bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Breakthrough in Producing Personalized Solutions for Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Thanks to the Introduction of AI to Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Mikołajewska Emilia , Mikołajewski Dariusz , Mikołajczyk Tadeusz , Paczkowski Tomasz
Published: February 2025

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with additive manufacturing (AM) is driving breakthroughs in personalized rehabilitation and physical therapy solutions, enabling precise customization to individual patient needs. This article presents the current state of knowledge and perspectives of using personalized solutions for rehabilitation and physiotherapy thanks to the introduction of AI to AM. Advanced AI algorithms analyze patient-specific data such as body scans, movement patterns, and medical history to design customized assistive devices, orthoses, and prosthetics. This synergy enables the rapid prototyping and production of highly optimized solutions, improving comfort, functionality, and therapeutic outcomes. Machine learning (ML) models further streamline the process by anticipating biomechanical needs and adapting designs based on feedback, providing iterative refinement. Cutting-edge techniques leverage generative design and topology optimization to create lightweight yet durable structures that are ideally suited to the patient’s anatomy and rehabilitation goals .AI-based AM also facilitates the production of multi-material devices that combine flexibility, strength, and sensory capabilities, enabling improved monitoring and support during physical therapy. New perspectives include integrating smart sensors with printed devices, enabling real-time data collection and feedback loops for adaptive therapy. Additionally, these solutions are becoming increasingly accessible as AM technology lowers costs and improves, democratizing personalized healthcare. Future advances could lead to the widespread use of digital twins for the real-time simulation and customization of rehabilitation devices before production. AI-based virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) tools are also expected to combine with AM to provide immersive, patient-specific training environments along with physical aids. Collaborative platforms based on federated learning can enable healthcare providers and researchers to securely share AI insights, accelerating innovation. However, challenges such as regulatory approval, data security, and ensuring equity in access to these technologies must be addressed to fully realize their potential. One of the major gaps is the lack of large, diverse datasets to train AI models, which limits their ability to design solutions that span different demographics and conditions. Integration of AI–AM systems into personalized rehabilitation and physical therapy should focus on improving data collection and processing techniques.
Enhanced Side Pole Impact Protection: Crashworthiness Optimization for Electric Micro Commercial Vehicles
Authors: Yang Rong , Li Shiyu , Cheng Tianhao , Zou Ping , Tian Linli
Published: February 2025

This study presents a novel optimization framework applying the multi-objective response surface method to enhance the safety of electric micro commercial vehicles (E-MCVs) during side pole impacts. By focusing on seven critical load-bearing components, including the B-pillar and door frame beam, we achieved a 2% reduction in component weight while significantly improving energy absorption by 22.2%. The optimization led to a substantial decrease in intrusion, with B-pillar abdominal intrusions reduced by 22.5% and lower threshold intrusions down by 26.3%. Despite these improvements, challenges remained regarding battery pack deformation. To address this, we proposed two innovative solutions: strengthening the side longitudinal beams and integrating a bionic thin-walled energy-absorbing structure. These approaches effectively reduced side intrusions of the battery pack by 43.5% to 43.8%, with the bionic structure showing superior performance in weight management. However, the manufacturing feasibility and cost implications of the bionic design necessitate further exploration. The innovation in this study lies in the dual application of a response surface optimization method for load-bearing components and the integration of biomimetic design principles, significantly advancing collision safety for E-MCVs while providing new insights into the weight-efficient safety design.
Uncertainty-Aware Adaptive Multiscale U-Net for Low-Contrast Cardiac Image Segmentation
Authors: Sagar A. S. M. Sharifuzzaman , Islam Muhammad Zubair , Tanveer Jawad , Kim Hyung Seok
Published: February 2025

Medical image analysis is critical for diagnosing and planning treatments, particularly in addressing heart disease, a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Precise segmentation of the left atrium, a key structure in cardiac imaging, is essential for detecting conditions such as atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and stroke. However, its complex anatomy, subtle boundaries, and inter-patient variations make accurate segmentation challenging for traditional methods. Recent advancements in deep learning, especially semantic segmentation, have shown promise in addressing these limitations by enabling detailed, pixel-wise classification. This study proposes a novel segmentation framework Adaptive Multiscale U-Net (AMU-Net) combining Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and transformer-based encoder–decoder architectures. The framework introduces a Contextual Dynamic Encoder (CDE) for extracting multi-scale features and capturing long-range dependencies. An Adaptive Feature Decoder Block (AFDB), leveraging an Adaptive Feature Attention Block (AFAB) improves boundary delineation. Additionally, a Spectral Synthesis Fusion Head (SFFH) synthesizes spectral and spatial features, enhancing segmentation performance in low-contrast regions. To ensure robustness, data augmentation techniques such as rotation, scaling, and flipping are applied. Laplacian approximation is employed for uncertainty estimation, enabling interpretability and identifying regions of low confidence. Our proposed model achieves a Dice score of 93.35, a Precision of 94.12, and a Recall of 92.78, outperforming existing methods.
Observation of Downburst Associated with Intense Thunderstorms Encountered by an Aircraft at Hong Kong International Airport
Authors: Chan Ying-wa , Chan Pak-wai , Cheung Ping
Published: February 2025

In situ observational data from aircraft within microbursts is rather rare in Hong Kong, and such a case is documented in this paper by comparison with the large amount of meteorological data in the vicinity of Hong Kong International Airport, in particular, from the weather radars. Three-dimensional wind field retrieval has been conducted from the radars, and the wind data so obtained are compared with the vertical velocity and eddy dissipation rate measured onboard the aircraft during the encountering of two microbursts. The two datasets are found to be generally consistent with each other. The dataset and the meteorological phenomenon studied in this paper are unique, and it is hoped that such a documented case could be useful for reference for aviation weather forecasting and alerting elsewhere in the world and the design of new aircraft.
The Load-Bearing Capacity Assessment of GFRP Foundation Piles for Transmission Line Poles Using Experimental Tests and Numerical Calculations
Authors: Derlatka Anna , Labocha Sławomir , Lacki Piotr
Published: February 2025

This article proposes a novel tube foundation intended for use under transmission line poles. The glass fibre reinforcement polymer (GFRP) piles were driven into sand. A steel tube pole, approximately 6 m high, was mounted on the foundation. The analysed foundations were designed as a monopile to be implemented in the construction of low- and medium-voltage overhead transmission lines. Experimental field tests of innovative piles made of the composite material were carried out on a 1:1 scale. The aim of this work was to develop an isotropic material model treating the GFRP composite as homogeneous. This approach does not fully reproduce the anisotropic behaviour of the composite, but it allows for the engineering design of structures made of the composite material. Laboratory tests in the form of a static tensile test on the samples and a tensile test on the rings cut from a hollow section were performed. The results of the experimental tests and FEM models of the GFRP rings and monopile embedded in sand were compared. The ultimate limit state (ULS) and serviceability limit state (SLS) of the analysed pile were assessed as 14.4 and 9.6 kNm, respectively. The developed numerical model, based on FEM, allows for the load-bearing capacity of the monopile made of GFRP to be reliably determined. From an engineering point of view, the developed numerical model of the GFRP material can be used to calculate the pile load-bearing capacity using engineering software that has limited capabilities in defining material models.
Determination of Factors Influencing Road Transport Demand: Evidence from Croatia
Authors: Jakovljević Marijan , Vertlberg Juraj Leonard , Šoštarić Marko , Ševrović Marko
Published: February 2025

Effective forecasting of road transport demand is vital for optimizing transport planning and system efficiency. Despite technological and methodological advancements, the accuracy of these forecasts has not improved significantly over the past several decades, with typical errors ranging from 20% to 35%. These inaccuracies often result in either under- or over-capacitated transport systems, leading to unforeseen economic and financial consequences. This research focuses on factors that have an impact on road transport demand, based on research conducted in Croatia over the period from 2004 to 2016. It identifies three key impact groups—traffic and transport, economy, and demography—that impact road transport demand. The findings indicate that the annual rates of change in the number of registered motor vehicles have the most significant influence on road transport demand trends. Other key factors include real net wage growth, GDP growth rates, and the rate of domestic tourist arrivals. Additionally, the analysis reveals a statistically significant difference in transport demand intensity between motorways and state roads, highlighting the importance of considering unique traffic patterns in infrastructure planning. These insights provide a robust foundation for developing more accurate forecasting models and improving transport policy and investment strategies.
MDD-YOLOv8: A Multi-Scale Object Detection Model Based on YOLOv8 for Synthetic Aperture Radar Images
Authors: Liu Jie , Liu Xue , Chen Huaixin , Luo Sijie
Published: February 2025

The targets in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images are often tiny, irregular, and difficult to detect against complex backgrounds, leading to a high probability of missed or incorrect detections by object detection algorithms. To address this issue and improve the recall rate, we introduce an improved version of YOLOv8 (You Only Look Once), named MDD-YOLOv8. This model is not only fast but also highly accurate, with fewer instances of missed or incorrect detections. Our proposed model outperforms the baseline YOLOv8 in SAR image detection by utilizing dynamic convolution to replace static convolution (DynamicConv) and incorporating a deformable large kernel attention mechanism (DLKA). Additionally, we modify the structure of the FPN-PAN and introduce an extra detection header to better detect tiny objects. Experiments on the MSAR-1.0 dataset demonstrate that MDD-YOLOv8 achieves 87.7% precision, 76.1% recall, 78.9% mAP@50, and 0.81 F1 score. These metrics show an improvement of 8.1%, 6.0%, 6.9%, and 0.07, respectively, compared to the original YOLOv8. Although, MDD-YOLOv8 increases parameters by about 20% and GFLOPs by 53% more than YOLOv8n. To further validate the model’s effectiveness, we conducted generalization experiments on four additional SAR image datasets, proving that MDD-YOLOv8’s performance is robust and universally applicable. In summary, MDD-YOLOv8 is a robust, generalized model with strong potential for industrial applications.
Challenging Scientific Categorizations Through Dispute Learning
Authors: Fabre Renaud , Bellot Patrice , Egret Daniel
Published: February 2025

Scientific dispute and scholarly debate have traditionally served as mechanisms for arbitrating between competing scientific categorizations. However, current AI technologies lack both the ethical framework and technical capabilities to handle the adversarial reasoning inherent in scientific discourse effectively. This creates a ‘categorization conundrum’ where new knowledge emerges from opaque black-box systems while simultaneously introducing unresolved vulnerabilities to errors and adversarial attacks. Our research addresses this challenge by examining how to preserve and enhance human dispute’s vital role in the creation, development, and resolution of knowledge categorization, supported by traceable AI assistance. Building on our previous work, which introduced GRAPHYP—a multiverse hypergraph representation of adversarial opinion profiles derived from multimodal web-based documentary traces—we present three key findings. First, we demonstrate that standardizing concepts and methods through ‘Dispute Learning’ not only expands the range of adversarial pathways in scientific categorization but also enables the identification of GRAPHYP model extensions. These extensions accommodate additional forms of human reasoning in adversarial contexts, guided by novel philosophical and methodological frameworks. Second, GRAPHYP’s support for human reasoning through graph-based visualization provides access to a broad spectrum of practical applications in decidable challenging categorizations, which we illustrate through selected case studies. Third, we introduce a hybrid analytical approach combining probabilistic and possibilistic methods, applicable to diverse classical research data types. We identify analytical by-products of GRAPHYP and examine their epistemological implications. Our discussion of standardized representations of documented adversarial uses highlights the enhanced value that structured dispute brings to elicit differential categorizations in the scientific discourse.
Home Advantage in Football: Exploring Its Effect on Individual Performance
Authors: Chacón-Fernández Eduardo , Brunsó-Costal Gerard , Duarte Abraham , Sánchez-Oro Jesús , Alonso-Pérez-Chao Enrique
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to examine how playing at home affects individual football performance in the top five European leagues (LaLiga, Bundesliga, Serie A, Premier League, and Ligue 1) using offensive and defensive statistics. A secondary goal was to determine if these performance differences vary by field position. Offensive variables (season goals, assists, and key passes per game) and defensive variables (tackles, interceptions, and fouls per game) were analysed over eight seasons for 4337 players. Significant differences were found between home and away matches, particularly in goals (p < 0.001), assists (p < 0.001), and key passes (p < 0.001), all of which were higher at home. Defensive metrics like interceptions and fouls showed no significant differences, though tackles were higher away (p = 0.013). A positional analysis revealed that forwards and midfielders had significantly more goals (p < 0.001 for both) and assists (p = 0.008 for forwards, p = 0.029 for midfielders) at home. Defenders also had significantly more goals (p < 0.001) and assists (p < 0.001), while committing fewer fouls at home (p = 0.005). These findings suggest that playing at home significantly boosts individual performance, especially in offensive metrics. Coaches should adjust strategies based on if the match is at home or away, while considering individual player strengths and positions.
A Relay Optimization Method for NOMA-Based Power Line Communication Systems
Authors: Zhang Lenian , Yue Yuntao , Li Peng , Liu Dong , Ren Haoran
Published: February 2025

Power line communication (PLC) technology is investigated in this research. A PLC system model combining Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) and Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) technologies is proposed to enhance spectral efficiency, extend transmission distance, and improve signal quality. We construct detailed models for the system, signal, and noise. Future Channel State Information (CSI) is predicted using a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network, and an improved simulated annealing algorithm is employed to optimize power allocation and relay positioning in the system. Experiments validate the effectiveness of the LSTM model in predicting CSI data in a NOMA communication system, demonstrating generally good performance despite some prediction errors. Simulation results show that this approach significantly enhances system performance, reduces power consumption, and meets constraints on system capacity, bit error rate (BER), and signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) in complex PLC environments. Future research should focus on optimizing model parameters, expanding datasets, exploring alternative optimization algorithms, and testing the model in real-world scenarios to improve generalizability and practicality. In conclusion, the proposed multi-user PLC system provides an effective technical solution for future smart grid and Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
Oxidation–Reduction of Ti-6Al-4V in Direct Energy Deposition Subject to Minimum Argon Consumption
Authors: Ragampeta Bharadwaja , Ragampeta Prashansa , Sparks Todd , Liou Frank
Published: February 2025

Ti-6Al-4V is a well-known alloy for its low density and excellent corrosion resistance, making it popular in aerospace, marine, medical, and automotive applications. However, at elevated temperatures, the alloy forms oxides, leading to embrittlement. In additive manufacturing, particularly in the direct energy deposition (DED) process, which involves high temperatures, the alloy experiences oxidation. An inert gas chamber provides shielding during the process but limits the size of the manufactured components, and deposition in a vacuum chamber can alter the chemical composition of the alloy. Local shielding is a technique generally used for such applications, but it uses a high volume of shield gas, contributing to environmental contamination. This study presents a novel approach for the development and preliminary evaluation of a prototype nozzle attachment system for the additive manufacturing (AM) of Ti-6Al-4V using a direct energy deposition (DED) process in an open-air environment system. The system was designed to reduce shield gas consumption by providing conformal shielding in critical areas. This was achieved by dividing the shielding area into eight segments, with each of the eight attachments of the nozzle attachment system selectively activated to supply shield gas only where required. Four different shield gas flow rates of 20, 25, 30, and 35 SCFH were tested at three different locations under the attachment to investigate the optimal flow rate. The results proposed maintaining a baseline flow rate of 5 SCFH in all attachments and employing 60 SCFH during transitions between attachments for rapid shielding. The system maintained oxygen concentration levels below 200 PPM within 2.1 s, with an average gas consumption of 65 SCFH, underlining an 85% reduction compared to other studies. These findings highlight the potential of this system for future implementation and scalability for reactive metal depositions like Ti-6Al-4V in AM using DED processes. This study addresses the need for an effective shielding environment during deposition while minimizing the shield gas consumption. A nozzle attachment system was designed and developed to provide conformal shielding during the deposition process. Key parameters, such as the shielding flow rate, activation time, and shielding range of the nozzle attachments, were investigated. The system successfully delivered shield gas to the critical areas and provided a safe environment for deposition. Argon consumption was reduced by 85% compared to other studies in the same field, with an optimal flow rate of 25 Standard Cubic Feet per Hour (SCFH) of shielding gas used to cover all critical areas in the experiments. The effect of the laminar and turbulent flow of shield gas on the deposition path was also analyzed in this study.
Numerical Investigation of the Wave Equation for the Convergence and Stability Analysis of Vibrating Strings
Authors: Alam Md Joni , Ramady Ahmed , Abbas M. S. , El-Rashidy K. , Azam Md Tauhedul , Miah M. Mamun
Published: February 2025

The modeling of the one-dimensional wave equation is the fundamental model for characterizing the behavior of vibrating strings in different physical systems. In this work, we investigate numerical solutions for the one-dimensional wave equation employing both explicit and implicit finite difference schemes. To evaluate the correctness of our numerical schemes, we perform extensive error analysis looking at the L1 norm of error and relative error. We conduct thorough convergence tests as we refine the discretization resolutions to ensure that the solutions converge in the correct order of accuracy to the exact analytical solution. Using the von Neumann approach, the stability of the numerical schemes are carefully investigated so that both explicit and implicit schemes maintain the stability criteria over simulations. We test the accuracy of our numerical schemes and present a few examples. We compare the solution with the well-known spectral and finite element method. We also show theoretical proof of the stability and convergence of our numerical scheme.
Different Oral Appliance Designs Demonstrate Different Rates of Efficacy for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Review Article
Authors: Liptak Leonard A. , Sall Edward , Kim Sung , Mosca Erin , Charkhandeh Shouresh , Remmers John E.
Published: February 2025

Obstructive Sleep Apnea afflicts an estimated 1 billion people worldwide. Untreated, Obstructive Sleep Apnea is linked with elevated levels of mortality, decreased quality of life and increased economic costs. However, several large population studies demonstrate that the efficacy of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy, the most frequently prescribed treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, is compromised by frequent refusals and terminations. As a result, healthcare providers are evaluating non-CPAP treatment options. Oral Appliance Therapy has emerged as a leading non-CPAP treatment for patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Historically, healthcare providers have questioned the efficacy of Oral Appliance Therapy. Dozens of Oral Appliances are available to healthcare providers, with many contemporary Oral Appliances featuring improved designs, materials and technologies. This review investigates whether Oral Appliance design matters; do different Oral Appliance designs demonstrate different rates of efficacy? To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first review to exclusively focus on scientific papers that report treatment success with Oral Appliances as a residual Apnea Hypopnea Index of less than 10 events per hour. Out of 272 source papers, the 27 papers included in this review encompass a pooled sample of 3799 patients treated with six distinctly different categories of Oral Appliance designs. Chi-squared and two-sided Fisher’s exact tests indicate significant differences in efficacy amongst Oral Appliance designs. These findings suggest that certain Oral Appliance designs can enable highly efficacious treatment for patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Given these findings, healthcare providers should consider design when selecting an oral device for patients diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Core-Extended Naphthalene Diimide Dyads as Light-Up Probes with Targeted Cytotoxicity Toward Tumor Cells
Authors: Pirota Valentina , Salvati Erica , Risoldi Carla , Manoli Francesco , Rizzo Angela , Zizza Pasquale , Biroccio Annamaria , Freccero Mauro , Manet Ilse , Doria Filippo
Published: February 2025

Within the framework of rational drug design, this study introduces a novel approach to enhance the specificity of small molecules in targeting cancer cells. This approach starts from the use of dyads merging into a single entity, a naphthalene diimide (NDI) and core-extended NDI (ceNDI), both known as G-quadruplex (G4) ligands and fluorescent probes. The strategy aims to leverage the unique diagnostic strengths of the ceNDI moiety featuring red emission by improving its binding affinity and target selectivity through inclusion in dyads built with different linkers. The newly developed NDI-ceNDI dyads are promising probes, as they exhibit fluorescence turn-on upon DNA recognition and induced circular dichroism signals dependent on DNA conformation. Both dyads have an excellent affinity for hybrid G4, with two orders of magnitude higher binding constants than those for ds DNA. Their high cytotoxicity on cancer cell lines further demonstrates their potential as therapeutic agents, highlighting the role of the linker in target selectivity. Specifically, only the dyad with the rigid triazole linker exhibits selectively induced DNA damage in transformed cells, compared to normal cells primarily targeting telomeric regions. Our findings shed light on DIPAC’s potential as a promising theranostic agent, offering insights into future developments in precision medicine.
Histological Alterations and Interferon-Gamma and AKT-mTOR Expression in an Experimental Model of Achilles Tendinopathy—A Comparison of Stem Cell and Amniotic Membrane Treatment
Authors: Cavalcante Guilherme Vieira , Fedato Rosangela , de Noronha Lucia , Nagashima Seigo , Martins Ana Paula Camargo , Olandoski Márcia , Pinho Ricardo , Takejima Aline , Simeoni Rossana , Francisco Julio Cesar , Guarita-Souza Luiz César
Published: February 2025

Achilles tendon injuries are extremely common and have a significant impact on the physical and mental health of individuals. Both conservative and surgical treatments have unsatisfactory results. The search for new therapeutic tools, using cell therapies with stem cells (SC) and biological tissues, such as amniotic membranes (AM), has proved useful for the regeneration of injured tendons. Background/Objectives: This research was carried out to assess the capacity of tissue repair in animal models of Achilles tendinopathy, in which rats were submitted to complete sections of the tendon, and the effects of using bone marrow SC and/or AM graft are evaluated. Methods: Thirty-seven Wistar rats, submitted to complete surgical section of the Achilles tendon and subsequent tenorrhaphy, were randomized into four groups: Control Group (CG), received saline solution; SC Group (SCG) received an injection of SC infiltrated directly into the tendon; AM Group (AMG), the tendon was covered with an AM graft; SC + AM Group (SC+AMG), has been treated with an AM graft and SC local injection. Six weeks later, the Achilles tendons were evaluated using a histological score and immunohistochemical pro-healing markers such as Interferon-γ, AKT, and mTOR. Results: There were no differences between morphometric histological when evaluating the Achilles tendons of the samples. No significant differences were found regarding the expression of AKT-2 and mTOR markers between the study groups. The main finding was the presence of a higher concentration of Interferon-γ in the group treated with SC and AM. Conclusions: The isolated use of SC, AM, or the combination of SC-AM did not produce significant changes in tendon healing when the histological score was evaluated. Similarly, no difference was observed in the expression of AKT-2 and mTOR markers. An increase in the expression of Interferon-γ was observed in SC+AMG. This suggests that such therapies may be potentially beneficial for the regeneration of injured tendons. However, as tendon repair mechanisms are very complex, further studies should be carried out to verify the benefits of the tendon structure and function.
Advances in Coccygectomy: A Comprehensive Review Evaluating Surgical Techniques for Coccygodynia
Authors: Obeng-Gyasi Barnabas , Brown Ethan D. L. , Chinthala Anoop Sai , Mao Gordon
Published: February 2025

Background: Coccygodynia presents significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment. While coccygectomy has emerged as a crucial intervention for refractory cases, significant heterogeneity exists in surgical techniques. Traditional approaches are increasingly complemented by novel methods, necessitating a comprehensive review of current surgical options. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and Embase databases from inception to present. Search terms included “coccygectomy”, “coccydynia”, “coccygodynia”, “coccyx pain” and “tailbone pain”. We analyzed peer-reviewed studies focusing on surgical techniques, outcomes and complications of coccygectomy. Studies were excluded if non-peer-reviewed, non-English without translation, or not directly addressing surgical management. Results: Traditional midline approaches, while common, demonstrate increased wound complications compared to paramedian techniques. Minimally invasive methods, including coccygeoplasty and endoscopic coccygectomy, show promising early outcomes with reduced recovery times. Both partial and complete resections provide significant pain relief, with complete resection potentially offering superior results in severe cases. Wound closure technique significantly impacts surgical success. Conclusions: Optimal outcomes in coccygectomy require individualized surgical approaches incorporating modern techniques like paramedian incision and advanced wound closure. Emerging minimally invasive procedures may further reduce complications and enhance recovery. Treatment success depends on careful patient selection and surgical technique optimization.
Towards Environmentally Friendly Buildings: An Assessment of the Mechanical Properties of Soil Mixtures with Graphene
Authors: Iorio Esposito Federico , Gallo Stampino Paola , Ceccarelli Letizia , Caruso Marco , Dotelli Giovanni , Sabbadini Sergio
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the potential of graphene-based additives to improve the mechanical properties of compacted soil mixtures in rammed-earth construction, contributing to the development of environmentally friendly building materials. Two distinct soils were selected, combined with sand at optimized ratios, and treated with varying concentrations of a graphene liquid solution and a graphene-based paste (0.001, 0.005, 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 wt.% relative to the soil-sand proportion). The effects of these additives were analyzed using the modified Proctor compaction and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests, focusing on parameters such as optimum water content (OWC), maximum dry density (MDD), maximum strength (qu), and stiffness modulus (E). The results demonstrated that graphene’s influence on compaction behavior and mechanical performance depends strongly on the soil composition, with minimal variation between additive types. In finer soil mixtures, graphene disrupted particle packing, increased water demand, and reduced strength. In silt–sandy mixtures, graphene’s hydrophobicity and limited interaction with fines decreased water absorption and preserved density but likewise led to diminished strength. Conclusions from the experiments suggest a possible interaction between graphene, soil’s finer fraction, and potentially the swelling and non-swelling clay minerals, providing insights into the complex interplay between soil properties.
Therapeutic Targeting of the Galectin-1/miR-22-3p Axis Regulates Cell Cycle and EMT Depending on the Molecular Subtype of Breast Cancer
Authors: Kim Ju Yeon , Lee Jun Ho , Jung Eun Jung , Son Young Sim , Park Hee Jin , Kim Jae Myung , Park Taejin , Jeong Sang-Ho , Lee Jinkwon , Kim Tae Han , Lee Seon Min , Heo Jeong Doo
Published: February 2025

Breast cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease; hence, it is crucial to understand its biology and identify new targets for the development of effective treatments. Galectin-1 is known to play an oncogenic role in breast cancer progression. It is known that oncogenic factors can influence cancer progression through interactions with miRNAs. The purpose of this study is to identify the clinical significance and biological role of galectin-1 and miR-22-3p in cancer progression according to the molecular subtype of breast cancer. We analyzed the expression of galectin-1 and miR-22-3p using cancer tissues and the correlation with clinical pathological characteristics. In addition, we investigated the regulation of the cell cycle and EMT processes of cancer progression through the galectin-1/miR-22-3p axis using cell lines of different breast cancer subtypes. miR-22-3p negatively regulates galectin-1 expression and the two molecules have opposite patterns of oncogenic and tumor-suppressive functions, respectively; furthermore, these two molecules are associated with metastasis-free survival. Cell experiments showed that miR-22-3p overexpression and galectin-1 knockdown inhibited the proliferation and invasion of breast cancer cells. Galectin-1 regulates different cancer progression pathways depending on the molecular subtype. In hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cells, galectin-1 knockdown mainly inhibited cell cycle-related substances and induced G0/G1 arrest, whereas in triple-negative breast cancer cells, it suppressed molecules related to the epithelial–mesenchymal transition pathway. In conclusion, the miR-22-3p/galectin-1 axis regulates different cancer metastasis mechanisms depending on the specific molecular subtype of breast cancer, and miR-22-3p/galectin-1 axis modulation may be a novel target for molecular subtype-specific personalized treatment.
Establishing Minimum Criteria for Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth (SHEDs) Cultured in Human Platelet Lysate (hPL)-Contained Media as Cell Therapy Candidates: Characterization and Predictive Analysis of Secretome Effects
Authors: Yoon Ji-Young , Quang Bình Do , Shin Ji-Sun , Kim Jong-Bin , Lee Jun Hee , Kim Hae-Won , Lee Jung-Hwan
Published: February 2025

SHEDs have demonstrated significant potential in cell therapy due to their superior proliferation rate, self-renewal and differentiation capacity (particularly neurogenesis attributed to their neural crest origin), and the less invasive procedure required for tissue collection compared to other stem cells. However, there is no established criterion to verify the minimum qualification to select one from numerous candidates, especially for SHEDs’ cultured FBS-free medium for clinic application. For that, we performed a characteristic analysis containing the growth rate, colony-forming unit (CFU) number, average colony size, and migration capacity with hPL-cultured SHEDs from 21 different donors, and we suggest the result as a minimum standard to filter out unqualified candidates. In addition, in the secretome analysis to predict the paracrine effect, it was found that upregulated proteins compared to the control were related to angiogenesis, immune response, and BMP signaling, and this was found to have a strong correlation only with protein concentration. This study presents a minimum standard for selecting cell therapy candidates and suggests the protein concentration of a conditioned medium as a cost-effective tool to expect the paracrine effect of SHEDs.
Design and Mechanical Properties of ZTA–Niobium Composites with Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: Grigoriev Sergey , Yanushevich Oleg , Krikheli Natella , Kramar Olga , Pristinskiy Yuri , Solis Pinargote Nestor Washington , Peretyagin Pavel , Smirnov Anton
Published: February 2025

Niobium–graphene oxide–zirconia-toughened alumina (ZTA) composites were produced by wet mixing and spark plasma sintering. The microstructure and mechanical properties of this novel composite have been studied. The results show that niobium particles are homogeneously dispersed in the ZTA matrix. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the thermal reduction in graphene oxide during sintering. The presence of ductile metal and graphene flakes leads to an increase in the crack resistance value of the ZTA matrix. The developed composites demonstrate a fracture toughness of 16 MPa∙m1/2, which is three times higher than ZTA ceramic composites. The high toughness values found in this new composite are a consequence of the strong interaction between the simultaneous action of several toughening mechanisms, specifically involving crack trapping, crack blunting, crack renucleation, and the bridging mechanisms of the metallic and graphene particles. Moreover, this increase has also occurred due to the enhancement of the transformability of zirconia in ceramic–metal composites.
A Dynamic Model-Fitting Algorithm for Batch Laboratory Data: Application to Constant-Pressure Cake Filtration Experiments
Authors: Duarte Belmiro P. M. , Moura Maria J. , Santos Lino O. , Oliveira Nuno M. C.
Published: February 2025

Model fitting of laboratory-generated experimental data is a foundational task in engineering, bridging theoretical models with real-world data to enhance predictive accuracy. This process is particularly valuable in batch dynamic experiments, where mechanistic models are often used to represent complex system behavior. Here, we propose a systematic algorithm tailored for the model fitting and parameter estimation of experimental data from batch laboratory experiments, rooted in a Process Systems Engineering framework. The paper provides an in-depth, step-by-step approach covering data collection, model selection, parameter estimation, and accuracy assessment, offering clear guidelines for experimentalists. To demonstrate the algorithm’s effectiveness, we apply it to a series of dynamic experiments on the pressure-constant cake filtration of calcium carbonate, where the pressure drop across the filter is varied as a key experimental factor. This example underscores the algorithm’s utility in enhancing the reliability and interpretability of model-based analyses in engineering.
Crystalline Diradical Dianions and Radical Anions of Indenofluorenediones
Authors: Dong Xue , Wang Tao , Zhao Yu , Sun Quanchun , Tang Shuxuan , Zhao Yue , Wang Xinping
Published: February 2025

Fluorenone derivatives represent promising candidates for electron-transport materials in organic electronic devices. Given that anionic species serve as electron-transfer carriers in electron-transport materials, it is highly desirable to isolate and characterize the radical anions and dianions of indenofluorened derivatives (IFO). In this work, the reduction of three indenofluorenedione derivatives (IFO, 1, 2 and 3) with potassium resulted in three radical anion salts (1K[(crypt-222)], 2K[(crypt-222)] and 3K) and one dianion salt (2[K(crypt-222)]2). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy reveal that 1K[(crypt-222)] and 2K[(crypt-222)] have a full delocalization of the unpaired electron which is supported by calculated spin density distributions. We demonstrate that the polarization of electron spin in 3K is induced by potassium ion coordination through single-crystal X-ray structure analysis and DFT calculations, suggesting the electrostatic effect by potassium ion has a significant influence on the spin density modulation. Superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) measurements and DFT calculations show that 2[K(crypt-222)]2 has an open-shell singlet base with a large singlet-triplet energy gap (ΔEos-t = −7.40 kcal mol−1) so that the excited triplet state is not accessible at room temperature.
Determinant Factors and Characteristics of Injuries Among Preschool Children in Public Daycare Centers
Authors: Kouli Olga , Morela Eleftheria , Papanikolaou Elissavet , Dalakis Antonis , Karageorgopoulou Maria , Kambas Antonis
Published: February 2025

Background/Objective: Evidence suggests that preschool children experience significantly higher rates of injury-related mortality and disability compared to older age groups of children. However, there seems to be a lack of recorded data on unintentional injuries among preschoolers in public daycare centers in Greece. Therefore, the present study aims to identify determinant factors and characteristics of unintentional injuries among preschool children in public daycare centers. Methods: The sample consisted of 6 daycare centers in the Municipality of Xanthi in Greece, with 444 preschool children (M = 3.73 ± 0.47 years of age). Educators completed reports detailing the number and characteristics of unintentional injuries sustained and provided specific information about each. During the study (10 months), 351 injury reports were completed. Results: Frequency analyses showed that children who were most frequently injured were between 3.5 and 4 years old, while boys were more susceptible. The leading causes of injuries were falls and acute overload. Cuts and wounds were the most common type of injury, and the body part that was more frequently injured was the head. The majority of injuries occurred in classrooms during free play. Conclusions: The results highlight the need for injury prevention strategies in daycare centers, including modifications to play areas, increased supervision during free play, and educator training on risk reduction.
Child Poverty and Its Associated Issues in A City, Tokyo: Insights from Community-Based Participatory Research
Authors: Ikeda Shinpei , Iwabuchi Yuriko , Nakamura Masato , Ohno Kanta , Shibahashi Hirotomo
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: In recent years, despite growing awareness of child poverty in Japan, research examining its impact on the daily lives of children and their families within schools and communities remains limited. This study aims to clarify the extent of child poverty and associated issues in A City, Tokyo, through qualitative research conducted as part of the Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) process. Methods: Twelve research participants were selected, including Vice Principals of schools, Community and Child Welfare Officers, and other stakeholders involved in supporting economically disadvantaged households raising children. A focus group discussion (FGD) was conducted on 16 October 2021 to examine the current state of child poverty in A City and local initiatives addressing the issue. Data were analyzed using a qualitative descriptive approach. Results: Three categories emerged from the analysis: (1) Children Disadvantaged by Their Family’s Financial Situation, (2) Challenges in Supporting Financially Struggling Families in Schools and Communities, and (3) the Necessity of Establishing Comprehensive Systems to Support Families. These findings highlight the complex challenges schools and communities face in supporting economically disadvantaged families. Conclusions: Addressing child poverty in A City requires strengthening collaboration between the education sector and community stakeholders, enhancing early detection of poverty-related issues, and establishing comprehensive support systems for timely intervention. However, cultural norms in Japan, such as the reluctance to impose a burden on others, might create barriers to seeking assistance. To overcome these challenges, CBPR is expected to play a key role in fostering networks among children, parents, and support providers.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Its Potential Molecular Interplay in Hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome: A Scoping Review Bridging Cellular Energetics and Genetic Pathways
Authors: Shirvani Purusha , Shirvani Arash , Holick Michael
Published: February 2025

Hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is a hereditary connective tissue disorder characterized by joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility, and systemic manifestations such as chronic fatigue, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and neurological symptoms. Unlike other EDS subtypes with known genetic mutations, hEDS lacks definitive markers, suggesting a multifactorial etiology involving both mitochondrial dysfunction and non-mitochondrial pathways. This scoping review, conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, highlights mitochondrial dysfunction as a potential unifying mechanism in hEDS pathophysiology. Impaired oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and calcium dysregulation disrupt cellular energetics and extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis, contributing to the hallmark features of hEDS. We reviewed candidate genes associated with ECM remodeling, signaling pathways, and immune regulation. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analyses revealed interconnected pathways linking mitochondrial dysfunction with these candidate genes. Comparative insights from Fabry disease and fragile X premutation carriers underscore shared mechanisms such as RNA toxicity, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) activation, and ECM degradation. These findings may suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction amplifies systemic manifestations through its interplay with non-mitochondrial molecular pathways. By integrating these perspectives, this review provides a potential framework for understanding hEDS pathogenesis while highlighting latent avenues for future research into its molecular basis. Understanding the potential role of mitochondrial dysfunction in hEDS not only sheds light on its complex molecular etiology but also opens new paths for targeted interventions.
Exploring Fat Fraction and Vertebral Bone Quality Score in Lumbar Spine Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Cross-Sectional Study on Associations and Clinical Implication
Authors: Park Sunghoon , Hwang Jinwoo , Kwack Kyu-Sung , Lee Kyu Hong , Yun Jae Sung
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: While gradient-echo (GRE)-based chemical shift-encoded magnetic resonance imaging (CSE-MRI) offers precise method for measuring adiposity in bone marrow, its limitation lies in the need for additional imaging. On the other hand, spin-echo (SE)-based CSE-MRI can seamlessly integrate into conventional protocols. Recently, a novel technique called the vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score has been introduced. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between fat fraction (FF) measured by GRE-based CSE-MRI (FFGRE) and FF measured by SE-based CSE-MRI (FFSE) or the VBQ score. Methods: A retrospective study with 344 patients assessed the correlation between FF and the VBQ score and each measurement’s correlation with age using Pearson’s correlation (r). Concordance between FFGRE and FFSE was assessed using Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (ρc). Vertebral lesions (n = 41) were categorized as benign and malignant, and the Mann–Whitney U test was used for comparison. Results: FFGRE demonstrated strong positive correlations with FFSE and the VBQ score (r = 0.861 and 0.708, respectively). However, the concordance between FFGRE and FFSE was poor (ρc = 0.295). All measurements moderately correlated with age (FFGRE, r = 0.583; FFSE, r = 0.477; VBQ score, r = 0.468). FF was significantly higher in benign lesions (FFGRE, p = 0.004; FFSE, p = 0.007), while the VBQ score did not show statistically significant differences between the two groups (p = 0.089). Conclusions: FFGRE exhibited a high correlation with the VBQ score. FFSE showed a strong correlation with FFGRE, but replacing FFGRE with FFSE may be challenging. Both FF and the VBQ score moderately correlated with age. FF demonstrated statistically significant differences between benign and malignant lesions, while the VBQ score did not provide a distinguishable separation.