bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimized Super-Twisting Sliding Mode Control with Parameter Estimation for Autonomous Vehicle Longitudinal Motion on Downhill Road
Authors: Gdey Kbrom Lbsu , Choi Woo Young
Published: January 2025

Longitudinal motion control is a critical aspect of autonomous vehicle area, requiring a well-designed controller to ensure optimal system performance, safety, and comfort under varying driving conditions. Previous control methods often face challenges such as chattering effects, and model uncertainties. To address such challenges, in this paper, we propose the application of an optimized super-twisting sliding mode control (OST-SMC) for the longitudinal motion control of autonomous vehicles. The motivation is to enhance the robustness and efficiency of the control system while minimizing the chattering problem. The proposed system’s mathematical modeling and control design are presented in detail with stability analyzed using Lyapunov theory. To enhance the controller’s performance, uncertain parameters are optimized using the gradient descent method, a linear regression-based technique. The OST-SMC algorithm shows enhanced robustness against disturbances and parameter uncertainties compared to conventional sliding mode controllers. Simulations in MATLAB/Simulink and CarMaker validate the proposed method, demonstrating strong performance even on downhill roads. The OST-SMC reduces chattering more effectively than traditional SMCs, achieving smooth tracking and consistent robustness under varying road conditions.
Topographic and Edaphic Influences on the Spatiotemporal Soil Water Content Patterns in Underground Mining Regions
Authors: Jing Yaodong , Chen Yu , Yang Jason , Ding Haoxi , Zhu Hongfen
Published: January 2025

Understanding the dynamics of soil water content (SWC) is essential for effective land management, particularly in regions affected by underground mining. This study investigates the spatial and temporal patterns of SWC and its interaction with topographic and edaphic factors in coal mining and non-coal mining areas of the Chenghe watershed, located in the southeast of the Chinese Loess Plateau, which is divided by a river. Our findings revealed that the capacity to retain moisture in the top layer of coal mining areas is significantly higher (25.21%) compared to non-coal mining areas, although deeper layers exhibit lower SWC, indicating altered moisture dynamics due to underground mining disturbances. Coal mining areas show greater spatial and temporal variability in SWC, suggesting increased sensitivity to moisture fluctuations, which complicates water management practices. Additionally, underground mining activities introduce more intense effects on the relationship between SWC and topographic factors (i.e., GCVR across soil profile of 0–60 cm; slope at depth of 50 cm) or edaphic factors (i.e., soil organic matter and available potassium at depth of 30 cm; pH at depth of 50 cm) compared to non-coal mining areas. This variability is evident in the temporal shifts from positive to negative correlations, particularly in coal mining areas, reflecting modifications in both soil physical and chemical properties resulting from mining activities. In contrast, non-coal mining areas maintain a more stable moisture regime, likely due to preserved natural soil structures and processes. These contrasting findings emphasize the necessity for tailored management strategies in coal mining regions to address the unique challenges posed by altered soil characteristics and water dynamics.
Development of an Autonomous Driving Path-Generation Algorithm for a Crawler-Type Ridge-Forming Robot
Authors: Han Joong-hee , Park Chi-ho
Published: January 2025

The agricultural sector is currently facing problems including a decline in the agricultural population, labor shortages, and an aging population. To solve these problems and increase agricultural productivity, the development and distribution of autonomous agricultural machinery is necessary. Since autonomous agricultural machinery is operated along a pre-defined path, it is essential to generate an autonomous driving path that takes into account the driving and working methods of the agricultural machinery. In this study, an autonomous driving path-generation algorithm for the autonomous operation of a crawler-type ridge-forming robot is proposed. The proposed algorithm defines the field boundary using the geodetic coordinates of the field boundary points and the size of the robot, generates working line segments within the field boundary, and generates three types of waypoints, which constitute an autonomous driving path based on the autonomous driving operating scenario. To verify the proposed algorithm, tests were conducted using four types of field boundary points with different shapes, and the results are presented. As a result of the simulation test, when a ridge was created using the generated autonomous driving path, the area occupied by the ridge in the total field area according to the field types of a rectangle, trapezoid, pentagon, and hexagon was indicated to be 80, 77, 85, and 77%, respectively.
A Novel Real-Time Autonomous Localization Algorithm Based on Weighted Loosely Coupled Visual–Inertial Data of the Velocity Layer
Authors: Liu Cheng , Wang Tao , Li Zhi , Tian Peng
Published: January 2025

IMUs (inertial measurement units) and cameras are widely utilized and combined to autonomously measure the motion states of mobile robots. This paper presents a loosely coupled algorithm for autonomous localization, the ICEKF (IMU-aided camera extended Kalman filter), for the weighted data fusion of the IMU and visual measurement. The algorithm fuses motion information on the velocity layer, thereby mitigating the excessive accumulation of IMU errors caused by direct subtraction on the positional layer after quadratic integration. Furthermore, by incorporating a weighting mechanism, the algorithm allows for a flexible adjustment of the emphasis placed on IMU data versus visual information, which augments the robustness and adaptability of autonomous motion estimation for robots. The simulation and dataset experiments demonstrate that the ICEKF can provide reliable estimates for robot motion trajectories.
Trams: Bridging the Past and Future—Example Guidelines for Tram Redesign Illustrated by a Case Study from Korea
Authors: Dacarro Fabio , Musante Guido
Published: January 2025

This study was inspired by an emerging trend in contemporary cities: the transformation of trams into mobile spaces for recreation, education, and work. Despite the growing popularity of this concept, which is linked to the search for more sustainable transport options, there is a marked lack of guidelines, methodological frameworks, and reference case studies necessary to support these projects. This study fills this gap by illustrating the design guidelines developed for a project in Gwangmyeong, a new Korean town. These guidelines provide a structured framework for converting existing trams into mobile venues such as restaurants, classrooms, and work and conference spaces. Employing the design thinking approach, the guidelines comprise three primary design phases—Understand, Define, and Materialize—each consisting of two sub-phases, and specify the technical tools, roles, and outputs needed. The proposed guidelines are illustrated using material from the Gwangmyeong project. As the first of their kind, these guidelines provide a valuable case study and reference materials for designers, offering possible benchmarks for the technical and financial evaluation of such projects. This study hopes to stimulate discussions on the development and refinement of similar methodologies, addressing the growing interest in design discourse.
Thurstonian Scaling for Sensory Discrimination Methods
Authors: Bi Jian , Kuesten Carla
Published: January 2025

Thurstonian scaling, i.e., Thurstonian discriminal distance δ or d′, can be used as a sensory measurement index to measure and monitor food sensory difference/similarity between test and control samples due to potential food contamination. It can be obtained from any one of the sensory discrimination methods. Thurstonian scaling is theoretically independent of the methods or scales used for its estimation. This paper discusses statistical inference including estimations and tests of hypothesis for d′. Ten basic sensory discrimination methods including six forced-choice methods and four methods with response bias are used in this paper to estimate d′ values and their variances. Statistical tests are conducted based on the estimated d′ values and their variances. The statistical tests include difference testing and equivalence/similarity testing for individual d′ values for test and control samples and for two or multiple d′ values for test samples. The application and significance of Thurstonian scaling for sensory discrimination methods are discussed generally. R codes for estimations and tests for d′ values are provided in the paper.
Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment of Microbially Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation (MICP) Soil Improvement Techniques
Authors: Raymond Alena J. , DeJong Jason T. , Gomez Michael G. , Kendall Alissa , San Pablo Alexandra C. M. , Lee Minyong , Graddy Charles M. R. , Nelson Douglas C.
Published: January 2025

Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) is a biomediated ground improvement technology that uses ureolytic bacteria to precipitate calcium carbonate minerals to improve the strength and stiffness of soils. MICP can be mediated by either augmented non-native or stimulated indigenous microorganisms, resulting in biocemented soils and generated aqueous ammonium (NH4+) byproducts. Although the process has been extensively investigated, the fate and transport of generated NH4+ byproducts has posed an environmental challenge and to date, their associated environmental impacts have remained poorly understood. In an effort to better quantify process impacts, a large-scale experiment was conducted involving three 3.7 m long soil columns, wherein three different ureolytic biocementation treatment approaches were employed. A life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) was performed to compare the environmental impacts and costs of these different MICP treatment approaches as well as evaluate the potential environmental benefits of NH4+ byproduct removal using post-treatment rinsing. The objective of this paper is to present the results of the LCSA study. LCSA results suggest that when treatments are consistent with those performed in this study, stimulation can be more sustainable than augmentation, and the use of lower ureolytic rates can further reduce process environmental impacts by achieving greater spatial uniformity and extent of biocementation. The LCSA outcomes also illustrate tension between the environmental benefits afforded by NH4+ byproduct removal and the life cycle impacts and costs associated with this removal. For the specific testing conditions, the injection of 1.8 pore volumes of rinse solutions to remove generated NH4+ byproducts following biocementation was found to minimize environmental impacts; however, further refinement of such approaches will likely result from future field-scale applications.
Efficient AOA Estimation and NLOS Signal Utilization for LEO Constellation-Based Positioning Using Satellite Ephemeris Information
Authors: Guo Junqi , Wang Yang
Published: January 2025

As large-scale low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations continue to expand, the potential of their signal strength for positioning applications should be fully leveraged. For high-precision angle of arrival (AOA) estimation, current spectrum search algorithms are computationally expensive. To address this, we propose a method that downscales the 2D joint spectrum search algorithm by incorporating satellite ephemeris a priori information. The proposed algorithm efficiently and accurately determines the azimuth and elevation angles of NLOS (non-line-of-sight) signals. Furthermore, an NLOS virtual satellite construction method is introduced for integrating NLOS satellite data into the positioning system using previously estimated azimuth and elevation angles. Simulation experiments, conducted with a uniform planar array antenna in environments containing both LOS (line-of-sight) and NLOS signals, demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed solution. The results show that the azimuth determination algorithm reduces computational complexity without sacrificing accuracy, while the NLOS virtual satellite construction method significantly enhances positioning accuracy in NLOS environments. The geometric dilution of precision (GDOP) improved significantly, decreasing from values exceeding 10 to an average of less than 1.42.
Achieving Excellence in Cyber Fraud Detection: A Hybrid ML+DL Ensemble Approach for Credit Cards
Authors: Btoush Eyad , Zhou Xujuan , Gururajan Raj , Chan Ka Ching , Alsodi Omar
Published: January 2025

The rapid advancement of technology has increased the complexity of cyber fraud, presenting a growing challenge for the banking sector to efficiently detect fraudulent credit card transactions. Conventional detection approaches face challenges in adapting to the continuously evolving tactics of fraudsters. This study addresses these limitations by proposing an innovative hybrid model that integrates Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) techniques through a stacking ensemble and resampling strategies. The hybrid model leverages ML techniques including Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Categorical Boosting (CatBoost), and Logistic Regression (LR) alongside DL techniques such as Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory Network (BiLSTM) with attention mechanisms. By utilising the stacking ensemble method, the model consolidates predictions from multiple base models, resulting in improved predictive accuracy compared to individual models. The methodology incorporates robust data pre-processing techniques. Experimental evaluations demonstrate the superior performance of the hybrid ML+DL model, particularly in handling class imbalances and achieving a high F1 score, achieving an F1 score of 94.63%. This result underscores the effectiveness of the proposed model in delivering reliable cyber fraud detection, highlighting its potential to enhance financial transaction security.
Large-Space Laser Tracking Attitude Combination Measurement Using Backpropagation Algorithm Based on Neighborhood Search
Authors: Zhao Ziyue , Xiong Zhi , Guo Zhengnan , Zhang Hao , Li Xiangyu , Zhai Zhongsheng , Zhou Weihu
Published: January 2025

Large-space high-precision attitude dynamic measurement technology has urgent application needs in large equipment manufacturing fields, such as aerospace, rail transportation, automobiles, and ships. In this paper, taking laser tracking equipment as the base station, a backpropagation algorithm based on neighborhood search is proposed, which is applied to the fusion of multi-source information for solving the dynamic attitude angle. This paper firstly established a mathematical model of laser tracking attitude dynamic measurement based on IMU and CCD multi-sensor, designed a 6-11-3 back propagation network structure and algorithm flow, and realized the prediction of attitude angle through model training. Secondly, the method based on neighborhood search realizes the determination of the optimal training target value of the model, of which the MSE has a 34% reduction compared to the IMU determination method. Finally, the experimental platform is set up with the precision rotary table as the motion carrier to verify the effectiveness of the research method in this paper. The experimental results show that with the neighborhood-based backpropagation algorithm, the measurement results have a higher data update rate and a certain inhibition effect on the error accumulation of IMU. The absolute value of the system angle error can be less than 0.4° within 8 m and 0–50°, with an angle update rate of 100 Hz. The research method in this paper can be applied to the dynamic measurement of laser tracking attitude angles, which provides a new reference for the angle measurement method based on the fusion of multi-source information.
Comparative Analysis of LiDAR and Photogrammetry for 3D Crime Scene Reconstruction
Authors: Sheshtar Fatemah M. , Alhatlani Wajd M. , Moulden Michael , Kim Jong Hyuk
Published: January 2025

Accurate and fast 3D mapping of crime scenes is crucial in law enforcement, and first responders often need to document scenes in detail under challenging conditions and within a limited time. Traditional methods often fail to capture the details required to understand these scenes comprehensively. This study investigates the effectiveness of recent mobile phone-based mapping technologies equipped with a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor. The performance of LiDAR and pure photogrammetry is evaluated under different illumination (day and night) and scanning conditions (slow and fast scanning) in a mock-up crime scene. The results reveal that the mapping using an iPhone LIDAR in daylight conditions with 5 min of fast scanning shows the best results, yielding 0.1084 m of error. Also, the cloud-to-cloud distance showed that 90% of the point clouds exhibited under 0.1224 m of error, demonstrating the utility of these tools for rapid and portable scanning in crime scenes.
A Flow-Speed Model for Motorways in England: Analysis Under Various Weather Conditions
Authors: Liu Ye , Chen Haibo , Yin Chuhan , Michalaki Vivi , Proctor Phillip , Rowley Gavin , Wang Xiaowei , Wei Hongyuan
Published: January 2025

This work proposes a single regime speed–flow model to fit the speed–flow relationship on the M25, London’s main motorway which is recurrently congested, especially near Heathrow Airport. The proposed model had a better performance compared with the existing classic models. A whole year’s field data on various sites of the M25 motorway were collected by the National Highways MIDAS (Motorway Incident Detection and Automatic Signalling) system and analysed. The proposed model was fitter on both four-lane and lane-by-lane conditions than the existing models, in terms of lower relative error and RMSE values and higher R2 values (minimum R2 = 0.79), which means the proposed model captured the speed–flow relationship better. In addition, the proposed model was used to fit traffic characteristics under different weather conditions and decided the threshold of the CM algorithms using the Gaussian function. The results showed that both free-flow speed and road capacity were significantly reduced by up to 7% and 11%, respectively, under different rainfall conditions, and that congestion management should be triggered in advance on rainy days. Further analysis of extensive data over a wider space and time is required to test the transferability of these findings to other contexts.
Variation in Radon Concentration Between Apartments in Housing Cooperatives
Authors: Turtiainen Tuukka , Kaipainen Volmar , Kojo Katja , Perälä Marjo , Holmgren Olli , Kurttio Päivi
Published: January 2025

Housing cooperatives are a common form of housing in Nordic countries, being tasked with responsibilities such as maintenance, renovation, and, when needed, radon mitigation. This study analyzed the radon level variation in nearly 16,000 apartments across 3552 housing cooperatives. The analysis explored how radon levels varied based on the number of measurements conducted within each cooperative, assuming that apartments sharing the same plot address belong to the same cooperative. The radon concentrations in the apartments of the cooperative typically followed a log-normal distribution. The geometric standard deviation (GSD) specific to each housing cooperative varied considerably. The median GSD ranged between 1.5 and 2.0, depending on the number of apartments measured. A predictive model was developed to estimate the likelihood of apartments exceeding the radon reference level based on the housing cooperative’s geometric mean radon concentration. The results highlight the importance of measuring radon levels in all apartments within housing cooperatives to ensure radon safety. Additionally, the model offers support for housing cooperative decision-makers and epidemiological studies, helping to address uncertainties and to account for spatial variations in radon exposure.
Long-Term Trends of Lake Surface Water Temperatures in Lowland Polish Temperate Lakes
Authors: Wang Rui , Dong Wentao , Sun Jiang , Sojka Mariusz , Ptak Mariusz , Zhu Senlin
Published: January 2025

In this study, long-term lake surface water temperature (LSWT) data were used to investigate the impact of climate change on thermal conditions in 25 Polish lowland lakes. The results show that the warming rate of the annual mean LSWT ranges from 0.14 °C per decade to 0.69 °C per decade with an average value of 0.44 °C per decade. The annual maximum LSWT presented the strongest warming trend, with the warming rate varying between 0.26 °C per decade and 1.06 °C per decade (average value of 0.65 °C per decade). Warming rates were observed in all seasons but with different intensities, with warming rates increasing from spring to autumn and then to summer. The warming rate of the summer LSWT varied between 0.29 °C per decade and 0.87 °C per decade with an average value of 0.56 °C per decade. Conversely, winter and annual minimum LSWTs did not present clear increasing trends. The increase in the annual maximum, annual average, and seasonal LSWTs correlated well with the inter-annual variability in air temperature. To understand the relationship between LSWT and air temperature, the non-linear regression model (S-curve) was used in this study. The results indicate that the non-linear regression model can help to present the relationship between LSWT and air temperature in the studied lakes (the average values of the root mean squared error (RMSE), the mean absolute error (MAE), and the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE) are 1.68 °C, 1.28 °C, and 0.95, respectively). The warming trends of LSWTs observed for the studied lakes in Poland are coherent and in some cases larger than the data from other lakes worldwide, and should be seriously considered by policy makers.
Validation of the Second Version of the LittlEARS® Early Speech Production Questionnaire (LEESPQ) in Romanian-Speaking Children with Normal Hearing
Authors: Ivanov Alina-Catalina , Radulescu Luminita , Cozma Sebastian , Georgescu Madalina , Cobzeanu Bogdan , Neagos Adriana , Moraru Petronela , Maniu Alma , Butnaru Corina
Published: January 2025

Objectives: The objectives of the current study were to validate the LittlEARS® Early Speech Production Questionnaire (LEESPQ) in Romanian and to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Romanian version of the questionnaire for Romanian children with normal hearing. The LEESPQ was created and tested for the assessment of preverbal and early verbal skills (0–18 months) in children with normal hearing. Methods: The English version of the LittlEARS® Early Speech Production Questionnaire (LEESPQ) was adapted into Romanian language using a translation/back-translation procedure and validation of the content before applying the questionnaire. The Romanian version was applied to the parents of 232 children with normal hearing, aged between 0 and 18 months. The questionnaire was statistically analyzed to assess its reliability, internal consistency, predictive accuracy, and the influence of gender on children’s scores. Results: Statistical analyses confirmed the LEESPQ’s reliability (α = 0.876) and high predictive accuracy (λ = 0.951). Age correlated strongly with total scores (ρ = 0.67; p < 0.001), supporting the age-dependent progression of speech production milestones. Gender did not significantly affect the scores. Normative curves and minimum expected scores were established for each age group. Conclusions: This study confirmed that the Romanian version of the LEESPQ is a reliable, valid, language-independent instrument, useful in the assessment of language development in children with normal hearing, aged up to 18 months.
RETRACTED: Saied et al. Mycosynthesis of Hematite (α-Fe2O3) Nanoparticles Using Aspergillus niger and Their Antimicrobial and Photocatalytic Activities. Bioengineering 2022, 9, 397
Authors: Saied Ebrahim , Salem Salem S. , Al-Askar Abdulaziz A. , Elkady Fathy M. , Arishi Amr A. , Hashem Amr H.
Published: January 2025

The Bioengineering Editorial Office retracts the article “Mycosynthesis of Hematite (α-Fe2O3) Nanoparticles Using Aspergillus niger and Their Antimicrobial and Photocatalytic Activities” [...]
A Microbial-Centric View of Mobile Phones: Enhancing the Technological Feasibility of Biotechnological Recovery of Critical Metals
Authors: Magrini Chiara , Verga Francesca , Bassani Ilaria , Pirri Candido Fabrizio , Abdel Azim Annalisa
Published: January 2025

End-of-life (EoL) mobile phones represent a valuable reservoir of critical raw materials at higher concentrations compared to primary ores. This review emphasizes the critical need to transition from single-material recovery approaches to comprehensive, holistic strategies for recycling EoL mobile phones. In response to the call for sustainable techniques with reduced energy consumption and pollutant emissions, biohydrometallurgy emerges as a promising solution. The present work intends to review the most relevant studies focusing on the exploitation of microbial consortia in bioleaching and biorecovery processes. All living organisms need macro- and micronutrients for their metabolic functionalities, including some of the elements contained in mobile phones. By exploring the interactions between microbial communities and the diverse elements found in mobile phones, this paper establishes a microbial-centric perspective by connecting each element of each layer to their role in the microbial cell system. A special focus is dedicated to the concepts of ecodesign and modularity as key requirements in electronics to potentially increase selectivity of microbial consortia in the bioleaching process. By bridging microbial science with sustainable design, this review proposes an innovative roadmap to optimize metal recovery, aligning with the principles of the circular economy and advancing scalable biotechnological solutions for electronic waste management.
Epigenetic Mechanisms Underlying Sex Differences in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Stoccoro Andrea
Published: January 2025

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by profound differences between females and males in terms of incidence, clinical presentation, and disease progression. Furthermore, there is evidence suggesting that differences in sensitivity to medical treatments may exist between the two sexes. Although the role of sex hormones and sex chromosomes in driving differential susceptibility to these diseases is well-established, the molecular alterations underlying these differences remain poorly understood. Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone tail modifications, and the activity of non-coding RNAs, are strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. While it is known that epigenetic mechanisms play a crucial role in sexual differentiation and that distinct epigenetic patterns characterize females and males, sex-specific epigenetic patterns have been largely overlooked in studies aiming to identify epigenetic alterations associated with neurodegenerative diseases. This review aims to provide an overview of sex differences in epigenetic mechanisms, the role of sex-specific epigenetic processes in the central nervous system, and the main evidence of sex-specific epigenetic alterations in three neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Understanding the sex-related differences of these diseases is essential for developing personalized treatments and interventions that account for the unique epigenetic landscapes of each sex.
The Early Growth of Maize Under Waterlogging Stress, as Measured by Growth, Biochemical, and Molecular Characteristics
Authors: Nikolić Ana , Božić Manja , Delić Nikola , Marković Ksenija , Milivojević Marija , Čamdžija Zoran , Ignjatović Micić Dragana
Published: January 2025

An effective strategy to address the impacts of climate change on maize involves early planting, which mitigates drought stress during critical growth phases, preventing yield reductions. The research assessed two maize inbred lines (sensitive and tolerant to low temperature) under conditions of waterlogging stress. This is crucial since early sowing often faces both low temperatures and heavy rain. Morphological, biochemical, and molecular responses were recorded after 24 h, 72 h, and 7 days of stress during the growth stage of 5-day-old seedlings. The findings indicated a more pronounced decline in all morphological characteristics in the sensitive line. Both genotypes displayed an increased root-to-shoot ratio, suggesting that the shoots deteriorate more rapidly than the roots. Physiological evaluations demonstrated that the tolerant line was more effective in managing ROS levels compared to the sensitive line. The involvement of H2O2 in aerenchyma formation implies that the decreased POD activity and elevated MDA levels observed after seven days may be associated with aerenchyma development in the tolerant line. Genes essential for PSII function revealed that waterlogging adversely affected photosynthesis in the sensitive genotype. In summary, the low-temperature tolerant genotype exhibited significant resilience to waterlogging, indicating potential interaction between the pathways governing these two abiotic stressors.
Sex Differences in the Associations Among Early Life Adversity, Inflammation, and Cognition
Authors: Logue Erin , Nemeroff Charles B.
Published: January 2025

Early life adversity (ELA) has long been recognized to negatively impact a variety of health outcomes, with increasingly recognized long-term implications for neurocognitive function. ELA may affect the brain through multiple mechanisms, including chronic inflammation. One potential moderator of the pathway from ELA to neuroinflammation to cognitive dysfunction is sex. ELA may leave females potentially even more vulnerable to cognitive impairment in later life. This review discusses the influence of ELA on cognitive function across much of the lifespan, how inflammation is implicated in this process, and the current state of knowledge regarding sex differences in these relationships. We conclude with a discussion of unanswered questions and suggestions for future research, including the incorporation of genetic data.
The Abnormal Expression of Tubular SGLT2 and GULT2 in Diabetes Model Mice with Malocclusion-Induced Hyperglycemia
Authors: Kajiwara Koichiro , Tamaoki Sachio , Sawa Yoshihiko
Published: January 2025

Background: A relationship between malocclusion and the promotion of diabetes has been suggested. In hyperglycemia, the expression of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) and the facilitative glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) is upregulated in proximal tubular cells, leading to an increase in renal glucose reabsorption. The present study aimed to investigate whether malocclusion contributes to diabetic exacerbation. Methods: Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice with malocclusion due to cutting molars were investigated based on increased blood glucose levels. PCR and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on diabetic mice kidneys to investigate the expression of SGLT2 and GLUT2. Results: Animal experiments were performed using 32 mice for 21 days. The time to reach a diabetic condition in STZ-administered mice was shorter with malocclusion than without malocclusion. The increase and mean blood glucose levels in STZ-administered mice were steeper and higher with malocclusion than without malocclusion. Urea albumin, BUN, and CRE levels were higher in diabetic mice with malocclusion than in diabetic mice without. Immunoreaction with anti-SGLT2 and anti-GLUT2 in the renal tissue of STZ-administered mice was stronger with malocclusion than without malocclusion. The amounts of SGLT2 and GLUT2 mRNA in the renal tissue in STZ-administered mice were higher with malocclusion than without malocclusion. The amounts of TNF-a and IL-6 mRNA in the large intestinal tissue in STZ-administered mice were higher with malocclusion than without malocclusion. Conclusions: Our results indicate that malocclusion accelerates the tubular expression of SGLT2 and GLUT2 under hyperglycemia. Malocclusion may be a diabetes-exacerbating factor with increased poor glycemic control due to shortened occlusion time resulting from swallowing food without chewing.
Preventive Photobiomodulation for Chemotherapy-Induced Oral Mucositis: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Parra-Rojas Susell , Velázquez-Cayón Rocío Trinidad , Ciortan-Pop Maria Elena , Martins Manoela Domingues , Cassol Spanemberg Juliana
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Oral mucositis (OM) is the most common acute complication among cancer patients. It initially manifests as an inflammatory process, beginning with erythema and edema of the oral mucosa, progressing to erosive lesions, and ultimately leading to highly painful ulcers. This systematic review seeks to evaluate the efficacy of preventive PBM protocols in mitigating chemotherapy-induced OM. Methods: The PRISMA guidelines were followed. The search was conducted in August 2024 in the following databases: Pubmed/Medline, Scopus, WoS, Cochrane, SciELO, BDTD, and BVS/IBECS. Only randomized clinical trials that utilized preventive photobiomodulation protocols in chemotherapy patients were included. All studies involving patients previously treated with radiation therapy were excluded. The Joanna Briggs Institute tool was employed for risk of bias analysis. Results: The total sample size consisted of 828 patients aged between 1 and 84 years. There was no predisposition based on gender or age. When the patients were evaluated under preventive protocols, some cases of mucositis manifested in a total of 339 cases. Of the total number of patients in the 13 selected studies (n = 828), 40.94% developed oral mucositis over the course of chemotherapy cycles. Comparing the experimental and control groups, 211 patients who did not receive preventive laser treatment developed oral mucositis; in contrast, only 128 in the experimental group did. Eighty-five percent of the studies exhibited a low risk of bias. Conclusions: Preventively applied photobiomodulation proves effective in minimizing or even preventing the manifestation of oral mucositis and reducing the severity of lesions that arise during oncological treatment. Registration PROSPERO (CRD42023465329).
Seismic Damage Quantification of RC Short Columns from Crack Images Using the Enhanced U-Net
Authors: Chen Zixiao , Chen Qian , Dai Zexu , Song Chenghao , Hu Xiaobin
Published: January 2025

It is of great importance to quantify the seismic damage of reinforced concrete (RC) short columns since they often experience severe damage due to likely excessive shear deformation. In this paper, the seismic damage quantification method of RC short columns under earthquakes is proposed based on crack images and the enhanced U-Net. To this end, RC short-column specimens were prepared and tested under cyclic loading. The force-displacement hysteresis curves were obtained to quantitatively calculate the damage indicator of the RC short column based on the energy criterion. At the same time, crack images of the column surfaces were taken by smartphones using the partition photographing scheme and image stitching algorithm. The widely used U-Net was enhanced by adding a double attention mechanism to segment the cracks in the images. The results demonstrate that it has better accuracy in terms of recognizing tiny cracks compared to the original U-Net. By image analysis, the crack information was further extracted from the crack images to investigate the damage development of RC short columns. Finally, correlations between the damage indicator based on the energy criterion and crack information of the RC short columns under cyclic loading were analyzed, showing that the highest correlation exists between the damage indicator and the total crack area. Finally, the normalized total crack area, i.e., the ratio between the total crack area and the corresponding monitored area of the surface, is defined to quantify the seismic damage of RC short columns when utilizing crack images for damage assessment.
A Parametric Study on the Behavior of Arch Composite Beams Prestressed with External Tendons
Authors: Sabsabi Abdelrahim , Baalbaki Oussama , Masri Adnan , Ghanem Hassan
Published: January 2025

Arch beams are widely used in bridge construction due to their ability to withstand much greater loads than horizontal beams. The utilization of composite construction has also increased due to its tendency to optimize the utilization of construction materials, leading to significant savings in steel costs. In this research, a detailed experiment work on a simply supported arch composite beam under a positive moment was presented; then, a numerical model was created using ABAQUS to simulate its nonlinear behavior. The beams were formed from a concrete slab attached to steel beams by means of perfobond shear connectors (PSCs). A good agreement between the model and experiment was obtained. A parametric study was developed to identify the influence of the initial prestressing, rise to span ratio, and beam length on the behavior of the arch composite beam. It was found that the presence of tendons enhances the serviceability behavior, increases the ultimate load by 40% compared to the control beam, and equilibrates the horizontal thrust of the arch, even in the absence of initial prestressing. In addition, the beam exhibits a clear tied arch behavior due to the large eccentricity as the rise-to-depth ratio increases. Furthermore, the prestress force was found to be more effective in the longer span and the incremental stress in tendons more remarkable.
Markedly Enhanced Photoluminescence of Carbon Dots Dispersed in Deuterium Oxide
Authors: Stan Corneliu S. , Coroaba Adina , Ania Conchi O. , Albu Cristina , Popa Marcel
Published: January 2025

In this work, we report some surprisingly interesting results in our pursuit to improve the photoluminescent emission of Carbon Dots (CDs) prepared from various precursors. By simply replacing the regular water with deuterium oxide (D2O) as a dispersion medium, the emission intensity and the subsequent quantum efficiency of the radiative processes could be markedly enhanced. The present study was performed on our previous reported works related to CDs; in each case, the preparation path was maintained accordingly. For each type of CD, the emission intensity and the absolute photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) were highly improved, with, in certain cases, more-than-doubled values being recorded and the gain in performance being easily noticeable with the naked eye even in plain daylight. For each type of CD dispersed in regular water and heavy water, respectively, the photoluminescent properties were thoroughly investigated through Steady State, lifetime, and absolute PLQY. To further elucidate the mechanism involved in the photoluminescence intensity enhancement, samples of D2O and H2O dispersed CDs were embedded in a crosslinked Poly(acrylic acid) polymer matrix. The investigations revealed the major influence of the deuterium oxide dispersion medium over the PL emission properties of the investigated CDs.
Emerging Targeted Therapies in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Authors: Mina Syeda A. , Shanshal Mohamed , Leventakos Konstantinos , Parikh Kaushal
Published: January 2025

Targeted therapies have changed the treatment landscape of non-small-cell lung cancer and led to improved patient survival across all stages of lung cancer. Newer advances in common and novel oncogenic drivers continue to occur at vigorous speed, making it challenging to stay up to date with the rapidly evolving field. In this article, we review the emerging perspectives in the treatment of actionable targets in lung cancer. We focus on the development of newer KRAS-directed therapies, particularly on non-G12C mutations, pan-RAS inhibitors, and RAS-GTP inhibitors. We also describe the current standard of care for EGFR- and ALK-altered NSCLC and dive into the novel treatments expected to be in the clinic soon. A similar approach is taken toward MET, HER2, RET, ROS1, and FGFR alterations as emerging targets in non-small-cell lung cancer. Finally, we conclude this review with the current body of evidence for targeting TROP-2 as a novel target, potentially of importance in post-targeted therapy scenarios.
Long-Term Survival with Multiple Myeloma: An Italian Experience
Authors: Fazio Francesca , Gherardini Martina , Rossi Elena , Za Tommaso , Di Landro Francesca , Morè Sonia , Manieri Valentina Maria , Liberatore Carmine , Chavez Maria Gabriela , Bongarzoni Velia , Gumenyuk Svitlana , Garzia Maria Grazia , Ruggeri Miriana , Rago Angela , Biglietto Mario , Franceschini Luca , Tomarchio Valeria , De Padua Laura , Piciocchi Alfonso , Mengarelli Andrea , Fiorini Alessia , Fioritoni Francesca , Offidani Massimo , De Stefano Valerio , Martelli Maurizio , Petrucci Maria Teresa
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Treatments for multiple myeloma (MM) have expanded in the last decade, and the overall survival (OS) of MM patients (pts) is in continuous improvement. With the availability of new treatments and the use of high-dose chemotherapy, followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT), the median OS of newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) pts is 6–8 years. To date, approximately 50% and 28% of MM patients are still alive at 5 years and 10 years. Few data are reported concerning the characteristics of the long-term survival MM pts. Methods: the aim of this observational multicenter study is to analyze the clinical profile of MM pts who have survived 10 years or longer, to identify possible predictors of long-term survival. Conclusions: this is a real-life observation of a cohort of 344 long-term survivors with MM. The median age of the entire cohort was 59 years (range 27–83). The median years from diagnosis was 13.4 (range 11.3–16.3). Our analysis identified age more than 60 years, hypoalbuminemia at diagnosis, and a number of anti-myeloma therapies equal or more than 3 as significant independent prognostic factors for reduced OS. These finding underline the importance of designing prospective studies to identify clinical, biological, and molecular characteristics that could be used to better stratify newly diagnosed multiple myeloma pts in order to incorporate reproducible biomarkers and to identify tailored optimal target therapies.
The Gender-Biased Differential Effect of KDM6A Mutation on Immune Therapy in Urothelial Carcinoma: A Public Database Study
Authors: Sekino Yohei , Nakahara Hikaru , Ikeda Kenichiro , Kobatake Kohei , Kohada Yuki , Tasaka Ryo , Takemoto Kenshiro , Miyamoto Shunsuke , Kitano Hiroyuki , Goto Keisuke , Goriki Akihiro , Hieda Keisuke , Hinata Nobuyuki
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: It is said that genes that escape from X chromosome inactivation (XCI) contribute to gender differences. We analyzed the prognostic role of these genes and identified a gender-biased difference in prognosis according to KDM6A mutation in the immune therapy cohort (IMvigor 210). We also investigate the gender-biased differential effect of KDM6A mutation in several public databases of urothelial carcinoma (UC). Methods: We used AACR GENIE, The Cancer Genome Atlas, International Cancer Genome Consortium, several public databases related to immune therapy, chemotherapy, and BCG treatment. We studied the gender-biased prognostic role of KDM6A mutation in several cohorts and the association between KDM6A mutation and immune-related fractions according to gender. Results: The expression of KDM6A was higher in females than in males in several cohorts. Mutation of KDM6A was observed in about 20–25% of the patients. The rate of KDM6A mutation was higher in females than in males in several cohorts. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed a gender-biased difference in prognosis between patients with KDM6A mutations and those with the wild-type KDM6A in several cohorts, including the immune therapy cohort. The rate of immune-inflamed type was higher in males than in females in the patients with KDM6A mutation in the IMvigor 210 and UC-GENOME studies. Single-sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis showed that CD8+ cells and type 1 IFN response fractions and APC co-inhibition fraction were higher in the male than female patients with KDM6A mutation. Similar findings were observed in other immune-related studies (UC-GENOME). Conclusions: The effect of KDM6A mutation on immune therapy varied according to gender, and the status of KDM6A mutation may be a promising biomarker in immune therapy in UC.
Modulating Neuroinflammation as a Prospective Therapeutic Target in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Lee Eunshil , Chang Yongmin
Published: January 2025

The recent approval of lecanemab highlights that the amyloid beta (Aβ) protein is an important pathological target in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and further emphasizes the significance of neuroinflammatory pathways in regulating Aβ accumulation. Indeed, Aβ accumulation triggers microglia activation, which are key mediators in neuroinflammation. The inflammatory responses in this process can lead to neuronal damage and functional decline. Microglia secrete proinflammatory cytokines that accelerate neuronal death and release anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors contributing to neuronal recovery and protection. Thus, microglia play a dual role in neurodegeneration and neuroprotection, complicating their function in AD. Therefore, elucidating the complex interactions between Aβ protein, microglia, and neuroinflammation is essential for developing new strategies for treating AD. This review investigates the receptors and pathways involved in activating microglia and aims to enhance understanding of how these processes impact neuroinflammation in AD, as well as how they can be regulated. This review also analyzed studies reported in the existing literature and ongoing clinical trials. Overall, these studies will contribute to understanding the regulatory mechanisms of neuroinflammation and developing new therapies that can slow the pathological progression of AD.
Encapsulation of Canola Oil by Sonication for the Development of Protein and Starch Systems: Physical Characteristics and Rheological Properties
Authors: Silva-Paz Reynaldo J. , Ñope-Quito Celenia E. , Rivera-Ashqui Thalia A. , Jamanca-Gonzales Nicodemo C. , Eccoña-Sota Amparo , Riquelme Natalia , Arancibia Carla
Published: January 2025

Canola oil, extracted from Brassica napus, is appreciated for its nutritional profile, but its use in the food industry is limited by its susceptibility to oxidation. This study aimed to evaluate the nanoemulsion of canola oil by sonication to develop stable nanoemulsified gels from protein and starch systems. Two stages were performed. In the first stage, oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions were prepared using soy lecithin and Tween 80 as emulsifiers, analyzing their physical stability by particle size and polydispersity index. The results show that the sonication conditions and emulsifier concentration significantly affected the creaming index and particle size. In the second stage, gels were developed from these nanoemulsions, evaluating their colorimetric and rheological properties. It was observed that the gels presented a viscoelastic behavior suitable for food applications, with a higher luminosity in protein systems. In conclusion, nanoemulsion by sonication improves the stability of canola oil, suggesting its potential use in various food applications. Additional emulsifier combinations and optimization of processing conditions are recommended to further improve the stability and functionality of the encapsulated oil.