bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bayesian Hierarchical Modelling of Student Academic Performance: The Impact of Mathematics Competency, Institutional Context, and Temporal Variability
Authors: Mosia Moeketsi , Egara Felix O. , Nannim Fadip A. , Basitere Moses
Published: February 2025

This study explores the multifaceted factors influencing academic performance among undergraduate students enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs at a South African university. Employing a Bayesian hierarchical modelling approach, this research analyses data from 630 students collected over four academic years (2019–2023). The findings indicate that high school mathematics marks and progression rates serve as significant predictors of academic success, confirming the critical role of foundational mathematical skills in enhancing university performance. Interestingly, gender and age were found to have no statistically significant impact on academic outcomes, suggesting that these factors may be less influential in this context. Additionally, socio-economic status, represented by school quintiles, emerged as a substantial determinant of performance, highlighting disparities faced by students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The results underscore the necessity for targeted educational interventions aimed at bolstering the academic capabilities of students entering university, particularly those with weaker mathematics backgrounds. Furthermore, the study advocates for a holistic admissions approach that considers various attributes beyond standardized scores. These insights contribute to the existing literature on STEM education and provide practical recommendations for educators and policymakers aiming to foster equitable academic success among all students.
Machine Learning for Predicting Personality and Psychological Symptoms from Behavioral Dynamics
Authors: Wang Min , Xu Ao , Fan Chenxiao , Sun Xiao
Published: February 2025

Recent studies have explored correlations between behavioral expressions (facial features, body activity intensities) and personality traits or psychological symptoms, yet systematic research remains limited. Addressing this gap is critical, as understanding these relationships could transform mental health assessment by enabling non-invasive, real-time psychological monitoring. We assessed 167 participants using the SCL-90 and BFI-2 scales. Facial features were extracted via OpenFace 2.0, and body activity intensities via YOLOv7-Pose. Correlation analyses revealed significant links between behavioral expressions and psychological characteristics. Machine learning models (MLP, XGB, GRU) were developed using 56 behavioral features, with performance evaluated by f1-score, precision, recall, and AUC. Key findings showed a negative correlation between phobic anxiety and AU07, AU15, and Gaze-angle-x activity (p < 0.01), and a positive correlation between conscientiousness and AU07, Pose-Rz, and neck activity (p < 0.01). The bimodal GRU model, integrating all features, achieved the highest predictive performance (AUC = 0.736, precision = 0.714, recall = 0.714, f1-score = 0.71). This study highlights the feasibility of using machine learning to predict personality traits and psychological symptoms from facial and body activity data. The results affirm specific associations between behavioral expressions and psychological traits, providing a foundation for precise, personalized mental health assessment tools. This study introduces a novel integration of facial and body data using machine learning, revealing new behavioral–psychological associations and establishing an innovative framework for automated, personalized mental health assessment.
Enhancing Offshore Wind Turbine Integrity Management: A Bibliometric Analysis of Structural Health Monitoring, Digital Twins, and Risk-Based Inspection
Authors: Bull Thomas , Liu Min , Nielsen Linda , Faber Michael Havbro
Published: February 2025

The grand challenge of sustainable development, increased demands for resilient critical infrastructure systems, and cost efficiency calls for thinking and acting “out of the box”. We must strive to search for, identify, and utilize new and emerging technologies and new combinations of existing technologies that have the potential to improve present best practices. In integrity management of, e.g., bridge, offshore, and marine structures, relatively new technologies have shown substantial potentials for improvements that not least concern structural health monitoring (SHM), digital twin (DT)-based structural and mechanical modeling, and risk-based inspection (RBI) and maintenance planning (RBI). The motivation for the present paper is to investigate and document to what extent such technologies in isolation or jointly might have the potential to improve best practices for integrity management of offshore wind turbine structures. In this pursuit, the present paper conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to explore the current landscape of advanced technologies within the offshore wind turbine industry suitable for integrity management. It examines the integration of these technologies into future best practices, taking into account normative factors like risk, resilience, and sustainability. Through this analysis, the study sheds light on current research trends and the degree to which normative considerations influence the application of RBI, SHM, and DT, either individually or in combination. This paper outlines the methodology used in the bibliometric study, including database selection and search term criteria. The results are presented through graphical representations and summarized key findings, offering valuable insights to inform and enhance industry practices. These key findings are condensed into a road map for future research and development, aimed at improving current best practices by defining a series of projects to be undertaken.
Optimization Method for Topology Identification of Port Microgrid Based on Line Disconnection
Authors: Wang Yanmin , Zhang Hanqing , Zhang Weiqi , Wang Xiaoyong , Wang Jiaming
Published: February 2025

Regarding the static voltage stability issue of microgrids, by considering the control of line disconnections to enhance the system load margin, an identification and optimization approach for grid topology control measures based on the parameters of disconnected lines is put forward. Linear sensitivity is employed to scan and filter the measures; nonlinear fitting is utilized for ranking the measures; the leading control measures are calculated to determine the optimal line disconnection control measure. With the real lines and equipment conditions of LEKKI Port in Nigeria as a reference, experiments and simulations are conducted using ETAP and tested in the actual engineering of the port. The results indicate that the optimization method can significantly reduce the time required for load margin calculations in the project, and the effect of the method is similar to that of the traditional continuation power flow (CPFLOW) method. The method is more suitable for the application of online algorithms, which requires speed.
Short-Term Ground Vegetation Responses to Fertilization in Latvian Forests: Effects on Species Richness and Diversity
Authors: Petaja Guna , Elferts Didzis , Bārdule Arta , Zvaigzne Zaiga Anna , Purviņa Dana , Skranda Ilona
Published: February 2025

This study investigated the impact of forest fertilization on ground vegetation in deciduous and conifer stands across different forest site types (forests with drained mineral soils, forests with drained organic soils, and dry upland forests), stand age groups (young, middle-aged, and pre-mature), and fertilizer types (ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) and wood ash alone, and both together). Ground vegetation was surveyed one to three years after fertilizer application, with the projected ground cover of individual species in the moss and herb layers determined. Thus, results reflect short-term impact of fertilization. Species richness and diversity (Shannon diversity index, H′) were compared between fertilized and control (unfertilized) plots. The results show that species diversity in the moss layer of silver birch stands was significantly affected by fertilization, while species richness was significantly influenced by the interaction between fertilization and forest site type. Differences between control and fertilized plots in birch stands suggest a potentially negative response of the moss layer to fertilization. In contrast, no significant effect of fertilization was observed in Norway spruce stands, where site type and stand age emerged as significant factors. In Scots pine stands, where NH4NO3 was applied alone, fertilization had a significant impact on both species richness and diversity in the herb layer. In the moss layer, a marginally significant effect was found for the interaction between fertilization and stand age. NH4NO3 alone appeared to enhance herb layer richness, although its effect on species diversity was more variable. Our study highlights the context-dependent nature of fertilization effects on species richness and diversity in Latvian hemiboreal forest ecosystems.
A Functional Food Supplement Enriched with Vegetable Proteins and Probiotics: A Hyperproteic and Probiotic-Formulated Product
Authors: Colla Elielma Cristiane Xavier , Meneguzzi Daiane , Mota Thaís Fernandes Mendonça , Dutra Joyce , Carpes Solange Teresinha , Appelt Patrícia , Batista Trentin Alex , Marchioro Marcelo Luis Kuhn , Dekker Robert F. H. , Alves da Cunha Mário Antônio
Published: February 2025

Functional foods enriched with probiotics can help maintain health and enhance mental and cognitive function. This research focused on developing and characterizing a high-protein dietary supplement containing a blend of plant proteins and probiotic cells (Lactobacillus reuteri LRE 02 ID 1774). An additional systematic review aimed to showcase the current state of the art of the research topic and complement the study’s findings. The supplement demonstrated high nutritional quality, particularly in protein content and amino acid profile, providing all essential amino acids and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). It also contains omega-3 fatty acids (150 mg 100 g−1), omega-6 (1420 mg 100 g−1), and omega-9 (1180 mg 100 g−1, including 20 mg 100 g−1 of cis-11-eicosenoic acid). Additionally, the supplement serves as a source of dietary fiber and probiotics (109 CFUg−1) and exhibits moderate antioxidant activity. It is considered innovative due to its hypoallergenic properties, low concentration of anti-nutritional factors, good digestibility, and the fact that it is gluten- and lactose-free. Furthermore, it contains Lactobacillus reuteri, a probiotic with potential immunomodulatory and neurocognitive benefits.
miRNA Signatures as Predictors of Therapy Response in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: Insights from Clinical Liquid Biopsies and 3D Culture Models
Authors: Puente-Rivera Jonathan , Nuñez-Olvera Stephanie , Fernández-Sánchez Verónica , Cureño-Díaz Monica , Gómez-Zamora Erika , Plascencia-Nieto Estibeyesbo , Figueroa-Angulo Elisa , Alvarez-Sánchez María
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Prostate cancer (PCa) patients who do not respond to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), referred to as castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), remain a clinical challenge due to confirm the aggressive nature of CRPC and its resistance to conventional therapies. This study aims to investigate the potential of microRNAs (miRNAs) as biomarkers for predicting therapeutic response in CRPC patients. Methods: We performed miRNA and mRNA expression analyses using publicly available datasets and applied 3D cell culture models to replicate more physiologically relevant tumor conditions. Genetic analysis techniques were employed on publicly available data, and expression profiles from 3D cell culture models were examined. Results: Eighteen miRNAs with differential expression were identified between patients who responded favorably to abiraterone therapy (responders) and those with advanced CRPC (non-responders). Specifically, miRNAs such as hsa-miR-152-3p and hsa-miR-34a-3p were found to be associated with critical pathways, including TGF-β signaling and P53, which are linked to therapeutic resistance. Several miRNAs were identified as potential predictors of treatment efficacy, including therapies like abiraterone. Conclusions: These results indicate that miRNAs could serve as non-invasive biomarkers for predicting therapeutic outcomes, facilitating a more personalized approach to CRPC treatment. This study provides a novel perspective on treatment strategies for CRPC, emphasizing the role of miRNAs in improving therapeutic precision and efficacy in this complex disease.
FOXP2 Expression and Oral Feeding Success in Preterm Infants: Sex 2 Differences
Authors: Gomes Leonardo Henrique Ferreira , Marques Andressa Brito , Dias Isabel Cristina de Meireles , Cunha Daniela Prado , Pimenta Hellen Porto , Guida Letícia da Cunha , Lucena Sabrina Lopes , Rocha Adriana Duarte
Published: February 2025

Background: The FOXP2 gene, crucial for speech and motor functions, exhibits sex-specific expression differences. In premature infants, elevated FOXP2 expression, particularly in females, correlates with improved oral feeding readiness, indicating the potential for enhancing neonatal care. Objective: This study investigates FOXP2 gene expression in premature newborns across five feeding stages using salivary RNA, focusing on sex differences and their impact on oral feeding readiness to refine neonatal clinical protocols. Methods: FOXP2 expression was analyzed using RT-qPCR and the ΔΔCt method across five feeding stages in 45 premature newborns using saliva-derived RNA (n = 225). Results: FOXP2 expression increased significantly through feeding stages, especially in full oral feeding. Female infants showed consistently higher expression levels than males, with 58% higher expression by stage 5. Significant sex differences were apparent from stage 2. Conclusions: FOXP2 expression impacts neuromuscular coordination and feeding readiness in preterm infants. The sex differences suggest that FOXP2 could serve as a non-invasive biomarker for predicting oral feeding readiness, potentially improving clinical outcomes. Perspectives: FOXP2 gene expression correlates with better oral feeding readiness in premature infants and may serve as a non-invasive biomarker to improve neonatal care. The study could enhance neonatal care, leading to improved outcomes and reduced hospital stays for preterm infants.
GRM1 as a Candidate Gene for Buffalo Fertility: Insights from Genome-Wide Association Studies and Its Role in the FOXO Signaling Pathway
Authors: Li Wangchang , Zheng Haiying , Cao Duming , Duan Anqin , Huang Liqing , Feng Chao , Yang Chunyan
Published: February 2025

Background: Water buffaloes represent a crucial genetic resource for the global dairy industry, yet enhancements in their production performance remain relatively constrained. The advent of advanced sequencing technologies, coupled with genome-wide association studies (GWASs), has significantly boosted the potential for breeding superior-quality water buffalo. Methods: An integrated genomic analysis was performed on sequencing data from 100 water buffaloes, utilizing the high-quality UOA_WB_1 genome assembly as a reference. This study particularly emphasized reproduction-related traits, with a focus on age at first calving (AFC). Results: Our analysis revealed two significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Based on these genetic markers, the GRM1 gene was identified as a candidate gene. This gene shows substantial involvement in various reproduction-associated pathways, including the FOXO signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway, and estrogen signaling pathway. Conclusions: The identification of GRM1 as a candidate gene provides a robust theoretical basis for molecular breeding strategies aimed at enhancing fertility in water buffaloes. These findings offer critical scientific support for optimizing breeding programs, thereby improving overall production efficiency.
Transitional Care Interventions in Improving Patient and Caregiver Outcomes After Discharge: A Scoping Review
Authors: Marini Giulia , Longhini Jessica , Ambrosi Elisa , Canzan Federica , Konradsen Hanne , Kabir Zarina Nahar
Published: February 2025

Background. Caregivers play a fundamental role in the complexity of the transitional process between different healthcare settings. Current research shows that caregiver preparedness can affect the quality and efficacy of post-hospital care, therefore highlighting the need to integrate caregiver roles into the design of transitional care processes. This study aims to map existing evidence on effectiveness of transitional care interventions in improving post-discharge outcomes, as well as the influence of caregiver involvement on both patients and caregivers’ outcomes. Methods. Referring to PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a systematic search was conducted between January and February 2024 on Scopus, WoS and PubMed. In order to be included in the systematic search, a study was required to use a RCT design, as well as to describe a transitional care intervention targeting caregivers or patient–caregiver dyads applied in the inpatient setting, lastly the study had to include follow-ups after discharge. There were no limitations on the country or publication year. Results. The review has included 51 RCTs of transitional care interventions, discussing caregivers’ roles in improving dyad outcomes after discharge. Although the review highlighted a heterogeneity in the transitional care interventions, it was observed that the interventions shared some common components categorized in the following clusters: need assessments, providing information, psychological support, self-management training, and monitoring or follow-up. Conclusions. This review emphasizes the important role of caregivers in the transition from hospital to home, addressing a significant gap in the literature. It highlights the effectiveness of transitional care interventions in improving patients’ quality of life and functional abilities while reducing caregivers’ burden and depression. Further research should focus on assessing the efficacy of these interventions in relation to healthcare utilization, hospital readmission rates, and emergency department visits.
Impact of Modifiable Factors Associated with Physical Frailty and Cognitive Impairment Trajectory of Older Adults: Using the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging 2006–2018
Authors: Lee Sumi
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: To identify joint trajectories of physical frailty and cognitive impairment among community-dwelling older adults and to determine modifiable factors for each trajectory. Methods: Data were utilized from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging, which was conducted between 2006 and 2018. Physical frailty was assessed using the Fried phenotype, and cognitive impairment was evaluated using the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination. Group-based trajectory modeling and logistic regression were employed for the analyses. Results: Based on longitudinal data, 415 participants averaging 72.2 years of age were analyzed. Three trajectories of physical frailty were identified: mild physical frailty, moderate physical frailty, and improving frailty. Two trajectories of cognitive impairment were identified: stable cognitive impairment and improving cognitive impairment. Factors influencing physical frailty trajectories included the number of medications taken, being overweight or obese, and depression. Education level was found to be associated with cognitive impairment trajectories. Conclusions: This study provides evidence for the distinct identification of joint trajectories of physical frailty and cognitive impairment, which can inform the target groups for intervention. It offers a basis for including modifiable physical and mental factors in intervention components for physical frailty trajectories.
Identifying Spatial Distribution of Urban Vitality Using Self-Organizing Feature Map Neural Network
Authors: Cai Xingfei , Wen Chaoxiang , Wang Hao , Chen Wenjun
Published: February 2025

As a vital component of urban planning, urban vitality profoundly affects the sustainable development and well-being of cities. Existing evaluation methods struggle to effectively explain the spatial distribution between nonlinear indicators while simultaneously considering geographical location and spatial attributes. How do we propose a research framework to address this nonlinear spatial distribution? This question is crucial for the study of urban vitality. To bridge this research gap, this paper proposes an SOFM neural network utilizing multisource geospatial big data to explore the spatial distribution of urban vitality. Our results showed the following: (1) Urban vitality in the five dimensions of concentration, functional diversity, contact opportunity, accessibility, and distance from border vacuums decreased from the core area to the periphery, except for building diversity, which exhibited an opposite trend. (2) The urban vitality of Beijing’s central areas primarily showed a circled spatial structure and extended along the Beijing Central Axis and Chang’an Avenue. Additionally, a 15 km radius serves as a significant threshold, encompassing clusters 0, 1, and 2, which align with an important circle delineated by the Master Plan of Beijing (2016–2035). The findings of our research serve as valuable insights for enhancing urban vitality and urban planning.
Unveiling the Phenotypic Variability of Macrophages: Insights from Donor Diversity and Pooling Strategies
Authors: Taciak Bartłomiej , Grochowska Agnieszka , Górczak Małgorzata , Górka Emilia , Skorzynski Marcin , Białasek Maciej , Rygiel Tomasz P. , Król Magdalena
Published: February 2025

Macrophages are key players in inflammation and immune responses due to their phenotypic plasticity. This study examined the effects of pooling donor-derived macrophages on their phenotype and function, focusing on murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and human monocyte-derived macrophages (hMDMs). Murine BMDMs were generated using L929-conditioned media and compared across single and pooled donors (two-to-five mice). Similarly, hMDMs cultured with M-CSF from individual donors were compared to pooled cultures. Pooling macrophages did not alter core phenotypic markers (CD11b, F4/80, CD64) or functional outputs such as cytokine secretion and nitric oxide production. In hMDMs, pooling reduced variability and led to slightly elevated or more-uniform marker expression. These findings demonstrate that pooling macrophages minimizes inter-individual variability without compromising cellular stability or function, enhancing reproducibility in immunological research while maintaining the option of single-donor studies for personalized analyses.
Regulation of HDAC6 Catalytic Activity in Cancer: The Role of Post-Translational Modifications and Protein–Protein Interactions
Authors: Asaad Leen , Pepperrell Benjamin , McErlean Emma , Furlong Fiona
Published: February 2025

Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) is a large multidomain protein that deacetylates lysine residues on cytoplasmic proteins, influencing numerous cellular processes. Both the catalytic and noncatalytic functions of HDAC6 have been implicated in cancer development and progression. Over a decade of research on catalytic domain inhibitors has shown that these drugs are well tolerated, exhibit anticancer activity, and can alleviate chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathies. However, their effectiveness in treating solid tumours remains uncertain. HDAC6 activity is regulated by protein–protein interactions and post-translational modifications, which may allosterically influence its catalytic domains. As a result, effective inhibition of HDAC6 in cancer using small molecule inhibitors requires a more sophisticated understanding of its role within tumour cells, including whether its expression correlates with deacetylase activity. A comprehensive understanding of cancer-specific HDAC6 expression, functional activity, and activation states will be critical for refining the use of HDAC6 inhibitors in cancer therapy.
Corydalis Tuber Extract Alleviates Atopic Dermatitis: Transcriptomics-Based Mechanism Prediction and In Vitro/In Vivo Studies
Authors: Jin Seong-Eun , Seo Chang-Seob , Jeon Woo-Young , Oh Yong-Jin , Shin Hyeun-Kyoo , Ha Hyekyung
Published: February 2025

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease characterized by recurrent eczema and chronic itching, affecting a significant portion of the global population. This study investigated the effects of Corydalis Tuber 70% ethanol extract (CTE) on tumor necrosis factor-α- and interferon-γ (TI)-stimulated human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and a house dust mite-induced AD mouse model, elucidating its mechanism via transcriptome analysis. A total of 13 compounds, including columbamine, corydaline, dehydrocorydaline, and glaucine, were identified in CTE using ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. CTE downregulated pathways related to cytokine signaling and chemokine receptors in TI-stimulated HaCaT cells. It significantly inhibited C-C motif chemokine ligand (CCL)5, CCL17, and CCL22 levels by blocking the Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells pathways. In the AD mouse model, topical CTE significantly decreased dermatitis scores, epidermal thickening, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Plasma levels of histamine, immunoglobulin E, CCL17, CCL22, corticosterone, and cortisol were reduced. Lesions showed decreased thymic stromal lymphopoietin, CD4+ T cells, interleukin-4, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression. The findings demonstrate that CTE alleviates AD by modulating inflammatory mediators, cytokines, and chemokines, reducing inflammatory cell infiltration, and alleviating stress-related factors.
Signaling Pathways Driving MSC Osteogenesis: Mechanisms, Regulation, and Translational Applications
Authors: Wang Liuqing , Ruan Minjie , Bu Qiqi , Zhao Chengzhu
Published: February 2025

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are crucial for skeletal development, homeostasis, and repair, primarily through their differentiation into osteoblasts and other skeletal lineage cells. Key signaling pathways, including Wnt, TGF-β/BMP, PTH, Hedgehog, and IGF, act as critical regulators of MSC osteogenesis, playing pivotal roles in maintaining bone homeostasis and facilitating regeneration. These pathways interact in distinct ways at various stages of bone development, mineralization, and remodeling. This review provides an overview of the molecular mechanisms by which these pathways regulate MSC osteogenesis, their influence on bone tissue formation, and their implications in bone diseases and therapeutic strategies. Additionally, we explore the potential applications of these pathways in bone tissue engineering, with a particular focus on promoting the use of MSCs as seed cells for bone defect repair. Ultimately, this review aims to highlight potential avenues for advancing bone biology research, treating bone disorders, and enhancing regenerative medicine.
ShapeBand: Design of a Shape-Changing Wristband with Soft Materials and Physiological Sensors for Anxiety Regulation
Authors: Liu Yanting , Xu Zihan , Oldfrey Ben , Cho Youngjun
Published: February 2025

We introduce ShapeBand, a new shape-changing wristband designed for exploring multisensory and interactive anxiety regulation with soft materials and physiological sensing. Our approach takes a core principle of self-help psychotherapeutic intervention, aiming to help users to recognize anxiety triggers and engage in regulation with attentional distraction. We conducted user-centered design activities to iteratively refine our design requirements and delve into users’ rich experiences, preferences, and feelings. With ShapeBand, we explored bidirectional and dynamic interaction flow in anxiety regulation and subjective factors influencing its use. Our findings suggest that integrating both active and passive modulations can significantly enhance user engagement for effective anxiety intervention. Further, different interactions, characterized by dynamic alterations in bubbles and water flow in the ShapeBand, can provide users with a gamified experience and convey more potent effects. This study provides valuable insights into the future design of tangible anxiety regulation interfaces that can be tailored to subjective feelings and individual needs.
Advances and Current Status in the Use of Cuticular Hydrocarbons for Forensic Entomology Applications
Authors: Stewart-Yates David , Maker Garth L. , D’Errico Stefano , Magni Paola A.
Published: February 2025

Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) are long-chain lipids found on the exoskeletons of insects, serving primarily as a protective barrier against water loss and environmental factors. In the last few decades, the qualitative and quantitative analysis of CHCs, particularly in blow flies, has emerged as a valuable tool in forensic entomology, offering promising potential for species identification and age estimation of forensically important insects. This review examines the current application of CHC analysis in forensic investigations and highlights the significant advancements in the field over the past few years. Studies have demonstrated that CHC profiles vary with insect development, and while intra-species variability exists due to factors such as age, sex, geographical location, and environmental conditions, these variations can be harnessed to refine post-mortem interval (PMI) estimations and improve the accuracy of forensic entomological evidence. Notably, CHC analysis can also aid in distinguishing between multiple generations of insects on a body, providing insights into post-mortem body movement and aiding in the interpretation of PMI in complex cases. Furthermore, recent studies have investigated the variability and degradation of CHCs over time, revealing how environmental factors—such as temperature, humidity, UV light exposure, and toxicological substances—affect CHC composition, providing valuable insights for forensic investigations. Despite the promise of CHC profiling, several challenges remain, and this review also aims to highlight future research directions to enhance the reliability of this technique in forensic casework.
Towards the Standardization of Artificial Aging Protocols for Dental Composites: Evaluation of Proposed Methods
Authors: Szczesio-Wlodarczyk Agata , Kopacz Karolina , Ranoszek-Soliwoda Katarzyna , Sokolowski Jerzy , Bociong Kinga
Published: February 2025

In restorative dentistry, there are no standardized in vitro accelerated aging methods to evaluate the long-term stability of dental composites. Current research aimed at extending the clinical success of restorations emphasizes the need for post-aging evaluation. This study represents the final stage of assessing three selected aging protocols that utilize a 0.1 M sodium hydroxide solution as the primary agent to accelerate degradation processes. Twelve resin-based composites, categorized into five types, were evaluated for flexural strength (FS), diametral tensile strength (DTS), hardness (HV), and fracture toughness (FT) both before and after aging. The proposed aging methods significantly degraded the mechanical properties of most materials, highlighting the effectiveness of 0.1 M NaOH as a medium for hydrolytic stability testing. Materials with a high filler content (approximately 80 wt.%) were notably prone to degradation, underscoring the importance of optimizing the filler and coupling agent. The findings suggest that incorporating thermocycling into aging protocols may enhance the development and evaluation of innovative dental composites. This work contributes to establishing a foundation for standardized aging protocols, supporting the accurate assessment of composites in vitro.
A Comparative Analysis of Growth, Survival, and Combining Ability Based on Diallel Crosses Among Three Selected Lines of the Fujian Oyster Crassostrea angulata with Normal, Golden, and Black Shell Colors
Authors: Liang Yuanxin , Hu Hong , Pan Zhenzong , Xu Chengxun , Li Qi
Published: February 2025

Crossing between selected lines could combine the additive genetic variance accumulated within the lines and the non-additive genetic variance between the lines in the genetic improvement of aquatic animals, thus obtaining progeny with favorable traits. However, the value of this breeding strategy has not been investigated in the Fujian oyster Crassostrea angulata due to the lack of available sufficiently selected lines. In this study, a complete 3 × 3 diallel cross was established between the normal (N), golden (G), and black (B) shell lines of C. angulata. The growth (shell height and living weight) and survival of three purebred groups and six hybrid groups under three environments (Luoyu, Jiangkou, and Houhai) were comprehensively evaluated during the larval and grow-out stages. The general combining ability (GCA) of the parental lines and the specific combining ability (SCA) of the hybrid groups were also estimated. The shell heights of the hybrid groups were significantly lower than those of their parental groups on day 25, exhibiting negative heterosis (MPH: −13.01 to −1.45; HPH: −16.69 to −5.76). Meanwhile, the survival rates of the hybrids were significantly higher than those of the parental groups. A negative value of SCA was recorded for NG (N♀ × G♂) (−0.031), which was in line with its lower survival rate on day 25. Significant heterosis was observed in the growth and survival of each hybrid group during the grow-out stage. The shell height and living weight of the hybrid groups were significantly higher in Houhai than in Luoyu and Jiangkou, but the survival rate in Houhai was significantly lower than in the other two sites. BG (B♀ × G♂) and GB (G♀ × B♂) had higher SCA values than the other four groups, which was consistent with their superior traits. The heterosis of shell height, living weight, and survival rate of BG was significantly greater than in the other five hybrid groups, which could be used as potential parents for breeding high-quality diploid and triploid Fujian oysters. This study demonstrated that the traits of C. angulata could be significantly improved by crossing between different selected lines, providing a reference for evaluating the utilization value of non-additive genetic effects (heterosis) between selected lines in bivalves.
Probability Stability Evaluation of Coral Reef Limestone Reef Slopes Under Earthquake
Authors: Ma Ruize , Ji Baifeng , Zhang Longya , Pan Shuang , Hu Kaimeng
Published: February 2025

With the rapid development of island construction and the frequent occurrence of natural disasters, the stability of coral reef slopes is attracting increasing attention. This study aims to assess the dynamic stability and instability risks of coral reef slopes under different earthquake intensities. Geological data were integrated, and the Newmark method and finite element analysis were employed for probabilistic stability assessment and permanent displacement evaluation, leading to the development of a validated model for slope stability assessment. The study explored the effects of varying earthquake intensities on slope stability. Results indicate that the stratified structure significantly influences stability. Reef limestone slopes exhibited higher stability, whereas multi-layered slopes, due to looseness, were less stable. Both slope types remained stable under static conditions. Earthquake intensity substantially impacted stability, with multi-layered slopes showing instability probabilities of 48% and 100% under peak ground accelerations (PGA) of 0.3 g and 0.4 g. Under extreme seismic conditions, the permanent displacement of multi-layered coral reef slopes significantly increased. This study aims to fill the gap in previous research by incorporating the random distribution of stratigraphic parameters, conducting probabilistic stability analysis based on the random distribution of geological parameters, and thereby providing references for island reef engineering construction.
Pathway to Smart Maintenance: Integrating Engineering and Economics Modeling
Authors: Badarinath Rakshith , Tien Kai-Wen , Prabhu Vittaldas V.
Published: February 2025

This paper proposes a pathway for smart maintenance by addressing overarching questions and key impediments that arise when manufacturing companies are exploring investments in such projects. The proposed pathway consists of seven distinct steps at which analytical models are used to predict the impact of smart maintenance on system-level operational key performance indicators (KPIs) and the resulting return on investment (ROI). The key advantage of this approach is that the analytical models rely on a few parameters and, therefore, can be used even when there are no sophisticated data collection systems in place, such as in the case of many small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Furthermore, the proposed approach allows for the development of a “personalized” pathway along with the prediction of performance improvement and ROI impact, enabling management to make investment decisions with greater confidence. The proposed pathway also consists of a three-step detour for companies unprepared to embark on their journey towards smart maintenance. The application of the proposed smart maintenance pathway is illustrated through case studies consisting of three real SMEs. First, for companies that are unprepared for smart maintenance, we suggest traditional variance reduction methods and appropriate performance improvement goals along with predicted improvements in operational and financial KPIs. Next, for companies that are prepared to embark on smart maintenance, we provide a detailed evaluation of the impact of condition-based maintenance (CBM) by analyzing various machine combinations that maximize performance-to-cost ratio. In the case of one SME, our analysis shows that an improvement in throughput (0 to 3%) with an ROI (26:1) is achievable through the adoption of smart maintenance, which can be visualized using the DuPont Model.
Rietveld Refinement of Electron Diffraction Patterns of Nanocrystalline Materials Using MAUD: Two-Beam Dynamical Correction Implementation and Applications
Authors: Sinha Ankur , Abram Valentino , Lutterotti Luca , Gialanella Stefano
Published: February 2025

Nanocrystalline (NC) materials have widespread industrial usage. X-ray and neutron diffraction techniques are primary tools for studying the structural and microstructural features of NC materials. Selected area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns collected using a transmission electron microscope (TEM) on polycrystalline nanostructured materials, featuring nested rings, that are analogous to Debye–Scherrer patterns, possess similar potentials to aid materials characterisation. The utility of SAED patterns is further enhanced by the possibility of applying crystallographic approaches, like full pattern fitting procedures, based on Rietveld refinement algorithms, enabling the evaluation of material features, such as crystallite size, lattice distortions, defect structures, and the presence of secondary phases even from very small volume scale. In this paper, we have discussed the possibilities afforded by a Rietveld code applied to SAED patterns of NC materials, including the mathematical implementation of the two-beam dynamical correction model in MAUD software (version 2.9995), and a critical discussion of the results obtained on different NC materials.
Thermal Performance of Wood Frame Construction with Phase Change Material in the Brazilian Subtropical Climate
Authors: Vieira Julia , Oliveira Raquel , Abreu Ana , Różycki Marcin , Niemiec Tomasz , Sitarz Mateusz
Published: February 2025

In a Brazilian subtropical climate, Wood Frame construction, valued for sustainability and thermal inertia, is being tested for compatibility with Phase Change Materials (PCMs) to improve thermal performance. This study addresses the lack of research on these technologies in Brazil and evaluates the thermal performance of a single-story Wood Frame housing envelope with and without PCM in Curitiba-PR, located in southern Brazil with Cfb climate classification. Dynamic energy simulation followed ASHRAE Standard 55-2017 criteria for occupant thermal comfort. The results indicated that integrating PCM with thermal insulation (EPS) significantly improved thermal performance, reducing the daily indoor temperature range by up to 6.4 °C and increasing comfortable hours by 20%. However, Wood Frame construction without either BioPCM or EPS proved inadequate in achieving the minimum level of thermal performance required by Brazilian standards. This underscores the importance of evaluating potential users’ thermal comfort conditions alongside the building’s overall thermal performance. It also emphasizes the need to carefully consider the level of thermal insulation in conjunction with PCM for effective design decisions. Thus, this study promotes the integration of PCM and thermal insulation to enhance thermal comfort and sustainability in Wood Frame constructions in the subtropical climate of Brazil.
Characterizing Six Percolation Cases in Flexible Electronic Composites: A Monte Carlo-Based 3D Compressive Percolation Model for Wearable Pressure Sensors
Authors: Kim Sang-Un , Kim Joo-Yong
Published: February 2025

This study employs a Monte Carlo-based 3D compressive percolation model to systematically analyze the electrical behavior of flexible electronic composites under compressive deformation. By simulating the spatial distribution and connectivity of conductive particles, this study identifies six distinct percolation cases, each describing a unique connectivity evolution under strain. The model reveals that excessive initial connectivity leads to saturation effects, reducing sensitivity, while a high Poisson’s ratio (≥0.3) causes connectivity loss due to shear plane expansion. Notably, asymmetric particle shapes, such as cylinders and rectangles, exhibit superior percolation behavior, forming infinite clusters at lower strain thresholds (~0.4) compared to spherical particles (~0.5). Monte Carlo simulations with 3000 particles validate these findings, showing consistent trends in percolation behavior across different deformation states. By classifying and quantifying these six connectivity scenarios, this research provides a structured framework for optimizing flexible sensor designs, ensuring an optimal balance between conductivity and sensitivity. These findings contribute to advancing flexible electronics, particularly in wearable health monitoring, robotics, and smart textiles.
An Alternative to the Bland—Altman Repeated-Measures Correlation to Account for Variability of Slopes Across Persons
Authors: Moore Tyler M. , Basner Mathias
Published: February 2025

The Bland–Altman repeated-measures correlation (rmcorr) is widely used to estimate within-person correlations between two variables in repeated-measures data. However, it assumes the same slope for all subjects, which can be misleading when slopes vary. We propose an alternative method, the weighted mean within-person correlation (wmcorr), which calculates the average of all within-person correlations, weighted by the square root of the number of observations for each person. The wmcorr method was applied to real data examples and compared to the Bland–Altman rmcorr. Simulations (5000) were run to compare the mean significance levels (p-values) of rmcorr and wmcorr and to determine the relationship between estimated rmcorrs and wmcorrs. In most cases, rmcorr and wmcorr yielded similar results. However, in cases where subjects had at least moderately varying slopes, wmcorr provided a more visually intuitive estimate of the within-person correlation. Conflicting significance levels or opposite directions of rmcorr and wmcorr served as “warning signs” for potential data quality issues or the need for further data collection. The wmcorr method is proposed as an alternative to the Bland–Altman rmcorr for estimating within-person correlations in repeated-measures data. Researchers are encouraged to estimate both wmcorr and rmcorr, as discrepancies between the two can alert researchers to data patterns that warrant closer inspection before drawing conclusions about within-person relationships.
Integrated Purification Systems for the Removal of Disinfectants from Wastewater
Authors: Klimonda Aleksandra , Kowalska Izabela
Published: February 2025

The efficiency of integrated treatment systems for wastewater generated during the washing of disinfectant production lines was investigated. The high organic load (COD 2000 mg/L, TOC 850 mg/L) and 300 mg/L of toxic benzalkonium chloride (BAC) make wastewater an environmental hazard that requires advanced treatment. Initial tests on model BAC solutions (in concentrations corresponding to those found in wastewater), using nanofiltration and ultrafiltration membranes, resulted in up to 70% retention of BAC. To enhance purification, ion exchange and adsorption were introduced as post-membrane treatment steps. In the second part of the investigation, membrane modules characterized by the best separation properties were integrated together with macroporous cation-exchange resin and activated carbon into the purification system to treat wastewater. The research carried out showed that the purification of multicomponent wastewater is a complex task. Significantly lower BAC removal (30%) was achieved in membrane processes compared to the model solutions treatment. In integrated systems, the BAC concentration was reduced to 100 mg/L, TOC to 200 mg/L, and COD to 120 mg/L.
Experimental Study on Bismuth Removal from Lead with Auxiliary Calcium Magnesium
Authors: Deng Linxing , Qin Haocheng , Yang Weichen , Kong Xiangfeng
Published: February 2025

The separation of lead from the impurity bismuth remains a significant challenge, with achieving effective separation being a critical bottleneck in the production of high-purity lead via the vacuum gasification method. This study focuses on lead as the primary subject of investigation, conducting both theoretical and experimental research on the auxiliary conversion of lead through vacuum gasification. The calculations of the Gibbs free energy indicate that, within the temperature range of 600 to 610 K, the impurity bismuth reacts completely with calcium and magnesium, resulting in the formation of the compound CaMg2Bi2. Under optimal experimental conditions, the bismuth compound CaMg2Bi2 is converted into BiCa2. Notably, BiCa2 is nonvolatile and remains in the crucible as a residue. The auxiliary calcium is entirely transformed into CaSe and CaTe, leading to a reduction in the calcium content of the volatile substances from 0.5% to 16 ppm. Similarly, the magnesium content in the volatiles decreases from 0.66% to 187 ppm. Ultimately, the bismuth content in the final product is reduced from 6 ppm to 1.4 ppm, achieving a removal rate of 76.6%, while the direct yield of metallic lead reaches 71%. This process effectively facilitates the separation of metallic lead from the bismuth impurities.