bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dental Adaptation Strategies for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder—A Systematic Review of Randomized Trials
Authors: Prynda Magdalena , Pawlik Agnieszka Anna , Niemczyk Wojciech , Wiench Rafał
Published: November 2024

Background: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often struggle with dental care due to sensory sensitivities and behavioral issues, increasing their risk for oral health problems. Adaptation strategies such as visual aids, video modeling, and sensory-adapted environments aim to improve their dental experiences. Methods: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines using the PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Of the 1072 records screened, nine RCTs were included in the analysis. Studies included children with ASD under 18 years and compared dental adaptation techniques with traditional care. The risk of bias and study quality were assessed. The quality of evidence for the results was determined using the GRADE tool. Results: Nine RCTs with sample sizes ranging from 25 to 138 participants showed significant improvements in oral hygiene, reduced anxiety, and increased cooperation. Video modeling and sensory-adapted environments were particularly effective in lowering distress during dental visits. Conclusions: Dental adaptation strategies, especially video modeling and sensory-adapted environments, effectively improve oral health outcomes and reduce anxiety in children with ASD. More research is needed to explore the long-term effects and include children with severe ASD.
Risk Factors Influencing Mortality in Open Necrosectomy for Acute Pancreatitis: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Mihoc Tudorel , Pirvu Catalin , Dobrescu Amadeus , Brebu Dan , Macovei Anca Monica Oprescu , Popa Zoran Laurentiu , Pantea Stelian
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives: Patients undergoing open necrosectomy (ON) for acute pancreatitis (AP) often face high morbidity and mortality rates. This study aims to identify risk factors associated with adverse outcomes by comparing survivors and non-survivors of ON. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 74 patients who underwent ON for AP. Patients were divided into two groups: survivors (n = 52) and non-survivors (n = 22). Preoperative and postoperative variables were compared, and p-values were calculated to identify significant differences. Results: The mortality rate was 29.73%. Significant risk factors for mortality included age over 60 (p = 0.008), multiple organ failure (p = 0.001), early necrosectomy before 28 days (p = 0.001), higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (p = 0.045), and postoperative complications such as bleeding (p = 0.005) and intestinal fistula (p = 0.038). Delayed ON after 28 days showed a significantly lower mortality rate (12.5%) compared to early ON (50%). Conclusions: Age, severity of AP, timing of ON, and postoperative complications significantly influence mortality rates in patients undergoing ON. Delaying surgery beyond 28 days and optimizing surgical techniques may improve patient outcomes.
Non-Invasive Strategies for Remineralization and Hypersensitivity Management in Molar–Incisor Hypomineralization—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cavalcante Bianca Golzio Navarro , Mlinkó Éva , Szabó Bence , Teutsch Brigitta , Hegyi Péter , Vág János , Németh Orsolya , Gerber Gábor , Varga Gábor
Published: November 2024

Background: Molar–incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is an enamel defect affecting molars and incisors, often leading to hypersensitivity, enamel breakdown, and increased caries risk. Non-invasive treatments, such as casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and fluoride varnish, show potential in remineralizing affected enamel and reducing sensitivity, but their efficacy is still debated. This study systematically reviews and analyzes the effectiveness of CPP-ACP and other non-invasive agents in improving remineralization and reducing hypersensitivity in MIH-affected teeth. Methods: A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, and Central in July 2024, including interventional and observational studies on remineralization and hypersensitivity in pediatric MIH patients (<18 years). A total of 1566 studies were found, with 15 included in the meta-analysis. A random-effects model was applied, including subgroup analysis by lesion severity. Results: CPP-ACP showed no statistically significant advantage over fluoride in remineralization (MD −3.80, 95% CI: −8.57; 0.98), but it significantly reduced hypersensitivity compared to fluoride varnish (MD −2.36, 95% CI: −3.83; −0.89). Although this reduction in hypersensitivity may be clinically relevant, the high heterogeneity (I² = 83%) and wide confidence intervals limit the reliability of these findings. Conclusions: CPP-ACP has a moderate effect in reducing hypersensitivity but does not outperform fluoride in remineralization. Other agents, such as calcium glycerophosphate and silver diamine fluoride, showed mild benefits. The current evidence base is limited and heterogeneous, highlighting the need for high-quality, long-term studies to confirm these findings and guide MIH management.
Virtual Reality to Improve Sleep Quality in Patients Suffering from Painful Diabetic Polyneuropathy: A Proof of Concept Study
Authors: Goudman Lisa , De Smedt Ann , Jansen Julie , Billot Maxime , Roulaud Manuel , Rigoard Philippe , Moens Maarten
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Sleep disturbance is often observed in the context of chronic pain. We hypothesize that, by providing an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) experience with a serious game to chronic pain patients an hour before bedtime, attention can be diverted from the pain condition, consequently leading to improved sleep quality. The aim is to evaluate the efficacy of VR compared to usual care in reducing the number of awakenings during the night and increasing sleep efficiency in patients suffering from painful diabetic polyneuropathy (PDPN). Methods: Eight patients with PDPN were randomized to either two weeks of VR or two weeks of usual care, followed by a cross-over. The primary outcome measurements were sleep efficiency and number of awakenings during the night. As secondary outcomes, self-reported sleep quality, insomnia, pain catastrophizing, anxiety, depression, pain intensity, side effects and impression of change were evaluated. Results: Data of seven patients were analysed. Actigraphy data, self-reported sleep quality, insomnia, pain catastrophizing, anxiety, depression and pain intensity scores did not differ between usual care and VR. As for impression of change, more patients improved after VR compared to usual care (V = 21, p = 0.03). Conclusions: A 2-week period of pain neuroscience education through VR did not result in increased sleep efficiency or fewer awakenings compared to usual care in patients with PDPN. These pilot results indicate that patients subjectively experience an improvement, yet this is not substantiated by either self-reported or objective measurements.
Marital Stability During the Year After Traumatic Brain Injury in an Ecuadorian Sample: A Repeated-Measures Study
Authors: Mascialino Guido , Perrin Paul B. , Arango-Lasprilla Juan Carlos , Watson Jack D. , Rodríguez-Lorenzana Alberto , Paz Clara
Published: November 2024

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability worldwide and often leads to long-lasting emotional, physical, and cognitive changes and results in reduced functioning across multiple domains. These changes often lead to strain in marital relationships as the uninjured spouse grapples with adapting to the changes in their partner. Aims: The purpose of this study was to examine the probability of marital stability after TBI at 6 and 12 months following injury (i.e., probability trajectory across those two time points), as well as predictors of that probability trajectory. Methods: The study design was repeated-measures and observational. Patient recruitment and follow-up took place from January 2018 to March 2020 in Quito, Ecuador. Ninety-seven TBI survivors were recruited while hospitalized in the neurosurgery unit of Hospital Eugenio Espejo, a tertiary care center. Patients were assessed at 6 and 12 months after their injury. Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) was used to examine baseline predictors of linear marital probability trajectories across 6 and 12 months after injury. A final set of HLMs included each of the previously significant predictors from the first model, time, and the interaction terms between time and the previously significant predictor. Results: The first HLM found that marital probability remained stable between 6 and 12 months after TBI. Individuals who were employed at baseline had higher marital probability trajectories than those who had been unemployed. Older individuals had higher marital probability trajectories than younger individuals, and women had higher marital probability trajectories than men. Conclusions: This is the first study to examine marital probability trajectories for an Ecuadorian adult population with TBI, and the data are of great value to understanding post-TBI outcomes in the region. These results can inform interventions and support systems to bolster marital resilience in the aftermath of TBI. Further research is warranted to explore the nuances of these relationships and to validate these findings in diverse populations.
IngredSAM: Open-World Food Ingredient Segmentation via a Single Image Prompt
Authors: Chen Leyi , Wang Bowen , Zhang Jiaxin
Published: November 2024

Food semantic segmentation is of great significance in the field of computer vision and artificial intelligence, especially in the application of food image analysis. Due to the complexity and variety of food, it is difficult to effectively handle this task using supervised methods. Thus, we introduce IngredSAM, a novel approach for open-world food ingredient semantic segmentation, extending the capabilities of the Segment Anything Model (SAM). Utilizing visual foundation models (VFMs) and prompt engineering, IngredSAM leverages discriminative and matchable semantic features between a single clean image prompt of specific ingredients and open-world images to guide the generation of accurate segmentation masks in real-world scenarios. This method addresses the challenges of traditional supervised models in dealing with the diverse appearances and class imbalances of food ingredients. Our framework demonstrates significant advancements in the segmentation of food ingredients without any training process, achieving 2.85% and 6.01% better performance than previous state-of-the-art methods on both FoodSeg103 and UECFoodPix datasets. IngredSAM exemplifies a successful application of one-shot, open-world segmentation, paving the way for downstream applications such as enhancements in nutritional analysis and consumer dietary trend monitoring.
The Molecular Basis of the Intrinsic and Acquired Resistance to Azole Antifungals in Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Hosseini Parham , Keniya Mikhail V. , Sagatova Alia A. , Toepfer Stephanie , Müller Christoph , Tyndall Joel D. A. , Klinger Anette , Fleischer Edmond , Monk Brian C.
Published: November 2024

Aspergillus fumigatus is intrinsically resistant to the widely used antifungal fluconazole, and therapeutic failure can result from acquired resistance to voriconazole, the primary treatment for invasive aspergillosis. The molecular basis of substrate specificity and innate and acquired resistance of A. fumigatus to azole drugs were addressed using crystal structures, molecular models, and expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae of the sterol 14α-demethylase isoforms AfCYP51A and AfCYP51B targeted by azole drugs, together with their cognate reductase AfCPRA2 and AfERG6 (sterol 24-C-methyltransferase). As predicted by molecular modelling, functional expression of CYP51A and B required eburicol and not lanosterol. A crowded conformationally sensitive region involving the BC-loop, helix I, and the heme makes AfCYP51A T289 primarily responsible for resistance to fluconazole, VT-1161, and the agrochemical difenoconazole. The Y121F T289A combination was required for higher level acquired resistance to fluconazole, VT-1161, difenoconazole, and voriconazole, and confirms posaconazole, isavuconazole and possibly ravuconazole as preferred treatments for target-based azole-resistant aspergillosis due to such a combination of mutations.
Optimizing Energy Storage Profits: A New Metric for Evaluating Price Forecasting Models
Authors: Sbaraglia Simone , Fiori Maccioni Alessandro , Zedda Stefano
Published: November 2024

Storage profit maximization is based on buying energy at the lowest prices and selling it at the highest prices. The best strategy must thus be based on both accurately predicting the price peak hours and on rightly choosing when to buy and when to sell the stored energy. In this aim, price prediction is crucial, but choosing the prediction model by means of the usual metrics, as the lowest mean squared error, is not an effective solution as the mean squared error computation equally weights the prediction error of all prices, while the focus must be on the higher and lower prices. In this paper, we propose a new metric focused on the correct forecasting of high and low prices so as to allow for a more effective choice among price forecasting models. Results show that the new metric outperforms the standard metrics, allowing for a more accurate estimation of the possible profit for storage (or other trading) activities.
Using Blockchain Technology to Combat Counterfeits: The Optimal Pricing Scheme of Two Competitive Platforms
Authors: Li Jizi , Wang Xiaodie , Li Longyu , Zhao Dangru
Published: November 2024

This paper investigates using blockchain technology to fight deceptive counterfeits in an electronic commerce environment. Thereby, a two-period pricing model is built under two competitive platforms: a blockchain-based platform which ensures product authentication and provides a higher value to customers but increases customers’ privacy concerns, and its rival (i.e., the traditional platform) in the absence of blockchain implementation which is perceived as having a lower value due to the existence of deceptive counterfeits and thus faces more government enforcement. Customers on both platforms are influenced by the electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) effect, and customers value a platform more if the platform has more online sales. The two platforms either adopt the fixed pricing scheme or the modifiable pricing scheme and so four possible cases may occur. By deriving the equilibrium of each possible case, we analytically find that the attenuation of consumer privacy concerns, increases in government enforcement efforts, and eWOM can benefit the platform’s adoption of blockchain technology to combat counterfeits, and a strong eWOM effect is conducive to consumers but deteriorates price competition and thus harms both platforms. Whether the pricing schemes enhance the competitiveness of the blockchain-based platform over its rivals depends on the eWOM effect and the advantage gained from adopting blockchain technology.
Climate Change Effects on Land Use and Land Cover Suitability in the Southern Brazilian Semiarid Region
Authors: Silva Lucas Augusto Pereira da , Sano Edson Eyji , Parreiras Taya Cristo , Bolfe Édson Luis , Espírito-Santo Mário Marcos , Filgueiras Roberto , Souza Cristiano Marcelo Pereira de , Silva Claudionor Ribeiro da , Leite Marcos Esdras
Published: November 2024

Climate change is expected to alter the environmental suitability of land use and land cover (LULC) classes globally. In this study, we investigated the potential impacts of climate change on the environmental suitability of the most representative LULC classes in the southern Brazilian semiarid region. We employed the Random Forest algorithm trained with climatic, soil, and topographic data to project future LULC suitability under the Representative Concentration Pathway RCP 2.6 (optimistic) and 8.5 (pessimistic) scenarios. The climate data included the mean annual air temperature and precipitation from the WorldClim2 platform for historical (1970–2000) and future (2061–2080) scenarios. Soil data were obtained from the SoilGrids 2.1 digital soil mapping platform, while topographic data were produced by NASA’s Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). Our model achieved an overall accuracy of 60%. Under the worst-case scenario (RCP 8.5), croplands may lose approximately 8% of their suitable area, while pastures are expected to expand by up to 30%. Areas suitable for savannas are expected to increase under both RCP scenarios, potentially expanding into lands historically occupied by forests, grasslands, and eucalyptus plantations. These projected changes may lead to biodiversity loss and socioeconomic disruptions in the study area.
The Identification of Land Use Conflicts and Policy Implications for Donghai County Based on the “Production–Living–Ecological” Functions
Authors: Xiao Jianying , Dai Jinjin , Chen Longqian , Song Yan
Published: November 2024

The rapid development of urbanization has continuously encroached on people’s living space and ecological space, leading to an imbalance in territorial spatial functions. Identifying potential land use conflicts and optimizing land use structure are conducive to carrying out territorial spatial planning rationally. In this paper, we adopt the suitability assessment method to evaluate the suitability of land for production, living, and ecological functions and then use the land use conflict identification matrix to identify land use conflicts in Donghai County and make relevant suggestions according to the intensity of land use conflicts. The results of this study show the following: (1) the areas of suitable land use zones, strong conflict zones, medium conflict zones, and weak conflict zones in Donghai County are, respectively, 58.83%, 10.62%, 26.31%, and 4.24%. (2) The spatial distribution differences in the different conflict zones could determine the pertinence of conflict mitigation and spatial planning. In the process of the urbanization of Donghai County, ecological environmental protection is still the top priority. (3) It is necessary to economically and intensively use construction land, improving its fine management level. Land use efficiency should be maximized, and the spatial distribution of national territory should be reasonably optimized while strengthening the guiding role of planning. This study addresses land conflicts from the perspective of spatial planning rather than economic behavior. It also provides significant insight into land use layout at the county level, which is exactly what China is exploring in the new era.
An Exploratory Study of Yes-No Question Intonation in Bilingual Labourdin French
Authors: Delgado Nerea
Published: November 2024

Despite the growing interest in the study of intonation in bilingual regions in France, the case of Basque French remains under-investigated. Previous research on yes-no questions in standard French has shown that rising contours are the prototypical realization, while bilingual varieties in contact with Corsican or Occitan also seem to allow falling intonation to different extents. To investigate the case of Basque French, data from 11 Basque-French bilinguals from Labourd were considered. Participants completed a contextualized reading task and the Bilingual Language Profile questionnaire, which was used to examine their linguistic profile and language dominance. The results showed that rising intonation predominated (90%), presenting two main realizations: A low rise (L+H* H%) and a high rise ((¡)H* H%). Falling contours, in turn, appeared in only 10% of the data. In a preliminary consideration of these results by language dominance group, low rising contours were found to be more common among Basque-dominant participants, while falling ones appeared more often among French-dominant participants. While surprising, this result could, at least partly, stem from the participants’ personal experiences with bilingualism and their contact with other varieties of Basque. We thus conclude that, for the most part, Basque Labourdin French resembles standard French intonation. The higher prevalence of falling intonation among French-dominant speakers, however, calls for future research.
Effect of White Tea on Leptin and Asprosin Levels in Rats Feeding a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Yilmaz Adnan , Toraman Merve Nur , Mataraci Karakas Sibel , Ozden Zulkar , Pinarbas Esra , Mercantepe Tolga
Published: November 2024

Background: Currently, obesity affects over 600 million individuals and is responsible for numerous severe health conditions, particularly diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The objective of our study was to examine the impact of white tea, known for its potent antioxidant properties, on the reduction in body weight as well as the levels of leptin and asprosin. Methods: A total of 72 male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to 9 groups, with each group consisting of 8 rats. The groups were partitioned into two in order to examine the preventative and therapeutic effects of white tea on obesity. During this study, the case groups were administered white tea together with a high-fat diet, whereas the positive control group was administered orlistat along with a high-fat diet through oral gavage. After the experiment concluded, the levels of leptin, asprosin, and insulin hormones were evaluated in serum samples collected from rats using the ELISA method. Results: The findings demonstrated that the administration of white tea led to a significant decrease in body weight, serum leptin, and asprosin levels, as well as oxidative stress indicators, in rats that were fed a high-fat diet. Conclusions: Utilizing natural chemicals, such as white tea, which possess minimal side effects and have powerful antioxidant activity, can mitigate the detrimental consequences associated with obesity.
LAMP Reaction in Plant Disease Surveillance: Applications, Challenges, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Aglietti Chiara , Benigno Alessandra , Cacciola Santa Olga , Moricca Salvatore
Published: November 2024

Movements of plant pathogenic microorganisms in uncontaminated areas occur today at an alarming rate, driven mainly by global trade and climate change. These invaders can trigger new disease outbreaks able to impact the biodiversity and economies of vast territories and affect a variety of ecosystem services. National and supranational regulatory deficiencies, such as inadequate quarantine measures and ineffective early pathogen detection at ports of entry, exacerbate the issue. Thus, there is an urgent need for accurate and rapid diagnostic tools to intercept invasive and nonindigenous plant pathogens. The LAMP (Loop-mediated isothermal AMPlification) technique is a robust, flexible tool representing a significant advance in point-of-care (POC) diagnostics. Its user-friendliness and sensitivity offer a breakthrough in phytosanitary checks at points of entry (harbors and airports), for disease and pest surveillance at vulnerable sites (e.g., nurseries and wood-processing and storage facilities), and for territorial monitoring of new disease outbreaks. This review highlights the strengths and weaknesses of LAMP, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize modern plant disease diagnostics.
Polar-Twisted, Nano-Modulated Nematics: Form Chirality and Physical Properties
Authors: Vanakaras Alexandros G. , Samulski Edward T. , Photinos Demetri J.
Published: November 2024

Recently, two new polymorphs have been added to the nematic class: the polar-twisted nematic (NPT) in 2016 and the ferroelectric nematic (NF) in 2020. Comprised of achiral molecules, both exhibit local polar ordering and adopt modulated structures, right- and left-handed helical organizations—form chirality—albeit on vastly different dimensional scales; modulations have a ~10 nanometer pitch in the NPT and ~500 nm in the NF. Here, we focus on the structure and symmetries of the NPT phase and the ensuing physical properties. Based on an array of order parameters that fully describe the molecular ordering and the nano-modulations thereof, we present a consistent formulation of the dielectric, optical, surface anchoring, and elasticity properties of the NPT materials. We show that these properties are distinctly different from those associated with an elastically modulated, locally uniaxial, nematic.
A Starved Lubrication Model: Applications to Evaluate Gear Mesh and Response Prediction of Material Plasticity
Authors: Wang Zhiyong , Dong Qingbing , Zhao Bo
Published: November 2024

This study presents a model of starved mixed Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication (EHL) in point and line contact to investigate the lubrication performance and material response. In formulating the governing equations for the lubrication, the dimensional Reynolds equation is discretized to involve all possible regimes from the boundary lubrication to fully hydrodynamic lubrication, and an additional algorithm is provided to determine the fractional film content based on the profiles of pressure distribution and film thickness. Solutions of the point contact from the present model are compared with those reported by the previous studies and good consistency can be found. The three-dimensional line contact is used to predict the load carrying capabilities of the film thickness at the interface of mating spur gear teeth. A return mapping method is implemented to take the plastic revolution into account. The solution at the initial stage of a startup process with the lubricant entrainment velocities of ux=uy=0 is compared with that from a dry contact to validate the elasto-plastic solutions. Sample cases are presented to reveal the effects of inlet oil supply condition and material plasticity on lubrication starvation.
Ammonium Oxathioamidate
Authors: Aragoni M. Carla , Cordes David B. , Pintus Anna , Podda Enrico , Serra Riccardo , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Woollins J. Derek , Arca Massimiliano
Published: November 2024

Ammonium oxathioamidate (1) was synthesised by the reaction between O-ethyl-thioxamate (oxalic acid-1-amide-2-O-ethyl ester) and ammonium hydrogen carbonate in water solution. Compound 1 was fully characterised by both microanalytical (elemental analysis, melting point determination) and spectroscopic means (FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy). Crystals suitable for single-crystal X-ray diffraction were isolated by slow evaporation of an ethanol solution of the compound. The analysis of the crystal packing reveals the prominent role exerted by intermolecular hydrogen bonding (HB) and chalcogen bonding (ChB) interactions.
Tool Wear Prediction in Machining of Aluminum Matrix Composites with the Use of Machine Learning Models
Authors: Hamrol Adam , Tabaszewski Maciej , Kujawińska Agnieszka , Czyżycki Jakub
Published: November 2024

This paper discusses the diagnostic models of tool wear during face milling of Aluminum Matrix Composite (AMC), classified as a difficult-to-cut material. Prediction and classification models were considered. The models were based on one-dimensional simple regression or on multidimensional regression trees, random forest, nearest neighbor and multilayer perceptron neural networks. Measures of diagnostic signals obtained from measurements of cutting forces and vibration accelerations of the workpiece were used. The study demonstrated that multidimensional models outperformed one-dimensional models in terms of prediction accuracy and classification performance. Specifically, multidimensional predictive models exhibited lower maximum and average absolute prediction errors (0.036 mm vs. 0.050 mm and 0.026 mm vs. 0.045 mm, respectively), and classification models recorded fewer Type I and Type II errors. Despite the increased complexity, the higher predictive accuracy (up to 0.97) achieved with multidimensional models was shown to be suitable for industrial applications. However, simpler one-dimensional models offered the ad-vantage of greater reliability in signal acquisition and processing. It was also highlighted that the advantage of simple models from a practical point of view is the reduced complexity and consequent greater reliability of the system for acquiring and processing diagnostic signals.
Reduction in Heavy Rare Earth Diffusion Sources in Sintered Nd-Fe-B Magnets via Grain Boundary Diffusion of Dy70Ce70−xCu30
Authors: Yang Dongbiao , Gao Xiao , Zhong Shuwei , Yang Honglong , Zhang Farao
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the effect of Ce on the diffusion behavior of Dy-Cu alloys. The addition of Ce reduces the diffusion source melting point and promotes the formation of low-melting alloy phases, benefiting the diffusion behavior. The diffusion source with 10 wt.% of Ce shows the best magnetic performance, the coercivity of the magnet increases from 18.47 kOe to 23.60 kOe, and the incremental coercivity reaches 5.13 kOe. Ce diffusion improves the utilization of Dy, enhances diffusion uniformity, and promotes coercivity improvement. Ce also optimizes and regulates grain boundary phase structure distribution, consistent with magnetic property changes. Dy70Cu30 with an excessive thick shell layer wastes Dy and reduces utilization, while Dy60Ce10Cu30 has a relatively thin and uniform shell layer. Ce mainly distributes in the intergranular phase region, promoting Dy diffusion from the intergranular phase to form a shell layer. Excessive Ce can distort the magnet’s crystal structure, hindering magnetic property improvement. This study provides insights into optimizing the diffusion process and improving the Dy-Cu alloy.
An Assessment of the Environmental Impact of Construction Materials of Monocrystalline and Perovskite Photovoltaic Power Plants Toward Their Sustainable Development
Authors: Piasecka Izabela , Kłos Zbigniew
Published: November 2024

The interest in alternative energy sources, including the use of solar radiation energy, is growing year by year. Currently, the most frequently installed photovoltaic modules are made of single-crystalline silicon solar cells (sc-Si). However, one of the latest solutions are perovskite solar cells (PSC), which are considered the future of photovoltaics. Therefore, the main objective of this research was to assess the environmental impact of the construction materials of monocrystalline and perovskite photovoltaic power plants toward their sustainable development. The research object was the construction materials and components of two 1 MW photovoltaic power plants: one based on monocrystalline modules and the other on perovskite modules. The life cycle assessment (LCA) method was used for the analyses. The IMPACT World+, IPCC and CED models were used in it. The analyses were performed separately for five sets of elements: support structures, photovoltaic panels, inverter stations, electrical installations and transformers. Two post-consumer management scenarios were adopted: storage and recycling. The life cycle of a photovoltaic power plant based on photovoltaic modules made of perovskite cells is characterized by a smaller negative impact on the environment compared to traditional power plants with monocrystalline silicon modules. Perovskites, as a construction material of photovoltaic modules, fit better into the main assumptions of sustainable development compared to cells made of monocrystalline silicon. However, it is necessary to conduct further work which aims at reducing energy and material consumption in the life cycles of photovoltaic power plants.
Mechanical Properties of Perlite Concrete in Context to Its Use in Buildings’ External Walls
Authors: Szlachetka Olga , Dzięcioł Justyna , Dohojda Marek
Published: November 2024

Nowadays, much of the attention paid to building construction is focused on sustainability and environmental protection. The materials applied in construction should be safe and free of toxins, but they should also follow the idea of circular construction. Quests for materials with an appropriate structure and composition, unifying features of a construction, insulation (thermally and acoustically), and environmentally friendly material turned our attention in this paper toward expanded perlite (EP). This study aimed to analyze the results of the experimental determination of the basic physical and mechanical parameters of expanded perlite and pure perlite concrete blocks (PPC), i.e., containing 100% EP instead of sand, while in contrast, most existing studies focus only on the partial replacement of sand with EP. This research aims to confirm that PPC containing 100% EP is the product that meets the requirements for load-bearing walls in single-family buildings in European countries such as Poland. The study aimed to determine the procedure for preparing the samples of PPC, i.e., the mixing procedure, the displacement speed during compaction, and the maximum loading force during compaction. It was determined that the appropriate speed of compaction to form the samples is 15 mm per minute, i.e., the same as during the compressive strength tests. The maximum compaction force of 10,000 N during the preparation of samples at a speed of displacement of 15 mm per minute guarantees a compressive strength greater than 3 MPa for dry density class 650, and the method of forming the samples in a single layer, i.e., solid samples.
Prediction Model of Pipeline Push Resistance in Tunnels
Authors: Cao Lianmin , Zhu Mingxing , Zhang Dekang , Zhen Ying , Zhang Xu , Cao Yuguang
Published: November 2024

The installation of pipes in tunnel construction using the external welding method requires the assistance of a pipe pusher and roller support to push the welded pipe into the tunnel. Accurate determination of pipeline push resistance and the selection of an appropriate pipe pusher model are crucial factors for successful construction. Currently, there is no effective method available for predicting push resistance, which may result in inaccurate estimation and inadequate thrust provided by the selected pipe pusher. Therefore, this study aims to establish a reliable formula for calculating push resistance through theoretical analysis and numerical simulation. Additionally, we investigate the rolling resistance coefficient between the pipe and roller wheel to develop a corresponding prediction formula. Finally, a test platform is set up to validate our proposed formula for estimating push resistance. The results demonstrate that there is approximately a 5% error between the calculated values and the test values, confirming that this method effectively predicts pipeline push resistance.
Contributions to the Development of Tetrahedral Mobile Robots with Omnidirectional Locomotion Units
Authors: Simerean Anca-Corina , Tătar Mihai Olimpiu
Published: November 2024

In this paper, the authors present the process of modeling, building, and testing two prototypes of tetrahedral robots with omnidirectional locomotion units. The paper begins with a detailed description of the first tetrahedral robot prototype, highlighting its strengths as well as the limitations that led to the need for improvements. The robot’s omnidirectional movement allowed it to move in all directions, but certain challenges related to stability and adaptability were identified. The second prototype is presented as an advanced and improved version of the first model, integrating significant modifications in both the structural design and the robot’s functionality. The authors emphasize how these optimizations were achieved, detailing the solutions adopted and their impact on the robot’s overall performance. This paper includes an in-depth comparative analysis between the two prototypes. The analysis highlights the considerable advantages of the second prototype, demonstrating its superiority. The conclusions of the paper summarize the main findings of the research and emphasize the significant progress made from the first to the second prototype. Finally, future research directions are discussed, which include refining control algorithms, miniaturizing the robot, improving structural performance by integrating shock-absorbing dampers, and integrating lighting systems and video cameras.
Intelligent Fault Diagnosis Across Varying Working Conditions Using Triplex Transfer LSTM for Enhanced Generalization
Authors: Iqbal Misbah , Lee Carman K. M. , Keung Kin Lok , Zhao Zhonghao
Published: November 2024

Fault diagnosis plays a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of industrial machinery. While various machine/deep learning algorithms have been employed extensively for diagnosing faults in bearings and gears, the scarcity of data and the limited availability of labels have become a major bottleneck in developing data-driven diagnosis approaches, restricting the accuracy of deep networks. To overcome the limitations of insufficient labeled data and domain shift problems, an intelligent, data-driven approach based on the Triplex Transfer Long Short-Term Memory (TTLSTM) network is presented, which leverages transfer learning and fine-tuning strategies. Our proposed methodology uses empirical mode decomposition (EMD) to extract pertinent features from raw vibrational signals and utilizes Pearson correlation coefficients (PCC) for feature selection. L2 regularization transfer learning is utilized to mitigate the overfitting problem and to improve the model’s adaptability in diverse working conditions, especially in scenarios with limited labeled data. Compared with traditional transfer learning approaches, such as TCA, BDA, and JDA, which demonstrate accuracies in the range of 40–50%, our proposed model excels in identifying machinery faults with minimal labeled data by achieving 99.09% accuracy. Moreover, it performs significantly better than classical methods like SVM, RF, and CNN-based networks found in the literature, demonstrating the improved performance of our approach in fault diagnosis under varying working conditions and proving its applicability in real-world applications.
Impact of Ultrasound- and Microwave-Assisted Extraction on Bioactive Compounds and Biological Activities of Jania rubens and Sargassum muticum
Authors: Hamamouche Kahina , Elhadj Zoubida , Khattabi Latifa , Zahnit Wafa , Djemoui Brahim , Kharoubi Omar , Boussebaa Walid , Bouderballa Mouhamed , EL Moustapha Kallouche Mohammed , Attia Sabry M. , Ahmad Sheikh F. , Atanassova Maria , Messaoudi Mohammed
Published: November 2024

This study represents the first investigation into the ultrasonic and microwave extraction of bioactive metabolites from Jania rubens (J. rubens) (red seaweed) and Sargassum. muticum (S. muticum) (brown seaweed), with a focus on their biological activities. The research compares ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) with microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) utilizing a hydromethanolic solvent to evaluate their effects on these seaweeds’ bioactive compounds and biological activities. The assessment included a series of antioxidant essays: DPPH, ABTS, phenanthroline, and total antioxidant capacity, followed by enzyme inhibition activities: alpha-amylase and urease. Results revealed significant proportions of phenolic compounds, ranging from 48.31 ± 0.32 to 74.42 ± 0.80 μg GAE/mg, depending on the extraction method. The extracts demonstrated a high antioxidant activity, with IC50 values ranging from 26.58 ± 0.39 to 87.55 ± 0.69 μg/mL. Notably, the MAE extract of S. muticum showed a value of 48.11 ± 2.75 μg/mL for alpha-amylase inhibition, which is strictly superior to the reference acarbose with an IC50 equal to 3431.01 μg/mL. UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis identified 14 bioactive compounds. The proportion of riboflavin with MAE was 70.58% and 59.11% for J. rubens and S. muticum fractions, respectively. These findings underscore the critical influence of extraction technique selection on bioactive compounds’ yield and efficiency, highlighting the potential of algal biomass as a sustainable alternative in various applications.
Oxidative/Nitrosative Stress and Brain Involvement in Sepsis: A Relationship Supported by Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Bertozzi Giuseppe , Ferrara Michela , Calvano Mariagrazia , Pascale Natascha , Di Fazio Aldo
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives: A large amount of recent evidence suggests that cellular inability to consume oxygen could play a notable part in promoting sepsis as a consequence of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. The latter could, in fact, represent a fundamental stage in the evolution of the “natural history” of sepsis. Following a study previously conducted by the same working group on heart samples, the present research project aims to evaluate, through an immunohistochemical study, the existence and/or extent of oxidative stress in the brains of subjects who died due to sepsis and define, after reviewing the literature, its contribution to the septic process to support the use of medications aimed at correcting redox anomalies in the management of septic patients. Materials and Methods: 10 cases of subjects who died in healthcare facilities with ante-mortem clinical-laboratory signs that allowed the diagnosis of septic shock were selected as case studies, and 1 case of a subject who died immediately following a road traffic accident was used as a negative control. Samples of the cerebral cortex were then taken, fixed in formalin, and subjected to sections on which an immunohistochemical study was performed using anti-NOX-2, NT, iNOS, and 8-OHdG antibodies. Results: The results emerging from the present study demonstrate that despite a variable expressivity for the NT, iNOS, and NOX2 markers, the brain samples demonstrated univocal and high positivity for the 8-OHdG marker. Conclusions: This would allow us to hypothesize how, regardless of the mechanism of production of ROS and NOS (iNOS or NOX2 mediated) and the pathophysiological mechanisms that are triggered during sepsis, oxidative damage to DNA represents the event to which this whole process leads and, in fact, in the literature, is directly correlated to sepsis-dependent mortality. Neurons, conversely, appear to be more sensitive to oxidative stress because of a low number of protective or scavenger molecules (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, GSH, or vitamin E). Therefore, despite reduced production, the manifestation of the damage remains high. This evidence, together with that of the previous study, can only support the introduction of substances with an antioxidant function in the guidelines for the treatment of sepsis.
Circadian Typology and Physical Activity in Young Adults with Gaming Disorder
Authors: Hsu Tien-Wei , Yen Ju-Yu , Yeh Wei-Chiang , Ko Chih-Hung
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives: Exploring daily lifestyle characteristics in individuals with gaming disorder (GD) might identify underlying causes and intervention points. However, integrative and subjective assessments are lacking in studies on this topic. This study aimed to assess circadian typology and physical activity in young adults with GD. Materials and Methods: We recruited 60 participants with GD and 120 age- and sex-matched controls. GD and delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) were diagnosed through structured interviews. Physical activity and sleep patterns were measured using actigraphy. Self-reported measures were chronotype and insomnia by using composite scale of morningness (CSM) and the Pittsburg insomnia rating scale (PIRS). Results: We found that DSPS and eveningness chronotype was more prevalent in the GD group than in the control group. The GD group also contained more participants with insomnia with higher PIRS and a longer time to fall asleep compared with the control group. The GD group had lower physical activity levels for daily calorie expenditure, daily steps, and daily walking distance compared with the control group. No significant differences were observed in body weight and sleep duration between these groups. Conclusions: Individuals with GD, compared to HC, exhibit an eveningness chronotype, poorer sleep quality, lower physical activity, and higher obesity risk, suggesting that lifestyle adjustments like increased exercise and earlier sleep might help modify habitual behaviors and potentially further provide a way to treat GD.
Effect of Hydrogen Content on the Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Fracture Mechanism of Low-Carbon Lath Martensite Steel
Authors: Yanachkov Boris , Mourdjeva Yana , Valuiska Kateryna , Dyakova Vanya , Kolev Krasimir , Kaleicheva Julieta , Lazarova Rumyana , Katzarov Ivaylo
Published: November 2024

The effect of hydrogen content on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and fracture mechanisms of low-carbon lath martensitic steel was investigated using both experimental methods and atomistic modeling. Tensile testing revealed a transition in the fracture behavior with increases in hydrogen concentration. Specifically, at a hydrogen content of 0.44 wppm, a shift from transgranular to intergranular fractures was observed. The most probable cause of hydrogen embrittlement was identified to be HELP-mediated HEDE. As the hydrogen concentration increased, the dislocation density in close-packed planes, such as (111) and (100), was found to rise. The key differences between the hydrogen-free and hydrogen-charged specimens were the localization and density of dislocations, as well as the change in the distribution of slip bands. Atomistic modeling supported these experimental findings, showing that “quasi-cleavage” cracks predominantly initiate at block boundaries with higher local hydrogen accumulation. These results underscore the significant role of hydrogen in modifying both the microstructural characteristics and fracture behavior of low-carbon martensitic steel, with important implications for its performance in hydrogen-rich environments.
Three-Axis Vibration Isolation of a Full-Scale Magnetorheological Seat Suspension
Authors: Choi Young T. , Wereley Norman M. , Hiemenz Gregory J.
Published: November 2024

This study examines the three-axis vibration isolation capabilities of a full-scale magnetorheological (MR) seat suspension system utilizing experimental methods to assess performance under both single-axis and simultaneous three-axis input conditions. To achieve this, a semi-active MR seat damper was designed and manufactured to address excitations in all three axes. The damper effectiveness was tested experimentally for axial and lateral motions, focusing on dynamic stiffness and loss factor using an MTS machine. Prior to creating the full-scale MR seat suspension, a scaled-down version at one-third size was developed to verify the damper’s ability to effectively reduce vibrations in response to practical excitation levels. Additionally, a narrow-band frequency-shaped semi-active control (NFSSC) algorithm was developed to optimize vibration suppression. Ultimately, a full-scale MR seat suspension was assembled and tested with a 50th percentile male dummy, and comprehensive three-axis vibration isolation tests were conducted on a hydraulic multi-axis simulation table (MAST) for both individual inputs over a frequency range up to 200 Hz and for simultaneous multi-directional inputs. The experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness of the full-scale MR seat suspension in reducing seat vibrations.