bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Latent Thermal Energy Storage for Cooling Demands in Battery Electric Vehicles: Development of a Dimensionless Model for the Identification of Effective Heat-Transferring Structures
Authors: Dreißigacker Volker , Gutierrez Andrea
Published: December 2024

Thermal energy storage (TES) systems open up alternative paths for air conditioning to increase the range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) by reducing power consumption. The central prerequisites for this purpose are high storage densities: high-temperature TES systems are being focused on for heat demands, while effective solutions for cooling are missing. Due to their lower temperature potentials, concepts with high storage capacities and heat transports between the storage and cold transferring medium are needed. Latent TES systems based on water enable these capacities but require adequate internal structures for effective heat transfer. Due to the large number of geometric options, high simulation efforts must be conducted to identify favored structures, or the possible design space must be limited for investigations. For this purpose and for the first time, an alternative way is presented using newly developed dimensionless models in a top-down methodology for time-efficient design studies and evaluations. These models were successfully validated and used as a design tool to identify effective structures in latent TES systems for cooling demands in BEVs. A wide array of variation studies on tube, finned plate and novel Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) structures were performed and uniformly evaluated with regard to storage densities, cooling efficiencies and geometry. The results show high storage densities for novel TPMS structures, including the enclosure of 100 Wh/kg or 102.2 kWh/m3 with average cooling capacities of 1 kW over 30 min, confirming the usability of latent TES systems in terms of compactness and efficiency for cooling demands in BEVs.
A Numerical Study of the Leakage and Diffusion Behavior of Hydrogen Dispensers in Hydrogen Refueling Stations Under Different Leakage Conditions
Authors: Zhang Lei , Duan Zhixiang , Ding Rui , Liu Cuiwei
Published: December 2024

The investigation of hydrogen leakage and diffusion behavior is of great importance for the assessment of safety risks and the establishment of safety regulations for hydrogen refueling stations. However, the uncertainty associated with the location of hydrogen leaks and the complex environment pose challenges in understanding the diffusion characteristics of hydrogen leaks. In this research, a numerical analysis is performed to study the diffusion of hydrogen leaks in both horizontal and vertical directions under three different environments, considering two different sizes of leak holes. The results show that horizontal and vertical hydrogen leaks have different effects on the hydrogen diffusion behavior. The presence of a canopy and obstacles inhibits hydrogen diffusion and dilution, which could be the cause of more severe accidents. Moreover, the size of the leak hole also impacts the scale of the flammable gas cloud. The effect of leaking direction to the canopy is also considered. In comparison with the semi-open space, the pressure on the canopy is higher in an enclosed space.
Numerical Simulation and Bayesian Optimization CatBoost Prediction Method for Characteristic Parameters of Veneer Roller Pressing and Defibering
Authors: Wang Qi , Yan Chenglin , Zhang Yahui , Xu Yang , Wang Xinxu , Cui Pu
Published: December 2024

Defibering equipment is employed in the production of scrimber for the purpose of wood veneer rolling, cutting, and directional fiber separation. However, the current defibering equipment exhibits a notable degree of automation deficiency, relying more on manual operation and empirical methods for process control, which impedes the stability of the defibering equipment and the defibering quality. This study presented an in-depth finite element analysis of the roller-pressing process for veneer defibering equipment, and a prediction method incorporating numerical simulation and ensemble learning was proposed through data collection and feature selection. The objective is to integrate this method into the intelligent decision-making system of the equipment, with the aim of improving the productivity of the equipment and effectively stabilizing the product quality. The simulation process and the analysis of the results in ABAQUS 2020 revealed that the roller gap and roller velocity of the defibering equipment, as well as the geometrical parameters of the veneer, have a significant influence on the defibering effect. Combining these factors, 702 simulation experiments were devised and executed, and a database was constructed based on the model-building parameters and simulation outcomes. The strain and stress observed in the simulation results served to represent the veneer force and veneer deformation. The CatBoost algorithm was used to establish prediction models for the key parameters of the defibering effect, and the Bayesian Optimization and 5-fold cross-validation techniques enabled the strain and stress prediction models to achieve coefficients of determination of 0.98 and 0.97 for the training and test datasets, respectively. Shapley Additive Explanation was used to provide insight into the contribution of each feature, thereby guiding the selection of feature parameters and simplifying the model. The results show that the scheme can effectively determine the core process parameters of the defibering equipment and then provide a practical control strategy for intelligent online control.
Research on Pork Cut and Freshness Determination Method Based on Computer Vision
Authors: Song Shihao , Guo Qiqi , Duan Xiaosa , Shi Xiaojing , Liu Zhenyu
Published: December 2024

With the increasing importance of meat quality inspection, traditional manual evaluation methods face challenges in terms of efficiency and accuracy. To improve the precision and efficiency of pork quality assessment, an automated detection method based on computer vision technology is proposed for evaluating different parts and freshness of pork. First, high-resolution cameras were used to capture image data of Jinfen white pigs, covering three pork cuts—hind leg, loin, and belly—across three different collection times. These three parts were categorized into nine datasets, and the sample set was expanded through digital image processing techniques. Next, five convolutional neural network models—VGGNet, ResNet, DenseNet, MobileNet, and EfficientNet—were selected for feature recognition experiments. The experimental results showed that the MobileNetV3_Small model achieved an accuracy of 98.59%, outperforming other classical network architectures while being more lightweight. Further statistical analysis revealed that the p-values for ResNet101, EfficientNetB0, and EfficientNetB1 were all greater than 0.05, indicating that the performance differences between these models and MobileNetV3_Small were not statistically significant. In contrast, other models showed significant performance differences (p-value < 0.05). Finally, based on the PYQT5 framework, the MobileNetV3_Small model was deployed on a local client, realizing an efficient and accurate end-to-end automatic recognition system. These findings can be used to effectively enhance the efficiency and reliability of pork quality detection, providing a solid foundation for the development of pork safety monitoring systems.
Cereal Coffee as a Functional Additive in Wheat Bread: Impact on Dough and Bread Properties
Authors: Cacak-Pietrzak Grażyna , Grabarczyk Justyna , Szafrańska Anna , Krajewska Anna , Dziki Dariusz
Published: December 2024

The chemical composition and quality attributes of wheat bread enriched with cereal coffee were analyzed, with additive incorporated as a partial replacement for wheat flour at levels of 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%. The rheological properties of the bread dough, consisting of wheat flour and cereal coffee blends, were evaluated using farinograph and extensograph analyses. Results indicated that the addition of cereal coffee decreased flour water absorption, extended dough stability, and increased dough softening. Dough containing cereal coffee showed greater resistance to stretching and reduced extensibility. However, the incorporation of cereal coffee led to a reduction in bread volume and an increase in crumb hardness and density, especially when the substitution level exceeded 6%. In terms of nutritional composition, the levels of dietary fiber, ash, fat, and total polyphenols increased with higher cereal coffee content, while crumb brightness decreased, and yellowness and redness intensified. Overall, the study suggests that cereal coffee can function as a valuable ingredient in bread; however, substitution levels should ideally be kept below 8% to preserve acceptable sensory qualities.
A Convenience Sample Looking at Microbiome Differences Between Anxious and Non-Anxious Patients in a GI Clinic
Authors: Hazan Sabine , von Guttenberg Mathilda , Vidal Adriana C. , Spivak Norman M. , Bystritsky Alexander
Published: December 2024

Background: The gut–brain axis, significantly influenced by the gut microbiome, is a growing focus in mental health research. This study aimed to investigate gut microbiome differences between anxious and non-anxious participants. Methods: A convenience sample of 119 participants consisted of 56 participants with self-assessed low to zero levels of anxiety and 63 with self-assessed mild to severe levels of anxiety, using the self-rated Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) test. Fresh stool samples were collected for bacterial DNA extraction. DNA library preparation was performed using shotgun methodology, sequenced with the NextSeq 500/550 High Output v2.5 300 cycle kit, and mapped using minimap2. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted using One Codex. Results: The study participants were all of white race/ethnicity and the mean age, 54 (anxious group) vs. 55 (non-anxious) yr old, was not different between groups (p = 0.75). In the anxious group, 33% were females versus 25% in the non-anxious group, p = 0.46. Six percent of the anxious group reported a prior diagnosis of depression and 8% had irritable bowel syndrome, compared to none in the non-anxious group (p = 0.02, p = 0.006, respectively). Mann–Whitney tests revealed higher relative abundances of the genera Clostridioides (p = 0.011) and Bacteroides (p = 0.002) in the anxious group. Conversely, the anxious group had lower levels of the genera Bifidobacterium (p = 2.118 × 10−10), Faecalibacterium (p = 0.020), and the Phylum Actinobacteria (p = 1.516 × 10−8). Conclusions: Our findings corroborate previous studies, showing significant gut microbiome differences between anxious individuals and their non-anxious counterparts. These results support further exploration of microbiome-centric anxiety research.
An Extended Evaluation of the CERCHAR Abrasivity Test for a Practical Excavatability Assessment
Authors: Kaspar Markus , Latal Christine
Published: December 2024

The CERCHAR abrasivity test is a widely used index test in earth and subsurface works, delivering numerical values for abrasion that are critical to the selection of excavation tools, TBM performance or cost and project schedule estimates. The test evaluates the wear of the tip of a standardized metal pin after a scratch test on a rock surface. However, excavatability is not considered in this test. The present study presents an approach to assessing the material removal of a rock specimen due to the scratching action of a steel pin. The concept is tested for a broad range of sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks. The volume of removed rock material is determined by measuring the width of the scratch groove and assuming an idealized trapezoid geometry. The CAI and volumetric removal are used to calculate the CERCHAR abrasivity ratio (CAR), and the results are in good agreement with those from the literature where specialized equipment was used. A classification scheme to estimate the excavatability of rock based on the CAI in combination with the material removal of a rock specimen is introduced. Based on the amount of material removed and the wear on the pin, an estimate can be made as to whether the excavation is likely to be economical in terms of time and material costs. The approach does not require additional testing, but rather makes use of the inherent geometry of the steel pin and the scratch groove on the rock specimen. The approach can be implemented as a complementary analysis to the existing CERCHAR test with little additional effort.
YouTube as a Source of Patient Information for Cervical Spine Fractures: A Content Quality and Audience Engagement Analysis
Authors: Krakowiak Michał , Piwowska Kaja , Fercho Justyna , Yuser Rami , Jagodziński Maks , Kokot Klaudia , Bilyk Andrzej , Maj Aleksandra , Dzierżanowski Jarosław , Nacewicz Jacek , Zieliński Piotr
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to assess the quality of YouTube (YT) videos providing medical information on cervical spine fractures; secondly, a comparison of two timeframes has been conducted. Using Google Chrome with privacy settings to minimize personalization, two searches were conducted on 20 July 2021 and the second one on 10 April 2024 using various terms related to cervical spine injuries. Videos were evaluated using the DISCERN (Quality Criteria for Consumer Health Information), GQS (Global Quality Score), and JAMA scoring systems. In total, 91 videos were included. Mechanisms of injury were the most frequent video content (n = 66), and postoperative pain occurred the least (n = 6). The mean DISCERN score of 43.26 (std = 11.25), mean GQS of 2.67 (std = 0.74), and mean JAMA score was 2.2 (std = 0.68). Inclusion of treatment options had an odd ratio of 21.72 for a better-quality video. The largest number of videos was provided by physicians (n = 24). In DISCERN, risks of treatment were graded lowest = 1.9. Newer videos achieved higher scores in the DISCERN, GQS, and JAMA scoring systems reaching 52.5, 3, and 2.75, respectively. These scores suggest inadequate information provision in the videos, hindering patients’ understanding of their condition. Due to insufficient information presented in current videos, patients are not fully informed.
Spatial Variation and Predictors of Women’s Sole Autonomy in Healthcare Decision-Making in Bangladesh: A Spatial and Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Kundu Satyajit , Rahman Md Hafizur , Chowdhury Syed Sharaf Ahmed , Hagan John Elvis , Dey Susmita Rani , Dey Rakhi , Karmoker Rita , Sharif Azaz Bin , Ahmed Faruk
Published: December 2024

Background: Knowing the spatial variation and predictors of women having sole autonomy over their healthcare decisions is crucial to design site-specific interventions. This study examined how women’s sole autonomy over their healthcare choices varies geographically and what factors influence this autonomy among Bangladeshi women of childbearing age. Methods: Data were obtained from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2017–18. The final analysis included data from a total of 18,890 (weighted) women. Spatial distribution, hot spot analysis, ordinary Kriging interpolation, and multilevel multinomial regression analysis were employed. Results: The study found that approximately one in ten women (9.62%) exercised complete autonomy in making decisions about their healthcare. Spatial analysis revealed a significant clustering pattern in this autonomy (Moran’s I = 0.234, p < 0.001). Notably, three divisions—Barisal, Chittagong, and Sylhet—emerged as hot spots where women were more likely to have sole autonomy over their healthcare choices. In contrast, the cold spots (poor level of sole healthcare autonomy by women) were mainly identified in Mymensingh and Rangpur divisions. Women in the age group of 25–49 years, who were highly educated, Muslim, urban residents, and had not given birth recently were more likely to have sole autonomy in making healthcare decisions for themselves. Conversely, women whose husbands were highly educated and employed, as well as those who were pregnant, were less likely to have sole autonomy over their healthcare choices. Conclusions: Since the spatial distribution was clustered, public health interventions should be planned to target the cold spot areas of women’s sole healthcare autonomy. In addition, significant predictors contributing to women’s sole healthcare autonomy must be emphasized while developing interventions to improve women’s empowerment toward healthcare decision-making.
Evaluation of a Pilot College Student-Based Physical Activity Implementation Strategy in a Rural Middle School
Authors: Kwaiser Megan M. , Medellin Andrew M. , Watkins Janette M. , Goss Janelle M. , Hobson James M. , Martinez Kercher Vanessa M. , Kercher Kyle A.
Published: December 2024

Background: Physical inactivity in the U.S. poses a significant risk of developing chronic health factors associated with cardiovascular disease. Children from rural communities are especially vulnerable to inactivity. The Hoosier Sport program aims to address this by working to increase physical activity in 6th and 7th grade students in a rural Indiana middle school. Hoosier Sport uses sport participation coupled with health education delivered by college-service learning students to establish healthy behaviors that children can sustain throughout their life. The purpose of this prospective longitudinal study was to evaluate the implementation of Hoosier Sport in a rural middle school, using a multi-component evaluation approach. Methods: This prospective program evaluation study utilized The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to assess feasibility outcomes such as recruitment, retention, fidelity, attendance, acceptability, and cost. CFIR was incorporated through surveys completed by Hoosier Sport team members to identify facilitators and barriers. Fidelity was measured using SOSPAN and SOFIT tools. SOSPAN (System for Observation of Staff Promotion of Activity and Nutrition) monitored staff interactions with children during physical education classes. SOFIT (System of Observing Fitness Instruction Time) evaluated the duration and type of activities in each lesson context. For our descriptive analysis, we calculated means and standard deviation for continuous variables and percentages for categorical variables. Results: All feasibility measures met or exceeded the a priori threshold, indicating high success. Fidelity was high among college student implementers and child participants. SOSPAN showed that staff did not use physical activity as punishment, engaged in physical activity 62.5% of the time, provided verbal encouragement 87.5% of the time, and used elimination games only 2.5% of the time. SOFIT revealed significant promotion of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, with 94% during the 4-week strength training intervention and 95% during the 4-week basketball intervention. The barrier buster tool identified general agreement with most statements, indicating promising system-level acceptability. Conclusion: The study results demonstrate successful feasibility, high fidelity, and promising system-level acceptability. These findings underscore the importance of continued refinement and repeated evaluation of the program in alignment with the ORBIT model. The use of college student implementers presents a sustainable model that benefits all participants involved.
The Causal Role of Ectopic Fat Deposition in the Pathogenesis of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Janssen Joseph A. M. J. L.
Published: December 2024

Consuming a “modern” Western diet and overnutrition may increase insulin secretion. Additionally, nutrition-mediated hyperinsulinemia is a major driver of ectopic fat deposition. The global prevalence of metabolic syndrome is high and growing. Within this context, people with congenital lipodystrophy often experience a severe form of metabolic syndrome. Evidence is increasingly supporting that subtle partial lipodystrophy plays an important role in the development of metabolic syndrome in the general population. In individuals in the general population with subtle partial lipodystrophy, as well as in those with congenital lipodystrophy, the subcutaneous adipose tissues are unable to accommodate surplus energy intake. In both conditions, (excess) fat is directed toward the liver, pancreas, and muscles, where it is deposited as ectopic fat, as this fat can no longer be stored in the “safe” subcutaneous fat depots. Ectopic fat depositions cause insulin resistance in the liver and muscles, as well as β-cell dysfunction in the pancreas. Support of a direct pathological role of ectopic fat deposition in this condition is further provided by the rapid normalization of hepatic insulin sensitivity and improvement in pancreatic β-cell function after marked reductions in ectopic fat depositions. Thus, ectopic fat deposition in the liver, pancreas, and muscles may play a causal role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome even in the general population. As such, the prevention of ectopic fat deposition may reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome and mitigate its effects.
Synthesis and hLDHA Inhibitory Activity of New Stiripentol-Related Compounds of Potential Use in Primary Hyperoxaluria
Authors: Rico-Molina Mario , Ortega-Vidal Juan , Molina-Canteras Juan , Cobo Justo , Altarejos Joaquín , Salido Sofía
Published: December 2024

Human lactate dehydrogenase A (hLDHA) is a homotetrameric isozyme involved in the conversion of glyoxylate into oxalate in the cytosol of liver cells (hepatocytes) and partially responsible for the overproduction of oxalate in patients with the rare disease called primary hyperoxaluria (PH). Recently, hLDHA inhibition has been validated as a safe therapeutic method to try to control the PH disease. Stiripentol (STP) is an approved drug used in the treatment of seizures associated with Dravet’s syndrome (a severe form of epilepsy in infancy) which, in addition, has been drawing interest in recent years also for potentially treating PH, due to its hLDHA inhibitory activity. In this work, several new STP-related compounds have been synthesized and their hLDHA inhibitory activity has been compared to that of STP. The synthesis of these analogues to STP was accomplished using crossed-aldol condensation guided by lithium enolate chemistry and a successive regioselective reduction of the resulting α,β-unsaturated ketones. The target molecules were obtained as racemates, which were separated into their enantiomers by chiral HPLC. The absolute configurations of pure enantiomers were determined by the modified Mosher’s method and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectroscopy. For the inhibitory effect over the hLDHA catalytic activity, a kinetic spectrofluorometric assay was used. All the new synthesized compounds turned out to be more active at 500 μM (46–72% of inhibition percentage) than STP (10%), which opens a new line of study on the possible capacity of these analogues to reduce urinary oxalate levels in vivo more efficiently.
Impact of Intraoperative Opioid Use and a Combined Anesthesia Regimen in Patients Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer in a Single-Center Cohort
Authors: Marcon Julian , Bischoff Robert , Rattenhuber Kaspar , Chaloupka Michael , Askari Darjusch , Jokisch Jan-Friedrich , Becker Armin J. , Pfitzinger Paulo L. , Keller Patrick , Berg Elena , Stief Christian G. , Siegl Daniel , Kowalski Christian , Buchner Alexander , Pyrgidis Nikolaos , Weinhold Philipp
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Higher intraoperative opioid doses may be associated with worse long-term oncological outcomes after radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer. We aimed to evaluate the impact of higher doses of intraoperative opioids and type of anesthesia on biochemical recurrence (BCR) and mortality after RP in a high-volume tertiary center. Methods: All patients underwent RP at our center between 2015 and 2021. The role of major intraoperative opioid agents, such as sufentanil remifentanil, and morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs), as well as the type of anesthesia [total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA), versus a combination of TIVA and epidural anesthesia, versus solely epidural anesthesia], was assessed in predicting BCR and survival after RP. Results: A total of 1137 patients who had a median age of 66 years (interquartile range: 61–72) were included. Overall, 1062 (93%) patients received TIVA, 37 (3%) received TIVA and epidural anesthesia, and 41 (4%) only epidural anesthesia. At a median follow-up of 431 days (interquartile range: 381–639) from RP, 257 (24%) patients developed a BCR. Accordingly, at a median follow-up of 500 days (interquartile range: 450–750), 33 (2.9%) patients died. The type of anesthesia, as well as the dosage or type of the selected intraoperative opioid agents, did not affect either BCR or long-term overall survival. Conclusions: These findings suggest that intraoperative opioid application during RP has no negative oncological impact in the short and long term in patients with localized prostate cancer. Accordingly, combined TIVA and epidural anesthesia, as well as solely epidural anesthesia were associated with similar short- and long-term outcomes compared to TIVA.
Ship Hull Steel Plate Deformation Modeling Based on Gaussian Process Regression
Authors: Zhang Zhiliang , Ikeura Ryojun , Hayakawa Soichiro , Wang Zheng
Published: December 2024

The linear heating and formation of steel plates is one of the most critical technologies in shipbuilding. Excellent technology not only provides good hydrodynamics for the hull but also affects the whole hull construction cycle and cost. In the heating and formation of a steel plate, the material, size, and thickness of the steel plate; heating temperature; heating position; and many other factors affect the formation of a steel plate. It is a very difficult process to know the influence relationship between various factors. In this study, a steel plate model is established by the Gaussian regression method, which can predict the steel plate deformation according to the selected steel plate material, size and thickness, heating temperature, and heating position. The accuracy of the model was evaluated, and the Gaussian process regression model has a better accuracy compared to other machine learning algorithm models. Finally the model visualization; designing the UI; selecting the steel plate material, size, and thickness; and inputting the heating temperature, the deformation magnitude, and stress magnitude of the steel plate can be obtained. The model can provide guidance to field workers for the heating and formation of hull steel plates and achieve efficient and fast formation of target steel plates.
Percutaneous Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Focal Laser Ablation (MRI-FLA) of Prostate Tumors: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Marcelin Clément , Klein Clément , Robert Grégoire , Bladou Franck , Grenier Nicolas , Jambon Eva
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: MRI-guided focal laser ablation (MRI-FLA) is an emerging minimally invasive technique for treating localized prostate tumors, aiming to provide effective cancer control while minimizing side effects. This meta-analysis systematically evaluates the clinical outcomes, technical efficacy, and complication rates associated with MRI-FLA to better understand its therapeutic potential and safety profile in prostate cancer management. Methods: In July 2024, PubMed (MEDLINE) was searched for eligible trials using the PRISMA guidelines. The primary outcome was residual disease (RD). The secondary outcomes were technical efficacy, progression to metastatic disease, cancer-specific mortality, complications, and decreases in the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. Results: Nine clinical trials involving 296 patients with prostate tumors treated via MRI-FLA were analyzed. A random effects model showed that the overall RD prevalence after ablation was 20.37% (12.56–29.28%; p = 0.03) and the cancer-free survival rate was 75.62% (64.88–85.10%). The rate of major and minor adverse effects was 14.26% (0.61–37.3%, p < 0.01). Conclusions: MRI-FLA is safe, feasible, and effective, although further trials are required.
New Trends of Personalized Medicine in the Management of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Review
Authors: Alsabbagh Yaman , Erben Young , Vandenberg Jonathan , Farres Houssam
Published: December 2024

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a significant vascular condition characterized by the dilation of the abdominal aorta, presenting a substantial risk of rupture and associated high mortality rates. Current management strategies primarily rely on aneurysm diameter and growth rates to predict rupture risk and determine the timing of surgical intervention. However, this approach has limitations, as ruptures can occur in smaller AAAs below surgical thresholds, and many large AAAs remain stable without intervention. This review highlights the need for more precise and individualized assessment tools that integrate biomechanical parameters such as wall stress, wall strength, and hemodynamic factors. Advancements in imaging modalities like ultrasound elastography, computed tomography (CT) angiography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), combined with artificial intelligence, offer enhanced capabilities to assess biomechanical indices and predict rupture risk more accurately. Incorporating these technologies can lead to personalized medicine approaches, improving decision-making regarding the timing of interventions. Additionally, emerging treatments focusing on targeted delivery of therapeutics to weakened areas of the aortic wall, such as nanoparticle-based drug delivery, stem cell therapy, and gene editing techniques like CRISPR-Cas9, show promise in strengthening the aortic wall and halting aneurysm progression. By validating advanced screening modalities and developing targeted treatments, the future management of AAA aims to reduce unnecessary surgeries, prevent ruptures, and significantly improve patient outcomes.
Prognostic Impact of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Graça Santhiago Calvelo , Mosca Tainá , Gagliardi Vivian Dias Baptista , Forte Wilma Carvalho Neves , Gagliardi Rubens José
Published: December 2024

Background/objective: Studies suggest that the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) may be a prognostic marker for different diseases with inflammatory components. This study aimed to quantify the NLR in individuals affected by different subtypes and severities of ischemic stroke and associated it with risk factors and treatment, and compared the results with data from healthy individuals. Methods: Clinical and laboratory data from medical records of patients over 18 years of age, victims of ischemic stroke, were collected. Data included leukocyte count and subtype, topography, risk factors, treatment and severity of stroke. For comparison, the number of leukocytes in healthy individuals was also quantified. NLR was determined by dividing the number of neutrophils by the number of lymphocytes. Results: A total of 218 patients were included, 194 stroke patients and 24 healthy individuals. Among all stroke patients, 45% had NLR values > 4 and 35% had values between 2 and 4; otherwise, 71% of healthy individuals had NRL < 2. The data also showed that the greater the severity of the stroke, measured by the NIHSS scale, the higher the NLR, at 24 and 72 h after the stroke. Among the stroke subtypes evaluated, the one with the lowest NLR values was small vessel stroke. Finally, the risk factors for stroke, its topography and treatment were not associated with NLR values. Conclusions: NLR is associated with stroke severity but does not correlate with stroke risk factors, topography, and treatment. The NLR may serve as a marker of stroke severity.
Study on Pro-Environmental Behavior to Enhance Rural Social-Ecological Resilience: The Role of Place Identity and Social Cohesion as Mediating Mechanisms
Authors: Sun Yilin , Zhu Li , Zhang Ni , Wu Honglin , Chen Quhan , Wang Haolong
Published: December 2024

Villagers’ pro-environment behaviors profoundly impact the sustainable development of the rural eco-environment. Based on a survey of three traditional Chinese villages dealing with the challenges posed by modern development, we use structural equation models to analyze the contribution of villagers’ pro-environmental behaviors to rural social-ecological resilience (identification of disturbances, internal stability, absorption and transformation, and system innovation). The results show that the former positively impacts the latter. Strengthening public participation at the behavioral level and reusing traditional local knowledge at the cultural level are prominent factors. Place identity and social cohesion are the mediating factors and social mechanisms of the process. Additionally, the degree of ecological environment dependence, age, residence time, and other factors positively correlate with the perception of social-ecological resilience. Therefore, this paper proposes four strategies to strengthen multi-level environmental management, cultivate the local ecological memory, increase the diversity of management forces, and encourage villagers to develop the self-organizing ability of eco-environmental management, which are crucial to the sustainable development of the rural eco-environment. It also provides a promising reference for developing villages facing the same challenge.
Climate and Permafrost Shifts in Yakutia’s Arctic and Subarctic from 1965 to 2023
Authors: Fedorov Alexander N. , Konstantinov Pavel Y. , Vasilyev Nikolay F. , Varlamov Stepan P. , Skachkov Yuri B. , Gorokhov Alexey N. , Kalinicheva Svetlana V. , Ivanova Rosaliya N. , Petrova Alexandra N. , Andreeva Varvara V. , Novopriezzhaya Varvara A. , Sivtsev Maxim A. , Zheleznyak Mikhail N.
Published: December 2024

By analyzing the last 50–60 years of climate changes in Arctic and Subarctic Yakutia, we have identified three distinct periods of climate development. The cold (1965–1987), pre-warming (1988–2004), and modern warming (2005–2023) periods are clearly identifiable. Yakutia’s Arctic and Subarctic regions have experienced mean annual air temperature increases of 2.5 °C and 2.2 °C, respectively, compared to the cold period. The thawing index rose by an average of 171–214 °C-days, while the freezing index dropped by an average of 564–702 °C-days. During the pre-warming period, all three characteristics show a minor increase in warmth. Global warming intensified between 2005 and 2023, resulting in elevated permafrost temperatures and a deeper active layer. Monitoring data from the Tiksi site show that warming has been increasing at different depths since the mid-2000s. As a result, the permafrost temperature increased by 1.7 °C at a depth of 10 m and by 1.1 °C at a depth of 30 m. Soil temperature measurements at meteorological stations and observations at CALM sites both confirm the warming of the permafrost. A permafrost–climatic zoning study was conducted in Arctic and Subarctic Yakutia. Analysis identified seven regions characterized by similar responses to modern global warming. These study results form the foundation for future research on global warming’s effects on permafrost and on how northern Yakutia’s environment and economy adapt to the changing climate.
Effect of Counterbody Material on the Boundary Lubrication Behavior of Commercially Pure Titanium in a Motor Oil
Authors: Liu Yizhao , Al-Shan Mohammed , Bailey Richard , Sun Yong
Published: December 2024

Titanium possesses many useful properties and is a technologically important material in engineering. However, lubrication of titanium has long been a problem that has prevented titanium from being more widely used. This is due to its poor tribological properties, deriving from its high tendency towards adhesive wear, material transfer, and abrasive wear. Lubrication is a system engineering which involves material combinations, material surfaces, lubricants, and operating conditions as a system. In this work, the boundary lubrication behavior of commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti) sliding against various counterbody materials in a motor oil (0W-30) was investigated under ball-on-plate reciprocating sliding conditions. The counterbody materials (balls) include CP-Ti, ceramic (Al2O3), steel (AISI 52100), and polymer (nylon). The results show that depending on material combination, the lubricating behavior can be divided into three categories, i.e., (1) lubrication failure (Ti-Ti), (2) improved lubrication but with friction instability (Ti-Al2O3), and (3) effective lubrication (Ti–steel and Ti–nylon). Lubrication failure of the Ti-Ti pair leads to high and unstable friction and severe wear from both the plate and ball, while friction instability of the Ti-Al2O3 pair leads to friction spikes and high wear rates. Effective lubrication of the Ti–steel pair results in low and smooth friction and much-reduced wear rates of the Ti plate by nearly 10,000 times. However, there is a load-dependence of the lubrication effectiveness of the Ti–steel pair. Although the Ti–nylon pair is effectively lubricated in terms of much-reduced friction, the nylon ball suffers from severe wear. The friction and wear mechanisms of the various sliding pairs are discussed in this paper.
5,10-Diiododibenzo[a,e]pentalene
Authors: Ohara Natsumi , Ogiwara Chinatsu , Kuwabara Takuya
Published: December 2024

The crystal structure and the improved synthesis of the title compound (1) are presented. Treatment of 5,10-disilyldibenzo[a,e]pentalenes (2a and 2b) with iodine chloride (ICl) readily provided 1 in good yields. Recrystallization from a dichloromethane/hexane solution afforded single crystals suitable for X-ray diffraction studies. In the packing structure, iodine···iodine interactions classified as type II halogen bonding were found, forming the zigzag I…I chains along the ac-plane.
On Small Energy Solutions of the Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation in 1D with a Generic Trapping Potential with a Single Eigenvalue
Authors: Cuccagna Scipio , Maeda Masaya
Published: December 2024

We prove in dimension d=1 a result similar to a classical paper by Soffer and Weinstein, Jour. Diff. Eq. 98 (1992), improving it by encompassing for pure power nonlinearities the whole range of exponents p>1. The proof is based on the virial inequality of Kowalczyk et al., J. Eur. Math. Soc. (JEMS) 24 (2022), with smoothing estimates as shown in Mizumachi J. Math. Kyoto Univ. 48 (2008).
A Double Birthday Paradox in the Study of Coincidences
Authors: Pollanen Marco
Published: December 2024

Coincidences are rare unexpected events that can fascinate, but their typical post hoc discovery and haphazard nature also have the potential to confuse and to confound correct scientific analysis. Mathematically, they can sometimes be modeled by birthday-problem collisions in datasets. In this paper, we take an expository approach to considering some of the issues involved in modeling of coincidences found from data searches and examine a double birthday problem that arises when multiple data sets are considered.
Certificateless Provable Data Possession Scheme for Cloud-Based Electronic Health Records System
Authors: Wu Yujie , Tan Xiao , Xie Qi
Published: December 2024

Electronic Health Records (EHRs: digital compilations of patient health status and diagnosis) are typically shared, analyzed, and stored on cloud servers. One operational challenge is to guarantee the accurate storage of EHRs, for instance, by utilizing Provable Data Possession (PDP). When a portion of one hospital’s EHRs needs to be transferred to another, outsourcing the computational costs of data transfer to the cloud and ensuring the integrity of the data transferred off-site becomes a problematic issue. In this article, to tackle these two problems, we put forward a certificateless provable data possession scheme with outsourced data transmission on secure cloud storage. Our scheme achieves the following functions: ensuring the data integrity for the transferred data; only the data owner or the data recipient themselves can verify the integrity of their own remote data; delegating most of the computations to the public cloud server to enable data transferability. Finally, we analyze the security and efficiency of the concrete scheme. The analysis demonstrates that our scheme is demonstrably secure and efficient.
On Fractal–Fractional Simpson-Type Inequalities: New Insights and Refinements of Classical Results
Authors: Alsharari Fahad , Fakhfakh Raouf , Lakhdari Abdelghani
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we introduce a novel fractal–fractional identity, from which we derive new Simpson-type inequalities for functions whose first-order local fractional derivative exhibits generalized s-convexity in the second sense. This work introduces an approach that uses the first-order local fractional derivative, enabling the treatment of functions with lower regularity requirements compared to earlier studies. Additionally, we present two distinct methodological frameworks, one of which achieves greater precision by refining classical outcomes in the existing literature. The paper concludes with several practical applications that demonstrate the utility of our results.
Theoretical Prediction of Divalent Actinide Borozene Complexes
Authors: Zhang Naixin , Wu Qunyan , Lan Jianhui , Shi Weiqun , Wang Congzhi
Published: December 2024

The aromatic boron cluster B82– (D7h) has similar π bonding to C6H6, which is named “borozene”. The B82– ligand has been observed to stabilize monovalent Ln(+I) in C7v-LnB8− (Ln = La, Pr, Tb, Tm, and Yb) borozene complexes. Low-valency actinide complexes have been reported more rarely, and B82– may be one of the potential ligands. Here, we report a theoretical study on a series of actinide metal-doping octa-boron clusters AnB8 (An = Pa, U, Np, and Pu). It was found that each species has both half-sandwich and chair-like structures. Except for PaB8, the half-sandwich structures of UB8, NpB8, and PuB8 are more energetically stable than the chair-like structures, and the half-sandwich clusters of AnB8 are found to be actinide(II) borozene complexes with the MII[B82−] type. For each of the half-sandwich clusters, the B82− ligand has σ and π double aromaticity. Various bonding analyses of AnB8 confirm the covalent interactions between the doped actinide metals and the octa-boron clusters, which further stabilize the complexes and determine the relative stability of AnB8. As expected, these complexes show high bond dissociation energies, especially PaB8 with stronger Pa-B covalent bonds. These results demonstrate that the B82− doubly aromatic ligand is able to stabilize divalent actinides.
Miraculous Al/PDF Composites Using NF2 to Enhance the Energy Release of Al, Prepared Through an Efficient Method
Authors: He Junqi , Lv Jing , Zheng Wenfang , Pan Renming , Li Yanan
Published: December 2024

To enhance the energy release of Al powder in solid propellant, ploy (difluoroaminomethyl-3-methylethoxybutane) (PDF), which has difluoroamino (NF2), was utilized to improve energy and promote combustion efficiency. In this study, Al with three distinct powder sizes (29 μm, 13 μm, and 1~3 μm) was coated with PDF using the solvent/non-solvent method, leading to the formation of Al/PDF composites. The morphology and characteristics of Al/PDF were then characterized. The results demonstrated that all powder sizes of Al/PDF had core-shell structures, and NF2 of the PDF layer on the Al surface maintained the original structure. The TG curves indicated the amount of the PDF layer related to the powder sizes. Furthermore, Al/PDF exhibited greater hydrophobicity. NF2 prompted Al/PDF, with better catalysis on ammonium perchlorate (AP) decomposition. Compared to Al powder, the ignition delay of Al/PDF was significantly shortened. For mixed samples of Al/PDF and AP, NF2 shorted the ignition delay, improving combustion stability, extending the combustion duration, and forming volatile fluorine compounds. These findings underscore the effects of NF2 in Al/PDF composites, which enhances the energy release of Al and holds promising potential applications.
HLA Class I and II Alleles in Anti-Acetylcholine Receptor Antibodies Positive and Double-Seronegative Myasthenia Gravis Patients of Romanian Descent
Authors: Croitoru Cristina Georgiana , Constantinescu Daniela , Pavel-Tanasa Mariana , Cuciureanu Dan Iulian , Cianga Corina Maria , Hodorog Diana Nicoleta , Cianga Petru
Published: December 2024

Background: Several significant associations between certain Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) alleles and myasthenia gravis (MG) subtypes were established in populations from Western Europe and North America and, to a lesser extent, from China and Japan. However, such data are scarcely available for Eastern Europe. This study aimed to analyze the associations of HLA Class I and II alleles with MG and its serological subtypes (with anti-acetylcholine receptor autoantibodies, RAch+MG, and double-seronegative, dSNMG) in myasthenic patients of Romanian descent. Methods: We consecutively enrolled adult Romanian unrelated myasthenic patients, which were genotyped by next-generation sequencing for HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1 and -DQB1. The descent-matched controls were represented by two separate groups of random normal subjects genotyped for the main five HLA loci at the two-digit and four-digit levels, respectively, collected from the Allele Frequency Net Database. Results: A total of 40 patients (females: 80.00%; median age at onset: 42.5 years, range: 1–78; RAch+MG: 75.00%; dSNMG: 22.50%) were included. We were able to confirm previously acknowledged allelic associations: positive for HLA-B*08, DRB1*14:54 and DRB1*16:01 and negative for DRB1*13. However, we found some potential novel significant positive associations between MG and the HLA-A*02:36, B*47, B*73, B*44:27 and B*57:02 alleles. All alleles positively associated with MG remained significantly associated with RAch+MG, regardless of the patients’ clinical and thymic heterogeneity. We found significant positive associations between dSNMG and the HLA-B*47, B*44:27 and DRB1*14:54 alleles that are shared with RAch+MG. Conclusions: These results suggest both distinct and common etiopathogenic mechanisms between dSNMG and RAch+MG. Our study pioneers allele associations in Romanian MG patients.
Disordered Eating Behaviors and Weight Regain in Post-Bariatric Patients
Authors: Lopes Karynne Grutter , Romagna Eline Coan , Mattos Diogo Menezes Ferrazani , Kraemer-Aguiar Luiz Guilherme
Published: December 2024

Background/objective: Weight regain has serious health consequences after bariatric surgery, and disordered eating behaviors (EBs) may be involved in it. We compared disordered EB symptoms in post-bariatric patients according to low vs. high ratio of weight regain (RWR) and investigated associations between disordered EB symptoms with weight regain and time since surgery. Method: We recruited ninety-four patients who had undergone laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. All of them had not attended follow-up with the multidisciplinary healthcare team (including psychological assessment) for at least one year. RWR was calculated with respect to maximal weight loss by the nadir weight achieved after surgery. Patients were divided into two groups: high RWR (≥20%) or low RWR (<20%). At their first visit, we had them complete the Eating Disorder Examination and Repetitive Eating Questionnaires (EDE-Q and Rep(eat)-Q). Results: Patients with high RWR reported higher EDE-Q global, dietary restraint and weight concerns without significant group differences in eating and shape concerns. Compared to those patients with low RWR, these patients also indicated greater Rep(eat)-Q global, compulsive grazing and repetitive eating. Global EDE-Q score, eating concern, shape concern, weight concern and all Rep(eat)-Q indexes were positively associated with higher RWR. Conclusions: Disordered EBs occurred more frequently in the group with high RWR. In these patients, eating behavior symptoms and grazing behavior were both correlated to the RWR, suggesting a possible involvement of both conditions in weight regain.