bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Modified Blumgart Anastomosis on Pancreatic Fistula and Pancreaticojejunostomy Time During Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy: Single-Center Experience
Authors: Lee Jong Woo , Kwon Jae Hyun , Lee Jung-Woo
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of modified Blumgart anastomosis methods during pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) on the incidence of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD). Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study analyzing data of patients who underwent LPD from 2018 to 2022. The primary endpoint was the incidence of grade B and C POPF based on the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula criteria and PJ anastomosis time. Incidence of postoperative complications (Clavien–Dindo classification grade ≥ III) was also investigated. Results: A total of 148 patients, 99 patients in a modified Blumgart group and 49 patients in a continuous suture group, were enrolled. There were no statistically significant differences in the general and intraoperative characteristics found between the two groups (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in pancreas texture (p = 0.397) and diameter of pancreatic duct (p = 0.845). Grade B and C POPF occurred in five patients (5.1%) in the modified Blumgart group and three patients (6.1%) in the continuous suture group with no statistical difference (p = 0.781). A total of eleven patients (11.1%) in the modified Blumgart group and four patients (8.2%) in the continuous suture group had postoperative complication (Clavien–Dindo Classification grade 3 or more). Mortality within 90 days was 2 (2%) and 0 (0%), respectively. The PJ anastomosis times in the modified Blumgart group and continuous suture group were 28.8 ± 5.94 min and 35 ± 7.71 min, respectively (p = 0.003). Conclusions: This study suggests that modified Blumgart PJ showed shorter anastomosis time with comparable outcome to continuous suture methods in LPD.
Association Between Statin Use and Psoriasis in Patients with Dyslipidemia: A Korean National Health Screening Cohort Study
Authors: Han Kyeong Min , Kwon Mi Jung , Choi Hyo Geun , Kim Ji Hee , Kim Joo-Hee , Yoo Dae Myoung , Lee Na-Eun , Kang Ho Suk
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that significantly impacts physical and emotional health. Statins, primarily used as lipid-lowering drugs, have also demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects. While some studies suggest that statins may improve psoriasis symptoms, the findings have been inconsistent. This study aims to investigate the association between prior statin use and the onset of psoriasis in a Korean population, focusing on individuals with dyslipidemia to minimize confounding factors. Methods: Using the Korean Health Insurance database (2002–2019), a nationwide nested case-control study was conducted, enrolling 8285 participants with psoriasis and 33,140 controls, matched 1:4 for sex, age, residence, and income through propensity scoring. Results: Adjusted odds ratios revealed significantly lower risks of psoriasis among short-term statin users (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.66–0.74) and long-term users (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.73–0.82) than in nonusers. This trend was consistent for both lipophilic and hydrophilic statins, and across subgroup analyses. Conclusions: These findings suggest that statins may reduce the incidence of psoriasis. However, further research is needed to assess their effects on psoriasis progression and severity.
Chitosan/TiO2/Rosmarinic Acid Bio-Nanocomposite Coatings: Characterization and Preparation
Authors: Kızılkaya Pınar , Kaya Mükerrem
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to develop and characterize bio-nanocomposite coatings by incorporating titanium nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) (30–50 nm) (10 mg/L), which have antimicrobial effects, and rosmarinic acid (RA) (0.005 mg/mL), which has strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, into the chitosan matrix using the solvent casting method. The prepared bio-nanocomposite coatings were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). In the XRD analysis, the crystal structure of the bio-nanocomposite coating material was evaluated, but the absence of the expected TiO2 NPs diffraction peak in the coating containing TiO2 NPs was discussed in detail. The TiO2 NPs decreased the crystallinity, compared to the control film, while rosmarinic acid increased the order of the molecular matrix. FT-IR analysis showed the presences of O–H, C=O, and C–O bonds in the coating materials, and the changes in the positions and intensities of the bands observed in the FTIR spectra of the bio-nanocomposite coatings (CHT and CHTRA) proved that TiO2 NPs and RA were successfully integrated into the chitosan matrix. The broadening and flattening of the bands belonging to OH groups (3288–3356 cm−1) indicated that the hydrogen bonds in the chitosan matrix were strengthened during the formation of the bio-nanocomposite structure. The bands representing the C=O stretching vibrations at 1659 cm−1 (amide I) and the N–H bending vibrations at 1558 cm−1 (amide II) indicated protein-based features in the structure of chitosan and confirmed the existence of the bio-nanocomposite structure. The SEM-EDX analysis showed that TiO2 NPs were distributed homogeneously on the chitosan surface, but there was aggregation in places. The AFM images revealed that when TiO2 NPs and RA were added to the chitosan matrix, the surface topography became more homogeneous, and a topographic pattern was formed in the range of 0–20.4 nm. Therefore, it is concluded that these bio-nanocomposite coatings can be used in antimicrobial surfaces and food packaging areas and should be optimized with different antioxidant and nanoparticle combinations in the future.
Acute Effects of Fast vs. Slow Bench Press Repetitions with Equal Time Under Tension on Velocity, sEMG Activity, and Applied Force in the Bench Press Throw
Authors: Tsoukos Athanasios , Wilk Michal , Krzysztofik Michal , Zajac Adam , Bogdanis Gregory C.
Published: December 2024

Background: The tempo of resistance exercises is known to influence performance outcomes, yet its specific effects on post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of fast versus slow repetitions at a load of 70% of one-repetition maximum (1-RM) in the bench press exercise, focusing on velocity, surface electromyographic (sEMG) activity, and applied force while equating time under tension on bench press throw performance. Methods: Eleven men (age: 23.5 ± 5.4 years, height: 1.79 ± 0.04 m, body mass: 79.1 ± 6.4 kg, maximum strength 1-RM: 91.0 ± 12.0 kg) participated. Two experimental conditions (FAST and SLOW) and one control (CTRL) were randomly assigned. Participants performed two sets of six repetitions as fast as possible (FAST condition) and two sets of three repetitions at a controlled tempo (SLOW condition) at half the concentric velocity of FAST, as determined in a preliminary session. Before and after the bench press participants performed bench press throws tests (Pre, 45 s, 4, 8, and 12 min after). Results: sEMG activity and peak force during the bench press were higher in FAST vs. SLOW conditioning activity (p < 0.001), with time under tension showing no significant differences between conditions (p > 0.05). Mean propulsive velocity (MPV) during the bench press throw improved equally in both FAST and SLOW conditions compared with baseline from the 4th to the 12th min of recovery (FAST: +6.8 ± 2.9% to +7.2 ± 3.3%, p < 0.01, SLOW: +4.0 ± 3.0% to +3.6 ± 4.5%, p < 0.01, respectively). Compared to the CTRL, both conditions exhibited improved MPV values from the 4th to 12th min (p < 0.01). Peak velocity improvements were observed only after the FAST condition compared to the baseline (p < 0.01) with no differences from SLOW. For all muscles involved and time points, sEMG activity during bench press throws was higher than CTRL in both experimental conditions (p < 0.01), with no differences between FAST and SLOW. Peak force increased in both FAST and SLOW conditions at all time points (p < 0.05), compared to CTRL. Conclusions: These findings suggest that post-activation performance enhancement is independent of movement tempo, provided that the resistive load and total time under tension of the conditioning activity are similar. This study provides valuable insights into the complex training method for athletes by demonstrating that varying tempo does not significantly affect post-activation performance enhancement when load and TUT are equated.
Microstructure Characterisation and Modelling of Pre-Forging Solution Treatment of 7075 Aluminium Alloy Using Novel Heating Methods
Authors: Wu Hao , Lu Zisong , Hill Steven , Turner Richard
Published: December 2024

This study evaluates the effectiveness of these conventional heating methods, commonly adopted in the industry with long durations (typically one hour), in comparison to newer, potentially more efficient approaches such as induction coil heating, infrared module heating, and infrared furnaces that can perform solution heat treatment in significantly shorter times (5 to 20 min). The properties of the edge and centre regions of the solution-treated billets, including the state of precipitates, grain structures, and Vickers hardness, are investigated and compared. Results have shown that the 7075 billets heated by conventional heating methods sufficiently dissolved the stable precipitates, achieving hardness ranging from 137 to 141 HV, in contrast to the benchmark unheated, as-received sample of approximately 70 HV. In the meantime, the induction coil and infrared furnace demonstrate notable effectiveness, achieving hardness between 126 and 135 HV. The average grain sizes in the centre and edge regions for all samples are measured as 3 and 8 µm, respectively. However, the impact of the grain size on the hardness is negligible compared to the impact of the precipitates. Finite element (FE) modelling comparing the slowest heating method—the electric furnace—and the fastest heating method—induction coil heating—reveals the latter could heat the billet up to 450 °C at a rate ten times faster than the electric furnace. This study highlights the potential of novel heating techniques in promoting the efficiency of heat treatment processes for 7075 aluminium alloys.
Random Forest-Based Prediction Model for Stiffness Degradation of Offshore Wind Farm Submarine Soil
Authors: He Ben , Lin Mingbao , Yu Xinran , Zhang Zhishuai , Dai Song
Published: December 2024

Offshore wind power is a hot spot in the field of new energy, with foundation construction costs representing approximately 30% of the total investment in wind farm construction. Offshore wind turbines are subjected to long-term cyclic loads, and seabed materials are prone to causing stiffness degradation. The accurate disclosure of the mechanical properties of marine soil is critical to the safety and stability of the foundation structure of offshore wind turbines. The stiffness degradation laws of mucky clay and silt clay from offshore wind turbines were firstly investigated in the study. Experiments found that the variations in the elastic modulus presented “L-type” attenuation under small cyclic loads, and the degradation coefficient fleetingly decayed to the strength progressive line under large cyclic loads. Based on the experimental results, a random forest prediction model for the elastic modulus of the submarine soil was established, which had high prediction accuracy. The influence of testing the loading parameters of the submarine soil on the prediction results was greater than that of the soil’s physical property parameters. In criticality, the CSR had the greatest impact on the prediction results. This study provides a more efficient method for the stiffness degradation assessment of submarine soil materials in offshore wind farms.
Horizontal Detection Range Estimation of Deep-Sea Acoustic Shadow Area Based on Vertical Phased Emission Array
Authors: Chen Naibin , Peng Dayong , Ma Li , Hu Tao , Liu Haijun , Li Haifeng
Published: December 2024

To scan the horizontal range of the deep-sea shadow zone with high accuracy and efficiency, enabling active target detection, a horizontal detection range estimation method based on phased sound focusing technology is presented. The model of the phased emission sound field is derived, along with the theoretical estimation formula for the horizontal detection range, by combining the half-power beamwidth of the beam curve at the phased-emitter end with the ray propagation law of deep-sea acoustics. The corresponding relationships among each discrete phased angle, the horizontal distance, and the detection range of the focused beam boundary are detailed. The estimation formula for the horizontal detection range is then improved to account for the sea surface reflection effect, and angle optimization is applied to the transmitted beam curve to counteract the boundary error accumulation effect of the focused sound beam as the sound ray propagates. To address the issue of reduced scanning efficiency at large phased angles, the grating lobe-focused sound beam generated by phased emission array parameters is used to achieve angle scanning within the close deep-sea sound shadow zone, increasing the phased angle scanning efficiency. Finally, the deep-sea phased emission active target detection experiments were carried out, and the echo signal generated by the phased focused sound beam and received by the vertical receiving array was recorded. Numerical simulation and echo signal processing show that the high-efficiency angle scanning of the entire deep-sea sound shadow zone is achieved by the proposed estimation method.
Effects of Vibratory Stress Relief on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Marine Welded Structures
Authors: Gao Liqiang , Yao Qinan , Yang Yuchen , Sun Dejian , Xu Guanhua , Gu Bangping , Yang Cong , Li Shuaizhen
Published: December 2024

Dissimilar steel welded structures are commonly used in the marine engineering field. Owing to the scarcity of in-depth investigation into the intricate pattern of residual stress distribution in welding within 316L/Q345 dissimilar steel welded joints and methods for reducing this stress, a platform-based vibratory stress relief (VSR) experimental system was established to comprehensively study the effects of VSR on the mechanical properties and microstructure of 316L/Q345 welded structures. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the fracture morphology and explore the intrinsic mechanisms by which VSR enhances the mechanical properties of welded joints. The findings suggest that VSR is capable of significantly homogenizing and diminishing the welding residual stress within the heat-affected area of 316L/Q345 mismatched steel welded specimens. The significant reduction in residual stress after VSR can primarily be attributed to the combination of alternating stress applied by the VSR platform and the welding residual stress, which exceeded the yield limit of the metal materials. Furthermore, the significant reduction in residual stress, refinement of second-phase particles, and changes in fracture mechanisms are the main reasons for the increased strength observed after VSR. This study has significant engineering application value, providing a theoretical basis for the use of VSR treatment to enhance the reliability of the safe operation of marine engineering equipment.
Experimental Study on the Effects of Controllable Parameters on the Healthy Operation of SF-2A Material Water-Lubricated Stern Bearing in Multi-Point Ultra-Long Shaft Systems of Ships
Authors: Chang Xingshan , Liu Jie , Yan Xinping , Sun Feng , Zhu Hanhua , Wang Chengmin
Published: December 2024

Effective control of the health operating condition of multi-support, ultra-long shaft system water-lubricated stern bearings is crucial for supporting the intelligent maintenance and health management of ships. This study investigates the failure modes of water-lubricated stern bearings and focuses on the critical failure modes of abnormal wear and high-temperature meltdown to analyze the mechanisms and influencing factors of these failures. It discusses the conditions for healthy operation of water-lubricated stern bearings, as well as methods for controlling lubrication and temperature rise. Based on this, controllable parameters for the healthy operation of water-lubricated stern bearings were selected, an experimental rig was constructed, and experiments were conducted using SF-2A material water-lubricated bearings. The experimental results indicate that by controlling parameters such as shaft rotational speed, inlet lubrication water temperature, clear-water lubrication, sediment-laden-water lubrication, bearing specific pressure, and the surface morphology of the bearing liner, the velocity characteristics, lubrication characteristics, and temperature rise characteristics of the bearings can be effectively altered. The sensitivity of the lubrication and temperature rise characteristics of SF-2A material water-lubricated stern bearings to controllable parameters varies under different environmental conditions. The study finds that precise control of these parameters can improve the operating condition and reliability of water-lubricated bearings.
Assessing the Geological Environment Resilience Under Seawater Intrusion Hazards: A Case Study of the Coastal Area of Shenzhen City
Authors: Su Dong , Zhou Jinwei , Huang Maolong , Han Wenlong , Li Aiguo , Wang Enzhi , Chen Xiangsheng
Published: December 2024

Revealing geological environment resilience (GER) under seawater intrusion (SWI) hazards is a prerequisite for solving groundwater resource depletion, land salinization, and ecological degradation in coastal cities. This study applies the resilience design approach based on urban complex adaptive systems theory to understand the impact of SWI on the geological environment. Taking SWI as the research object, the GER evaluation method under SWI disaster was established by selecting five elastic indexes: disturbance intensity, geological environment vulnerability, stress resistance, recovery, and adaptability. This method is used to evaluate the GER level of the coastal areas of Shenzhen in recent years under the impact of SWI hazards. The study found that there is a negative correlation between the intensity of disturbance and precipitation amount. The vulnerability is greater the closer the distance to the coastline and the shallower the depth of bedrock burial. Resistance is composed of early warning ability and disaster prevention ability, and the result is 10.07, which belongs to the medium level. The recovery is 1.49, which is at a relatively high level, indicating a high capacity for restoration ability. The adaptability increased from 3.03 to 3.13, so that the area of seawater intrusion is becoming smaller. GER is affected by precipitation amount and depth of bedrock burial; the greater the precipitation and the shallower the bedrock burial, the lower the GER. Precipitation amount significantly impacts the SWI situation in the eastern coastal area of Shenzhen. In the central region, the impact of precipitation on GER is less significant. However, in the western region, the depth of bedrock burial primarily affects GER. Compared to completely weathered granite, Pleistocene fluvial plain sediments are more susceptible to SWI effects in freshwater environments. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the impact of SWI on the geological environment in coastal areas, providing decision-makers with the necessary knowledge to develop targeted and effective governance and prevention strategies.
Fluid Flow Simulation for Predicting Bottomhole Pressure That Considers Wellbore Storage Effects Under Shut-In Conditions in Deepwater Drilling
Authors: Guo Yanli , Gao Yonghai , Gong Qingtao , Hu Lifen , Jiang Yongyi , Sun Baojiang
Published: December 2024

Under shut-in conditions in deepwater drilling, the gas invading the bottomhole ascends along the wellbore and accumulates at the wellhead, forming a high-pressure trap, challenging wellbore pressure prediction and control. The accurate prediction of bottomhole pressure is essential for well control during shut-in conditions. In this study, a new bottomhole pressure prediction model that considers wellbore storage effects was developed to address gas invasion issues during shut-in conditions in deepwater drilling. This model incorporates factors such as the wellbore elasticity, fluid compressibility, and drilling fluid filtration loss. The calculated values show good agreement with experimental values, with the average absolute and relative errors of 2.095 × 10−2 MPa and 3.71%, respectively. Meanwhile, the results indicate that the bottomhole pressure initially increases logarithmically over time and then transitions to a linear increase, and the residual flow and gas ascent significantly influence the bottomhole pressure. Finally, the effects of various parameters on the bottomhole pressure were evaluated. Larger initial pressure differential, exposed thickness, and formation permeability accelerate the increase in bottomhole pressure during residual flow stage, while smaller filter cake permeability and drilling fluid viscosity quicken its increase during gas ascent stage. Drilling fluid density affects the initial pressure and the residual flow duration. The findings of this study would provide theoretical support for well control operations in deepwater drilling.
Description of the New Species Laccaria albifolia (Hydnangiaceae, Basidiomycota) and a Reassessment of Laccaria affinis Based on Morphological and Phylogenetic Analyses
Authors: Dovana Francesco , Para Roberto , Moreno Gabriel , Scali Edoardo , Garbelotto Matteo , Lechner Bernardo Ernesto , Forte Luigi
Published: December 2024

Laccaria is a diverse and widespread genus of ectomycorrhizal fungi that form symbiotic associations with various trees and shrubs, playing a significant role in forest ecosystems. Approximately 85 Laccaria species are formally recognised, but recent studies indicate this number may be an underestimation, highlighting the need for further taxonomic studies to improve our understanding of species boundaries. This manuscript focuses on Laccaria affinis, originally described by Singer in 1967 as Laccaria laccata var. affinis, and details a comprehensive study of its morphological and molecular characteristics, including the examination of its holotype and recent collections from Italy and the United Kingdom. Our findings reveal significant micromorphological traits that enhance the original description. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that L. affinis occupies a distinct clade within Northern Hemisphere Laccaria species, although minimal genetic differences challenge its independence from L. macrocystidiata. Consequently, we propose that these two taxa be considered synonymous. This study not only contributes to the understanding of Laccaria diversity but also proposes the formal designation of an epitype for L. affinis, thereby providing a foundation for future research on this ecologically significant genus. Furthermore, a new species named Laccaria albifolia belonging to the “/Laccaria bicolor complex clade” is described here on the base of six collections from Italy and Spain.
Clinical Symptoms, Comorbidity Patterns, and Treatment Schemes in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 in Turkey
Authors: Akgün Hediye Seval , Erdoğan Tuğba Gürgen , Belibağlı Mehmet Cenk , Güneş Gamze , Haberal Ali
Published: December 2024

This research aims to investigate the associations between comorbidities and clinical outcomes, specifically their impacts on mortality rates among COVID-19 inpatients, while also assessing the varying significance of different comorbidities. We conducted this study to understand the interplay between SARS-CoV-2 infection, socio-demographic factors, disease severity, and co-morbid conditions in a sample of 26,835 hospitalized COVID-19 cases. Our analysis extended to examining the frequency of infection symptoms, pre-existing health issues, treatment strategies, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stays, clinical symptoms, and radiological findings. Among the 26,883 cases analyzed, comprising 53.7% males and 53.3% females with an average age of 48.5 years, we observed mean clinical values for temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. Leveraging logistic regression modeling helped untangle the complex relationships and confounding variables influencing COVID-19 mortality. Notably, our findings underscored the significance of total length of stay, prolonged ICU stays exceeding ten days, and the presence of significant symptoms in affecting mortality rates among COVID-19 patients. These insights unveil potential trends crucial for informing future management strategies tailored to the needs of COVID-19 patients, emphasizing the importance of addressing comorbidities and optimizing care approaches for better outcomes.
Impact of Short-Chain Perfluoropropylene Oxide Acids on Biochemical and Behavioural Parameters in Eisenia fetida (Savigny, 1826)
Authors: Rotondo Davide , Gualandris Davide , Lorusso Candida , Braeuning Albert , Calisi Antonio , Dondero Francesco
Published: December 2024

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of persistent organic pollutants that pose a growing threat to environmental and human health. Soil acts as a long-term reservoir for PFAS, potentially impacting soil biodiversity and ecosystem function. Earthworms, as keystone species in soil ecosystems, are particularly vulnerable to PFAS exposure. In this study, we investigated the sublethal effects of three short-chain (C4–C6) next-generation perfluoropropylene oxide acids (PFPOAs) on the earthworm Eisenia fetida, using a legacy perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid (PFCA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), as a reference. We assessed a suite of biochemical endpoints, including markers for oxidative stress (catalase and superoxide dismutase activity), immunity (phenol oxidase activity), neurotoxicity (acetylcholinesterase activity), and behavioural endpoints (escape test). Results indicate that all tested PFAS, even at sub-micromolar concentrations, elicited significant effects across multiple physiological domains. Interestingly, HFPO-DA demonstrated the most substantial impact across all endpoints tested, indicating broad and significant biochemical and neurotoxic effects. Our findings underscore the potential risks of both legacy and emerging PFAS to soil ecosystems, emphasising the need for further research to understand the long-term consequences of PFAS contamination.
Deciphering the Psychological Characteristics of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy and Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Casagrande Maria , Forte Giuseppe , Favieri Francesca , Mingarelli Alessandro , Agostini Francesca , Arcari Luca , Passaseo Ilaria , Semeraro Raffaella , Camastra Giovanni , Langher Viviana , Cacciotti Luca
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) shares many clinical features with acute myocardial infarction (AMI); however, its underlying pathophysiology remains elusive due to specific characteristics (i.e., reversibility, presence of stressors, and low mortality rate). Emerging evidence suggests that TTS often emerges following significant somatic, emotional, or psychological stressors. Several studies have investigated the biological factors that may contribute to the onset of TTS, including the release of stress hormones. However, the psychological characteristics associated with TTS, which may be useful for differentiating TTS from other cardiovascular conditions, remain poorly explored. This study aims to overcome these limitations by evaluating whether certain psychological features may allow this specific clinical condition to be differentiated from other cardiovascular conditions. Methods: This study compared three groups of individuals: patients with TTS (N = 56), patients with AMI (N = 52), and individuals without a history of cardiovascular disease (N = 56). Patients were examined three months after the acute phases. The objective was to identify and examine multiple psychological factors involved in TTS, including state and trait anxiety, symptoms of depression, psychological symptoms, distress, perceived social support, and health locus of control. Results: The results indicate that patients with TTS exhibited higher levels of somatization, trait anxiety, obsessive-compulsiveness, and overall psychological distress than patients with AMI and control groups. These findings were associated with an internal health locus of control and low-risk lifestyles. Conclusions: This psychological exploration of TTS reveals a multifaceted relationship between the mind and the heart, challenging traditional notions of cardiovascular pathophysiology and suggesting the importance of considering the cardio-psychological health of patients in both preventive and intervention programs.
Firm-Level Regulatory Intensity and Labor Investment Efficiency
Authors: James Hui Liang , Ngo Thanh , Wang Hongxia
Published: December 2024

We examine the impact of firm-level regulatory intensity on corporate labor investment efficiency in U.S. firms using a sample from 1995 to 2019. We find that labor investment inefficiency decreases with regulatory intensity, providing evidence that greater regulatory burden pushes managers to make better labor investment decisions. This finding is robust to subsample analyses and various model specifications, suggesting that regulations, though seemingly costly, generate efficiencies and positive externalities. We conclude that regulatory requirements prompt firms to invest in labor more accurately to absorb regulatory compliance costs, and U.S. firms can lift their regulatory burden to some extent through improved labor investment.
The Modelling of Auto Insurance Claim-Frequency Counts by the Inverse Trinomial Distribution
Authors: Ong Seng Huat , Sim Shin Zhu , Liu Shuangzhe
Published: December 2024

In the transportation services industry, the proper assessment of insurance claim count distribution is an important step to determine insurance premiums based on policyholders’ risk profiles. Risk factors are identified through regression analysis. In this paper, the inverse trinomial distribution is proposed as a count data model for insurance claims characterised by having long tails and a high index of dispersion. Two regression models are developed to identify associated risk factors. Other popular models, such as the negative binomial and COM-Poisson, are fitted and compared to information criteria. The risk profiles of policyholders are determined based on the selected model. To illustrate the application of the inverse trinomial regression models, the ausprivautolong dataset of automobile claims in Australia has been fitted with identification of risk factors.
Generalizable Solar Irradiance Prediction for Battery Operation Optimization in IoT-Based Microgrid Environments
Authors: Colucci Ray , Mahgoub Imad
Published: December 2024

The reliance on fossil fuels as a primary global energy source has significantly impacted the environment, contributing to pollution and climate change. A shift towards renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, is underway, though these sources face challenges due to their inherent intermittency. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) play a crucial role in mitigating this intermittency, ensuring a reliable power supply when solar generation is insufficient. The objective of this paper is to accurately predict the solar irradiance for battery operation optimization in microgrids. Using satellite data from weather sensors, we trained machine learning models to enhance solar irradiance predictions. We evaluated five popular machine learning algorithms and applied ensemble methods, achieving a substantial improvement in predictive accuracy. Our model outperforms previous works using the same dataset and has been validated to generalize across diverse geographical locations in Florida. This work demonstrates the potential of AI-assisted data-driven approaches to support sustainable energy management in solar-powered IoT-based microgrids.
Assessing Urban Park Accessibility and Equity Using Open-Source Data in Jiujiang, China
Authors: Gao Lihui , Xu Zhen , Shang Ziqi , Li Mingyu , Wang Jianhui
Published: December 2024

Urban parks have become more important in residents’ daily lives owing to both rapid urbanization and increasing environmental pressures. Globally, there is growing concern regarding equitable access to urban parks, particularly in densely populated countries such as China. This study focuses on the accessibility and equity of urban parks in Jiujiang using walking route data obtained from an open-source platform through an application programming interface to assess park accessibility. We explored the equity of park accessibility from three perspectives: spatial, opportunity, and group equity. The results indicated that urban parks in central Jiujiang have significantly better accessibility than those in suburban areas. Less than half of the study area was covered within a 1500 m walking distance. There is a large service blind catchment in park accessibility. Similarly, disparities in the equity of park accessibility were observed. The Penpu sub-district has the best accessibility; in contrast, the Qili Lake sub-district benefits from less than 10% of park accessibility. Wealthier communities benefit more from park accessibility than disadvantaged communities. Our study aims to provide strategies for urban planning for policymakers. Strategies such as increasing park entrances, opening gated communities, and creating shared green spaces may help ensure environmental equity.
Sustainable Economic Growth and Land Management: A Case Study on the Role of Tax Legislation in Emerging Markets
Authors: Quispe-Espinoza Edith Pilar , Barzola-Inga Sonia Luz , Adauto-Justo Carlos Antonio , Borja-Mucha Carlos Samuel , Moreno-Menéndez Fabricio Miguel , Gutiérrez-Meza Fredi Paul , Silva-Murillo Jefrin Marlon , González-Prida Vicente
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this study is to examine how tax incentives resulting from the so-called Amazon Law (Law No. 27037) affect small- and medium-sized agro-industrial producers (SMEAPs) in the Junín and Huánuco regions in Peru. This research fills a void that relates to the exclusion of these producers regarding the Law’s incentives that aim to encourage investment in the Amazon. In this study, the research design was non-experimental, and since the data were descriptive–correlational in nature, a structured questionnaire with a Likert scale was used to gauge participants’ opinions about economic progress and tax benefits. The survey participants included 72 co-operatives drawn from a population of 88, and their awareness and use of tax incentives were targeted. SPSS and similar statistical analysis tools were used and showed that there was a positive correlation between tax benefits and economic development, with a correlation coefficient of 0.873, indicating a strong relationship. However, most co-operatives ranked the benefits only as average or poor, with 34.72% rating them as regular and 31.94% as poor. This study indicates that the present laws do not provide these producers with sufficient opportunities for development. The authors suggest that changes to the Law are required to improve the inclusion of small- and medium-sized agricultural producers so that proposals for improvements in their economic development and management of the agricultural lands in the Amazon region can be promoted.
Attitudes Toward Dialectal Variations in Saudi Arabic: A Case Study of King Abdulaziz University Students
Authors: Al Alaslaa Saeed Ali
Published: December 2024

The current study investigated the attitudes of 340 Saudi college students towards two Arabic dialectal variations, kaskasah and kaʃkaʃah, utilizing the matched-guise technique. Participants listened to recordings of a speaker using each variation and evaluated the speaker on various personality traits, regional origin, and hireability. The findings revealed generally positive attitudes towards both variations, with the majority associating the speaker with desirable traits such as humility, kindness, friendliness, and respectfulness. However, the kaskasah variation was perceived slightly more favorably overall compared to kaʃkaʃah. The study also found distinct regional associations, with kaskasah slightly more strongly linked to the Najdi dialect and kaʃkaʃah overwhelmingly associated with the Southern dialect. Notably, a considerable minority indicated that they would not hire speakers of these variations, particularly kaʃkaʃah, suggesting some degree of dialect-based bias. The study contributes to research on language attitudes in Saudi Arabia by highlighting the complex interplay between dialectal variation, regional identity, and social evaluation. The findings underscore the importance of promoting linguistic awareness and inclusivity to mitigate the negative effects of dialect-based stereotyping and bias.
Comparison of Lung-RADS Version 2022 and British Thoracic Society Guidelines in Classifying Solid Pulmonary Nodules Detected at Lung Cancer Screening CT
Authors: Avram Claudiu , Mederle Alexandru Ovidiu , Mavrea Adelina , Barata Paula Irina , Patrascu Raul
Published: December 2024

Background and Objectives: Lung cancer screening is critical for early detection and management, particularly through the use of computed tomography (CT). This study aims to compare the Lung Imaging Reporting and Data System (Lung-RADS) Version 2022 with the British Thoracic Society (BTS) guidelines in classifying solid pulmonary nodules detected at lung cancer screening CT examinations. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 224 patients who underwent lung cancer screening CT between 2016 and 2022 and had a reported solid pulmonary nodule. A fellowship-trained thoracic radiologist reviewed the CT images, characterizing nodules by size, location, margins, attenuation, calcification, growth at follow-up, and final pathologic diagnosis if malignant. The sensitivity and specificity of Lung-RADS Version 2022 in detecting malignant nodules were compared with those of the BTS guidelines using the McNemar test. Results: Of the 224 patients, 198 (88%) had nodules deemed benign, while 26 (12%) had malignant nodules. The Lung-RADS Version 2022 resulted in higher specificity than the BTS guidelines (85% vs. 65%, p < 0.001), without sacrificing sensitivity (92% for both). Nodules larger than 8 mm, spiculated margins, upper lobe location, and interval growth were associated with higher malignancy risk (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Compared with the BTS guidelines, Lung-RADS Version 2022 reduces the number of false-positive screening CT examinations while maintaining high sensitivity for detecting malignant solid pulmonary nodules.
Adaptive Performance Evaluation of Container Terminals Through Normalization and Parameter Analysis
Authors: Zajac Mateusz
Published: December 2024

Background: Container terminals are a pivotal part of global logistics networks, influencing supply chain reliability and port competitiveness. Traditional performance evaluation methods, such as KPI-based assessments or multi-criteria analyses, often fail in dynamic operational conditions with inherent uncertainty and variability. Methods: This study proposes a normalization-based framework to evaluate container terminal performance by standardizing operational parameters, including availability, non-productive operations, operation time, energy consumption, and throughput. The methodology involves parameter definition, normalization, weight assignment, index calculation, and performance classification. Results: The findings demonstrate that normalization ensures a transparent and adaptable evaluation framework. Sample calculations show how parameter weights influence terminal assessments across varied scenarios, confirming the robustness of the proposed method in capturing dynamic operational changes. Conclusions: Normalization offers a practical tool for enhancing container terminal efficiency and competitiveness. It enables decision-makers to adapt strategies to changing priorities, such as throughput maximization or energy efficiency, ensuring comprehensive and reliable performance assessments.
A Time Series Proposal Model to Define the Speed of Carbon Steel Corrosion in an Extreme Acid Environment
Authors: Fortes Juan Carlos , Luís Ana Teresa , Santisteban María , Grande José Antonio
Published: December 2024

This article shows the behavior of the corrosive effect of acid mine water on carbon steel metal alloys. Mining equipment, composed of various steel alloys, is particularly prone to damage from highly acidic water. This corrosion results in material thinning, brittle fractures, fatigue cracks, and ultimately, equipment failure. For this purpose, a set of carbon steel metal plates similar to those found in mine facilities were immersed into mine leachates of an AMD (Acid Mine Drainage) polluted river from the Tharsis Mine (Huelva, Spain). In these leachates, physicochemical variations occur, directly correlated with the alterations produced in the metal plates, manifested with the appearance of dissolved materials and particulate matter. Weight loss of up to 37 g in 30 weeks for plates of about 140 grs occurred and an increase in EC up to 45.64 mS/cm from 5.40 mS/cm and an increase in TDS from 2600 mg/L to 17,100 mg/L. STATGRAPHICS Centurion, a powerful data analysis tool was used for performing the time series analysis that was used for the first time to statistically define the corrosion effects on metal alloys. As a result, a significant variability in the physical and chemical factors of the leachates was observed due to the redox and precipitation–dissolution processes occurring within the system: an increase in total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC) and temperature (T) (the corrosion process is an exothermic reaction) and a decrease in pH. It was also demonstrated that the longer the exposure time, the plates noticeably lost more material and became further weakened. Finally, these results allowed the formulation of a simple algorithm to define weight loss as a function of exposure time to acidic water.
Long-Term Creep Rupture of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Grids Under High Stress Levels: Experimental Investigation
Authors: Phoeuk Menghay , Choi Dong-Yeong , Kwon Minho
Published: December 2024

Corrosion in reinforced concrete (RC) structures has led to the increased adoption of non-corrosive materials, such as carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs), as replacements for traditional steel rebar. However, ensuring the long-term reliability of CFRP grids under sustained stress is critical for achieving safe and effective designs. This study investigates the long-term tensile creep rupture behavior of CFRP grids to establish a design threshold for their tensile strength under sustained loading conditions in demanding structural applications. A comprehensive laboratory experiment was conducted over 10,000 h, during which CFRP grid specimens were subjected to constant stress levels ranging from 92% to 98% of their ultimate tensile strength. The results confirm the excellent creep rupture resistance of CFRP grids. Specimens subjected to a sustained stress ratio of 92% of their ultimate tensile strength remained intact throughout the testing period, with minimal creep strain ranging from approximately 1% to 4% of the initial strain. The mean extrapolated creep rupture factors were found to be 92.1% and 91.7% of their ultimate tensile strength for service lives of 50 and 114 years, respectively. Based on the results of this study, a tensile stress limit of 48% of the ultimate tensile strength is recommended for CFRP grids to ensure long-term creep rupture resistance over a 100-year service life.
Variational Method for Vibration Analysis of Elliptic Cylinders Reinforced with Functionally Graded Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Gong Qingtao , Liu Tao , Teng Yao , Ma Binjie , Li Xin
Published: December 2024

This study introduces a novel analytical framework for investigating the vibration characteristics of functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) elliptical cylindrical shells under arbitrary boundary conditions. Unlike previous studies that focused on simplified geometries or specific boundary conditions, this work combines the least-squares weighted residual method (LSWRM) with an adapted variational principle, addressing high-order vibration errors and ensuring continuity across structural segments. The material properties are modeled using an extended rule of mixtures, capturing the effects of carbon nanotube volume fractions and distribution types on structural dynamics. Additionally, virtual boundary techniques are employed to generalize elastic boundary conditions, enabling the analysis of complex boundary-constrained structures. Numerical validation against existing methods confirms the high accuracy of the proposed framework. Furthermore, the influence of geometric parameters, material characteristics, and boundary stiffness on vibration behavior is comprehensively explored, offering a robust and versatile tool for designing advanced FG-CNTRC structures. This innovative approach provides significant insights into the optimization of nanoscale reinforced composites, making it a valuable reference for engineers and researchers in aerospace, marine, and construction industries.
Realization of Wireless-Controlled Gear Shifter for Shaft-Driven Bicycle Gearbox
Authors: Lin Hsiung-Cheng , Chelliah Elangovan
Published: December 2024

Cycling is now a very popular sport and leisure activity or commuting tool around the world, with its popularity growing especially during the epidemic. The traditional bicycle depends on a chain driving mechanism to move forward (This paper is an extended version of our paper published in The 16th Intelligent Living Technology Conference, Taichung, Taiwan, 2 June 2022). However, its transmission chain is easily dirtied and loosened so that regular maintenance is highly demanded to sustain normal function. To achieve the idea of maintenance-free, self-calibrating, and efficient mechanism operation, a wireless-controlled gear shifter for shaft driven bicycles is proposed, not only to overcome the limitations of the traditional chain driving mechanism, but also to make riding control more convenient. Firstly, an actuated gear shifter module coordinated with the gear positioning system was designed. Secondly, a remote controller module with information organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and shift operation buttons was developed. Both modules use independent batteries and a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) interface to communicate with each other for wireless shifting control. The experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed system in terms of accuracy, rapidness, and robustness.
An Inertial Subgradient Extragradient Method for Efficiently Solving Fixed-Point and Equilibrium Problems in Infinite Families of Demimetric Mappings
Authors: ur Rehman Habib , Amir Fouzia , Alzabut Jehad , Azim Mohammad Athar
Published: December 2024

The primary objective of this article is to enhance the convergence rate of the extragradient method through the careful selection of inertial parameters and the design of a self-adaptive stepsize scheme. We propose an improved version of the extragradient method for approximating a common solution to pseudomonotone equilibrium and fixed-point problems that involve an infinite family of demimetric mappings in real Hilbert spaces. We establish that the iterative sequences generated by our proposed algorithms converge strongly under suitable conditions. These results substantiate the effectiveness of our approach in achieving convergence, marking a significant advancement in the extragradient method. Furthermore, we present several numerical tests to illustrate the practical efficiency of the proposed method, comparing these results with those from established methods to demonstrate the improved convergence rates and solution accuracy achieved through our approach.