bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep Learning-Based Periapical Lesion Detection on Panoramic Radiographs
Authors: Szabó Viktor , Orhan Kaan , Dobó-Nagy Csaba , Veres Dániel Sándor , Manulis David , Ezhov Matvey , Sanders Alex , Szabó Bence Tamás
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Our study aimed to determine the accuracy of the artificial intelligence-based Diagnocat system (DC) in detecting periapical lesions (PL) on panoramic radiographs (PRs). Methods: 616 teeth were selected from 357 panoramic radiographs, including 308 teeth with clearly visible periapical radiolucency and 308 without any periapical lesion. Three groups were generated: teeth with radiographic signs of caries (Group 1), teeth with coronal restoration (Group 2), and teeth with root canal filling (Group 3). The PRs were uploaded to the Diagnocat system for evaluation. The performance of the convolutional neural network in detecting PLs was assessed by its sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values, as well as the diagnostic accuracy value. We investigated the possible effect of the palatoglossal air space (PGAS) on the evaluation of the AI tool. Results: DC identified periapical lesions in 240 (77.9%) cases out of the 308 teeth with PL and detected no PL in 68 (22.1%) teeth with PL. The AI-based system detected no PL in any of the groups without PL. The overall sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of DC were 0.78, 1.00, and 0.89, respectively. Considering these parameters for each group, Group 2 showed the highest values at 0.84, 1.00, and 0.95, respectively. Fisher’s Exact test showed that PGAS does not significantly affect (p = 1) the detection of PL in the upper teeth. The AI-based system showed lower probability values for detecting PL in the case of central incisors, wisdom teeth, and canines. The sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy of DC for detecting PL on canines showed lower values at 0.27 and 0.64, respectively. Conclusions: The CNN-based Diagnocat system can support the diagnosis of PL on PRs and serves as a decision-support tool during radiographic assessments.
Vygotsky’s Creativity Options and Ideas in 21st-Century Technology-Enhanced Learning Design
Authors: Rigopouli Kalliopi , Kotsifakos Dimitrios , Psaromiligkos Yannis
Published: February 2025

This paper interprets the theories of Vygotsky through the lenses of creativity in education and learning design using technology. It is important to address the role of the teacher in today’s technology-enhanced classrooms. This initiative has not been addressed, and it may lead to new ways of thinking about creativity in today’s teaching profession. Teachers’ roles have shifted from instructors to designers of effective scenarios for technology-enhanced learning. In this context, teachers need to be able to creatively connect pedagogy, content, and technology in learning design. The work of Vygotsky emphasizes the role of the teacher when assessing the learner’s developmental level, by tailoring the teaching so that it falls within the zone of proximal development. The procedure leads to new knowledge, indicating a creative process. Language as a tool now has new means to be transmitted—new technologies. Considering these connections, questions need to be re-addressed: What is the connection between creativity and the zone of proximal development? How has the learning design field shifted the role of the teacher and how does this relate to (1) the theory of cognitive development from a constructivist perspective and (2) the theory of the zone of proximal development? What are the connections between the new role of the teacher as a designer with creativity and technology in the zone of proximal development? In this paper, we synthesize the knowledge between creativity in learning design using technology and Vygotsky’s theories, concluding with an interpretation of how the teacher can be assisted by his theories and synchronous technologies in creative learning design.
Few-Shot Learning with Multimodal Fusion for Efficient Cloud–Edge Collaborative Communication
Authors: Gao Bo , Liu Xing , Zhou Quan
Published: February 2025

As demand for high-capacity, low-latency communication rises, mmWave systems are essential for enabling ultra-high-speed transmission in fifth-generation mobile communication technology (5G) and upcoming 6G networks, especially in dynamic, data-scarce environments. However, deploying mmWave systems in dynamic environments presents significant challenges, especially in beam selection, where limited training data and environmental variability hinder optimal performance. In such scenarios, computation offloading has emerged as a key enabler, allowing computationally intensive tasks to be shifted from resource-constrained edge devices to powerful cloud servers, thereby reducing latency and optimizing resource utilization. This paper introduces a novel cloud–edge collaborative approach integrating few-shot learning (FSL) with multimodal fusion to address these challenges. By leveraging data from diverse modalities—such as red-green-blue (RGB) images, radar signals, and light detection and ranging (LiDAR)—within a cloud–edge architecture, the proposed framework effectively captures spatiotemporal features, enabling efficient and accurate beam selection with minimal data requirements. The cloud server is tasked with computationally intensive training, while the edge node focuses on real-time inference, ensuring low-latency decision making. Experimental evaluations confirm the model’s robustness, achieving high beam selection accuracy under one-shot and five-shot conditions while reducing computational overhead. This study highlights the potential of combining cloud–edge collaboration with FSL and multimodal fusion for next-generation wireless networks, paving the way for scalable, intelligent, and adaptive mmWave communication systems.
Incremental Repair Feedback on Automated Assessment of Programming Assignments
Authors: Paiva José Carlos , Leal José Paulo , Figueira Álvaro
Published: February 2025

Automated assessment tools for programming assignments have become increasingly popular in computing education. These tools offer a cost-effective and highly available way to provide timely and consistent feedback to students. However, when evaluating a logically incorrect source code, there are some reasonable concerns about the formative gap in the feedback generated by such tools compared to that of human teaching assistants. A teaching assistant either pinpoints logical errors, describes how the program fails to perform the proposed task, or suggests possible ways to fix mistakes without revealing the correct code. On the other hand, automated assessment tools typically return a measure of the program’s correctness, possibly backed by failing test cases and, only in a few cases, fixes to the program. In this paper, we introduce a tool, AsanasAssist, to generate formative feedback messages to students to repair functionality mistakes in the submitted source code based on the most similar algorithmic strategy solution. These suggestions are delivered with incremental levels of detail according to the student’s needs, from identifying the block containing the error to displaying the correct source code. Furthermore, we evaluate how well the automatically generated messages provided by AsanasAssist match those provided by a human teaching assistant. The results demonstrate that the tool achieves feedback comparable to that of a human grader while being able to provide it just in time.
Design of a Three-Input, Single-Output DC–DC Converter for Electric Charging Station
Authors: Vijayanathan Sivaram Natarajan , Anbazhagan Lavanya , Ali Jagabar Sathik Mohamed , Jayachandran Divya Navamani , Vishnuram Pradeep , Kalyan CH. Naga Sai , Abdullah Mustafa , Rathore Rajkumar Singh
Published: February 2025

This article presents a novel four-port DC–DC converter designed to integrate photovoltaics, fuel cells, and supercapacitors with one DC charging single-output port with a reduced component count. The proposed converter ensures an efficient power management strategy to manage the load power demand and optimize the power flow from the sources. The power management controller helps enhance the performance of the system by dynamically prioritizing the sources based on their availability and the demand of the load. A comprehensive reliability analysis is conducted to measure the converter’s robustness under varying load conditions, proving its suitability for real-world applications. The proposed topology’s performance was validated in three different scenarios for 1 kW using a simulation tool, and experiments in the laboratory were conducted. The failure rate and efficiency of the system are analyzed, and the converter promises a 96.5% efficiency for 1 kW and a failure rate of 4.6216 × 106 failures per hour. The simulation and experimental results validate the converter’s performance, highlighting its superior efficiency, reliability, and scalability.
Growth Ring and Its Climatic Signal on Shrub Species of the Semi-Desert Area in the Northern Foot of Yinshan Mountain, Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Yao Zhenyu , Li Zongshan , Chen Shaoteng , Guo Jianying , Lv Yihe
Published: February 2025

Desert and semi-desert ecosystems cover a large proportion of global land area, but their tree-ring materials had traditionally been studied less intensively than that of forest ecosystems. In this study, we presented the time series of growth rings from eight typical shrub species of the semi-desert region in the northern foot of Yinshan Mountain, Inner Mongolia, China. The results showed that all those shrub species had recognizably demarcated annual rings of main stems, and tree-ring chronologies could been constructed successfully. The climate-growth analysis indicated that the chronologies was positively correlated with precipitation and PDSI but negatively correlated with temperature variables, indicating that drought stress had primary importance in the control of the relative ring width from year to year for those shrub species. Interestingly, the annual growth rate of those shrub species had no noticeable downward trend in recent decades, indicating that shrub growth had not negatively impacted the recently developed warm–dry climate in the sample sites. Our results provide evidence that growth rings in the main stems of shrub species in the northern foot of Yinshan Mountain should be a reliable proxy of annual fluctuation in the semi-desert environment of China.
Simulation of Transpiration Cooling with Phase Change Process in Porous Media
Authors: Ghedira Aroua , Lataoui Zied , Benselama Adel M. , Bertin Yves , Jemni Abdelmajid
Published: February 2025

Phase change modeling in porous media is among the important challenges in many essential engineering problems, including thermal management, energy conservation or recovery, and heat transfer. One particularly efficient method of dissipating heat in a porous material is transpiration cooling with phase change. It is one of the most innovative cooling methods available for removing excessive heat flux from engine components such as combustors or gas turbine blades. There is, however, a lack of in-depth understanding of the interconnected mechanisms involved in such an application. In this work, an innovative numerical solver built on the OpenFOAM environment is constructed in order to explore the phase change process in a porous medium. The volume-of-fluid method and the Lee phase change model are applied in this numerical approach. The effects of coolant flow mass rate, heat flux, and porosity of porous structure on temperature and saturation distribution are investigated and discussed. The effects of both the external heat flux and the coolant mass flow rate under fixed porosity are also studied. The phase change is then delayed in the porous matrix when the amount of the injected coolant is increased. It reduces the area of two-phase and vapor regions. Also, a considerable rise in the upper surface temperature is obtained when the input heat flux or the porosity is separately enhanced.
Physicochemical, Structural, and Digestive Properties of Green Banana Starch from Five Chinese Mutant Banana Species
Authors: Yuan Dexian , Zhang Yutong , Chen Xiaoai , Xu Fei , Zhu Kexue , Wang Jinling , Zhang Yanjun
Published: February 2025

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the physicochemical, structural, and functional properties of starches extracted from five distinct banana varieties. The starches were labeled as follows: ‘Nan Tian Huang’ starch (NS), ‘Da jiao’ starch (DS), ‘Gui jiao’ starch (GS), ‘Gong jiao’ starch (OS), and ‘Hong jiao’ starch (HS). The results show that all starches have A-type crystalline structures and contain high levels of resistant starch, ranging from 88.3% to 93.5%. The amylose content ranges from 21.97% to 55.46%. The starches isolated from the five banana varieties are predominantly flat, rod-shaped, and spherical. Particle sizes vary significantly, ranging from 19.75 to 28.65 µm, which contributes to differences in their functional properties. For example, DS demonstrates exceptional functional properties, including high RS content, a low glycemic index, and excellent thermal stability. In contrast, HS starch, despite its high amylose content, exhibits higher enzymatic digestibility and lower freeze–thaw stability. Principal component analysis and correlation analysis revealed that amylose content, thermal properties, and particle morphology are key determinants of the physicochemical and digestive properties of banana starch, emphasizing their interdependence. Additionally, notable differences were observed in the gelatinization properties, thermal characteristics, crystallization, and textural parameters. These findings offer valuable insights into the potential applications of banana starch in functional foods and industrial products, highlighting the importance of starch type in optimizing its functionality.
Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Ferulic Acid Added to Dried Meat: Shelf-Life Evaluation
Authors: Hernández-Jaime Any Guadalupe , Castillo-Rangel Francisco , Arévalos-Sánchez Martha María , Rentería-Monterrubio Ana Luisa , Santellano-Estrada Eduardo , Tirado-Gallegos Juan Manuel , Chávez-Martínez América
Published: February 2025

Ferulic acid is an antimicrobial and antioxidant phenolic compound located in the cell walls of plants and therefore classified as a natural antioxidant. The objective of this study was to assess the antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of ferulic acid as a substitute for nitrites in the elaboration of dried meat. Four treatments were evaluated: dried meat without nitrites or ferulic acid, (control treatment), dried meat with nitrites, dried meat with 0.05% of ferulic acid, and dried meat with 0.1% of ferulic acid. The antioxidant activity, lipid oxidation, and microbiological quality were evaluated throughout the dried meat shelf life. The protein, fat, and ash content was not different between the treatments with nitrites and ferulic acid (p > 0.05) and all values were within the ranges established for these nutrients. Regarding the moisture content, although there was a difference between treatments (p < 0.05), the values found were within the reported range (5–15%) in dried meat. Treatment with nitrites had the highest sodium content (p < 0.05), although all treatments surpass the daily consumption of sodium recommended by the World Health Organization. In addition, color differences would not be noticeable to the human eye. Treatments with ferulic acid exhibited the highest (p < 0.05) antioxidant activity and the lowest lipid oxidation and total aerobic mesophile counts. Finally, the change in the formulation of dried meat using ferulic acid instead of nitrites was not perceptible to panelists in sensory evaluation. These findings suggest that the incorporation of ferulic acid, when added to dried meat, can improve its oxidative stability and increase its antioxidant activity. In conclusion, the use of ferulic acid at a concentration of 0.1% is recommended because, at this concentration, the antioxidant activity was greater, and the oxidation was below the threshold of perceived rancidity. However, further research is needed to study the effect of nitrite substitution using ferulic acid in combination with other potential natural antioxidants.
Fire Prevention and Extinguishing Characteristics of Al3+-CS/PAM-MBA Composite Dual-Network Gel
Authors: Wang Jianguo , Zhou Yueyang , Zhao Yifan , Zhang Zhenzhen
Published: February 2025

A physically and chemically cross-linked Al3+-CS/PAM-MBA dual-network gel with enhanced fire-suppression performance was prepared using chitosan (CS), acrylamide (AM), and N,N’-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as base materials. The first network was formed through the covalent cross-linking of polyacrylamide (PAM) with MBA, while the second network was established by crosslinking CS molecules with Al3+ ions. The optimal gel ratio was determined by evaluating its formation time and viscosity. The fire prevention and extinguishing performance of the gel was assessed through thermal stability analysis, temperature-programmed studies, infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and fire-extinguishing experiments. The results indicated that the Al3+-CS/PAM-MBA dual-network gel exhibited excellent thermal stability and a strong self-ignition inhibition effect, effectively suppressing coal spontaneous combustion and oxidation. The gel achieved this by chemically inactivating coal molecules, disrupting the functional groups closely associated with coal–oxygen reactions and thereby hindering these reactions. Fire-extinguishing tests demonstrated that the gel restrained coal from spontaneous combustion. Upon application, the gel rapidly reduced the coal temperature, making re-ignition less likely.
Franz Kafka, Artificial Intelligence and the Paradoxical Recognition of Selfhood
Authors: Tomkins Leah
Published: February 2025

At the centenary of the death of Franz Kafka (1883–1924), this paper explores the complexities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) through the lens of Kafka’s literary and professional work, especially those relating to the dynamics of recognition and misrecognition. Through Kafkan eyes, both philosophical and technological hankerings after recognition and its connection with the notion of the ‘true self’ are thrown into sharp relief, whether this ‘truth’ is related to authenticity or to accuracy. This encourages us to challenge some of the core assumptions of our relationship with systems and tools, including (1) the taken-for-granted formula of recognition being good, misrecognition being bad; (2) the suggestion that aligning AI with human values will make it, and therefore us, safer and more secure; and (3) the assumption that the masters are in charge in the master/slave dialectic that is often used to express the relationship between humans and technologies. The paper references three of Kafka’s most famous works, The Trial, The Castle and In the Penal Colony, in ways that are accessible to those new to Kafka. More seasoned Kafka enthusiasts will be able to see and contextualise the paper’s themes and provocations within these works, and extrapolate to his other writings.
Tracking the Evolution of Cutaneous Melanoma by Multiparameter Flow Sorting and Genomic Profiling
Authors: Roma Luca , Lorber Thomas , Rau Sabrina , Barrett Michael T. , Ercan Caner , Panebianco Federica , Piscuoglio Salvatore , Glatz Katharina , Bubendorf Lukas , Ruiz Christian
Published: February 2025

Intratumoral heterogeneity and clonal evolution are pivotal in the progression and metastasis of melanoma. However, when combined with variable tumor cellularity, intratumoral heterogeneity limits the sensitivity and accuracy of uncovering a cancer’s clonal evolution. In this study, we combined fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) with whole-exome sequencing (WES) to investigate the clonal composition and evolutionary patterns in seven melanoma biopsies obtained from three patients, each having both primary site and metastatic samples. We employed a multiparameter ploidy sorting approach to isolate tumor populations based on DNA ploidy and melanoma biomarkers (SOX10 or S100), enabling us to investigate clonal evolution with high resolution. Our approach increased the mean tumor purity from 70% (range 19–88%) in unsorted material to 91% (range 87–96%) post-sorting. Our findings revealed significant inter- and intratumor heterogeneity, with one patient exhibiting two genomically distinct clonal tumor populations within a single primary site biopsy, each giving rise to different metastases. Our findings highlight the critical role of intratumoral heterogeneity and clonal evolution in melanoma, especially when analyzing tumor trajectories. The unique combination of multiparameter FACS and WES provides a powerful method for identifying clonal populations and reconstructing clonal evolution. This study provides valuable insights into the clonal architecture of melanoma and lays the groundwork for future research with larger patient groups.
Fungal Community Dynamics in Cyperus rotundus: Implications for Rhizophora mangle in a Mangrove Ecosystem
Authors: Portalanza Diego , Acosta-Mejillones Arianna , Alcívar Johnny , Colorado Teddy , Guaita Jeancarlo , Montero Lesly , Villao-Uzho Liliana , Santos-Ordóñez Efren
Published: February 2025

Mangrove ecosystems are globally significant for their biodiversity and ecosystem services but face persistent threats from invasive species and anthropogenic disturbances. This study investigates the interactions between Cyperus rotundus, a widespread invasive weed, and fungal communities in the mangrove-adjacent wetlands of Isla Santay, Ecuador. Using metagenomic sequencing of the ITS region, we analyzed fungal diversity in samples from an anthropogenically pressured area and a non-impacted site. Results revealed significant differences in microbial assemblages: the rhizosphere sample from the disturbed area exhibited lower fungal richness and was dominated by Magnaporthaceae (9%) and Aureobasidium melanogenum (5%), both associated with stress-tolerant traits. In contrast, the rhizosphere sample from the non-impacted site showed higher species diversity, with Cladosporium dominicanum (62%) and Talaromyces (11%) as dominant endophytic taxa. Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) and co-occurrence networks highlighted distinct fungal partitioning between the two sample tissues, indicating that C. rotundus mediates microbial composition in response to environmental gradients. These findings underscore the role of microbial communities in the plant’s invasive success and suggest that leveraging beneficial fungi could enhance ecosystem resilience and support wetland restoration. By integrating molecular approaches with ecological insights, this work contributes to a deeper understanding of microbial dynamics in coastal wetlands and informs targeted management strategies to preserve mangrove habitats.
Sentinel Lymph Node Detection in Cervical Cancer: Challenges in Resource-Limited Settings with High Prevalence of Large Tumours
Authors: Kiss Szilárd Leó , Stanca Mihai , Căpîlna Dan Mihai , Căpîlna Tudor Emil , Pop-Suciu Maria , Kiss Botond Istvan , Kiss Szilárd Leó , Căpîlna Mihai Emil
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Cervical cancer primarily disseminates through the lymphatic system, with the metastatic involvement of pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes significantly impacting prognosis and treatment decisions. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping is critical in guiding surgical management. However, resource-limited settings often lack advanced detection tools like indocyanine green (ICG). This study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of SLN biopsy using alternative techniques in a high-risk population with a high prevalence of large tumours. Methods: This prospective, observational study included 42 patients with FIGO 2018 stage IA1–IIA1 cervical cancer treated between November 2019 and April 2024. SLN mapping was performed using methylene blue alone or combined with a technetium-99m radiotracer. Detection rates, sensitivity, and false-negative rates were analysed. Additional endpoints included tracer technique comparisons, SLN localization patterns, and factors influencing detection success. Results: SLNs were identified in 78.6% of cases, with bilateral detection in 57.1%. The combined technique yielded higher detection rates (93.3% overall, 80% bilateral) compared to methylene blue alone (70.4% overall, 40.7% bilateral, p < 0.05). The sensitivity and negative predictive values were 70% and 93.87%, respectively. Larger tumours (>4 cm), deep stromal invasion, and prior conization negatively impacted detection rates. False-negative SLNs were associated with larger tumours and positive lymphovascular space invasion. Conclusions: SLN biopsy is feasible in resource-limited settings, with improved detection rates using combined tracer techniques. However, sensitivity remains suboptimal due to a steep learning curve and challenges in high-risk patients. Until a high detection accuracy is achieved, SLN mapping should complement, rather than replace, pelvic lymphadenectomy in high-risk cases.
Application of DFT and Experimental Tests for the Study of Compost Formation Between Chitosan-1,3-dichloroketone with Uses for the Removal of Heavy Metals in Wastewater
Authors: Hernández Fernández Joaquín Alejandro , Prieto Palomo Jose Alfonso , Ortega-Torod Rodrigo
Published: February 2025

The environment presently contains greater amounts of heavy metals due to human activities, causing toxicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity. This study evaluated a chitosan (CS) composite material combined with 1,3-dichlorocetone to extract heavy metals from affected waters, integrating experimental and computational analyses. The synthesis of chitosan, obtained from shrimp waste chitin, reached a yield of 85%. FTIR analysis confirmed key functional groups (NH2 and OH), and XRD showed high crystallinity with peaks at 2θ = 8° and 20°. The physicochemical properties evaluated included a moisture content of 7.3%, ash content of 2.4%, and a deacetylation degree of 73%, consistent with commercial standards. Chitosan exhibited significant solubility in 1.5% acetic acid, moderate solubility in water, and insolubility in NaOH, demonstrating its versatility for environmental applications. In adsorption tests, heavy metal concentrations were reduced by CS derivatives, with Cr and Pb dropping to 0.03 mg/L, and Cu and Zn to less than 0.05 mg/L. CS cross-linked with 1,3-dichlorocetone proved the most efficient, outperforming other derivatives such as glutaraldehyde and epichlorohydrin. Computational analysis evaluated key molecular interactions using DFT and the B3LYP/LANLD2Z method. The band gap energies (HOMO–LUMO) decreased to 0.09753 eV for Zn and 0.01485 eV for Pb, indicating high affinity, while Cd showed lower interaction (0.11076 eV). The total dipole moment increased remarkably for Zn (14.693 Debye) and Pb (7.449 Debye), in contrast to Cd (4.515 Debye). Other descriptors, such as chemical hardness (η), reflected a higher reactivity for Zn (0.04877 eV) and Pb (0.00743 eV), which favors adsorption. The correlation between experimental and computational results validates the efficiency and selectivity of CS/1,3-dichlorocetone for removing heavy metals, especially Pb and Zn. This material stands out for its adsorbent capacity, sustainability, and economic viability, positioning it as a promising solution for wastewater remediation.
Parametric Design of Easy-Connect Pipe Fitting Components Using Open-Source CAD and Fabrication Using 3D Printing
Authors: Fini Abolfazl Taherzadeh , Brooks Cameron K. , Romani Alessia , Straatman Anthony G. , Pearce Joshua M.
Published: February 2025

The amount of non-revenue water, mostly due to leakage, is around 126 billion cubic meters annually worldwide. A more efficient wastewater management strategy would use a parametric design for on-demand, customized pipe fittings, following the principles of distributed manufacturing. To fulfill this need, this study introduces an open-source parametric design of a 3D-printable easy-connect pipe fitting that offers compatibility with different dimensions and materials of pipes available on the market. Custom pipe fittings were 3D printed using a RepRap-class fused filament 3D printer, with polylactic acid (PLA), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) as filament feedstocks for validation. The 3D-printed connectors underwent hydrostatic water pressure tests to ensure that they met the standards for residential, agricultural, and renewable energy production applications. All the printed parts passed numerous hydrostatic pressure tests. PETG couplings can tolerate up to 4.551 ± 0.138 MPa of hydrostatic pressure, which is eight times greater than the highest standard water pressure in the residential sector. Based on the economic analysis, the cost of 3D printing a pipe coupling is from three to seventeen times lower than purchasing a commercially available pipe fitting of a similar size. The new open-source couplings demonstrate particular potential for use in developing countries and remote areas.
Ocean Target Electric Field Signal Analysis and Detection Using LOFAR Based on Basis Pursuit
Authors: Hu Huiwen , Sun Xuepeng , Wang Guocheng , Liu Lintao
Published: February 2025

An ocean target electric field signal is an effective approach for analyzing the ocean environment and is widely used for detecting ocean targets, extracting their features, and tracking them. Low-frequency analysis and recording (LOFAR) is a commonly used time–frequency analysis tool that provides the time–frequency spectrum of a signal; however, its reliance on the Fourier transform (FT) results in a low frequency resolution and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), which limits its target detection capabilities. To address this problem, we propose a method called low-frequency analysis and recording based on basis pursuit (LOFAR-BP) for analyzing and detecting ocean target electric field signals. LOFAR-BP uses basis pursuit (BP) with the L1 norm for frequency analysis, whereas LOFAR utilizes the FT. We demonstrate that the FT is the L2 norm mathematically. LOFAR-BP generates the time–frequency spectrum in the same way that LOFAR does. By extracting characteristic values from the time–frequency spectrum, targets can be detected using an appropriate threshold. Both simulation and ocean experiments showed that LOFAR-BP effectively enhances target signals and suppresses noise. Compared with LOFAR, LOFAR-BP improved the frequency resolution by 60% in both experiments and increased the SNR by 54.82 dB in the simulation experiment and by 39.59 dB in the ocean experiment. When applied to target detection, LOFAR-BP can detect targets 6 s earlier than LOFAR can.
Haplotype-Phased Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly of Cryptoporus qinlingensis, a Typical Traditional Chinese Medicine Fungus
Authors: Song Yu , Zhang Ming , Liu Yu-Ying , Li Minglei , Xie Xiuchao , Qi Jianzhao
Published: February 2025

This study presents the first comprehensive genomic analysis of Cryptoporus qinlingensis, a classical folk medicine and newly identified macrofungus from the Qinling Mountains. Utilizing advanced sequencing technologies, including PacBio HiFi and Hi-C, we achieved a high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly. The genome, sized at 39.1 Mb, exhibits a heterozygosity of 0.21% and contains 21.2% repetitive sequences. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a recent divergence of C. qinlingensis from Dichomitus squalens approximately 212.26 million years ago (MYA), highlighting the rapid diversification within the Polyporaceae family. Comparative genomic studies indicate significant gene family contraction in C. qinlingensis, suggesting evolutionary adaptations. The identification of a tetrapolar mating system, along with the analysis of CAZymes and P450 genes, underscores the genomic complexity and ecological adaptability of this species. Furthermore, the discovery of 30 biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) related to secondary metabolites, including polyketide synthase (PKS), non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS), and terpene synthesis enzymes, opens new avenues for exploring bioactive compounds with potential medicinal applications. This research not only enriches our understanding of the Cryptoporus genus but also provides a valuable foundation for future studies aiming to harness the therapeutic potential of C. qinlingensis and to further explore its ecological and evolutionary significance.
The Effects of Rainfall and Terracing–Mulch Combinations on Soil Erosion in a Loess Hilly Area, China: Insights from Plot Simulations and WEPP Modeling
Authors: Ame Michael Aliyi , Wei Wei , Zhang Shuming , Liu Wen , Chen Liding
Published: February 2025

Soil erosion is a major environmental concern, especially in sensitive ecosystems like the Loess Plateau of China, where certain geological and climatic circumstances exacerbate the erosion process. Terracing and mulching are popular soil erosion management strategies in this region. However, their combined effects under varied rainfall intensities are poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to assess the performance of various terracing–mulch combinations in reducing water erosion under different rainfall intensities. The experimental layout included a control plot (C), non-terraced mulch applications (NTr-M), fish-scale pits with mulch (FSPs-M), zig terraces with mulch (ZTr-M), level bench terraces with mulch (LBTr-M), and trench terraces with mulch (TTr-M). Controlled artificial rainfall experiments were carried out under different intensities, and runoff and soil loss data were collected to evaluate the effects of the combinations. The event-based WEPP simulations, calibrated for the Loess Plateau, demonstrated strong predictive accuracy, as evidenced by the high correlation coefficients (R2 = 0.97 for runoff; R2 = 0.86 for soil loss) and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE = 0.93 for runoff; NSE = 0.89 for soil loss), confirming their reliability in simulating erosion processes when compared to measured values. Our results revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in mean runoff and soil loss among the treatments, ranked in the order LBTr-M < TTr-M < ZTr-M < FSPs-M < NTr-M < C. Incremental response analysis also revealed that the control plot (C) was the most sensitive to changes in rainfall intensity, followed by FSPs-M and NTr-M. In contrast, LBTr-M was found to be the most stable strategy. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing micro-relief construction and mulch application to enhance erosion control and support the recommendation of LBTr-M, TTr-M, and ZTr-M as effective strategies. Conversely, FSPs-M and NTr-M proved less effective under higher rainfall intensities. These findings emphasize the need to optimize micro-relief construction and mulch application for erosion management, as well as suggest that such strategies could be applied to the Loess Plateau and other erosion-prone regions worldwide with similar climatic and topographic conditions.
Yasmine Gooneratne: Jane Austen, Australia and Sri Lanka
Authors: Dooley Gillian
Published: February 2025

In 1967, when she was a lecturer in English at the University of Ceylon, Yasmine Gooneratne (1935–2024) wrote an article on English literature in Ceylon for an English journal. Three years later, Gooneratne’s study of Jane Austen was published in Cambridge University Press’s ‘British Authors: Introductory Critical Studies’ series. In 1972, she moved to Australia with her husband, Brendon. Although by this time she had published two volumes of poetry, her first novel, A Change of Skies, was not published until 1991. It concerns a Sri Lankan linguistics academic who moves to Australia with his wife, and the adjustments they have to make to Australian ways. Since then, she published two more novels, The Pleasures of Conquest (1996) and The Sweet and Simple Kind (2009). In this paper I will attempt to draw together these three coordinates in Gooneratne’s career: English literature, especially Jane Austen; Australia; and Sri Lanka. What did Gooneratne learn, as a novelist, from her study of Austen? How did her time in Australia influence her as a novelist? And how did she negotiate the difficulties she identified in her fellow Sri Lankan writers?
Study of the Influence of Nanoparticle Reinforcement on the Mechanical and Tribological Performance of Aluminum Matrix Composites—A Review
Authors: Singhal Varun , Shelly Daksh , Saxena Abhishek , Gupta Rahul , Verma Vipin Kumar , Jain Appurva
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the influence of nano-sized reinforcements on aluminum matrix composites’ mechanical and tribological properties. Microstructural analysis revealed that introducing nanoparticles led to grain refinement, reducing the grain size from 129.7 μm to 41.3 μm with 2 wt.% TiO2 addition. Furthermore, ultrasonic-assisted squeeze casting of AA6061 composites reinforced with TiO2 and Al2O3 resulted in a 52% decrease in grain size, demonstrating nano-reinforcements’ effectiveness in refining the matrix structure. Despite these advantages, the high surface energy of nanoparticles causes agglomeration, which can undermine composite performance. However, ultrasonic-assisted stir casting reduced agglomeration by approximately 80% compared to conventional stir casting, and cold isostatic pressing improved dispersion uniformity by 27%. The incorporation of nano-reinforcements such as SiC, Al2O3, and TiC significantly enhanced the material properties, with hardness increasing by ~30% and ultimate tensile strength improving by ~80% compared to pure Al. The hardness of nano-reinforced composites substantially rose from 83 HV (pure Al) to 117 HV with 1.0 vol.% CNT reinforcement. Additionally, TiC-reinforced AA7075 composites improved hardness from 94.41 HB to 277.55 HB after 10 h of milling, indicating a nearly threefold increase. The wear resistance of Al-Si alloys was notably improved, with wear rates reduced by up to 52%, while the coefficient of friction decreased by 20–40% with the incorporation of graphene and CNT reinforcements. These findings highlight the potential of nano-reinforcements in significantly improving the mechanical and tribological performance of n-AMCs, making them suitable for high-performance applications in aerospace, automotive, and structural industries.
2,4,6-Trichloro-cyclohexa-2,5-dienone
Authors: Gambacorta Guido , Teo Qin Han , Baxendale Ian R.
Published: February 2025

A continuous flow process was optimised for the perchlorination of p-cresol to the corresponding 2,4,6-trichloro-cyclohexa-2,5-dienone derivative employing trichloroisocyanuric acid as a green and safer-to-handle chlorinating agent. The system could furnish 200 g of pure material within 5 h of operation (throughput = 40 g h−1). The compound was easily isolated by filtration and obtained in 95% purity as determined by GC analysis; it could be further purified by crystallisation from a 20:1 Hexane/AcOEt mixture left at −20 °C overnight. The resultant product was characterised by 1H & 13C NMR, MS, IR analyses, with melting point and X-ray single-crystal data being obtained, confirming the structure.
Numerical Investigation of the Axial Compressive Behavior of a Novel L-Shaped Concrete-Filled Steel Tube Column
Authors: Yang Fujian , Bao Yi , Du Muzi , Li Xiaoshuang
Published: February 2025

A novel L-shaped concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) column is proposed in this study. A finite element model of the column is developed using ABAQUS software to analyze its load transfer mechanism and axial compressive behavior. The effects of factors such as the steel strength, steel tube thickness, support plate configuration, and perforation of the support plates on the compressive performance of the column are investigated. The simulation results reveal that the column exhibits robust axial compressive performance. Increasing the steel strength and incorporating support plates (SP) effectively enhance the column’s compressive bearing capacity and positively influence the bearing capacity coefficient (δ). However, increasing the steel tube thickness results in a reduction in δ, indicating that the rate of increase in the bearing capacity diminishes with increasing thickness. The failure mode is primarily characterized by local buckling in the midsection of the steel tube’s concave corner. Measures such as increasing the steel strength and tube thickness and the use of support plates help to mitigate buckling at the concave corner, improve concrete confinement, and enhance the overall compressive performance of the column.
Investigation of the Influence of Alloying Elements Ni, Cr, Co and Mo on the Crystallization Process, Phase Composition and Corrosion Resistance of AlSi25Cu4Cr and AlSi25Cu5Cr Alloys
Authors: Dochev Boyan , Dimova Desislava , Trojan Karel , Čapek Jiří , Kamarska Kalina , Chuchulska Bozhana
Published: February 2025

To increase the mechanical and improve the operational properties of the AlSi25Cu4Cr and AlSi25Cu5Cr alloys, combinations of the alloying elements Ni, Co and Mo were used. The AlSi25Cu4Cr alloy was additionally alloyed with both Ni and Mo and Ni, Co and Mo, and the AlSi25Cu5Cr alloy was alloyed with Co and Mo in different concentrations. The dental alloys “wiron light” and “wironit” were used to introduce the elements Ni, Co, Mo, as well as additional amounts of Cr into the composition of the base compositions. The thermal analysis recorded a decrease in the liquidus and solidus temperatures of the base alloys, as well as a narrowing of their crystallization temperature range as a result of the added alloying elements. The influence of the used chemical elements on the phase composition of the alloys was established by X-ray diffraction. The elements Cr and Mo do not form secondary strengthening phases but dissolve in the α-solid solution. The results of the corrosion tests conducted in 1 M HCl solution and 1 M H2SO4 solution for 336 h and 504 h show that the elements Ni, Co and Mo improve the corrosion resistance of the alloys.
Preparation and Characterization of Thermal Storage Ceramics from Iron-Containing Solid Waste
Authors: Xue Cheng , Lu Peiyang , Wu Zhiwei , Li Yu
Published: February 2025

Copper slag and red mud with high iron contents were discharged with an annual global amount of 37.7 and 175 million tons but had low utilization rates due to wide reuse difficulties. Studies on their large-scale utilization have become urgent. Thermal storage ceramic is a kind of energy storage material with high-added value and a potentially large market. In this study, a method to convert copper slag and red mud into thermal storage ceramics through a ceramic fabrication process was proposed. Four samples were prepared and characterized by XRD and SEM-EDS, as well as physical and thermal property tests. The relationships among phase composition, microstructure, and properties were further discussed. The results showed the thermal storage ceramic from copper slag had the best properties with a flexural strength of 68.02 MPa and a thermal storage density of 1238.25 J/g, both equal and nearly twice those of traditional heat storage materials like Magnesia Fire Bricks and corundum. The grain sizes of mineral phases in the prepared thermal storage ceramics have significant impacts on the performance of the material. Increasing the proportion of copper slag in thermal storage ceramics from red mud could enhance their performance. This study provides a new perspective on the low-cost preparation of thermal storage ceramics and large-scale utilization of iron-containing solid waste.
Study of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 800H Alloy During Creep
Authors: Gao Menglin , Xia Shengjun , Huang Chunfa , Hu Xing , Liang Shuaiheng , Zhang Wenlu , Li Qiulin
Published: February 2025

Creep is one of the primary degradation mechanisms affecting the performance of the 800H alloy under long-term high-temperature stress conditions. Understanding the microstructural evolution during creep and developing a quantitative model to relate these changes to mechanical properties are essential for assessing creep damage and ensuring the safe operation of high-temperature equipment. By conducting a multiscale quantitative characterization of the microstructures in the 800H alloy across different creep stages, we systematically examined the evolution of various microstructural features and their influence on Young’s modulus. A quantitative prediction model of Young’s modulus based on microstructural characteristics was developed, achieving a prediction accuracy exceeding 95% with a mean absolute percentage error of just 1.59% compared to experimental values. This work not only elucidates the intrinsic relationship between microstructural features and macroscopic mechanical properties but also provides a foundation for the in-service creep damage assessment of high-temperature components.
Application of Unprocessed Waste Tyres in Pavement Base Structures: A Study on Deformation and Stress Analysis Using Finite Element Simulation
Authors: Shen Baoying , Tian Hui , Fan Wenruo , Zhang Lu , Wang Hui
Published: February 2025

In this study, numerical simulations using the Abaqus finite element model were performed to evaluate the effects of incorporating waste tyres of varying sizes into the base layer as part of a coupled tyre–pavement structure. The tyre-reinforced structure demonstrated superior deformation resilience, attributed to the hyperelastic properties of tyre rubber, underscoring its potential for applications where deformation recovery is essential. For achieving a uniform settlement, the entire tyre stacking scheme is recommended, whereas the one-third tyre configuration is ideal for minimising displacement. The one-half tyre configuration provides a balanced approach, optimising resource utilisation for structures with moderate performance requirements. The inclusion of tyres increases the equivalent stress within the cement-stabilised gravel layer beneath the tyre, and this effect is less pronounced with smaller tyre sizes. Notably, the projected portion of the tyre tread enhances the bearing capacity of the base structure, improving the load distribution and overall structural performance. The middle and bottom surface layers were identified as the most critical for controlling deformation and stress distribution, while a moderate modulus is advised for the surface course to achieve a balance between deformation control and stress uniformity. The integration of high-modulus layers with tyre reinforcement offers an optimised solution for both deformation management and stress distribution. This study highlights the potential of tyre-reinforced pavements as an innovative and sustainable construction practice, particularly suited for light to moderate traffic conditions. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term environmental and economic benefits, as well as the impacts of tyre composition and ageing on performance.
Donsker-Type Theorem for Numerical Schemes of Backward Stochastic Differential Equations
Authors: Guo Yi , Liu Naiqi
Published: February 2025

This article studies the theoretical properties of the numerical scheme for backward stochastic differential equations, extending the relevant results of Briand et al. with more general assumptions. To be more precise, the Brown motion will be approximated using the sum of a sequence of martingale differences or a sequence of i.i.d. Gaussian variables instead of the i.i.d. Bernoulli sequence. We cope with an adaptation problem of Yn by defining a new process Y^n; then, we can obtain the Donsker-type theorem for numerical solutions using a similar method to Briand et al.