bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intra- and Inter-Examiner Reliability of Kinovea for Hip Flexion Angle Measurement During Straight Leg Raise Test
Authors: Rabanal-Rodríguez Gabriel , Navarro-Santana Marcos José , Valera-Calero Juan Antonio , Muñoz-Rodríguez Ana , Hernández-González Elías , Plaza-Manzano Gustavo
Published: January 2025

The accurate and reliable measurement of hip flexion angles during the Straight Leg Raise (SLR) test is essential for clinical and research purposes. Despite the widespread use of motion analysis tools, few studies have examined the reliability of affordable, open-source software 0.9.5 like Kinovea for this application. This study aimed to evaluate the intra- and inter-examiner reliability of Kinovea for measuring the hip flexion angle during the SLR test in individuals with and without low back pain (LBP). An observational study was conducted involving 53 participants (38 with LBP and 15 asymptomatic controls). Each participant underwent two SLR test sessions conducted by two examiners with varying levels of experience. The hip flexion angles were measured using Kinovea software based on video recordings. Intra- and inter-examiner reliability were assessed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Standard Error of Measurement (SEM), and Minimal Detectable Change (MDC). The effects of examiner experience and patient group were also analyzed. Kinovea demonstrated excellent intra- and inter-examiner reliability for measuring hip flexion angles, with ICC values ranging from 0.985 to 0.998. The SEM values were low (0.5°–1.5°), and the MDC values at 95% confidence ranged from 1.3° to 4.0°. No significant differences were found between the examiners’ experience or the patient groups. Thus, Kinovea offers a reliable, cost-effective, and user-friendly method for measuring hip flexion angles during the SLR test. Its consistency and precision, even across examiners with differing experience levels, highlight its potential to standardize assessments and improve diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Future research should explore its use in more complex movement analyses and diverse clinical populations to further validate its utility.
Leveraging Industrial Jarosite Waste for Arsenic(V) and Chromium(III) Adsorption from Water: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Cruz-Hernández Montserrat , García-Cerón Alondra , Maldonado Ramón G. Salinas , Corro-Escorcia Irma A. , Hernández-Ávila Juan , Cerecedo-Sáenz Eduardo , Flores-Badillo Javier , Toro Norman , Saldana Manuel , Gutiérrez-Amador M. P. , Barrientos-Hernández F. R. , Salinas-Rodríguez Eleazar
Published: January 2025

The global problem of water scarcity is exacerbated by the continued contamination of potable water sources. This preliminary study investigates the potential of a hazardous industrial jarosite waste to adsorb As(V) and Cr(III) from contaminated waters. The results showed that this mining waste effectively adsorbed both As(V) and Cr(III), demonstrating its potential as a low-cost and sustainable solution for water remediation along with the use of a hazardous waste that also contaminates. The adsorption process was optimized, and the effects of various parameters on the adsorption capacity were investigated. The findings of this study suggest that the use of toxic mining residues in porous concrete could provide a promising approach for the removal of toxic heavy metals from polluted water sources, contributing to the development of more sustainable and environmentally friendly water treatment technologies. A maximum adsorption of 90.6% of As(V) and 96.3% of Cr(III) was achieved, and it was verified that the industrial jarosite initially contained about 0.44% As, which was later leached during decomposition; again, the industrial jarosite was able to re-adsorb both As(V) and Cr(III).
Dissolved Oxygen Modeling by a Bayesian-Optimized Explainable Artificial Intelligence Approach
Authors: Li Qiulin , He Jinchao , Mu Dewei , Liu Hao , Li Shicheng
Published: January 2025

Dissolved oxygen (DO) is a vital water quality index influencing biological processes in aquatic environments. Accurate modeling of DO levels is crucial for maintaining ecosystem health and managing freshwater resources. To this end, the present study contributes a Bayesian-optimized explainable machine learning (ML) model to reveal DO dynamics and predict DO concentrations. Three ML models, support vector regression (SVR), regression tree (RT), and boosting ensemble, coupled with Bayesian optimization (BO), are employed to estimate DO levels in the Mississippi River. It is concluded that the BO-SVR model outperforms others, achieving a coefficient of determination (CD) of 0.97 and minimal error metrics (root mean square error = 0.395 mg/L, mean absolute error = 0.303 mg/L). Shapley Additive Explanation (SHAP) analysis identifies temperature, discharge, and gage height as the most dominant factors affecting DO levels. Sensitivity analysis confirms the robustness of the models under varying input conditions. With perturbations from 5% to 30%, the temperature sensitivity ranges from 1.0% to 6.1%, discharge from 0.9% to 5.2%, and gage height from 0.8% to 5.0%. Although the models experience reduced accuracy with extended prediction horizons, they still achieve satisfactory results (CD > 0.75) for forecasting periods of up to 30 days. The established models also exhibit higher accuracy than many prior approaches. This study highlights the potential of BO-optimized explainable ML models for reliable DO forecasting, offering valuable insights for water resource management.
One-Dimensional Electro-Thermal Modelling of Battery Pack Cooling System for Heavy-Duty Truck Application
Authors: Maciocha Mateusz , Short Thomas , Thorat Udayraj , Salek Farhad , Thompson Harvey , Babaie Meisam
Published: January 2025

The transport sector is responsible for nearly a quarter of global CO2 emissions annually, underscoring the urgent need for cleaner, more sustainable alternatives such as electric vehicles (EVs). However, the electrification of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) has been slow due to the substantial power and battery capacity required to match the large payloads and extended operational ranges. This study addresses the research gap in battery pack design for commercial HGVs by investigating the electrical and thermal behaviour of a novel battery pack configuration using an electro-thermal model based on the equivalent circuit model (ECM). Through computationally efficient 1D modelling, this study evaluates critical factors such as cycle ageing, state of charge (SoC), and their impact on the battery’s range, initially estimated at 285 km. The findings of this study suggest that optimal cooling system parameters, including a flow rate of 18 LPM (litres per minute) and actively controlling the inlet temperature within ±7.8 °C, significantly enhance thermal performance and stability. This comprehensive electro-thermal assessment and the advanced cooling strategy set this work apart from previous studies centred on smaller EV applications. The findings provide a foundation for future research into battery thermal management system (BTMS) design and optimised charging strategies, both of which are essential for accelerating the industrial deployment of electrified HGVs.
Green Infrastructure and Climate Resilience of Urban Neighborhoods: What Can the Citizens Do Together?
Authors: Marković Đurica , Gvozdić Miloš , Kosanović Saja
Published: January 2025

This study began from the assumption that community self-organization, characterized by independent action without external control, could be a suitable approach to developing green infrastructure and strengthening climate resilience in urban neighborhoods in Serbia. The study employed a mixed methods approach to verify this assumption, combining a technical case study and citizen survey analysis. Technical simulations demonstrated that self-organized community interventions on green infrastructure could contribute to climate resilience, even in neighborhoods with unfavorable conditions. However, the survey uncovered significant social constraints that cannot be resolved within the community, including a perceived lack of internal capacity; belief in the primacy of external actors; moderate cohesion level; lack of community platforms; limited understanding of the interconnections between resilience, climate change, and the role of green infrastructure; limited environmental literacy; and unclear collective action benefits. Based on these findings, the study proposed a multi-level and multi-phase model for improving neighborhood green infrastructure. The model emphasizes participatory citizen collaboration and applies to the current context of Serbian urban neighborhoods.
Compressive Strength of Concrete-Filled Steel Pipe Pile Head with Inner Ribs
Authors: Furukawa Sachi , Sato Mutsuki , Hirose Toshiharu , Kimura Yoshihiro
Published: January 2025

Pile foundation failures during earthquakes can cause severe structural damage, emphasizing the importance of accurate strength evaluation. This study focuses on concrete-filled steel pipe pile heads with inner ribs, which play a crucial role in resisting compressive loads. Compression tests were conducted on specimens simulating pile heads to investigate stress transfer between the steel pipe and infill concrete. A numerical analysis model was developed using ABAQUS 6.14 and validated against experimental results, successfully reproducing load-deformation relationships and stress transfer mechanisms. Simulations extended the study by analyzing the bearing strength of the infill concrete under rib-induced pressure, with varying diameter-to-thickness ratios D/t. The results show that the compressive strength is primarily governed by the combined effects of steel pipe buckling resistance and concrete bearing resistance of a single layer of inner ribs. The proposed evaluation formula provides a lower-bound estimate of compressive strength and effectively captures key parameters influencing performance.
Understanding Barriers and Pathways for the Sustainable Implementation of Affordable Housing in Australia: The Case of the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS)
Authors: Amar Johari Hussein Nassor , Armitage Lynne Audrey
Published: January 2025

Australia’s housing affordability crisis has deepened despite extensive policy intervention, with the private rental sector experiencing unprecedented pressure. This study proposes that affordable housing should guarantee low and moderate-income households their fundamental right to access secure and safe dwellings, enabling these households to meet essential needs and maintain quality of life without enduring housing stress. Despite significant public investment, a critical housing shortage persists across the nation with a need to build 640,000 homes annually. This crisis is exacerbated by ineffective public–private–community partnerships (PPCP) and the absence of a unified national housing policy. This study critically examines the NRAS to understand why market-based interventions have consistently fallen short of addressing housing affordability challenges. Through empirical analysis of 31 in-depth interviews with senior stakeholders across public, private and community sectors, this research identifies five systemic barriers: definitional inconsistencies in affordable housing policy; inflexible strategic frameworks; misaligned investment incentives; geographical inequities in resource allocation; and fragmented governance structures. The study introduces the Personal and Collective Will in Policy Implementation (PaCWiPI) framework as an innovative approach integrating Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs with Henderson’s Poverty Line metrics. Our findings demonstrate that effective housing policy requires a fundamental shift from rigid, standardised approaches towards adaptive frameworks that are responsive to diverse market conditions. This research advances housing policy scholarship by providing empirical evidence of implementation barriers while offering practical recommendations for future initiatives, relevant to the current Housing Australia Future Fund and other regionally-related housing policies.
Efficacy and Safety of Nivolumab Plus Ipilimumab for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma in Patients 75 Years and Older: Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Yamashita Shimpei , Hamamoto Shuzo , Furukawa Junya , Fujita Kazutoshi , Takahashi Masayuki , Miyake Makito , Ito Noriyuki , Iwamoto Hideto , Kohjimoto Yasuo , Hara Isao
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: The efficacy and safety of nivolumab plus ipilimumab (NIVO + IPI) for elderly patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma have not been reported with sufficient evidence. Our study therefore aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of NIVO + IPI between patients ≥75 years and patients <75 years with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed a multi-center cohort of the 156 patients that received NIVO + IPI treatment at eight institutions. Among them, 33 patients were ≥75 years old, and the remainder were <75 years old. Results: Patient demographics and tumor characteristics were not significantly different between the two groups except for age. The objective response rate, disease control rate, progression-free survival, or cancer-specific survival were not significantly different between the groups. However, overall survival in the patients ≥75 years was significantly shorter than that in the patients <75 years (median: 18 months vs. 46 months, p = 0.01). In addition, an age ≥75 years was shown in multivariable analysis to be a significant independent predictor of poor overall survival. Toxicity did not show any significant variation between the groups. Conclusions: Although the clinical efficacy and safety of NIVO + IPI was demonstrated in patients ≥75 years old, it is suggested that the indication for NIVO + IPI in this age group should be carefully considered, taking into account patients’ expected life expectancy.
Effectiveness of Intensive Linguistic Intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Case Study
Authors: Moraleda-Sepulveda Esther , Pulido-García Noelia , Loro-Vicente Nadia , Santos-Muriel Noelia
Published: January 2025

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is currently classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder with increasing prevalence year by year. One of the key characteristics of this population is the persistent and variable difficulty they present in the development of functional language. For this reason, most individuals with ASD are candidates for linguistic treatment, especially during the early stages of development. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an individualized and intensive oral language and communication intervention. Method: This research was conducted through a case study of a 5-year-old Spanish-speaking child diagnosed with ASD. The child’s family sought intensive speech therapy to address articulation difficulties that were affecting speech intelligibility. However, a linguistic intervention program was proposed that would cover work in all areas of language. A comprehensive assessment of the child’s language and communication skills was carried out by a team of five professionals. Following this, an individualized intervention was implemented for 27 h per week over a period of 4 weeks. After this period, the child’s linguistic skills were reassessed. Results: The results show that the proposed intervention not only improved articulation skills. Conclusion: It is important to conduct a detailed analysis of each case and design individualized interventions that directly impact the effectiveness of treatments.
Factors That Affected South African Students’ Sense of Self-Perceived Academic Competence During the COVID-19 Lockdown and the Rapid Transition to Online Learning
Authors: Law-van Wyk Eloise , Visser Maretha , Masenge Andries
Published: January 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown restrictions had significant impacts on the well-being and academic functioning of students worldwide. When universities closed campuses and moved teaching and learning online, students faced numerous challenges. The researchers conducted a study to establish which factors most affected South African students’ academic competence during the initial months of lockdown and the shift to online learning. Using an online survey that focused on students’ wellness, perceived academic competence and coping behaviour, data were collected from 3239 university students. Multiple linear regression showed that students’ subjective sense of intellectual wellness, coping behaviour, satisfaction with support from the university, and mental health were strong predictors of academic competence. Other factors that influenced students’ academic competence were emotional and spiritual wellness, perceptions of safety and security, and hopefulness. Females, undergraduates, and Faculty of Law students reported higher perceptions of academic competence. These findings have practical implications for universities as they identify factors that contribute to students’ academic competence, especially during times of crisis and online learning. Academic and support services staff at universities may find the findings valuable when developing policies to provide appropriate resources and services to promote and sustain students’ academic functioning.
Artificial Intelligence-Enhanced Interview Success: Leveraging Eye-Tracking and Cognitive Measures to Support Self-Regulation in College Students with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Wilder Tahnee L. , Stratchan Nicole E.
Published: January 2025

This study investigates how cognitive and self-regulation factors impact online interview performance among college students with ADHD. With unemployment rates for individuals with disabilities significantly higher than the general population, understanding the unique challenges posed by AI-driven virtual interviews is critical. Forty-six students with ADHD completed a structured interview simulation using the Big Interview platform, coupled with eye-tracking data and cognitive assessments. Results reveal that higher-performing participants (Gold tier) demonstrated a balanced focus on content comprehension and interviewer engagement, while lower-performing participants (Bronze tier) spent significantly more time on content fixation. Logistic regression indicated that cognitive flexibility, as measured by NIH Dimensional Card Sorting, predicts interview success, emphasizing the importance of task-switching skills in virtual environments. These findings suggest the need for targeted interventions, such as executive function training, to prepare neurodivergent individuals for the demands of AI-driven hiring practices. The study highlights the potential of psychophysiological metrics in understanding and enhancing interview performance, advocating for inclusive, evidence-based strategies that align with Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) principles. This research provides actionable insights for educators, employers, and technology developers aiming to create accessible and equitable virtual interview platforms.
Disrupted and Disconnected Post Disaster: Associations Between the Social and Built Environment and Loneliness During COVID-19 in a U.S. Gulf Coast Sample
Authors: Atshan Samer , Ayer Lynsay , Parker Andrew M. , Strough JoNell , Ghosh-Dastidar Bonnie
Published: January 2025

Loneliness, a significant public health issue, was exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in disaster-prone regions like the U.S. Gulf Coast. This study examined how social and built environmental factors were associated with pandemic-related disruptions and loneliness among respondents from the third wave of the Survey of Trauma, Resilience, and Opportunity among Neighborhoods in the Gulf (STRONG). Using a retrospective measure of loneliness (pre-pandemic vs. during pandemic), we found that loneliness increased significantly during the pandemic. Using a measure of routine behavior disruptions and measures of both objective (e.g., parks, walkability, etc.) and subjective (e.g., neighborhood safety, social cohesion, etc.) environmental factors, we found that disruptions to daily routines strongly predicted higher loneliness, and subjective measures, such as neighborhood safety, social cohesion, and lacking post-disaster social support, were more salient predictors of loneliness than objective factors such as the number of parks in one’s neighborhood. Difficulty accessing green spaces and housing distress were linked to greater COVID-19 disruptions, indirectly contributing to loneliness. These findings highlight the importance of safe, supportive, and accessible social and physical environments in mitigating loneliness and enhancing community resilience during crises.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors in Toxic Models of Parkinsonism
Authors: Buneeva Olga , Medvedev Alexei
Published: January 2025

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are widely used for the symptomatic treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD). They demonstrate antiparkinsonian activity in different toxin-based models induced by 6-hydroxydopamine, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), and pesticides (rotenone and paraquat). In some models, such as MPTP-induced PD, MAO inhibitors prevent the formation of the neurotoxin MPP+ from the protoxin MPTP. Regardless of the toxin’s nature, potent MAO inhibitors prevent dopamine loss reduction, the formation of hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen peroxide signaling, and the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide-derived reactive oxygen species responsible for the development of oxidative stress. It becomes increasingly clear that some metabolites of MAO inhibitors (e.g., the rasagiline metabolite 1-R-aminoindan) possess their own bio-pharmacological activities unrelated to the parent compound. In addition, various MAO inhibitors exhibit multitarget action, in which MAO-independent effects prevail. This opens new prospects in the development of novel therapeutics based on simultaneous actions on several prospective targets for the therapy of PD.
Improving the Thermal Efficiency of Gasket Plate Heat Exchangers Used in Vegetable Oil Processing
Authors: Neagu Anișoara-Arleziana , Koncsag Claudia Irina
Published: January 2025

The study investigates, by calculations, some ways to improve the thermal efficiency of plate heat exchangers (PHEs) used in the vegetable oil processing industry. The performance of these heat exchangers is limited by the heat transfer rate of the oil side and by the low thermal conductivity of the plate material. The study starts from a base case with vegetable oils cooled with water in plate heat exchangers, all with a chevron angle of 30° and a different number of channels and plate transfer areas. The change in one geometrical characteristic of the plates, namely the chevron angle, from 30° to 45° then to 60°, led to a significant increase in the overall heat transfer coefficients of 16.0% when changing from 30° to 45° and of 28.1%, on average, when increasing the angle from 45° to 60°. This is a significant increase accompanied by a rise in the pressure drops of the circuits, but the values are acceptable since they do not exceed 1 bar on the oil circuit and 1.4 bar on the cold fluid circuit, respectively. The use of Fe3O4–SiO2/Water hybrid nanofluids with concentrations of 0.5% v/v, 0.75% v/v, and 1% v/v were investigated to replace the cooling water. An increase of 2.2% on average was noticed when using the 1% v/v nanofluid comparatively with water, which is not large but adds to the chevron angle increase. A supplementary 2.6% increase is possible by changing the manufacturing material for plates with aluminum alloy 6060 and also by adding to the performances obtained by previous modifications. The total increase for all sets of modifications can increase the performance by 34.2% on average. Thus, for the design of new PHEs, miniaturization of the equipment becomes possible.
Effects of Oxygen Enrichment and Air Humidification on the Combustion and Emissions of the Biodiesel Marine Diesel Engine
Authors: Geng Peng , Hu Xiong , Lin Xiaohu
Published: January 2025

With increasingly strict emission regulations, research on diesel engine combustion and emissions is urgently needed. This study conducted computational fluid dynamics modeling on diesel engines. The effects of intake humidity and oxygen concentration of a diesel engine on the combustion emission of biodiesel were studied. The results indicate that when the humidity ratio is below 0.4 (WR = 0.4), intake humidification has a certain promoting effect on the combustion reaction process. Water molecule pyrolysis can promote the pyrolysis of biodiesel, and the peak pressure in the cylinder slightly increases. As the intake humidification ratio increases, the cylinder temperature decreases, and the oxygen concentration also decreases due to the increase in water molecular weight. The combustion reaction process is suppressed, and the cylinder pressure decreases. When the humidity ratio is 1 (WR = 1), the peak pressure decreases by 2.61% compared to when it is not humidified (WR = 0). The concentration of O radicals decreases with an increase in humidity ratio. When WR = 1.0, the emissions of NOx decreased by 55.02%, but with the decrease in oxygen concentration in the high-temperature area, the emissions of soot increased. The results indicate that as the oxygen concentration increases, the cylinder pressure and average temperature increase, the ignition-delay time decreases, the heat-release rate increases, and it ultimately leads to an increase in NOx emissions.
Predictive Accuracy of Biochemical and Anthropometric Indices for Metabolic Syndrome in Children with Obesity: A Comparative Study
Authors: Dundar Cihad
Published: January 2025

Children with obesity, regardless of gender, are a high-risk population that requires ongoing monitoring not only for present obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) but also future risks of metabolic, cardiac, musculoskeletal, and psychiatric complications. Data from a cohort of 185 obese children who underwent a second follow-up in 2019 were used for this retrospective study. The study cohort consisted of 94 boys and 91 girls who were elementary school students with a mean age of 10.2 ± 0.5 years. Following anthropometric and biochemical assessments, the cardio metabolic index (CMI), visceral adiposity index (VAI), triglyceride–glucose index (TyGI), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were calculated. The overall prevalence of MetS was 19.5% (12.8% in boys and 26.4% in girls). According to the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, CMI, VAI, and TyGI performed significantly better than HOMA-IR in identifying MetS. CMI was the most accurate predictor of MetS, as indicated by the highest area under the curve value, in both genders. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the CMI can serve as a practical, efficient, and affordable screening tool for the ongoing monitoring of childhood obesity in both daily endocrine clinical practice and primary care settings.
Research on Factors Affecting Asphalt Mixtures’ Resistance to High-Frequency Freeze-Thaw in Plateau Areas
Authors: Wang Jinmei , Yang Jin , Wang Wenqi , Li Bai , He Chengjun , He Long , Li Yalin
Published: January 2025

Aiming at the problem that asphalt pavement materials in plateau areas are vulnerable to freeze-thaw damage, research was carried out on asphalt pavements of representative road sections, and the temperature within the pavement structure was monitored using buried sensors. Based on this, an indoor test method for high-frequency freeze-thaw was established, and UV, thermo-oxygen-aging and high-frequency freeze-thaw tests were combined. The effects of aging and maximum aggregate particle size on the resistance of asphalt mixtures to high-frequency freeze-thaw were investigated using the splitting strength ratio, mass-loss rate and void-ratio changes by employing the newly made RS-type modified asphalt in the laboratory. At the same time, the high-frequency freeze-thaw resistance of the asphalt mixture was compared with that of the SS/SMA-13 asphalt mixture on the top layer of a representative road section. The results show that UV aging at 180 h followed by thermal-oxygen aging at 120 h has the greatest impact on the asphalt mixture; in this condition, the high-frequency freeze-thaw-cycle asphalt mixture with freeze-thaw damage is affected by the rule of change of the third-degree polynomial. In the plateau environment conditions, compared with the original pavement material (SS-type modified asphalt), the RS-type modified asphalt has better anti-aging properties, adhesion properties and elasticity performance.
B-H Curve Estimation and Air Gap Optimization for High-Performance Split Core
Authors: Kim Minjoong , Lee Myungseo , Lee Sijeong , Lee Jaeyun , Song Jihwan
Published: January 2025

The current transformer (CT)-based energy harvesting method has gained considerable attention for low-power devices. Accurate estimation of the B-H curve is essential to develop a high-performance CT, as it closely relates to the electromagnetic behavior of CT material. However, the existing estimation methods for the B-H curve face several drawbacks, which include process complexity and a high cost. This study presented an intuitive method to estimate the B-H curve based on the experimentally obtained resistance-voltage data. The performance of the CT core is obtained based on the estimated B-H curve, which exhibited an error of only 2.6% when compared to the experimental results for the most accurate case. Additionally, we analyzed split-core performance deterioration caused by the presence of an air gap. The air gap formation of the split core was closely related to the surface roughness, which significantly influenced core performance. The air gap range that minimizes the reduction in performance is predicted and validated through simulations and experiments. This research highlights a straightforward approach to obtaining the B-H curve of magnetic CT core material. We believe that this study provides the design guidelines needed to develop a high-performance CT core, including considerations for core geometry and the recommended air gap range.
Structure and Selected Properties of Coatings Deposited by Arc Spraying Under in Inert Atmosphere Containing In Situ Fabricated Fe-Al Intermetallic Phases
Authors: Kołodziejczak Paweł , Bober Mariusz , Chmielewski Tomasz M. , Baranowski Michał
Published: January 2025

Intermetallic compounds from the Fe-Al system are attracting increasing attention due to their outstanding properties, including excellent mechanical performance, low density, corrosion, and oxidation resistance, as well as resistance to sulfidation, carburization, and wear at elevated temperatures. These unique characteristics make Fe-Al intermetallics promising candidates for high-temperature and harsh environmental applications. However, challenges such as brittleness and low plasticity have hindered their broader use. By exploring the impact of spray conditions on coating properties, this study contributes to enhancing the performance and functionality of Fe-Al coatings in industrial applications, where durability and resistance to extreme conditions are essential. This article presents the results of research on the production of composite coatings from the Fe-Al system with in situ fabricated intermetallic phases. For this purpose, arc spraying in an inert gas was used. The coating manufacturing process was carried out by simultaneously melting two different electrode filler wires, aluminum and steel, in a stream of argon. The obtained coatings were subjected to tests of roughness, adhesion to the substrate, and microstructure. It was shown that both the roughness and adhesion to the substrate of coatings sprayed in air are higher than those sprayed in argon. The increase in roughness results from the greater oxidation of coatings sprayed in air, while better adhesion is the result of the formation of coatings at a higher temperature. Metallographic studies have shown that during the spraying process, the in situ synthesis of intermetallic phases occurred. The results showed the local occurrence of intermetallic phases from the Fe-Al system. Among the two dominant phases, i.e., Al and the Fe alloy, there are also the following phases: FeAl3, FeAl2, and Fe2Al5. Furthermore, in layers sprayed in an inert atmosphere, the share of oxides is small.
Estimation for Partial Functional Multiplicative Regression Model
Authors: Liu Xiaojing , Yu Ping , Shi Jianhong
Published: January 2025

Functional data such as curves, shapes, and manifolds have become more and more common with modern technological advancements. The multiplicative regression model is well suited for analyzing data with positive responses. In this study, we study the estimation problems of the partial functional multiplicative regression model (PFMRM) based on the least absolute relative error (LARE) criterion and least product relative error (LPRE) criterion. The functional predictor and slope function are approximated by the functional principal component basis functions. Under certain regularity conditions, we derive the convergence rate of the slope function and establish the asymptotic normality of the slope vector for two estimation methods. Monte Carlo simulations are carried out to evaluate the proposed methods, and an application to Tecator data is investigated for illustration.
S-Bend and Y Waveguide Architectures in Germanate Glasses Irradiated by Femtosecond Laser
Authors: Fernandes Thiago Vecchi , Bordon Camila Dias da Silva , Wetter Niklaus Ursus , de Rossi Wagner , Kassab Luciana Reyes Pires
Published: January 2025

This study is focused on the fabrication and characterization of various dual waveguides through femtosecond (fs) laser irradiation of GeO2-based glass samples. The objective of the present work is to develop diverse waveguide configurations, namely straight, S-bend and Y-shaped waveguides within GeO2–PbO glasses embedded with silver nanoparticles, utilizing a double-guide platform, for photonic applications such as resonant rings and beam splitters. Enhanced guidance was observed with a larger radius of curvature (80 mm) among the two distinct S-bend waveguides produced. The maximum relative propagation loss was recorded for the S-bend waveguide with a 40 mm radius, while the minimum loss was noted for the Y-shaped waveguide. In the latter configuration, with an opening angle of 5° and a separation of 300 µm between the two arms, an output power ratio of 50.5/49.5 between the left and right arms indicated promising potential for beam splitter applications. During the study, the quality factor (M2) of the proposed architectures was measured and the 80 mm S-bend configuration presented the best symmetry between the x and y axes; in the case of the Y configuration the similarity between the M2 values in both axes, for the first and second arms, indicates comparable light guidance.
Effect of Alloying and Reinforcing Nanocomposites on the Mechanical, Tribological, and Wettability Properties of Pulse-Electrodeposited Ni Coatings
Authors: John Aashish , Saeed Adil , Khan Zulfiqar Ahmad
Published: January 2025

Research into the introduction of alloying and reinforcing nanocomposites into nickel (Ni) coatings has been motivated by the need for tribologically superior coatings that will improve energy efficiency. Using pulse electrodeposition, this work investigates the effects of adding cobalt (Co) as the alloying nanoparticle and silicon carbide (SiC), zirconium oxide (ZrO2), and aluminium oxide (Al2O3) as reinforcing nanocomposites to Ni coatings. The surface properties, mechanical strength, nanotribological behaviour, and wettability of these coatings were analysed. Surface characteristics were evaluated by the use of a Scanning Electron Microscope, revealing a grain dimension reduction of approximately ~7–43% compared to pristine Ni coatings. When alloying and reinforcing nanocomposites were added to Ni coatings, nanoindentation research showed that there was an increase in nanohardness of ~12% to ~69%. This resulted in an improvement in the tribological performance from approximately 2% to 65%.The hydrophilic nature of Ni coatings was observed with wettability analysis. This study demonstrates that nanocomposite reinforcement can be used to customise Ni coatings for applications that require exceptional tribological performance. The results point to the use of Ni-Co coatings for electronics and aerospace sectors, with more improvements possible with the addition of reinforcing nanoparticles.
Research on Monitoring Methods for Electrostatic Discharge Pulses in Spacecraft Dielectric Materials
Authors: Yin Hong , Li Cunhui , Zhao Chengxuan , Qin Xiaogang , Lu Xiaojin , Wen Xuan , Shi Liang , Liu Qing , Wang Jun , Jia Hanwu , Yang Shengsheng
Published: January 2025

Space particle radiation induces charging and discharging phenomena in spacecraft dielectric materials, leading to electrostatic discharge (ESD) and electromagnetic pulses (EMP), which pose significant risks to spacecraft electronic systems by causing interference and potential damage. Accurate and timely monitoring of these phenomena, combined with a comprehensive understanding of their underlying mechanisms, is critical for developing effective protection strategies against satellite charging effects. Addressing in-orbit monitoring requirements, this study proposes the design of a compact sleeve monopole antenna. Through simulations, the relationships between the antenna’s design parameters and its voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) are analyzed alongside its critical performance characteristics, including frequency band, gain, radiation pattern, and matching circuit. The proposed antenna demonstrates operation within a frequency range of (28.73–31.25) MHz (VSWR < 2), with a center frequency of 30 MHz and a relative bandwidth of 8.4%. Performance evaluations and simulation-based experiments reveal that the antenna can measure pulse signals with electric field strengths ranging from (−1000 to −80) V/m and (80 to 1000) V/m, centered at 25.47 MHz. It reliably monitors discharge pulses generated by electron irradiation on spacecraft-grade FR4 (Flame-Retardant 4) dielectric materials, providing technical support for the engineering application of discharge research in space environments.
Growth of ZnO Nanoparticles Using Microwave Hydrothermal Method—Search for Defect-Free Particles
Authors: Rosowska Julita , Kaszewski Jarosław , Krajewski Marcin , Małolepszy Artur , Witkowski Bartłomiej S. , Wachnicki Łukasz , Bulyk Lev-Ivan , Sybilski Piotr , Godlewski Marek , Godlewski Michał M.
Published: January 2025

This study investigated the influence of chemical reagent selection on the properties of ZnO nanoparticles synthesized using the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method to control the intensities of near-band-edge (NBE) and defect-related deep-level (DLE) emissions. Two zinc precursors—zinc nitrate and zinc chloride—along with three different precipitating agents (NaOH, KOH, and NH4OH) were used. ZnO nanoparticles from the ZnCl2 precursor exhibited two orders of magnitude higher NBE/DLE intensity ratio compared to those obtained from zinc nitrate characterized by a higher contribution from defect-related emissions. Chlorine ions in ZnO nanoparticles play a key role in passivating defects by forming V0-Cl2 complexes, quenching luminescence associated with oxygen vacancies (V0). Thermal treatment in a nitrogen atmosphere enhanced defect-related luminescence, possibly due to chlorine atom diffusion. This study highlights a successful synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles with low defect-related luminescence (DLE) achieved via the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method, a result rarely reported in the literature. The results emphasize the importance of reagent selection in controlling the morphology and optical properties, especially the defect density of ZnO nanoparticles. Optimizing these properties is crucial for biomedical applications such as bioimaging, antibacterial treatments, and photocatalysis.
Chronotype and Cancer: Emerging Relation Between Chrononutrition and Oncology from Human Studies
Authors: Godos Justyna , Currenti Walter , Ferri Raffaele , Lanza Giuseppe , Caraci Filippo , Frias-Toral Evelyn , Guglielmetti Monica , Ferraris Cinzia , Lipari Vivian , Carvajal Altamiranda Stefanía , Galvano Fabio , Castellano Sabrina , Grosso Giuseppe
Published: January 2025

Fasting–feeding timing is a crucial pattern implicated in the regulation of daily circadian rhythms. The interplay between sleep and meal timing underscores the importance of maintaining circadian alignment in order to avoid creating a metabolic environment conducive to carcinogenesis following the molecular and systemic disruption of metabolic performance and immune function. The chronicity of such a condition may support the initiation and progression of cancer through a variety of mechanisms, including increased oxidative stress, immune suppression, and the activation of proliferative signaling pathways. This review aims to summarize current evidence from human studies and provide an overview of the potential mechanisms underscoring the role of chrononutrition (including time-restricted eating) on cancer risk. Current evidence shows that the morning chronotype, suggesting an alignment between physiological circadian rhythms and eating timing, is associated with a lower risk of cancer. Also, early time-restricted eating and prolonged nighttime fasting were also associated with a lower risk of cancer. The current evidence suggests that the chronotype influences cancer risk through cell cycle regulation, the modulation of metabolic pathways and inflammation, and gut microbiota fluctuations. In conclusion, although there are no clear guidelines on this matter, emerging evidence supports the hypothesis that the role of time-related eating (i.e., time/calorie-restricted feeding and intermittent/periodic fasting) could potentially lead to a reduced risk of cancer.
Consumption of Red Versus White Wine and Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Lim Rachel K. , Rhee Jongeun , Hoang Megan , Qureshi Abrar A. , Cho Eunyoung
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: While alcoholic beverage consumption increases cancer risk, red wine has been touted as a healthier option. To address this unexplored question, we conducted a meta-analysis to summarize evidence from observational studies. Methods: A literature search of PubMed and EMBASE through December 2023 identified studies examining wine and cancer risk. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to estimate relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for an association between wine intake and overall cancer risk. Results: A total of 20 cohort and 22 case–control studies were included. Wine intake was not associated with overall cancer risk (n = 95,923) when comparing the highest vs. lowest levels of consumption, with no differences observed by wine type (red: summary RR = 0.98 [95% CI = 0.87, 1.10], white: 1.00 [0.91, 1.10]; Pdifference = 0.74). However, white wine intake was significantly associated with an increased risk of cancer among women (white: 1.26 [1.05, 1.52], red: 0.91 [95% CI: 0.72, 1.16], Pdifference = 0.03) and in analyses restricted to cohort studies (white: 1.12 [1.03, 1.22], red: 1.02 [95% CI: 0.96, 1.09], Pdifference = 0.02). For individual cancer sites, there was a significant difference in associations between red and white wine intake only in skin cancer risk [6 studies, white: 1.22 (1.14, 1.30), red: 1.02 (0.95, 1.09); Pdifference = 0.0003]. Conclusions: We found no differences in the association between red or white wine consumption and overall cancer risk, challenging the common belief that red wine is healthier than white wine. Our significant results related to white wine intake in subgroup analyses warrant further investigation.
Dietary Salt Restriction Practices Contribute to Obesity Prevention in Middle-Aged and Older Japanese Adults
Authors: Kibayashi Etsuko , Nakade Makiko
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: In a demographic increasingly at risk of obesity and hypertension, whether dietary behaviours associated with hypertension prevention, such as restricting salt intake and consuming potassium-rich fruits and vegetables, contribute to obesity prevention is unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the structural associations of dietary salt restriction practices with body mass index (BMI) and the mediating role of the dietary sodium/potassium (Na/K) ratio in middle-aged and older Japanese adults. Methods: This cross-sectional survey included 418 participants aged 40–69 years, residing in Hyogo, Japan. Simultaneous multi-population analysis according to sex was performed using a hypothetical model to explore associations of dietary salt restriction practices with BMI, mediated by the dietary Na/K ratio, as well as the role of BMI-related eating behaviours. Results: Dietary salt restriction was associated with a low dietary Na/K ratio (standardised estimate: –0.21, p = 0.001 for men; –0.19, p = 0.002 for women) in both sexes. Dietary salt restriction was associated with lower values of BMI in men (0.21, p = 0.004), mediated by the Na/K ratio; a direct but relatively weak association with lower values of BMI was observed in women (−0.16, p = 0.018). In men, eating out frequently was associated with higher values of BMI (0.20, p = 0.005). Conclusions: Dietary salt restriction practices in middle-aged and older adults may contribute to obesity prevention, and dietary Na/K ratio may play a mediating role in men but not in women; additionally, eating out was associated with higher values of BMI in men.
Perceptions on the Implementation of a School Nursing Pilot Programme in the Canary Islands
Authors: Fernández-Hernández Aixa , Figueroa-Martín Laura , González-Betancor Sandra-Jesús , Reyero-Ortega Begoña , González-de la Torre Héctor , Rodríguez-Suárez Claudio-Alberto
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: School nursing is a nursing practice focused on promoting child health within the school and community environment, integrating healthcare with the educational process. The aim was to explore the experiences of nurses and teachers regarding the implementation of a school nursing pilot programme in primary education in the Canary Islands (Spain). Methods: A phenomenological study was conducted during the 2023/2024 academic year. In-depth interviews were conducted between May and June 2024 until data saturation was achieved. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using descriptive and interpretative thematic analysis. Intentional and co-occurrence coding methods were employed, followed by triangulation using Atlas-Ti software (version 24). Ethical approval was obtained (code: 2023-216-1). Results: A total of 21 informants (7 nurses and 14 teachers) were interviewed. Nurses revealed eight subthemes grouped into two main themes: Role of School Nurses (workload, school nurses’ experiences, career opportunities, and the school nurse profile) and School Nursing Project (suggested improvements, identified weaknesses, time management, and improvement needs). Regarding teachers, six subthemes were identified, also grouped into two main themes: Role of School Nurses (approach to school nursing and the importance of the presence of school nurses) and School Nursing Project (expectations, improving children’s health, school health, and experiences from the pilot programme). Conclusions: The pilot programme has been well received, showing a positive impact on students’ health. While successfully integrating nurses into schools, improvements are needed in working conditions, resource allocation, and specialized training to enhance its effectiveness and sustainability. Strengthening inter-professional collaboration between healthcare and education sectors and involving teachers in planning health activities are essential. Expanding the coverage and ensuring a consistent presence of school nurses would further build trust, improve chronic health management, and promote healthy habits from an early age. This programme illustrates the potential of nurses to transform schools into spaces for comprehensive health promotion.