bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling of Phosphate Sorption Process on the Surface of Rockfos® Material Using Langmuir Isotherms
Authors: Zawadzka Beata , Siwiec Tadeusz , Reczek Lidia , Marzec Michał , Jóźwiakowski Krzysztof
Published: November 2024

In this study, we aimed to develop a mathematical description of the process of phosphate sorption on Rockfos® material using the Langmuir isotherm and determine the basic parameters for modeling this process. The Rockfos® material was formed through the thermal treatment of opoka at 980 °C and is highly reactive due to its significant calcium and silicon compound content. This study included an evaluation of the phosphate retention efficiency on the material as a function of the phosphate concentration in the initial solution (0.5 mg/L, 1.0 mg/L, and 2.0 mg/L), sorbent grain size (1.0–1.6 mm, 1.6–2.5 mm, and 2.0–5.0 mm), and process temperature (5 °C, 10 °C, 15 °C, 20 °C, and 25 °C). It was found that an increase in the process temperature and the phosphate concentration in the solution favored sorption, while the effect of the sorbent grain size was ambiguous. It was determined that sorption can be described well using the Langmuir linearization of the Langmuir model. Thermodynamic analysis and the separation coefficient suggest that phosphorus sorption on Rockfos® material is primarily based on chemisorption, and the process is endothermic and spontaneous over the entire temperature range. The determined parameters of the tested material, especially the qmax (maximum sorption capacity), provide a basis for the design of a filter for removing phosphate from wastewater, assuming that the load is equal to the inflow to the filter and adheres to the specified requirements for treated wastewater.
Safety Risk Assessment Method of In-Service Stage Suspension Equipment Based on Grey Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation
Authors: Su Zhibin , Zhang Xueying , Wang Huiqin , Zhang Jingjing
Published: November 2024

Performance safety is one of the important goals for the high-quality development of modern performance services. The in-service stage suspension equipment that has been put into use is one of the most frequently used and most closely related stage machinery in performances, and there are often significant safety hazards during its use. In response to the current lack of safety risk assessment methods and incomplete assessment techniques for in-service stage suspension equipment, this paper proposes a safety risk assessment method for in-service stage suspension equipment based on grey fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, with professional theaters as the target scenario. This method first identifies risk factors based on Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), then uses the grey relational analysis (GRA) method for risk factor analysis, and finally adopts the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) method to achieve safety risk level assessment. By constructing and analyzing an evaluation model for professional theater stage suspension equipment, the safety risk levels and corresponding safety risk factor rankings of performance accidents such as electric shock, falling, and failure can be obtained, and measures to reduce risks can be provided based on the most important risk factors. The research results show that more attention should be paid to the influence of human factors in the safety assessment and detection of in-service stage suspension systems. The research in this article is of great significance for improving the safe use of in-service stage suspension equipment, enhancing the level of performance safety management, and improving the quality of performance equipment services, laying the foundation for the formation of relevant regulatory systems and standards.
Shadow Removal for Enhanced Nighttime Driving Scene Generation
Authors: Yang Heejun , Choung Oh-Hyeon , Ban Yuseok
Published: November 2024

Autonomous vehicles depend on robust vision systems capable of performing under diverse lighting conditions, yet existing models often exhibit substantial performance degradation when applied to nighttime scenarios after being trained exclusively on daytime data. This discrepancy arises from the lack of fine-grained details that characterize nighttime environments, such as shadows and varying light intensities. To address this gap, we introduce a targeted approach to shadow removal designed for driving scenes. By applying Partitioned Shadow Removal, an enhanced technique that refines shadow-affected areas, alongside image-to-image translation, we generate realistic nighttime scenes from daytime data. Experimental results indicate that our augmented nighttime scenes significantly enhance segmentation accuracy in shadow-impacted regions, thereby increasing model robustness under low-light conditions. Our findings highlight the value of Partitioned Shadow Removal as a practical data augmentation tool, adapted to address the unique challenges of applying shadow removal in driving scenes, thereby paving the way for improved nighttime performance in autonomous vehicle vision systems.
High-Performance Carbon Dioxide Adsorption with Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8-Based Cellulose Air Filters
Authors: Vedrtnam Ajitanshu , Singh Aman , Singh Angaraj , Kalauni Kishor , Wdowin Magdalena
Published: November 2024

Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) is a highly promising material for carbon dioxide (CO2) capture, thanks to its large surface area, high porosity, and selective adsorption properties, making it a strong alternative to conventional systems like monoethanolamine (MEA). The novelty of this work lies in the development of a ZIF-8-based cellulose air filter (ZCAF), produced using a rapid synthesis method combined with kraft pulping, enabling efficient integration of ZIF-8 nanoparticles into a cellulose matrix. This approach leverages the hydrophobic nature and large surface area of ZIF-8, along with the properties of softwood kraft pulp, to enhance CO2 adsorption. Characterization through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the rhombic dodecahedron morphology of ZIF-8, while energy-dispersive X-ray analysis verified its elemental composition. CO2 adsorption tests using a Gasboard-3000P analyzer showed a 41% increase in CO2 loading for ZIF-8 and a 22% increase for ZCAF compared with MEA. These results highlight the ZCAF’s potential to advance air filtration and gas separation technologies, offering sustainable solutions to global CO2 capture challenges.
Effects of Red Dragon Fruit Puree Application on Physicochemical Properties of Selected Bakery Products
Authors: Jati Ignasius Radix A. P. , Setijawaty Erni , Purwestri Ratna Chrismiari
Published: November 2024

Bakery products are a popular staple food made from wheat flour and other ingredients. Common bread-making methods include baking, steaming, and frying. Recent trends focus on developing value-added bakery products by incorporating various health-promoting ingredients like fruit. Dragon fruit can be used in bread formulations due to its high fiber, bioactive content, and antioxidant activity. However, adding red dragon fruit can also be challenging in obtaining a high-quality bakery product because it will affect the physicochemical and sensory properties. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of different red dragon fruit puree concentrations on the physicochemical and sensory properties of bread made with red dragon fruit. Three bakery products were made: white bread, steamed buns, and donuts. The red dragon fruit puree concentrations were 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60%, respectively. The treatment was repeated four times. Meanwhile, the analyses included moisture content, specific volume, hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, color, phenolic, DPPH, superoxide radical scavenging activity, and sensory properties. The presence of red dragon fruit puree increased the moisture content of white bread (0.3% to 2.1%), steamed buns (1.75% to 18.21%), and donuts (2.30% to 13.81%). Meanwhile, the presence of the puree decreased the capability of bread to expand, which ranged from 4.07 to 2.82 cm3/g for white bread, 3.14 to 2.78 cm3/g for steamed buns, and 3.47 to 2.87 cm3/g for donuts, resulting in a decrease in specific volume. The concentration of red dragon fruit puree also plays an important role in increasing the hardness and cohesiveness and decreasing springiness. The increase in red dragon fruit puree concentration affects the color parameters. Furthermore, the presence of red dragon fruit puree can maintain its high phenolic content, which was 15.25–59.11 mg GAE/100 g for white bread, 17.98–59.82 mg GAE/100 g for steamed buns, and 11.56–46.33 mg GAE/100 g for donuts, and dietary fiber, which was 1.32–2.03% for white bread, steamed buns 1.27–1.96%, and donuts 1.27–1.95%. Furthermore, the higher concentration of red dragon fruit puree contributes to higher phenolic and dietary fiber content. Bakery products could be developed as functional food, as reflected by their high antioxidant activity. Meanwhile, the sensory tests revealed that panelists could accept all three products.
Influence of Surface Material and Nutrient Conditions on Green Fluorescent Protein Production in Escherichia coli Biofilms
Authors: Azevedo Ana , Teixeira-Santos Rita , Carvalho Fábio M. , Gomes Luciana C. , Monteiro Gabriel A. , Mergulhão Filipe J.
Published: November 2024

Escherichia coli biofilms have been investigated as a platform for producing recombinant proteins. This study aimed to assess the effect of different surface materials and culture media on E. coli biofilm formation and enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (eGFP) production. Three culture media with different carbon and nitrogen sources (Lysogeny broth, Terrific broth, and M9ZB broth) were tested in combination with three materials with distinct surface properties (stainless steel, polyvinyl chloride, and silicone rubber). Biofilm formation, specific eGFP production, and plasmid copy number were monitored in microtiter plates for 9 days. Microscopy and culturability results indicated that biofilm formation was highest in Terrific broth, regardless of the surface material. Additionally, polyvinyl chloride surfaces exposed to Terrific broth provided the most advantageous conditions for achieving the highest specific eGFP production and plasmid maintenance in biofilms. These findings are relevant for establishing operational conditions for producing recombinant proteins and other high-value-added compounds on larger-scale biofilm platforms.
Domain-Invariant Few-Shot Contrastive Learning for Hyperspectral Image Classification
Authors: Chen Wenchen , Zhang Yanmei , Chu Jianping , Wang Xingbo
Published: November 2024

In Hyperspectral Image (HSI) classification, acquiring large quantities of high-quality labeled samples is typically costly and impractical. Traditional deep learning methods are limited in such scenarios due to their dependence on sample quantities. To address this challenge, researchers have turned to Few-Shot Learning (FSL). Although existing FSL methods improve classification performance by enhancing domain invariance through domain adaptation, they often overlook the critical issue of high inter-class similarity and large intra-class variability. Moreover, during domain alignment, features of different categories within the same domain may become confused. To address these issues, this paper proposes a novel Domain-Invariant Few-Shot Contrastive Learning (DIFSCL) method, which combines domain adaptation and contrastive learning strategies to not only learn domain-invariant features but also significantly enhance inter-class discriminability. Based on this, we further design a multi-scale adaptive attention mechanism for a hyperspectral feature extraction network to more effectively extract and optimize generalized features within the DIFSCL framework, significantly improving intra-class consistency and inter-class discriminative capability of features. Experimental results on three widely used HSI datasets demonstrate that our method significantly outperforms existing techniques in few-shot classification tasks.
Analysis of ENSO Event Intensity Changes and Time–Frequency Characteristic Since 1875
Authors: Chen Yansong , Zhao Chengyi , Zhi Hai
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the characteristics and intensity of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events from January 1875 to December 2023, employing an advanced method for intensity determination based on various ENSO indices defined as a continuous five-month period with temperatures exceeding 0.5 °C for warm events or falling below −0.5 °C for cold events. A total of 40 warm and 41 cold events were identified, with further classification revealing seven extreme warm events and five extreme cold events. The analysis shows a positive skewness in frequency distribution, indicating a predominance of strong warm events. The primary mode of variability is found to be interannual oscillation in the 3–8 year range, with significant decadal oscillations in the 10–16 year range. This study highlights the importance of methodological rigor in evaluating ENSO dynamics, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of climate variability and offering a reliable framework for future research.
Optimizing Renewable Strategies for Emission Reduction Through Robotic Process Automation in Smart Grid Management
Authors: Guo Jiuyu , Chen Bin , Li Zeke , Liu Bijing , Wu Wei , Yang Junjie
Published: November 2024

The integration of renewable energy into Intelligent Distribution Networks (IDNs) is challenged by the inherent variability and fluctuations in energy supply, particularly with photovoltaic (PV) generation as the primary form of distributed generation (DG). However, managing the fluctuations and variability in renewable energy supply presents significant challenges. To address these complexities, it is vital to optimally coordinate flexible resources from source–network–storage–load (SNSL) in a manner that aligns with cross-sectoral emission reduction strategies while enhancing grid stability and efficiency. This paper addresses these challenges by proposing a strategy that optimizes the coordination of PV-based DG, storage, and load resources through Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to enhance grid stability and support emissions reduction. We use a two-layer dispatching framework: the lower-layer model, formulated as a quadratic programming problem, maximizes PV utilization for individual users, while the upper-layer model, based on a second-order cone relaxation approach, manages the overall IDN to minimize operational costs. The iterative solution leverages tie-line power flow as boundary information to ensure convergence across the network. Validated on an enhanced IEEE 33-bus system, the approach demonstrates a 62% increase in PV-based DG consumption and a 25% reduction in active power losses, highlighting its potential to improve grid efficiency and contribute to emission reduction goals.
Study on Ozone and Its Critical Influencing Factors in Key Regions of China
Authors: Wu Zhenhai , Zhang Dandan , Ren Yanqin , Bi Fang , Gao Rui , Wang Xuezhong , Li Hong , Wang Jikang
Published: November 2024

Solar radiation is the fundamental energy source of climate change, which has a significant impact on the generations of secondary fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) in the atmosphere. Additionally, surface solar radiation is also affected by the concentration of PM2.5, which in turn affects the generation of O3. To clarify the relationships among the O3, PM2.5 and the total radiation intensity, this study analyzes their temporal and spatial variation trends from 2017 to 2019. Meanwhile, as a common precursor of O3 and PM2.5, concentration variations in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are discussed as well in this study. The results showed the following: (1) There are significant positive correlations between the O3-8 h concentrations and the total radiation intensities in critical regions, especially in the “2 + 26” cities, Fen-Wei Plain and Yangtze River Delta. (2) The decrease in PM2.5 concentrations is in good agreement with the trend of NO2 concentrations, while the response of O3 concentration to the NO2 concentration variation differs in different regions, except in the Pearl River Delta. (3) In addition to the meteorological factors, changes in the concentrations and ratios of precursors such as NO2 and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) likely contribute to the observed fluctuations in O3 concentrations in recent years.
SERS Sensors with Bio-Derived Substrates Under the Way to Agricultural Monitoring of Pesticide Residues
Authors: Serebrennikova Kseniya V. , Komova Nadezhda S. , Zherdev Anatoly V. , Dzantiev Boris B.
Published: November 2024

Uncontrolled use of pesticides in agriculture leads to negative consequences for the environment, as well as for human and animal health. Therefore, timely detection of pesticides will allow application of measures to eliminate the excess of maximum residue limits and reduce possible negative consequences in advance. Common methods of pesticide analysis suffer from high costs, and are time consuming, and labor intensive. Currently, more attention is being paid to the development of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensors as a non-destructive and highly sensitive tool for detecting various chemicals in agricultural applications. This review focuses on the current developments of biocompatible SERS substrates based on natural materials with unique micro/nanostructures, flexible SERS substrates based on biopolymers, as well as functionalized SERS substrates, which are close to the current needs and requirements of agricultural product quality control and environmental safety assessment. The impact of herbicides on the process of photosynthesis is considered and the prospects for the application of Raman spectroscopy and SERS for the detection of herbicides are discussed.
Combined Dielectric-Optical Characterization of Single Cells Using Dielectrophoresis-Imaging Flow Cytometry
Authors: Arzhang Behnam , Lee Justyna , Kovacs Emerich , Butler Michael , Salimi Elham , Thomson Douglas J. , Bridges Greg E.
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we present a microfluidic flow cytometer for simultaneous imaging and dielectric characterization of individual biological cells within a flow. Utilizing a combination of dielectrophoresis (DEP) and high-speed imaging, this system offers a dual-modality approach to analyze both cell morphology and dielectric properties, enhancing the ability to analyze, characterize, and discriminate cells in a heterogeneous population. A high-speed camera is used to capture images of and track multiple cells in real-time as they flow through a microfluidic channel. A wide channel is used, enabling analysis of many cells in parallel. A coplanar electrode array perpendicular to cell flow is incorporated at the bottom of the channel to perform dielectrophoresis-based dielectric characterization. A frequency-dependent voltage applied to the array produces a non-uniform electric field, translating cells to higher or lower velocity depending on their dielectric polarizability. In this paper, we demonstrate how cell size, obtained by optical imaging, and DEP response, obtained by particle tracking, can be used to discriminate viable and non-viable Chinese hamster ovary cells in a heterogeneous cell culture. Multiphysics electrostatic-fluid dynamics simulation is used to develop a relationship between cell incoming velocity, differential velocity, size, and the cell’s polarizability, which can subsequently be used to evaluate its physiological state. Measurement of a mixture of polystyrene microspheres is used to evaluate the accuracy of the cytometer.
Experimental Study on Axial Compression Behavior of Molybdenum Tailings Concrete Column Confined by GFRP
Authors: Yuan Jian , Zhao Xin , Tian Lianmin , Hou Zhaolong , Pan Yunfeng , He Jun
Published: November 2024

To promote the application of molybdenum tailings as the fine aggregate in concrete in construction engineering and verify the feasibility of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) material for strengthening molybdenum tailings concrete columns, this study takes a short circular molybdenum tailings concrete column reinforced by glass FRP (GFRP) as the research object. The influences of the molybdenum tailings content (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%), the concrete grade (C30, C40, and C50), and the layer number (0, 1, and 2) of the GFRP sheet on the axial compressive capacity of the molybdenum tailings concrete column are investigated. The experimental phenomena and failure modes of the unreinforced and GFRP-reinforced columns are analyzed. The axial compressive strengths of the unreinforced and GFRP-reinforced columns are then compared. The load–strain curve and load–displacement curve of typical molybdenum tailings concrete columns are presented. Subsequently, six classical strength models for FRP-reinforced concrete are used to calculate the axial compressive strength of the confined specimens. The results show that the best classical model has a predictive accuracy with an absolute relative deviation (ARD) of 8.5%. To provide a better prediction of the compressive strength of the GFRP-reinforced molybdenum tailings concrete column, the best classical model is further improved, and the ARD of the modified model is only 5.87%.
Experimental Study on Fire Resistance of Geopolymer High-Performance Concrete Prefabricated Stairs
Authors: Shen Yongjiang , Wang Qilin , Zhou Quan , Li Xinxing , Xiang Zhengliang
Published: November 2024

Geopolymer-based high-performance concrete (GHPC) stairs have been proposed as an alternative solution that fulfills both lightweight and load-bearing requirements for prefabricated stairs. Nevertheless, the fire resistance properties of GHPC stairs remain uncertain. Therefore, this study first conducts high-temperature experimental research on GHPC test blocks. The experimental results demonstrated that the GHPC test blocks exhibited no signs of bursting at elevated temperatures and displayed less degradation in the compressive strength compared to that of ordinary concrete. Subsequently, GHPC-Z stair specimens with ribbed and unribbed configurations were fabricated to conduct a fire resistance test at elevated temperatures, followed by a comparative analysis of the resulting damage. The test results indicate that both types of GHPC stairs demonstrate exceptional performance without exhibiting bursting or noticeable cracks or structural spalling marks on their main bodies, despite experiencing vertical deformation. Furthermore, based on these findings, finite element models were established to simulate the fire-induced damage in GHPC and ordinary concrete stairs without ribbed folding plates. The simulation results illustrate that GHPC stairs possess commendable fire resistance capabilities along with an ability to effectively recover from high-temperature damage.
Research Progress in Construction Workers’ Risk-Taking Behavior and Hotspot Analysis Based on CiteSpace Analysis
Authors: Luo Qi , Wang Sihan , Huang Jianling , Chen Huihua
Published: November 2024

With the continuous development of the global construction industry and urbanization, the accident rate in the construction industry has also been increasing year by year, with construction workers’ risk-taking behavior being an important factor. Therefore, effectively reducing the occurrence of construction workers’ risk-taking behavior and improving safety in the construction industry are of great significance to both academia and industry management. Based on the relevant literature on construction workers’ risk-taking behaviors published between 1 January 2012 and 28 August 2024, this study uses CiteSpace software to visualize and analyze the countries, institutions, authors, cited works, and keywords of 272 selected articles. It aims to analyze the development and current status of construction workers’ risk-taking behavior from multiple perspectives, reveal the research hotspots, and predict future development trends. The results of this study show that, firstly, the emergence of risk-taking behavior among construction workers is closely related to a variety of factors, such as work pressure, environmental factors, safety atmosphere, organizational culture, etc. Therefore, future research needs to further explore how to consider these factors comprehensively to understand the causes of risk-taking behaviors more comprehensively. Second, the research methods of risk-taking behaviors of construction workers are becoming increasingly diversified, and the means of research have shifted from a single empirical analysis to a comprehensive analysis, incorporating advanced equipment. Third, the focus of the research object has been gradually shifted from the traditional behavioral patterns of adolescents to the occupational groups, especially construction workers, which strengthens the safety management field. Fourth, the management mode is also gradually standardized, and the scope of future research can be extended to all stages of the occurrence of the behavior, and the methodology is more focused on precision and effectiveness. This study not only helps scholars to have a comprehensive understanding of the current state of research and the future direction of development in this field. It also provides valuable references for managers to improve safety management strategies in practice.
Structural Deterioration and Failure of the Laminated Wooden Roof of a Covered Swimming Pool
Authors: Pinilla-Melo Javier , Flores-Medina Nelson , Sánchez-Aparicio Luis Javier , Aira-Zunzunegui Jose Ramón
Published: November 2024

A swimming pool in Corrales de Buelna (Cantabria) was demolished in March 2017 due to the loss of mechanical performance of the laminated timber structure. The relevant deterioration was caused by rotting of the wood and corrosion of the metal connecting elements. The structure featured a barrel vault with five large tri-articulated arches enclosed on the sides by inclined facades formed by toral rafters and purlins. The corresponding diagnostic process involved data collection and structural assessments to verify the structure’s bearing capacity and serviceability. Data collection was carried out in December 2015 and consisted of a thermal camera inspection to determine the points of moisture accumulation and sampling openings, conduct environmental and wood hygrothermal measurements, and measure cross-sectional losses and deformations of the structural elements. Verification of the load-bearing capacity was carried out using matrix calculation structure software for both the original and deteriorated structure. The diagnosis indicated that the damage was caused by leaks in the joints of the aluminum composite roof panels and by the insufficient load-bearing capacity of the structure. The severity of the damage compromised the mechanical strength and stability of the building, leading to a recommendation that the use of the facilities be immediately discontinued. The degree of deterioration left the structure unrecoverable, making it very difficult to apply reinforcement measures. These factors led to the structure’s demolition to prevent its collapse.
Discovery, Validation and Mechanistic Study of XPO1 Inhibition in the Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Paulson Amy L. , Gruener Robert F. , Lee Adam M. , Huang R. Stephanie
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive form of breast cancer with limited treatment options. The nuclear export protein XPO1 has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in cancer, but its role in TNBC has not been fully characterized. This study investigates the potential of repurposing selinexor, an FDA-approved XPO1 inhibitor, as a novel therapeutic options for TNBC. Methods: A computational drug repurposing pipeline was used to predict patient tumor responses to hundreds of drugs. We identified XPO1 inhibitors as a candidate drug and validated its efficacy on an independent patient dataset and across various TNBC cell lines. RNA-sequencing after longitudinal XPO1 inhibition and further mechanistic studies were performed to explore and confirm the leading causes of TNBC cell sensitivity to XPO1 inhibition. Results: Selinexor significantly reduce the viability of a variety of TNBC cell lines. Mechanistically, selinexor induces TNBC cell death by inhibiting the NF-kB pathway through nuclear retention of NFKBIA. This effect was consistent across multiple TNBC cell lines. Conclusions: XPO1 inhibitors show promise as targeted therapies for TNBC patients. New mechanistic insight into the causes leading to TNBC sensitivity to XPO1-inhibition-mediated cell death warrant further clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy in TNBC.
Enhancing Glioblastoma Resection with NIR Fluorescence Imaging: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mansour Hadeel M. , Shah Siddharth , Aguilar Tania M. , Abdul-Muqsith Mohammed , Gonzales-Portillo Gabriel S. , Mehta Ankit I.
Published: November 2024

Glioblastoma (GB) is among the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat brain tumors, with a median survival of only 12–15 months despite maximal treatments, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Extensive surgical resection improves survival in glioblastoma patients; however, achieving complete resection is often hindered by limitations in neurosurgical guidance technologies for accurate tumor margin detection. Recent advancements in fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) and imaging techniques have significantly enhanced the precision and extent of glioblastoma resections. This study evaluates the impact of NIR fluorescence imaging on tumor visualization, surgical precision, cost-effectiveness, and patient survival. A systematic review of PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Embase was conducted to identify studies on the role of NIR fluorescence in glioblastoma surgery. A total of 135 studies were included, comprising 10 reviews, three clinical studies, 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 10 preclinical studies, and four case reports, all focused on NIR fluorescence imaging in glioblastoma surgery. The findings indicate that NIR fluorescence imaging significantly improves tumor visualization, resulting in an 18–22% increase in gross total resection (GTR) rates in clinical studies. NIR fluorescence provides continuous real-time feedback, minimizing repeat imaging, reducing operational costs, and increasing GTR. These improvements contribute to better patient outcomes, including extended progression-free survival, improved overall survival, and reduced postoperative neurological deficits. This review underscores the potential of NIR imaging to establish a new standard for intraoperative glioblastoma management.
Synthetic Promoters in Gene Therapy: Design Approaches, Features and Applications
Authors: Artemyev Valentin , Gubaeva Anna , Paremskaia Anastasiia Iu. , Dzhioeva Amina A. , Deviatkin Andrei , Feoktistova Sofya G. , Mityaeva Olga , Volchkov Pavel Yu.
Published: November 2024

Gene therapy is a promising approach to the treatment of various inherited diseases, but its development is complicated by a number of limitations of the natural promoters used. The currently used strong ubiquitous natural promoters do not allow for the specificity of expression, while natural tissue-specific promoters have lowactivity. These limitations of natural promoters can be addressed by creating new synthetic promoters that achieve high levels of tissue-specific target gene expression. This review discusses recent advances in the development of synthetic promoters that provide a more precise regulation of gene expression. Approaches to the design of synthetic promoters are reviewed, including manual design and bioinformatic methods using machine learning. Examples of successful applications of synthetic promoters in the therapy of hereditary diseases and cancer are presented, as well as prospects for their clinical use.
Research on Ni-WC Coating and a Carbide Solidification Simulation Mechanism of PTAW on the Descaling Roll Surface
Authors: Li Chang , Kong Fanhong , Feng Lei , Sun Han , Han Xing , Luo Fenghua
Published: November 2024

The descaling roll is a critical component in a hot-rolling production line. The operating conditions are significantly impacted by water with high-pressure and dynamic shocks caused by high-temperature steel slab descaling. Roll surfaces often experience wear and corrosion failures. This is attributed to a combination of high temperatures, intense wear, and repeated thermal, mechanical, and fluid stresses. Production costs and efficiency are significantly affected by the replacement of descaling rolls. Practice shows that the use of plasma cladding technology forms high-performance coatings. Conventional metal surface properties can be significantly improved. In this study, a Ni-WC composite coating was prepared on the descaling roll surface by plasma-transferred arc welding (PTAW) technology. The microstructure and phase composition of the welding overlay were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results show that the WC hard phase added to the molten pool dissolves, and subsequently M7C3 and W2C phases are formed. To further explore the morphological evolution mechanism of the hard phase, numerical simulations were performed using a phase-field method to model M7C3 phase precipitation. The evolution from nucleation, rod-like growth, to eutectic structure formation was revealed. Experimental and simulation results show high consistency, validating the established phase-field model. In this study, a theoretical foundation for designing and preparing high-performance coatings is provided.
Efficient Photocatalytic Reduction of Hexavalent Chromium by NiCo2S4/BiOBr Heterogeneous Photocatalysts
Authors: Qin Shumeng , Xu Ruofan , Jin Qiu , Wang Sen , Ren Yi , Huang Yulin , Zheng Ziye , Xiao Lihui , Zhai Dong , Wang Shuguang , He Zuoli
Published: November 2024

For typical Cr(VI)-containing industrial wastewater, more efficient water treatment technologies need to be used to ensure that Cr(VI) concentrations are reduced to safe levels before discharge. Photocatalytic technology is highly efficient, environmentally friendly, and has been extensively used to address this demand. Herein, heterogeneous NiCo2S4/BiOBr photocatalysts with different ratios were prepared using a solvothermal method. When compared with pure NiCo2S4 and BiOBr, the NiCo2S4/BiOBr-30 had significantly increased adsorption capacity and visible-light-driven photocatalytic reduction activity for Cr(VI) removal. The improved adsorption performance of the NiCo2S4/BiOBr-30 was mainly due to its increased specific surface area, and the enhanced photocatalytic performance of the NiCo2S4/BiOBr-30 could be attributed to the improved separation and transfer of photogenerated carriers at the interface. Lastly, a possible enhanced photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction mechanism of the NiCo2S4/BiOBr heterostructure was developed.
Driving Factors for Vegetation NDVI Changes in a Cold Temperate Zone: Climate, Topography, and Land Use
Authors: Zhao Dandan , Hu Weijia , Wang Jianmiao , Liu Jiping
Published: November 2024

Exploring the spatio-temporal evolution and driving mechanism of the NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) is important in order to understand the operating forces of the ecosystem and the response process of environmental change. We analyzed spatio-temporal vegetation changes by using the trend analysis method during 2001–2020 based on the MODIS NDVI, the meteorological data, the DEM (Digital Elevation Model) and land use types data. We quantitatively revealed the influence degree and mechanism of each detection factor and their interaction on the spatial differentiation of vegetation by using the geographical detector model. Results showed that the vegetation NDVI showed an increasing trend with an increasing rate of 0.021/10 a during 2001–2020 and mainly distributed in the northwest and southwest of the Greater Khingan Mountains. The explanatory power values of each driving factor are as follows: land use (0.384) > elevation (0.193) > slope (0.159) > annual precipitation (0.104) > aspect (0.069) > average annual temperature (0.056). The explanatory power of interaction between driving factors were relatively high, as follows: Land use ∩ Aspect (0.490) > Land use ∩ Slope (0.471) > Land use ∩ Annual precipitation (0.460) > Land use ∩ elevation (0.443) > Land use ∩ Annual temperature (0.421) > Aspect ∩ elevation (0.408). Our research was of great significance for understanding the growth law of vegetation, protecting the ecological environment, and sustainable development in cold temperate zones.
Changes in Wood Plastic Composite Properties After Natural Weathering and Potential Microplastic Formation
Authors: Vasiljevs Lotars O. , Zabarovska Roze , Gulevska Eva , Cirule Dace , Sansonetti Errj , Andersone Ingeborga , Andersons Bruno , Kajaks Janis , Kuka Edgars
Published: November 2024

Wood plastic composites (WPCs) have recently gained attention as alternatives to traditional wood materials for outdoor use, thanks to their enhanced moisture resistance and durability, which extends their service life. Discolouration as well as surface erosion has been observed during weathering for both WPCs with untreated and heat-treated wood. However, aspects such as changes in surface hydrophobicity, chemistry, and erosion in terms of microplastic formation have received less attention; this research aimed to evaluate these factors during natural weathering. Four types of WPC samples, consisting of 50% wood particles (untreated and heat-treated) and 50% polypropylene, were naturally weathered in Latvia for two years. The samples measured 240 mm × 240 mm × 5 mm. Results showed rapid colour changes, microcracks, and exposed wood particles, suggesting microplastic formation. ATR-FTIR analysis showed increased absorption at 1715 cm⁻¹ (carbonyl groups) and at 3410 cm−1 and 3460 cm−1, typical of wood, indicating chemical changes on the surface. These changes influenced surface hydrophobicity, roughness, and water penetration. In a relatively short exposure time, WPCs without proper additives undergo significant changes in their aesthetic and physical properties, leading to surface erosion and potential microplastic formation. This could challenge the perception of WPCs as environmentally friendly materials.
Bayesian Fictitious Play in Oligopoly: The Case of Risk-Averse Agents
Authors: Yazar Julide
Published: November 2024

A number of learning models have been suggested to analyze the repeated interaction of boundedly rational agents competing in oligopolistic markets. The agents form a model of the environment that they are competing in, which includes the market demand and price formation process, as well as their expectations of their rivals’ actions. The agents update their model based on the observed output and price realizations and then choose their next period output levels according to an optimization criterion. In previous works, the global dynamics of price movement have been analyzed when risk-neutral agents maximize their expected rewards at each round. However, in many practical settings, agents may be concerned with the risk or uncertainty in their reward stream, in addition to the expected value of the future rewards. Learning in oligopoly models for the case of risk-averse agents has received much less attention. In this paper, we present a novel learning model that extends fictitious play learning to continuous strategy spaces where agents combine their prior beliefs with market price realizations in previous periods to learn the mean and the variance of the aggregate supply function of the rival firms in a Bayesian framework. Next, each firm maximizes a linear combination of the expected value of the profit and a penalty term for the variance of the returns. Specifically, each agent assumes that the aggregate supply of the remaining agents is sampled from a parametric distribution employing a normal-inverse gamma prior. We prove the convergence of the proposed dynamics and present simulation results to compare the proposed learning rule to the traditional best response dynamics.
Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake Among Women with Disabilities: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study in Chile
Authors: Jara-Rosales Sergio , Rotarou Elena S.
Published: November 2024

The Papanicolaou (Pap) test is one of the most effective methods for cervical cancer screening. However, women with disabilities are less likely to be screened. The objective of this study is to determine whether there is a difference in Pap test utilisation between women with and without disabilities and to analyse the demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related characteristics associated with Pap test uptake among women with disabilities in Chile. Data from the 2022 National Socioeconomic Characterization Survey were analysed, and 71,989 women between 18 and 75 years of age were included. The dependent variable was Pap test utilisation, and the exposure variable was disability. We used logistic regressions to control for demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related covariates. The results showed that women with disabilities were less likely to undergo a Pap test compared to those without disabilities. Characteristics such as being married, being aged between 25 and 64 years, and having secondary or tertiary education increased the likelihood of Pap test utilisation. Conversely, being single, having received special education, and being inactive decreased these odds. Effective public health policies are needed that will increase Pap test utilisation for all population subgroups, including women with disabilities and, therefore, promote health equity.
Functions of TAM Receptors and Ligands Protein S and Gas6 in Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Prouse Teagan , Majumder Samarpan , Majumder Rinku
Published: November 2024

Atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease are associated with high morbidity and mortality in industrialized nations. The Tyro3, Axl, and Mer (TAM) family of receptor tyrosine kinases is involved in the amplification or resolution of atherosclerosis pathology and other cardiovascular pathology. The ligands of these receptors, Protein S (PS) and growth arrest specific protein 6 (Gas6), are essential for TAM receptor functions in the amplification and resolution of atherosclerosis. The Axl-Gas6 interaction has various effects on cardiovascular disease. Mer and PS dampen inflammation, thereby protecting against atherosclerosis progression. Tyro3, the least studied TAM receptor in cardiovascular disease, appears to protect against fibrosis in post-myocardial infarction injury. Ultimately, PS, Gas6, and TAM receptors present an exciting avenue of potential therapeutic targets against inflammation associated with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
Highly Efficient Methods with a Generalized Linear Mixed Model for the Quantitative Trait Locus Mapping of Resistance to Columnaris Disease in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Song Yuxin , Chang Zhongyu , Chen Ao , Zhao Yunfeng , Jiang Yanliang , Jiang Li
Published: November 2024

Linear mixed models (LMMs) are commonly used in genome-wide association studies (GWASs) to evaluate population structures and relatedness. However, LMMs have been shown to be ineffective in controlling false positive errors for the analysis of resistance to Columnaris disease in Rainbow Trout. To solve this problem, we conducted a series of studies using generalized linear mixed-model association software such as GMMAT (v1.4.0) (generalized linear mixed-model association tests), SAIGE (v1.4.0) (Scalable and Accurate Implementation of Generalized mixed model), and Optim-GRAMMAR for scanning a total of 25,853 SNPs. Seven different SNPs (single-nucleotide polymorphisms) associated with the trait of resistance to Columnaris were detected by Optim-GRAMMAR, four SNPs were detected by GMMAT, and three SNPs were detected by SAIGE, and all of these SNPs can explain 8.87% of the genetic variance of the trait of resistance to Columnaris disease. The heritability of the trait of resistance to Columnaris re-evaluated by GMMAT was calibrated and was found to amount to a total of 0.71 other than 0.35, which was seriously underestimated in previous research. The identification of LOC110520307, LOC110520314, and LOC110520317 associated with the resistance to Columnaris disease will provide us more genes to improve the genetic breeding by molecular markers. Finally, we continued the haplotype and gene-based analysis and successfully identified some haplotypes and a gene (TTf-2) associated with resistance to Columnaris disease.
The Potential Contribution of MyomiRs miR-133a-3p, -133b, and -206 Dysregulation in Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Authors: Crocco Paolina , Montesanto Alberto , La Grotta Rossella , Paparazzo Ersilia , Soraci Luca , Dato Serena , Passarino Giuseppe , Rose Giuseppina
Published: November 2024

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major global health concern. The number of people with CVD is expected to rise due to aging populations and increasing risk factors such as obesity and diabetes. Identifying new molecular markers is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. Among these, plasma levels of some miRNAs, specifically expressed in cardiac and skeletal muscle, known as myomiRs, have gained attention for their roles in cardiovascular health. This study analyzed the plasma levels of miR-133a-3p, -133b, and -206 in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Using a case–control study design with patients recruited from several nursing homes from Calabria (southern Italy) characterized by different types of CVD compared with non-CVD controls, we found downregulation of miR-133a-3p in heart failure and miR-133b in stroke, along with the overall decreased expression of miR-133b and miR-206 in CVD patients, although they showed low specificity as biomarkers of CVD (as based on ROC analysis). In silico functional characterization of their targets and signaling pathways revealed their involvement in critical cardiovascular processes. Although further research is necessary to fully elucidate their mechanisms and clinical utility, the findings reported here may provide insight into the potential contribution of myomiRs in the cardiovascular injury framework, also offering indications for new research directions.
A Comprehensive Review of Deep Learning: Architectures, Recent Advances, and Applications
Authors: Mienye Ibomoiye Domor , Swart Theo G.
Published: November 2024

Deep learning (DL) has become a core component of modern artificial intelligence (AI), driving significant advancements across diverse fields by facilitating the analysis of complex systems, from protein folding in biology to molecular discovery in chemistry and particle interactions in physics. However, the field of deep learning is constantly evolving, with recent innovations in both architectures and applications. Therefore, this paper provides a comprehensive review of recent DL advances, covering the evolution and applications of foundational models like convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), as well as recent architectures such as transformers, generative adversarial networks (GANs), capsule networks, and graph neural networks (GNNs). Additionally, the paper discusses novel training techniques, including self-supervised learning, federated learning, and deep reinforcement learning, which further enhance the capabilities of deep learning models. By synthesizing recent developments and identifying current challenges, this paper provides insights into the state of the art and future directions of DL research, offering valuable guidance for both researchers and industry experts.