bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of a superhydrophobic surface on aramid cord fabric via hot pressing titanium dioxide
Authors: Li Xiang , Tan Shanshan , Chen Chunmei , Zhang Aixin , Li Weiwei , Ke Gui Zhen
Published: February 2025

Aramid cord fabric, a novel polymer composite material, exhibits high strength‐ and modulus, low thermal shrinkage, and excellent dimensional stability. It has broad applications in marine development, oil exploration, transportation, specialized tires, and other sectors. Despite its extensive use, research into the superhydrophobic applications of aramid cord fabrics remains sparse. Consequently, the development of a superhydrophobic aramid cord fabric material is essential. This study introduces a straightforward method involving the application of TiO₂ powder on the rubber surface of aramid cord fabric using a simple surface sprinkling technique. Subsequent high‐temperature and high‐pressure treatments yield a TiO₂/natural rubber (NR) composite with a superhydrophobic surface. The microstructure of this surface was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and its composition was assessed qualitatively via energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy provided insights into the surface functional groups. The hydrophobicity and self‐cleaning capabilities of the surface were evaluated using a contact angle meter and self‐cleaning tests, respectively. The mechanical durability of the superhydrophobic surface was also assessed through linear abrasion on sandpaper and impact testing with steel balls. The results indicated that increasing the TiO₂ particle content significantly enhances both the hydrophobicity and mechanical durability of the TiO₂/NR surface. At a TiO₂ mass fraction of 3%, the static contact angle (CA) reached 160.1° ± 3°, and the surface maintained its superhydrophobicity after 150 abrasion cycles under 2 kPa pressure. Moreover, the TiO₂/NR superhydrophobic surface demonstrated exceptional self‐cleaning properties.

Highlights

The CA on the aramid cord fabric surface can reach upwards of 160°.

TiO2 was used as reinforcement filler to form nanoscale network structure on the surface of aramid cord fabric.

The influence of TiO2 filler content on the hydrophobicity of materials was discussed.

The prepared materials have excellent hydrophobicity and mechanical stability.
Tailoring poly(diphenylamine) with lithium silver oxide nanoparticles: Impact on structural, optical, and electrical properties for energy storage
Authors: Fathima Husna P. T. , Meera K. , Ramesan M. T.
Published: February 2025

This study introduces a facile chemical oxidative in‐situ polymerization method to synthesize hybrid conducting polymer nanocomposites based on poly(diphenylamine) (PDPA) integrated with varying concentrations of lithium silver oxide (LiAgO) nanoparticles, designed for energy storage applications. The impact of LiAgO on the structural, optical, morphological, and thermal characteristics of PDPA‐LiAgO nanocomposites is systematically examined using XRD, UV–visible spectroscopy, FTIR, FE‐SEM, HR‐TEM, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. Importantly, the tunability of AC conductivity, dielectric constant, dielectric loss tangent, dielectric modulus, and impedance is explored at various frequencies. The inclusion of LiAgO induces significant structural changes in PDPA, as evidenced by the presence of nanoparticles in FTIR and XRD analyses, along with shifts and broadening observed in the UV peaks. The FE‐SEM and energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analyses confirm the presence of crystalline metal oxide nanoparticles within the polymer matrix, while HR‐TEM reveals the uniform dispersion of nanoparticles at the nanoscale level. Thermal analysis indicates enhanced stability and an elevated glass transition temperature with increasing LiAgO content. The optimum AC conductivity (4.2 × 10−6 S/cm at 1 MHz) and dielectric constant (2972 at 100 Hz) are achieved for PDPA containing 6 wt% LiAgO. The Argand plot of the real and imaginary modulus components highlights the non‐Debye relaxation behavior of the nanocomposites, while the smallest semicircle observed in the impedance plot for PDPA‐6 wt% LiAgO confirms its minimal impedance. These findings underscore the promising multifunctional properties of PDPA‐LiAgO nanocomposites for energy storage applications.

Highlights

In situ polymerization was used to synthesize PDPA‐LiAgO.

Improved crystallinity of PDPA‐LiAgO.

Superior AC conductivity and dielectric constant.

Enhanced thermal properties.

The nanocomposites are suitable for energy storage.
Outcomes of the intraoperative relaxed muscle positioning technique in strabismus surgery for thyroid eye disease
Authors: Eisenberg Marina A. , Traboulsi Elias I.
Published: February 2025

Thyroid eye disease (TED) can cause incomitant strabismus with muscle restriction, resulting in diplopia and patient discomfort and discontent. Surgical correction of TED‐associated restrictive strabismus has been attempted, with fixed and adjustable suture success rates varying from 38% to 82%. This paper reviews five articles that explored the utility of the intraoperative relaxed muscle positioning (IRMP) technique in patients with restrictive strabismus due to TED. While IRMP is a useful technique for addressing TED‐related strabismus and is effective in patients with incomitant strabismus, disease reactivation, staged and unplanned surgeries, combined horizontal and vertical deviations, and previous orbital decompression surgeries, it is probable that this approach can be utilized in children with restrictive types of strabismus. Therefore, further studies are required.
The First‐Principles Investigation of CO Adsorption on Pd(100) Surface Supported Pd–Cu Nanoclusters
Authors: Zhao Jiawu , Li Lei , Huang Xijun , Xu Chuanpei , Mao Ling‐Feng
Published: February 2025

Palladium supported catalysts have been widely used to improve catalytic performances. Herein, the first‐principles calculations would provide a detailed understanding of how the presence and composition of metal nanoclusters affect the adsorption properties of CO molecules on Pd(100) surfaces. The results demonstrate that the adsorption energies of CO molecules are significantly increased when they are adsorbed on Pd(100) surfaces decorated with Pd nanoclusters, particularly those in the form of dimers, trimers, and tetramers. However, the inclusion of Cu atoms in the nanoclusters has a negative impact on the adsorption properties of CO molecules. An interesting observation is that the nanocluster atoms are pulled out of the surface by the adsorbed CO molecule. To address the economic concerns associated with the use of Pd(100) surfaces, the study explores the use of a Cu(100) surface with a Pd monolayer as an alternative substrate. The results show that this modified substrate exhibits superior adsorption properties for CO molecules adsorbed on a Pd4 tetramer compared to the original Pd(100) surface. This suggests that by using a cost‐effective Cu(100) substrate and carefully designing the composition and structure of the supported Pd nanoclusters, it could develop low‐cost yet highly efficient catalysts for CO oxidation.
Health or Economics: Unpacking Concern Type and Severity in the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Penta Samantha , Koyratty Nadia , Clay Lauren , Silver Amber
Published: February 2025

SARS‐CoV‐2 represents a direct threat to the population, with concerns for public health being cited as justification for a range of protective action recommendations and governmental policies. At the same time, the economic impacts associated with both experiencing COVID‐19 and/or its associated protective measures have featured prominently in debates of how the pandemic should be managed. While the widespread presence of COVID‐19 has produced large‐scale exposure to the pandemic, the wide variation in direct exposures to the virus, variations in individual and household vulnerability, as well as governmental approaches to managing the pandemic have resulted in wide variation in individual pandemic experiences. This study builds on existing research on threat perception by looking at two types of threat perceptions for COVID‐19: health concerns and economic concerns. Using survey data of adults in New York, Louisiana, and Washington states, this study explores people's level of concern for health and economic impacts to themselves and their associations with several pandemic‐related stressors. The results of this study demonstrate that reduced income during the pandemic was the only stressor that appeared to influence participants' COVID‐19 concerns across multiple analyses.
Extending GEO Satellite Operations: Timing and Challenges of Inclined Orbit Transitions
Authors: Yilmaz Umit Cezmi
Published: February 2025

Maximizing the operational lifespan of Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites is a critical objective for satellite operators. Throughout their service life, satellites are maintained within a designated control box through North–South (NS) and East–West (EW) station‐keeping maneuvers. NS maneuvers, which adjust the satellite's inclination relative to the equatorial plane, require significantly more propellant than EW maneuvers. As a result, operators often choose to discontinue NS maneuvers, allowing the satellite to transition into an “inclined orbit” while relying on EW maneuvers to manage orbit drift and maintain longitude positioning. This approach is typically adopted when the satellite nears the end of its operational life or when fuel conservation becomes a priority. A critical challenge in this process is determining the optimal timing for initiating inclined orbit, which involves carefully balancing factors such as fuel availability, satellite health, mission requirements, and operational constraints. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of these factors, with a detailed exploration of timing optimization, and concludes with a practical case study to illustrate the findings.
Lipidome Alterations of Prefrontal Cortex and Hippocampus of Mice‐Induced Sleep Deprivation
Authors: Guleken Zozan , Çalis Hakan , Ceylan Zeynep , Depciuch Joanna , Cebulski Jozef , Saribal Devrim
Published: February 2025

Chronic sleep deprivation (SD) impairscognitive function and promotes neurodegenerative changes, particularly in thehippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Study investigates the biochemical andimmunological effects of SD and evaluates the neuroprotective properties ofmelatonin using Fourier Transform Raman (FT‐Raman) spectroscopy. Hippocampaland cortical tissues from four groups of micecontrol, melatonin‐treated, sleep‐deprived, and sleep‐deprived with melatoninwere analyzed. FT‐Ramanspectra revealed significant changes in C─H bending, C─C vibrations, amides, and lipids between control and SD groups. SD led to increased lipidperoxidation, especially in the hippocampus, while melatonin treatment reducedlipid peroxidation and amide levels. In the cortex, melatonin mitigatedbiochemical alterations associated with SD, such as elevated amides and lipids.Immunological assessments showed SD‐induced changes in T helper (Th) cellsubpopulations, including an increase in effector Th cells and a decrease innaive Th cells. Melatonin treatment normalized these changes. PrincipalComponent Analysis (PCA) indicated clear separation between control and SDsamples, with PC1 and PC2 explaining 95.58% of the variance. Classificationusing the GS‐kNN algorithm achieved prefrontal cortex (accuracies: 79.167%) andin the hippocampus (accuracies: 70.833%). These findings highlight SD‐inducedbiochemical and immunological alterations and suggest melatonin'sneuroprotective role in reducing oxidative stress and modulating immunedysfunction.
Transition Metal‐Based Perovskite Derivatives for Selective CO2 Photoreduction: Role of Orbital Occupancy
Authors: Choudhary Shivani , Tailor Naveen Kumar , Venkanna Guguloth , Singh Nikhil , Nayak Pabitra Kumar , Kaur Jagmeet , Deka Diku Raj , Peter Sebastian C. , Ghosh Dibyajyoti , Pant Kamal Kishore , Tripathi Komal , Satapathi Soumitra
Published: February 2025

Transition metals are renowned for their effective catalytic properties. Incorporating transition metals into halide perovskite derivatives is a key strategy for tuning the properties of perovskites to enhance their photocatalytic performance. Understanding the d‐orbital occupancy and spin activity of these transition metals in the CO2 photoreduction process is essential for fully realizing the photocatalytic potential of these materials. In this study, layered perovskite derivatives are synthesized using cobalt (Co) and copper (Cu) as transition metal components. We observed that Cu and Co exhibit complementary absorption properties attributed to their d‐orbital configuration. Additionally, (DMAP)2CuCl4 (DMAP = 4‐Dimethylaminopyridine) exhibited the highest performance in CO2 photoreduction with remarkable selectivity for CH4 formation (≈97%). Pressure‐dependent experiments showed that higher pressures enhance catalytic activity by improving CO2 saturation and adsorption, accelerating the reaction rate and boosting product yield. The ferromagnetism, hysteresis, and strong spin species detection of (DMAP)2CuCl4 enhance carrier separation and charge availability, boosting CO2 conversion efficiency. Further, the first‐principles‐based atomistic computations reveal that a more delocalized conduction band edge makes mobile electrons available for CO2 reduction in (DMAP)2CuX4. These findings guide the design of selective CO2 reduction photocatalysts and highlight layered perovskite derivatives for sustainable energy solutions.
A Deep Dive Into the Study of Nitrogen‐Doped Carbons as Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction via Design of Experiments
Authors: Smith Lettie A. , Burrow James N. , Eichler J. Ehren , Tang Franklin , Lauro Samantha N. , Zhan Xun , Warner Jamie H. , Mullins C. Buddie
Published: February 2025

A design of experiments (DoE) approach is applied to the study of nitrogen (N)‐doped carbons prepared via a molten salt templating method using the eutectic salt lithium chloride/potassium chloride (LiCl/KCl) and the precursors sucrose and melamine (N precursor). This approach is used to deconvolute effects from surface composition and porosity on the electrocatalytic performance of N‐doped carbons as oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts. Additionally, DoE is implemented to reveal the synthesis‐structure‐function relationship for the prepared materials over an entire design space. From this work, it is evident that the N precursor content has the greatest impact on the tunability of material properties (e.g., N‐content, pyridinic N content, surface area, pore size distribution, etc.) followed by pyrolysis temperature and salt mass. Additionally, without adequate porosity (surface area ≥ 500 m2 g−1, micropore volume > 0.15 cc g−1, etc.) and electrochemically active surface area, activity and selectivity for the ORR via N‐functionalization is significantly reduced. Optimization of the studied design space indicates that an N precursor content of 35 wt.%–38 wt.%, pyrolysis temperature ≤ 900 °C, and a salt mass < 15 g would garner the necessary N‐content (∼7–8 at%) and porosity to achieve the most active and selective N‐doped carbon ORR electrocatalysts.
Solubility Challenges and Strategies for Organic Sodium‐Ion Batteries: Status and Perspectives
Authors: Qi Ying , Zhao Huaping , Chen Lizhuang , Lei Yong
Published: February 2025

Organic sodium‐ion batteries (OSIBs) possessing excellent characteristics of low price, abundant sources, and eco‐compatibility have gained numerous attentions in the recent decade. However, solubility is one of the main severe limitations of the application of OSIBs, especially for small organic molecules. The dissolution of molecules into electrolytes can cause the loss of active materials, the pulverization of electrodes, and even short circuits in batteries, as active materials may shuttle through separators, thus leading to poor cycling stability for sodium‐ion batteries. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop insoluble organic molecules for OSIBs. The advanced development of OSIBs over the past decades is overviewed, and the primary challenges faced by long‐cycling OSIBs in terms of solubility are systematically analyzed. Focusing on the three core components of the battery system electrodes, separators, and electrolytes, targeted optimization strategies are proposed to mitigate solubility issues and enhance battery performance. In addition, the prospects of OSIBs toward long‐cycle stability and practical application are explored.
Silver Nanocube Epitaxy via Nanogap‐Induced Electrostatics
Authors: Fajri Muhammad L. , Capitaine Anna , Santinacci Lionel , Sciacca Beniamino
Published: February 2025

Silver nanostructures are highly valued in nanophotonic devices due to their appealing plasmonic properties and affordability relative to gold. Yet, fabricating high‐quality, monocrystalline silver nanostructures, with full control over the shape, is challenging. A mild, liquid‐phase method for the epitaxial welding of adjacent monocrystalline silver nanocubes in reductant‐free conditions is introduced to prevent the formation of detrimental nuclei on the surface that can degrade the nanostructures' optical qualities. The mechanism is thoroughly investigated and it is found that the nanocubes themselves can act as reducing agents, promoting growth preferentially into the gap as a result of electrostatic interactions. By controlling experimental parameters such as temperature, pH, and the introduction of capping agents, a balance between nanocube epitaxy and shape retention is achieved. Finally, by applying this procedure to nanoparticle assembled in predefined meta‐atoms, the feasibility of creating intricate silver nanostructures, that are monocrystalline as verified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), is demonstrated. This advancement paves the way for bottom‐up fabrication of optical metasurfaces that can be swiftly integrated in devices.
Enhancement of Dynamical Coupling in Artificial Spin‐Ice Systems by Incorporating Perpendicularly Magnetized Ferromagnetic Matrix
Authors: Sankaran Kunnath Syamlal , Zelent Mateusz , Moalic Mathieu , Krawczyk Maciej
Published: February 2025

Artificial spin‐ice (ASI) systems, consisting of arrays of interacting ferromagnetic nanoelements, offer a versatile platform for reconfigurable magnonics with potential in GHz logic and neuromorphic computing. However, weak dipolar coupling between nanoelements severely limits their functionality. A rich spin‐wave spectrum is numerically demonstrated in an ASI structure immersed in a perpendicularly magnetized ferromagnetic matrix, which is different from a conventional ASI system. A strong magnon–magnon coupling is observed between the bulk second‐order mode of the ASI and the fundamental mode of the matrix, supported by a pronounced anticrossing frequency gap. It is shown that, in addition to the internanoelement dipolar coupling, exchange interactions at the nanoelement‐matrix interface play a crucial role in this hybridization. Furthermore, the strength of the coupling can be enhanced by almost 40% just by reconfiguring the magnetization at the vertices from low‐energy to high‐energy monopole states. These results open the way to exploit ASI systems for magnonic applications, taking advantage of the strong coupling and vertex‐dependent dynamics.
Person‐centered care at population scale: The Swedish registry for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia
Authors: Jönsson Linus , Wibom Moa , Londos Elisabet , Nägga Katarina
Published: February 2025

INTRODUCTION

Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are a common driver of suffering and high care needs. We describe the Swedish BPSD registry, founded in 2010 to develop an evidence base for quality improvement in the care of patients with BPSD. Further, we illustrate the potential of the registry by evaluating how individual BPSD affects mortality.

METHODS

The registry provides a framework for documenting the occurrence of BPSD, formulating individual care plans, and following up outcomes. Symptoms are recorded by the nursing home version of the neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI), and data are entered by trained staff, mainly at institutional care facilities.

RESULTS

Enrollment in the registry totaled 114,869 patients with dementia and a mean age of 84 years. Patients were followed until death (median overall survival 2.2 years) or loss to follow‐up (median time under observation 4.2 years in patients remaining alive). Common symptoms included agitation/aggression, aberrant motor behavior, and irritability. Mortality increased with NPI severity and use of neuroleptics but decreased in patients receiving cholinesterase inhibitors or memantine.

DISCUSSION

The scale, completeness, and duration of the registry, together with the possibility of linking to other data sources, offer great potential for data‐driven research.

Highlights

The Swedish BPSD Registry, founded in 2010, has followed over 114,000 patients collecting data on symptoms, care plans, interventions and outcomes.

The registry provides a framework for providing and evaluating person‐centered care for patients with BPSD, and represents an unparalleled data source for research into BPSD and its management.

Mortality increased in patients with more severe BPSD symptoms and for those treated with neuroleptics, but decreased in patients receiving cholinesterase inhibitors or mematine.
Barriers and Motivators for Women in Surgical Training: A Qualitative Study From Malaysia
Authors: Roslani April Camilla , Uzoigwe Anthonia Ginika , Rajandram Retnagowri , Low Wah Yun
Published: February 2025

Background

Women are significantly underrepresented in surgical specialties, particularly in Southeast Asia. The factors influencing this gender disparity remain poorly understood. This study aims to explore the motivations, challenges, and barriers faced by female medical doctors in pursuing surgical careers in Malaysia.

Methods

An exploratory qualitative study was conducted between May 2016 and November 2017, using semi‐structured in‐depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) with male and female senior surgeons, medical officers, and surgical trainees. A coding tree was constructed and refined after initial rounds of data analysis. Thematic content analysis was performed using the NVivo 11 Pro (Windows) qualitative data analysis software.

Results

Ten IDIs and five FGDs (N = 34 participants) revealed three key themes: (A) influences on trainees' career choices, (B) challenges encountered during surgical training, and (C) trainee empowerment. Participants highlighted the demanding nature of surgical training, the lack of flexibility in work schedules, and the male‐dominated work environment as significant barriers for women. Despite these challenges, supportive family structures and strong mentorship were found to be critical for the retention of women in surgery.

Conclusion

Institutional support, mentorship opportunities, and culture change are essential for improving the representation and retention of female surgeons in Malaysia. Tailored policies that acknowledge the unique challenges faced by women in surgery could foster a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Celebrity as Catalyst: Connecting Leadership Development to pop Culture
Authors: Devies Brittany , Pacheco Derrick Raphael , Haynes Lauren A. , Drummond Madison B. , Estrella‐Padilla Derek
Published: February 2025

Pop culture has served as a catalyst for leadership development, both creating and manufacturing culture while also creating the parameters for us to understand culture in a public context. While pop culture has influenced how people engage with leadership development across contexts, celebrities have been the manifestation of pop culture throughout history. Through the influences of socialization and the evolution of pop culture, the field of leadership development has been impacted in a myriad of ways. This article will explore pedagogical techniques that leadership educators can utilize in curricular and co‐curricular learning environments and unique recommendations, implications, and applications across various contexts.
Creating Change: Art Activism and Leadership Development
Authors: Cruz Jessica A. , Vermont Leighton E. , Watkins Sally R.
Published: February 2025

This article advocates the inclusion of the arts, and specifically, art activism, as a beneficial pedagogical approach to leadership development. Focus is given to using examples of art activism to introduce the student leader activist identity continuum (SLAIC), the exploration of leadership identity, and situating activism as transformative leadership. This article situates art activism as a means of transformative leadership and advocates using activist art to introduce and support movement along the SLAIC.
Graph Neural Network Knowledge Graph Recommendation Model Integrating Deep Domain Information and Important Domain Information
Authors: Zhang Xuelian
Published: February 2025

The importance between source and target nodes is often overlooked in higher-order information, which can introduce excessive noise in complex network scenarios, thereby affecting recommendation performance. To address this issue, we propose a graph neural network-based knowledge graph recommendation model that integrates deep domain information and important domain information, aiming to enhance recommendation accuracy and diversity. Initially, we pre-train the knowledge graph using graph embedding techniques to obtain structural information. Subsequently, we employ a graph convolutional network to delve deeper into the semantic information of the knowledge graph, capturing rich structural and semantic details from both depth and importance perspectives. Finally, we compute the interaction probability between users and items using the inner product of the enhanced vectors and user vectors, facilitating recommendations. Experiments on the Last-FM, Book-Crossing, and MovieLens-20M datasets yield AUC and F1 scores of 83.2% and 75.4%, 74.9% and 66.8%, 97.9% and 93.1%, respectively. Additionally, Recall@50 scores are 34.5%, 11.2%, and 35.0%. Our model outperforms RippleNet, KGCN, LKGR, and other models, indicating that integrating knowledge graph recommendation models with meta-graph neighborhoods effectively improves recommendation performance.
An Approach to Microenvironment-Based Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Chen Tingting , Zhang Zhenya , Wang Ping , Cheng Hongmei
Published: February 2025

The Insect Intelligent Building (I2B) platform is a distributed information processing system based on a microenvironment network. To solve optimization problems in microenvironments using the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm, this paper designs the information exchange strategy of the PSO algorithm in microenvironments. It optimizes the particle velocity and position updating mechanism to propose the Microenvironment-based Particle Swarm Optimization (MPSO) algorithm. In the microenvironment network, the information exchange strategy is used for collaborative computation among microenvironments, which can simultaneously solve a given optimization problem, thus generating multiple candidate optimal solutions and finally determining the optimal solution. The experimental results indicate that the MPSO algorithm proposed in this paper can solve the optimization problem more efficiently.
Design of Location and Assistive Service Software Based on Android System
Authors: Wang Wenbin , He Kezhen , Ma Yuchun
Published: February 2025

In the process of using smartphones, elderly individuals often unintentionally set their phones to silent mode or turn off Wi-Fi, resulting in disruptions to answering calls and receiving WeChat video messages. This article implements a whitelist feature that automatically restores the phone to normal mode, monitors Wi-Fi status and reminds users to enable it. Additionally, it can discreetly check the geographical location and send low balance notifications to whitelisted phones, assisting the elderly in using smartphones without obstacles.
Research on Federated Radial Basis Function Neural Network Based on Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Ma Yandong , Tan Gaifang , Tang Song , Ge Suli , Wang Zhiqiang
Published: February 2025

The radial basis function neural network model is optimized for application scenarios such as uneven data distribution, privacy sensitivity, or lack of direct access to the original data. Firstly, federated learning is applied to the radial basis function neural network, facilitating cross-multicenter distributed collaborative training. Then, genetic algorithms are used to optimize the hyperparameters of the federated radial basis function neural network model. Comparative experiments were conducted using the publicly available National health and nutrition examination survey 2013–2014 (NHANES) age prediction subset dataset and the proprietary HEART dataset. Compared with traditional centralized learning methods, the proposed model demonstrates superior performance, providing new ideas and methods for solving distributed learning and data privacy problems.
Improving Water Hyacinth Extraction from UAV Images Using Enhanced U-Net
Authors: Niu Zhiru , Cai Wei , Xu Daowen , Jin Shaofei
Published: February 2025

This paper addresses the issues of accuracy and efficiency in extracting the distribution areas of water hyacinth. A small-scale water hyacinth dataset was established based on drone-collected photos of water hyacinth in river channels, which was utilized for semantic segmentation tasks. A method based on deep learning was proposed to extract water hyacinth distribution areas from high-resolution drone remote sensing images. An efficient, accurate, and automated convolutional neural network called AttUNet was designed for this purpose, which eliminates the need for manually designed rules and can automatically learn remote sensing features of water hyacinth and extract distribution areas from images, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of acquiring relevant data. The research demonstrates that the proposed method can automatically extract features from massive high-resolution drone images, fully exploring complex nonlinear features, spectral features, and texture features in high-resolution drone images. The overall accuracy of extracting water hyacinth distribution areas in the study area reached 98.78%, with MIOU coefficient and mRecall coefficient of 95.86% and 98.01% respectively, both of which surpass the accuracy indicators of Deeplabv3+ and U-Net. The deep learning method for water hyacinth classification can fully exploit spectral, texture, and latent feature information in the data, and make it more suitable for extracting water hyacinth distribution information than traditional remote sensing classification methods.
Malicious Node Detection and Robust Federated Aggregation Algorithm Based on TD3
Authors: Sun Fan , Wen Hong , Hou Wenjing , Song Huanhuan , Wang Yongfeng , Yao Ruixiang , Yan Dibao
Published: February 2025

Malicious client nodes in federated learning can corrupt the global model of central server by modifying dataset or submitted model, making it less accurate or distorted. A TD3-based malicious node detection and robust federated aggregation algorithm is proposed. The algorithm excludes malicious clients based on model distance, and uses reinforcement learning to assign model weight to client nodes to reduce the influence of malicious nodes gradually. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is effective against data and model modification attacks and is superior to traditional aggregation algorithms such as FedAvg, Krum and MKrum.
Actively Secure Half-Gates with Minimum Overhead under Duplex Networks
Authors: Cui Hongrui , Wang Xiao , Yang Kang , Yu Yu
Published: February 2025

Actively secure two-party computation (2PC) is one of the canonical building blocks in modern cryptography. One main goal for designing actively secure 2PC protocols is to reduce the communication overhead, compared to semi-honest 2PC protocols. In this paper, we make significant progress in closing this gap by proposing two new actively secure constant-round 2PC protocols, one with one-way communication of

$$2\kappa +5$$

2
κ
+
5

bits per AND gate (for

$$\kappa $$

κ

-bit computational security and any statistical security) and one with total communication of

$$2\kappa +\rho +5$$

2
κ
+
ρ
+
5

bits per AND gate (for

$$\rho $$

ρ

-bit statistical security). In particular, our first protocol essentially matches the one-way communication of semi-honest half-gates protocol. Our optimization is achieved by three new techniques:

The recent compression technique by Dittmer et al. (Crypto 13510:57–87, 2022) shows that a relaxed preprocessing is sufficient for authenticated garbling that does not reveal masked wire values to the garbler. We introduce a new form of authenticated bits and propose a new technique of generating authenticated AND triples to reduce the one-way communication of preprocessing from

$$5\rho +1$$

5
ρ
+
1

bits to 2 bits per AND gate for

$$\rho $$

ρ

-bit statistical security.

Unfortunately, the above compressing technique is only compatible with a less compact authenticated garbled circuit of size

$$2\kappa +3\rho $$

2
κ
+
3
ρ

bits per AND gate. We designed a new authenticated garbling that does not use information-theoretic MACs but rather dual execution without leakage to authenticate wire values in the circuit. This allows us to use a more compact half-gates based authenticated garbled circuit of size

$$2\kappa +1$$

2
κ
+
1

bits per AND gate, and meanwhile keep compatible with the compression technique. Our new technique can achieve one-way communication of

$$2\kappa +5$$

2
κ
+
5

bits per AND gate.

In terms of total communication, we notice that the communication overhead of the consistency checking method by Dittmer et al. (Crypto 13510:57–87, 2022) can be optimized by adding one-round of interaction and utilizing the Free-XOR property. This reduces the online communication from

$$2\kappa +3\rho $$

2
κ
+
3
ρ

bits down to

$$2\kappa +\rho +1$$

2
κ
+
ρ
+
1

bits per AND gate. Combined with our first contribution, this yields total amortized communication of

$$2\kappa +\rho +5$$

2
κ
+
ρ
+
5

bits.
Nontrivial solutions to the relative overdetermined torsion problem in a cylinder
Authors: Pacella Filomena , Ruiz David , Sicbaldi Pieralberto
Published: February 2025

Given a bounded regular domain

$$\omega \subset \mathbb {R}^{N-1}$$

ω
⊂

R

N
-
1

and the half-cylinder

$$\Sigma = \omega \times (0,+\infty )$$

Σ
=
ω
×
(
0
,
+
∞
)

, we consider the relative overdetermined torsion problem in

$$\Sigma $$

Σ

, i.e.

$$\begin{aligned} {\left\{ \begin{array}{ll} \Delta {u}+1=0 & \hbox { in}\ \Omega ,\\ \partial _\eta u = 0 & \hbox { on}\ {\widetilde{\Gamma }}_\Omega ,\\ u=0 & \hbox { on}\ \Gamma _\Omega ,\\ \partial _{\nu }u =c & \hbox { on}\ \Gamma _\Omega , \end{array}\right. } \end{aligned}$$

Δ
u
+
1
=
0

in

Ω
,

∂
η

u
=
0

on

Γ
~

Ω

,

u
=
0

on

Γ
Ω

,

∂
ν

u
=
c

on

Γ
Ω

,

where

$$\Omega \subset \Sigma $$

Ω
⊂
Σ

,

$$\Gamma _\Omega = \partial \Omega \cap \Sigma $$

Γ
Ω

=
∂
Ω
∩
Σ

,

$${\widetilde{\Gamma }}_\Omega = \partial \Omega {\setminus } \Gamma _\Omega $$

Γ
~

Ω

=
∂
Ω
\

Γ
Ω

,

$$\nu $$

ν

is the outer unit normal vector on

$$\Gamma _\Omega $$

Γ
Ω

and

$$\eta $$

η

is the outer unit normal vector on

$${\widetilde{\Gamma }}_\Omega $$

Γ
~

Ω

. We build nontrivial solutions to this problem in domains

$$\Omega $$

Ω

that are the hypograph of certain nonconstant functions

$$v: {\overline{\omega }} \rightarrow (0, + \infty )$$

v
:

ω
¯

→

(
0
,
+
∞
)

. Such solutions can be reflected with respect to

$$\omega $$

ω

, giving nontrivial solutions to the relative overdetermined torsion problem in a cylinder. The proof uses a local bifurcation argument which, quite remarkably, works for most smooth domains

$$\omega $$

ω

.
State-based peridynamic modeling of fracture in $$\textrm{J}_2$$-elastoplastic materials
Authors: Pirzadeh Atefeh , Dalla Barba Federico , Sanavia Lorenzo , Zaccariotto Mirco , Galvanetto Ugo
Published: February 2025

This study presents an ordinary state-based peridynamic model for ductile fracture analysis in 2D and 3D based on the von Mises yield criterion with isotropic hardening. A fracture model based on the critical bond stretch is employed as fracture criterion. The comparison between the experimental and the numerical results is presented and shows that the elastoplastic peridynamic model is capable to correctly reproduce the ductile fracture observed in the experiments.
Predicting extensive metastasis in postoperative oligometastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Fan Rencai , Mao Chenkai , Zhang Jiaqi , Dai Min , Zhang Rong , Wang Xinran , Dai Jiaxin , Li Shicheng , Zhuang Zhixiang
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Oligometastatic colorectal cancer (OMCRC) patients can achieve long-term disease control with multidisciplinary treatment. However, the development of extensive metastasis worsens prognosis and restricts treatment options. This study aims to develop a predictive model for extensive metastasis in OMCRC to assist in clinical decision-making.

Methods

Clinical and pathological data for OMCRC patients were collected from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University. Patients were randomly divided into training and testing cohorts. Risk factors for extensive metastasis were identified through LASSO regression analysis and COX regression analysis. Three predictive models were developed in the training cohort and validated in the testing cohort: COX regression analysis, Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Survival Support Vector Machine (SurvSVM). Finally, the optimal model was visualized with the nomogram.

Results

A total of 214 patients with OMCRC were enrolled in the study. Four independent risk factors were identified: whether surgery has been undertaken following oligometastasis (WST), histological type (HT), carcinoembryonic antigen at the last follow-up (CAE at last-FU), and preoperative albumin to globulin ratio (Preop-AGR). In the testing cohort, the COX model (1-year AUC = 0.82, 3-year AUC = 0.72, 5-year AUC = 0.85, mean AUC = 0.80) performed best. Decision curve analysis (DCA) confirmed the net benefit of the Cox model, and the nomogram provided accurate predictions of metastasis risk.

Conclusion

CAE at last-FU, Preop-AGR, HT, and WST are independent risk factors for extensive metastasis in OMCRC. The nomogram model incorporating risk factors can assist clinicians in developing optimal treatment for OMCRC patients.
Optimizing instilled drug delivery: a scoping review of microdrops in ophthalmology
Authors: Seliniotaki Aikaterini K. , Tziola Tatiana , Lithoxopoulou Maria , Tzamalis Argyrios , Ziakas Nikolaos , Mataftsi Asimina
Published: February 2025

Eyedrop instillation constitutes the most commonly used ocular drug delivery method that serves for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Ocular disposition and bioavailability of instilled drugs depend on the anatomy and physiology of the ocular surface as well as the physicochemical properties of the active agent. Intraocular bioavailability is positively associated with the amount of drug available onto the ocular surface and the precorneal residence time. Concerns are raised regarding systemic absorption of the instilled drugs intraocularly, percutaneously, via the conjunctiva, through the nasolacrimal system, or through the nasal, oral, and gastrointestinal mucosa. Special considerations exist regarding the anatomical features and the limited pharmacokinetic data on the pediatric population that complicate further the efficacy and systemic toxicity of the instilled medications. Both preclinical and clinical studies propose the reduction of the instilled drop volume, in the form of microdrops, as a means to enhance intraocular bioavailability of topically applied drugs, while minimizing patient discomfort and systemic adverse events. We summarize existing data on the clinical application of microdrops in a wide age range, from preterm infants to elderly adults. Studies regarding microdrops of mydriatics and ocular hypotensives show promising results in optimizing the provided everyday care.
Forecasting the evolution of the 2021 Tajogaite eruption, La Palma, with TROPOMI/PlumeTraj-derived SO2 emission rates
Authors: Esse B. , Burton M. , Hayer C. , La Spina G. , Pardo Cofrades A. , Asensio-Ramos M. , Barrancos J. , Pérez N.
Published: February 2025

As global populations grow, the exposure of communities and infrastructure to volcanic hazards increases every year. Once a volcanic eruption begins, it becomes critical for risk managers to understand the likely evolution and duration of the activity to assess its impact on populations and infrastructure. Here, we report an exponential decay in satellite-derived SO2 emission rates during the 2021 eruption of Tajogaite, La Palma, Canary Islands, and show that this pattern allows a reliable and consistent forecast of the evolution of the SO2 emissions after the first third of the total eruption duration. The eruption ended when fluxes dropped to less than 6% of their fitted maximum value, providing a useful benchmark to compare with other eruptions. Using a 1-D numerical magma ascent model, we suggest that the exponentially decreasing SO2 emission trend was primarily produced by reducing magma chamber pressure as the eruption emptied the feeding reservoir. This work highlights the key role that satellite-derived SO2 emission data can play in forecasting the evolution of volcanic eruptions and how the use of magma ascent models can inform the driving mechanisms controlling the evolution of the eruption.
Assessment and early investigation of cauda equina syndrome- a systematic review of existing international guidelines and summary of the current evidence
Authors: Hennessy Orla , Devitt A. T. , Synnott K. , Timlin M.
Published: February 2025

Background context

Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) is an emergency clinical syndrome with correlating radiological evidence of spinal compression. Urgent recognition and treatment is key. In many units, it lacks a clear pathway of investigation and referral, despite a constantly expanding evidence base for its management.

Purpose

The aim of this article is to provide a systematic review of currently available guidelines internationally, and also an up-to-date review of current key evidence on topics central to the accurate assessment and investigation of CES.

Study design

A systematic review of the literature was carried out to identify all previously published or proposed pathways internationally for CES.

Methods

Included articles were reviewed and data extracted and collected in excel format. Data extracted included year of publication, author, time to MRI in pathway, inclusion or exclusion of post void residual measurement and specific cauda equina red flags used. An evidentiary review was also carried out on key topics including digital rectal examination.

Results

Following removal of duplicates a total of 307 articles underwent title and abstract screening from which 9 were eventually included for data extraction. All included papers recommended urgent MRI with the presence of red flag findings. Red flags included in all papers were perianal/perineal/saddle sensory disturbance and bladder or bowel dysfunction of varying specifications. 8/9 papers included radicular/sciatic pain, 5/9 included new motor weakness, 4/9 included DRE findings and PVR was included in 5/9 papers. PVR and DR examinations retain clinical significance.

Conclusion

While specific guidelines show minor variability, overall the current literature presents a consensus that in cases of suspected cauda equina syndrome MRI should be carried out on an urgent basis.
Tooth flank fracture in a wind turbine gearbox—A failure analysis
Authors: Rommel S. , Carranza Fernández R. , Tobie T. , Stahl K.
Published: February 2025

During the last two decades, electricity generation by wind power increased rapidly. This is mainly due to efforts to reach CO2 neutrality and the low levelized cost of wind energy. Also, the power generated by a single wind turbine with a gearbox steadily grew during the last years, reaching up to 15 MW in prototypes by 2023. High power density due to limited installation space and those high output powers result in multiple challenges for the gearboxes and their design. As the tooth root and the tooth flank (pitting) load-carrying capacity steadily increased due to, e.g., special treatments of the gears, in recent years, the damage type of tooth flank fracture (TFF) has become one of the main concerns when designing a new wind turbine gearbox. This paper analyzes a TFF failure observed in the highspeed stage of a 2.1 MW onshore wind turbine gearbox. The analysis comprises documentation of the failure and a metallographic investigation of the failed gear. In a second step, the TFF risk of this stage is calculated according to ISO/TS 6336‑4. The results of this calculation are contrasted with those of a higher-order TFF calculation model, which also considers tensile residual stresses in the core of the material. These calculations explain why the gearbox failed due to TFF.
Moduli spaces of flat Riemannian metrics on 4-dimensional closed manifolds
Authors: García Karla , Palmas Oscar
Published: February 2025

We give the algebraic and topological description of the moduli spaces of flat metrics for the 4-dimensional closed flat manifolds with two or three generators in their holonomy, which completes the analysis made in García (Differ Geom Appl 88:101996-18, 2023).
Impact of demineralization, brushing, and remineralization sequences on dentin mineral retention and surface properties
Authors: Kim Soyeon , Larnani Sri , Son Ji Eun , Lappanakokiat Napas , Truong Van Mai , Jin Bo-Hyoung , Park Young-Seok
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the effects of different treatment sequences involving demineralization, brushing, and remineralization on the calcium and phosphorus (Ca/P) content, surface roughness, and microhardness of dentin specimens. Bovine dentin samples were subjected to the following five treatment conditions: control, demineralization, demineralization followed by remineralization, demineralization followed by brushing then remineralization, and demineralization followed by remineralization then brushing. X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy was then utilized to assess the elementary composition changes, while scanning electron microscopy provided microstructural analyses. Surface roughness and microhardness were also quantified to assess the physical changes in dentin. The control group retained significantly higher Ca/P content compared with all treated groups, indicating that demineralization, regardless of subsequent treatment, leads to a substantial loss of hydroxyapatite. Among the treated groups, those that underwent remineralization immediately after demineralization manifested higher Ca/P retention compared with those that included brushing before remineralization. Additionally, microhardness measurements indicated that post-demineralization brushing negatively affected dentin’s microhardness. The sequence of demineralization, brushing, and remineralization treatments significantly affects Ca/P retention in dentin, along with its surface roughness and microhardness. Pre-remineralization brushing diminished mineral recovery, whereas exposure to mineral-rich beverage immediately after demineralization resulted in greater mineral deposition.