bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study on the Seismic Performance of Confined High Walls of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Panels Used in Subway Stations
Authors: Li Xiaowei , Zhang Qidi , Bao Han , Yao Yong , Zhang Zhaoqiang
Published: January 2025

This study addresses the unique challenge of the partition walls in subway stations, featuring high height, fire prevention, and located outside the main frames, by introducing a confined autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) panel wall system. Different from studies on a main frame with infill walls, this study aimed to explore the seismic performance of partition walls, which were fabricated with confined high AAC panel walls and located outside the main frames. A custom-designed partition wall, measuring 6600 mm in height, 3400 mm in width, and 200 mm in thickness, underwent cyclic testing. A detailed analysis of specimen’s failure modes was conducted, focusing on seismic behavior such as hysteresis curves, envelope curves, ductility, stiffness degradation, and energy-dissipation capacity. Additionally, the study delved into shear deformation, relative slippage between AAC panels, and reinforcement strains within the specimen. Finally, the D-value method for calculating the initial stiffness of the confined high AAC panel walls and the weak sub-structural approach for determining the load-bearing capacity of confined high AAC panel walls were proposed and validated. The results indicate that the strength degradation factor of the confined high AAC panel walls ranges from 0.971 to 0.716. The drift of its upper portion accounts for 76.94–83.63% of the total drift, while the energy dissipation factor of its upper portion is 0.8–4.8% higher than that of the entire specimen. The yield and ultimate drift rotations of the entire confined high AAC panel wall and its upper portions satisfy the elastic and elastic-plastic inter-story drift rotation limits specified in the Chinese code. The calculated initial stiffness of the confining frame, obtained using the D-value method, closely aligns with experimental results, with a deviation of only 2.48%. Additionally, the load-bearing capacity calculated using the weak sub-structural approach deviates from the experimental average by just 4.30%.
Enhancing Data Collection Time Intervals and Modeling the Structural Behavior of Bridges in Response to Temperature Variations
Authors: Rădulescu Adrian Traian , Rădulescu Gheorghe M. T. , Naș Sanda Mărioara , Rădulescu Virgil Mihai , Rădulescu Corina M.
Published: January 2025

The impact of temperature on bridges represents one of the main long-term challenges of structural health monitoring (SHM). Temperature is an environmental variable that changes both throughout the day and between different seasons, and its variations can induce thermal loads on bridges, potentially resulting in considerable displacements and deformations. Therefore, it is essential to obtain current data on the impact of daily and seasonal temperature variations on bridge displacements. Unfortunately, the maintenance costs associated with using precise estimates of thermal loads in a bridge design are quite high. The introduction of more accessible structural monitoring services is imperative to increase the number of observed structures. Viable solutions to make SHM more efficient include minimizing the costs of equipment, sensors, data loggers, data transmission systems, or monitoring data processing software. This research aims to improve the time intervals for collecting data on external temperature variations measured on a bridge structure through a sensor-based detection system and the integration of results into a regression analysis model. The paper aims to determine the appropriate interval for capturing and transmitting the structural response influenced by temperature variations over a year and to develop a behavioral mathematical model for the concrete structural components of a monitored bridge. The structural behavior was modeled using the statistical software TableCurve 2D, v.5.01. The results indicate that extending the data collection periods from 15 min to 4 h, in a static regime, maintains the accuracy of the regression model; instead, the effects of this integration are a significant reduction in the costs of data collection, transmission, and processing. The practical implications of this study consist of improving the monitoring of the structural behavior of bridges and the prediction under thermal stress, aiding in the design of more resilient structures, and enabling the implementation of efficient maintenance strategies.
Targeting Hepatocellular Carcinoma Growth: Haprolid’s Inhibition of AKT Signaling Through DExH-Box Helicase 9 Downregulation
Authors: Xing Jun , Feng Xiaoxi , Zhang Rutong , Zhang Kaiguang
Published: January 2025

Objective: Haprolid, a novel compound extracted from Myxobacterium, has been proven to possess selective toxicity towards various tumor cells, effectively inhibiting the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. Methods: To identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) were employed. The clinical significance of DExH-Box Helicase 9 (DHX9) was determined using tissue microarrays in HCC patients. Changes in protein expression were detected using Western blotting, qPCR, and immunohistochemistry. Cell proliferation was evaluated using CCK-8 and crystal violet staining. Cell apoptosis was assessed using Alexa Fluor 647 Annexin V. Xenograft tumor experiments were conducted in animals. Results: iTRAQ screening identified DHX9 as a DEP. DHX9 was discovered to be highly expressed in HCC tissues, correlating with poor prognosis in patients. Haprolid downregulated DHX9 expression, while knockdown of DHX9 suppressed HCC cell proliferation and migration and promoted apoptosis. Meanwhile, overexpression of DHX9 mitigated the inhibitory effect of Haprolid on HCC cells. Knockdown of DHX9 inhibited the AKT signaling pathway, and SC79 reversed the inhibitory effect of DHX9 knockdown on HCC cells. Xenograft experiments confirmed that the knockdown of DHX9 inhibited HCC growth, while the overexpression of DHX9 attenuated the inhibitory effect of Haprolid on HCC growth. Conclusions: Haprolid inhibits the AKT signaling pathway by downregulating DHX9, ultimately suppressing HCC growth. This finding opens up new avenues for targeted HCC therapy.
Polo-like Kinase 1 Inhibitors Demonstrate In Vitro and In Vivo Efficacy in Preclinical Models of Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhang Guojing , Pannucci Abbe , Ivanov Andrey A. , Switchenko Jeffrey , Sun Shi-Yong , Sica Gabriel L. , Liu Zhentao , Huang Yufei , Schmitz John C. , Owonikoko Taofeek K.
Published: January 2025

Objective: To investigate the preclinical efficacy and identify predictive biomarkers of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) inhibitors in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) models. Methods: We tested the cytotoxicity of selective PLK1 inhibitors (rigosertib, volasertib, and onvansertib) in a panel of SCLC cell lines. We confirmed the therapeutic efficacy of subcutaneous xenografts of representative cell lines and in four patient-derived xenograft models generated from patients with platinum-sensitive and platinum-resistant SCLC. We employed an integrated analysis of genomic and transcriptomic sequencing data to identify potential biomarkers of the activity and mechanisms of resistance in laboratory-derived resistance models. Results: Volasertib, rigosertib, and onvansertib showed strong in vitro cytotoxicity at nanomolar concentrations in human SCLC cell lines. Rigosertib, volasertib, and onvansertib showed equivalent efficacy to that of standard care agents (irinotecan and cisplatin) in vivo with significant growth inhibition superior to cisplatin in PDX models of platinum-sensitive and platinum-resistant SCLC. There was an association between YAP1 expression and disruptive or inactivation TP53 gene mutations, with greater efficacy of PLK1 inhibitors. Comparison of lab-derived onvansertib-resistant H526 cells to parental cells revealed differential gene expression with upregulation of NAP1L3, CYP7B1, AKAP7, and FOXG1 and downregulation of RPS4Y1, KDM5D, USP9Y, and EIF1AY highlighting the potential mechanisms of resistance in the clinical setting. Conclusions: We established the efficacy of PLK1 inhibitors in vitro and in vivo using PDX models of platinum-sensitive and resistant relapsed SCLC. An ongoing phase II trial is currently testing the efficacy of onvansertib in patients with SCLC (NCT05450965).
Long-Term Outcomes of Intravesical Mitomycin C Administered via Electromotive Drug Administration or Conductive Chemo-Hyperthermia in Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Melgarejo-Segura Maria Teresa , Zambudio-Munuera Alberto , Arrabal-Polo Miguel Ángel , Lardelli-Claret Pablo , Pareja-Vilchez Manuel , Arrabal-Martín Miguel
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is a common form of bladder cancer with a significant risk of recurrence and progression, especially in intermediate- and high-risk patients. Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) therapy has been the gold standard, but its limitations have prompted the exploration of alternative therapies. This study aims to compare the long-term effectiveness of two such alternatives—hyperthermia-induced potentiation of mitomycin C (HIVEC) and electromotive drug administration (EMDA)—in preventing recurrence and progression in NMIBC patients. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at a Spanish center, including patients with intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC who were treated between August 2018 and December 2024. Participants were allocated to receive either HIVEC or EMDA based on their preferences. Both treatments followed a similar protocol, with an initial induction phase and maintenance sessions. Patient follow-up included regular cystoscopy, cytology, and imaging. Results: At 36 months, the disease-free survival rate was 62.4% for the HIVEC group and 67% for the EMDA group. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the two groups in terms of long-term efficacy. The adjusted hazard ratio for the treatment effect was 0.95, indicating comparable outcomes. Conclusions: Both HIVEC and EMDA demonstrate similar long-term efficacy in preventing recurrence and progression in intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC. These findings suggest that both treatments show promise as potential future options for managing NMIBC, providing clinicians with additional considerations based on patient characteristics and preferences. Further studies, particularly randomized controlled trials, are needed to confirm these results and optimize treatment protocols.
The Link Between Newborn SNP Polymorphism rs266729, Adiponectin, and Newborn Macrosomia in a Cohort of Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Case–Control Pilot Study
Authors: Muntean Mihai , Mărginean Claudiu , Bernad Elena Silvia , Bănescu Claudia , Nyulas Victoria , Muntean Irina Elena , Săsăran Vladut
Published: January 2025

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is linked to higher newborn weight and an increased risk of macrosomia. The newborn single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the ADIPOQ gene rs266729 is linked to a higher birth weight of the offspring of healthy pregnant women. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the relationship between newborn ADIPOQ rs266729 polymorphism, cord blood adiponectin, maternal glycemic and lipid metabolism, and maternal adiponectin levels at 24 to 28 weeks of gestation (WG) and at birth and its impact on newborn weight in a cohort of GDM mothers. Materials and methods: This study involved 71 women diagnosed with GDM and 142 control pregnant women. The ADIPOQ (rs266729) gene polymorphisms were genotyped using TaqMan real-time PCR analysis. Maternal and cord blood adiponectin levels were measured using human total adiponectin ELISA kits. We performed a Pearson correlation analysis to identify significant correlations between maternal metabolic parameters and adiponectin levels at 24–28 WG and birth and the weight of newborns. A logistic regression analysis was also conducted to identify potential macrosomia predictors. Results: We found no significant differences in the distribution of the allele (C, G) (p = 0.82) and genotype (CC, CG, GG) (p = 0.46) of APIPOQ rs266729 among normoponderal and macrosomic newborns from the GDM mothers group. Maternal fasting glucose at 24–28 WG was higher in the GDM mothers who gave birth to macrosomic newborns (106 ± 17 vs. 93 ± 10 mg/dL, p < 0.0001). Adiponectin levels in the cord blood of newborns from mothers with GDM were lower than those in newborns from control mothers (p < 0.0001). In correlation analysis, we identified a weak positive correlation between the newborn weight of GDM mothers and cord blood adiponectin (r = 0.262), maternal fasting glucose level at 24–28 WG (r = 0.288), and maternal adiponectin level at birth (0.334). Multivariate logistic regression, after adjusting for confounders, revealed that maternal fasting glucose levels at 24–28 WG had an OR of 11.59, and cord blood adiponectin levels had an OR of 30.31 for macrosomia. Conclusions: The preliminary findings of our pilot study suggest that in the gestational diabetes mellitus group, the ADIPOQ rs266729 polymorphism in newborns is not associated with a higher birth weight, maternal fasting glucose levels between 24 and 28 WG were a predictor for macrosomia, and cord blood adiponectin levels were lower than those from control mothers. Further large-scale studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Effect of Partial Root Drying Stress on Improvement in Tomato Production
Authors: Xu Huilian , Jing Hairong , Shi Runyu , Chen Minghao , Wang Chunfang , Xu Qicong , Bai Jianfang , Liu Xiaoyong , Kong Mengmeng
Published: January 2025

Several countries around the world are facing the issue of freshwater availability, where agriculture is highly dependent on irrigation, consuming 70% of this vital resource. Water availability is the most limiting factor for the crop production sector and one of the main regulators of the spatial distribution of plants. It is noted that in recent years, the methods of irrigation water application have been improved. Currently, research is directed towards irrigation strategies that reduce water applications. A partial root drying (PRD) technique involves irrigating one-half of the root zone while leaving the other half in relatively dry soil. This method is used in the production of various crops, such as potatoes and cotton. However, the mechanism of PRD, including the physiological and molecular biological processes involved, is not fully understood. In this study, tomato plants were treated with PRD and nitrogen (N) top-dressing. The results showed that PRD could significantly increase the fruit yield, photosynthetic activities, nitrate reductase activity, and fruit quality in the tomato plants, and PRD could also promote the concentrations of oxygen species (O2−), malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline contents, and activities of antioxidant enzymes. In addition, PRD could enhance stress resistance by increasing disease resistance and NP1 and DRED3 antioxidant enzyme activity. Tomato plants treated with PRD compared to the control showed high photosynthetic activity, high yield, better quality of production, and low leaf blight incidence. Overall, the results indicate that PRD is a feasible approach that could be effectively utilized in tomato fields to improve plant growth and production compared with the control.
First Report of Pembrolizumab Activity in KIT-Mutated Thymic Carcinoma
Authors: De Pas Tommaso Martino , Giaccone Giuseppe , Catania Chiara , Conforti Fabio , Pala Laura , Mitsakis Periklis , Dietrich Pierre-Yves
Published: January 2025

The antitumor activity of immunotherapy is strongly influenced by the presence of driver gene mutations/translocations. For this reason, knowledge of the predictive value of specific genetic alterations in relation to anti-PD(L)1 activity is highly useful for the clinical decision making process in many solid tumors, particularly in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Although data on the correlation between genetic alterations and response to immunotherapy are available in the majority of common cancers, data are lacking in the subset of patients with KIT-mutated Thymic Carcinoma (TC). As a consequence, although immunotherapy is a standard treatment for TC patients, the lack of this knowledge leads to uncertainty when proposing immunocheckpoint inhibitors in this subset of patients. Here we describe the first report of a patient with KIT-mutated TC who received the anti-PD1 agent pembrolizumab, which caused a sustained partial response. This case report of a sustained partial response achieved with pembrolizumab in a patient with KIT-mutated TC after progression to chemotherapy and imatinib may be supportive during clinical decision making for this extremely rare disease.
Microbial Communities in Permafrost, Moraine and Deschampsia antarctica Rhizosphere Soils near Ecology Glacier (King George Island, Maritime Antarctic)
Authors: Palma Daniel E. , Gaete Alexis , López Dariel , Marcoleta Andrés E. , Chávez Francisco P. , Bravo León A. , Acuña Jacquelinne J. , Cambiazo Verónica , Jorquera Milko A.
Published: January 2025

While the recession of glaciers in the Antarctic is of global concern under climate change, the impact of deglaciation on soil microbiomes is still limited. Here, soil samples were collected from permafrost (P), moraine (M) and Deschampsia antarctica rhizosphere (R) soils near Ecology Glacier (Antarctic), and their soil physicochemical properties and microbial communities (bacteria, archaea and fungi) were characterized. Our analyses showed that there were significant differences in the soil properties and microbial communities between the R samples and the P and M samples. Specifically, amplicon sequencing of 16S rDNA revealed high bacterial richness and diversity in the studied soils, which were dominated mainly by the phyla Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota and Bacteroidota. In contrast, lower richness and diversity were observed in the archaeal communities, which were dominated by the phyla Chenarchaeota (M and R) and Thermoplasmadota (M). In addition, fungal community analysis revealed a lower richness and diversity (M and R), dominated by the phylum Ascomycota. Our observations are consistent with previous reports describing the relevant changes in soil microbial communities during glacial recession, including fewer microbial groups studied in soils (archaea and fungi). However, further studies are still needed to elucidate the contributions of microbial communities to soil formation and plant colonization in ice-free soils in Antarctica under global climate change.
Diversity in Burned Pinyon–Juniper Woodlands Across Fire and Soil Parent Material Gradients
Authors: Abella Scott R. , Chiquoine Lindsay P. , Bailey Elizabeth C. , Porter Shelley L. , Morrison Cassandra D. , Farris Calvin A. , Fox Jennifer E.
Published: January 2025

Co-varying disturbance and environmental gradients can shape vegetation dynamics and increase the diversity of plant communities and their features. Pinyon–juniper woodlands are widespread in semi-arid climates of western North America, encompassing extensive environmental gradients, and a knowledge gap is how the diversity in features of these communities changes across co-varying gradients in fire history and soil. In pinyon–juniper communities spanning soil parent materials (basalt, limestone) and recent fire histories (0–4 prescribed fires or managed wildfires and 5–43 years since fire) in Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument (Arizona, USA), we examined variation at 25 sites in three categories of plant community features including fuels, tree structure, and understory vegetation. Based on ordinations, canonical correlation analysis, and permutation tests, plant community features varied primarily with the number of fires, soil coarseness and chemistry, and additionally with tree structure for understory vegetation. Fire and soil variables accounted for 33% of the variance in fuels and tree structure, and together with tree structure, 56% of the variance in understories. The cover of the non-native annual Bromus tectorum was higher where fires had occurred more recently. In turn, B. tectorum was positively associated with the percentage of dead trees and negatively associated with native forb species richness. Based on a dendroecological analysis of 127 Pinus monophylla and Juniperus osteosperma trees, only 18% of trees presently around our study sites originated before the 1870s (Euro-American settlement) and <2% originated before the 1820s. Increasing contemporary fire activity facilitated by the National Park Service since the 1980s corresponded with increasing tree mortality and open-structured stands, apparently more closely resembling pre-settlement conditions. Using physical geography, such as soil parent material, as a landscape template shows promise for (i) incorporating diversity in long-term community change serving as a baseline for vegetation management, (ii) customizing applying treatments to unique conditions on different soil types, and (iii) benchmarking monitoring metrics of vegetation management effectiveness to levels scaled to biophysical variation across the landscape.
Parental Hacking—An Alternative Reintroduction Method for the White-Tailed Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
Authors: Meyrier Eva , Travers Jacques-Olivier , Meyburg Bernd-Ulrich
Published: January 2025

In an age of rewilding and dramatic declines in biodiversity, we are developing a new way to reintroduce raptors: parental hacking. The principle behind it is similar to traditional hacking, where the birds are released without contact with adult conspecifics. In parental hacking, our method, the parents feed their own offspring until the end of the post-fledgling dependency period. Our programme aims to reintroduce the white-tailed sea eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) to the Upper Rhône Basin in France. It started in 2022 and will continue until 2030, with the release of 80 young eagles. We describe the method used in 2022, followed by the improvements made in 2023, and finally compare the two years. The young eagles were raised in aviaries at the reintroduction site by their captive-born parents in the Aigles du Léman Park (Haute-Savoie, France). In 2022, two young females and two young males were released as soon as they were able to fly at the age of three months, but they often ended up on the ground due to a lack of flying ability and attacks from wild black kites (Milvus migrans) defending their territory. Therefore, the young eagles were returned to their parents’ aviary before being released a second time at five months in August 2022. One month after release, one male was already 50 km from the reintroduction site, while the other three stayed close to the park. In 2023, five young females and five young males were released at five months. This came after four weeks in a large training aviary to learn how to fly, perch, and fish. The behaviour of the young eagles after release varied greatly between individuals. Overall, 4 out of 10 young eagles travelled long distances and did not return to the reintroduction site to feed within a month, while the other 6 chose to stay close (within 20 km) to the reintroduction site.
Improved Interpretability Without Performance Reduction in a Sepsis Prediction Risk Score
Authors: Kotter Adam , Abdelrahman Samir , Wan Yi-Ki Jacob , Madaras-Kelly Karl , Morgan Keaton L. , Kan Chin Fung Kelvin , Del Fiol Guilherme
Published: January 2025

Objective: Sepsis is a life-threatening response to infection and a major cause of hospital mortality. Machine learning (ML) models have demonstrated better sepsis prediction performance than integer risk scores but are less widely used in clinical settings, in part due to lower interpretability. This study aimed to improve the interpretability of an ML-based model without reducing its performance in non-ICU sepsis prediction. Methods: A logistic regression model was trained to predict sepsis onset and then converted into a more interpretable integer point system, STEWS, using its regression coefficients. We compared STEWS with the logistic regression model using PPV at 90% sensitivity. Results: STEWS was significantly equivalent to logistic regression using the two one-sided tests procedure (0.051 vs. 0.051; p = 0.004). Conclusions: STEWS demonstrated equivalent performance to a comparable logistic regression model for non-ICU sepsis prediction, suggesting that converting ML models into more interpretable forms does not necessarily reduce predictive power.
Understanding General Practitioner and Patient Perceptions Regarding Integration of Non-Pharmacological Interventions in Chronic Non-Cancer Pain Management—A Cross-Sectional Mixed-Methods Study in the RELIEF Project
Authors: Poß-Doering Regina , Carter Sarina , Brinkmöller Sabrina , Möhler Melanie , Dupont Dominik , Paul Cinara , Zugaj Marco R. , Wurmbach Viktoria , Balzer Alexandra , Wensing Michel , Straßner Cornelia
Published: January 2025

Background: Chronic non-cancer-related pain is an independent condition with a multicausal genesis. Guidelines highlight the need for holistic treatment based on the bio-psycho-social model. While prescribing medication is common, it remains unclear how and to what extent non-pharmacological interventions are considered and recommended in general practice pain management. The project RELIEF explored the integration of non-pharmacological interventions in general practices in Germany from both physician and patient perspectives. Methods: A mixed-methods study collected data with patients and general practitioners via semi-structured telephone interviews and self-developed questionnaires. Qualitative data were analyzed in a reflexive thematic analysis. Survey data were analyzed descriptively. Results: N = 383 questionnaires (n = 131 general practitioners, n = 252 patients) and n = 61 interviews (n = 21 general practitioners, n = 40 patients) were analyzed. Patient and physician perceptions regarding the integration of non-pharmacological interventions differed. Patients felt pharmacological therapy was recommended primarily, applied non-pharmacological interventions based on their own initiative, and were aware of bio-psycho-social interrelations. Physicians perceived that they often recommended physiotherapy and psychotherapy alongside analgesics, and asked about non-pharmacological interventions (79.4%), explained the bio-psycho-social chronic pain genesis (55.7%), and provided information on physical (48.9%) and social (35.9%) activity, relaxation techniques (42%), topical applications (31.9%), and support groups (25.2%). Conclusions: The integration of holistic pain management and communication between patients and general practitioners appear to need strengthening.
Towards Mobile Wind Measurements Using Joust Configured Ultrasonic Anemometer for Applications in Gas Flux Quantification
Authors: Hollenbeck Derek , Edgar Colin , Euskirchen Eugenie , Manies Kristen
Published: January 2025

Small uncrewed aerial systems (sUASs) can be used to quantify emissions of greenhouse and other gases, providing flexibility in quantifying these emissions from a multitude of sources, including oil and gas infrastructure, volcano plumes, wildfire emissions, and natural sources. However, sUAS-based emission estimates are sensitive to the accuracy of wind speed and direction measurements. In this study, we examined how filtering and correcting sUAS-based wind measurements affects data accuracy by comparing data from a miniature ultrasonic anemometer mounted on a sUAS in a joust configuration to highly accurate wind data taken from a nearby eddy covariance flux tower (aka the Tower). These corrections had a small effect on wind speed error, but reduced wind direction errors from 50° to >120° to 20–30°. A concurrent experiment examining the amount of error due to the sUAS and the Tower not being co-located showed that the impact of this separation was 0.16–0.21 ms−1, a small influence on wind speed errors. Lower wind speed errors were correlated with lower turbulence intensity and higher relative wind speeds. There were also some loose trends in diminished wind direction errors at higher relative wind speeds. Therefore, to improve the quality of sUAS-based wind measurements, our study suggested that flight planning consider optimizing conditions that can lower turbulence intensity and maximize relative wind speeds as well as include post-flight corrections.
Sensitivity Analysis of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Composite Wing Structural Model Regarding Material Properties and Laminate Configuration
Authors: Kierzkowski Artur , Wróbel Jakub , Milewski Maciej , Filippatos Angelos
Published: January 2025

This study optimizes the structural design of a composite wing shell by minimizing mass and maximizing the first natural frequency. The analysis focuses on the effects of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam thickness and the fiber orientation angle of the inner carbon layers, with the outer layers fixed at ±45° for torsional rigidity. A Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA), well suited for complex engineering problems, was employed alongside Design of Experiments to develop a precise response surface model, achieving predictive errors of 0% for mass and 2.99% for frequency. The optimal configuration—90° and 0° fiber orientations for the upper and lower layers and a foam thickness of 1.05 mm—yielded a mass of 412 g and a frequency of 122.95 Hz. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of MOGA in achieving innovative lightweight aerospace designs, striking a balance between material efficiency and structural performance.
Study on Cross-Coupling Synchronous Control Strategy of Dual-Motor Based on Improved Active Disturbance Rejection Control–Nonsingular Fast Terminal Sliding Mode Control Strategy
Authors: Zhang Daode , Yu Shaofeng , Lu Enshun , Wei Qiong , Yang Zhiyong
Published: January 2025

This paper presents a cross-coupling control strategy that enhances sliding mode control by incorporating active disturbance rejection control. This approach effectively addresses the issue of inadequate synchronous control accuracy in a dual-motor servo system subjected to high load disturbances. Firstly, a mathematical model of a single motor is established, and a discrete sliding mode controller (DSMC) is designed to enhance the motor’s response speed and dynamic performance. Secondly, the approach rate is optimized to improve the control smoothness of the single-motor controller, and the system’s stability is demonstrated using the Lyapunov theorem. In addition, to enhance the precision and stability of synchronous control when the load is unevenly distributed on both sides of the motor, a discrete nonlinear tracking differentiator (DNLTD) and a discrete nonlinear extended state observer (DNLESO) based on active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) theory are proposed, which are, in turn, combined with nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode control (NFTSMC), utilizing an optimized approach rate to form the ADRC-NFTSMC control strategy, and the cross-coupled control structure is used to achieve synchronous closed-loop control. Finally, the experimental results demonstrate that, compared to the NFTSMC strategy, the proposed control strategy improves response speed by 18.9% and synchronous control accuracy by 46.7%, which significantly enhances the quality of dual-motor servo control.
Exergy Assessment of the Allothermal Gasification of Maize Cobs in a Concentric Tube Fixed-Bed Reactor
Authors: Rhenals-Julio Jesús D. , Mendoza Jorge M. , Jaramillo Andrés F. , Sagastume Gutiérrez Alexis , Bula Silvera Antonio
Published: January 2025

An exergy analysis of maize cob gasification in a concentric tube fixed-bed reactor was conducted to define the relationship between biomass in the combustion and gasification zones. Biomass exergy was estimated based on its elemental composition, and syngas was treated as an ideal gas. The results show a linear correlation between temperature and the mass ratio in both the combustion and gasification zones. The optimum exergy efficiency was 68.2% at a mass ratio of 2. Most irreversibilities were found in the combustion zone, with 42.9 kJ/kg destroyed, compared to 33.7 kJ/kg in the gasification zone. It is concluded that the allothermal gasification of biomass in two-zone gasifiers with concentric tubes improves the syngas LHV, demonstrating good reactor performance.
Synergistic Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring: Dual-Model Training and Inference for Improved Load Disaggregation Prediction
Authors: Bouchur Mazen , Reinhardt Andreas
Published: January 2025

Load disaggregation is the process of identifying an individual appliance’s power demand within aggregate electrical load data. Virtually all recently proposed disaggregation methods are based on neural networks, thanks to their superior performance. Their achievable accuracy is, however, often limited by the quality of the data that have been used to train the underlying neural networks. In particular, if electrical appliances exhibit vastly differing temporal schedules and operational modes, their heterogeneous power consumption data can poison the disaggregation models and thus lead to a degraded overall accuracy. This paper presents a novel load disaggregation approach that relies on the use of multiple disaggregation models. We use a clustering method to partition training data by their power consumption patterns, allowing our approach to train separate models for appliance data exhibiting similar electricity consumption patterns. During disaggregation, our scheme selects the model that is closest to the appliance’s power consumption pattern, thereby leveraging the most fitting model for each specific instance. We demonstrate how our method surpasses the accuracy of the individual models designated for each cluster, while simultaneously improving upon the baseline model’s performance. When applied to the widely used ECO dataset, our approach achieves an average improvement of 13% in disaggregation accuracy over the use of a single baseline model.
Electricity Consumption and Efficiency Measures in Public Buildings: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Ortiz-Peña Aarón , Honrubia-Escribano Andrés , Gómez-Lázaro Emilio
Published: January 2025

Industrialization and the expansion of service sectors have led to a significant increase in electricity consumption. This rising demand has also been observed in public buildings, which account for a considerable share of total electrical energy use. Coupled with the upward trend in energy prices, this increase has likewise escalated electricity costs in these sectors. The objective of this review is to compile studies that analyze electricity consumption in large public buildings, with a primary focus on universities, as well as works that propose or implement energy-saving measures aimed at reducing consumption. Throughout this review, it is observed that effective monitoring of consumption as well as the use of demand management systems can reduce electricity consumption by up to 15%. Additionally, the studies collected consistently highlight the need for improvements in real-time data monitoring to enhance energy management. Buildings that implement energy-saving measures achieve reductions in demand exceeding 10%, while those incorporating renewable energy systems are capable of covering between 40% and 50% of their energy needs. Of these systems, solar photovoltaic technology is that most widely adopted by public buildings, primarily due to its adaptability to the architectural characteristics and operational requirements of such facilities. This review underscores the substantial impact that optimized monitoring and renewable energy integration can have on reducing the energy footprint of large public facilities.
Effects of a Mountain Honeysuckle (Lonicerae flos) Extract on Fermentation Characteristics, Antioxidant Capacity and Microbial Community of Alfalfa Mixed Silage
Authors: Wang Yating , Mu Lin , Cao Xin , Wang Qinglan , Zhang Zhifei
Published: January 2025

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of a mountain honeysuckle (Lonicerae flos) extract on the fermentation characteristics, antioxidant capacity and microbial community of silage composed of a mixture of alfalfa, soybean meal and distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS). Compared to the Control group, the application of the Lonicerae flos extract (0.05 to 0.25%) expressly improved the fermentation quality of the mixed alfalfa, as indicated by a reduced pH and increased concentrations of crude protein (CP). Notably, butyric acid (BA) was not detected in any treatment group. Additionally, an appropriate concentration of the extract enhanced the antioxidant capacity and active components of the silage. The abundance of L. acetotolerans exhibited an increasing trend corresponding to the rise in honeysuckle extract concentration. In conclusion, this Lonicerae flos extract has potential to improve anaerobic fermentation quality by promoting the growth of beneficial Lactobacillus spp. and inhibiting that of undesirable microbes. This study provides new insights into novel applications of herbal medicine extracts.
On a Preloaded Compliance System of Fractional Order: Numerical Integration
Authors: Danca Marius-F.
Published: January 2025

In this paper, the use of a class of fractional-order dynamical systems with discontinuous right-hand side defined with Caputo’s derivative is considered. The existence of the solutions is analyzed. For this purpose, differential inclusions theory is used to transform, via the Filippov regularization, the discontinuous right-hand side into a set-valued function. Next, via Cellina’s Theorem, the obtained set-valued differential inclusion of fractional order can be restarted as a single-valued continuous differential equation of fractional order, to which the existing numerical schemes for fractional differential equations can be applied. In this way, the delicate problem of integrating discontinuous problems of fractional order, as well as integer order, is solved by transforming the discontinuous problem into a continuous one. Also, it is noted that even the numerical methods for fractional-order differential equations can be applied abruptly to the discontinuous problem, without considering the underlying discontinuity, so the results could be incorrect. The technical example of a single-degree-of-freedom preloaded compliance system of fractional order is presented.
A Comparative Study of Fractal Models Applied to Artificial and Natural Data
Authors: Silva Gil , de Miranda Fernando Pellon , Michelon Mateus , Ovídio Ana , Venturelli Felipe , Parêdes João , Ferreira João , Moraes Letícia , Barbosa Flávio , Cury Alexandre
Published: January 2025

This paper presents an original and comprehensive comparative analysis of eight fractal analysis methods, including Box Counting, Compass, Detrended Fluctuation Analysis, Dynamical Fractal Approach, Hurst, Mass, Modified Mass, and Persistence. These methods are applied to artificially generated fractal data, such as Weierstrass–Mandelbrot functions and fractal Brownian motion, as well as natural datasets related to environmental and geophysical domains. The objectives of this research are to evaluate the methods’ capabilities in capturing fractal properties, their computational efficiency, and their sensitivity to data fluctuations. Main findings indicate that the Dynamical Fractal Approach consistently demonstrated the highest accuracy across different datasets, particularly for artificial data. Conversely, methods like Mass and Modified Mass showed limitations in complex fractal structures. For natural datasets, including meteorological and geological data, the fractal dimensions varied significantly across methods, reflecting their differing sensitivities to structural complexities. Computational efficiency analysis revealed that methods with linear or logarithmic complexity, such as Persistence and Compass, are most suited for larger datasets, while methods like DFA and Dynamic Fractal Approaches required higher computational resources. This study provides an original comparative study for researchers to select appropriate fractal analysis techniques based on dataset characteristics and computational limitations.
Long Noncoding RNAs Responding to Ethanol Stress in Yeast Seem Associated with Protein Synthesis and Membrane Integrity
Authors: Schnepper Amanda Piveta , Kubo Agatha M. S. , Pinto Camila Moreira , Gomes Ramon Hernany Martins , Fioretto Matheus Naia , Justulin Luís Antonio , Braz Aline M. M. , Golim Marjorie de Assis , Grotto Rejane M. T. , Valente Guilherme Targino
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Translation and the formation of membraneless organelles are linked mechanisms to promote cell stress surveillance. LncRNAs responsive to ethanol stress transcr_9136 of the SEY6210 strain and transcr_10027 of the BY4742 strain appear to act on tolerance to ethanol in these strains. Here, we investigate whether the ethanol responsiveness of transcr_9136 and transcr_10027 and their role in ethanol stress are associated with protein biogenesis and membraneless organelle assembly. Methods: SEY6210 transcr_9136∆ and BY4742 transcr_10027∆ and their wild-type counterparts were subjected to their maximum ethanol-tolerant stress. The expression of the transcr_9136, transcr_10027, ILT1, RRP1, 27S, 25S, TIR3, and FAA3 genes was accessed by qPCR. The level of DCP1a, PABP, and eIF4E proteins was evaluated by Western blotting. Bioinformatics analyses allowed us to check whether transcr_9136 may regulate the expression of RRP1 and predict the interaction between transcr_10027 and Tel1p. The cell death rate of SEY6210 strains under control and ethanol stress conditions was assessed by flow cytometry. Finally, we evaluated the total protein yield of all strains analyzed. Results: The results demonstrated that transcr_9136 of SEY6210 seems to control the expression of RRP1 and 27S rRNA and reduce the general translation. Furthermore, transcr_9136 seems to act on cell membrane integrity. Transcr_10027 of BY4742 appears to inhibit processing body formation and induce a general translation level. Conclusions: This is the first report on the effect of lncRNAs on yeast protein synthesis and new mechanisms of stress-responsive lncRNAs in yeast, with potential industrial applications such as ethanol production.
Mpox Cases in Serbia, 2022
Authors: Đurić Petar , Jovanović Verica , Drakulović Mitra B. , Plavša Dragana , Malinić Jovan , Medarević Aleksandar , Protić Jelena , Mebonia Nana
Published: January 2025

Background: On 23 July 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the mpox multi-country outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. This study aimed to identify the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of confirmed mpox cases reported in Serbia in 2022. Methods: The mpox WHO case definition was used. Incidence rates (IRs) and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) by age groups and nomenclature of territorial units for statistics level 3 (NUTS-3) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results: Between June and October 2022, 43 laboratory-confirmed cases were reported. All were unvaccinated males, with the mean age of 34 (±7.4) years. Out of the total, 72.1% cases were men who have sex with men (MSM), who reported sexual intercourse either with multiple or unknown partners (p < 0.01). Fifteen cases (34.9%) lived with HIV, mostly in the 30–39 age group (p = 0.023). People living in Belgrade City NUTS-3 were six times more likely to become infected compared to South Backa citizens (IRR: 6.03, 95% CI: 1.47–25.53). Conclusions: In Serbia, mpox mainly affected MSM aged 30–39 and living in urban areas. Health promotion and vaccine implementation should be prioritized in populations with a higher risk.
IgE and Eosinophilia in Newly Arrived Refugees in Denmark: A Cross-Sectional Study of Prevalence and Clinical Management in Primary Care
Authors: Lanng Kamilla , Margolinsky Rebecca Vigh , Wejse Christian , Kallestrup Per , Hvass Anne Mette Fløe
Published: January 2025

Refugees have different disease patterns than the population in receiving countries. Furthermore, refugees face barriers to accessing health care services and treatment. The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of eosinophilia and elevated IgE levels in refugees and assess the clinical follow-up. Using a cross-sectional study design, we offered health assessments, including eosinophil count and IgE level measurements, to all newly arrived refugees in a Danish municipality from January 2016 to November 2018. In a subgroup, we assessed the clinical follow-up. The study population consisted of 793 refugees, all of whom had eosinophil counts measured, with 411 also having IgE levels measured. Notably, 48.6% were female and most participants originated from Syria, Eritrea, Iran or Afghanistan, with smaller representation from several other countries. Notably, 6.8% had eosinophilia and 32.1% had elevated IgE levels. Syrian origin was associated with a lower prevalence of both biomarkers, and Eritrean origin with a higher prevalence. In a subgroup of 116 participants with abnormal results, general practitioners brought attention to the elevated levels in 50.9% of the cases, and 31.0% of these received a diagnosis related to the findings. In total, 98.3% (114) of patients in the subgroup had contact with their GP following the health assessment. In refugees, eosinophilia and elevated IgE levels are common conditions, and underlying causes are often not diagnosed, potentially leading to inadequate treatment and worse health outcomes.
Multi-Objective Portfolio Optimization: An Application of the Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm III
Authors: Muteba Mwamba John Weirstrass , Mbucici Leon Mishindo , Mba Jules Clement
Published: January 2025

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm III (NSGA-III) in comparison to the traditional Mean–Variance optimization method for financial portfolio management. Leveraging a dataset of global financial assets, we applied both approaches to optimize portfolios across multiple objectives, including risk, return, skewness, and kurtosis. The findings reveal that NSGA-III significantly outperforms the Mean–Variance method by generating a more diverse set of Pareto-optimal portfolios. Portfolios optimized with NSGA-III exhibited superior performance, achieving higher Sharpe ratios, more favorable skewness, and reduced kurtosis, indicating a better balance between risk and return. Moreover, NSGA-III’s capability to handle conflicting objectives underscores its utility in navigating complex financial environments and enhancing portfolio resilience. In contrast, while the Mean–Variance method effectively balances risk and return, it demonstrates limitations in addressing higher-order moments of the return distribution. These results emphasize the potential of NSGA-III as a robust and comprehensive tool for portfolio optimization in modern financial markets characterized by multifaceted objectives.