Services and Gradient Zoning Optimization in Coal Mining Subsidence Areas from a Social–Ecological Coupling Perspective
Authors: Hu Bingbing , Zhou Shiyuan , Luo Pingjia , Chen Hao
Published: December 2024

Coal mining activities, while promoting urban development, also lead to significant ecological and environmental issues that directly impact regional habitat quality and perception levels. The effective assessment of habitat services and zoning optimization can facilitate ecological restoration in coal mining subsidence areas and enhance public awareness of the ecological service value of habitats. Taking the Longdai River Basin in Huaibei City as a case study, this research constructs a “habitat quality–habitat perception” assessment framework from a social–ecological coupling perspective, integrating the InVEST and SolVES models for a comprehensive evaluation. The coupling coordination degree model is used to analyze the relationship between habitat quality and perception, allowing for the zoning of habitat services. The results indicate that the average habitat quality in the study area is 0.373, reflecting an overall low level. Its spatial distribution exhibits a trend of “higher in the central–southern and northwestern regions and lower in the southwestern and northeastern regions”. Habitat perception mainly presents a “multi-patch” spatial pattern. The coupling degree C between habitat quality and habitat perception is 0.676, while the coupling coordination degree D is only 0.377, indicating a state of mild imbalance in the coupling coordination development. Moreover, disordered units account for as much as 69.22%. Based on the matching and coupling coordination between habitat quality and perception, the study area can be classified into four main categories and eight smaller habitat service zones. Considering the differences in urban–rural gradient spaces, optimization strategies for habitat services based on social–ecological coupling are proposed.
Sustainable Cities and Communities in EU Member States: A Multi-Criteria Analysis
Authors: Roszkowska Ewa , Filipowicz-Chomko Marzena , Górecka Dorota , Majewska Elżbieta
Published: December 2024

Sustainable Cities and Communities within the European Union (EU) are crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. This goal is particularly pertinent to the EU due to challenges such as urbanization, climate change, infrastructure demands, transport issues, and natural resource management. The implementation of SDG 11 across Europe shows varying levels of success among countries and regions, highlighting the need for tailored, local strategies for sustainable urban development. The primary goal of this paper is to employ the Multi-Criteria Method Integrating Distances to Ideal and Anti-Ideal Points to determine the Sustainable Cities and Communities Index (SCCI). Using Eurostat data, this method provides a comprehensive evaluation and ranking of EU countries based on their performance in achieving SDG 11 in EU countries in 2015 and 2020. By integrating various indicators related to urban sustainability—such as access to public transport, air quality, land use, and housing conditions—the SCCI offers a nuanced understanding of how different countries perform relative to one another. The SCCI facilitates the identification of best practices and areas requiring improvement by comparing each country’s performance to ideal and anti-ideal points. This comparison allows policymakers to develop more targeted and effective strategies. Additionally, it highlights disparities between countries and regions, which is essential for fostering regional cooperation and ensuring equitable progress towards sustainable urban development across the EU. This study confirmed significant disparities among EU countries in the realization of SDG 11 in 2015 and 2020, revealing that Italy achieved the most substantial progress, while Spain experienced the greatest regress during the analyzed period.
New Bounds for the Euclidean Numerical Radius of Two Operators in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Altwaijry Najla , Dragomir Silvestru Sever , Feki Kais , Furuichi Shigeru
Published: December 2024

This paper presents new weighted lower and upper bounds for the Euclidean numerical radius of pairs of operators in Hilbert spaces. We show that some of these bounds improve on recent results in the literature. We also find new inequalities for the numerical radius and the Davis–Wielandt radius. The lower and upper bounds we obtain are not symmetrical.
Equine Infectious Anemia Virus Cellular Partners Along the Viral Cycle
Authors: Schimmich Cécile , Vabret Astrid , Zientara Stéphan , Valle-Casuso José Carlos
Published: December 2024

Equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) is the simplest described lentivirus within the Retroviridae family, related to the human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV-1 and HIV-2). There is an important interplay between host cells and viruses. Viruses need to hijack cellular proteins for their viral cycle completion and some cellular proteins are antiviral agents interfering with viral replication. HIV cellular partners have been extensively studied and described, with a special attention to host proteins able to inhibit specific steps of the viral cycle, called restriction factors. Viruses develop countermeasures against these restriction factors. Here, we aim to describe host cellular protein partners of EIAV viral replication, being proviral or antiviral. A comprehensive vision of the interactions between the virus and specific host’s proteins can help with the discovery of new targets for the design of therapeutics. Studies performed on HIV-1 can provide insights into the functioning of EIAV, as well as differences, as both types of virus research can benefit from each other.
Experimental Study on Softening High-Calcium Sulfate Reverse Osmosis Concentrate Using Induced Crystallization Method
Authors: Wang Xiaoqiang , Hu Ruizhu , Wei Jilin , Huang Tinglin , Li Kaihong , Cheng Haitao
Published: December 2024

Reverse osmosis (RO) concentrate often contains high levels of sulfate and calcium ions due to the use of antiscalants, leading to significant calcium sulfate supersaturation and creating favorable conditions for induced crystallization. This study utilized a combination of static and dynamic experiments to investigate the key factors influencing the removal of calcium sulfate from RO concentrate via induced crystallization. The static experiments examined the effects of seed crystal concentration, stirring speed, reaction temperature, and the molar ratio of SO42− to Ca2+ on removal efficiency, with response surface methodology (RSM) employed to analyze the interactions among these factors. In the dynamic experiments, gypsum particles were used as seed crystals in a fluidized bed reactor to study the impact of initial seed crystal dosage and influent flow rate on the removal performance. Optimization strategies for stable operation were also explored. The static experiments revealed that seed crystal concentration was the most critical factor affecting removal efficiency. Under optimal conditions, the calcium ion concentration in the treated water could be reduced to 453 mg/L, achieving a removal rate of 63.8%. In the dynamic experiments, the effluent calcium ion concentration was reduced to 724 mg/L, with a removal rate of 52.5%. However, prolonged continuous operation led to a gradual increase in effluent calcium ion levels, which could be mitigated by recycling seed crystals from the settling zone back to the reaction zone. Characterization of the induced seed crystals and simulation calculations demonstrated that Ca2+ and SO42− reacted to form calcium sulfate crystals, primarily as CaSO4·2H2O, which adhered to the seed crystal surfaces. The growth of the seed crystals, indicated by an increase in particle size, correlated with the volume of water treated. This study provides valuable insights and data for the application of calcium sulfate-induced crystallization as a method to reduce sulfate and calcium ion concentrations in RO concentrate, offering a viable approach to water softening and resource recovery.
Using Food Industry Byproduct to Stabilize an Expansive Clay
Authors: Shaw Nicole L. , Farid Arvin , Taheri Sarteshnizi Zahra
Published: December 2024

The process of purifying agricultural products, at various food processing plants, generates waste materials that consist of precipitated calcium carbonate, organic debris, and trace amounts of soil and agricultural contaminants. A specific food-processing waste, hereafter referred to as a food industry byproduct, FIBP, is typically stockpiled on land adjacent to the corresponding food processing facilities due to its large volume and chemical composition. The FIBP also contains commercially available unspent lime products, which makes its reuse viable in various applications. An example is construction applications where an organic content of up to 5% by weight is allowed, such as treating expansive clays. Traditionally, lime stabilization has been used for improving the properties of expansive clays, where ground improvement methods are necessary for a large area. However, the process of producing lime is resource- and energy-intensive as it includes crushing and heating limestone in kilns to extract lime. Therefore, one specific doubly sustainable application is the treatment of expansive clays using the FIBP instead of lime. The main application tested here is the treatment of expansive clayey soils underneath a stretch of State Highway 95 near Marsing, ID. Other potential applications are in road and embankment construction. To evaluate the potential of expansive clay stabilization utilizing the FIBP, a series of geotechnical and environmental laboratory testing were conducted to measure the engineering properties (e.g., swell potential, permeability, and strength properties) of expansive clay amended with FIBP. Preliminary testing on blends with an expansive clay suggests benefits such as decreased swelling potential, increased density, and leachate immobilization.
Research on Improved YOLOv7 for Traffic Obstacle Detection
Authors: Yang Yifan , Cui Song , Xiang Xuan , Bai Yuxing , Zang Liguo , Ding Hongshan
Published: December 2024

Object detection and recognition algorithms are widely used in applications such as real-time monitoring and autonomous driving. However, there is limited research on traffic obstacle detection in complex scenarios involving road construction and sudden accidents. This gap results in low accuracy and difficulties in recognizing occluded targets, thereby hindering the further development and widespread adoption of intelligent transportation systems. To address these issues, this paper proposes an improved algorithm based on YOLOv7, incorporating a lightweight coordinate attention mechanism to focus on small objects at long distances and capture target location information. The use of a high receptive field enhances the feature hierarchy within the detection network. Additionally, we introduce the focal efficient intersection over union loss function to address sample imbalance, which accelerates the model’s convergence speed, reduces loss values, and improves overall model stability. Our model achieved a detection accuracy of 98.1%, reflecting a 1.4% increase, while also enhancing detection speed and minimizing missed detections. These advancements significantly bolster the model’s performance, demonstrating advantages for real-world applications.
Navigating Wellbeing Through Youth Work and Participatory Research: Insights from Post-COVID-19 Scotland
Authors: Sneed Haley
Published: December 2024

This article draws on doctoral research conducted at the University of Glasgow and examines the role of youth work and participatory research in shaping young people’s wellbeing in post-COVID-19 Scotland. This study focuses on how participatory methods, such as photovoice and photo-elicitation, can foster socio-political awareness and agency among young people, engaging Scottish youth and local stakeholders. Using empowerment theory, critical pedagogy, and feminist theory, this research reveals how youth participation contributes to personal and collective empowerment, offering insights into the complexities of supporting youth wellbeing. The findings indicate that young people gained control and awareness of community needs through youth work and research engagement, reflecting critical consciousness. However, this study highlights challenges in achieving sustainable change, as structural barriers often constrain the transformative potential of these initiatives. Despite the safe spaces for connection and skill-building provided by youth work, some participants experienced disillusionment when their contributions did not lead to tangible outcomes. This study recommends more inclusive and responsive youth work practices, emphasising the importance of genuine youth-led decision-making and aligning stakeholder efforts with youth aspirations. It contributes to discussions on youth agency, community engagement, and the critical role of supportive relationships in fostering resilience post-pandemic.
The COR-School Project: Physical Activity and Cardiometabolic Health in Spanish Youth
Authors: Aixa-Requena Saül , Hernández-González Vicenç , Conesa-Milian Enric , Batalla-Gavaldà Abraham , Reverter-Masia Joaquín
Published: December 2024

In an era where childhood health is increasingly at risk, understanding the role of physical activity in promoting well-being is critical. The COR-School project investigates the impact of physical activity on cardiometabolic health in over 700 Spanish children and adolescents aged 8 to 16 years. Over three years, the study will conduct three assessments (baseline and two follow-ups) to evaluate peak post-exercise levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), a biomarker for cardiac stress, following a submaximal 20 m shuttle run test. Secondary objectives include examining the influence of maturational status, physical activity, and cardiorespiratory fitness on hs-cTnT. Participants will complete fitness tests, questionnaires on health habits, sleep, and diet, as well as anthropometric and body composition measurements. Blood samples collected at baseline and three hours post-exercise will measure cardiac biomarkers and lipid profiles. Cardiovascular responses will be tracked using heart rate monitors. Normal ranges of hs-cTnT will be determined using data distribution (percentiles or mean ± SD), stratified by age, sex, and maturational stage. Statistical analyses, including repeated measures ANOVA and Pearson correlation, will explore trends across time, sex, developmental stages, and other health-related outcomes. Beyond providing clinical insights by establishing reference values for hs-cTnT in healthy youth after exercise, findings will inform educational policies to promote physical activity in schools, emphasizing its role in improving fitness, health behaviors, and overall development.
A CAR SERVICE COMPANY AS A QUEUING SYSTEM
Authors:   Lipetsk State Technical University, Zhilin Igor Victorovich
Published: December 2024

The model representation of car service companies from the standpoint of the theory of queuing is considered. The presence of a significant component based on random processes has been determined. It is proposed to use statistical modeling to study the features of the processes of functioning of a car service company. The analysis of the influence of various parameters on the performance indicators of a car service company is carried out.
INCREASING THE TRACTION PROPERTIES OF LOCOMOTIVES
Authors:   Orel State university, Zlobin Sergey Nikolaevich , Nikolaev Evgeny Vladimirovich ,   Russian University of Transport (MIIT)
Published: December 2024

The issue of further increasing the traction properties of new freight and shunting locomotives is considered. Improvement of the undercarriage of locomotives has been identified as the main areas of work that can give a practical result. It has been proposed to use wheel diameters of 1250 mm, balanced spring suspension, and biaxial bogies for promising mainline locomotives; for shunting diesel locomotives with a wheel diameter of 1050 mm, measures have been proposed to improve support-return devices.
RESEARCH ON PRECAST REINFORCED CONCRETE FRAME SYSTEMS WITH FLAT CEILING
Authors: Murtazin R. , Mukhamadeev K. , Sabitov L.
Published: December 2024

The paper gives a brief review of existing load-bearing frame systems with a flat bottom edge of the slab, performed using prefabricated reinforced concrete products. The basic provisions and results of field testing of floor elements of the prefabricated reinforced concrete load-bearing frame, which is not widely spread in the Russian Federation, according to patent No. 132814 «Prefabricated Reinforced Concrete Frame» are also described.
Research on the existing load-bearing systems with flat bottom edge of the slab was carried out by studying the patent documentation available in the All-Russian Patent and Technical Library; information posted by the authors in open sources, scientific articles by the authors of the load-bearing systems. In-situ tests of the slab elements of the framework according to the patent No. 132814 «Prefabricated reinforced concrete framework» were performed by means of empirical experiment with loading of prefabricated elements according to the considered system of prefabricated-monolithic reinforced concrete construction. During the tests, the vertical displacements of the elements, the appearance and width of their crack opening were measured, and the destructive load was recorded. The safety factor according to GOST 8829-2018 for the tested slab elements was calculated based on the recorded destructive load.
The values of destructive load of the slab structures obtained in the test results confirm the reliability of the adopted solutions, which substantiates the expediency of their further development. The safety coefficients of transoms and floor slabs obtained according to GOST 8829-2018 satisfy the strength requirements for building structures.