bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Study of the Sensory Impacts of Acidifiers for Red Wine Production
Authors: Keng Abigail , Symoneaux Ronan , Lyne Andrew , Botezatu Andreea
Published: January 2025

Rising temperatures have caused a major shift in wine chemistry, including increased sugar and pH along with decreased acidity. Wines produced from such grapes tend to be microbiologically unstable and are often described as unpalatable. This study looks at treatments to lower pH and enhance sensory characteristics of wines produced from grapes grown at higher temperatures. The four acidification treatments included the following: tartaric acid; verjus—an acidic juice made from unripe grapes; glucose oxidase with catalase enzyme (GOx), which converts glucose to gluconic acid; and ion exchange. All treatments were able to reduce pH to the target pH of 3.6. Sensory analysis was conducted using the Hierarchical Rate-All-That-Apply (HRATA) method and preference testing. Analysis of the HRATA and GCMS data using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) accounted for 78.69% and 70% of the variance observed, respectively. Wines treated with GOx and verjus exhibited the most distinct sensory profiles when compared to each other, the other treatments, and the control group. GOx-treated wines were associated with positive flavor descriptors including caramel, hazelnut, lemon, and fruity which correlated well with the aromatic compounds determined by GCMS. There were no significant differences in consumer preferences of treatments. This study shows how different acidifiers can be utilized by winemakers to affect not just the pH and acidity but also the aromatic and flavor profile of the wine.
Predicting Epileptic Seizures Using EfficientNet-B0 and SVMs: A Deep Learning Methodology for EEG Analysis
Authors: Saadoon Yousif A. , Khalil Mohamad , Battikh Dalia
Published: January 2025

Seizure prediction is a critical challenge in epilepsy management, offering the potential to improve patient outcomes through timely interventions. This study proposes a novel framework combining a convolutional neural network (CNN) based on EfficientNet-B0 and an ensemble of six Support Vector Machines (SVMs) with a voting mechanism for robust seizure prediction. The framework leverages normalized Short-Time Fourier Transform (STFT) and channel correlation features extracted from EEG signals to capture both spectral and spatial information. The methodology was validated on the CHB-MIT dataset across preictal windows of 10, 20, and 30 min, achieving accuracies of 96.12%, 94.89%, and 94.21%, and sensitivities of 95.21%, 93.98%, and 93.55%, respectively. Comparing the results with state-of-the-art methods, we highlight the framework’s robustness and adaptability. The EfficientNet-B0 backbone ensures high accuracy with computational efficiency, while the SVM ensemble enhances prediction reliability by mitigating noise and variability in EEG data.
The Therapeutic Potential of Supersulfides in Oxidative Stress-Related Diseases
Authors: Pan Yuexuan , Matsunaga Tetsuro , Zhang Tianli , Akaike Takaaki
Published: January 2025

Oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions are fundamental to sustaining life, with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species playing pivotal roles in cellular signaling and homeostasis. However, excessive oxidative stress disrupts redox balance, contributing to a wide range of diseases, including inflammatory and pulmonary disorders, neurodegeneration, and cancer. Although numerous antioxidant therapies have been developed and tested for oxidative stress-related diseases, their clinical efficacy remains limited. Here, we introduce the emerging concept of ‘supersulfides’, a class of redox molecule species with unique antioxidant and nucleophilic properties, which have recently been recognized as crucial regulators of cellular redox homeostasis. Unlike traditional antioxidants, supersulfides offer novel mechanisms of action that directly target the underlying processes of oxidative stress. This review summarizes current knowledge on supersulfides, highlighting their roles in oxidative stress and associated diseases, as well as the mechanisms underlying oxidative stress-related pathology. The therapeutic potential of synthetic supersulfides for treating oxidative stress-related diseases is also discussed. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of redox biology can help to guide the development of innovative redox-based therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing and treating diseases associated with disturbed redox regulation.
Adiponectin and HMW Oligomers in Relation to Inflammatory Markers in Crohn’s Disease Patients
Authors: Marra Maurizio , Mallardo Marta , Nigro Ersilia , Cioffi Iolanda , Leo Camilla , Guarino Alessia Dalila , Castiglione Fabiana , Pasanisi Fabrizio , Daniele Aurora
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Crohn’s disease (CD), a chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal illness, is the result of genetics and environmental factors. Adipose tissue has recently been found to play a significant role in CD. Methods: here, we examined the relationship between adiponectin, HMW oligomers, and CD in 92 patients. Results: first, we verified that the patients’ therapies had no influence on the nutritional and biochemical variables. Correlation analysis between HMW adiponectin and nutritional parameters found no relationship; therefore, we investigated its relationship with CD severity and inflammatory markers. Based on adiponectin, we divided patients into tertiles and found that CDAI was lowest in the second and third tertile [I: <19.3 (n = 31); II: 19.3–22.2 (n = 31); III: >22.2 (n = 30)]. Furthermore, IL-6 and CRP were higher in the second and third tertile, while lymphocytes were lower in the second and third tertile. Correlation analysis showed that both adiponectin and HMW oligomers were inversely related to lymphocytes and directly related to CRP. A ROC curve evidenced that patients carrying adiponectin values ≤ 19 performed well in predicting worse CDAI and lymphocyte values (AUCs: 0.826 and 0.806). Next, we divided CD patients into tertiles based on HMW adiponectin, finding that IL-6 was highest in the second and third tertile. Lymphocytes were lowest in the third tertile while CRP values were substantially higher. Conclusions: altogether, these data suggest a biological role for adiponectin and HMW oligomers in CD severity and inflammatory status. However, the molecular effects related to adiponectin in CD remain unclear and further studies are needed to clarify its applicability as a biomarker.
Becoming a Researcher: An Empirical Study on the Factors Influencing Chinese PhD Students’ Research Career Intentions
Authors: Luo Xingqi , Yin Jie , Zou Yang , Liu Xianwei , Ma Wanli , Deng Yichu
Published: January 2025

Increasing the attractiveness of research careers for PhD students has been a key objective of science, technology, and innovation policies worldwide. This study draws on an expanded career construction theory framework to examine the effects of proactive personality, employability social capital, and career adaptability on PhD students’ research career intentions as well as the moderating role of gender in this structural model. We collected data from 795 Chinese PhD students at 10 universities via an online questionnaire survey. Structural equation modeling analysis revealed that proactive personality had no significant direct effect on research career intentions; however, it could influence research career intentions indirectly via the separate and chain mediating effects of employability social capital and career adaptability. In addition, gender was shown to moderate the relationship between employability social capital and research career intentions. The theoretical and practical implications of this research are highlighted, and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Barriers, Bottlenecks, and Challenges in Implementing Safety I- and Safety II-Enabled Safe Systems of Working in Construction Projects: A Scoping Review
Authors: Sarvari Hadi , Edwards David J. , Rillie Iain , Roberts Chris
Published: January 2025

The construction industry has endured high incident rates for many decades. Although multiple safety measures in the form of Safety I- and II-enabled safe systems of working (SSoWs) have been implemented, statistics reveal that a significant prevalence of incidents prevails worldwide. However, there is limited information available about the actual factors that are impeding these SSoWs. This study investigates and evaluates the barriers, bottlenecks and challenges (BB&Cs) that hinder the implementation of Safety I- and II-enabled SSoWs in the construction industry. Using a scoping review methodology, a thorough search of articles documenting the BB&Cs of implementing Safety I- and II-enabled SSoWs was carried out using Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. An initiative model was employed for categorising BB&C to implement Safety I and II, which includes micro- (site), meso- (organisation), and macro (environment)-thematic groupings, as a guiding framework for the mapping and analysis of results. The search yielded 98 articles that discussed the implementation of Safety I and II, with 54 of them specifically related to BB&Cs. Emergent results emphasised how there is scant literature on the BB&Cs of implementation Safety I- and II-enabled SSoWs across site, organisation and environment levels. Extensive global research is necessary to comprehensively understand the obstacles to implementing Safety I and II in practice as a first step towards reducing incidents and accidents on site. Cumulatively, the findings suggest that implementing Safety I- and II-enabled SSoWs should be based on removing BB&Cs and evaluating how they affect safety performance.
Random Seismic Response Analysis of Long-Span Cable-Stayed Bridges Under High-Intensity Earthquakes Based on the Improved Power Spectral Model
Authors: Liu Jian , Wang Lei , Zhang Jiayang
Published: January 2025

To study the influence of random seismic responses on the structure of a large-span double-deck steel truss cable-stayed bridges under the effects of high-intensity rare earthquakes, a new power spectral model was proposed based on improvements to existing power spectra for fitting the improved power spectra of random seismic responses. The bridge finite element model established using ANSYS was employed as an engineering example for computational analysis to investigate whether the improved spectrum exhibited better adaptability and feasibility under high-intensity rare earthquake compared with other power spectra. The results indicated that the power spectral model, based on improvements to the original power spectra, had a more pronounced filtering effect on the low-frequency and high-frequency portions. Moreover, under the consistent three-dimensional excitation, the vertical displacement of the main beam was the greatest, indicating that the improved spectrum had better adaptability than other power spectra in studying the high-intensity rare earthquakes affecting bridges. It also reflected the feasibility of using the improved spectrum for studying the random responses to high-intensity rare earthquakes, providing a reference for bridge design concerning rare earthquakes in large-span bridges.
Increased Durability of Concrete Structures Under Severe Conditions Using Crystalline Admixtures
Authors: Krelani Visar , Ahmeti Muhamet , Kryeziu Driton
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the durability of concrete structures under severe environmental conditions, focusing on the effects of thermal stress, saline exposure, and seismic activity. The research employs a dual approach, combining laboratory experiments and field case studies to analyze various environmental impacts, mix designs, and the use of crystalline admixtures. Two concrete mix designs, CMD-01-C30/37 (mass concrete) and CMD-02-C35/45 (underwater concrete), were developed and tested for strength, permeability, and self-healing properties. The results demonstrate that both mix designs met or exceeded the required strength specifications, with improved resistance to water penetration and permeability depths lower than the code requirements set by European standards from EC2. The incorporation of crystalline admixtures in the mix designs significantly enhanced durability and performance, aligning with the priority of developing zero-carbon concrete solutions. The study also observed the self-healing capabilities of concrete treated with crystalline admixtures, as evidenced by the sealing of cracks at expansion and construction joints over time. These findings contribute to the development of a robust methodology for creating resilient structures adaptable to climate change, with potential implications for enhancing seismic resistance and structural longevity. The study underscores the importance of considering environmental factors and innovative admixtures in concrete design to improve durability and resilience, particularly in areas prone to seismic activity and extreme environmental conditions. Future research directions should focus on further investigating self-healing mechanisms, exploring the integration of durable and self-healing cement-based materials in engineering practice, and evaluating applications for both new construction and retrofitting existing structures.
Effects of Permeable Geotextiles of Different Densities on Soil Cracking and Evaporation Behavior
Authors: Yang Binbin , Yin Yidan , Yang Changde
Published: January 2025

Geotextiles are a commonly used green material which can improve the water holding capacity of soil. However, the effects of density on evaporation and cracking of geotextile–soil composites are still unclear. The results indicate that the addition of geotextiles divides the soil water evaporation into five stages: constant loss stage, rapid deceleration stage, secondary deceleration stage, tertiary deceleration stage, and residual loss stage. When the geotextile density was 0, 200, 400 and 600 g/m2, the deceleration stage accounted for 55.7%, 64.3%, 70.4% and 74.8%, respectively, of the total evaporation time of water in the soil. Compared with soil without geotextiles when the geotextile density was 200, 400 and 600 g/m2, the soil average residual water content rose by 34.8%, 127.1% and 247.0%, respectively. When the geotextile density was 600 g/m2, the crack rate and fractal dimension were reduced by 44.44% and 18.39%, respectively. Geotextiles can provide fiber interleaving points and pore spaces, and high-density geotextiles can effectively prevent the movement of fine particles and form a thicker layer of fine particles to enhance the water retention and crack resistance of the soil, so that the geological environment contributes to sustainable development. The application of geotextile–soil composites can achieve long-term sustainable protection against soil evaporation and cracking.
Timing Anti-PD-L1 Checkpoint Blockade Immunotherapy to Enhance Tumor Irradiation
Authors: Lee Steve Seung-Young , Pagacz Joanna , Averbek Sera , Scholten David , Liu Yue , Kron Stephen J.
Published: January 2025

Background: The ability of radiotherapy (RT) to drive anti-tumor immunity is limited by adaptive resistance. While RT induces inflammation and recruits activated tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), including cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), the resulting radiation- and IFNγ-dependent PD-L1 expression restores an immunosuppressed tumor microenvironment. Unleashing an effective anti-tumor response may require the precise sequencing of RT and checkpoint blockade immunotherapy (CBI) to block PD-L1 signaling before it can mediate its suppressive effects. Methods: Flank tumors formed in BALB/c mice with syngeneic CT26 colon or 4T1 mammary carcinoma cells were treated with otherwise ineffective doses of ionizing radiation (10 Gy) followed by CBI (0.2 mg anti-PD-L1, i.v.) after 0, 1, 3, 5, or 7 days, comparing tumor response. Anti-PD-L1 delivery was measured by fluorescence, TILs by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence, PD-L1 expression by immunohistochemistry, and tumor size by calipers. Results: In both CT26 and 4T1 tumors, 10 Gy alone resulted in a transient growth delay associated with infiltrating CTLs peaking at 3 days and PD-L1 at 5 days. CTLs returned to baseline after 7 days, consistent with adaptive resistance. Anti-PD-L1 failed to potentiate radiation except when injected 5 days after 10 Gy, which prevented CTL depletion and led to tumor elimination. Potentially contributing to compound effects, anti-PD-L1 penetrated tumors and bound PD-L1 more efficiently after irradiation. Conclusions: Optimal timing to exploit radiation-induced permeability to enhance CBI delivery and interrupt adaptive resistance by blocking PD-L1 as it peaks may offer a general strategy to enhance external beam radiotherapy by protecting activated TILs and potentiating anti-tumor immune response.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Mycotoxins by Heterogeneous Photocatalysts
Authors: Huang Yawei , Li Muyue , Liu Jing
Published: January 2025

Mycotoxins are highly toxic secondary metabolites that can pose a serious threat to food safety, human health, and the environment. As a promising detoxification method, photocatalysis has shown great potential for mycotoxin degradation due to its high efficiency, low cost, and green advantages. Heterogeneous photocatalysis using a semiconductor as a mediator is now regarded as an effective approach for mycotoxin degradation. The aim of this study was to review the recent developments, mainly in the photocatalytic degradation of mycotoxin (e.g., AFB1, FB1, DON, and ZEN). The principle, feasibility, and main semiconducting catalysts of mycotoxin photodegradation are introduced and discussed, including metal oxides (transition, noble, and rare earth metals), carbons (graphene, carbon nitride, and biochar) and other composites (MOFs and LDHs). This review will contribute to the development of semiconductor photocatalysts and photocatalytic degradation for mycotoxins decontamination.
Bibliometric Analysis on Graphitic Carbon Nitride (g-C3N4) as Photocatalyst for the Remediation of Water Polluted with Contaminants of Emerging Concern
Authors: Veiga-del-Baño José M. , Pérez-Lucas Gabriel , Andreo-Martínez Pedro , Navarro Simón
Published: January 2025

Carbon nitrides are polymeric materials with a broad range of applications, including photocatalysis. Among them, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), a low-cost material, is an excellent photocatalyst under visible light irradiation owing to its features such as correct band positions, high stability and non-toxicity. g-C3N4 is a metal-free material that is easily synthesized by polymerizing nitrogen-rich compounds and is an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for many reaction procedures due to its distinctive electronic structure and the benefits of the mesoporous texture. In addition, in situ or post-modification of g-C3N4 can further improve catalytic performance or expand its application for remediating environmental pollution. Water pollution from organic compounds such as pesticides and pharmaceuticals is increasing dramatically and is becoming a serious problem around the world. These pollutants enter water supplies in a variety of ways, including industrial and hospital wastewater, agricultural runoff, and chemical use. To solve this problem, photocatalysis is a promising technology. Without the use of other oxidative chemicals, g-C3N4 uses renewable solar energy to transform harmful pollutants into harmless products. As a result, much recent research has focused on the photocatalytic activity of g-C3N4 for wastewater treatment. For this reason, the main objective of this paper is to contribute a chronological overview of the bibliometrics on g-C3N4 for the removal of pesticides and pharmaceuticals from water using the tools BibExcel, Bibliometrix and R-Studio IDE. A bibliometric analysis was performed using the Science Citation Index Expanded (WoS©) database to analyze the scientific literature published in the field over the last 10 years. The results were used to identify limitations and guide future research.
Detection of Dopamine Using Hybrid Materials Based on NiO/ZnO for Electrochemical Sensor Applications
Authors: Naz Irum , Tahira Aneela , Mallah Arfana Begum , Dawi Elmuez , Saleem Lama , Ibrahim Rafat M. , Ibupoto Zafar Hussain
Published: January 2025

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter which is classified as a catecholamine. It is also one of the main metabolites produced by some tumor types (such as paragangliomas and neoblastomas). As such, determining and monitoring the level of dopamine is of the utmost importance, ideally using analytical techniques that are sensitive, simple, and low in cost. Due to this, we have developed a non-enzymatic dopamine sensor that is highly sensitive, selective, and rapidly detects the presence of dopamine in the body. A hybrid material fabricated with NiO and ZnO, based on date fruit extract, was synthesized by hydrothermal methods and using NiO as a precursor material. This paper discusses the role of date fruit extracts in improving NiO’s catalytic performance with reference to ZnO and the role that they play in this process. An X-ray powder diffraction study, a scanning electron microscope study, and a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study were performed in order to investigate the structure of the samples. It was found that, in the composite NiO/ZnO, NiO exhibited a cubic phase and ZnO exhibited a hexagonal phase, both of which exhibited well-oriented aggregated cluster shapes in the composite. A hybrid material containing NiO and ZnO has been found to be highly electro-catalytically active in the advanced oxidation of dopamine in a phosphate buffer solution at a pH of 7.3. It has been found that this can be accomplished without the use of enzymes, and the range of oxidation used here was between 0.01 mM and 4 mM. The detection limit of non-enzymatic sensors is estimated to be 0.036 μM. Several properties of the non-enzymatic sensor presented here have been demonstrated, including its repeatability, selectivity, and reproducibility. A test was conducted on Sample 2 for the detection of banana peel and wheat grass, and the results were highly encouraging and indicated that biomass waste may be useful for the manufacture of medicines to treat chronic diseases. It is thought that date fruit extracts would prove to be valuable resources for the development of next-generation electrode materials for use in clinical settings, for energy conversion, and for energy storage.
Crosstalk Between Abiotic and Biotic Stresses Responses and the Role of Chloroplast Retrograde Signaling in the Cross-Tolerance Phenomena in Plants
Authors: Kamran Muhammad , Burdiak Paweł , Karpiński Stanisław
Published: January 2025

In the natural environment, plants are simultaneously exposed to multivariable abiotic and biotic stresses. Typical abiotic stresses are changes in temperature, light intensity and quality, water stress (drought, flood), microelements availability, salinity, air pollutants, and others. Biotic stresses are caused by other organisms, such as pathogenic bacteria and viruses or parasites. This review presents the current state-of-the-art knowledge on programmed cell death in the cross-tolerance phenomena and its conditional molecular and physiological regulators, which simultaneously regulate plant acclimation, defense, and developmental responses. It highlights the role of the absorbed energy in excess and its dissipation as heat in the induction of the chloroplast retrograde phytohormonal, electrical, and reactive oxygen species signaling. It also discusses how systemic- and network-acquired acclimation and acquired systemic resistance are mutually regulated and demonstrates the role of non-photochemical quenching and the dissipation of absorbed energy in excess as heat in the cross-tolerance phenomenon. Finally, new evidence that plants evolved one molecular system to regulate cell death, acclimation, and cross-tolerance are presented and discussed.
The Experience of Caring for a Medically Complex Child in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Qualitative Study of Parental Impact
Authors: Bertoncelli Natascia , Buttera Martina , Nieddu Elisa , Berardi Alberto , Lugli Licia
Published: January 2025

Background: Parents of children with life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses and/or medical complexity experience intense stress and pain soon after the birth and lifelong. Understanding parents’ experiences and coping strategies is the prerequisite to provide tailored support to families. Aim: To explore the experiences of parents of children with medical complexity (CMCs) during hospitalization in a Family-Centered Care (FCC) neonatal unit and after discharge. Design: Qualitative study. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were administered to the parents of children with medical complexity admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Modena between October 2016 and January 2024. The interview was developed based on three time points: birth, hospitalization, and discharge, focusing on parents’ experiences, emotions, and communication with healthcare professionals. The interviews were analyzed using the template analysis. Results: A total of 10 parents were interviewed. Four domains were identified, encompassing eight significant themes in the parents’ experiences and their communication with healthcare professionals. The relevant emotions included anxiety and fear for survival, fatigue, and guilt over the child’s suffering, alongside hope and trust that parents felt entitled to nurture. Relationships with professionals were characterized by expectations and frustrations; mothers and fathers had different perceptions and reactions to the situation they were facing. Conclusions: This qualitative study explores the experiences of parents of CMCs in a neonatal intensive care unit adopting FCC. From admission to discharge, parents’ emotions were influenced by the child’s unique clinical history. Active listening and the humane attitude of healthcare professionals were the aspects most appreciated by parents.
Polypharmacy in Pediatric Palliative Care: Exploring Discrepancies Between Physicians and Pharmacists
Authors: Mengato Daniele , Zanin Anna , Baratiri Fernando , Pivato Lisa , Camuffo Laura , Benini Franca , Venturini Francesca
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Off-label drug use is prevalent in pediatric care, particularly in pediatric palliative care (PPC), due to the scarcity of pediatric-specific formulations and clinical trials. Differences in perception between healthcare professionals regarding off-label prescriptions underscore the complexity of this practice and highlight the need for improved collaboration to optimize therapeutic outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted from August to October 2021 at the PPC center of the University Hospital of Padova, Italy. Data were collected from medical records of 169 patients. Off-label prescriptions were independently assessed by two physicians and two clinical pharmacists using respective reference sources. Discrepancies were resolved through consensus. Statistical analyses included the χ2-test for categorical variables and t-tests for continuous data. Results: Among the 993 drug prescriptions analyzed, the pharmacists reported a higher proportion of off-label uses (32.9%) compared to the physicians (18.4%; p < 0.05). After a consensus, 26.5% of the prescriptions were identified as off-label, with 67.9% due to indications, 49.6% due to dosage, and 44.4% due to age discrepancies. Conclusions: This study suggests a high prevalence of off-label prescribing in pediatric palliative care (PPC) and highlights differing professional perspectives, underscoring the potential benefits of exploring standardized protocols and enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration. Enhanced communication between healthcare providers, alongside the development of registries and clinical trials, is essential for improving the safety and efficacy of off-label drug use in pediatric populations. A flexible regulatory framework and customized galenic formulations could further support these goals.
Influence of Chromium Coating on Microstructure Changes in Zirconium Alloy E110 Under High-Temperature Hydrogenation and Kr Ion Irradiation
Authors: Kruglyakov Mark A. , Kudiiarov Viktor N. , Laptev Roman S. , Vrublevskii Dmitrii B. , Svyatkin Leonid A. , Uglov Vladimir V. , Ivanov Igor A. , Koloberdin Mikhail V.
Published: January 2025

In this work, the peculiarities of microstructure changes in Cr-coated Zr1%Nb alloy under high-temperature hydrogenation and Kr ion irradiation were investigated. A comprehensive analysis revealed that Cr coating reduces the thickness of the Kr+ radiation damage zone by 15%–20% and decreases the density of radiation-induced defects compared to that of uncoated Zr1%Nb alloy. Additionally, Cr-coated samples exhibit a more uniform hydrogen distribution. According to first-principles calculations and positron annihilation spectroscopy, hydrogen-free dislocations predominate in the Cr-coated Zr1%Nb alloy after hydrogenation and irradiation. These findings emphasize the protective role of Cr coatings in mitigating radiation damage and hydrogen embrittlement in zirconium alloys.
Combustion Wave Properties of Normal Zone Propagation Induced by Micro-Sized Magnetic Cumulation in Thin YBaCuO Films
Authors: Kiprijanovič Oleg , Ardaravičius Linas
Published: January 2025

The process of normal (N) zone propagation in three superconducting YBaCuO thin films with different Pearl length values was theoretically studied. The point appearance of the N zone was found to result from powerful energy release caused by micro-sized magnetic cumulation. Solutions of the heat equation for hot electrons, diffusing to ~15 nm depth into the edge of the Pearl length, were obtained for the two length cases. The hot electron thermalization induced a transition to N state at the aforementioned depth due to fast exceeding of Tc, followed by flash high temperature growth. In the third case, we considered a process of crack branching when the superconducting current concentrated at the tips, followed by the transition to N state caused by exceeding jc. The superfast reaction of the superconductor allowed it to restore the energy loss at the Pearl length in all cases. This explains the step propagation process of the N zone with velocities up to 2.7 × 103 and 1.1 × 103 m/s in the first and second cases. In the third, the propagation can reach the detonation wave velocity of about 1 × 104 m/s. It is concluded that the process of the N zone propagation has the character of a combustion wave.
Improved Tribological Properties of Blanking Punches for Copper Alloys Utilizing Deterministic Surface Texturing by Machine Hammer Peening
Authors: Schumann Philipp , Arne Viktor , Groche Peter
Published: January 2025

Constant efforts to increase resource efficiency, productivity, and output quantities, as well as growing product requirements, result in high tribological loads on forming tools. The manipulation of the tribological properties of blanking punches by deterministic texturing using machine hammer peening on the lateral surface is a solution to ensure an extended service life. For this purpose, rotationally symmetrical blanking punches were textured using a specially developed texturing center. The machine hammer peening center allows surface texturing with positioning accuracies of less than 2% for individual indentations by controlling a rotary and feed axis in combination with frequency control of the machine hammer peening setup. A modified hammer head with a micro-tip was used as the texturing tool. Different coverage ratios with the same aspect ratio were applied to the surface. These punches were then tested on an industrial high-speed press. To evaluate the effectiveness, the force curves were analyzed and the evolution of the textured topography was continuously evaluated. The experiments showed that the withdrawal force could be reduced by 38% due to microtexturing with a coverage ratio of 18%. Other coverage ratios resulted in an increase. By texturing the lateral surfaces of blanking punches using machine hammer peening, the service life was also significantly improved.
Electrochemical Fabrication of Ni–Co Alloy over a Wide pH Range Using Sodium Citrate as a Complexing Agent
Authors: Santos Évany Silva dos , Costa Josiane Dantas , Filgueira de Almeida Arthur , Santos Aureliano Xavier dos , Araújo Lincoln Rodrigues Sampaio de , Santana Renato Alexandre Costa de , Campos Ana Regina Nascimento
Published: January 2025

In this study, nickel–cobalt (Ni–Co) coatings were fabricated via electrodeposition using a 22 central composite factorial design with two central and two axial points, totaling ten experiments. The effects of pH and current density on the coatings’ chemical composition and properties were evaluated. Coatings were characterized by microstructure, morphology, magnetic properties, and corrosion resistance. The results showed that pH significantly influenced chemical composition, while current density had no notable effect. Acidic pH produced cobalt-rich coatings (43–81 at.%), with uniform morphology, higher saturation magnetization, and lower corrosion resistance. Maximum cobalt content (81 at.%) resulted in a mixed face-centered cubic (fcc) + hexagonal close-packed (hcp) phase. Alkaline pH yielded nickel-rich coatings (89–95 at.%), featuring nodular morphology, lower magnetization, higher corrosion resistance, and, exclusively, the fcc phase. The highest polarization resistance (66.1 kΩ) occurred at pH 8.83 and 60 mA/cm2, while resistance decreased with increasing cobalt content. The pH effect on deposition was linked to the formation of citrate complexes: ammonia and citrate complexes promoted nickel deposition under alkaline conditions, while stable cobalt complexes dominated in an acidic pH. These findings highlight the potential to tailor Ni–Co coatings for applications such as corrosion-resistant coatings (nickel-rich) or magnetic devices (cobalt-rich).
Integrating Radiomics Signature into Clinical Pathway for Patients with Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Sica Giacomo , D’Agnano Vito , Bate Simon Townend , Romano Federica , Viglione Vittorio , Franzese Linda , Scaglione Mariano , Tamburrini Stefania , Reginelli Alfonso , Perrotta Fabio
Published: January 2025

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are a heterogeneous group of pulmonary disorders characterised by variable degrees of inflammation, interstitial thickening, and fibrosis leading to distortion of the pulmonary architecture and gas exchange impairment. There are approximately 200 different entities in this category. ILDs are commonly classified based on several criteria, including causes, clinical features, and radiological patterns. Chest HRCT is the gold standard for the recognition of lung alteration patterns underlying interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), diagnosing specific patterns, and evaluating radiologic progression. Methods based on artificial intelligence (AI) may be used in computational medicine, especially in image-based specialties such as radiology. The evolving field of radiomics offers a unique and non-invasive approach to extracting quantitative information from medical images, particularly high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans. This comprehensive review explores the burgeoning role of radiomics in unravelling the intricacies of interstitial lung disease. It focuses on its potential applications in diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment response evaluation.
Thriving Children’s Emotional Self-Regulation in Preschool: A Systematic Review Discussed from an Interactionist Perspective
Authors: Nilfyr Katarina , Ewe Linda Plantin
Published: January 2025

The primary aim of this article is to investigate and expand the existing knowledge on preschool children’s emotional self-regulation within the preschool setting and to explore how this critical skill can be effectively supported. This study is grounded in an interactionist perspective, viewing education as fundamentally relational. The methodology involved a systematic literature review of contemporary research focused on emotional self-regulation in preschool contexts. The findings indicate a positive correlation between children’s ability to regulate their emotions and their subsequent academic success. These results are discussed through the theoretical lens of the theory of social bond, alongside the relational competence model. The discussion emphasizes the role of preschool teachers in fostering secure social bonds, with their socio-emotional competence serving as a vital buffer that supports children in developing emotional self-regulation.
Design of Self-Optimizing Polynomial Neural Networks with Temporal Feature Enhancement for Time Series Classification
Authors: Tang Yuqi , Xu Zhilei , Huang Wei
Published: January 2025

Time series classification is a significant and complex issue in data mining, it is prevalent across various fields and holds substantial research value. However, enhancing the classification rate of time series data remains a formidable challenge. Traditional time series classification methods often face difficulties related to insufficient feature extraction or excessive model complexity. In this study, we propose a self-optimizing polynomial neural network with a temporal feature enhancement, which is referred to as OPNN-T. Existing classifiers based on polynomial neural networks (PNNs) struggle to achieve high-quality performances when dealing with time series data, primarily due to their inability to extract temporal information effectively. The goal of the proposed classifier is to enhance the nonlinear modeling capability for time series data, thereby improving the classification rate in practical applications. The key features of the proposed OPNN-T include the following: (1) A temporal feature module is employed to capture the dependencies in time series data, providing adaptability and flexibility in handling complex temporal patterns. (2) A polynomial neural network (PNN) is constructed using sub-datasets combined with three types of polynomial neurons, which enhances its nonlinear modeling capabilities across diverse scenarios. (3) A self-optimization mechanism is integrated into iteratively optimized sub-datasets, features, and polynomial types, resulting in significant improvements in the classification rate. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves superior performances across multiple standard time series datasets, exhibiting higher classification accuracy and greater robustness than the existing classification models. Our research offers an effective solution for time series classification, and highlights the potential of polynomial neural networks in this field.
An On-Chip Architectural Framework Design for Achieving High-Throughput Multi-Channel High-Bandwidth Memory Access in Field-Programmable Gate Array Systems
Authors: Kong Xiangcong , Zhu Zixuan , Feng Chujun , Zhu Yongxin , Zheng Xiaoying
Published: January 2025

The integration of High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM) into Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) has significantly enhanced data processing capabilities. However, the segmentation of HBM into 32 pseudo-channels, each managed by a performance-limited crossbar, imposes a significant bottleneck on data throughput. To overcome this challenge, we propose a transparent HBM access framework that integrates a non-blocking network-on-chip (NoC) module and fine-grained burst control transmission, enabling efficient multi-channel memory access in HBM. Our Omega-based NoC achieves a throughput of 692 million packets per second, surpassing state-of-the-art solutions. When implemented on the Xilinx Alveo U280 FPGA board, the proposed framework attains near-maximum single-channel write bandwidth, delivering 12.94 GB/s in many-to-many unicast communication scenarios, demonstrating its effectiveness in optimizing memory access for high-performance applications.
Vehicle-to-Everything-Car Edge Cloud Management with Development, Security, and Operations Automation Framework
Authors: Ku DongHwan , Zang Hannie , Yusupov Anvarjon , Park Sun , Kim JongWon
Published: January 2025

Modern autonomous driving and intelligent transportation systems face critical challenges in managing real-time data processing, network latency, and security threats across distributed vehicular environments. Conventional cloud-centric architectures typically struggle to meet the low-latency and high-reliability requirements of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) applications, particularly in dynamic and resource-constrained edge environments. To address these challenges, this study introduces the V2X-Car Edge Cloud system, which is a cloud-native architecture driven by DevSecOps principles to ensure secure deployment, dynamic resource orchestration, and real-time monitoring across distributed edge nodes. The proposed system integrates multicluster orchestration with Kubernetes, hybrid communication protocols (C-V2X, 5G, and WAVE), and data-fusion pipelines to enhance transparency in artificial intelligence (AI)-driven decision making. A software-in-the-loop simulation environment was implemented to validate AI models, and the SmartX MultiSec framework was integrated into the proposed system to dynamically monitor network traffic flow and security. Experimental evaluations in a virtual driving environment demonstrate the ability of the proposed system to perform automated security updates, continuous performance monitoring, and dynamic resource allocation without manual intervention.
Research on Textile Tiny Defective Targets Detection Method Based on YOLO-GCW
Authors: Chen Jun , Xiao Yuan , Li Weiqian , Wang Boshi , Wang Gangfeng
Published: January 2025

In the textile quality control system, textile defect detection occupies a central position. In order to solve the problems of numerous model parameters, time-consuming computation, limited precision, and accuracy of tiny features of textile defects in the defect detection process, this paper proposes a textile defect detection method based on the YOLO-GCW network model. First, in order to solve the problem of detection accuracy of tiny defective targets, the CBAM (Convolutional Block Attention Module) attention mechanism was incorporated to guide the model to focus more on the spatial localization information of the defects. Meanwhile, the WIoU (Weighted Intersection over Union) loss function was adopted to enhance model training as well as to improve the detection accuracy, which can also provide a more accurate measure of match between the model-predicted bounding box and the real target to improve the detection capability of tiny defect targets. Consequently, in view of the need for performance optimization and lightweight deployment, the Ghost convolution structure was adopted to replace the traditional convolution for compressing the model parameter scale and promoting the detection speed of complex texture features in textiles. Finally, numerous experiments proved the positive performance of the presented model and demonstrated its efficiency and effectiveness in various scenes.
Integrated Design and Dynamic Response Analysis of the EV Reducer Considering Mass Eccentricity
Authors: Guan Yuan , Li Yao , Deng Yue , Ni Gaoxiang , Fang Zifan , Huang Dong
Published: January 2025

To meet the high-performance demands of electric vehicle reducers, the authors present a novel approach for parameter matching in electric drive systems for electric vehicles. Based on fuzzy evaluation, the method identifies the optimal performance parameters for the entire vehicle and determines the best transmission ratio scheme for the reducer. The gear geometrical parameters of the reducer are derived using the transmission ratio scheme as the constraint condition. An 18-degree-of-freedom dynamic system model, incorporating factors such as time-varying mesh stiffness, the backlash, time-varying transmission error and mass eccentricity, has been built using Matlab. The dynamic response of the gear system under the designed gear parameter scheme have been analyzed and compared with the gear parameter results obtained using KISSsoft, demonstrating the accuracy and rigour of the design. This research has practical implications for the design and performance optimization of electric vehicle reducers.
Sustainability in Public Lighting: The Methodology for Identifying Environmentally Optimal Solutions in Replacement Planning—A Case Study
Authors: Cumo Fabrizio , Pennacchia Elisa , Sferra Adriana Scarlet
Published: January 2025

The urban public lighting system plays a fundamental role in enhancing safety and shaping the nocturnal identity of the city. Efficient lighting is also a key factor in reducing energy consumption and lowering atmospheric emissions. In the context of sustainable development goals, increasing attention is being directed towards the energy, social, economic, and environmental benefits associated with the adoption of LED lighting systems. This paper aims to assess the environmental impacts of two different public outdoor lighting replacement planning scenarios. The methodology employed in this study calculates the environmental impacts using a life cycle approach, incorporating data from the Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) of the lighting systems. It involves a systematic census and categorization of lighting fixtures based on their installation year to determine both their quantity and average efficiency. This methodology, applied to a case study, demonstrates that it is possible to reduce the CO2-equivalent emissions by approximately 7% depending on the technical and environmental performance of the fixtures and the timing of their replacements. These results provide a scientific foundation for supporting both the preparation of planning tools by governance entities and the technical and economic feasibility of designing and implementing interventions aimed at improving the environmental performance of public lighting. These efforts could contribute to achieving climate neutrality, conserving biodiversity, and mitigating the effects of climate change.
Use of Pressure Transient Analysis Method to Assess Fluid Soaking in Multi-Fractured Shale Gas Wells
Authors: Zhang Jun , Guo Boyun , Hussain Majid
Published: January 2025

Multi-stage hydraulic fracturing is a key technology adopted in the energy industry to make shale gas and shale oil fields profitable. Post-frac fluid soaking before putting wells into production has been found essential for enhancing well productivity. Finding the optimum time to terminate the fluid-soaking process is an open problem to solve. Post-frac shut-in pressure data from six wells in two shale gas fields were investigated in this study based on pressure transient analysis (PTA) to reveal fluid-soaking performance. It was found that pressure-derivative data become scattering after 1 day of well shut in. The overall trend of pressure-derivative data after the first day of well shut in should reflect the effectiveness of fluid soaking. Two wells exhibited flat (zero-slope) pressure derivatives within one week of fluid soaking, indicating adequate time of fluid soaking. Four wells exhibited increasing pressure derivatives within one week of fluid soaking, indicating inadequate time of fluid soaking. This observation is consistent with the reported well’s Estimated Ultimate Recovery (EUR). This study presents a new approach to the assessment of post-frac fluid-soaking performance with real-time shut-in pressure data.