bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety of Mechanically Fibrillated Cellulose Nanofibers (CNFs) by Inhalation Exposure Based on TG412
Authors: Yamashita Yoshihiro , Tokunaga Akinori , Aoki Koji , Ishizuka Tamotsu , Fujita Satoshi , Tanoue Shuichi
Published: January 2025

An investigation into the acute toxicity of mechanically fibrillated cellulose nanofibers (fib-CNFs), with a fiber length ranging from 500 to 600 nm, was conducted in accordance with the OECD TG412 guidelines. In this study, rats were exposed to fib-CNFs via nasal inhalation for 6 h daily over a 28-day period. The highest exposure concentration was set at 35 mg/m3, with intermediate and low concentrations at 7.0 mg/m3 and 1.5 mg/m3, respectively. No significant differences were observed in body weight, hematological parameters, or biochemical profiles between the fib-CNF-exposed groups and the control group. However, the histopathological examination of lung tissue revealed elevated macrophage counts in both the alveolar spaces and lymph nodes, accompanied by a significant increase in lung weight. The most severe effects were observed in the high-concentration group, while the low-concentration group exhibited only mild inflammatory changes. Based on these findings, the no observable adverse effect level (NOAEL) for the acute toxicity of fib-CNFs is estimated to be below 1.5 mg/m3.
Long Intergenic Non-Coding RNAs and BRCA1 in Breast Cancer Pathogenesis: Neighboring Companions or Nemeses?
Authors: Fadebi Olalekan Olatunde , Miya Thabiso Victor , Khanyile Richard , Dlamini Zodwa , Marima Rahaba
Published: January 2025

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality among women, primarily due to its complex molecular landscape and heterogeneous nature. The tendency of breast cancer patients to develop metastases poses significant challenges in clinical management. Notably, mutations in the breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) significantly elevate breast cancer risk. The current research endeavors employ diverse molecular approaches, including RNA, DNA, and protein studies, to explore avenues for the early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Recent attention has shifted towards long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as promising diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic targets in the multifaceted progression of breast cancer. Among these, long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs), a specific class of lncRNAs, play critical roles in regulating various aspects of tumorigenesis, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, epigenetic modulation, tumor invasion, and metastasis. Their distinctive expression patterns in cellular and tissue contexts underscore their importance in breast cancer development and progression. Harnessing lincRNAs’ sensitivity and precision as diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic markers holds significant promise for the clinical management of breast cancer. However, the potential of lincRNAs remains relatively underexplored, particularly in the context of BRCA1-mutated breast cancer and other clinicopathological parameters such as receptor status and patient survival. Consequently, there is an urgent need for comprehensive investigations into novel diagnostic and prognostic breast cancer biomarkers. This review examines the roles of lincRNAs associated with BRCA1 in the landscape of breast cancer, highlighting the potential avenues for future research and clinical applications.
Modified Index Policies for Multi-Armed Bandits with Network-like Markovian Dependencies
Authors: Sawwan Abdalaziz , Wu Jie
Published: January 2025

Sequential decision-making in dynamic and interconnected environments is a cornerstone of numerous applications, ranging from communication networks and finance to distributed blockchain systems and IoT frameworks. The multi-armed bandit (MAB) problem is a fundamental model in this domain that traditionally assumes independent and identically distributed (iid) rewards, which limits its effectiveness in capturing the inherent dependencies and state dynamics present in some real-world scenarios. In this paper, we lay a theoretical framework for a modified MAB model in which each arm’s reward is generated by a hidden Markov process. In our model, each arm undergoes Markov state transitions independent of play in a way that results in varying reward distributions and heightened uncertainty in reward observations. The number of states for each arm can be up to three states. A key challenge arises from the fact that the underlying states governing each arm’s rewards remain hidden at the time of selection. To address this, we adapt traditional index-based policies and develop a modified index approach tailored to accommodate Markovian transitions and enhance selection efficiency for our model. Our proposed proposed Markovian Upper Confidence Bound (MC-UCB) policy achieves logarithmic regret. Comparative analysis with the classical UCB algorithm reveals that MC-UCB consistently achieves approximately a 15% reduction in cumulative regret. This work provides significant theoretical insights and lays a robust foundation for future research aimed at optimizing decision-making processes in complex, networked systems with hidden state dependencies.
Unraveling the Connections: Eating Issues, Microbiome, and Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Tomaszek Natalia , Urbaniak Agata Dominika , Bałdyga Daniel , Chwesiuk Kamila , Modzelewski Stefan , Waszkiewicz Napoleon
Published: January 2025

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. It is also associated with a high prevalence of eating disorders, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, and alterations in gut microbiota composition. One of the most pressing concerns is food selectivity. Various eating disorders, such as food neophobia, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), specific dietary patterns, and poor-quality diets, are commonly observed in this population, often leading to nutrient deficiencies. Additionally, gastrointestinal problems in children with ASD are linked to imbalances in gut microbiota and immune system dysregulation. The aim of this narrative review is to identify previous associations between the gut–brain axis and gastrointestinal problems in ASD. We discuss the impact of the “microbiome–gut–brain axis”, a bidirectional connection between gut microbiota and brain function, on the development and symptoms of ASD. In gastrointestinal problems associated with ASD, a ‘vicious cycle’ may play a significant role: ASD symptoms contribute to the prevalence of ARFID, which in turn leads to microbiota degradation, ultimately worsening ASD symptoms. Current data suggest a link between gastrointestinal problems in ASD and the microbiota, but the amount of evidence is limited. Further research is needed, targeting the correlation of a patient’s microbiota status, dietary habits, and disease course.
Short- and Long-Term Nutritional Status in Children and Adolescents with Celiac Disease Following a Gluten-Free Diet: A Systematic Review
Authors: Papoutsaki Maria , Katsagoni Christina N. , Papadopoulou Alexandra
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Numerous studies have highlighted the nutritional imbalances that are commonly observed in children and adolescents diagnosed with celiac disease (CD) who follow a gluten-free diet (GFD). However, the development and timeline of these nutritional deficiencies remain unclear. The aim of the present study is to investigate the short-term (≥6 months to <12 months) and long-term (≥12 months) association between adherence to a GFD and nutrient intake as well as micronutrient blood status in children and adolescents aged from 0 to 18 years with CD. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in PubMed and Scopus for observational studies published up to June 2024. Results: A total of 15 studies (case–control, cross-sectional, and prospective studies) with 2004 children and adolescents were included. Their quality was assessed using the ROBINS-E tool. Despite the lack of high-quality data and the heterogeneity of the methods used in the included studies, the results of the cross-sectional/case–control studies show that, in the short term, children and adolescents with CD consumed excessive amounts of protein and carbohydrates compared to controls. After long-term adherence to a GFD, significant changes in the diets of children and adolescents with CD persisted. Fat intake was higher, while protein intake remained excessive compared to controls. Based on prospective studies, vitamin C and iodine intake improved both in the short and long term after adherence to a GFD. However, most other nutrients either remain inadequate or continue to decline, indicating that it is difficult to meet nutrient requirements despite dietary adjustments. Conclusions: Gaps in adherence to dietary recommendations appear to be widespread in children and adolescents with CD, emphasizing the need for improved diet quality and regular monitoring.
The Association Between the Triglyceride–Glucose Index, Its Combination with the Body Roundness Index, and Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Eastern China: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Chen Xiangyu , Du Xiaofu , Lu Feng , Zhang Jie , Xu Chunxiao , Liang Mingbin , Chen Lijin , Zhong Jieming
Published: January 2025

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index, its combination with the body roundness index (BRI), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) based on a cross-sectional analysis conducted in Eastern China. Methods: The research originates from a cross-sectional study performed in Zhejiang Province, Eastern China, between March and November 2018. The TyG-BRI index was calculated based on triglyceride, fasting blood glucose, and the BRI. The correlation between the TyG-BRI index and the risk of CKD was assessed using a restricted cubic spline model. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to investigate the association between the TyG-BRI index and the risk of CKD. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses was used to evaluate the optimal cut-off and value of the TyG-BRI index for predicting CKD. Results: A total of 1756 T2DM participants were enrolled in this study. The TyG-BRI index was significantly higher in participants with CKD than in those without CKD. In the fully adjusted model, the odds ratios for CKD in the second, third, and fourth TyG-BRI quartiles were 0.93 (95% CI: 0.65–1.33), 1.33 (95% CI: 0.94–1.88), and 1.57 (95% CI: 1.10–2.25), respectively, compared to the first quartile. RCS analysis confirmed a linear dose–response relationship between the TyG-BRI index and CKD risk (all p for nonlinearity > 0.05). ROC curve analysis revealed that the TyG-BRI index had moderate predictive value for CKD, with an area under the curve of 0.626 (95% CI: 0.597–0.656, p < 0.001). The optimal cut-off value for the TyG-BRI index was 42.46, with a sensitivity of 68.2% and specificity of 52.2%. Conclusions: The TyG-BRI index was positively associated with the risk of CKD in a T2DM population, demonstrating a dose–response relationship and moderate predictive value. It may serve as a valuable tool for identifying high-risk individuals and informing targeted interventions to prevent or delay CKD progression in this population.
Water-Soluble Cellulose Acetate Changes the Intestinal Microbiota in Mice with Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Iida Ayaka , Takahashi Ena , Kuranuki Sachi , Shimamoto Shu , Nakamura Tsuyoshi , Kitagaki Hiroshi
Published: January 2025

Objectives: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent chronic disorder of the liver and affects many people worldwide. Intestinal bacteria are thought to be involved in the pathological progression of NAFLD; therefore, improving the intestinal microbiota may be important in controlling NAFLD. In this study, we assessed the effects of water-soluble cellulose acetate (WSCA) on the intestinal microbiota in a non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) mouse model. Methods: NASH model (STAM mice) was created by streptozotocin injection and feeding the mice a high-fat diet. The serum biochemical parameters were analyzed. Intestinal bacterial populations were analyzed using paired-end sequencing of 16S rRNA, 18S rRNA, and internal transcribed spacer gene. Results: Our findings indicated that WSCA administration tends to improve the serum alanine aminotransferase and glucose levels in STAM mice and decreased the alpha diversity and altered the beta diversity of their intestinal microbiota. Additionally, WSCA intake resulted in an increase in the abundance of Coriobacteriaceae_UCG-002 and a decrease in the abundance of Enterobacter. Conclusions: WSCA intake can alter specific microbial compositions to improve blood glucose levels and liver functions and may improve the pathogenesis of NAFLD.
Effect of Praziquantel Treatment on the Nutritional Status of Children Infected with Schistosoma haematobium
Authors: Fok Louis , Dai Hongying Daisy , Brett-Major David M. , Animut Abebe , Erko Berhanu , Linville John , Negash Yohannes , Degarege Abraham
Published: January 2025

This quasi-experimental trial examined the relationship between Schistosoma haematobium infection and nutritional status, and the impact of single dose praziquantel (PZQ) therapy on undernutrition. A total of 353 children were examined, 112 of which were infected with S. haematobium and treated with PZQ. Children’s heights, weights, and mid-upper arm circumferences (MUAC) were measured at baseline and one month post-treatment. Infected children had significantly smaller mean BMI-for-age z-scores (BAZ) (−1.16 vs. 0.11, p < 0.01) and weight-for-age z-scores (WAZ) (−0.61 vs. −0.31, p = 0.03) than the uninfected ones at baseline. S. haematobium infection was associated with underweight (adjusted OR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.63–1.90). One month after treatment, BAZ, WAZ, height for age z-scores (HAZ), and MUAC scores were comparable between treated and control children. However, there was a significant decrease in the prevalence of underweight among treated children, while no significant change was observed in the control group one month post-treatment. In conclusion, children infected with S. haematobium are likely to suffer from undernutrition; however, single dose PZQ therapy may not improve their nutritional status within one month of treatment. Future studies could have longer follow-up periods to better estimate the drug’s effect on nutrition.
Design and Application of Laser Polarization Underwater Detection Equipment
Authors: Zhu Yong , Zong Fangxing , Dong Chao , Fu Qiang , Gu Xiansong , He Qingyi , Liu Jianhua , Zhao Haili , Duan Jin
Published: January 2025

With the increasing demand for precise identification of underwater targets, the development of advanced underwater detection technologies has become a pivotal area of research. This study presents the design and implementation of a laser-based underwater detection system that leverages polarization characteristics to significantly enhance detection accuracy and target identification capabilities in complex aquatic environments. A key innovation of this research lies in the application of a dual-frequency modulation technology using a 532 nm pulsed laser. By modulating the high-frequency characteristics of the laser, this technique effectively suppresses backscattering interference within the water medium, improves the efficiency of target signal extraction, and exhibits exceptional performance, particularly in long-range detection and highly turbid water conditions. This paper elucidates the principles of underwater laser detection and polarization measurement, outlines the design of an integrated optical and mechanical system for laser transmission and reception, and introduces an optimized signal processing methodology. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system can reliably distinguish targets composed of different materials while maintaining high detection accuracy across a range of challenging environmental conditions. A comparative analysis further highlights the system’s significant advantages over traditional technologies, including enhanced noise suppression and greater detection depth. These findings establish a solid foundation for advancing underwater detection technologies and broadening their practical applications.
Optoelectronic Oscillators: Progress from Classical Designs to Integrated Systems
Authors: Liu Qidi , Peng Jiuchang , Yan Juanjuan
Published: January 2025

Optoelectronic oscillators (OEOs) have emerged as indispensable tools for generating low-phase-noise microwave and millimeter-wave signals, which are critical for a variety of high-performance applications. These include radar systems, satellite links, electronic warfare, and advanced instrumentation. The ability of OEOs to produce signals with exceptionally low phase noise makes them ideal for scenarios demanding high signal purity and stability. In radar systems, low-phase-noise signals enhance target detection accuracy and resolution, while, in communication networks, such signals enable higher data throughput and improved signal integrity over extended distances. Furthermore, OEOs play a pivotal role in precision instrumentation, where even minor noise can compromise the performance of sensitive equipment. This review examines the progress in OEO technology, transitioning from classical designs relying on long optical fiber delay lines to modern integrated systems that leverage photonic integration for compact, efficient, and tunable solutions. Key advancements, including classical setups, hybrid designs, and integrated configurations, are discussed, with a focus on their performance improvements in phase noise, side-mode suppression ratio (SMSR), and frequency tunability. A 20-GHz oscillation with an SMSR as high as 70 dB has been achieved using a classical dual-loop configuration. A 9.867-GHz frequency with a phase noise of −142.5 dBc/Hz @ 10 kHz offset has also been generated in a parity–time-symmetric OEO. Additionally, integrated OEOs based on silicon photonic microring resonators have achieved an ultra-wideband tunable frequency from 3 GHz to 42.5 GHz, with phase noise as low as −93 dBc/Hz at a 10 kHz offset. The challenges in achieving fully integrated OEOs, particularly concerning the stability and phase noise at higher frequencies, are also explored. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the state of the art in OEO technology, highlighting future directions and potential applications.
Near-Field Enhancement in SPASER Nanostructures for High-Efficiency Energy Conversion
Authors: Jaouadi Amine , Mahjoub Ahmed , Dridi Montacer
Published: January 2025

We present in this study a theoretical investigation of the near-field enhancement phenomenon within nanostructures, which have garnered recent attention due to their potential applications in sensing, imaging, and energy harvesting. The analysis reveals a significant intensification of electromagnetic fields proximal to periodically arranged arrays of gold nanoparticles sustaining a highly lossy mode. In addition to the existence of a localized surface plasmon (LSP) mode exhibiting suboptimal quality, our investigation unveils intricate aspects of near-field enhancement closely correlated to the dynamics of lasing mechanisms. Notably, our investigation is focused on elucidating the augmentation’s behavior across varying pumping energies. The achieved enhancement surpasses two orders of magnitude compared to the passive counterparts. We introduce a description of the energy conversion rate specific to the SPASER configuration. The conceptualized SPASER reveals a significant promise. It showcases energy conversion efficiency up to 80%, emphasizing the SPASER’s potential as a highly effective nano-scale energy source.
Improving Soybean Development and Grain Yield by Complementary Inoculation with Growth-Promoting Bacteria Azospirillum, Pseudomonas, Priestia, and Bacillus
Authors: Marchão Robélio Leandro , Silva Gustavo Cassiano da , Andrade Solange Rocha Monteiro de , Junior Fábio Bueno dos Reis , Júnior Márcio Pereira de Barros , Haphonsso Richard Hemanwel , Carvalho Arminda Moreira de
Published: January 2025

Bioinputs are natural products applied to crops that contribute to more sustainable agriculture by boosting yields and reducing environmental impacts. In Brazil, the use of bioinputs such as Bradyrhizobium in soybean has been consolidated, but the expansion of on-farm bioinput production is currently initiating a new revolution. Furthermore, applications of bioinputs to cash crops in Brazil have shed light on the great potential of such growth-promoting microorganisms (GMPs) to improve nutrient uptake and increase productivity. This study explores the effect of the complementary inoculation with growth-promoting bacteria of post-emergence soybean, previously inoculated with Bradyrhizobium spp. Five treatments with growth-promoting bacteria were evaluated: T1—Control (no inoculation); T2—Azospirillum brasilense; T3—Pseudomonas fluorescens and Azospirillum brasilense; T4—Priestia aryabhattai, Bacillus haynesii, and Bacillus circulans; and T5—Priestia megaterium and Bacillus subtilis. In comparison with the control, all treatments with growth-promoting bacteria of the genera Azospirillum, Pseudomonas, Priestia, and Bacillus, applied after soybean emergence, induced 4–7% higher grain yields. Co-inoculation with Priestia megaterium and Bacillus subtilis (treatment T5) resulted in a higher 1000-grain weight, while Priestia aryabhattai, Bacillus haynesii, and Bacillus circulans (treatment T4) increased the number of pods and shoot dry weight. Our conclusion is that bioinputs increase soybean productivity and make agriculture more sustainable and efficient.
Geotechnical Behavior of Xanthan Gum-Stabilized Clay Reinforced with Polypropylene Fibers
Authors: Baldovino Jair de Jesús Arrieta , de la Rosa Yamid E. Nuñez , Calabokis Oriana Palma , Vergara Jesús Alberto Alcalá , López Luis Carlos Suárez
Published: January 2025

The use of biopolymers like Xanthan Gum (XG) for soil stabilization offers an eco-friendly alternative, enhancing soil properties while reducing CO2 emissions, gaining attention in sustainable engineering. This study investigated the interaction and geotechnical improvements of clay mixed with XG and polypropylene fibers (PPF). Biopolymer was used in proportions of 1%, 3%, and 5%, while the PPF percentage was kept constant at 0.5% by weight. Additionally, the molding density was varied at 1.65 g/cm3, 1.70 g/cm3, and 1.76 g/cm3. A total of 108 specimens were prepared using two curing times (28 and 90 days), and the samples were subjected to unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results demonstrate that the addition of XG and PPF in the specified proportions provides significant mechanical improvements to the stabilized soil. The curing time had a notable impact on these improvements; a curing time of 90 days resulted in strength increases of up to 37% compared to 28 days, while the maximum dry density improved this property by up to 87% compared to the minimum density. The incorporation of PPF enhanced strength by 53.93%, while stiffness increased by 63.55%. Additionally, the strength (qu) and stiffness (Go) results were successfully correlated using the porosity/binder index η/Biv, achieving determination coefficients (R²) greater than 0.90 and 0.80, respectively.
Carbon Nanodots-Based Polymer Nanocomposite: A Potential Drug Delivery Armament of Phytopharmaceuticals
Authors: Debnath Rabin , Ikbal Abu Md Ashif , Ravi Neeraj Kr. , Kargarzadeh Hanieh , Palit Partha , Thomas Sabu
Published: January 2025

Carbon nanodots (CNDs) have garnered significant attention as viable drug delivery vehicles in recent years, especially in the field of phytomedicine. Although there is much promise for therapeutic applications with phytomedicine, its effectiveness is frequently restricted by its low solubility, stability, and bioavailability. This paper offers a thorough synopsis of the developing field of phytomedicine drug delivery based on CND. It explores CND synthesis processes, surface functionalization strategies, and structural and optical characteristics. Additionally, the advantages and difficulties of phytomedicine are examined, with a focus on the contribution of drug delivery methods to the increased effectiveness of phytomedicine. The applications of CNDs in drug delivery are also included in the review, along with the mechanisms that underlie their improved drug delivery capabilities. Additionally, it looks at controlled-release methods, stability augmentation, and phytomedicine-loading tactics onto CNDs. The potential of polymeric carbon nanodots in drug delivery is also covered, along with difficulties and prospective directions going forward, such as resolving toxicity and biocompatibility issues. In summary, the present review highlights the encouraging contribution of CNDs to the field of drug delivery, specifically in enhancing the potential of phytomedicine for therapeutic purposes.
Dipolar Brush Polymers: A Numerical Study of the Force Exerted onto a Penetrating Colloidal Particle Under an External Field
Authors: Fuster-Aparisi A. , Cerrato Antonio , Batle Josep , Cerdà Joan Josep
Published: January 2025

Langevin Dynamics numerical simulations have been used to compute the force profiles that dipolar polymer brushes exert onto a penetrating colloidal particle. It has been observed that force profiles are strongly influenced by externally applied fields: at large distances from the grafting surface, a force barrier appears, and at shorter distances a region with lower repulsive forces develops. Furthermore, with the right combination of polymer grafting density, polymer chain length and strength of the external field, it is possible to observe in this intermediate region both the existence of net attractive forces onto the penetrating particle and the emergence of a stationary point. The existence of these regions of low repulsive or net attractive forces inside the dipolar brushes, as well as their dependence on the different parameters of the system can be qualitatively reasoned in terms of a competition between steric repulsion forces and Kelvin forces arising from the dipolar mismatch between different regions of the system. The possibility to tune force profile features such as force barriers and stationary points via an external field paves the way for many potential surface–particle-related applications.
Strategies for Improving the Techno-Functional and Sensory Properties of Bean Protein
Authors: Costa Juliana Eloy Granato , Azevedo Paula Zambe , Matos Jessica da Silva , Wischral Daiana , Rigolon Thaís Caroline Buttow , Stringheta Paulo César , Martins Evandro , Campelo Pedro Henrique
Published: January 2025

This review aims to understand the techno-functional and structural properties of bean proteins, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses while presenting them as a robust alternative protein source with high potential to become a competitive ingredient in the protein market. For this purpose, ScienceDirect and Scopus were used as databases with the keywords “bean proteins”, “protein modifications + beans”, and “techno-functional properties + beans” to consult the relevant literature. This could reduce global dependence on soy and pea proteins. The study compiles various current articles that address desirable techno-functional properties and potential modifications for a wide range of food industry applications. Based on the gathered findings, bean-derived proteins exhibit a more hydrophobic nature and a more compact structure compared to soy and pea proteins. Consequently, they demonstrate superior emulsifying properties and an excellent oil absorption capacity, making them promising ingredients for emulsified products and baked goods. On the other hand, soy and pea proteins perform better in meat-based products and confectionery due to their higher water absorption capacity and good stability.
A Novel Cogeneration System for the Simultaneous Production of Power and Cooling Operating with Geothermal Energy: A Case Study in La Primavera, Jalisco, México
Authors: Pacheco-Reyes Alejandro , Saucedo-Velázquez Juliana , Gutiérrez-Urueta Geydy Luz , Rivera Wilfrido
Published: January 2025

More efficient systems and renewable energies are determinants of reducing the negative impact on the environment. A novel cogeneration system is modeled for the simultaneous production of power and cooling driven by geothermal energy utilizing an ammonia–water mixture. The system can be used in rural communities by using renewable energies or in industries where waste heat is available. The system is a modification of a Goswami cycle in which a separator has been added to produce an extra amount of ammonia vapor to increase the cooling effect. Energy and exergy analyses are conducted as a function of the main operating temperatures. From the optimization, it is found that the maximum energy utilization factor is 0.54, and the exergy efficiency is 0.37, producing 81.45 kW of power and 1068 kW of cooling. A case study is also conducted for a rural community located in the estate of Jalisco, México. The proposed system is capable of preserving 3750 L of milk/day while simultaneously producing 12.53 kW of power when 230.6 kW of geothermal energy is supplied at 120 °C.
Recycled Glass Bottles for Craft-Beer Packaging: How to Make Them Sustainable? An Environmental Impact Assessment from the Combined Accounting of Cullet Content and Transport Distance
Authors: Wojnarowska Magdalena , Muradin Magdalena , Paiano Annarita , Ingrao Carlo
Published: January 2025

Effective waste management plays a vital role in advancing sustainability goals across industries, with particular relevance to glass manufacturing—a sector that generates significant environmental challenges due to its resource-intensive production processes and high waste generation. The scale of production results in the accumulation of substantial amounts of waste glass, which, if not efficiently managed, contributes to environmental degradation. In this context, craft-beer production, which increasingly relies on glass bottles for packaging, presents unique challenges and opportunities for implementing sustainable practices. The sector faces trade-offs between increasing the use of recycled glass (cullet) and addressing the environmental impacts associated with transporting materials over long distances. The combination of centralized waste processing systems and long-distance transport adds economic and environmental costs, with transportation contributing up to 60–80% of overall waste management expenses. Addressing these issues requires an integrated approach that evaluates critical variables, such as cullet content and transport logistics, to identify solutions that balance economic and environmental efficiency. This study addresses the pressing issue of optimizing the recycling of glass bottles for craft-beer packaging by examining the combined influence of cullet content and transport distance on environmental sustainability. The objective was to assess the environmental impacts associated with varying levels of cullet content (0%, 57%, and 90%) and transport distances (25 to 250 km) using life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology aligned with ISO standards and the Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCRs). The analysis demonstrated that increasing the proportion of recycled glass and reducing transport distances are key to improving environmental efficiency in bottle production. The most environmentally favorable scenario, S03 (90% cullet content), remains effective even at greater transport distances. In contrast, scenario S02 (57% cullet content) requires further distance reductions to maintain efficiency, particularly beyond 150 km. These findings highlight the importance of shorter supply chains and higher recycled material content as essential steps toward sustainable glass bottle production for the craft-beer industry.
Real-Time Registration of 3D Underwater Sonar Scans
Authors: Ferreira António , Almeida José , Matos Aníbal , Silva Eduardo
Published: January 2025

Due to space and energy restrictions, lightweight autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are usually fitted with low-power processing units, which limits the ability to run demanding applications in real time during the mission. However, several robotic perception tasks reveal a parallel nature, where the same processing routine is applied for multiple independent inputs. In such cases, leveraging parallel execution by offloading tasks to a GPU can greatly enhance processing speed. This article presents a collection of generic matrix manipulation kernels, which can be combined to develop parallelized perception applications. Taking advantage of those building blocks, we report a parallel implementation for the 3DupIC algorithm—a probabilistic scan matching method for sonar scan registration. Tests demonstrate the algorithm’s real-time performance, enabling 3D sonar scan matching to be executed in real time onboard the EVA AUV.
A Survey of Methods for Addressing Imbalance Data Problems in Agriculture Applications
Authors: Miftahushudur Tajul , Sahin Halil Mertkan , Grieve Bruce , Yin Hujun
Published: January 2025

This survey explores recent advances in addressing class imbalance issues for developing machine learning models in precision agriculture, with a focus on techniques used for plant disease detection, soil management, and crop classification. We examine the impact of class imbalance on agricultural data and evaluate various resampling methods, such as oversampling and undersampling, as well as algorithm-level approaches, to mitigate this challenge. The paper also highlights the importance of evaluation metrics, including F1-score, G-mean, and MCC, in assessing the performance of machine learning models under imbalanced conditions. Additionally, the review provides an in-depth analysis of emerging trends in the use of generative models, like GANs and VAEs, for data augmentation in agricultural applications. Despite the significant progress, challenges such as noisy data, incomplete datasets, and lack of publicly available datasets remain. This survey concludes with recommendations for future research directions, including the need for robust methods that can handle high-dimensional agricultural data effectively.
Study of Hydrologic Connectivity and Tidal Influence on Water Flow Within Louisiana Coastal Wetlands Using Rapid-Repeat Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar
Authors: Varugu Bhuvan K. , Jones Cathleen E. , Oliver-Cabrera Talib , Simard Marc , Jensen Daniel J.
Published: January 2025

The exchange of water, sediment, and nutrients in wetlands occurs through a complex network of channels and overbank flow. Although optical sensors can map channels at high resolution, they fail to identify narrow intermittent channels colonized by vegetation. Here we demonstrate an innovative application of rapid-repeat interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) to study hydrologic connectivity and tidal influences in Louisiana’s coastal wetlands, which can provide valuable insights into water flow dynamics, particularly in vegetation-covered and narrow channels where traditional optical methods struggle. Data used were from the airborne UAVSAR L-band sensor acquired for the Delta-X mission. We applied interferometric techniques to rapid-repeat (~30 min) SAR imagery of the southern Atchafalaya basin acquired during two flights encompassing rising-to-high tides and ebbing-to-low tides. InSAR coherence is used to identify and differentiate permanent open water channels from intermittent channels in which flow occurs underneath the vegetation canopy. The channel networks at rising and ebbing tides show significant differences in the extent of flow, with vegetation-filled small channels more clearly identified at rising-to-high tide. The InSAR phase change is used to identify locations on channel banks where overbank flow occurs, which is a critical component for modeling wetland hydrodynamics. This is the first study to use rapid-repeat InSAR to monitor tidal impacts on water flow dynamics in wetlands. The results show that the InSAR method outperforms traditional optical remote sensing methods in monitoring water flow in vegetation-covered wetlands, providing high-resolution data to support hydrodynamic models and critical support for wetland protection and management.
Effects of Sensor-Based, Site-Specific Nitrogen Fertilizer Application on Crop Yield, Nitrogen Balance, and Nitrogen Efficiency
Authors: Hagn Ludwig , Mittermayer Martin , Kern Andreas , Kimmelmann Stefan , Maidl Franz-Xaver , Hülsbergen Kurt-Jürgen
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the effects of sensor-based, variable-rate mineral nitrogen (N) application (VRA) in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) on the spatial variability of grain yield, protein content, N uptake, N balance, and N efficiency compared with uniform N application (UA). To analyze the effects of VRA and UA on yield and N balance parameters, on-farm strip trials were conducted on heterogeneous arable fields covering an area of 49 hectares. The trials were carried out over a four-year period, from 2020 to 2023, with crops under both application methods placed in strips side-by-side. The N fertilizer requirements for growth stages (GSs) 32 and 39 were determined using an online map-overlay VRA method. This method integrated the site-specific yield potential and current plant development derived from spectral reflectance measurements using a tractor-mounted sensor system. The results show that the application of N fertilizer can be reduced by up to 38 kg ha−1 yr−1. The N efficiency can be increased by 15% and a significant reduction in variability of N balances can be achieved. However, the effects on yield and N efficiency are highly dependent on the specific application conditions (weather conditions, disease occurrence, and crop development). Not every field trial showed advantages of VRA over UA fertilization. Overall, the VRA system demonstrated encouraging potential, functioning as intended. However, further adjustment and optimization are required to ensure that the VRA fertilization system works robustly and reliably under on-farm conditions.
Fully-Gated Denoising Auto-Encoder for Artifact Reduction in ECG Signals
Authors: Shaheen Ahmed , Ye Liang , Karunaratne Chrishni , Seppänen Tapio
Published: January 2025

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the primary cause of death worldwide. For accurate diagnosis of CVDs, robust and efficient ECG denoising is particularly critical in ambulatory cases where various artifacts can degrade the quality of the ECG signal. None of the present denoising methods preserve the morphology of ECG signals adequately for all noise types, especially at high noise levels. This study proposes a novel Fully-Gated Denoising Autoencoder (FGDAE) to significantly reduce the effects of different artifacts on ECG signals. The proposed FGDAE utilizes gating mechanisms in all its layers, including skip connections, and employs Self-organized Operational Neural Network (self-ONN) neurons in its encoder. Furthermore, a multi-component loss function is proposed to learn efficient latent representations of ECG signals and provide reliable denoising with maximal morphological preservation. The proposed model is trained and benchmarked on the QT Database (QTDB), degraded by adding randomly mixed artifacts collected from the MIT-BIH Noise Stress Test Database (NSTDB). The FGDAE showed the best performance on all seven error metrics used in our work in different noise intensities and artifact combinations compared with state-of-the-art algorithms. Moreover, FGDAE provides reliable denoising in extreme conditions and for varied noise compositions. The significantly reduced model size, 61% to 73% reduction, compared with the state-of-the-art algorithm, and the inference speed of the FGDAE model provide evident benefits in various practical applications. While our model performs best compared with other models tested in this study, more improvements are needed for optimal morphological preservation, especially in the presence of electrode motion artifacts.
Experimental Study on Noise-Reduced Propagation Characteristics of the Parametric Acoustic Array Field in a Neck Phantom
Authors: Wang Li , Li Fengji , Zhou Jie , Niu Haijun
Published: January 2025

The electrolarynx (EL) is a common device for voice reconstruction in laryngectomy patients, but its mechanical sound source generates significant radiation noise, affecting the naturalness and acceptability of the speech. The parametric acoustic array (PAA), which produces directionally propagated difference-frequency sound waves, presents a promising alternative for creating a more natural glottal-like voice source in the trachea while reducing radiation noise. In this study, we developed a tissue-mimicking phantom to simulate human neck tissue and used a single-transducer-based PAA platform to generate modulated ultrasound signals with glottal waveform characteristics. Ultrasonic microphones captured sound signals fromthe trachea and surrounding air, and signal processing was used to isolate the difference-frequency signals. The results demonstrated that difference-frequency signals were successfully detected in the phantom’s trachea, with time-domain waveforms and frequency spectra closely resembling the designed glottal waveform (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.9438). Additionally, radiation noise produced by the PAA was significantly lower (23 dB, p < 0.0001) compared to the traditional EL. These findings demonstrate the potential of PAA for voice source reconstruction in laryngectomy patients and suggest its capacity to enhance speech rehabilitation outcomes. Further research is required to refine the frequency range and evaluate clinical applicability.
Optimized Design of a Triangular Shear Piezoelectric Sensor Using Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II(NSGA-II)
Authors: Shi Yannan , Dai Jikun
Published: January 2025

A new piezoelectric sensor with a triangular shear structure was designed to conduct the deformation monitoring of geotechnical bodies in mining airspace. Firstly, a three-dimensional sensor model was developed to analyze the impact of structural parameters on resonant frequency and voltage, utilizing both finite element and experimental methods. Secondly, the NSGA-II genetic algorithm was employed to optimize the sensor’s structural parameters, focusing on resonant frequency and voltage, resulting in a Pareto optimal solution set. For the first time, the optimal parameter combination was selected by minimizing the difference method (the height of the mass block was 10.6 mm, the thickness of the piezoelectric plate was 3.29 mm, the height of the piezoelectric plate was 8.1 mm, and the height of the central column was 19 mm). The optimized sensor exhibited a 4.14% increase in resonant frequency and a 9.11% increase in voltage. Finally, the prototype was fabricated, and the effectiveness and feasibility of the design were verified through experiments. The findings indicate the sensor’s promising potential for monitoring geotechnical deformation in mining airspace regions.
Design of a Multi-Node Data Acquisition System for Logging-While-Drilling Acoustic Logging Instruments Based on FPGA
Authors: Qin Zhenyu , Lu Junqiang , Men Baiyong , Wei Shijie , Pan Jiakang
Published: January 2025

The logging-while-drilling (LWD) acoustic logging instrument is pivotal in unconventional oil and gas exploration, and in providing real-time assessments of subsurface formations. The acquisition system, a core component of the LWD acoustic logging suite, is tasked with capturing, transmitting, and processing acoustic signals from the formation, which directly affects the accuracy and timeliness of the logging data. Recognizing the constraints of current LWD acquisition systems, including limited data collection capabilities and inadequate precision, this study introduces an FPGA-based multi-node data acquisition system for LWD acoustic logging. This system increases sampling density and data accuracy, leading to a more comprehensive collection of formation information. The multi-node acquisition system is composed primarily of a main control circuit board and several acquisition circuit boards, all connected via an RS485 bus. The Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is utilized to develop the acquisition circuit board’s firmware, offering adjustable control over parameters, such as the AD7380’s operational mode, sampling rate, and depth, facilitating real-time and concurrent acquisition and storage of formation acoustic signals. The main control board communicates with the acquisition boards via the RS485 bus, issuing commands to enable autonomous data collection and transfer from each board, thus enhancing the system’s reliability and scalability. Experimental results confirm the system’s capacity to efficiently capture waveform signals and upload them in real-time, underscoring its dependability and timeliness. The findings suggest that the system is capable of high-speed, real-time acquisition and processing of acoustic signals, offering robust technical support for the continued application of LWD acoustic logging instruments.
DyGAT-FTNet: A Dynamic Graph Attention Network for Multi-Sensor Fault Diagnosis and Time–Frequency Data Fusion
Authors: Duan Hongjun , Chen Guorong , Yu Yuan , Du Chonglin , Bao Zhang , Ma Denglong
Published: January 2025

Fault diagnosis in modern industrial and information systems is critical for ensuring equipment reliability and operational safety, but traditional methods have difficulty in effectively capturing spatiotemporal dependencies and fault-sensitive features in multi-sensor data, especially rarely considering dynamic features between multi-sensor data. To address these challenges, this study proposes DyGAT-FTNet, a novel graph neural network model tailored to multi-sensor fault detection. The model dynamically constructs association graphs through a learnable dynamic graph construction mechanism, enabling automatic adjacency matrix generation based on time–frequency features derived from the short-time Fourier transform (STFT). Additionally, the dynamic graph attention network (DyGAT) enhances the extraction of spatiotemporal dependencies by dynamically assigning node weights. The time–frequency graph pooling layer further aggregates time–frequency information and optimizes feature representation.Experimental evaluations on two benchmark multi-sensor fault detection datasets, the XJTUSuprgear dataset and SEU dataset, show that DyGAT-FTNet significantly outperformed existing methods in classification accuracy, with accuracies of 1.0000 and 0.9995, respectively, highlighting its potential for practical applications.