bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNAJB1-PKAc Kinase Is Expressed in Young Patients with Pediatric Liver Cancers and Enhances Carcinogenic Pathways
Authors: Fleifil Yasmeen , Gulati Ruhi , Jennings Katherine , Miethke Alexander , Bondoc Alexander , Tiao Gregory , Geller James I. , Karns Rebekah , Timchenko Lubov , Timchenko Nikolai
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims: Hepatoblastoma (HBL) and fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FLC) are the most common liver malignancies in children and young adults. FLC oncogenesis is associated with the generation of the fusion kinase, DNAJB1-PKAc (J-PKAc). J-PKAc has been found in 90% of FLC patients’ tumors but not in other liver cancers. Since previous studies of J-PKAc were performed with adolescent patients, we asked if young children may express J-PKAc and if there are consequences of such expression. Methods: The biobank of the pediatric HBL/HCN-NOS specimens was examined by QRT-PCR, Western blots, RNA-Seq, and immunostaining with fusion-specific antibodies. Results: J-PKAc is expressed in 70% of the HBL/HCN-NOS patients. RNA-Seq analysis revealed that HBL tumors that do not have cells expressing J-PKAc show elevated expression of the membrane attack complex (MAC), which eliminates cells expressing J-PKAc. The fusion-positive HBL/HCN-NOS samples have several signaling pathways that are different from fusion-negative HBLs. Upregulated pathways included genes involved in the G1 to S transition and in liver cancer. Downregulated pathways included over 60 tumor suppressors, the CYP family, and the SLC family. The repression of these genes involves J-PKAc-β-catenin-TCF4-mediated elevation of the HDAC1-Sp5 pathway. The identified upregulated and downregulated pathways are direct targets of the fusion kinase. The J-PKAc kinase is also detected in livers of 1-year-old children with biliary atresia (BA). Conclusions: J-PKAc is expressed in both HBL tumor and BA liver samples, contributing to the development of HBL and creating a transcriptome profiling consistent with the potential development of liver cancer in young patients.
Guidelines for the Management of Complications of Diabetes in Saudi Arabia Using Delphi Technique for Consensus Among National Experts
Authors: Aldahash Raed , Batais Mohammed A. , El-Metwally Ashraf , Alhosan Saja , Alharbi Mohammed , Almutairi Mohammed , Alsaeed Abdulghani , Alsofiani Mohammed , AlMehthel Mohammed , Aldubayee Mohammed , Aldossari Khaled , Alshehri Sulieman
Published: January 2025

(1) Background: Saudi Arabia has one of the leading cases of diabetes globally, with approximately 27.8% of adults suffering from the disease. Given the negative consequences of diabetes mellitus (DM), it is critical to develop guidelines for its management. (2) Methods: After a thorough review of the literature around diabetes management, a diverse panel of 14 clinical experts was identified to participate in the Delphi process. The Delphi process included three rounds to ensure all available evidence was accounted for. (3) Results: The Delphi method concluded with a total of 37 guidelines reviewed and approved by the panelists, followed by verification from a third party in Saudi Arabia. The Delphi and external evaluation confirmed that authentic, relevant, and applicable evidence for diabetes management in Saudi Arabia was accounted for. The process concluded with a list of 37 statements about the management of acute and chronic complications of diabetes in Saudi Arabia. (4) Conclusions: The preparation of contextual evidence for the management of diabetes in Saudi Arabia will be instrumental in addressing the burden of disease in the region. The guidelines offer useful insights into diabetes care, especially by prioritizing early detection and proactive management of complications. They highlight the importance of lifestyle changes and medical therapy. However, due to the ever-changing nature of diabetes, the document must be monitored and updated on a regular basis to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness.
Reuse of Polymeric Resin for Production of Activated Hydrochar Applied in Removal of Bisphenol A and Diclofenac Synthetic Aqueous Solution
Authors: Alves Andreia Cristina Fonseca , de Oliveira Sérgio Botelho , Scalize Paulo Sérgio
Published: January 2025

Spent ion exchange resins were subjected to hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and physical activation to produce adsorbents, which were tested for the adsorption of bisphenol A (BPA) and sodium diclofenac (DCF) in water. PAHF0.35.WV and PAHF0.50.WV were the materials that presented the largest specific surface area, around 200 m2/g. The best performance was in the adsorption of BPA, with an adsorption capacity of 24.45 and 23.34 mg/g. The kinetic and adsorption isotherm models that presented the best adjustments of the curves to the experimental data were the pseudo-second-order model and the Freundlich model. The maximum adsorption capacity of DCF was 17.82 mg/g for PAHF0.35.WV and 15 mg/g for PAHF0.50.WV. The best fit of the adsorption kinetic curves to the experimental data was for the pseudo-second-order model. In the adsorption isotherms, the Langmuir and Freundlich models presented the best fit. The toxicity study with the microalgae Raphidocelis subcapitata did not demonstrate any toxic effects of the adsorbents. Material regeneration tests indicated a recovery of the adsorption capacity of around 50% in the first cycle, and from the second cycle onwards, the recovery was not satisfactory. However, the results indicate that the anionic resin residue has potential for use in the production of activated hydrocarbons.
An Experimental Study on the Surface De-Icing of FRP Plates via the External Hot-Air Method
Authors: Li Yan , Zheng Haotian , Chi Haodong , Guo Wenfeng , Feng Fang
Published: January 2025

In cold and humid climate conditions, the surface of wind turbine blades is prone to icing. Effective de-icing methods have attracted widespread attention from scholars around the world. In this study, an external hot-air de-icing test system was designed and constructed. A test program for FRP plate surface de-icing was formulated. The main parameters of the experiment included hot-air temperature (25~55 °C), hot-air speed (7~13 m/s), the jet distance between the outlet of the hot-air pipe and the ice surface (100~400 mm), the pipe inner diameter of the de-icing device air outlet (50 mm, 63 mm, 90 mm), and different jet times. Critical data on the de-icing mass, energy consumption, and energy efficiency were obtained. The experimental results showed that the external hot-air method could be used for FRP plate surface de-icing. Under the conditions of this experiment, the lowest de-icing energy consumption and the highest de-icing energy efficiency of 21.1 kJ/g and 4.95% were achieved when the hot-air temperature was 55 °C and hot-air speed was 13 m/s.
The Development of Activated Carbon from Animal and Plant Biomass Sources for Lithium–Sulfur Battery Applications: A Mini-Review
Authors: Ahn Seongki
Published: January 2025

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) represent a promising next-generation energy storage technology due to their superior theoretical capacity and energy density compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. Despite these advantages, their commercialization is hindered by intrinsic challenges such as sulfur’s low electrical conductivity, the polysulfide shuttle effect during cycling, and lithium dendrite formation. This mini-review examines recent advancements in leveraging biomass-derived activated carbon for LSB applications. The review categorizes biomass sources into animal- and plant-based precursors and highlights their respective synthesis processes. Furthermore, it discusses innovative strategies for utilizing these materials to mitigate the challenges of LSB performance and stability, paving the way for more sustainable and efficient energy storage systems.
Necrosis in Preoperative Cross-Sectional Imaging and Postoperative Histology Is a Diagnostic Marker for Malignancy of Adrenocortical Tumors
Authors: Dukaczewska Agata , Marticorena Garcia Stephan R. , Ponsel Simon , Webster Alexandra , Butz Frederike , Dobrindt Eva M. , Pratschke Johann , Horst David , Mogl Martina T. , Kunze Catarina A.
Published: January 2025

Necrosis in postoperative histology has been reported as being specific for adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) compared to adenoma. We therefore retrospectively analyzed the diagnostic accuracy of the finding of necrosis in preoperative cross-sectional imaging and postoperative histology as a marker for ACC in our patient cohort. Among the 411 adrenalectomies in 396 patients performed between 2008 and April 2022, 30 cases of ACC (7.6%) were identified, with one tumor measuring less than 40 mm excluded. All 45 benign adrenocortical tumors of at least 40 mm in diameter, including Cushing, Conn, and hormonally inactive adenomas, served as controls. Preoperative imaging was available for 40 benign and 27 malignant adrenocortical tumors. In total, 10 of 40 (25%) benign adrenocortical tumors and 22 of 27 (81%) ACCs showed signs of possible necrosis in preoperative imaging. Pathologic examination confirmed necrosis in 1 of 40 (2.5%) benign tumors and in 26 out of 27 (96%) malignant tumors. The specificities of possible necrosis in preoperative imaging and necrosis in histology for diagnosing ACC were 75% and 97.5%, respectively, whereas the sensitivities were 81% and 96%, respectively. Signs of possible necrosis in radiologic imaging and tumor necrosis in histology proved to be very good predictive markers for the diagnosis of malignant adrenocortical tumors.
The Role of Oral Biomarkers in the Assessment of Noncommunicable Diseases
Authors: Sáenz-Ravello Gustavo , Hernández Marcela , Baeza Mauricio , Hernández-Ríos Patricia
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Oral biomarkers have gained attention as non-invasive tools for assessing systemic diseases due to their potential to reflect physiological and pathological conditions. This review aims to explore the role of oral biomarkers in diagnosing and monitoring systemic diseases, emphasizing their diagnostic relevance and predictive capabilities in clinical practice. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes the current literature on biochemical, immunological, genetic, and microbiological oral biomarkers, with a focus on their sources, types, and clinical applications. Key studies were analyzed to identify associations between oral biomarkers and systemic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, autoimmune disorders, and cancers. Results: Oral fluids, including saliva and gingival crevicular fluid, contain diverse biomarkers such as matrix metalloproteinases, cytokines, and genetic indicators. These markers have demonstrated potential in diagnosing and monitoring systemic conditions. Among others, elevated levels of salivary glucose and inflammatory cytokines correlate with diabetes progression, while vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and salivary C-reactive protein might be applicable as indicators for periodontal disease and cardiovascular risk. Additionally, salivary biomarkers like amyloid-beta and tau are promising in detecting neurodegenerative disorders. Conclusions: Oral biomarkers might represent a transformative and point-of-care approach to the early management of systemic diseases; however, challenges in measurement variability, standardization, and validation remain.
Exploring microRNA-Mediated Immune Responses to Soil-Transmitted Helminth and Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Co-Infections
Authors: Pillay Roxanne , Naidoo Pragalathan , Mkhize-Kwitshana Zilungile L.
Published: January 2025

Over the last two decades, the field of microRNA (miRNA) research has grown significantly. MiRNAs are a class of short, single-stranded, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. Thereby, miRNAs regulate various essential biological processes including immunity. Dysregulated miRNAs are associated with various infectious and non-infectious diseases. Recently co-infection with soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) has become a focus of study. Both pathogens can profoundly influence host immunity, particularly in under-resourced and co-endemic regions. It is well known that STHs induce immunomodulatory responses that have bystander effects on unrelated conditions. Typically, STHs induce T-helper 2 (Th2) and immunomodulatory responses, which may dampen the proinflammatory T-helper 1 (Th1) immune responses triggered by HSV-2. However, the extent to which STH co-infection influences the host immune response to HSV-2 is not well understood. Moreover, little is known about how miRNAs shape the immune response to STH/HSV-2 co-infection. In this article, we explore the potential influence that STH co-infection may have on host immunity to HSV-2. Because STH and HSV-2 infections are widespread and disproportionately affect vulnerable and impoverished countries, it is important to consider how STHs may impact HSV-2 immunity. Specifically, we explore how miRNAs contribute to both helminth and HSV-2 infections and discuss how miRNAs may mediate STH/HSV-2 co-infections. Insight into miRNA-mediated immune responses may further improve our understanding of the potential impact of STH/HSV-2 co-infections.
Food Insecurity and Coping Strategies in War-Affected Urban Settings of Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebrihet Hafte Gebreselassie , Gebresilassie Yibrah Hagos , Gebreselassie Mekonen Aregai
Published: January 2025

Armed conflict remains a significant global issue, with several studies highlighting its detrimental impact on the affected communities, making it a critical area of research. This study aimed to examine the effects of prolonged armed conflict on food security among urban households in Tigray, Ethiopia, and to examine their coping mechanisms. Primary data were collected from 740 urban households between May and June 2024. The Food Insecurity Access Scale (FIAS), Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES), and Food Consumption Score (FCS) were employed to assess the levels of food security, while the Livelihood Coping Strategy Index (LCSI) was used to identify coping strategies. The findings revealed that female-headed households were more affected by food insecurity than male-headed households. FIAS (FIES) scores indicated that 17% (2%) of households were food-secure, with 20% (25%) mildly, 35% (32%) moderately, and 29% (30%) severely food-insecure. The FCS analysis showed that 52% of households had poor food consumption, 33% were borderline, and 16% were acceptable. The findings show that 39% of urban households experienced hunger in the post-conflict period. Stress-level strategies are the most widely adopted coping mechanisms. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted policy interventions that address the specific vulnerabilities of female-headed households and ensure the development of sustainable coping strategies to mitigate the long-term effects of food insecurity in war-affected urban settings. This study offers novel insights into the urban dimensions of food insecurity and coping strategies in post-conflict settings.
Learning Analytics for Bridging the Skills Gap: A Data-Driven Study of Undergraduate Aspirations and Skills Awareness for Career Preparedness
Authors: Lai Joel Weijia , Zhang Lei , Sze Chun Chau , Lim Fun Siong
Published: January 2025

As the demands of the modern workforce evolve, universities are increasingly challenged to provide academic knowledge and the practical and transferable skills necessary for students’ career success. This study investigates the alignment between undergraduate students’ career aspirations, their perceived skill development, and the role of higher education institutions in bridging the skills gap. To address this issue, a comprehensive survey was conducted among undergraduate students to gather data on their career aspirations, their awareness of the skills required for their chosen careers, and their perceptions of how well their university supports their skill development. Using machine learning methods such as hierarchical clustering and k-nearest neighbors for classification, coupled with non-parametric statistical analysis such as the Mann–Whitney U and Chi-squared (χ2) tests to understand students’ perceptions of their career preparedness, the findings from this study provide valuable insights into how higher education institutions can prepare students for the workforce and highlight areas where improvements are needed to better support students in achieving their career goals.
Synchronized Delay Measurement of Multi-Stream Analysis over Data Concentrator Units
Authors: Yusupov Anvarjon , Park Sun , Kim JongWon
Published: January 2025

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) rely heavily on multi-modal sensors to perceive their surroundings and make real-time decisions. However, the increasing complexity of these sensors, combined with the computational demands of AI models and the challenges of synchronizing data across multiple inputs, presents significant obstacles for AV systems. These challenges of the AV domain often lead to performance latency, resulting in delayed decision-making, causing major traffic accidents. The data concentrator unit (DCU) concept addresses these issues by optimizing data pipelines and implementing intelligent control mechanisms to process sensor data efficiently. Identifying and addressing bottlenecks that contribute to latency can enhance system performance, reducing the need for costly hardware upgrades or advanced AI models. This paper introduces a delay measurement tool for multi-node analysis, enabling synchronized monitoring of data pipelines across connected hardware platforms, such as clock-synchronized DCUs. The proposed tool traces the execution flow of software applications and assesses time delays at various stages of the data pipeline in clock-synchronized hardware. The various stages are represented with intuitive graphical visualization, simplifying the identification of performance bottlenecks.
AGFI-GAN: An Attention-Guided and Feature-Integrated Watermarking Model Based on Generative Adversarial Network Framework for Secure and Auditable Medical Imaging Application
Authors: Liu Xinyun , Xu Ronghua , Zhao Chen
Published: January 2025

With the rapid digitization of healthcare, the secure transmission of medical images has become a critical concern, especially given the increasing prevalence of cyber threats and data privacy breaches. Medical images are frequently transmitted via the Internet and cloud platforms, making them susceptible to unauthorized access, tampering, and theft. While traditional cryptographic techniques play a vital role, they are often insufficient to fully ensure the integrity and confidentiality of these sensitive images. In this paper, we present AGFI-GAN, a robust and secure framework for medical image watermarking that leverages attention-guided and Feature-Integrated mechanisms within a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN). Specifically, a Feature-Integrated Module (FIM) is proposed to effectively capture and combine both shallow and deep image features to facilitate multilayer fusion with the watermark. The dense connections within the module facilitate feature reuse, boosting the system’s robustness. To mitigate distortion from watermark embedding, an Attention Module (AM) is utilized, generating an attention mask by extracting global image features. This attention mask prioritizes features in less prominent and textured regions, allowing for stronger watermark embedding, while other features are downplayed to enhance the overall effectiveness of the watermarking process. The framework is evaluated based on its versatility, embedding capacity, robustness, and imperceptibility, and the results confirm its effectiveness. The study shows a marked improvement over the baseline, thus highlighting the framework’s superiority.
The Effect of Microcylinder Shape on Enhancing the Aerodynamics of Airfoils at a Low Reynolds Number
Authors: Gnatowska Renata , Gajewska Karolina
Published: January 2025

Passive flow control around airfoils, wind turbines, and submarines to enhance their aerodynamic properties is the subject of interest in several studies. Previous research provides different solutions, from basic changes in surface roughness and simple geometries to complex shapes and mechanical solutions. This article presents experimental research using the Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) method on a NACA 0012 airfoil at a Reynolds number of 66,400. Initially, the airfoil was tested for three different angles of attack: 13°, 15°, 17°, and 19°. These tests revealed that angles of attack above 15° significantly increase boundary layer detachment, as shown in the normalized streamwise velocity fields Ux. In the second stage of the research, a different-shaped microcylinder with a characteristic dimension (d/c) of 0.01 was added to the leading edge of the airfoil at a high angle of attack of 17°. Unlike traditional vortex generators placed at the rear of the airfoil, this configuration aimed to reduce boundary layer detachment. The experiment demonstrated that the microcylinder effectively reduced boundary layer detachment at this angle of attack.
Study on the Structural Strength Assessment of Mega Offshore Wind Turbine Tower
Authors: Jiang Jianlun , Jeong Han Koo , Dou Haoyu
Published: January 2025

This study addresses the critical engineering challenges in the structural design of offshore wind turbine towers, focusing on enhancing resistance to extreme environmental loads. As the demand for renewable energy increases, the design of mega offshore wind turbines requires robust solutions for structural reliability and longevity. Using finite element analysis (FEA), this research evaluates the effectiveness of various internal stiffener designs—ring stiffeners, skeletal-type stiffeners, and their combinations—in reinforcing cylindrical offshore wind turbine towers against wind and wave forces. Detailed simulations model the physical behavior of different stiffener configurations, assessing parameters such as von Mises stress distributions, displacement and buckling under load. The results indicate that towers with combined stiffener designs exhibit superior structural resistance and reduced stress concentrations compared to those with singular stiffeners or none. These findings have significant implications for the design and construction of mega offshore wind turbines, highlighting the importance of integrating advanced stiffener configurations to improve structural stability in harsh marine environments.
Cleaning Schedule Optimization of Heat Exchangers with Fouling on Tube and Shell Sides: A Metaheuristic Approach
Authors: de Cesaro João P. V. , Ravagnani Mauro A. S. S. , Mele Fernando D. , Costa Caliane B. B.
Published: January 2025

Pre-heat trains (PHTs) significantly reduce refinery fuel consumption and carbon emissions. However, these benefits are diminished by fouling in heat exchangers (HEXs). Current methods for optimizing cleaning schedules often report high computation times due to the transient nature of the fouling process and do not consider shell-side fouling, which can be significant for some oil fractions. This paper addresses these issues by adding shell-side fouling to the model and by transforming cleaning time variables into integers, reducing the problem of optimizing cleaning schedules to an integer nonlinear programming (INLP) problem. The reformulated problem is solved using integer particle swarm optimization (PSO) coupled with a simple search strategy, where the number of cleaning actions is preset and their timing is optimized. The adopted approach achieved up to 84% lower computation times compared to previous ones. Additionally, the relationship between cleaning actions and PHT performance is nonlinear, with diminishing returns from additional cleaning, and optimal cleaning schedules are often asymmetric for different HEXs within the same PHT. The proposed approach effectively reduces operating costs and provides a framework for future optimization enhancements.
Review of Studies on the Hot Spot Temperature of Oil-Immersed Transformers
Authors: Lin Lin , Qiang Chengdan , Zhang Hui , Chen Qingguo , An Zhen , Xu Weijie
Published: January 2025

Oil-immersed transformers are the core equipment of power systems for energy transfer. The thermal characteristic of a transformer immediately affects its operational reliability and service life. Therefore, analyzing the hot spot temperature of transformers is highly important. Currently, researchers worldwide have achieved substantial research results in this field. This paper reviews the research status of the transformer hot spot temperature. First, the calculation method of transformer loss, the forms of heat transfer and its calculation method, the characteristics of the cooling method, and its application occasions are summarized. Second, the methods used to research the transformer hot spot temperature are presented in detail. From the perspective of transformer heat production and heat dissipation, research results on the factors influencing transformer hot spot temperature are summarized. Last, the research direction of the transformer hot spot temperature is indicated.
Improving Energy Efficiency and Autonomy Through the Development of a Hybrid Battery–Supercapacitor System in Electromobility
Authors: Kotsias Michalakis , Kontogogos Georgios , Angelopoulos Spyridon , Hristoforou Evangelos
Published: January 2025

This study focuses on the development of a hybrid battery-supercapacitor system aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and autonomy in electromobility. The energy supply system of an electric vehicle must ensure high performance and autonomy, even after numerous battery life cycles. Previous approaches to hybrid systems that combine batteries and supercapacitors focus on reducing power losses by relying on controllers that evaluate the state of charge (SOC) of the energy sources to determine which one should provide power at any given time. These systems typically use a controller that monitors only the SOC of the battery and supercapacitor. In contrast, our study introduces an innovative controller that not only evaluates the SOC of both energy sources but also incorporates the current of the electric motor, taking into account its operational state. This approach allows for a more accurate representation of energy consumption and motor performance, providing significant advantages in terms of energy efficiency, extended battery life, and improved performance under high motor loads, which are characteristic of modern electric vehicle requirements. The current paper encompasses both experimental and simulated results, indicating that the hybrid approach provides significant advantages, such as improved energy autonomy, extended battery life as the primary energy source, and enhanced performance at high motor speeds that stress the battery.
Enhancement of Heat Transfer Using Water/Graphene Nanofluid and the Impact of Passive Techniques—Experimental, Numerical, and ML Approaches
Authors: Syed Javed
Published: January 2025

This study examines heat transfer characteristics by employing a combined augmentation technique that utilises nozzle-type inserts to induce swirling in water/graphene nanofluids at different concentrations. The assessment evaluates its influence on heat transfer, Nusselt number, and thermal performance factor, emphasising its applicability in industrial contexts. This research aims to create a numerical model designed to improve the performance of heat exchangers by employing passive techniques, particularly through the implementation of a convergent–divergent nozzle insert, without the need for experimental validation. The accuracy of the model is confirmed through experimental data, and it is subsequently employed to simulate various Reynolds numbers, generating datasets for training and testing machine learning models. This study also highlights the potential aggregation and flow resistance limitations when combining nanoparticles with passive inserts. The experimental outcomes for the convergent nozzle insert are employed to validate the supervised machine learning model. Subsequently, a numerical analysis of the convergent–divergent nozzle insert is conducted using approximately 220 samples for training and testing purposes. The convergent–divergent nozzle insert improves heat transfer efficiency in heat exchangers by generating high-velocity flow and enhancing temperature gradients. Optimising nozzle geometry through numerical simulations can determine the ideal dimensions for better heat transfer rates. Nanofluids show a thermal performance factor increase of up to 13.2% at higher inlet temperatures than water. The thermal performance factor for nanofluid at inlet higher temperatures is 8.5%, 9.3%, 11.6%, 12.8%, and 13.2% compared to water.
A Cable Defect Assessment Method Based on a Mixed-Domain Multi-Feature Set of Overall Harmonic Signals
Authors: Wang Ruidong , Pan Ruzheng
Published: January 2025

This paper presents a cable defect assessment method based on a mixed-domain multi-feature set derived from overall harmonic signals. Four typical defect types—thermal ageing, cable moisture, excessive bending, and insulation damage—were simulated under laboratory conditions. Grounding current tests and Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) time series analysis were performed on the test samples to extract the overall harmonic sequences in the grounding current. Mixed-domain multi-feature set is then formed through feature extraction and validity analysis. To optimize the assessment performance, a Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier optimized by the Sparrow Search Algorithm (SSA) was constructed. The results show that different defects lead to significantly differentiated harmonic distortions in the grounding currents, which has proved to be a reliable data basis for cable defect assessment. The proposed method refines the data information and achieves the most accurate recognition of cable defects, which may contribute to the reliable operation of power networks.
Independent Component Analysis-Based Harmonic Transfer Impedance Estimation for Networks with Multiple Harmonic Sources
Authors: de Oliveira Mateus M. , Silva Leandro R. M. , Melo Igor D. , Duque Carlos A. , Ribeiro Paulo F.
Published: January 2025

This paper presents a novel methodology to estimate the harmonic transfer impedances in electric power systems with multiple harmonic sources (HSs). The purpose is to determine the responsibility of each HS for the total harmonic distortion at a specific bus within the system, addressing a critical issue in the power quality field. To achieve this objective, it is necessary to estimate not only the individual HS, but also the transfer impedances between each source and the bus under analysis (BUA). Most methods for solving this problem are based on proper network modeling or restrict variations in harmonic sources to a single source at a time. The proposed methodology has overcome this limitation. For this, synchronized current and voltage phasors are measured at the BUA. Once the measurements are gathered, the Independent Component Analysis (ICA) method is applied to estimate the Norton equivalent. The harmonic transfer impedance (HTI) is then determined using the information provided by the ICA. To enhance the accuracy of HTI estimation, three procedures are employed for data mining the parameters provided by ICA over time to generate a well-conditioned system. Once the HTI is satisfactorily determined, the individual harmonic contributions (IHCs), i.e., the harmonic responsibility, can be estimated accurately. The effectiveness and performance of the method are demonstrated based on computational simulations using distribution and transmission systems. Additionally, the methodology is validated with real data collected from a Brazilian transmission system monitored by synchronized power quality measurement units. Simulated results show that the Total Vector Error (TVE) is less than 0.4%, and for the field data test, the TVE is less than 2%.
Energy Loss Analysis of Dual Power Supply-Powered Motor Drive During Supercapacitor Energy Storage Discharge
Authors: Staņa Ģirts , Kroičs Kaspars
Published: January 2025

Electrical energy consumers, such as AC motors, can be supplied by a dual power supply consisting of a DC grid and a supercapacitor (SC) energy storage system. The efficiency of energy flow can vary depending on where the energy storage system is connected to the DC network, due to the resistance associated with transmission. This paper details an analysis of energy loss in SC and DC source dual-supply systems based on mathematical and simulation models. This study considers three variants, where the SC is connected to a DC line and located close to the load, distant from the load, and close to the DC source. For each case, simulation and mathematical models are developed and the simulation results are verified. Through simulations, the influence of the supercapacitor’s discharge proportionality coefficients on power supply efficiency is also studied.
Experimental Studies of Fluid Flow Resistance in a Heat Exchanger Based on the Triply Periodic Minimal Surface
Authors: Kruzel Marcin , Dutkowski Krzysztof , Bohdal Tadeusz
Published: January 2025

This study describes experimental data on 3D-printed compact heat exchangers. The heat exchanger is a prototype designed and manufactured additively using 3D printing in metal—AISI 316L steel. The device’s design is based on the triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) geometry called gyroid, which can only be obtained by incremental manufacturing. This innovative heat exchange surface structure enables these devices to provide higher thermal performance while reducing their weight by up to 50%. Few publications describe thermal or flow tests in this type of device. They mainly concern computer simulations that have yet to be experimentally verified. The authors of this study conducted innovative flow tests to determine pressure drops during the flow of working fluids under conditions of variable temperature, mass flow rate and thermal load. Water was used as a heat transfer fluid during the tests. The range of parameters for the entire experiment was ṁ = 1–24 kg/h; Δp/Δl = 0.05–2 kPa; tcold = 20 °C; thot = 50 °C. Flow characteristics during the single-phase heat exchange process were determined, including Δp/Δl = f(ṁ), Δp/Δl = f(Re), Δp/Δl = f(f). The experimental data will be used to determine the relationships describing flow resistance in structures based on a triply periodic minimal surface, and it also enables one to specify the energy consumption of these devices and compare the profitability of their use to conventional designs, i.e., shell-and-tube or plate heat exchangers.
Sub-Synchronous Oscillation Analysis and Suppression in Hybrid Wind Farm
Authors: Wang Yun , Liang Mingkun , Xie Feilong , Long Chaoyang , Yang Rong
Published: January 2025

This paper investigates the stability mechanisms and suppression strategies for sub-synchronous oscillations (SSOs) in hybrid wind farms (HWFs) consisting of doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) and permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG)-based wind turbines. To address the challenges in mitigating SSOs due to the complex interactions between the generators in hybrid wind farms, as well as external and parameters disturbances, a state-space model of the HWF is developed to capture the impact of external disturbances and parameter uncertainties on system dynamics. Through eigenvalue and participation factor analyses, this paper examines the effects of uncertainties in voltage control parameters, grid line series compensation, and the fluctuating power outputs of DFIGs and PMSGs on SSO behavior. A robust SSO suppression controller based on H∞ theory is proposed, demonstrating a substantial reduction in harmonic distortion and improved settling time compared to conventional control strategies under varying disturbances. The simulation results show that the proposed controller significantly enhances the system’s resilience to disturbances and uncertainties, effectively mitigating SSO and improving overall system stability.
Buried Interface Smoothing Boosts the Mechanical Durability and Efficiency of Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhao Erxin , Gong Yongshuai , Dong Yixin , Dai Wanlei , Liu Chou , Yang Tinghuan , Wu Nan , Yang Ye , Zhang Zheng , Tian Chenqing , Yan Buyi , Liu Dongxue , Zhang Lu , Niu Tianqi
Published: January 2025

Flexible perovskite solar cells (F-PSCs) have the advantages of high power-per-weight, solution processability, and bending durability and have emerged as a competitive photovoltaic technology for various applications. As the core electron transport layer (ETL) in n-i-p-type device configurations, the solution-processed SnO2 generally suffers from serious defect stacking on films, compromising the charge transport properties and the performance of resulting devices. Herein, we proposed a media-filling strategy to optimize the contact quality at the buried interface by introducing Al2O3 nanoparticles on the SnO2 surface. Rather than forming a compact insulating layer, the Al2O3 can fill the grain boundaries of SnO2 and smooth the substrate surface. Optimized interfacial contact under careful concentration control can rationally minimize the contact area of the perovskite with the surface imperfections of SnO2 to mitigate trap-assisted charge recombination. Furthermore, the reduced surface roughness of SnO2 facilitates the uniform deposition and oriented growth of upper perovskite film. As a result, the target F-PSCs achieved an impressive efficiency of 23.83% and retained 80% of the initial performance after 5000 bending cycles at a radius of four mm.
Bioaccumulation Patterns in Different Tissues of Twelve Species of Elasmobranchs from the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Sea (Calabria, Southern Italy)
Authors: Gallo Samira , Leonetti Francesco Luigi , Reinero Francesca Romana , Micarelli Primo , Passarelli Luigi , Giglio Gianni , Milazzo Concetta , Imbrogno Sandra , Barca Donatella , Bottaro Massimiliano , Sperone Emilio
Published: January 2025

Marine ecosystems are increasingly threatened by pollutants, including trace elements (TEs) such as heavy metals, which bioaccumulate and pose risks to both marine fauna and human health. Sharks and rays are particularly susceptible to metal uptake and retention, making them sentinel species for assessing environmental contamination. This study investigated the bioaccumulation of 16 TEs across 12 elasmobranch species sampled from the Ionian and Tyrrhenian coasts of Calabria, southern Italy, over an 11-year period. Muscle tissue was analyzed for all species, while additional comparisons among skin, muscle, and brain tissues were conducted for Galeus melastomus. Statistical analyses revealed significant variability in TEs concentrations across trophic levels (TRLs), with higher levels observed in species occupying higher trophic positions. Positive correlations were noted for elements such as Al, Ba, and Se, while negative correlations were found for Co, Cu, Mn, and U, indicating species-specific metabolic adaptations. Tissue-specific analyses identified the skin as a primary site for TEs accumulation, likely due to its barrier functions and external exposure. This study highlights the complex interplay of ecological, dietary, and physiological factors influencing TEs bioaccumulation in elasmobranchs and emphasizes the need for further research to understand the implications for marine food webs and conservation strategies.
Abieta-7,13-Diene in Nematode-Infected Pinewood Pinus pinaster Branch Extracts: Isolation and the Elucidation and Characterization of Its Structure
Authors: Gaspar Marisa C. , Cruz Pedro F. , Brito Rui M. M. , De Sousa Hermínio C. , Braga Mara E. M.
Published: January 2025

The oleoresin and volatile fraction produced by conifers, such as Pinus pinaster, play a crucial role in plant defence, acting as precursors to resin acids and adapting in response to environmental stress or pathogen attacks. Abietadiene (abieta-7,13-diene), the biosynthetic precursor to abietic acid, has been identified as the most abundant compound in extracts from pinewood nematode (PWN)-infected P. pinaster trees. As abietadiene is not commercially available, this study aimed to achieve, for the first time, its isolation, structure elucidation, and detailed characterization from readily available forestry residues. Abietadiene was successfully isolated using thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and its purity and identity were evaluated using multiple analytical techniques: gas chromatography (GC), liquid chromatography (LC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). GC analysis indicated a purity of over 70% for the isolated compound, while LC provided the higher purity value of 98%. The identity of abietadiene was unequivocally confirmed through LC, FTIR, and NMR analysis. This work represents the first isolation and comprehensive characterization of abietadiene from a natural source, making detailed chemical data on this compound available to the scientific community. These findings may be used for future studies on the biological interactions and ecological roles of abietadiene, particularly in the context of plant defence and pathogen resistance.
Shared-Custodial Wallet for Multi-Party Crypto-Asset Management
Authors: Erinle Yimika , Feng Yebo , Xu Jiahua , Vadgama Nikhil , Tasca Paolo
Published: January 2025

Blockchain wallets are essential interfaces for managing digital assets and authorising transactions within blockchain systems. However, typical blockchain wallets often encounter performance, privacy and cost issues when utilising multi-signature schemes and face security vulnerabilities with single-signature methods. Additionally, while granting users complete control, non-custodial wallets introduce technical complexities and security risks. While custodial wallets can mitigate some of these challenges, they are primary targets for attacks due to the pooling of customer funds. To address these limitations, we propose a chain-agnostic Multi-Party Computation Threshold Signature Scheme (MPC-TSS) shared-custodial wallet with securely distributed key management and recovery. We apply this solution to create a wallet design for wealth managers and their clients, consolidating the management and access of multiple cryptocurrency tokens and services into a single application interface.
GenSQLi: A Generative Artificial Intelligence Framework for Automatically Securing Web Application Firewalls Against Structured Query Language Injection Attacks
Authors: Babaey Vahid , Ravindran Arun
Published: January 2025

The widespread adoption of web services has heightened exposure to cybersecurity threats, particularly SQL injection (SQLi) attacks that target the database layers of web applications. Traditional Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) often fail to keep pace with evolving attack techniques, necessitating adaptive defense mechanisms. This paper introduces a novel generative AI framework designed to enhance SQLi mitigation by leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs). The framework achieves two primary objectives: (1) generating diverse and validated SQLi payloads using in-context learning, thereby minimizing hallucinations, and (2) automating defense mechanisms by testing these payloads against a vulnerable web application secured by a WAF, classifying bypassing attacks, and constructing effective WAF security rules through generative AI techniques. Experimental results using the GPT-4o LLM demonstrate the framework’s efficacy: 514 new SQLi payloads were generated, 92.5% of which were validated against a MySQL database and 89% of which successfully bypassed the ModSecurity WAF equipped with the latest OWASP Core Rule Set. By applying our automated rule-generation methodology, 99% of previously successful attacks were effectively blocked with only 23 new security rules. In contrast, Google Gemini-Pro achieved a lower bypass rate of 56.6%, underscoring performance variability across LLMs. Future work could extend the proposed framework to autonomously defend against other web attacks, including Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), session hijacking, and specific Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks.
Comparison of Nutritional Flavor Substances in Meat Between Shanghai Local Pig Breeds and Commercial DLY Breed
Authors: Shi Yan , Tu Weilong , Cao Mengqian , Sun Lingwei , Zhang Shushan , Xu Jiehuan , He Mengqian , Wu Caifeng , Zhang Defu , Dai Jianjun , Zhou Xinli , Gao Jun
Published: January 2025

Chinese local pig breeds have unique meat flavor. In this study, we investigated the meat quality traits and the characteristics of the nutritional flavor substances such as amino acids (AAs), fatty acids (FAs), thiamine (Vitamin B1, VB1), and inosine monophosphate (IMP) in four Shanghai local pig breeds (MMS, SW, PD, and SHW) and the commercial crossbred Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire (DLY) breed. The results showed that the intramuscular fat (IMF) and protein content in the longissimus dorsi muscle (L) of Shanghai local breeds, especially Shanghai MMS and PD breeds, were significantly higher than those of the DLY breed (p-value < 0.01). The inter-breed differences in amino acid (AA) content were even more significant in the gluteal muscle (G). Total amino acids (TAAs), flavor amino acids (FAAs), and essential amino acids (EAAs) were significantly higher in the G muscle of the four Shanghai local breeds than that in the DLY breed. The results for fatty acids (FAs) revealed that the differences in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were all highly significant (p-value < 0.0001), especially for the MMS breed, where the content of PUFAs in the L and G muscle amounted to (14.86 ± 2.06) g/100 g and (14.64 ± 2.83) g/100 g, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of other breeds. The MMS breed was also found to have the highest IMP content and the lowest thiamine (VB1) content among several pig breeds. Therefore, these differences in meat nutritional flavor substances provide new insights into the characterization of meat flavor in Shanghai local pig breeds.
Risk Factors and Consequences of Food Neophobia and Pickiness in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review
Authors: del Campo Carmen , Bouzas Cristina , Tur Josep A.
Published: January 2025

Food neophobia and pickiness are the resistance or refusal to eat and/or avoid trying new foods due to a strong reaction of fear towards the food or an entire group of foods. This systematic review aims to assess evidence on the risk factors and effects of food neophobia and picky eating in children and adolescents, giving elements to avoid the lack of some foods that can cause nutritional deficiencies, leading to future pathologies when they are adults. A systematic literature search was performed in Medlars Online International Literature (MEDLINE) via Pubmed and EBSCOhost, LILACS and IBECS via Virtual Health Library (VHL), Scopus, and Google Scholar. MeSH terms used were: ((food neophobia [Title/Abstract]) OR (picky eating [Title/Abstract]) OR (food selectivity [Title/Abstract])) NOT ((anorexia nervosa [MeSH Terms]) OR (bariatric surgery [MeSH Terms]) OR (avoidant restrictive food intake disorder [MeSH Terms]) OR (autism spectrum disorder [MeSH Terms])). One hundred and forty-two (n = 142) articles were selected for children and adolescents (0–18 years old). They were structured according to contents: prevalence, risk factors, consequences, strategies and treatment. The studies showed a prevalence of the need for intervention on modifiable risk factors. Food neophobia and pickiness developed in childhood are conditioned by risk factors related to biological, social, and environmental characteristics, as well as family education and skills. Strategies to minimize or avoid these disorders should be aimed at implementing healthy habits at these levels.