bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Extensive Review of Machine Learning and Deep Learning Techniques on Network Intrusion Detection for IoT
Authors: Walling Supongmen , Lodh Sibesh
Published: February 2025

The Internet of Things (IoT) has transformed technology interactions by connecting devices and facilitating information exchange. However, IoT's interconnectivity presents significant security challenges, including network security, device vulnerabilities, data confidentiality, and authentication. Many IoT devices lack strong security measures, making them susceptible to misuse. Additionally, privacy concerns arise due to sensitive data storage. Solutions such as secure authentication, encryption, and encrypted communication are vital. Intrusion detection systems (IDS) play a crucial role in proactively protecting networks, yet they encounter significant challenges in identifying new intrusions and minimizing false alarms. To tackle these issues, researchers have developed IDS systems that leverage machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) techniques. This survey article not only provides an in‐depth analysis of current IoT IDS but also summarizes the techniques, deployment strategies, validation methods, and datasets commonly used in the development of these systems. A thorough analysis of modern Network Intrusion Detection System (NIDS) publications is also included, which evaluates, examines, and contrasts NIDS approaches in the context of the IoT with regard to its architecture, detection methods, and validation strategies, dangers that have been addressed, and deployed algorithms setting it apart from earlier surveys that predominantly concentrate on traditional systems. We concentrate on IoT NIDS implemented by ML and DL in this survey given that learning algorithms have an excellent track record for success in security and privacy. The study, in our opinion, will be beneficial for academic and industrial research in identifying IoT dangers and problems, in implementing their own NIDS and in proposing novel innovative techniques in an IoT context while taking IoT limits into consideration.
Primary School Principals and Teachers Support School‐Provided Meals in Queensland, Australia: Brief Report of a Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Esdaile Emma K. , Wharton Lee , Vidgen Helen A. , Gallegos Danielle
Published: February 2025

Issues Addressed

This research aimed to describe the level of support for school‐provided meals (SPMs) among primary school teachers and principals in Queensland, Australia.

Methods

Secondary analysis from two surveys undertaken in 2022 to explore food and nutrition education, environments and resources in Queensland primary schools. Teachers were asked two questions, (1) if they thought a school‐provided breakfast or lunch would benefit the students at their school; and (2) if they have provided food for a student who has come to school hungry in the last month. Principals were asked if they thought school‐provided meals would benefit their students and reasons why. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical and thematic analysis.

Results

In total 278 teachers/principals responded, predominantly from public schools. Teachers (n = 139) were more likely to come from larger, more socially advantaged urban schools and principals (n = 139) from smaller, more socially disadvantaged regional schools. More than 7 out of 10 teachers supported a school‐provided breakfast (72%) or lunch (71%) program, and just over half (70, 50.4%) had provided food for hungry students in the preceding month. Two‐thirds of principals supported SPMs (66%). Student wellbeing and tension with parents were key themes for support or opposition to SPMs among principals.

Conclusions

Principal and teacher respondents from primary schools in diverse geographic and socioeconomic locations within Queensland showed high support for SPMs.
Challenges and Innovations in Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pediatric Patients in Africa: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Uzun Mert , Zrara Nancy S. , Wodajo Essey K. , Zahra Najwa M. , Wojtara Magda , Uwishema Olivier
Published: February 2025

Background

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has proven to be a successful, developing improvement in surgical practice. Allowing surgeons to operate with minimal incisions, ensures the completion of such procedures with minimal damage to the patient and provides recovery in a shorter time. The use of MIS in the pediatric population has also been growing with the increased involvement of surgeons in the evaluation of training and expertise. In Africa, however, the growth of MIS in the pediatric population faces some obstacles which are in research and innovation, cost, and affordability. Additionally, to the scarcity of resources, the limited number of pediatric surgeons available leads to a substantial workload that affects the quality of care. This paper aims to evaluate the challenges facing MIS in Africa and assess its potential in the future.

Methods

Data were collected through online databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Ovid MEDLINE, and Embase. The research team reviewed all relevant articles regarding MIS in Africa and pediatrics.

Results

The utilization of MIS in the pediatric population in Africa faces some major challenges. In addition to the limited resources, there is a significantly disproportionate number of physicians per population, and the training received by pediatric surgeons rarely incorporates minimally invasive techniques. This leaves a lot of work to be done to allow better access to MIS on the African continent. The recent advances by Africans in minimally invasive and endoscopic surgical training programs, as well as the establishment of minimally invasive centers, show great promise in the attempt to increase the utilization of MIS in Africa.

Conclusions

The work done to grow the field of MIS application in Africa is commendable, but efforts need to be strengthened and focus needs to be given to ensure the sustainability of these programs. Furthermore, the work accomplished by countries like Egypt, Senegal, and Nigeria will serve as a huge teaching point to increase the technical expertise of surgeons in the region.
Intravesical fungus ball following robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy in diabetes mellitus patient
Authors: Suzuki Toru , Fukuda Takahiro , Nishizaki Kosuke , Fukui Koji , Tomono Masato , Matsuo Shohei , Arinobe Sayaka , Wakamatsu Yuta , Sugio Masakazu , Yoshioka Mutsunobu
Published: February 2025

Introduction

A case with a rare complication considered to be related to a robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy procedure and medication given thereafter is presented.

Case presentation

A 73‐year‐old male diagnosed with prostate cancer underwent a robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy and lymphadenectomy. The medical history included type II diabetes mellitus managed with canagliflozin hydrate. Six months after the operation, the patient was affected by pneumaturia and soft yellowish tissue discharge during micturition. Candida species were detected in urine and soft tissue cultures. Based on a diagnosis of intravesical fungus ball, a transurethral resection was performed. It was considered that partial impairment of vesical blood supply caused by clamping of a branch of the inferior vesical artery during the lymphadenectomy procedure likely contributed to intravesical fungus ball formation.

Conclusion

Awareness of the various arteries supplying vesical blood flow and urogenital infection following sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitor administration can be beneficial for the attending surgeon.
Scapula dyskinesis in medium‐sized full‐thickness rotator cuff tear after subacromial Lidocaine infiltration and rotator cuff reconstruction
Authors: Nyőgér Zoltán , Molnár Csenge A. , Szakály Norbert , Várnagy Anna , Terebessy Tamás , Gunther Tibor , Skaliczki Gábor
Published: February 2025

Purpose

In rotator cuff tears, scapular dyskinesis is often observed. The aim of our study is to better understand the cause and the role of scapular dyskinesis in rotator cuff tears and evaluate changes in scapulothoracic kinematics after Lidocaine subacromial injection and surgery in patients with medium‐sized (1–3 cm) rotator cuff tear.

Methods

The scapular motion during humerus sagittal flexion of nine healthy persons (healthy group, HG) and nine persons with a medium‐sized rotator cuff tear (surgery group, SG) was investigated using the VICON motion capture system and upper limb evaluation in movement analysis software. In addition, quality of life and functional outcomes were assessed in the SG group using American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Oxford and Constant‐Murley scores and rotator muscle force and Visual Analogue Scale score were evaluated. The SG was further divided into three subgroups: measurements were performed preoperatively (before surgery native subgroup—BSN), then after subacromial Lidocaine injection (before surgery injection subgroup—BSI) and 6 months after rotator cuff reconstruction (after surgery subgroup—AS). Changes observed after injection (BSI) and surgery (AS) were compared to the BSN.

Results

In the BSI, a significant reduction (p < .025) in protraction was observed in the raising phase between 20° and 70° comparing it to the BSN, protraction decreased by 5.3° ± 7.9° (mean ± standard deviation [SD]). In the lowering phase between 80° and 30°, we registered a decrease of protraction by 6.0° ± 8.3° (mean ± SD). In the AS, we observed an approximation of protraction to the HG, but no significant change was detected.

Conclusion

Significant reduction in scapular protraction was demonstrated with Lidocaine subacromial injection during both the arm raising and lowering phases. Six months of rehabilitation treatment in the postoperative period is not enough to fully eliminate scapular dyskinesis.

Level of Evidence

Level II.
3D printing technology is a more accurate tool than an experienced surgeon in performing femoral bone tunnels in multi‐ligament knee injuries
Authors: Fernández‐Poch Núria , Fillat‐Gomà Ferran , Gamundi Mireia , Grillo Giovanni , Yela‐Verdú Christian , Gil‐Gonzalez Sergi , Pelfort Xavier
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Current surgical methods for multi‐ligament knee reconstruction involve the creation of several reconstruction tunnels in the distal femur. However, the limited bone mass in the knee increases the risk of tunnel convergence. Increasing the accuracy of tunnel direction can minimize tunnel collision during anatomical reconstruction. 3D‐printed patient‐specific instrumentation (PSI) has gained prominence in orthopaedic surgery due to its precision. This study aims to compare the accuracy of PSI with that of the ‘freehand’ approach by an experienced surgeon for drilling the medial and lateral femoral tunnels while adhering to the recommended angulations for multi‐ligament knee injuries.

Methods

Ten cadaveric knees underwent computerized tomography (CT) scans to identify anatomical femoral attachments of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL), popliteal tendon (PT), medial collateral ligament (MCL) and posterior oblique ligament (POL). Using Materialise Mimics Medical v25.0 software, virtual planning of a bone tunnel for each ligament was performed, and a total of four tunnels per knee were obtained. Ten PSIs were designed for five knees: five for the medial side and five for the lateral side. The first five knees were operated on via PSI, and the other five knees were operated on by an experienced surgeon using freehand drilling based on preoperative plans. The angular deviation and entry point were assessed by overlaying post‐operative CT images onto preoperative CT images.

Results

In the freehand group, the median angular deviation was 22.3°, with an interquartile range (IQR) of 17.6–25.2°. The PSI group presented a significantly greater accuracy in angular deviation for femoral tunnels of 5.7°, with an IQR of 4–8.2° (p < 0.001). Compared with that in the preoperative planning group, the median entry point distance in the freehand group was 5.5 mm, with an IQR of 2.6–8.8 mm. The PSI group had a median entry point distance of 4.2 mm, with an IQR of 3.6–5.7 mm (p = n.s).

Conclusions

Compared with the freehand technique performed by an experienced surgeon, PSI demonstrated significantly greater accuracy in terms of the mean angular deviation.

Level of Evidence

Level V.
Elimination of residual adult T‐cell leukaemia clones by Tax‐targeted dendritic cell vaccine
Authors: Iino Tadafumi , Hasegawa Atsuhiko , Matsutani Takaji , Akashi Koichi , Kannagi Mari , Suehiro Youko
Published: February 2025

Background

A pilot clinical study of a Tax peptide‐pulsed dendritic cell (DC) vaccine for adult T‐cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATL) indicated favourable clinical outcomes.

Methods

We investigated its anti‐tumour effect by T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire analysis in samples from an enrolled ATL patient who achieved a 10‐year complete remission after DC vaccination.

Results

In this patient, the dominant residual ATL clones that had persisted following previous treatment entirely disappeared within 3 years after DC vaccination. Additionally, the DC vaccine restored TCR repertoire diversity of normal T cells and newly induced functional Tax‐specific CD8+ T cell clones.

Conclusions

The recovery of normal T cell immunity mediated by the DC vaccine may contribute to this long‐lasting remission.
Things We Do for No Reason: Routine use of antibiotics for acute uncomplicated diverticulitis
Authors: Marino Nikolas Evan , Speaker Sidra Lenore , Rossettie John , Kwan Brian
Published: February 2025

The treatment of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis (UD) with antibiotics remains common despite substantial evidence supporting the non‐inferiority of nonantibiotic outpatient management. In the past 15 years, there have been two landmark randomized‐controlled clinical trials, follow‐up studies, and numerous retrospective studies that have supported the non‐inferiority of nonantibiotic management of UD. Multiple medical societies including the American Gastroenterological Association and the American College of Physicians recommend using antibiotics selectively rather than routinely in UD. We aim to raise physician awareness of the latest guideline recommendations through our article, potentially improving antibiotic stewardship and reducing related healthcare costs.
Gaps and opportunities in on‐host winter tick (Dermacentor albipictus) surveillance in North America
Authors: Koser Troy M. , Déry Florent , Spitz Benjamin , Chenery Emily S.
Published: February 2025

The investigation and management of the impacts of winter tick (Dermacentor albipictus) infestations on moose (Alces alces) in North America necessitates coordinated surveillance and intervention efforts. However, variations in parasite surveillance methods and potential biases towards sampling specific host species for this generalist parasite can impede attempts to standardize observed disease patterns across vast regions and into the future. We collected and classified records of winter tick surveillance on ungulate hosts throughout North America to identify trends and biases in species, space, and time, with the aim of identifying gaps and suggesting improvements to existing practices. We conducted a literature review spanning a century of winter tick reports on free‐roaming or wild ungulate hosts in North America, resulting in 125 relevant records. From this sample, we compiled information on host species and surveillance method details and categorized winter tick quantification techniques based on their perceived insight for analyses and interventions, assigned as an ecological information value (Eco‐IV) ranging from 0 to 3. We examined variations in Eco‐IV among free‐roaming ungulates based on species, literature type, and data source. Among the 18 identified ungulate hosts, moose, white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), and elk (Cervus canadensis) were most frequently reported. We observed a higher Eco‐IV for moose, indicating an abundance of species‐specific information, and a lower Eco‐IV (less information available) for methods focusing on white‐tailed deer. Limited sample sizes prevented the identification of patterns of knowledge acquisition for elk. Eco‐IVs in other ungulate species were consistently lower than moose, white‐tailed deer, and elk, regardless of literature type or data source. Exotic and invasive species systematically lacked detailed methods (Eco‐IV = 0). These findings highlight significant information gaps that impede the ability to compare winter tick infestation rates across studies, geographic regions, and host species, thus hindering coordinated management actions. We recommend standardizing winter tick quantification methods for all ungulate host species, specifically other common winter tick hosts such as white‐tailed deer and elk, and increased communication among groups working on tick–host systems to address these gaps.
Surgical Complications for Oral Cavity Cancer: Evaluating Hospital Performance
Authors: van Oorschot Hanneke Doremiek , Hardillo Jose Angelito , van Es Robert J.J. , van den Broek Guido B. , Takes Robert Paul , Halmos Gyorgy Bela , de Jel Dominique Valerie Clarence , Dirven Richard , Lacko Martin , Vaassen Lauretta Anna Alexandra , Hendrickx Jan‐Jaap , Oomens Marjolijn Abigal Eva‐Maria , Ghaeminia Hossein , Jansen Jeroen C. , Vesseur Annemarie , Bun Rolf , Schwandt Leonora Q. , Krabbe Christiaan A. , Klein Nulent Thomas J.W. , Klijn Reinoud J. , van Bemmel Alexander J.M. , Baatenburg de Jong Robert Jan
Published: February 2025

Objective

Complications of oral cavity cancer (OCC) surgery have an impact on the quality of life. Therefore, evaluating hospital performance on complication rates can help identify best practices for improving the quality of OCC care. As patient and tumor characteristics also impact hospital results, case‐mix adjustment should be considered to provide a valid hospital comparison. This study investigated hospital variation in the quality indicator “a complicated postoperative course” after OCC surgery.

Methods

This population‐based cohort included all first primary OCC patients diagnosed between 2018 and 2021 who were surgically treated with curative intent. A complicated postoperative course was defined as 30‐day mortality, unplanned readmission, surgical complications requiring reintervention or prolonged hospital stay, or fistula formation. Hospital performance was analyzed using funnel plots with case‐mix correction.

Results

A total of 2,266 OCC patients could be included. The distribution of case‐mix variables varied significantly between hospital populations. Nationally, a complicated postoperative course occurred in 13.9% and uncorrected hospital rates ranged from 2.7% to 31.1%. A WHO performance score ≥2, cT3‐T4 tumors, and floor‐of‐mouth tumors were associated with an increased risk of a complicated postoperative course, and non‐squamous cell carcinoma with a decreased risk. Significant outliers remained after case‐mix correction for patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics.

Conclusion

Complications after OCC surgery are prevalent, especially regarding extensive tumors and surgery. To identify best practices in OCC surgery, hospital performance on a complicated postoperative course should be adjusted for case‐mix and treatment variables. Providing feedback on hospital performance for complications can instigate improvement plans for better outcomes.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 2025
Silicon‐Integrated Perovskite Photonic Laser Based on Bound States in Continuum
Authors: Gu Zhiyuan , Gu Hao , Zhang Nan , Jiang Sen , Wang Gang , Mao Yulin , Liao Jinfeng , Yang Shengchun , Liang Chao , Xing Guichuan
Published: February 2025

On‐chip light sources are essential in modern technology, serving a broad range of applications, from sensing to display and communication. Lead halide perovskites, a new class of ionic semiconductors with excellent optical and optoelectronic properties, as well as solution processability, hold great potential in achieving coherent light sources. Compared to costly III‐V‐based compound semiconductor on‐chip lasers with threading dislocation, perovskite with high defect‐tolerance offers decisive advantages for flexible, cost‐effective, and massive deposition on arbitrary substrates. Despite the success of numerous perovskite lasers, true on‐chip integration, i.e., monolithic integration on silicon platforms, remains very little explored. Physically, light confinement by perovskite structures on silicon is unlikely due to substantial energy leakage into the silicon substrate. Herein, to address this bottleneck, the study presents the experimental realization of perovskite microlasers on silicon chips operating at visible and near‐infrared frequencies, utilizing bound states in the continuum (BICs) to suppress intrinsic light leakage. Using a top‐down focused ion beam nanofabrication technique, perovskite microdisks are fabricated with ultrasmooth sidewalls. A high laser quality factor of 4850 is observed at a wavelength of approximately 822 nm. The simple but rational integration solutions proposed here pave the way for the dense incorporation of perovskite laser sources into on‐chip photonic circuits, supporting the development of perovskite nanophotonics and their integration with microelectronic platforms.
Efficient PET Depolymerization Using Cost‐Effective Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metal‐Based Salts for High Monomer Yield
Authors: Barman Samir , Theravalappil Rajesh , Maity Niladri , EA Jaseer , Garcia Nestor , Musa Abdulrahman
Published: February 2025

Catalytic glycolysis of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into its monomer, bis(2‐hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET), is a major focus of chemical research in recent decades. Metal catalysts, especially heavy metal salts, are recognized for their efficiency in degrading this widely used thermoplastic. However, concerns over the non‐biodegradable and toxic nature of heavy metal catalysts like Zn and Pb salts, along with their limited selectivity, have led researchers to seek alternative, more environmentally friendly, and cost‐effective catalysts. This study explores alternatives such as lithium, sodium, and calcium acetate/formates, demonstrating that selected benign metal salts not only accelerate PET degradation but can also surpass traditional heavy metal acetate catalysts (e.g., Zn acetate) in terms of activity and BHET yield. More importantly, complete PET conversion is achieved within 3 h at ≈188 °C, with excellent BHET yield. The catalytic reactions using lithium and calcium acetate show a superior initial reaction rate under optimized conditions.
Multimodal Polymeric Crosslinker Capable of Dual Crosslinking for Enhanced Cohesion, Adhesion, and Debonding of Waterborne Acrylic Adhesives
Authors: Yu Seoyoon , Cha Chaenyung
Published: February 2025

Waterborne acrylic adhesives, despite their widespread usage, often suffer from insufficient cohesive and adhesive properties, especially compared to solvent adhesives. Therefore, in order to improve the performance of waterborne adhesives, it is important to enhance and control these properties in a refined manner. For this purpose, herein presents a polymeric crosslinker presenting a variable number of methacrylic groups intended to control the degree of crosslinking. Polysuccinimide (PSI), which consists of a series of succinimidyl rings, is conveniently modified with methacrylic functional groups by ring‐opening nucleophilic reaction to develop methacrylic PSI (“MA‐PSI”). The cohesion and adhesion of MA‐PSI crosslinked adhesive is comprehensively controlled by both concentration and degree of methacrylic substitution (DSMA) of MA‐PSI. Moreover, the dual crosslinking, accomplished by the successive application of thermal‐ and photo‐crosslinking, further increases the cohesion to the extent that significantly reduces the adhesion strength, which is ideal for debonding applications. Overall, the multimodal MA‐PSI is a versatile crosslinker allowing broad controllability of cohesion and adhesion as well as imparting debonding capability.
Usefulness of Dorsal Scapular Artery Perforator Flap for Donor Site Closure After Harvesting Latissimus Dorsi Flap/Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flap: A Report of Three Cases
Authors: Park Se Yeon , Lee Kyeong‐Tae
Published: February 2025

Reducing donor‐site morbidity is crucial in free‐flap reconstruction, with the primary goals of achieving dermis‐to‐dermis closure and avoiding skin grafts. Although latissimus dorsi (LD) myocutaneous and thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flaps usually allow primary closure, larger flap harvests may require skin grafts, potentially leading to undesirable outcomes. In such situations, local flap transfer can be considered for donor‐site closure, yet there are few reports on this. This report aims to present cases where a dorsal scapular artery perforator (DSAP) rotational flap was used to close donor defects following large TDAP/LD flap harvests. The first case involved a 16‐year‐old girl who required a below‐knee amputation due to an acute thrombotic event, leaving a 20 × 20 cm2‐sized stump defect. Bilateral LD myocutaneous flaps were harvested, with the right donor site closed primarily, while a 20 × 9 cm2‐sized defect remained on the left. A 22 × 9 cm2‐sized DSAP flap, based on three perforators, was rotated to close the defect, showing excellent outcomes at 12 months. In the second and third cases, 75‐ and 78‐year‐old male patients with scalp angiosarcoma underwent wide excision and reconstruction with TDAP flaps, leaving 14 × 6 cm2 and 14 × 7 cm2‐sized donor defects. DSAP flaps, 15 × 7 cm2 and 15 × 8 cm2 in size, were rotated based on nearby perforators to close these areas. Both patients showed no morbidities at postoperative 8 and 2 months, respectively. When primary closure of the donor site is challenging after harvesting large TDAP /LD flaps, a DSAP rotational flap can provide a valuable option for minimizing donor‐site morbidity.
Identification and Biological Characterization of a Novel NRF2 Activator Molecule Released From the Membranes of Heat‐Treated Bifidobacterium breve NCC 2950
Authors: Foata Francis , Duboux Stéphane , Herzig Sébastien , Sizzano Federico , Thevenet Jonathan , Guy Philippe , Rezzi Serge , Métairon Sylviane , Bourqui Bertrand , Montoliu Ivan , Mercenier Annick , Bosco Nabil
Published: February 2025

Postbiotics are defined as a “preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host”. They represent an attractive alternative to probiotics as they could be used in a broader range of applications, where probiotic stability is limiting. To date knowledge on the mechanism of action of inanimate microorganisms is relatively scarce. In this study, we investigated the impact of heat treatment on NRF2 activation by several candidate probiotic strains from the Nestlé Culture Collection (NCC), including species encompassed in the Bifidobacterium genus and the Lactobacillaceae family. We identified an NRF2‐activating bioactive molecule, 4‐oxo‐2‐pentenoic acid (OPA), specifically released during heat treatment of Bifidobacterium breve NCC 2950. We explored cellular pathways that can be modulated by OPA, such as antiinflammatory signals and organismal defense against oxidative stress in zebrafish in vivo. We identified a new B. breve NCC 2950‐derived postbiotic that, based on the mode of action, may have important applications for nutritional strategies to benefit human health.
Performance Investigation of Hybrid Optical Modulation Techniques for Efficient Utilization of Bandwidth in the Scenario of DWDM Based Optical Fiber Communication System
Authors: Singh Akanksha , Kaler Rajinder S.
Published: February 2025

The present work deals with the performance investigation of bandwidth‐efficient optical fiber communication systems. In this paper, novel 2‐D orthogonal hybrid optical modulation techniques are proposed. In the proposed fiber optic communication system for dense wavelength‐division multiplexing (DWDM), optical modulation techniques minimum shift keying (MSK) and pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) are simultaneously modulated at 100 GHz channel spacing with a minimum utilization bandwidth of 4.3 THz. The results show a significant advantage in using the proposed hybrid optical modulation techniques in offering high bandwidth optical signal‐to‐noise ratio with an acceptable quality factor.
Absorbed dose differences between twin fetuses for pregnancy patients in CT examinations
Authors: Qu Shuiyin , Jia Haoran , Zaidi Habib , Xie Tianwu
Published: February 2025

Background

Estimation of the radiation dose to the fetus is essential for the assessment of radiation risks and benefits to pregnant patients undergoing radiological examinations. During the past decade, the global twinning rate has soared resulting from embryo assistance and increased delivery age. However, to the best of our knowledge, radiation dosimetry in multiple pregnancies from radiological imaging has never been reported before.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop personalized computational models for twin fetuses based on clinical CT images of real pregnant patients and to estimate personalized radiation doses for twin fetuses from abdominal/pelvic CT examinations.

Methods

Personalized computational phantoms representing pregnant females with twins at the second and third trimesters were constructed based on CT images of two pregnant patients. Monte Carlo calculations were performed using the MCNP transport code and three validated CT scanners to estimate the radiation dose of twin fetuses during abdominal and pelvic CT examinations.

Results

The absorbed fetal organ dose was calculated and compared between twins. For the same patient, the absolute difference in fetal organ dose between twins varies between 0.63% and 39.64% with an average value of 12.85%. The estimated total‐body dose differences for twin fetuses were 11.55% and 7.51%, respectively, for pregnant patients at 22 and 30 weeks gestational age.

Conclusion

The variations of body weight and organ mass affect the absorbed dose of twin fetuses. Personalized computational models provide more accurate fetal radiation dosimetry estimates for pregnant patients with twins. This work also contributes to a better understanding of model‐induced uncertainties in external radiation dosimetry for the developing fetus.
Beam collimation and filtration optimization for a novel orthovoltage radiotherapy system
Authors: Clements Nathan , Masella Olivia , Krim Deae‐Eddine , Braun Lane , Bazalova‐Carter Magdalena
Published: February 2025

Background

The inaccessibility of clinical linear accelerators in low‐ and middle‐income countries creates a need for low‐cost alternatives. Kilovoltage (kV) x‐ray tubes have shown promise as a source that could meet this need. However, performing radiotherapy with a kV x‐ray tube has numerous difficulties, including high skin dose, rapid dose fall‐off, and low dose rates. These limitations create a need for highly effective beam collimation and filtration.

Purpose

To improve the treatment potential of a novel kV x‐ray system by optimizing an iris collimator and beam filtration using Bayesian techniques and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations.

Methods

The Kilovoltage Optimized AcceLerated Adaptive therapy system's current beam configuration consists of a 225 kVp x‐ray tube, a 12‐leaflet tungsten iris collimator, and a 0.1 mm copper filter. A Bayesian optimization was performed for the large and small focal spot sizes of the kV x‐ray tube source at 220 kVp using TopasOpt, an open‐source library for optimization in TOPAS. Collimator thickness, copper filter thickness, source‐to‐collimator distance (SCD), and source‐to‐surface distance (SSD) were the variables considered in the optimization. The objective function was designed to maximize the dose rate and the dose at a depth of 5 cm while minimizing the beam penumbra width and the out‐of‐field dose (OFD), all evaluated in a water phantom. Post‐optimization, the optimal beam configuration was simulated and compared to the existing configuration.

Results

The optimal collimation setup consisted of 2.5 mm thick tungsten leaflets for the iris collimator and a 350 mm SSD for both focal spot sizes. The optimal copper filtration was 0.22 mm for the large focal spot and 0.15 mm for the small focal spot, with a SCD of 148.5 mm for the large focal spot and 125.8 mm for the small focal spot. For the large focal spot, the surface dose rate decreased by 9.4%, while the PDD at 5cm depth () increased by 7.7% compared to the existing iris collimator. Additionally, the surface beam penumbra width was reduced by 31.3%, and no significant changes in the OFD were observed. For the small focal spot, the surface dose rate for the new collimator increased by 3.7% and the increased by 5.3%, with no statistically significant changes in the beam penumbra width or OFD.

Conclusion

The optimal beam collimation and filtration for both x‐ray tube focal spot sizes of a kV radiotherapy system was determined using Bayesian optimization and MC simulations and resulted in improved dose distributions.
A New Method to Assess the Possibility of Brittle Failure of Rock Induced by Deep Excavations
Authors: Milan Lorenzo , Barbero Monica , Borri‐Brunetto Mauro
Published: February 2025

Spalling and rockburst are severe criticalities that can emerge while excavating deep tunnels in rock masses under heavy natural stress states. Here, rock brittle failure can induce massive releases of the energy stored during the excavation and dangerous projections of rock blocks into the opening. The prediction of rock brittle failure is therefore crucial and, for this purpose, different empirical brittleness indexes have been proposed in the past. However, many of them provide predictions that is often not consistent and/or truthful, as they do not consider the stress and energy variations induced in the rock mass by the excavation. This paper presents an innovative method to distinguish between ductile and brittle failure of rock around deep tunnels. The method is based on two mechanical models of rock damage that were formulated to describe brittle and ductile failure mechanisms within the rock mass, as induced by the stress release during the excavation. These models are integrated into the definition of a new brittleness index, named tunnel brittleness index (TBI). TBI quantifies the outcome of the competition between the two failure mechanisms, estimating the susceptibility of the rock mass to brittle failure. The effectiveness and the application of TBI are shown with reference to a real case study. Specifically, TBI appears as a promising and useful tool for engineers dealing with deep tunnel projects that may be employed for predicting brittle collapses in the early stages of the design, which would be crucial in the preliminary choice of excavation techniques and machinery, and the support systems.
Network Security Threats and Defense Mechanisms for 6G Multi‐Virtual Network Scenarios
Authors: Zhou Yu
Published: February 2025

The introduction of 6G networks presents substantial challenges for network security, particularly in multi‐virtual network topologies. The combination of network function virtualization (NFV) and software‐defined networking (SDN) in 6G is designed to increase scalability and flexibility; nevertheless, these advances complicate network security management. The goal is to identify risks to network security and develop defense solutions for 6G multi‐virtual network situations. SDN's virtualized network functions (VNFs) are utilized to provide stateful firewall services that provide scalable and dynamic threat prevention. The SDN controller is critical in developing a set of rules to prevent risky network connectivity and decrease possible risks. 6G multi‐virtual network domains—attacking threats that involve different socket addresses so complex that usually applicable protection measures hardly tackle that scenario, machine learning (ML) algorithms, and Intelligent Osprey Optimized Versatile Random Forest (IOO‐VRF) model—have been proposed for potentially harmful connection detection and predicting cyber threats accessing the network. Multiple open‐access sources can be exploited to gather diverse data for collecting valuable information on studying network traffic and cyber threats. The experimental results indicate that IOO‐VRF achieved prediction accuracy comparable to that of other traditional algorithms. The proposed model is assessed on various types of metrics, including accuracy (98%), precision (97.4%), recall (94%), and F1‐score (93%). The results emphasized the importance of ML in combination with SDN and NFV for security in the case of resilient, expandable, and flexible security measures for future multi‐virtual 6G network communications networks.
Innovative Application of 6G Network Slicing Driven by Artificial Intelligence in the Internet of Vehicles
Authors: Ni Xueqin , Dong Zhiyuan , Rong Xia
Published: February 2025

The rapid growth of vehicle networks in the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) needs novel approaches to optimizing network resource allocation and enhancing traffic management. Sixth‐generation (6G) network slicing, when paired with artificial intelligence (AI), has enormous potential in this field. The purpose of this research is to investigate the use of AI‐driven 6G network slicing (NS) for efficient usage of resources and accurate traffic prediction in IoV systems. A unique network design is suggested, combining data‐driven approaches and dynamic network slicing. Data are acquired from vehicular sensors and traffic monitoring systems, and log transformation is used to handle exponential growth patterns like vehicle counts and congestion levels. The Fourier transform (FT) is used to extract frequency‐domain information from traffic data, which allows for the detection of periodic patterns, trends, and anomalies such as vehicle velocity and traffic density. The Dipper Throated Optimized Efficient Elman Neural Network (DTO‐EENN) is used to forecast traffic and optimize resources. This technology allows the system to predict traffic patterns and dynamically alter network slices to ensure optimal resource allocation while reducing latency. The results show that the suggested AI‐driven NS technique increases forecast accuracy and network performance while dramatically reducing congestion levels. The research indicates that AI‐driven 6G based NS offers a solid framework for optimizing IoV performance.
Solving Non‐Linear Parabolic Equations With Distributed Delay by One‐Parameter Linearized Compact ADI Scheme
Authors: Tan Zengqiang
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a novel one‐parameter linearized compact alternating direction implicit (ADI) scheme for solving the 2D and 3D non‐linear parabolic equations with distributed delay, where the ADI technique is used to reduce the computational cost greatly. The unique solvability, error estimates in and norms and stability of the proposed scheme are studied, and it is shown under some appropriate conditions that the scheme is convergent of order two in temporal direction and order four in spatial direction. Some numerical experiments are conducted to validate the theoretical results as well as the effectiveness and accuracy of the derived schemes.
Numerical modeling of multilayer composite pipe with glass fiber‐reinforced polypropylene layer
Authors: Khoury Moussa Helena , Badreddine Houssem , Challita Georges , Alhussein Akram
Published: February 2025

This study focuses on the numerical modeling of multilayer composite pipes, specifically those incorporating a glass fiber‐reinforced polypropylene layer. The research investigates the mechanical properties of a high modulus polypropylene grade, BA212E, and a composite material, PP‐GF30, which contains 30 wt.% glass fibers. Various hyperelastic material models are evaluated to accurately represent the mechanical behavior of these materials under different loading conditions. It was found that the Yeoh hyperelastic material model combined with nonlinear isotropic hardening plasticity provides the most suitable representation of the behaviors of these materials. This model was validated through numerical simulations of three‐point bending and pipe compression tests, demonstrating good agreement with experimental data.

Highlights

Glass fiber‐reinforced multilayer composite pipes for improved stiffness.

Comparative evaluation of multiple hyperelastic material models.

Yeoh model captures the nonlinear behavior of BA212E and PP‐GF30 accurately.

Yeoh model with plasticity offers optimal representation of material behavior.

Validated via numerical simulations and experimental data correlation.
Synthesis and characterization of tough colorless poly(amide‐imide)s containing cyclohexanedicarbonyl chloride with different trans:cis ratios
Authors: Xing Jinglei , Yang Lei , Ma Tianci , Chen Guofei
Published: February 2025

With the rapid development of flexible optoelectronic devices, colorless polyimide films with excellent comprehensive performance have received widespread attention. In this work, a series of poly(amide‐imide)s (PAIs) were synthesized by copolymerization of 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride, 1,4‐cyclohexanedicarbonyl chloride (CHDC) and 2,2′‐bis(trifluoromethyl)benzidine. The thermal dimensional stability and mechanical properties of the PAI films were improved due to the introduction of rigid rod‐like amide bonds in the polymer chain. In addition, the PAIs with more trans‐CHDC content showed higher glass transition temperature (Tg) and lower coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). At the same time, the cooperative conformational transitions of cyclohexane rings in trans‐CHDC promoted molecular chain slip and improved the film toughness. Moreover, with the introduction of the cyclohexane moiety, these PAIs had excellent optical transparency and solubility. In particular, PAI‐6 exhibited high Tg of 364 °C, low CTE of 29.8 ppm K−1, high transmittance of 87% at 400 nm, tensile modulus of 3.6 GPa and elongation at break of 9.7%. Therefore, the incorporation of cyclohexane structures and amide bonds into the main chain through copolymerization with CHDC provided a simple method for the synthesis of tough colorless PAIs with excellent comprehensive properties. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
Cognitive Processes Influencing Written Sentence Construction in School‐Aged Children With Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
Authors: Millians Molly N. , Kable Julie A. , Coles Claire D. , Mattson Sarah N.
Published: February 2025

The study examined the cognitive processes involved in written sentence construction in children affected by prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) when compared a control group of nonexposed typically developing children, and a contrast group of nonexposed children with various clinical diagnoses. Results indicated that children with PAE and those in the contrast group exhibited poorer sentence writing than the control group. Additionally, children with PAE utilized different cognitive processes to write sentences when compared to the nonexposed groups, irrespective of having a diagnosis. For children in the nonexposed groups, improved sentence writing was associated with better performance on measures of intellectual ability, verbal retrieval, verbal learning and recall, and inhibition. For children with PAE, more proficient sentence writing was associated with the same cognitive processes plus spatial working memory. This suggested that unique, altered, or inefficient cognitive functioning associated with effects of PAE impacted written sentence construction. The findings underscore the importance of considering specific cognitive processes, including spatial working memory, when assessing for writing difficulties and developing interventions for children with PAE.
Das Land‐Atmosphäre‐System der Erde: Die „Erdung“ von Wetter‐ und Klimaprozessen
Authors: Wulfmeyer Volker , Jach Lisa , Branch Oliver , Breil Marcus
Published: February 2025

Das System Land‐Atmosphäre umfasst den Boden, die Landbedeckung und die untere Troposphäre. Die komplexen Prozesse in diesem System sind gekoppelt über den Austausch von Impuls, Energie und Masse. Unter anderem spielt der Pflanzenbewuchs eine zentrale Rolle. Daher ist ein tiefgreifendes Verständnis dieses Systems fundamental für die Genauigkeit von Wettervorhersagen, mittelfristige bis subsaisonale Vorhersagen und Klimaprognosen. Dazu gehört auch die Vorhersage von Extremereignissen wie Dürren.
Analysis of Enhanced Optical and Electronic Properties of Bismuthene with Pd, Pt Adsorption for Advanced Optoelectronics
Authors: Singh Priyanka , Verma Gaurav
Published: February 2025

This study examines the nanostructures formed after the adsorption of palladium (Pd) and platinum (Pt) metals over bismuthene monolayer. It is emphasized that the adsorption of Pd and Pt significantly influences the optical absorption characteristics of bismuthene. The computational simulations based on density functional theory investigate how adding Pd and Pt metals to bismuthene changes its electronic and optical properties. Pure bismuthene displays substantial optical absorption, primarily in the visible region. When Pd and Pt atoms adsorb over the surface of bismuthene, the absorption coefficient value in the visible and near‐infrared region is enhanced with redshift. Adsorption of Pd and Pt also leads to significant changes in the dielectric constant and refractive index of bismuthene, with distinct peaks observed in the dielectric constant at lower energy after adsorption. Nanostructures composed of Pd/bismuthene and Pt/bismuthene have the potential to predict stable configurations, which makes them appropriate for the absorption of light in the visible and near‐infrared regions. Because of the stable and improved optical absorption accomplished in the desired range of the electromagnetic spectrum, these nanostructures can be utilized for a variety of applications, including but not limited to solar cells and photodetectors, as well as photovoltaics and IR sensor applications.
Critical Energies and Wigner Functions of the Stationary States of the Bose Einstein Condensates in a Double‐Well Trap
Authors: Nader D. J. , Serrano‐Ensástiga E.
Published: February 2025

The quartic double‐well potential contains the essential ingredients to study many‐body systems within a rich semiclassical phase‐space that includes an unstable point associated to the critical energy. This critical energy in the quantum realm causes symmetry breaking of the wavefunctions and produces a logarithmic divergence in the density of states, leading to an excited‐state quantum phase transition (ESQPT). On the other hand, the Bose–Einstein Condensates (BEC) represent a promising platform to observe quantum mechanical phenomena at a macroscopic level. In this work, the lowest stationary states of the BEC in the mean field approximation are obtained via the Gross–Pitaevskii equation in a double‐well trap. The critical energy at which the corresponding wavefunctions experience the symmetry breaking is estimated. It is also found that this critical energy is shifted from the local maximum of the trap as the interaction between bosons increases. The Wigner function is used to obtain a phase space representation of the stationary states. It is observed that the state with closest mean energy to its critical value shows vestiges of the separatrix in the semiclassical phase‐space. The trends of the entropy, the nonorthogonality of the stationary states, and the nonclassicality via the negativities of the Wigner function are also examined.