bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Freeze-Drying for the Reduction of Fruit and Vegetable Chain Losses: A Sustainable Solution to Produce Potential Health-Promoting Food Applications
Authors: Donno Dario , Neirotti Giovanna , Fioccardi Annachiara , Razafindrakoto Zoarilala Rinah , Tombozara Nantenaina , Mellano Maria Gabriella , Beccaro Gabriele Loris , Gamba Giovanni
Published: January 2025

Freeze-drying fresh vegetables and fruits may not only prevent post-harvest losses but also provide a concentrated source of nutrients and phytochemicals. This study focused on the phenolic composition of different freeze-dried products derived from horticultural crop remains (HCRs) in the vegetable and fruit production chain. These products may be considered as a potential health-promoting solution for preventing post-harvest fruit spoiling and losses. The total polyphenolic content (TPC) and the main phenolics were studied using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a diode array detector (DAD). Additionally, an in vitro chemical screening of the antioxidant capacity was carried out using the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay. These analyses were performed together with an investigation of the correlations among phenolics and their antioxidant properties, and a bioinformatic approach was used to estimate the main potential bio-targets in human beings. Furthermore, a statistical approach using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was carried out for a multivariate characterization of these products. Catechins, flavonols, and phenolic acids were the predominant and most discriminating classes in different products. The TPC values obtained in this study ranged from 366.86 ± 71.30 mg GAE/100 g DW (apple, MD) to 1077.13 ± 35.47 mg GAE/100 g DW (blueberry, MID) and 1102.25 ± 219.71 mg GAE/100 g DW (kaki, KD). The FRAP values ranged from 49.28 ± 2.88 mmol Fe2+/kg DW (apple, MD) to 80.43 ± 0.02 mmol Fe2+/kg DW (blueberry, MID) and 79.05 ± 0.21 mmol Fe2+/kg DW (kaki, KD). The proposed approach may be an effective tool for quality control and valorization of these products. This study showed that the utilization of crop remains can potentially lead to the development of new functional foods, providing additional economic benefits for farmers. Finally, the use of freeze-drying may potentially be a sustainable and beneficial solution for growers who may directly utilize this technology to produce dried products from the crop remains of their fruit productions.
Shifting Focus to Quality: An Innovative Modeling Approach Includes Processing History for Rubber Part Quality Simulation
Authors: Kerschbaumer Roman Christopher , Weinhold Georg , Leins Florian , Traintinger Martin , Hornbachner Michaela , Azevedo Maurício , Lucyshyn Thomas
Published: January 2025

An innovative modeling approach for the simulative description of the part quality of rubber materials, including the processing history, is presented in this paper. This modeling approach, the so-called average curing speed (ACS) model, is based on the degree of cure and the average curing speed instead of the conventionally considered temperature approach. Such approach neglects the processing history by calculating only the degree of cure. Thus, the correlation with part quality has to be performed either after the simulation or with the aid of other numerical analysis programs. Instead, by applying the ACS model, the key advantage is that the processing history is already taken into account during the filling and curing simulation, demanding a single calibration step with quality information to be able to calculate the part quality. For this purpose, parts were manufactured at mold temperatures ranging from 140 °C to 170 °C and degrees of cure from 24% to 99% via compression molding and subsequently the permanent deformation, i.e., the compression set (CS), of each part was analyzed. The CS results show that one and the same degree of cure; for example, 80%, which was defined on the basis of reaction isotherms, causes an almost twofold higher CS value for parts manufactured at 170 °C. Consequently, considerable deviations may occur when real part qualities are correlated with degrees of cure from simulations with common state-of-the-art kinetic models. By applying the ACS model, it was demonstrated that this challenge could be solved. Parts manufactured by compression molding exhibited the same quality as those simulated with the ACS model. Finally, this innovative modeling approach (fully implemented in the SIGMASOFT® v6.0 simulation routine) provides enormous potential for understanding local differences in the quality of rubber parts, being an ideal tool for optimizing rubber parts through simulation routines.
Optimizing Soil Stabilization with Chitosan: Investigating Acid Concentration, Temperature, and Long-Term Strength
Authors: Wang Runshen , Ong Dominic E. L. , Sadighi Hossein , Goli Mohammad , Xia Peng , Fatehi Hadi , Yao Tianchi
Published: January 2025

Civil and geotechnical researchers are searching for economical alternatives to replace traditional soil stabilizers such as cement, which have negative impacts on the environment. Chitosan biopolymer has shown its capacity to efficiently minimize soil erosion, reduce hydraulic conductivity, and adsorb heavy metals in soil that is contaminated. This research used unconfined compression strength (UCS) to investigate the impact of chitosan content, long-term strength assessment, acid concentration, and temperature on the improvement of soil strength. Static triaxial testing was employed to evaluate the shear strength of the treated soil. Overall, the goal was to identify the optimum values for the mentioned variables so that the highest potential for chitosan-treated soil can be obtained and applied in future research as well as large-scale applications in geotechnical engineering. The UCS results show that chitosan increased soil strength over time and at high temperatures. Depending on the soil type, a curing temperature between 45 to 65 °C can be considered optimal. Chitosan biopolymer is not soluble in water, and an acid solution is needed to dissolve the biopolymer. Different ranges of acid solution were investigated to find the appropriate amount. The strength of the treated soil increased when the acid concentration reached its optimal level, which is 0.5–1%. A detailed chemical model was developed to express how acid concentration and temperature affect the properties of the biopolymer-treated soil. The SEM examination findings demonstrate that chitosan efficiently covered the soil particles and filled the void spaces. The soil was strengthened by the formation of hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions with the soil particles.
Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) Improved Drilling Fluid Optimization for Gravel Stratum
Authors: Pan Rui , Shu Zhou , Chen Yumin , Sha Xiaobing , Zhang Xinquan , Han Yi
Published: January 2025

During the exploration of the gravel stratum, incidents such as wellbore leakage, stuck drilling, and unstable wellbore walls frequently occur. These issues lead to diminished drilling efficiency and prolonged construction timelines, ultimately adversely affecting the core recovery rate, resulting in a significant waste of manpower and material resources. To address the issue of hole collapse during drilling, the microbially induced calcite carbonate precipitation (MICP) technique was employed to enhance the properties of bentonite mud drilling fluids. This study analyzed the effects of three factors, i.e., bentonite, biological solution, and barite powder, on the bentonite mud bio-cementation effectiveness through an orthogonal experiment and response surface methodology (RSM). The biological mechanism was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experimental results indicated that optimal formulation was achieved when the mass fraction of bentonite was 13.96%, the biological solution comprised 0.6% xanthan gum and 0.4% carboxymethyl cellulose, and the mass fraction of barite was 25%. This research explores the application potential of MICP in enhancing the rheological properties of bentonite mud drilling fluids, which provides new insights and technical references for optimizing their performance.
Modeling of a Novel Cascade Cycle for the Simultaneous Production of Desalinated Water and Cooling Using Various Refrigerants
Authors: Delgado-Gonzaga Javier , Rivera Wilfrido , Jiménez-García José Camilo , Pacheco-Reyes Alejandro , Juárez-Romero David
Published: January 2025

This study proposes a cogeneration system for the simultaneous production of cooling and freshwater. A double-stage cascade compression cooling system consists of two interconnected vapor compression cycles. The proposed system integrates a double-stage cascade compression cooling system with a water desalination unit, which takes advantage of the heat released by the cascade system. The system performance was evaluated using various refrigerants selected based on their energy efficiency, environmental impact, and widespread use. Multiple combinations of the fluids were used in the high-temperature cycle (HTC) and low-temperature cycle (LTC) to analyze their impact on system performance. A parametric analysis was conducted by developing a mathematical model in MATLAB. The model’s input parameters were the evaporation temperature and the temperature difference between the inlet and discharge of both compressors (ΔLTC and ΔHTC). System performance was assessed from a first-law point of view through the coefficient of performance (COP), the energy utilization factor (EUF), and the gain output ratio (GOR). The results revealed that the maximum (105 °C) and minimum (−13 °C) temperatures, essential for desalination and cooling, respectively, were achieved using R134a in the LTC and R123 in the HTC, with ΔLTC = 65 °C and ΔHTC = 70 °C. However, the best performance was observed with R123 in both cycles, with ΔLTC = 45 °C and ΔHTC = 70 °C. This configuration achieved a COP of 1.06, a GOR of 1.61, and an EUF of 2.74.
A Glycopeptide from Agaricus balchaschensis Mitigates Cadmium Damage in Mice
Authors: Yalimaimaiti Nuerziya , Dong Yongqiang , Jia Peisong , Feng Xiaobin , Luo Ying , Hao Jingzhe , Jia Wenjie , Chen Haoyu , Zhu Qi , Liang Zhihao , Luo Cheng
Published: January 2025

This study was aimed at extracting, characterizing, and exploring the detoxification activity of the peptide-containing polysaccharide from Agaricus balchaschensis. An anion adsorption fraction was acquired through hot water extraction. Its structure was analyzed, and the potential protective effect against cadmium-intoxicated mice was explored. Structural analysis revealed that the principal component of the peptide-containing polysaccharide of A. balchaschensis (ABPCP) is polysaccharide, which consists of glucose, mannose, galactose, and xylose, containing (1 → 4)-linked α-D-glucan, (1 → 3)-linked β-D-Glcp, (1 → 4)-linked β-D-Glcp, (1 → 6)-linked β-D-Glcp, (1 → 6)-linked β-D-Manp, (1 → 3)-linked β-D-Galp, (1 → 6)-linked β-D-Galp, and (1 → 4)-linked β-D-xylan. The amino acid content of ABPCP is 11.747 mg/g. Threonine, serine, glutamate, glycine, alanine, cysteine, valine, methionine, lysine, and arginine were detected in ABPCP, among which the content of glutamate was the highest. The alleviating effect of ABPCP on cadmium poisoning in mice was investigated. ABPCP significantly reduced the cadmium content in serum and the heart, kidneys, and liver, which indicates that ABPCP could promote cadmium discharge. ABPCP also significantly decreased serum nitric oxide, endothelin-1, urea, uric acid, and serum creatinine, alleviating kidney and liver damage caused by cadmium. All these results manifest that ABPCP can lower the cadmium content in organs and alleviate the damage to kidneys and livers damaged by Cd.
Identifying Bacteria and Sludge Characteristics of Foaming Sludge in Four Full-Scale Wastewater Treatment Plants in Fujian Province, China
Authors: Zhang Xinying , Chen Yihan , Yu Chengzhi , Lin Linlin , Wang Xin , Wang Yongjing , Wang Yonghao , Zhang Limin , Chen Meixiang , Lin Dan , Wang Qiaoying
Published: January 2025

Biological foaming is a major problem in activated sludge (AS) wastewater treatment systems. In this study, four wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) (a total of six AS treatment systems) were investigated. The microscopic examination shows that foaming was mainly caused by gram-positive short branch microorganisms, sludge fragments, and/or other microorganisms, while the long unbranched filamentous was easy to cause bulking. The high throughput sequencing (HTS) and Linear discriminant analysis effect Size (LEfSe) identified the significant discrepancy of bacteria in foams compared to normal AS. Mycobacterium, Mycobacteriaceae, Nocardiaceae, Actinomycetales, Chryseobacterium, Flavobacterium, Ormithobacterium, Flavobacteriaceae, and Portibacter were considered as the dominant foaming-potential bacteria but not the most abundant bacteria in the foams. The excessive growth of foaming bacteria (including Haliscomentbacter, Saprospiraceae, and Tetrasphra) directly led to bulking with a high sludge volume index and was positively correlated with sludge retention time (SRT) and negatively correlated with dissolved oxygen (DO), which means long SRT and low DO may lead bulking instead of foaming. It also found that the foaming bacteria (including Skermania, Comamonadaceae, Cloacibacterium, Flavobacterium, and Chryseobacterium) had significant positive correlations with suspended solids and mixed liquid suspended solids, and negative correlations with temperature and DO concentration.
Influence of Additional Devices and Polymeric Matrix on In Situ Welding in Material Extrusion: A Review
Authors: da Conceição Marceli do N. , Anaya-Mancipe Javier , Bastos Daniele C. , Pereira Patrícia S. C. , Libano Elaine V. D. G.
Published: January 2025

The rise of Industry 4.0 has introduced challenges and new production models like additive manufacturing (AM), enabling the creation of complex objects previously unattainable. However, many polymers remain underutilized due to the need for improved mechanical properties and reduced process-induced anisotropy. ME-based part construction involves successive filament deposition, akin to welding. Upon exiting the nozzle, the polymer solidifies within seconds, limiting the time and temperature available for diffusion and efficient bonding with the adjacent filament. Therefore, optimizing this welding process is essential. The primary objective of this review was to report on the equipment utilized to enhance the bonding between filaments deposited during manufacturing. While higher temperatures improve welding, most equipment cannot endure prolonged high-heat operations, limiting the use of engineering-grade polymers. Modifying polymer matrices by incorporating low-molar-mass molecules can boost welding and mechanical strength. Significant gains in mechanical properties have come from matrix modifications and new in situ welding devices. Reported devices use light (laser, UV IR), electric current, radio frequency and heat collection from the nozzle. The simplest device is a heat collector, while a double laser beam system has achieved the highest mechanical properties without matrix modification. There was an improvement in properties ranging from 20% to 200%.
Female Religiosity in Self-Narration: Some Indicative Elements and Suggestions from Empirical Materials
Authors: Pinelli Giorgia
Published: January 2025

This study stems from a collection of autobiographical narrations collected during a seminar held in February 2018 involving a small group of adults, representing the three major monotheistic religions: Catholicism, Judaism, and Islam. The seminar was organized by the University of Bologna (Department of Arts) in collaboration with the Association for Interreligious Dialogue “Abramo e Pace”. The aim of this paper is to re-examine the autobiographical narratives that emerged from the seminar, with a particular focus on the characteristics of female religious experiences in these religions, in order to identify distinctive trans-religious and transcultural signs. For this analysis, a sub-group of participants were selected, consisting of nine women, three Catholics, three Jews, and three Muslims, mainly between the ages of 35 and 45. The methodology used is a content analysis, which allows for a detailed examination of the narratives shared. From the narratives obtained, the religious education received in childhood and early adolescence emerges as a resource and support for the construction of personal identity regardless of the subsequent life paths taken by the individual. An additional pedagogical/educational theme of interest is represented by the intertwining of transformations of personal religiosity and dynamics of adult transformation, which is present in these narrations. Although the results do not aim for statistical representativeness, it is expected that the analysis will reveal certain constants that could inform subsequent, more systematic research efforts. In particular, it is expected that marriage, motherhood, and the education of children will emerge as moments of reactivation or revitalization of personal religiosity.
Engaging Political Pentecostalism: A Probe into the Political Theology of a Post-Confessional Christian Network
Authors: Fontana Leandro Luis Bedin
Published: January 2025

The phenomenon conceptualized in this paper as political pentecostalism is described as a post-confessional Christian network of religious leaders and megachurches that has transformed the political scene on a global scale in the last decades. This new development represents a point of inflection in many respects within the trajectory of modern societies, particularly in the Global South, and adds new challenges to the already vexed relation between religion and civil society. Methodologically, this paper sets out to systematize the results of extensive ethnological studies about this phenomenon with the aim of reconstructing its genealogy, capturing its distinctive phenomenological traits, and distilling its central theological tenets. Defining the latter along the lines of spiritual warfare, dominion theology, and over-realized eschatology constitutes the condition for establishing as well as engaging its underlying political theology, which will be appraised in the last section. The criticism leveled there with the aid of the concepts of katechon, sovereignty, and common good is indicative of the necessity of a broader theological debate, given the multiple inconsistencies contained in its political theology, while being aware of the challenges that they pose to Christian theology as a whole.
French Islamophobia: How Orthopraxy Is Conceptualized as a Public Peril
Authors: Lienen Christina , Sweida-Metwally Samir
Published: January 2025

For over two decades, France’s Muslim population has faced a series of legal measures and hostile public narratives aimed at problematizing their faith. Notable examples include the 2004 national ban on “ostentatious religious symbols” in state schools, which prohibits obligatory religious dress in various settings. These individual instances are compounded by more recent broader policies, decisions, laws, and executive statements that negatively impact Muslim life. This paper examines France’s trajectory from a new perspective: A Muslim legal viewpoint. It argues that the French approach constitutes a two-step process of institutionalized Islamophobia, understood here as hostility towards Islam as a faith. First, the state redefines mainstream Islamic orthopraxy as “extreme”, pitting ordinary religious practices against averred Republican values. Second, it seeks to promote an alternative concept of a “French Islam”—one that aligns with France’s secular principles and is stripped of its religious essence—positioning it as the only acceptable framework for Muslims to practice their faith in France. We argue that this process is not about upholding laïcité or state neutrality; rather, invoking the latter serves as a smokescreen for the state’s Islamophobia.
Coherent Signal DOA Estimation Method Based on Space–Time–Coding Metasurface
Authors: Chen Guanchao , Su Xiaolong , He Lida , Guan Dongfang , Liu Zhen
Published: January 2025

A novel method for the direction of arrival (DOA) estimation of coherent signals under a space–time–coding metasurface (STCM) is proposed in this paper. Noticeably, the STCM can replace multi-channel arrays with a single channel, which can be utilized to modulate incident electromagnetic waves and generate harmonics. However, coherent signals are overlapping in the frequency spectrum and cannot achieve DOA estimation through subspace methods. Therefore, the proposed method transforms the angle information in the time domain into amplitude and phase information at harmonics in the frequency domain by modulating incident coherent signals using the STCM and performing a fast Fourier transform (FFT) on these signals. Based on the harmonics in the frequency spectrum of the coherent signals, appropriate harmonics are selected. Finally, the ℓ1 norm singular value decomposition (ℓ1-SVD) algorithm is utilized for achieving high-precision DOA estimation. Simulation experiments are conducted to show the performance of the proposed method under the condition of different incident angles, harmonic numbers, signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), etc. Compared to the traditional algorithms, the performance of the proposed algorithm can achieve more accurate DOA estimation under a low SNR.
A Review of Foreign Object Debris Detection on Airport Runways: Sensors and Algorithms
Authors: Shan Jingfeng , Miccinesi Lapo , Beni Alessandra , Pagnini Lorenzo , Cioncolini Andrea , Pieraccini Massimiliano
Published: January 2025

The detection of Foreign Object Debris (FOD) is crucial for maintaining safety in critical areas like airport runways. This paper presents a comprehensive review of FOD detection technologies, covering traditional, radar-based, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven methods. Manual visual inspection and optical sensors, while widely used, are limited in scalability and reliability under adverse conditions. Radar technologies, such as millimeter-wave radar and synthetic aperture radar, offer robust performance, with advancements in algorithms and sensor fusion significantly enhancing their effectiveness. AI approaches, employing supervised and unsupervised learning, demonstrate potential for automating detection and improving precision, although challenges such as limited datasets and high computational demands persist. This review consolidates the recent progress across these domains, highlighting the need for integrated systems that combine radar and AI to improve adaptability, scalability, and small-FOD detection. By addressing these limitations, the study provides insights into future research directions and the development of innovative FOD detection solutions, contributing to safer and more efficient operational environments.
Remote Radio Frequency Sensing Based on 5G New Radio Positioning Reference Signals
Authors: Bednarz Marcin , Zielinski Tomasz P.
Published: January 2025

In this paper, the idea of a radar based on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is applied to 5G NR Positioning Reference Signals (PRS). This study demonstrates how the estimation of the communication channel using the PRS can be applied for the identification of objects moving near the 5G NR receiver. In this context, this refers to a 5G NR base station capable of detecting a high-speed train (HST). The anatomy of a 5G NR frame as a sequence of OFDM symbols is presented, and different PRS configurations are described. It is shown that spectral analysis of time-varying channel impulse response weights, estimated with the help of PRS pilots, can be used for the detection of transmitted signal reflections from moving vehicles and the calculation of their time and frequency/Doppler shifts. Different PRS configurations with varying time and frequency reference signal densities are tested in simulations. The peak-to-noise-floor ratio (PNFR) of the calculated radar range–velocity maps (RVM) is used for quantitative comparison of PRS-based radar scenarios. Additionally, different echo signal strengths are simulated while also checking various observation window lengths (FFT lengths). This study proves the practicality of using PRS pilots in remote sensing; however, it shows that the most dense configurations do not provide notable improvements, while also demanding considerably more resources.
Biomechanics Parameters of Gait Analysis to Characterize Parkinson’s Disease: A Scoping Review
Authors: Russo Michela , Amboni Marianna , Pisani Noemi , Volzone Antonio , Calderone Danilo , Barone Paolo , Amato Francesco , Ricciardi Carlo , Romano Maria
Published: January 2025

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by a slow, short-stepping, shuffling gait pattern caused by a combination of motor control limitations due to a reduction in dopaminergic neurons. Gait disorders are indicators of global health, cognitive status, and risk of falls and increase with disease progression. Therefore, the use of quantitative information on the gait mechanisms of PD patients is a promising approach, particularly for monitoring gait disorders and potentially informing therapeutic interventions, though it is not yet a well-established tool for early diagnosis or direct assessment of disease progression. Over the years, many studies have investigated the spatiotemporal parameters that are altered in the PD gait pattern, while kinematic and kinetic gait parameters are more limited. A scoping review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. The Scopus and PubMed databases were searched between 1999 and 2023. A total of 29 articles were included that reported gait changes in PD patients under different gait conditions: single free walking, sequential motor task, and dual task. The main findings of our review highlighted the use of optoelectronic systems for recording kinematic parameters and force plates for measuring kinetic parameters, due to their high accuracy. Most gait analyses in PD patients have been conducted at self-selected walking speeds to capture natural movement, although studies have also examined gait under various conditions. The results of our review indicated that PD patients experience alterations in the range of motion of the hip, knee, and ankle joints, as well as a reduction in the power generated/absorbed and the extensor/flexor moments. These findings suggest that the PD gait pattern may be more effectively understood using kinematic and kinetic parameters.
An End-To-End Speech Recognition Model for the North Shaanxi Dialect: Design and Evaluation
Authors: Qin Yi , Yu Feifan
Published: January 2025

The coal mining industry in Northern Shaanxi is robust, with a prevalent use of the local dialect, known as “Shapu”, characterized by a distinct Northern Shaanxi accent. This study addresses the practical need for speech recognition in this dialect. We propose an end-to-end speech recognition model for the North Shaanxi dialect, leveraging the Conformer architecture. To tailor the model to the coal mining context, we developed a specialized corpus reflecting the phonetic characteristics of the dialect and its usage in the industry. We investigated feature extraction techniques suitable for the North Shaanxi dialect, focusing on the unique pronunciation of initial consonants and vowels. A preprocessing module was designed to accommodate the dialect’s rapid speech tempo and polyphonic nature, enhancing recognition performance. To enhance the decoder’s text generation capability, we replaced the Conformer decoder with a Transformer architecture. Additionally, to mitigate the computational demands of the model, we incorporated Connectionist Temporal Classification (CTC) joint training for optimization. The experimental results on our self-established voice dataset for the Northern Shaanxi coal mining industry demonstrate that the proposed Conformer–Transformer–CTC model achieves a 9.2% and 10.3% reduction in the word error rate compared to the standalone Conformer and Transformer models, respectively, confirming the advancement of our method. The next step will involve researching how to improve the performance of dialect speech recognition by integrating external language models and extracting pronunciation features of different dialects, thereby achieving better recognition results.
Cybersecurity Attacks and Detection Methods in Web 3.0 Technology: A Review
Authors: Alotaibi Bandar
Published: January 2025

Web 3.0 marks the beginning of a new era for the internet, characterized by distributed technology that prioritizes data ownership and value expression. Web 3.0 aims to empower users by providing them with ownership and control of their data and digital assets rather than leaving them in the hands of large corporations. Web 3.0 relies on decentralization, which uses blockchain technology to ensure secure user communication. However, Web 3.0 still faces many security challenges that might affect its deployment and expose users’ data and digital assets to cybercriminals. This survey investigates the current evolution of Web 3.0, outlining its background, foundation, and application. This review presents an overview of cybersecurity risks that face a mature Web 3.0 application domain (i.e., decentralized finance (DeFi)) and classifies them into seven categories. Moreover, state-of-the-art methods for addressing these threats are investigated and categorized based on the associated security risks. Insights into the potential future directions of Web 3.0 security are also provided.
An Optimized Method for Batch Recovery Based on Erasure Coding in Heterogeneous Network
Authors: Song Ying , Liu Jialin , Tian Yingai , Wang Bo
Published: January 2025

With the rapid development of IoT technology, sensors are widely used for monitoring environmental parameters. The data collected by sensors needs to be stored, and distributed storage systems provide an excellent platform to handle this vast amount of data. To enhance data reliability and reduce storage costs, erasure coding technology can be employed within distributed storage systems. However, the process of recovering lost or damaged data inevitably generates significant cross-rack traffic. In recent years, various batch recovery methods have been designed to improve data recovery speed and reduce cross-rack recovery traffic, but they have limitations in different aspects, such as less consideration for heterogeneous cross-rack bandwidth and insufficient handling of recovery link scheduling. This paper proposes the HBRepair recovery framework, aimed at improving data recovery speed by balancing the recovery load and reducing cross-rack recovery traffic. Firstly, HBRepair strategically selects helper blocks and nodes for storing recovery blocks to find the optimal batch recovery plan. Then, it selectively and rationally schedules recovery links to saturate idle bandwidth resources and avoid network congestion. Experimental results show that by optimizing the use of cross-rack bandwidth, HBRepair can reduce cross-rack recovery time by up to 26.74%, effectively addressing the shortcomings of existing methods.
Elephant Sound Classification Using Deep Learning Optimization
Authors: Dewmini Hiruni , Meedeniya Dulani , Perera Charith
Published: January 2025

Elephant sound identification is crucial in wildlife conservation and ecological research. The identification of elephant vocalizations provides insights into the behavior, social dynamics, and emotional expressions, leading to elephant conservation. This study addresses elephant sound classification utilizing raw audio processing. Our focus lies on exploring lightweight models suitable for deployment on resource-costrained edge devices, including MobileNet, YAMNET, and RawNet, alongside introducing a novel model termed ElephantCallerNet. Notably, our investigation reveals that the proposed ElephantCallerNet achieves an impressive accuracy of 89% in classifying raw audio directly without converting it to spectrograms. Leveraging Bayesian optimization techniques, we fine-tuned crucial parameters such as learning rate, dropout, and kernel size, thereby enhancing the model’s performance. Moreover, we scrutinized the efficacy of spectrogram-based training, a prevalent approach in animal sound classification. Through comparative analysis, the raw audio processing outperforms spectrogram-based methods. In contrast to other models in the literature that primarily focus on a single caller type or binary classification that identifies whether a sound is an elephant voice or not, our solution is designed to classify three distinct caller-types namely roar, rumble, and trumpet.
A Comprehensive Survey on the Integrity of Localization Systems
Authors: Maharmeh Elias , Alsayed Zayed , Nashashibi Fawzi
Published: January 2025

This survey extends and refines the existing definitions of integrity and protection level in localization systems (localization as a broad term, i.e., not limited to GNSS-based localization). In our definition, we study integrity from two aspects: quality and quantity. Unlike existing reviews, this survey examines integrity methods covering various localization techniques and sensors. We classify localization techniques as optimization-based, fusion-based, and SLAM-based. A new classification of integrity methods is introduced, evaluating their applications, effectiveness, and limitations. Comparative tables summarize strengths and gaps across key criteria, such as algorithms, evaluation methods, sensor data, and more. The survey presents a general probabilistic model addressing diverse error types in localization systems. Findings reveal a significant research imbalance: 73.3% of surveyed papers focus on GNSS-based methods, while only 26.7% explore non-GNSS approaches like fusion, optimization, or SLAM, with few addressing protection level calculations. Robust modeling is highlighted as a promising integrity method, combining quantification and qualification to address critical gaps. This approach offers a unified framework for improving localization system reliability and safety. This survey provides key insights for developing more robust localization systems, contributing to safer and more efficient autonomous operations.
BDSM and the Complexity of Consent: Navigating Inclusion and Exclusion
Authors: Parchev Ofer
Published: January 2025

Consent is a foundational component of BDSM (Bondage/Discipline, Dominance/Submission, Sadism/Masochism). It distinguishes non-normative, consensual practices from instances of abuse and exploitation. Its centrality within BDSM, however, underscores the complexity of consent as a constitutive mechanism that facilitates varied intersubjective engagements, from continuous negotiation and aftercare to the use of safe words. The ontological basis of consent within BDSM relies on a model of subjective autonomy wherein individuals actively shape their desires and boundaries within a consensual framework. This paper argues that a significant motivation for many BDSM practitioners lies in the desire to subvert autonomy by engaging in acts that challenge traditional consent boundaries. However, reliance on a purely liberal interpretation of consent often marginalizes such subversive expressions, thereby pushing certain BDSM practices and individuals toward pathological or criminal categorization. Here, I propose an ethical framework grounded in a liberal consent model, which is open to the inclusion of these marginalized practices, thus, fostering a more inclusive understanding of BDSM subjectivity.
Odontogenic Sinusitis of Endodontic Origin: Successful Management Through Endodontic Treatment
Authors: Rolla Marcelo , Pinto Karem Paula , Sassone Luciana Moura , Silva Emmanuel João Nogueira Leal
Published: January 2025

Odontogenic sinusitis is a maxillary sinus infection arising from dental pathology, primarily involving posterior maxillary teeth due to their anatomical proximity to the sinus floor. Endodontic infections are a significant etiological factor, yet the condition is frequently underdiagnosed due to its overlapping presentation with sinonasal sinusitis. The present cases illustrate the diagnosis, management, and outcomes of maxillary sinusitis of endodontic origin through endodontic interventions. Two patients with histories of recurrent maxillary sinusitis underwent dental evaluations after conventional medical therapies failed. Cone-beam computed tomography confirmed the dental etiology in all cases, identifying inadequately treated second mesiobuccal (MB2) canals or significant periapical pathology. Endodontic retreatments were employed to address the underlying dental causes, followed by resolution of sinus symptoms within days. Follow-up imaging demonstrated ongoing bone healing and resolution of sinus involvement. These cases underscore the importance of addressing the dental etiology in maxillary sinusitis of endodontic origin to achieve complete symptom resolution and minimize recurrence. Cone-beam computed tomography proved instrumental in diagnosing and planning treatment, enabling precise management of periapical and sinus conditions. The cases highlight the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach, involving dental and medical professionals, to optimize outcomes.
Exploring the Mediation Effect of Brand Trust on the Link Between Tourism Destination Image, Social Influence and Brand Loyalty
Authors: Sobaih Abu Elnasr E. , Gharbi Hassane , Brini Riadh , Aliane Nadir
Published: January 2025

This study examines the structural relationship between a destination’s image (DI), social influence (SI), and tourists’ brand trust (BT) and brand loyalty (BL) in the destination of Tozeur, a Tunisian town located at the gateway to the Sahara and rooted in the Atlas Mountains, where George Lucas set scenes for the Star Wars saga. The structural correlations between the variables in the model were tested through structural equation modeling (SEM). Data from 1405 tourists, who had visited Tozeur, were analyzed through SEM using AMOS software (version 25). The results showed that DI significantly affects BT (β = 0.924, p < 0.001) and significantly affects BL (β = 0.481, p < 0.01). Additionally, SI significantly affects BT (β = 0.274, p < 0.001) and significantly affects BL (β = 0.234, p < 0.001). Furthermore, BT significantly affects the BL (β = 0.461, p < 0.01). Tourist’s trust in a brand was found to act as a partial mediator on the link between destination image and brand loyalty and between social influence and brand loyalty. The findings demonstrate the importance of the tourism destination as well as social influence in boosting tourism trust and increasing destination loyalty among tourists. The results have many practical implications for destination marketers.
Distress and Positive Experiences Among Adolescents in Northern Chile in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Castillo-Morales Katherin , Espinoza-Tapia Ricardo , Portilla-Saavedra Diego , Moya-Vergara Rodrigo
Published: January 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic and the confinement measures adopted by most countries have impacted global mental health, with particular interest in the effects on adolescents due to the tension between lockdown measures and the challenges of their developmental stage. Therefore, this study examined the distress and positive experiences reported by adolescents in northern Chile during the pandemic. A comprehensive study was conducted among adolescents in northern Chile. Discussion groups were utilized to investigate their experiences during the pandemic. The discussions were transcribed, and their content was analyzed by thematic analysis to create emerging categories and subcategories. Eleven discussion groups were conducted with a total of 51 adolescents. The findings were organized into two categories: distress and positive experiences during the pandemic. The distress experiences category included experiences related to confinement, educational tensions, risk of contagion, being an adolescent, and anxious–depressive emotions and symptoms. Meanwhile, the positive experiences category highlighted experiences related to interpersonal relationships through social networks, hobbies, activism, and pets. This research provides guiding results for policymakers and mental health authorities to incorporate this information when creating initiatives for working with the adolescent population. It considers the impact on them, but also incorporates the reported positive experiences as coping mechanisms for other difficulties.
Economic Change and Cultural Evolution: The Ultimate Influence of Human Cognitive Limitations
Authors: Bordonaba-Bosque Daniel , González-Álvarez María A. , Marijuán Pedro C. , Navarro Jorge
Published: January 2025

How cognitive limitations of individuals may affect the dynamics of cultural evolution under the effects of economic and technological forces is explored here. In particular, the extraordinary economic growth during the industrial and scientific revolutions of the last two centuries has been accompanied by an extraordinary acceleration of cultural changes. We will propose that these changes are due to competition, decay and replacement processes among the different kinds of cultural contents, ultimately resulting from our cognitive limitations. Different laws have been proposed recently for the decay of individualized cultural items and for the underlying competition processes, which will be discussed herein. With respect to the informational/cognitive limitations of individuals, the cognitive psychology views will be complemented—and somehow quantified—from the angle of the “social brain” or “sociotype” hypothesis. The generational phenomenon also emerges, by which differentiated generations develop a remarkable divergence in ways of life, aspirations, ideals, values, and often in the use of communication technologies. It is in this interactive individual–generational context of competitive processes that the acceleration of cultural change during the few last decades might be investigated by considering the vastly increased economic output and the widespread use of new communication technologies.
A Muscle Physiology-Based Framework for Quantifying Training Load in Resistance Exercises
Authors: Imbach Frank , Perrey Stéphane , Brioche Thomas , Candau Robin
Published: January 2025

Background: Objective training load (TL) indexes used in resistance training lack physiological significance. This study was aimed to provide a muscle physiology-based approach for quantifying TL in resistance exercises (REs). Methods: Following individual torque–velocity profiling, fifteen participants (11 healthy males, stature: 178.36 ± 3.95 cm, and body mass (BM): 77.48 ± 7.74 kg; 4 healthy females, stature: 169.25 ± 5.03 cm, and body mass: 60.62 ± 3.91 kg) performed isokinetic leg extension exercise sessions at low, moderate, and high intensities (LI, MI, and HI, respectively). Systemic and local physiological responses were measured, and sessions were volume-equated according to the “volume-load” (VL) method. Results: Significant differences were found between sessions in terms of mechanical work (p<0.05 and p<0.001, for LI-MI and MI-HI, respectively), averaged normalised torque (p<0.001), mechanical impulse (p<0.001), and rate of force development (RFD, p<0.001 for LI-MI). RFD was mainly impacted by the accumulation of repetitions. Muscle function impairments mainly occurred at low intensities–long series, and high intensities, supported by greater RFD rate decay and changes in electromyographic activity. Therefore, accounting for muscle fatigue kinetics within objective TL indexes and using dimension reduction methods better described physiological responses to RE. Conclusions: A generic equation of muscle fatigue rise could add value to TL quantification in RE. Considering other training-related information and TL indexes stands essential, applicable to field situations and supports the multidimensional facet of physiological responses to RE.
Concurrent Effects of Plyometric Interval Training Implemented in Physical Education Lessons on Adolescent Power and Endurance: An Analysis of Responder Prevalence
Authors: Koźlenia Dawid , Kochan-Jacheć Katarzyna , Domaradzki Jarosław
Published: January 2025

Schools provide an ideal setting for enhancing adolescents’ health and fitness. Short-term intensive interventions are particularly relevant, but the effectiveness of plyometric exercises in jointly improving aerobic and anaerobic performance remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of plyometric-based training, in the form of interval workouts during physical education lessons, on power and endurance in adolescents. A total of 87 boys and 95 girls (aged 14–15 years) participated in an 8-week intervention, performing plyometric exercises twice weekly during physical education classes. The analyzed parameters were jump height (JH) measured by countermovement jump (CMJ) and distance covered during multistage fitness test (MFT). The results showed significant improvements among boys participating in the JH experiment and the distance covered in the MFT (p < 0.05); thus, the effect sizes were relatively small (ES < 0.3). Also, the prevalence of positive responders was more common for boys than girls; however, the difference was statistically insignificant (p = 0.09). These findings suggest that plyometric training has the potential for improving physical fitness, even in the context of developing opposing physical abilities, particularly in boys. However, the effects varied across individuals and were generally small, highlighting the need to optimize the intervention to achieve more pronounced results tailored to individual characteristics.
Assessing Nutritional Knowledge and Physical Health Among Football Players: A Pilot Study from Three Sports Clubs in Western Romania
Authors: Marconi Gabriel Roberto , Osser Brigitte , Osser Gyongyi , Miuța Caius Calin , Toth Csongor , Ardelean Viorel Petru , Dicu Anca , Toderescu Corina Dalia , Bondar Laura Ioana
Published: January 2025

Background: Football players require optimal nutrition and physical fitness to enhance their performance and maintain their health. Understanding the relationships among nutritional knowledge, dietary habits, physical health, and substance use in athletes is essential for developing effective strategies. This study investigates these factors in male football players aged 16–33 years. Methods: The study involved 60 male football players from three teams in Liga4Arad. A mixed-methods approach was used, incorporating a self-developed pilot questionnaire and internationally validated instruments. The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed using Guttman’s λ2. The questionnaire assessed nutritional knowledge, eating habits, substance use, and physical health parameters, including body fat percentage and training frequency. Spearman’s correlation was used to analyze the data and explore the interrelationships between these factors. It is important to note that the pilot questionnaire used in this study was self-developed and not previously validated in this specific context. Results: Nutritional knowledge was positively correlated with healthier eating habits (ρ = 0.675, p < 0.001). Intensive training and higher physical activity levels were both associated with improved body composition and lower body fat (ρ = 0.341, p = 0.006). Supplement use was moderately correlated with alcohol consumption (ρ = 0.548, p < 0.001) and weakly correlated with smoking (ρ = 0.348, p = 0.007). Conclusions: The study highlights a strong relationship between nutritional knowledge and healthier eating habits among football players, as well as the significant role of frequent intense training in reducing body fat percentages and enhancing physical fitness. Additionally, the findings suggest a moderate association between dietary supplement use and alcohol consumption, underscoring the need for tailored interventions to address substance use and its impact on players’ health behaviors and performance.