bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
φ-OTDR Based on Dual-Band Nonlinear Frequency Modulation Probe
Authors: Zhang Jing , Xu Tuanwei , Cao Kai , Shu Yuhang , Deng Dimin , Li Fang
Published: February 2025

Pulse compression enhances the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in distributed fiber optic acoustic sensing (DAS) by increasing pulse energy through cross-correlation, while maintaining spatial resolution. In DAS systems, linear frequency modulation (LFM) pulses are commonly used; however, their limited sidelobe suppression (SLR) results in increased noise, limiting improvements in SNR and fading noise mitigation. To overcome these limitations, we propose an adaptable NLFM pulse design methodology that optimizes SLR based on specific application requirements. This approach significantly enhances pulse energy injection while reducing system noise, thereby improving overall sensing performance. Additionally, dual-carrier frequency-division multiplexing is employed to maximize energy utilization and mitigate fading effects. The experimental results demonstrate that, compared to the LFM-based detection pulse system, the optimized NLFM pulse improves the SNR by 10 dB. Under identical conditions, the NLFM system also enhances its performance in suppressing fading noise. Furthermore, the use of dual carriers effectively reduces the hardware resource consumption of the sensing system, highlighting the great potential of NLFM pulses in the field of fiber optic sensing.
A Diffusion-Based Detection Model for Accurate Soybean Disease Identification in Smart Agricultural Environments
Authors: Yin Jiaxin , Li Weixia , Shen Junhong , Zhou Chaoyu , Li Siqi , Suo Jingchao , Yang Jujing , Jia Ruiqi , Lv Chunli
Published: February 2025

Accurate detection of soybean diseases is a critical component in achieving intelligent agricultural management. However, traditional methods often underperform in complex field scenarios. This paper proposes a diffusion-based object detection model that integrates the endogenous diffusion sub-network and the endogenous diffusion loss function to progressively optimize feature distributions, significantly enhancing detection performance for complex backgrounds and diverse disease regions. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms multiple baseline models, achieving a precision of 94%, recall of 90%, accuracy of 92%, and mAP@50 and mAP@75 of 92% and 91%, respectively, surpassing RetinaNet, DETR, YOLOv10, and DETR v2. In fine-grained disease detection, the model performs best on rust detection, with a precision of 96% and a recall of 93%. For more complex diseases such as bacterial blight and Fusarium head blight, precision and mAP exceed 90%. Compared to self-attention and CBAM, the proposed endogenous diffusion attention mechanism further improves feature extraction accuracy and robustness. This method demonstrates significant advantages in both theoretical innovation and practical application, providing critical technological support for intelligent soybean disease detection.
A Rheological Study of the High-Temperature Properties of Fast-Melting SBS/Epoxy-Modified Asphalt Binders
Authors: Feng Lei , Zhang Xinyong , Sha Tianyu , Wang Decai , Niu Ben , Wang Riran , Hou Xiyang
Published: February 2025

A fast-melting epoxy resin styrene–butadiene–styrene composite modifier (ER-SBS-T) was utilized for the rapid modification of an asphalt binder. The effect of this novel fast-melting modifier on high-temperature performance is not supported by any pertinent investigations. First, the penetration, softening points, and 60 °C kinematic viscosity of the asphalt samples were tested. In addition, these asphalt samples were subjected to multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) tests to assess the ability to recover from creep and to test the high-temperature performance of the asphalt binder. The study then compared different models based on the zero-shear viscosity (ZSV) test. The research shows that the use of ER-SBS-T composite modifiers significantly improves the high-temperature performance of asphalt binder. The high-temperature performance of fast-melting SBS-T-modified asphalt binder is comparable to that of SBS-modified asphalt binder. The high-temperature performance of the asphalt binder can still be significantly improved when the amount of ER-SBS-T composite modifier exceeds 6%. For the high-temperature performance grading of the ER-SBS-T composite-modified asphalt binder, a reference temperature of 70 °C can be established. The results also demonstrate that the Cross rheological model is more suitable for determining the zero-shear viscosity of the ER-SBS-T composite-modified asphalt binder.
Experimental and Theoretical Investigation into the Thermal Conductivity and Heating-Softening Bending of Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Polypropylene Rebars
Authors: Xu Mingxue , Wang Anni , Liu Xiaogang
Published: February 2025

Thermoplastic fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement has a significant advantage over traditional thermosetting FRP reinforcements in that it can be bent on site by heating-softening processing. However, current experimental and theoretical research on the thermal conductivity and heating-softening processing characteristics of thermoplastic FRP reinforcements is quite insufficient. Through heating-softening processing tests, numerical simulation, and theoretical calculation, this study investigated the heating-softening processing time of a thermoplastic glass-fiber-reinforced polypropylene (GFRPP) reinforcement. In the heat transfer process, thermal conductivity is typically treated as a constant. However, the experimental results indicated that the thermal conductivity/diffusivity coefficient of the GFRPP reinforcement was temperature-dependent. On this basis, an equivalent modified thermal diffusivity coefficient of glass fiber was proposed to account for the time-temperature-dependent heat conductivity of the GFRPP reinforcement, utilizing a series model. Utilizing the modified thermal diffusivity coefficient, the simulation model presented a heating-softening processing time that coincided well with the experimental results, with a mean ratio of 1.005 and a coefficient of variation of 0.033. Moreover, based on an equivalent homogeneous circular cross-section assumption of the GFRPP reinforcement, an analytical solution to the heat conduction equation was derived. Combining the experimental and simulation results, a semi-analytical and semi-empirical calculation model was also proposed for predicting the heating-softening processing time of a GFRPP reinforcement with a silicone tube cover. The model’s calculated results align with the simulation trends, with an average deviation of 1.0% and a coefficient of variation of 0.026, demonstrating strong potential for engineering applications.
Silicone Rubber Catheters Modified by Poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) Graft Promoted by Gamma Rays
Authors: López-Meza Jesús Enrique , Pino-Ramos Víctor Hugo , Flores-Rojas Guadalupe Gabriel , Mendizabal Eduardo , Bucio Emilio
Published: February 2025

The functionalization of polymeric matrices through graft polymerization offers multiple advantages by introducing new properties through the incorporation of functional chemical groups on the surface. These modifications can change the chemical properties of the matrix, such as hydrophilicity and chemical reactivity, and enable new chemical interactions with other molecules that the matrix alone could not achieve. This expands the applicability of the material in various fields, particularly in medicine, where these functionalized matrices can be employed as drug delivery systems. In this work, poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) was incorporated through a graft polymerization of N-vinylpyrrolidone on silicone rubber catheters using gamma radiation to promote the polymerization reaction on the matrix. The graft degree of poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) on the SR matrix was studied based on the absorbed dose and monomer concentration. Additionally, the new materials were characterized using TGA, wettability kinetics, ATR-FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy, as well as a drug loading evaluation.
Structure and Selected Properties of Si(C,N) Coatings on Ni-Cr Prosthetic Alloys
Authors: Kula Zofia , Dąbrowska Katarzyna , Klimek Leszek
Published: February 2025

Metal alloys continue to be, and are expected to remain, essential materials for fabricating prosthetic elements due to their unique properties, particularly their high strength, durability, and appropriate modulus of elasticity, which make them well-suited for such applications. However, commonly used non-precious metal alloys exhibit lower corrosion resistance compared to precious metal alloys. This reduced resistance leads to the release of metal ions from the alloy into the oral environment. Adverse biological responses to metal alloys can be mitigated through various surface modifications, most commonly by applying coatings. These coatings are typically ceramic, including oxides, nitrides, and carbides. In this study, the mechanical properties (hardness, modulus of elasticity, adhesion, and thickness) of complex Si(C,N) coatings applied to a prosthetic Ni-Cr alloy were investigated. Depending on the proportions of N, C, and Si in the coating, the hardness ranged from 12 to 15 GPa, while the modulus of elasticity varied between 130 and 170 GPa. Adhesion strength, measured via the scratch test method, was within an acceptable range. Microscopic analysis revealed that the coatings had a thickness of 2 to 2.5 μm, exhibiting a homogeneous, columnar structure. In conclusion, the properties of the fabricated Si(C,N) coatings are deemed satisfactory for their intended use as protective layers for prosthetic and orthodontic components.
Big Data Processing Application on the Identification Method of the Dominant Channel in Polymer Flooding
Authors: Zhou Ziwu , Xia Ao , Guo Rui , Chen Lin , Kong Fengshuo , Zhao Xiaoliang , Zhang Qi
Published: February 2025

Polymer flooding is a critical enhanced oil recovery technique; however, the development of polymer channeling along dominant channels during its later stages can adversely affect the process by increasing comprehensive water cut and dispersing remaining oil, thereby diminishing development benefits. This study aims to address this challenge by investigating the identification methods and distribution patterns of dominant channels in polymer flooding to inform and optimize the development strategy. Through a series of experiments, we analyzed how factors such as permeability, heterogeneity, reservoir thickness, and mineral composition influence the formation of dominant channels. We developed an identification method for dominant channels post-polymer flooding using a combination of reservoir engineering and mathematical analysis techniques. Our results highlight the significant role of rock and mineral composition, injection rate, and injection pressure in the formation of dominant channels. By integrating formation physical properties and production data from oil and water wells with the grey correlation method, we effectively identified dominant channels. This identification is crucial for guiding the development and adjustment of polymer flooding, enhancing oil recovery efficiency, and maximizing reservoir performance.
Exploring the Responsibilities, Boundaries, and Well-Being of Teachers in the Philippines
Authors: Tan Lucas Dominic C. , Urdan Tim
Published: February 2025

Teacher identity is a multidimensional construct that includes elements such as teachers’ perceptions of their responsibilities and the boundaries they place on those responsibilities. The purpose of this study was to examine how elements of teacher identity, specifically their perceived responsibilities and the boundaries they place on their responsibilities, are related to teacher well-being. Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 teachers in the Philippines. Teachers were asked about their perceptions of their responsibilities, where they draw the boundaries on what they are responsible for, and their feelings of stress and burnout. A grounded theory approach was used to develop a coding scheme and code the interview transcripts. The results revealed that most of the teachers in the sample felt responsible for promoting both academic and social–moral development in their students but created boundaries that prevented them from prying into students’ personal lives and helped them maintain professional boundaries. Unlike many teachers in the U.S., few of the teachers in the Filipino sample expressed high levels of burnout or a desire to leave the profession. We argue that cultural differences in the way teachers define their roles and responsibilities may explain the differences in the burnout levels of teachers in the U.S. compared to those of teachers in the Philippines. Lessons learned from how teachers with low levels of burnout define their roles and responsibilities can be used to help teachers at risk of burning out reframe their role identities.
ESG and Financial Distress: The Role of Bribery, Corruption, and Fraud in FTSE All-Share Companies
Authors: Sastroredjo Probowo Erawan , Suganda Tarsisius Renald
Published: February 2025

Our investigation examined the impact of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) activities on corporate financial distress. This research utilised data from companies listed in the FTSE All-Share index from 2014 to 2022 from the Refinitiv EIKON database. We incorporated year- and industry-fixed effects into our analysis to address changing economic conditions and industry-specific effects. ESG scores were used as a proxy for ESG activities, while Z-scores were utilised to gauge financial distress. The results unveiled a compelling trend: ESG activities showcased a negative correlation with financial distress, implying that companies actively involved in ESG actions are less likely to face default, even after incorporating several robustness and endogeneity tests. Moreover, when examining the role of bribery, corruption, and fraud issues (negative issues) as a moderating factor, our findings revealed that lower negative issues strengthen the negative relationship between ESG (governance pillar) and financial distress. This suggests that governance mechanisms effectively reduce financial distress in less corrupt environments, where institutional quality supports properly implementing governance practices. These findings offer valuable insights for companies seeking to mitigate financial distress by adopting ESG strategies.
Investigation of Trajectory Tracking Control in Hip Joints of Lower-Limb Exoskeletons Using SSA-Fuzzy PID Optimization
Authors: Li Wei , Wei Xiaojie , Sun Dawen , Zong Siyu , Yue Zhengwei
Published: February 2025

The application of lower-limb exoskeleton robots in rehabilitation is becoming more prevalent, where the precision of control and the speed of response are essential for effective movement tracking. This study tackles the challenge of optimizing both control accuracy and response speed in trajectory tracking for lower-limb exoskeleton hip robots. We introduce an optimization strategy that integrates the Sparrow Search Algorithm (SSA) with fuzzy Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control. This approach addresses the inefficiencies and time-consuming process of manual parameter tuning, thereby improving trajectory tracking performance. First, recognizing the complexity of hip joint motion, which involves multiple degrees of freedom and intricate dynamics, we employed the Lagrangian method. This method is particularly effective for handling nonlinear systems and simplifying the modeling process, allowing for the development of a dynamic model for the hip joint. The SSA is subsequently utilized for the online self-tuning optimization of both the proportional and quantization factors within the fuzzy PID controller. Simulation experiments confirm the efficacy of this strategy in tracking hip joint trajectories during flat walking and standing hip flexion rehabilitation exercises. Experimental results from diverse test populations demonstrate that SSA-fuzzy PID control improves response times by 27.8% (for flat walking) and 30% (for standing hip flexion) when compared to traditional PID control, and by 6% and 2%, respectively, relative to fuzzy PID control. Regarding tracking accuracy, the SSA-fuzzy PID approach increases accuracy by 81.4% (for flat walking) and 80% (for standing hip flexion) when compared to PID control, and by 57.5% and 56.8% relative to fuzzy PID control. The proposed strategy significantly improves both control accuracy and response speed, offering substantial theoretical support for rehabilitation training in individuals with lower-limb impairments. Moreover, in comparison to existing methods, this approach uniquely tackles the challenges of parameter tuning and optimization, presenting a more efficient solution for trajectory tracking in exoskeleton systems.
High-Performance ZIF-7@PANI Electrochemical Sensor for Simultaneous Trace Cadmium and Lead Detection in Water Samples: A Box–Behnken Design Optimization Approach
Authors: Guesmi Sondes , Ali Nashwan H. , Missaoui Nadhem , Aloui Zouhaier , Mabrouk Chama , Martinez Carlos Castilla , Echouchene Fraj , Barhoumi Houcine , Jaffrezic-Renault Nicole , Kahri Hamza
Published: February 2025

This study presents the development of an innovative electrochemical sensor for the simultaneous detection of cadmium (Cd2+) and lead (Pb2+) ions in environmental samples. The sensor is developed based on a composite material of zeolite imidazolate framework ZIF-7 and polyaniline (PANI), referred to as ZIF-7@PANI, where ZIF-7 is rapidly synthesized at room temperature and polyaniline used to enhance the conductivity of the composite. Characterization via X-ray diffraction (DRX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed successful synthesis. The composite was applied to a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) using drop-casting for heavy metal ion detection. Experimental parameters—including pH, incubation time, deposited quantity, and drying time—were optimized using the Box–Behnken design. Under optimal conditions, the ZIF-7@PANI/GCE sensor demonstrated a broad dynamic concentration range (0.002–1 µM for Pb2+ and 0.02–30 µM for Cd2+), with low detection limits (2.96 nM for Pb2+ and 10.6 nM for Cd2+). It also exhibited strong anti-interference properties and high recovery rates (85–110%), highlighting its potential for real practical applications.
The Multi-Station Fusion-Based Radiation Source Localization Method Based on Spectrum Energy
Authors: He Guojin , Hao Yulong , Xie Yaocong
Published: February 2025

Today’s highly complex and rapidly changing electromagnetic environment places higher demands on the precise localization of illegal radiation sources. In response to this, this paper innovatively proposes a multi-station fusion-based radiation source localization method, which leverages the frequency, field strength, bandwidth, and other characteristic information embedded in frequency band scanning data. The method thoroughly explores the energy characteristics of the detected radiation sources while closely integrating the objective laws of propagation attenuation in electromagnetic space. By employing an advanced, normalized power calculation technique, it successfully achieves high-precision localization of the radiation source. Through rigorous and thorough experimental validation, this method reduces localization errors by 25% and cuts the equivalent radiation power error by 30% compared to traditional localization methods. This achievement provides more reliable and accurate technical support for applications in the electromagnetic field, offering promising prospects for advancing and refining electromagnetic environment monitoring and management technologies.
Improved MTF Measurement of Medical Flat-Panel Detectors Based on a Slit Model
Authors: Zhang Haiyang , Ji Zhiyong
Published: February 2025

In the development, evaluation, and application of medical flat-panel detectors, the modulation transfer function (MTF) is crucial, as it reflects the device’s ability to restore detailed information. Medical flat-panel detectors encompass both image data acquisition and digitization processes, and detectors with varying pixel sizes exhibit differing capabilities for observing details. Accurately quantifying MTF is a critical challenge. The complexity of MTF calculation, combined with unclear principles and details, may result in erroneous outcomes, thereby misleading research and decision-making processes. This paper presents an improved MTF oversampling method based on the slit model. MTF testing is conducted under various sample conditions and using different focal spot diameters of the X-ray tube to analyze the impact of focal spot size. High-precision tungsten plates and fixtures are designed and fabricated, and MTF results with varying line spread function (LSF) sampling intervals are compared. The results demonstrate that the improved slit model offers distinct advantages, with MTF measurements achieving 92.4% of the ideal value. Compared to traditional tungsten edge and point (aperture) model testing methods, the accuracy of the proposed method is improved by 5–13%. The optimal sampling interval is approximately 1/29 of the pixel pitch, offering a more accurate method for evaluating detector performance.
A Method Combining Discrete Cosine Transform with Attention for Multi-Temporal Remote Sensing Image Matching
Authors: Zeng Qinyan , Hui Bin , Liu Zhaoji , Xu Zheng , He Miao
Published: February 2025

Multi-temporal remote sensing image matching is crucial for tasks such as drone positioning under satellite-denial conditions, natural disaster monitoring, and land-cover-change detection. However, the significant differences between multi-temporal images often lead to the reduced accuracy or even failure of most image matching methods in these scenarios. To address this challenge, this paper introduces a Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) for frequency analysis tailored to the characteristics of remote sensing images, and proposes a network that combines the DCT with attention mechanisms for multi-scale feature matching. First, DCT-enhanced channel attention is embedded in the multi-scale feature extraction module to capture richer ground object information. Second, in coarse-scale feature matching, DCT-guided sparse attention is proposed for feature enhancement, which suppresses the impact of temporal differences on matching while making the amount of computation controllable. The coarse-scale matching results are further refined in the fine-scale feature map to obtain the final matches. Our method achieved correct keypoint percentages of 81.92% and 88.48%, with average corner errors of 4.27 and 2.98 pixels on the DSIFN dataset and LEVIR-CD dataset, respectively, while maintaining a high inference speed. The experimental results demonstrate that our method outperformed the state-of-art methods in terms of both robustness and efficiency in the multi-temporal scenarios.
Influence of Atomic Magnetometer’s Orientation on Its Frequency Response
Authors: Zhang Rui
Published: February 2025

Due to the high sensitivity and room temperature operation of atomic magnetometers, they have significant applications in many fields. An emerging area is the highly sensitive biomagnetic measurement in magnetically unshielded environments, which is crucial for medical diagnostics. However, in magnetically unshielded environments, atomic magnetometers often encounter situations where their orientation deviates from the optimal operating posture, and there has been insufficient research on the frequency response information of atomic magnetometers under such conditions. Addressing this issue, we modeled the atomic magnetometer using the Bloch equations and obtained approximate analytical solutions for the frequency response of the atomic magnetometer in different orientations, which were experimentally verified using a Bell–Bloom magnetometer. We found that although the magnetic resonance spectrum of the magnetometer is influenced by the orientation of the magnetometer, the frequency response of the magnetometer can be made independent of its orientation by judiciously selecting the demodulation components used for the operation of the magnetometer. This finding is important for biomagnetic detection in magnetically unshielded environments where orientation-robust measurements of AC magnetic signals are required.
Non-Pharmacological Mitigation of Acute Mental Stress-Induced Sympathetic Arousal: Comparison Between Median Nerve Stimulation and Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Authors: Zhou Yuanyuan , Masoumi Shahrbabak Sina , Bahrami Rayan , Rahman Farhan N. , Sanchez-Perez Jesus Antonio , Gazi Asim H. , Inan Omer T. , Hahn Jin-Oh
Published: February 2025

Acute mental stress is a common experience in daily life, significantly affecting both physiological and psychological well-being. While traditional pharmacological interventions can be effective, they often accompany undesirable side effects. Non-pharmacological alternatives, such as non-invasive transcutaneous peripheral neuromodulation, have promise in mitigating acute stress-induced arousal, possibly with fewer side effects. Median nerve stimulation (MNS) and auricular vagus nerve stimulation (AVNS), in particular, have demonstrated notable potential. However, efficacy and mechanism of action pertaining to MNS and AVNS remain largely unknown. This paper comparatively investigated MNS and AVNS in terms of efficacy and mechanism of action in the context of mitigating acute stress-induced arousal. Using an experimental dataset collected from 19 healthy participants who experienced acute mental stressors as well as MNS and AVNS, we showed that (i) MNS and AVNS are both effective in mitigating acute stress-induced cardiovascular arousal with MNS modestly superior to AVNS in terms of a synthetic multi-modal variable derived from physio-markers representing heart rate, blood pressure, stroke volume, cardiac output, and peripheral vasoconstriction: 74% vs. 71% in explainability; 86% vs. 69% in stimulation consistency; 0.77 vs. 0.40 in stimulation sensitivity; and 34% vs. 19% in stimulation effectiveness, respectively; and that (ii) MNS and AVNS mitigate acute stress-induced cardiovascular arousal in a distinct mechanism of action: MNS primarily mitigates the arousal pertaining to the physio-markers representing heart rate and peripheral vasoconstriction, while AVNS mitigates the arousal pertaining to the physio-markers representing heart rate, blood pressure, stroke volume, cardiac output, and peripheral vasoconstriction. These findings may help to support future device development for addressing acute mental stress-induced arousal through MNS or AVNS, and they pave the way toward a better understanding of how to quantify the efficacy of such interventions.
Optimizing Real-Time Object Detection in a Multi-Neural Processing Unit System
Authors: Oh Sehyeon , Kwon Yongin , Lee Jemin
Published: February 2025

Real-time object detection demands high throughput and low latency, necessitating the use of hardware accelerators. NPU is specialized hardware designed to accelerate the calculation of deep learning models, providing better energy efficiency and parallel processing performance than existing CPUs or GPUs. In particular, it plays an important role in reducing latency and improving processing speed in applications that require real-time processing. In this paper, we construct a real-time object detection system based on YOLOv3, utilizing Neubla’s Antara NPU, and propose two approaches for performance optimization. First, we ensure the continuity of NPU inference by allowing the CPU to process data in advance through double buffering. Second, in a multi-NPU environment, we distribute tasks among NPUs through queue-based processing and analyze the performance limits using Amdahl’s law. Experimental results demonstrate that compared to a CPU-only environment, applying the NPU in single buffering improved throughput by 2.13 times, double buffering by 3.35 times, and in a multi-NPU environment by 4.81 times. Latency decreased by 1.6 times in single and double buffering, and by 1.18 times in the multi-NPU environment. The accuracy remained consistent, with 31.4 mAP on the CPU and 31.8 mAP on the NPU.
The Determinants of Brain Drain and the Role of Citizenship in Skilled Migration
Authors: Vega-Muñoz Alejandro , González-Gómez-del-Miño Paloma , Contreras-Barraza Nicolás
Published: February 2025

Brain drain represents a critical challenge to global development, reflecting structural inequalities and tensions between mobility and rootedness. This study analyzes the determinants of skilled migration in 178 countries (2006–2022) using a regression model based on panel data, identifying six key variables: uneven economic development, the quality of public services, external intervention, voice and accountability, the rule of law, and political stability. Governance, particularly political stability and the rule of law, stands out as crucial for retaining talent, while external interventions and economic inequality exacerbate emigration. From a sociological perspective, migrants are active agents who transform transnational networks, challenging traditional notions of citizenship and belonging. Civil society organizations play a central role by facilitating sociocultural inclusion, mediating resettlement processes, and promoting brain circulation as an alternative to retention-focused models. Additionally, this study highlights the cultural and symbolic dimension of migration, revealing the impact of uprooting on communities of origin. Future research should explore how inclusive policies, digital nomadism, and remittances can reduce structural inequalities, strengthen the connection between migrants and their communities, and advance towards a sustainable and equitable mobility model.
“Disinformation Aims to Mislead; Misinformation Thrives in Ignorance”: Insights from Experts and Non-Experts in Greek-Speaking Cyprus
Authors: Taxitari Loukia , Sitistas Thanos , Gavriil Eleni
Published: February 2025

The article herein examines the multifaceted challenges of misinformation and disinformation in the media landscape, with a focus on strategies to enhance media literacy among adults. The primary objective of this study is to examine the prevalence, characteristics, and impact of disinformation and misinformation in media within the internet society, ultimately contributing to developing targeted educational programs and policy recommendations. To achieve this, a qualitative research design was carried out to explore the views and the broader societal experiences in media-related challenges. The research design utilized thematic analysis of data collected from focus groups and expert interviews, ensuring the representation of diverse perspectives. By focusing on the information landscape in Cyprus and Greece, the present article aims to address the unique local challenges and contribute to the literature gap. The findings reveal the critical importance of tailored educational programs and the cultivation of critical thinking skills in fostering media literacy and combating false information in an effort to put together in a unique study the various experiences, opinions, and needs of individuals who seek to navigate successfully in an information-rich world.
Cerium as an Efficient Coagulant for Phosphorus Removal from Wastewater
Authors: Osra Faisal A.
Published: February 2025

Excessive nutrient levels, particularly phosphorus, in wastewater have led to severe environmental issues such as eutrophication, necessitating effective treatment methods for nutrient removal. Traditional coagulants like alum (Al2(SO4)3) are commonly used but often require high dosages and are sensitive to pH, limiting their effectiveness in varying wastewater conditions. Cerium, a rare-earth element, has emerged as a promising alternative coagulant due to its ability to remove nutrients efficiently across a wide pH range. This study investigates the performance of cerium in comparison to alum for phosphorus and organic matter removal. Cerium demonstrates superior performance, achieving up to 98.9% phosphorus removal at a lower dose (1.5 mg-Ce/mg-P) compared to alum (5.0 mg-Al/mg-P) while maintaining stable removal efficiency across both acidic and alkaline conditions. Furthermore, cerium also facilitates moderate organic matter (COD) removal, achieving up to 27.9% COD removal, enhancing overall water treatment performance. The main precipitate formed during the coagulation process is cerium phosphate (CePO4, 94% pure), which provides a stable, crystalline structure for nutrient capture. In conclusion, cerium offers a more efficient and cost-effective solution for wastewater treatment, reducing the need for pH adjustment and additional chemical inputs, while achieving higher phosphorus and organic matter removal compared to traditional coagulants.
Comprehensive Performance Evaluation of Insulation Materials for Low-Carbon Renovation of Enclosure Structures in Old Communities Based on Cloud Model and Matter–Element Extension Method
Authors: Zheng Jieshu , Lei Hua , Lu Yixuan , Xiong Sheng
Published: February 2025

The selection of insulation materials during the renovation of enclosure structures in old communities significantly impacts project quality, cost, and carbon emissions. Many insulation materials currently in use only meet energy-saving standards as required by design specifications, often neglecting important aspects such as ancillary construction materials, construction techniques, and environmental protection. Furthermore, they fail to adequately address the unique characteristics of old communities. This study establishes a performance evaluation framework for low-carbon insulation materials in old community enclosures, assessing their suitability from four dimensions: technical performance, economic benefits, social impact, and environmental standards. By introducing the attribute hierarchy model (AHM), subjective weights are determined, while objective weights are obtained using the entropy method and variation coefficient method. A combination of subjective and objective weights are then applied to create a scientific and rational comprehensive evaluation model. The evaluation of insulation materials is conducted using a combination of the matter–element extension method and the cloud model. A case study of a specific old community retrofit project demonstrates that the use of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) as the insulation material is more suitable for the low-carbon retrofit of the enclosure structures. The results indicate that the proposed evaluation system is both applicable and effective for similar projects.
Low-Carbon Education: Insights and Trends for Sustainable Development Through Knowledge Graphs
Authors: Jin Yuran , Liu Jiahui
Published: February 2025

Sustainability is an inherent requirement of scientific development, and low-carbon development is the key to sustainability. Low-carbon education (LCE) can spread environmental concepts and provide talent support for sustainable development. However, there is still an obvious gap in systematic research on LCE, let alone in visual research. From the perspective of scientometrics, 189 papers on LCE from 2015 to 2024 were systematically analyzed. Software such as Gephi 0.10.1, VOSviewer 1.6.20, and CiteSpace 6.3.3 was used to visually analyze the references and keywords of the collected literature, identifying research hotspots and emerging trends in LCE. The results show that educational subjects, educational methods, educational courses, and educational evaluation are hot topics in the field of LCE. Explosive themes such as “sustainable power generation”, “education facilities”, “higher education expansion”, and “artificial intelligence of things” are emerging trends in LCE. The overall evolution trend in LCE after 2015 can be divided into two stages: an explosive stage (2015–2020) and an emerging stage (2020–2024). University LCE, social LCE, and behavioral LCE are the main research directions of LCE. Through the visual analysis of the LCE literature, the research hotspots and emerging trends in LCE can be more intuitively and comprehensively understood, providing a valuable reference for subsequent research.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Environment: Occupational Exposure, Health Risks and Fertility Implications
Authors: Montano Luigi , Baldini Giorgio Maria , Piscopo Marina , Liguori Giovanna , Lombardi Renato , Ricciardi Maria , Esposito Gennaro , Pinto Gabriella , Fontanarosa Carolina , Spinelli Michele , Palmieri Ilaria , Sofia Daniele , Brogna Carlo , Carati Cosimo , Esposito Mauro , Gallo Pasquale , Amoresano Angela , Motta Oriana
Published: February 2025

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of organic compounds with fused aromatic rings, primarily derived from combustion processes and environmental pollutants. This narrative review discusses the most relevant studies on PAHs, focusing on their sources, environmental and occupational exposure, and effects on human health, emphasizing their roles as carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic agents. The primary pathways for human exposure to PAHs are through the ingestion of contaminated food (mainly due to some food processing methods, such as smoking and high-temperature cooking techniques), the inhalation of ambient air, and the smoking of cigarettes. Coke oven workers are recognized as a high-risk occupational group for PAH exposure, highlighting the need for appropriate strategies to mitigate these risks and safeguard worker health. PAHs are metabolized into reactive intermediates in the body, which can lead to DNA damage and promote the development of various health conditions, particularly in environments with high exposure levels. Chronic PAH exposure has been linked to respiratory diseases, as well as cardiovascular problems and immune system suppression. Furthermore, this review underscores the significant impact of PAHs on reproductive health. The results of the reported studies suggest that both male and female fertility can be compromised due to oxidative stress, DNA damage, and endocrine disruption caused by PAH exposure. In males, PAHs impair sperm quality, while, in females, they disrupt ovarian function, potentially leading to infertility, miscarriage, and birth defects. Fetal exposure to PAHs is also associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Given the extensive and detrimental health risks posed by PAHs, this review stresses the importance of stringent environmental regulations, occupational safety measures, and public health initiatives to mitigate exposure and safeguard reproductive and overall health.
Determination of Heavy Metal Levels and Assessment of L. monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. Presence in Fishery Products and Mussels from the Marmara Region, Türkiye
Authors: Akkaya Esra , Muratoglu Karlo , Tarhan Duygu , Ozsobaci Nural Pastaci , Ercan Alev Meltem , Colak Hilal , Hampikyan Hamparsun , Bingol Enver Baris , Or Mehmet Erman , Andoni Egon , Ozuni Enkeleda , Gobbi Marco , Petrucci Linda , Di Cesare Federica , Cagnardi Petra , Curone Giulio , Balzaretti Claudia Maria , Giaccone Valerio , Castrica Marta
Published: February 2025

This study evaluated heavy metal levels (Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Cu) and the presence of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes in mussels and commonly consumed fishery products from the Marmara region of Türkiye. Health risks were evaluated using total hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) values, while microbial risks in fresh and ready-to-eat (RTE) products were estimated via the Risk Ranger tool. Among 625 samples, Hg (36.96%; CI95 = 33.27–48.81), Pb (9.76%; CI95 = 7.67–12.34), and Cd (19.36%; CI95 = 16.45–22.64) exceeded permissible limits, except in crabs, which remained compliant. Anchovy, sardines, bluefish, shrimps, and octopus met EU Cd limits. Shrimps exhibited higher Asin levels than crabs (p < 0.05), while squids had significantly higher Asin than octopus but lower Pb (p < 0.05). Microbiological analysis detected Salmonella spp. in 4.00% of samples (CI95 = 2.50–6.30) and L. monocytogenes in 4.24% (CI95 = 2.70–6.59). Surmullet, bluefish, red mullet, crabs, mussels, and octopus tested negative for both, while anchovy was negative for Salmonella spp. only. THQ and HI assessments emphasized the need for environmental monitoring to mitigate heavy metal contamination. The detection of pathogens highlights the importance of stringent surveillance measures to ensure the safety of fishery products and bivalves.
Overall Evaluation of Antibiotics Occurrence from Large-Scale Livestock Farms in Sichuan Basin, China: Spatial Distribution, Source Apportionment, and Risk Assessment
Authors: Lai Changmiao , Wang Zhikai , Gu Teng , Jian Lei , Meng Xiaoxia , Meng Qingjie , Gao Dongdong
Published: February 2025

The widespread application of antibiotics in intensive livestock production is increasingly contributing to antibiotic contamination, and their potential ecological risk to environmental media by resourceful utilization of livestock manure as fertilizers in China has been recognized. This study conducted a comprehensive investigation on 79 large-scale livestock farms and collected 86 livestock excrements and 20 soil and 20 surface water samples distributed in Sichuan Basin, where no similar studies were carried out before. In total, four tetracyclines (TCs), eight sulfonamides (SAs), and eight fluoroquinolones (QNs) were monitored by liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. The findings revealed that antibiotics occurrence varied remarkably in excrement (feces or manure) among different livestock farms and different livestock species, following the descending order as QNs > TCs > SAs of detection rates and as TCs > QNs > SAs of detected concentrations, respectively. By source apportionment, livestock manure was demonstrated as a possible source for TCs and QNs detected in soil, while the detection of antibiotics in surface water was probably related to other sources. The central, south, and southwest of Sichuan Basin displayed a higher contamination of antibiotics from livestock manure. The ecological risk of antibiotics was obtained from a medium to heavy level, particularly TCs from swine farms to green algae, water flea, and inflated duckweed in aquatic water and QNs from all livestock farms to sensitive organisms in soil. Overall, the prioritized resource utilization of livestock manure would probably increase the contamination level and ecological risk to environment; hence, rational and effective measurement was highly recommended for antibiotics prevention in some regions of Sichuan Basin.
Short-Term Relationship Between Air Pollution and Mortality from Respiratory and Cardiovascular Diseases in China, 2008–2020
Authors: Liu Yunning , Shan Xuyang , Sun Yitong , Guan Xinpeng , Wang Lijun , He Xinghou , Liu Jiangmei , You Jinling , Wu Rongshan , Wu Jianbin , Zhang Bin , Qi Jinlei , Yin Peng , Li Mengyao , He Xinghua , Wang Zifa , Xu Hongbing , Wu Jing , Huang Wei
Published: February 2025

Most existing epidemiological studies on the impact of air pollution on noncommunicable diseases have focused on urban areas, rather than nationwide studies that include rural areas. This study utilized a time-stratified case-crossover study that included deaths registered in the National Mortality Surveillance System from 2008 to 2020. Atmospheric particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) were evaluated via the National Nested Air Quality Prediction Modeling System. Conditional logistic regression was used to assess the associations between short-term air pollution exposure and the risk of respiratory disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. There were increases in the risk of respiratory diseases (0.12%, 0.10%, 0.10%, 0.05%, and 0.40%) and CVDs (0.08%, 0.07%, 0.03%, 0.02%, and 0.22%) for each 10 μg/m3 increase in the concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, NO2, and SO2, respectively, and for each 1 mg/m3 increase in the concentration of CO, which may be associated with the participants’ characteristics. The results of these national analyses indicate that ambient air pollutants are significantly associated with increased risks of respiratory disease and CVD death in both urban and rural areas, which is critical for air pollution control, especially in low- and middle-income areas.
Analysis of the Effects of Different Driving Cycles on the Driving Range and Energy Consumption of BEVs
Authors: Cheng Rubao , Zhang Wei , Yang Jue , Wang Sun , Li Laiao
Published: February 2025

BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles) have received widespread attention from various countries for their potential in combating global warming, the energy crisis, and environmental pollution. The driving range and energy consumption of BEVs vary significantly under different driving cycles, which often results in discrepancies between the values reported by manufacturers and real-world data. To address this issue, this paper establishes a modular simulation model of a BEV on the Matlab/Simulink platform and conducts simulation experiments and analyses of driving range and energy consumption under three different standard driving cycles, namely, the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle), WLTC (World Light Vehicle Test Cycle), and CLTC-P (China Light-duty Vehicle Test Cycle for Passenger Car), and compares the results with data from vehicle manufacturers and consumers. The results of the study show that the NEDC conditions are more ideal, the CLTC-P conditions are the most intense vehicle driving, and the WLTC conditions require the highest overall vehicle performance. Compared with other standard cycles, the WLTC conditions show better alignment with real-world driving range data. The two main factors affecting the energy consumption in each condition are driving range and acceleration. The energy recovery strategy, braking frequency, and average deceleration speed of the driving cycle conditions are important factors affecting the braking energy recovery. This study provides a theoretical basis for driving range and energy consumption testing and driving cycle condition improvement of BEVs.
Update on the Assessment of Glomerular Filtration Rate in Patients with Cancer
Authors: Costa e Silva Verônica T. , Xiong Fei , Mantz Lea , Sise Meghan E. , Herrmann Sandra M. , Kitchlu Abhijat
Published: February 2025

Accurate assessment of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is key in patients with cancer, to guide drug eligibility, adjust dosing of systemic therapy, and minimize the risks of undertreatment and systemic toxicity. Several aspects of GFR evaluation in patients with cancer have been unclear, such as the choice of the GFR estimating equation and the overall lack of data on the reliability of new filtration markers, such as cystatin C. This uncertainty has led to concerns that inaccurate GFR estimation may have a large impact on clinical practice and research. Recent data have brought important developments to the field. The new and timely KDIGO 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease raised important considerations and provided guidance on key aspects of GFR evaluation in patients with cancer. The guidelines cover valid estimating equations, incorporation of cystatin C in GFR estimation, drawbacks of using race, and acknowledge that non-GFR determinants of filtration markers may be prominent in certain patients, reducing the accuracy of GFR estimating equations, prompting greater utilization of GFR measurement. The aim of this review is to summarize advances in GFR evaluation in patients with cancer, considering the new KDIGO guidelines and other recent data.