bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Semi-Trailer Path Planning Method Considering the Surrounding Traffic Conditions and Vehicle Roll Stability
Authors: Zhang Haochuan , Nie Zhigen , Lian Yufeng
Published: February 2025

Path planning for intelligent semi-trailers encounters numerous challenges in complex traffic conditions. Serious consequences, such as vehicle rollover, may occur when the traffic conditions change. Therefore, it is vital to consider both the surrounding dynamic traffic conditions and the vehicle’s roll stability during the lane-changing process of intelligent semi-trailers. We propose an innovative path-planning method tailored for intelligent semi-trailers. This path-planning method is designed for semi-trailers on straight-road alignments. Firstly, we employ a fuzzy inference system to process information about surrounding traffic, make lane-changing decisions, and determine the starting point. Secondly, the lane-changing path is generated using a B-spline curve. Subsequently, we apply a particle swarm optimization algorithm to enhance the B-spline curve. Thirdly, we utilize a Transformer model to analyze the nonlinear relationships among information about surrounding traffic, vehicle information, and the roll stability of the intelligent semi-trailer. We establish the roll stability boundary for the vehicle. Finally, we design a multi-objective cost function to select the optimal path. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method dynamically adapts the planned path to variations in driving parameters, ensuring trackability while reducing the steering angle, lateral acceleration, and yaw rate. This approach meets the roll stability requirements of intelligent semi-trailers, significantly enhances their stability during lane changing, and provides robust support for safe and efficient operation.
Document Relevance Filtering by Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning: A Multidisciplinary Case Study of Patents
Authors: Bridgelall Raj
Published: February 2025

The exponential growth of patent datasets poses a significant challenge in filtering relevant documents for research and innovation. Traditional semantic search methods based on keywords often fail to capture the complexity and variability in multidisciplinary terminology, leading to inefficiencies. This study addresses the problem by systematically evaluating supervised and unsupervised machine learning (ML) techniques for document relevance filtering across five technology domains: solid-state batteries, electric vehicle chargers, connected vehicles, electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, and light detecting and ranging (LiDAR) sensors. The contributions include benchmarking the performance of 10 classical models. These models include extreme gradient boosting, random forest, and support vector machines; a deep artificial neural network; and three natural language processing methods: latent Dirichlet allocation, non-negative matrix factorization, and k-means clustering of a manifold-learned reduced feature dimension. Applying these methods to more than 4200 patents filtered from a database of 9.6 million patents revealed that most supervised ML models outperform the unsupervised methods. An average of seven supervised ML models achieved significantly higher precision, recall, and F1-scores across all technology domains, while unsupervised methods show variability depending on domain characteristics. These results offer a practical framework for optimizing document relevance filtering, enabling researchers and practitioners to efficiently manage large datasets and enhance innovation.
Statistical Modeling of Wall Roughness and Its Influence on NLOS VLC Channels in Underground Mining
Authors: Cornejo Sebastian , Palacios Játiva Pablo , Azurdia Meza Cesar , Sánchez Iván
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the impact of wall roughness on the performance of the Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) component in Visible Light Communication (VLC) systems designed for underground mining environments, adhering to safety and communication standards such as IEC 60079-28(intrinsic safety in explosive atmospheres) and IEEE 802.15.7 (VLC parameters). Using probabilistic models aligned with the ITU-R P.1238 propagation guidelines, the research evaluates how wall materials (e.g., coal, shale, limestone) and their irregular geometries, characterized by surface roughness profiles compliant with ISO 8503-2,influence reflection coefficients (0.05–0.85 range), incidence angles (0°–90°), and irradiance angles (5°–180°), which are critical for signal propagation. Simulation scenarios, parameterized with material reflectivity data from ASTM E423, explore the effects of statistical distributions (uniform, normal with μ = 0.3, σ = 0.2; exponential λ = 2; gamma α = 0.5, β = 0.2) on power distribution, channel impulse response, and reflection coefficients. The results indicate variations in maximum received power: a decrease of 80% for uniform distribution, an increase of 150% for exponential distribution, and a 100% increase for gamma distribution in reflection conditions. Under incidence and irradiance conditions, uniform distribution exhibited a 158.62% increase, whereas exponential distribution and gamma distribution experienced reductions of 72.22% and 7.04%, respectively. These variations align with IEC 62973-1 EMI limits and emphasize the role of roughness (Ra = 0.8–12.5 μm per ASME B46.1).
Influence of Geometric Parameters on Journal Bearing Wear: A Finite Element Analysis and Elastic Foundation Approach
Authors: Mukras Saad M. S.
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the influence of geometric parameters on wear of journal bearings within a multibody system framework. While extensive research has explored the impact of wear on journal bearing performance, limited attention has been given to the role of geometric parameters in wear progression. To address this gap, this study examines the effects of bushing depth, internal and external bushing diameters, and bushing rim thickness on wear in a non-lubricated journal bearing joint within a slider–crank mechanism. The joint consists of a 347 stainless steel journal and a PTFE bushing operating under moderate loading conditions (0.25 MPa to 5 MPa) and low sliding velocities (1 mm/s to 10 mm/s). Wear predictions are conducted using the elastic foundation model (EFM) and finite element method (FEM), with multibody dynamics analysis providing joint force estimations. The results from both approaches reveal that (1) increasing bushing depth reduces both wear volume and maximum wear depth, (2) bushing outer diameter has little to no effect on wear volume and maximum wear depth, (3) smaller bushing rim thicknesses lead to greater wear volume, and (4) larger bushing depths reduce both wear volume and maximum wear depth. Consequently, it is recommended that journal bearings designed to minimize wear should have smaller inner diameters, with attention to the stress effects on the journal due to the reduced diameter. Additionally, small bushing rim thicknesses should be avoided, and larger bushing depths should be considered to reduce wear. These insights contribute to the optimization of journal bearing design for improved durability and performance in mechanical systems.
Stabilization of Argan Oil Nanoemulsions Using Chitosan Extracted from Pink Shrimp Shells
Authors: Mdarhri Yousra , Bouziane Ikram , Korodowou Ilyace , Mokhtari Narjisse , Rissouli Lama , Touhami Fakhita , Chabbi Mohamed , Touhami Ahmed
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the use of chitosan, extracted from pink shrimp shells, as a stabilizer for argan oil nanoemulsions. Chitosan was obtained through demineralization, deproteination, bleaching, deacetylation, and purification, then characterized through potentiometric titration, viscometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and purity assessments. The resulting chitosan was used to stabilize nanoemulsions formulated with extra-virgin argan oil and a nonionic surfactant using the phase inversion composition (PIC) method. The stability of the nanoemulsion was assessed through light scattering, zeta potential, viscosity, and pH measurements. The extracted chitosan exhibited high purity, a deacetylation degree of 88.34%, a molecular weight of 408.809 kDa, and a crystalline index of 66.36%. Chitosan significantly improved nanoemulsion stability, maintaining droplet integrity for over six months at 40 °C. Higher chitosan concentrations increased droplet size, viscosity, and stability, indicating strong polymer adsorption. These findings demonstrate the potential of shrimp waste-derived chitosan as a sustainable stabilizer for argan oil nanoemulsions, promoting effective bioactive compound delivery and environmental sustainability.
Study on the Optimization of Coal Pillar Width in Goaf-Side Roadway Under the Synergistic Effect of Mining and Seepage
Authors: Yan Shuai , Liu Shuihua , Wang Xiangdong , Bai Jianbiao , Guo Yonghong
Published: February 2025

In coal mine roadways excavated along the goaf with water accumulation, the roadway is subjected to the combined effects of water infiltration and multiple stresses from excavation activities, leading to significant deformation and challenges in determining the appropriate coal pillar width. This study, based on the Jianxin Coal Mine 4301 tailgate, utilizes the advanced three-dimensional numerical calculation software FLAC3D 6.0 to develop a comprehensive seepage flow model. By analyzing the distribution of key roadway surrounding rock properties, such as deviatoric stress, plastic zone, and dissipated energy, the influence of coal pillar width on roadway deformation and failure characteristics is systematically investigated. The findings provide novel insights into the roadway stability control under complex geological conditions. Specifically, the results reveal that: (1) When the coal pillar width is less than 9 m, stress concentration zones are observed, fully connected by plastic zones and dissipated energy. For widths exceeding 9 m, the influence of the goaf diminishes, leading to a stress reduction zone within the coal pillar and a shift in dissipated energy density distribution from a penetrating shape to an independent double-core shape. The plastic zones on both the goaf and roadway sides become independent, indicating a transition from an unstable to a stable coal pillar state. (2) Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a zoning control system for the roadway surrounding rock is established, dividing the roadway into three regions: normal support, reinforced support, and special support. Industrial experiments corroborate the simulation results, and on-site monitoring demonstrates that the control measures significantly improve roadway stability. This study presents an innovative approach to the design and control of coal pillars in water-affected mine roadways, offering valuable contributions to both the scientific understanding and practical application of mining engineering in similar geological settings.
Research on the Horizontal Yaw Dynamic Characteristics of Pump-Jet Propulsors Based on Dynamic Mesh Technology
Authors: Xue Tongqing , Han Wei , Li Rennian , Zhang Sicong , Chen Ran , Li Wangxu
Published: February 2025

The potential value of the new type of vector propulsor in submarine movement has been confirmed. However, some key mechanical issues are not fully understood, especially the hydrodynamic characteristics during oblique motion. By using dynamic mesh simulation methods, a systematic study was conducted on the fluid dynamic behavior of pump-jet vector propulsor submarines during oblique and yawing processes, supplemented by the scientific validity of related experimental verification results. The research indicates that oblique movement causes a local stagnation positive pressure zone to form at the bow of the hull and a relative back pressure zone to form in the middle of the pump shell. As the angle of drift during oblique movement increases, significant improvements are observed in the lateral force, lateral velocity, and lateral moment of the submarine. During yawing motion, a negative pressure zone appears on the right side of the bow, with a local positive pressure zone appearing on the left side. In both oblique and yawing movements, the rotational speed has an amplifying effect on the appearance of the jet wake phenomenon for the submarine. Based on numerical results, a polynomial fitting method is used to establish a mathematical model for the variation in the speed coefficient and angular velocity system of the pump-jet vector propulsor submarine with the spiral mixed-flow pump speed. This study provides theoretical guidance for the application and optimization of pump-jet vector propulsors.
Comparative Analysis of Urban and Rural Ecosystems in the Context of Suitability for Honeybees
Authors: Gerula Dariusz , Węgrzynowicz Paweł , Kołtowski Zbigniew
Published: February 2025

The present study set out to compare the performance of honeybees maintained in urban and agricultural environments across various regions in Poland. A range of measurements and observations were used to assess overwintering, development, strength, swarming behaviour, honey yield, and Varroa destructor infestation in bee colonies in five towns and five surrounding villages. The rural apiaries were located 4.5–39.5 km away from the urban apiaries. The colonies were kept in wooden Dadant hives and were led by Apis mellifera carnica queens. The brood count and colony strength were assessed based on the Liebefeld method, while Varroa destructor infestation levels in the colonies were determined using icing sugar at the end of July. The urban apiaries exhibited significantly higher brood-rearing dynamics. Consequently, an increase in brood count in spring resulted in a significant increase in Varroa infestation levels in summer. In certain regions, urban apiaries exhibited higher honey production, though this was influenced by geographic location and the availability of bee forage. The significant variation in most traits, including honey production, was observed depending on the region. Variations between years in the study were observed in bee colonies overwintering, brood numbers in the pre-spring period, and bee population in summer. This may suggest the presence of differing weather conditions.
Precipitation Trends and Andean Snow Cover: Climate Interactions and Hydrological Impacts in the Acre River Basin (1982–2023)
Authors: Melo Kennedy da Silva , Delgado Rafael Coll , Mendonça Ana Pâmela Tavares
Published: February 2025

The state of Acre, located in the Western Amazon, has been more intensely affected in recent years by extreme weather events, especially those of a hydrological nature. These are rainy seasons with major floods and record water levels and, later in the same year, severe droughts that last for more months than is normal for the dry season. In this sense, remote sensing acts as an important tool for monitoring the meteorological variables involved in this dynamic, and for predicting future climate trends. Different temporal lengths reflect the availability of reliable data for each variable, and statistical methods were applied separately to ensure robust analyses despite these differences. Our research used data on rainfall (1982–2023), air temperature (2001–2020), fire foci, vegetation, and snow cover (2001–2023) for these purposes. Snow cover data were obtained from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) product MOD10CM (MODIS/Terra Snow Cover Monthly L3 Global Climate Modeling Grid). The MOD10CM product was used to quantify snow cover in an area close to the state, connected to one of the main river basins in Acre. The results showed an increase in the amount of rainfall for the month of February and a reduction in the amount for months of the dry season, as well as an extension of the same. A reduction in the percentage of snow cover was also observed in the region, which may have a direct impact on water availability for several populations, including the city of Rio Branco. The Mann–Kendall test reinforced this reduction, with a Z index of −1.98 for the month of June. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) highlighted key relationships among variables. For the first principal component (PC1), rainfall, snow cover, maximum temperature, and minimum temperature had the strongest contributions, capturing over 56% of the total variance across all datasets. A negative relationship was observed between rainfall and minimum temperature, indicating that higher minimum temperatures are associated with reduced rainfall in the region. Conversely, the second principal component (PC2), which explained approximately 29% of the variance, revealed a strong positive relationship between fire foci and maximum temperature, suggesting that higher maximum temperatures significantly increase the number of fire foci. These results reinforce the role of climatic extremes in shaping environmental dynamics in Acre. The level of statistical significance (p-value) adopted for the data was up to 0.10.
Low-Carbon Production in China’s Iron and Steel Industry: Technology Choices, Economic Assessment, and Policy
Authors: Li Qian , Wang Pengtao , Wang Feiyin , Zhang Yixiang , Wang Haoyu , Xu Qingchuang , Xu Mao , Bai Limei
Published: February 2025

The iron and steel industry (ISI) plays a significant role in carbon emissions, contributing approximately 15% of the nation’s total emissions in China. Transitioning to low-carbon practices is crucial for achieving the country’s carbon neutrality goals. This paper reviews the current state of China’s ISI and assesses the feasibility of various decarbonization technologies, including hydrogen utilization, biomass substitution, zero-carbon electricity, Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS), as well as their combinations. The blast furnace–basic oxygen furnace (BF-BOF) process currently dominates the industry with an overwhelming share of around 90%, presenting significant challenges for decarbonization. In contrast, the Direct Reduced Iron–Electric Arc Furnace (DRI-EAF) process is still at the demonstration project stage, but it is rapidly growing and shows great potential for achieving net-zero emissions. Electric arc furnaces (EAFs) that use scrap steel account for about 9% of production and have the lowest energy consumption. However, their production capacity is limited by the availability of scrap steel. Among numerous options, blue hydrogen, carbon-neutral biomass, and CCUS technologies have relatively low costs and high technological maturity. Nevertheless, no single technology can currently achieve deep decarbonization while significantly reducing costs. The nation needs to select the most suitable decarbonization strategies based on geographical location, infrastructure, and economic conditions. The government should enact corresponding policies, provide economic incentives, and ensure mitigation of the environmental and social impacts during the decarbonization transition.
Benchmarking Uninitialized CMIP6 Simulations for Inter-Annual Surface Wind Predictions
Authors: Cubero Joan Saladich , Llasat María Carmen , Marcos Matamoros Raül
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the potential of uninitialized global climate projections for providing 12-month (inter-annual) wind forecasts in Europe in light of the increasing demand for long-term climate predictions. This is important in a context where models based on the past climate may not fully account for the implications for climate variability of current warming trends, and where initialized 12-month forecasts are still not widely available (i.e., seasonal forecasts) and/or consolidated (i.e., decadal predictions). To this aim, we use two types of simulations: uninitialized climate projections from CMIP6 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6) and initialized 6-month seasonal forecasts (ECMWF’s SEAS5), using the latter as a benchmark. All the predictions are bias-corrected with five distinct approaches (quantile delta mapping, empirical quantile mapping, quantile delta mapping, scaling bias-adjustment and a proprietary quantile mapping) and verified against weather observations from the ECA&D E-OBS project (684 weather stations across Europe). It is observed that the quantile-mapping techniques outperform the other bias-correction algorithm in adjusting the cumulative distribution function (CDF) to the reference weather stations and, also, in reducing the mean bias error closer to zero. However, a simple bias -correction by scaling improves the time-series predictive accuracy (root mean square error, anomaly correlation coefficient and mean absolute scaled error) of CMIP6 simulations over quantile-mapping bias corrections. Thus, the results suggest that CMIP6 projections may provide a valuable preliminary framework for comprehending climate wind variations over the ensuing 12-month period. Finally, while baseline methods like climatology could still outperform the presented methods in terms of time-series accuracy (i.e., root mean square error), our approach highlights a key advantage: climatology is static, whereas CMIP6 offers a dynamic, evolving view of climatology. The combination of dynamism and bias correction makes CMIP6 projections a valuable starting point for understanding wind climate variations over the next 12 months. Furthermore, using workload schedulers within high-performance computing frameworks is essential for effectively handling these complex and ever-evolving datasets, highlighting the critical role of advanced computational methods in fully realizing the potential of CMIP6 for climate analysis.
Development of Visualization Tools for Sharing Climate Cooling Strategies with Impacted Urban Communities
Authors: Tomasso Linda Powers , Studer Kachina , Bloniarz David , Escandon Dillon , Spengler John D.
Published: February 2025

Intensifying heat from warming climates regularly concentrates in urban areas lacking green infrastructure in the form of green space, vegetation, and ample tree canopy cover. Nature-based interventions in older U.S. city cores can help minimize the urban heat island effect, yet neighborhoods targeted for cooling interventions may remain outside the decisional processes through which change affects their communities. This translational research seeks to address health disparities originating from the absence of neighborhood-level vegetation in core urban areas, with a focus on tree canopy cover to mitigate human susceptibility to extreme heat exposure. The development of LiDAR-based imagery enables communities to visualize the proposed greening over time and across seasons of actual neighborhood streets, thus becoming an effective communications tool in community-engaged research. These tools serve as an example of how visualization strategies can initiate unbiased discussion of proposed interventions, serve as an educational vehicle around the health impacts of climate change, and invite distributional and participatory equity for residents of low-income, nature-poor neighborhoods.
Quantitative Detection of Pericardial Adhesions Using Four-Dimensional Computed Tomography: A Novel Motion-Based Analysis Framework
Authors: Ren Tong , Wang Shuo , Cheng Nan , Feng Zekun , Li Menglu , Zhang Li , Wang Rong
Published: February 2025

Objective: Pericardial adhesions can unexpectedly occur prior to cardiac surgery or catheter ablation, even in patients without known risk factors, potentially increasing procedural risks. This study proposed and validated a novel, quantitative, and noninvasive method for detecting pericardial adhesions using four-dimensional computed tomography (4D CT). Methods: We evaluated preoperative 4D CT datasets from 20 patients undergoing cardiac surgery with and without pericardial adhesions. Our novel approach integrates expert-guided pericardial segmentation, symmetric diffeomorphic registration, and motion disparity analysis. The method quantifies tissue motion differences by computing the displacement fields between the pericardium and epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), with a particular focus on the left anterior descending (LAD) region. Results: Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between adhesion and non-adhesion groups (p < 0.01) using two newly developed metrics: peak ratio (PR) and distribution width index (DWI). Adhesion cases demonstrated characteristic high PR values (>100) with low DWI values (<0.3), while non-adhesion cases showed moderate PR values (<50) with higher DWI values (>0.4). Conclusions: This proof-of-concept study validated a novel quantitative framework for assessing pericardial adhesions using 4D CT imaging and provides an objective and computationally efficient tool for preoperative assessment in clinical settings. These findings suggest the potential clinical utility of this framework in surgical planning and risk assessment.
Natural Alternatives in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer: A Mechanisms Perspective
Authors: Fernandez-Muñoz Karen Vanessa , Sánchez-Barrera Cuauhtémoc Ángel , Meraz-Ríos Marco , Reyes Jose Luis , Pérez-Yépez Eloy Andrés , Ortiz-Melo Maria Teresa , Terrazas Luis I. , Mendoza-Rodriguez Monica Graciela
Published: February 2025

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the deadliest neoplasia. Intrinsic or acquired resistance is the main cause of failure of therapy regimens that leads to relapse and death in CRC patients. The widely used chemotherapeutic agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) remains the mainstay for therapeutic combinations. Unfortunately, chemotherapeutic resistance and side effects are frequent events that compromise the success of these therapies; the dysregulation of enzymes that regulate 5-FU metabolism increases the expression and activity of efflux pumps. Additional tumor cell adaptations such as epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), autophagy shaping of the tumor microenvironment, and inflammation contribute to chemoresistance. Finding new strategies and alternatives to enhance conventional chemotherapies has become necessary. Recently, the study of natural compounds has been gaining strength as an alternative to chemotherapeutics in different cancers. Curcumin, trimethylglycine, resveratrol, artemisinin, and some helminth-derived molecules, among others, are some natural compounds studied in the context of CRC. This review discusses the main benefits, mechanisms, advances, and dark side of conventional chemotherapeutics currently evaluated in CRC treatment. We also analyzed the landscape of alternative non-conventional compounds and their underlying mechanisms of action, which could, in the short term, provide fundamental knowledge to harness their anti-tumor effects and allow them to be used as alternative adjuvant therapies.
Antivirulence Properties of Kuraridin Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Authors: Barua Nilakshi , Chan Ben Chung Lap , Lau Clara Bik-San , Leung Ping-Chung , Fung Kwok Pui , Ip Margaret
Published: February 2025

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major human opportunistic pathogen that causes a wide range of infections. The vast arsenal of virulence factors expressed remains the biggest challenge in treating MRSA with conventional antibiotic therapy. Methods: We investigated the effects of Kuraridin at subinhibitory minimum inhibition concentrations (MICs) of 1/8, 1/16, and 1/32 (concentrations that did not inhibit bacterial growth) on adhesion to fibrinogen, adhesion, internalization into HaCaT cells, and biofilm production in three MRSA strains representing the clonal types USA300, ST30, and ST239. Results: All three MRSA strains exhibited a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in adhesion to fibrinogen upon treatment with 1/8 and 1/16 MICs of Kuraridin. The adhesion and internalization of all the MRSA strains to HaCaT cells were decreased significantly (p < 0.001) upon treatment with the three subinhibitory concentrations of Kuraridin. The biofilm formation of USA300 (p < 0.001), ST30 (p < 0.001), and ST239 (p < 0.01) was significantly reduced at a 1/8 MIC. A significant decrease in biofilm formation at a 1/16 MIC was observed for USA300 (p < 0.001) and ST30 (p < 0.05). Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CSLM) analysis of the biofilms revealed a reduction in biofilm formation in the MRSA strain when treated with Kuraridin. In the in vivo Caenorhabditis elegans model, Kuraridin offered a sizable degree of protection against MRSA infection without being toxic to the nematode. Conclusions: Our findings reveal that Kuraridin has the potential to be an alternative antivirulence option for reducing MRSA pathogenicity.
Aptamer-Based Graphene Field-Effect Transistor Biosensor for Cytokine Detection in Undiluted Physiological Media for Cervical Carcinoma Diagnosis
Authors: Wang Ziran , Dai Wenting , Zhang Zaiyu , Wang Haipeng
Published: February 2025

Personalized monitoring of disease biomarkers is of great interest in women’s health. However, existing approaches typically involve invasive inspection or bulky equipment, making them challenging to implement at home. Hence, we present a general strategy for label-free and specific detection of disease biomarkers in physiological media using an aptamer-based biosensor. The biosensor is a graphene field-effect transistor that involves immobilizing the aptamer and a biomolecule-permeable polyethylene glycol (PEG) layer on the graphene surface. The aptamer is capable of specifically binding with the target biomarker, thus inducing a change in the sensing responses. The PEG layer can effectively reduce the nonspecific adsorption of nontarget molecules in the solution, and increase the effective Debye screening length in the region directly adjacent to the graphene. In this work, studies of a biosensor with modification of the aptamer and PEG show that cervical carcinoma biomarkers such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin 6 can be sensitively and specifically detected in undiluted physiological media, with detection limits as low as 0.13 pM for TNF-a and 0.20 pM for IL-6. This work presents a significant method for the general application of the biosensor for disease diagnosis in women’s health.
Multi-Channel Cellytics for Rapid and Cost-Effective Monitoring of Leukocyte Activation
Authors: Cheon Hojin , Kumar Samir , Lee Inha , Shin Sanghoon , Jang Hyeji , Lee Young-Sun , Nam Myung-Hyun , Jun Hyun Sik , Seo Sungkyu
Published: February 2025

Morphological changes in leukocytes are valuable markers for diseases and immune responses. In our earlier work, we presented Cellytics, a device that uses lens-free shadow imaging technology (LSIT) to monitor natural killer cell activity. Here, we present an improved Cellytics system that has been upgraded to a four-channel configuration to achieve higher throughput while maintaining robust reproducibility for rapid and cost-effective leukocyte analysis. The performance of this multi-channel Cellytics system was improved through refinements to the micro-pinhole chip. Etched pinholes provided better image resolution and clarity compared to drilled pinholes. To stimulate leukocytes, we used an activation stimulator cocktail (ASC) and quantified the resulting morphological changes using shadow-based metrics, including peak-to-peak distance (PPD) and maxima-to-minima standard deviation (MMD-SD). In addition, we developed a new leukocyte activation parameter (LAP) to specifically assess these activation-induced morphological changes. After ASC stimulation, leukocytes showed significantly increased PPD and LAP values and decreased MMD-SD compared to non-activated leukocytes. These results are consistent with the results of the flow cytometric analysis. These results emphasize the potential of Cellytics for the rapid and accurate assessment of leukocyte activation and provide a valuable tool for both clinical diagnostics and basic immunological research.
Colorimetric Analysis of Transmitted Light Through Plasmonic Paper for Next-Generation Point-of-Care (PoC) Devices
Authors: Serafinelli Caterina , Fantoni Alessandro , Alegria Elisabete C. B. A. , Vieira Manuela
Published: February 2025

This study identifies the optimal conditions for enhancing the performance of the Color Picker System, a device designed for colorimetric sensing using plasmonic paper. A simulation study was conducted toanalyze the transmittance spectra of plasmonic paper embedded in different mixtures, resulting in a comprehensive color chart that includes the chromatic response as well as the RGB values of transmitted light. The filtering properties of the plasmonic paper were evaluated through colorimetric analysis, combining the transmittance characteristics with the spectrum of different light sources. Optimizing the correlation between these filtering properties and the light source enhances both sensitivity and precision. Arrays of nanoparticles with high absorbance, combined with Cold LED light sources, emerge as ideal components for the device set-up. Among the light sources tested, the White LED uniquely generates a red signal while producing the most significant variations in the green channel. In contrast, the Cold LED and Xenon Arc lamp produce the strongest colorimetric signals in the blue channel. This study provides a deep understanding of the filtering properties of plasmonic paper, opening a new way for the implementation of nanoparticle arrays in colorimetric sensing.
Embodied Cognition and Alcohol Use Disorder: Frequency of Impairments and Relationship to Neurocognitive Assessments
Authors: Bell Morris D. , Weinstein Andrea J. , Ciosek David , Reilly Sarah E. , Wang Yan , Yoon Gihyun
Published: February 2025

Background: Embodied cognition is an emerging concept in cognitive science that emphasizes the integral role of perception, action, and bodily experience in shaping human thought and understanding. Recently, a new instrument has been developed called the Automated Test of Embodied Cognition (ATEC), which provides a comprehensive measure of eight domains of embodied cognition. Method: An embodied cognition in an alcohol use disorder (AUD) sample (N = 49) was assessed using ATEC, which employs cognitively demanding physical tasks, like an exercise video, to measure executive functions (EFs), memory, and other cognitive processes “in action”. Results: Embodied delayed recall was the most frequent impairment (84%), and EF impairments were also common. Among the EF domains, self-regulation was the most frequently impaired at 43%. Using the ATEC total score, 43% of the sample were rated as having a mild or greater level of overall impairment. Strong support for concurrent validity was found for ATEC EF and memory domains when correlated with neurocognitive assessments conceptually related to them. Significant categorical agreement (impaired/not impaired) was also found between neurocognitive testing and ATEC total score. Using the ATEC total score, younger age, higher education, and better premorbid IQ were found to be potential protective factors against cognitive decline. Conclusions: Findings support ATEC’s potential for future studies related to AUD and other disorders that may lead to cognitive decline. Embodied cognition may provide new insights into how AUD affects cognition and functioning and be useful to determine what interventions may improve recovery.
Quantum Health Accelerator® Ameliorates CFA-Induced Animal Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Investigating the Role of Immunomodulatory and Anti-Oxidative Effects
Authors: Mohaddes Ali Akbar , Saatchi Mohammad Ali , Afshari Chamanabadi Marziyeh , Saatchi Saeed , Rostami Sadra , Askari Vahid Reza
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory and autoimmune disease characterized by joint swelling, pain, damage to the cartilage, and disability. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulatory properties of Quantum Health Accelerator® as water enriched with vital bio-quantum information/energy (EW) following complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced RA in rats. Methods: Forty adult male Wistar rats (180–220 g) were divided into five groups. Arthritis was induced on day one using a single subcutaneous injection of CFA into the left hind footpad of the rat. Rats were assigned to receive methotrexate (MTX, 2 mg/kg/week, intraperitoneally), EW (orally, instead of normal water ad libitum), or their combination for 29 days. The anti-RA activities were determined by paw edema, joint diameter, arthritis score, and several nociceptive behavioral tests (thermal hyperalgesia, cold allodynia, and tactile allodynia). The levels of inflammatory (TNF-α, CRP, RF, and anti-CCP), anti-inflammatory (IL-10), and oxidative stress (NO, MDA, and GSH) markers were measured in serum. In addition, the levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-17, and TGF-β were assessed in the spleen-isolated lymphocytes. Results: We found that treatment with MTX, EW, and their combination remarkably ameliorated thermal hyperalgesia, cold allodynia, and tactile allodynia results following CFA-induced RA in rats. In addition, EW also notably attenuated arthritis score, joint diameter, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative markers while propagating anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative mediators. Conclusions: We reveal that EW possesses anti-arthritic effects, possibly through anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. Collectively, EW may be a promising therapeutic agent for treating RA.
The Role of Recipients’ Inter-Group Relations and Routine Behaviors in the Development of Children’s Sharing Behavior
Authors: Liu Hang , Ma Zhengmei , Chen Shiyin , Zhang Lijie , Wang Lu
Published: February 2025

Sharing with others is an important prosocial behavior, which is widely developed in early childhood. Numerous studies have demonstrated that single characteristics (routine behaviors or inter-group relations) of the recipient impact children’s sharing behavior. However, there is still a lack of understanding of the factors that influence sharing decisions in children with dual characteristics. In Experiment 1, 112 children aged 4–6 years (Mage = 5.55, girls account for 50%) participated in a sticker-sharing task, and the results indicated that older children (aged 5 and 6 years) were more willing to share and shared more stickers. Additionally, children shared more stickers with recipients who exhibited good routine behaviors compared to those who had poor behaviors. In total, 134 children aged 4–6 years (Mage = 5.47, girls account for 50.1%) participated in Experiment 2. The results indicated that children share more stickers with a friend than with a stranger. When recipients possessed dual characteristics, they shared more stickers with a stranger who had good routine behaviors than with a friend who had poor ones. Therefore, children are selective in their sharing, and when confronted with a recipient with dual characteristics, children prioritize the recipient’s prior performance of moral norms over interpersonal distance.
Collapse Fragility Analysis of RC Frame Structures Considering Capacity Uncertainty
Authors: Zeng Tailin , Li Yang
Published: February 2025

To analyze the impact of capacity uncertainty on the seismic collapse fragility of reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures, a fragility analysis framework based on seismic reliability methods is proposed. First, incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) curves are plotted by IDA under a group of natural seismic waves. Subsequently, collapse points are identified based on recommendations from relevant standards, yielding the probability distribution of the maximum inter-story drift ratios (MIDRs) at collapse points. Then, the distribution of the MIDRs under various intensity measures (IMs) of artificial seismic waves is calculated by using the fractional exponential moments-based maximum entropy method (FEM-MEM). Next, the structural failure probability is determined based on the combined performance index (CPI), and a seismic collapse fragility curve is plotted using the four-parameter shifted generalized lognormal distribution (SGLD) model. The results indicate that the collapse probability is lower considering the capacity uncertainty. Compared to deterministic MIDR limits of 1/25 and 1/50, the median values of the structure’s collapse resistance increased by 13.2% and 87.3%, respectively. Additionally, the failure probability obtained by considering the capacity uncertainty is lower than the results based on deterministic limits alone. These findings highlight the importance of considering capacity uncertainty in seismic risk assessments of RC frame structures.
Building Change Detection in Aerial Imagery Using End-to-End Deep Learning Semantic Segmentation Techniques
Authors: Teo Tee-Ann , Chen Pei-Cheng
Published: February 2025

Automatic building change detection is essential for updating geospatial data, urban planning, and land use management. The objective of this study is to propose a transformer-based UNet-like framework for end-to-end building change detection, integrating multi-temporal and multi-source data to improve efficiency and accuracy. Unlike conventional methods that focus on either spectral imagery or digital surface models (DSMs), the proposed method combines RGB color imagery, DSMs, and building vector maps in a three-branch Siamese architecture to enhance spatial, spectral, and elevation-based feature extraction. We chose Hsinchu, Taiwan as the experimental site and used 1:1000 digital topographic maps and airborne imagery from 2017, 2020, and 2023. The experimental results demonstrated that the data fusion model significantly outperforms other data combinations, achieving higher accuracy and robustness in detecting building changes. The RGB images provide spectral and texture details, DSMs offer structural and elevation context, and the building vector map enhances semantic consistency. This research advances building change detection by introducing a fully transformer-based model for end-to-end change detection, incorporating diverse geospatial data sources, and improving accuracy over traditional CNN-based methods. The proposed framework offers a scalable and automated solution for modern mapping workflows, contributing to more efficient geospatial data updating and urban monitoring.
In Situ Study on Vertical Compressive Bearing Characteristics of Rooted Bored Piles
Authors: Yang Chao , Dai Guoliang , Gong Weiming , Xi Shuang , Zhu Mingxing , Huo Shaolei
Published: February 2025

In situ vertical load field tests were carried out on two bored piles used in the Chizhou Highway Bridge across the Yangtze River, both of which were rooted piles. Based on the test results, such as those on the relationship between the load and settlement, axial force distribution, and the relationship between shaft friction and pile–soil relative displacement, the vertical load transfer mechanics of the rooted piles were analyzed. The results showed that the load-carrying curves of the rooted piles vary gradually and also that the rooted piles exhibit the bearing characteristics of friction piles because the loads at the pile tips are less than 15% of the total bearing capacity of the piles. The slope of the axial force distribution curve of the rooted piles first increased at the upper interface and then decreased at the lower interface of the root-reinforced zone. The axial force of the rooted piles decreased faster in soil layers where the piles had roots, which can be explained by the fact that roots share the vertical load with piles and that roots improve the bearing properties of piles. Considering the shaft and end resistance of the roots on the piles, the relationship between load and settlement of the rooted piles was calculated by a three-line model based on the load transfer method. The results calculated from the model were in good agreement with the results from the tests. The results from the tests could inform the design and analysis of rooted piles.
Familial Hypercholesterolemia Screening in a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program After Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Bertolín-Boronat Carlos , Marcos-Garcés Víctor , Merenciano-González Héctor , Martínez Mas María Luz , Climent Alberola Josefa Inés , Perez Nerea , López Bueno Laura , Esteban Argente María Concepción , Valls Reig María , Arizón Benito Ana , Payá Rubio Alfonso , Ríos-Navarro César , de Dios Elena , Gavara Jose , Jiménez-Navarro Manuel F. , Chorro Francisco Javier , Sanchis Juan , Bodi Vicente
Published: February 2025

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is relatively prevalent in myocardial infarction (MI) sufferers, and its diagnosis could improve preventive treatment in family members. We aim to analyze the diagnosis of FH and the rate of genetic testing in a prospective cohort of 245 patients submitted to our Cardiac Rehabilitation Program (CRP) after MI. Baseline characteristics were registered, and basal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was calculated after correction for lipid-lowering therapies (LLT) before or during admission. Simplified Dutch Lipid Clinic Network Scores (sDLCNS) were retrospectively calculated based on personal and familial history of premature cardiovascular disease and basal LDL-C levels. Mean age was 62.19 ± 13.93 years, and most patients were male (81.6%). Mean LDL-C before admission and basal LDL-C corrected for LLT were 131.79 ± 45.34 mg/dL and 162.87 ± 44.17 mg/dL, respectively. Patients in the cohort were retrospectively categorized in the “unlikely” (<3 points; n = 162, 66.1%), “possible” (3–5 points; n = 72, 29.4%) and “probable” (6–8 points; n = 11, 4.5%) sDLCNS categories. Genetic testing for FH was requested in four (1.6%) patients, and no clinically significant genetic variants were detected. Patients who underwent genetic testing depicted significantly higher basal LDL-C (233 ± 49.09 vs. 161.71 ± 43.25 mg/dL, p = 0.001). However, the rate of individuals undergoing genetic testing was negligible even in the “possible” (n = 2, 2.8%) and “probable” (n = 1, 9.1%) sDLCNS categories. In conclusion, genetic testing for FH in our CRP after MI is largely underutilized, even in patients with a “possible” or “probable” diagnosis based on sDLCNS criteria, which represent about a third of the cohort. Strategies to improve screening for FH should be prospectively implemented.
Photo-Induced Hydrogen Production from Formic Acid Using a Palladium Catalyst
Authors: Abdel-Fattah Tarek M. , Biehler Erik , Smeaton Michelle A. , Gennett Thomas , Leick Noemi
Published: February 2025

Liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) are recognized as promising sustainable hydrogen (H2) carriers due to their high volumetric capacity and ability to store H2 at ambient conditions, eliminating the need for energy-intensive liquefaction or compression processes associated with H2 or ammonia gas. One of the main current drawbacks, however, is LOHCs’ high energy demand for H2 release. This work presents the photo-induced liberation of H2 from formic acid (FA) as a liquid H2 carrier, using visible light and well-established 5 wt% palladium nanoparticles supported over carbon (Pd/C). We show that low-power light-emitting diodes (LEDs) produced higher gas flow than their thermal baseline (35 °C), with 27.2 mL/min and 7.72 mL/min, respectively. Further, the rate of gas evolved with light intensity, catalyst loading, and the concentration of FA. Light-induced dehydrogenation shows similar deactivation as the known thermal mechanisms, such as the decreased Pd2+/Pd0 ratio and Pd nanoparticle agglomeration. Hence, these observations suggest a photothermal mechanism, whereby the LED provides heat efficiently absorbed by the Pd/C catalyst and enhanced by Pd’s ability to absorb light, thereby driving the FA dehydrogenation reaction at ambient conditions.