bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Deflection Risk Assessment for Steel Box Girder Bridges Based on GA-BP Neural Network
Authors: Ji Yongcheng , Yao Bowen , Xu Wenyuan
Published: December 2024

Steel box girder bridges constitute a pivotal structural component in modern bridge engineering, confronting intricate mechanical environments and dynamic conditions during construction, with a particularly notable risk of deflection. Risk assessments predominantly rely on traditional mechanical analyses and empirical judgments, which need help to fully capture the dynamic construction changes and latent risks. This study introduces an innovative risk assessment methodology grounded in finite element analysis (FEA) and optimized by a genetic algorithm-enhanced back propagation neural network (GA-BP) to address these limitations. This approach entails constructing an FEA model to precisely simulate and predict the mechanical behavior during the construction phase, with field data validation ensuring the model’s accuracy. The GA-BP assessment model is established by further incorporating the genetic algorithm to optimize the BP neural network, enabling comprehensive, systematic, and efficient risk assessment. Through practical application case studies, this methodology demonstrates the ability to accurately identify the critical risk factors influencing deflection during the construction phase of steel box girder bridges, providing a scientific basis for construction control. This research holds significant theoretical value and practical significance, and it offers a scientific foundation for risk management, construction optimization, and safety assurance in future bridge engineering projects, thereby enhancing the overall quality and safety of bridges.
Influence of Tumor Laterality and Focality on Clinical Implications and Tumor Advancement in Well-Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Miciak Michał , Jurkiewicz Krzysztof , Dziekiewicz Anna , Biernat Szymon , Kisiel Michał , Wojtczak Beata , Diakowska Dorota , Kaliszewski Krzysztof
Published: December 2024

Background: The accurate preoperative diagnosis of TC plays a very important role in the selection of an appropriate treatment strategy. In addition to the hypoechogenicity of thyroid lesions on ultrasound and the presence of microcalcifications or high cell atypia on FNAB, highlighting the features of laterality and focality and ascertaining their influence (alone or combined) on TC staging and appropriate treatment are crucial. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 697 patients admitted to the study center between 2008 and 2023 was conducted. Preoperative data (age, sex, type of surgery, ultrasound, and FNAB data) and postoperative histopathological data indicating TC advancement (pTNM, extrathyroidal extension, vascular invasion) were collected and analyzed. Patients presenting well-differentiated TCs (papillary TC and follicular TC) were isolated for better clinical evaluation. Finally, patients were divided into four groups according to their laterality and focality features, and the influences of combinations of these features on TC advancement were analyzed. Results: The largest group included patients with unilateral and solitary TC (n = 461). This group had the lowest rate of negative prognostic features: extrathyroidal extension, lymph node invasion, distant metastases, and vascular invasion (25.81%, 19.96%, 3.69%, and 26.46%, respectively). In contrast, the group with bilateral and multifocal TC (n = 40) presented the highest percentages of the mentioned features (82.50%, 82.50%, 7.50%, and 77.50%, respectively). All the results were statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Laterality and focality features may be important parameters in the management of TC and should be accurately determined. These features should be combined and a more aggressive treatment method should be selected to reduce the reoperation rate.
Biological Markers of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms in Children, Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Ozygała Aleksandra , Rokosz-Mierzwa Joanna , Widz Paulina , Skowera Paulina , Wiliński Mateusz , Styka Borys , Lejman Monika
Published: December 2024

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are clonal hematopoietic cancers characterized by hyperproliferation of the myeloid lineages. These clonal marrow disorders are extremely rare in pediatric patients. MPN is reported to occur 100 times more frequently in adults, and thus research is primarily focused on this patient group. At present, modern diagnostic techniques, primarily genetic, facilitate the identification of the biology of these diseases. The key genes are JAK2, MPL, and CALR, namely, driver mutations, which are present in approximately 90% of patients with suspected MPN. Moreover, there are more than 20 other mutations that affect the development of these hematological malignancies, as evidenced by a review of the literature. The pathogenic mechanism of MPNs is characterized by the dysregulation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway (JAK2, MPL, CALR), DNA methylation (TET2, DNMT3A, IDH1/2), chromatin structure (ASXL1, EZH2), and splicing (SF3B1, U2AF2, SRSF2). Although rare, myeloproliferative neoplasms can involve young patients and pose unique challenges for clinicians in diagnosis and therapy. The paper aims to review the biological markers of MPNs in pediatric populations—a particular group of patients that has been poorly studied due to the low frequency of MPN diagnosis.
Correction: De Sanctis et al. Lck Function and Modulation: Immune Cytotoxic Response and Tumor Treatment More Than a Simple Event. Cancers 2024, 16, 2630
Authors: De Sanctis Juan Bautista , Garmendia Jenny Valentina , Duchová Hana , Valentini Viktor , Puskasu Alex , Kubíčková Agáta , Hajdúch Marián
Published: December 2024

In the original publication [...]
Comprehensive Diagnostic Work-Up for Uncovering the Causes of Sudden Cardiac Death: The Role of Family Members
Authors: Monda Emanuele , Diana Gaetano , Bruno Daniele , Rubino Marta , Palmiero Giuseppe , Verrillo Federica , Cirillo Chiara , Cirillo Annapaola , Fusco Adelaide , Caiazza Martina , Dellegrottaglie Santo , Colonna Diego , Sarubbi Berardo , Buono Pietro , Russo Maria Giovanna , Limongelli Giuseppe
Published: December 2024

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the diagnostic pathway proposed by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for identifying the underlying aetiology of sudden cardiac death (SCD) through the screening of first-degree family members of patients with SCD who either had a negative autopsy or no autopsy performed. Methods: To be eligible for enrolment, patients had to meet the following inclusion criteria: a family history of SCD in a first-degree relative under the age of 50 years; the SCD decedents must not have undergone an autopsy, or if an autopsy was performed, non-cardiac and structural cardiac causes must have been excluded. Patients underwent a comprehensive assessment, including the evaluation of family and medical history, electrocardiography (ECG) and ECG with high precordial leads, Holter ECG monitoring, echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and exercise stress testing. A sodium channel blocker test (i.e., flecainide test) was performed when other clinical investigations were negative and the suspicion of Brugada syndrome was high. Results: Forty-one patients from 25 different families fulfilled the inclusion criteria and represented the final study cohort. After the comprehensive diagnostic work-up, a total of seven patients from five different families (5/25, 20%) were diagnosed with an inherited cardiac condition: two families with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, one with dilated cardiomyopathy, one with non-dilated left ventricular cardiomyopathy, and one with long QT syndrome. Conclusions: The comprehensive cardiologic work-up of relatives of mainly young SCD victims results in the diagnosis of inherited cardiac conditions in one-fifth of cases.
Assessing the Photocatalytic Degradation of Penconazole on TiO2 in Aqueous Suspensions: Mechanistic and Ecotoxicity Studies in Aerated and Degassed Systems
Authors: Székely Ákos , Szabó-Bárdos Erzsébet , Fónagy Orsolya , Horváth Ottó
Published: December 2024

Penconazole (C12H15Cl2N3) is widely used to prevent fungal infection of fruits. Since this toxic fungicide is recalcitrant to biological degradation, it has harmful impacts on aquatic ecosystems. TiO2-based heterogeneous photocatalysis proved to be an efficient method for its mineralization. To monitor the processes occurring under the influence of illumination, the light absorbance, the pH, and the TOC of the samples were measured. The concentration of the model compound and the degradation products were determined by HPLC and IC. Penconazole did not decompose under UV light (λmax = 371 nm) without a catalyst. In the presence of TiO2, mineralization took place. The initial degradation rate in air (7.7 × 10−4 mM s−1) was 5 times higher than under argon. The formation rate of hydrochloric acid (1.04 × 10−3 mM s−1) in the former case significantly contributed to the acidification of the liquid phase. NH4+ also formed, at the rate of 5.9 × 10−4 mM s−1, and very slightly transformed to NO3−. Due to the intermediates identified by HPLC-MS, hydroxylation, H abstraction, and Cl elimination are involved in the degradation mechanism, in which photogenerated HO● radicals, conduction-band electrons, and (under air) superoxide radical anions (O2●−) play considerable roles. The intermediates proved to be much less toxic than penconazole.
SIRT2 Inhibition by AGK2 Promotes Perinuclear Cytoskeletal Organisation and Reduces Invasiveness of MDA-MB-231 Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells in Confined In Vitro Models
Authors: Jessop Emily , Young Natalie , Garcia-Del-Valle Beatriz , Crusher Jack T. , Obara Boguslaw , Karakesisoglou Iakowos
Published: December 2024

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive breast cancer subtype characterised by the absence of targetable hormone receptors and increased metastatic rates. As nuclear softening strongly contributes to TNBC’s enhanced metastatic capacity, increasing the nuclear stiffness of TNBC cells may present a promising therapeutic avenue. Previous evidence has demonstrated the ability of Sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) inhibition to induce cytoskeletal reorganisation, a key factor in regulating nuclear mechanics. Thus, our study aimed to investigate the effect of SIRT2 inhibition on the nuclear mechanics and migratory behaviour of TNBC cells. To achieve this, SIRT2 was pharmacologically inhibited in MDA-MB-231 cells using AGK2, a SIRT2-specific inhibitor. Although SIRT2 inhibition had no effect on LINC complex composition, the AGK2-treated MDA-MB-231 cells displayed more prominent perinuclear organisations of acetylated α-tubulin, vimentin, and F-actin. Additionally, the nuclei of the AGK2-treated MDA-MB-231 cells exhibited greater resistance to collapse under osmotic shock. Scratch-wound assays also revealed that SIRT2 inhibition led to polarity defects in the MDA-MB-231 cells, while in vitro space-restrictive invasion assays highlighted their reduced migratory capacity upon AGK2 treatment. Taken together, our findings suggest that SIRT2 inhibition promotes a perinuclear cytoskeletal organisation in MDA-MB-231 cells, which enhances their nuclear rigidity and impedes their invasion through confined spaces in vitro.
Extracellular Vesicles and Their Applications in Tumor Diagnostics and Immunotherapy
Authors: Strum Scott , Evdokimova Valentina , Radvanyi Laszlo , Spreafico Anna
Published: December 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived nanoparticles that have attracted significant attention in the investigation of human health and disease, including cancer biology and its clinical management. Concerning cancer, EVs have been shown to influence numerous aspects of oncogenesis, including tumor proliferation and metastasis. EVs can augment the immune system and have been implicated in virtually all aspects of innate and adaptive immunity. With immunotherapy changing the landscape of cancer treatment across multiple disease sites, it is paramount to understand their mechanisms of action and to further improve upon their efficacy. Despite a rapidly growing body of evidence supporting of the utility of EVs in cancer diagnostics and therapeutics, their application in clinical trials involving solid tumors and immunotherapy remains limited. To date, relatively few trials are known to incorporate EVs in this context, mainly employing them as biomarkers. To help address this gap, this review summarizes known applications of EVs in clinical trials and provides a brief overview of the roles that EVs play in cancer biology, immunology, and their proposed implications in immunotherapy. The impetus to leverage EVs in future clinical trials and correlative studies is crucial, as they are ideally positioned to synergize with advancements in multi-omics research to further therapeutic discovery and our understanding of cancer biology.
One-Stage Aqueous Colloid Process: From the Synthesis of Few-Layer Graphene–PVA Colloids to Efficient Electrospun Nanofibers
Authors: Shoueir Kamel , Lobry Emeline , Schlatter Guy , Janowska Izabela
Published: December 2024

Sustainability requirements must be met by the appropriate selection of efficient and environmentally friendly materials and processes. We present materials obtained via all-in-water methods: first, few-layer graphene (FLG)–polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) colloids and then electrospun PVA-FLG fibers. The effects of the FLG concentration, and indirectly of ultrasound, are reflected via the modification of the structural and physical properties, including the microstructure, viscosity, thermal degradation and mechanical properties, of colloids and fiber mats. The primary results are highly encouraging for further optimization and the development of conductive, and mechanically resistant, materials.
Machine Learning-Driven Optimization of Micro-Textured Surfaces for Enhanced Tribological Performance: A Comparative Analysis of Predictive Models
Authors: Ge Zhenghui , Hu Qifan , Wang Rui , Fei Haolin , Zhu Yongwei , Wang Ziwei
Published: December 2024

Micro-textured surfaces show promise in improving tribological properties, but predicting their performance remains challenging due to complex relationships between surface features and frictional behavior. This study evaluates five algorithms—linear regression, decision tree, gradient boosting, support vector machine, and neural network—for their ability to predict load-carrying capacity and friction force based on texture parameters including depth, side length, surface ratio, and shape. The neural network model demonstrated superior performance, achieving the lowest MAE (24.01) and highest R-squared value (0.99) for friction force prediction. The results highlight the potential of machine learning techniques to enhance the understanding and prediction of friction-reducing micro-textures, contributing to the development of more efficient and durable tribological systems in industrial applications.
Analysis of the Performance Improvement Mechanism of Foamed Rubber Asphalt Based on Micro and Macro Perspectives
Authors: Ren Bin , Wang Wei , Guo Bin
Published: December 2024

Foamed rubber asphalt has attracted wide attention in cold-recycled pavement projects due to its excellent performance, strong construction performance and resource conservation, but the mechanism of its performance improvement after foaming is still unclear. In order to explore the difference in the performance of rubber asphalt before and after foaming, this study systematically analyzed the performance improvement mechanism of asphalt from nano, micro and macro perspectives. Molecular dynamics simulation results show that the density and modulus of rubber asphalt decrease after foaming. After foaming, the glass transition temperature of rubber asphalt decreased by 4.4 K, and the free volume fraction decreased by 4.7%, which indicated that its low-temperature toughness was enhanced. The simulation results also illustrate the performance enhancement mechanism of rubber asphalt. Rubber and asphalt are physically mixed and do not undergo chemical reactions. However, foaming makes the rubber particles more evenly distributed, helping to improve the toughness and fatigue properties of asphalt. Macroscopic test results show that the high-temperature performance and fatigue performance of foamed asphalt are reduced, while the low-temperature performance is improved. The molecular simulation results are consistent with the experimental results, providing a comprehensive explanation for the improvement mechanism of rubber asphalt performance.
The Potential of Tecoma stans (Linn.) Flower Extract as a Natural Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Agent for Skin Care Products
Authors: Wichayapreechar Panikchar , Prasansuklab Anchalee , Charoongchit Pimchanok , Charoenjittichai Ranit
Published: December 2024

Tecoma stans belongs to the Bignoniaceae family and possesses various pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antioxidant, and wound-healing activities. Although numerous studies have highlighted the beneficial effects of T. stans extracts, the impacts of different solvents on its biological activities, particularly its inhibitory effect on skin degradation enzymes (collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase assay), have not been reported. This study aims to explore the effects of different solvent extractions on the total phenolic and total flavonoid contents, antioxidant and anti-aging activities, and cytotoxicity. The most suitable extract was selected for incorporation into an anti-aging product. T. stans flowers were extracted using hexane, ethyl acetate, absolute ethanol, and deionized water through maceration. The aqueous extract yielded the highest extraction efficiency (40.73%), followed by absolute ethanol, ethyl acetate, and hexane. The phytochemical screening results revealed that all T. stans flower extracts contained phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids. Among the various solvents tested for T. stans flower extraction, absolute ethanol demonstrated the highest total phenolic content (24.10 ± 2.07 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g extract), followed by deionized water (20.83 ± 1.28 mg GAE/g extract). The highest total flavonoid content was observed in the ethyl acetate extract (205.11 ± 7.83 mg catechin equivalents (CE)/g extract), with ethanol showing a significantly lower concentration (140.67 ± 1.92 mg CE/g extract). In terms of antioxidant activity, the aqueous extract exhibited the most potent effects, with IC50 values of 0.600 ± 0.005 mg/mL for the DPPH• assay and 0.207 ± 0.001 mg/mL for the ABTS•+ assay. For anti-aging assays, the absolute ethanolic extract demonstrated the highest enzyme inhibition activity at 1 mg/mL, with collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase inhibition rates of 89.49% ± 2.96%, 94.61% ± 2.33%, and 82.56% ± 2.27%, respectively. Moreover, at a concentration of 50 µg/mL, the absolute ethanolic extract exhibited lower cytotoxicity, with human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cell viability of 78% ± 8.47%, which was significantly higher than that of the other extracts. An anti-aging gel containing 0.05% w/w of the ethanolic T. stans extract demonstrated physical and physicochemical stability during three months of storage at ambient temperatures, 4 °C, 45 °C, as well as after six cycles of heating/cooling tests. These findings suggest that the ethanolic extract of T. stans flower has potential as a safe and effective anti-aging agent for cosmeceutical products.
Formulation of Biological Sunscreen from Calendula arvensis Capitula Extracts: Antioxidant, Anti-Aging, Surface Tension, and UVB Protection Properties Assessed
Authors: El-Otmani Najlae , Zeouk Ikrame , Zahidi Ahmed
Published: December 2024

Skin protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation has long been crucial due to its role in photoaging, sunburn, and wrinkles. This study focuses on developing a bio-based sunscreen from Calendula arvensis capitula extract. Various extraction methods (maceration, sonication, and infusion) and solvents (EtOH, EtOH-H2O, and H2O) were explored in order to identify the most effective extract for use in a sunscreen formulation. Each extract was analyzed for its phenolic content, as well as antioxidant activities (assessed through DPPH, CAT, and FRAP assays). Enzyme inhibition assays for tyrosinase, elastase, and collagenase highlighted the low IC50 values of the hydroethanolic extract. Furthermore, the in vitro sun protection factor (SPF) against UVB radiation was measured using ultraviolet spectrophotometry. A phytochemical analysis showed phenolic levels between 8 and 27 mg GAE/g, flavonoid concentrations of 7–13 mg QE/g, and tannin levels of 1.15–1.68 mg/mL, alongside moderate antioxidant activity. The ethanol maceration extract reduced the interfacial tension to 2.15 mN/m in 600 s, outperforming the conventional emulsifier polysorbate 20. The sonicated hydroethanolic extract demonstrated remarkable SPF efficacy (SPF = 193.65 ± 0.02), far exceeding that of the standard zinc oxide (SPF = 11.88 ± 0.03). The proposed formulations meet the COSMOS standards, suggesting their potential for certification as biological products. Further clinical and in vivo studies are necessary to confirm their safety and commercial viability.
Synthesis of O,F Co-Modified g-C3N4 for Photocatalytic H2 Evolution Activity Improvement and Corrosion Protection
Authors: Zhou Shiyu , Li Pei , Zhang Chunbo , Wang Yang , Hu Jingting , Jia Ruokun
Published: December 2024

Herein, we report the rational synthesis of porous g-C3N4 co-modified with oxygen (O) and fluorine (F) for the first time. Incorporating colloidal SiO2 during thermal polymerization introduces lattice oxygen, forming C–O bonds, while post-treatment with NH4·HF2 establishes C–F bonds. The dual incorporation of O and F elements extends visible light absorption and effectively promotes the separation and transport of photoexcited charge carriers. Consequently, the co-modified g-C3N4 (O,F-g-C3N4) achieves a 13.2-fold increase in H2 evolution rate compared to pristine g-C3N4. This synthesized O,F-g-C3N4 is then dispersed in waterborne polyurethane (WPU) to create an anti-corrosive coating for Q235 carbon steel substrates. Water resistance, mechanical property, and electrochemical characterization analyses reveal that the O,F-g-C3N4/WPU composite coating exhibits remarkable corrosion resistance with a high protection efficiency of 90.23%. This work offers a straightforward approach for developing highly efficient g-C3N4-based photocatalysts and corrosion-resistant coatings.
A Model of Southern Sikhote-Alin Liverwort Flora and a New Approach to Analyze the Altitudinal Distribution Patterns in the Zov Tigra National Park (South of the Russian Far East, Temperate Pacific Asia)
Authors: Klimova Ksenia G. , Bakalin Vadim A. , Bakalin Daniil A. , Choi Seung Se
Published: December 2024

The liverwort flora in Zov Tigra National Park in southern Sikhote-Alin (Primorye Territory, south of the Russian Far East), which has one of the richest regional floras, was studied to assess its taxonomic diversity, and analyzed using a new approach to determine altitudinal distribution patterns. This new approach is based on probabilistic models of the altitudinal distribution of individual taxa proposed for identifying altitudinal groups of species. This method can be used to analyze patterns of the distribution of species of various taxonomic groups in cases where a sufficiently representative dataset is available and may be especially relevant in regions where altitudinal zonation is not obvious or changes in the altitudinal fractions of the dominant vegetation are too continuous. The proposed method revealed three altitudinal groups that were more clearly differentiated than groups of taxa based on altitudinal vegetation belts. Based on the obtained results, the most important bioclimatic indices correlated with the altitudinal distribution of liverworts were identified: annual mean temperature (BIO1), annual precipitation (BIO12), isothermality (BIO3), and factors associated with the temperature and amount of precipitation during the warmest period of the year, including the maximum temperature of the warmest month (BIO5), the mean temperature of the wettest quarter (BIO8), the mean temperature of the warmest quarter (BIO10), precipitation during the wettest month (BIO13), precipitation during the wettest quarter (BIO16), and precipitation during the warmest quarter (BIO18). This study reports 130 species, 1 variety, and 1 subspecies. Pseudolophozia debiliformis and Scapania praetervisa are newly recorded for Sikhote-Alin and the Primorye Territory. Diplophyllum albicans and Cephaloziella rubella are newly reported for the Primorye Territory. The national park liverwort flora can be classified as boreal–temperate circumpolar–East Asian. Given the high taxonomic diversity and coverage of all altitudinal zones represented in the region, the liverwort flora in Zov Tigra National Park can serve as a model for all liverwort floras in southern Sikhote-Alin.
Analysis of the Sagittal Root Position of the Maxillary and Mandibular Anterior Teeth in the Alveolar Bone Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Abdul Rawa Jamal , Abdulateef Darwn Saeed , Fattah Ara Omer , Talabani Ranjdar Mahmood
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study was to measure the bone thickness and angulation of the maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth on the buccal and palatal/lingual sides and also to analyze the sagittal root position (SRP) in the alveolar bone in relation to age and gender using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in an Iraqi subpopulation. Methods: CBCT images of 1200 maxillary and mandibular central and lateral incisors and canines from 100 patients (48 males and 52 females) were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were categorized by age into group I ≤ 25, group II 26–40, and group III ≥ 41 years old. The SRP in the alveolar bone was classified as class I, class II, class III, and class IV, and the buccal type was further classified into subtypes I, II, and III. In addition, the buccolingual inclination of the tooth and buccal/palatal/lingual bone thickness at the coronal, middle, and apical thirds were evaluated and then compared based on age and gender. The data were analyzed using the Pearson chi-square test. Descriptive statistics, Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U test were used to compare the thickness and angulation according to the SRP classes. Results: The mean frequency distribution of SRP of maxillary anterior teeth indicated that most of them were located buccally and were classified as (Class I) and subtype (III). Moreover, for mandibular anterior teeth, the majority were classified as (Class IV) and subtype (II). The mean sagittal angulation of maxillary anterior teeth approximately ranged from 5.9 for tooth 12# to 8.2 for teeth 13# and 23#, while for mandibular anterior teeth it ranged from 7.4 for tooth 33# to 10.3 for tooth 41#. The thickness of bone in the apical third of the buccal side of all maxillary and mandibular teeth was significantly related to age (p < 0.05). In the middle third, the thickness of bone in the buccal and palatal side of all maxillary anterior teeth and in the apical third of most mandibular teeth in the lingual side was significantly higher in males (p < 0.05). Conclusions: A majority of the maxillary anterior tooth roots were positioned close to the buccal cortical plate, while most of the mandibular anterior teeth were engaging both the buccal and lingual cortical plates. Males had more alveolar bone thickness for both maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth, and only the apical portion significantly changed with age. CBCT of the buccal and palatal/lingual bone and SRP is recommended for the selection of the appropriate treatment approach and implant placement.
Unilateral Exudative Retinal Detachment and Uveitis Accompanied by a Large Subretinal Deposit on the Macula Secondary to Bartonella Henselae Infection
Authors: Liang Tianwei , Cui Yanhui , Hu Man , Cao Di , Yan Honggai , Li Li
Published: December 2024

Bartonella henselae is a Gram-negative bacillus, mainly parasitizing on cats. When a child is scratched by a cat, they may present with the disease symptoms including regional lymphadenopathy, malaise, fever, and splenomegaly, which is known as cat-scratch disease (CSD). Ocular manifestations occur in 5–10% of patients with CSD. Neuroretinitis is the most common, and, in addition, Parinaud oculoglandular syndrome, endophthalmitis, retinochoroiditis, vascular occlusions, multiple mass-like lesions resembling ocular metastases, serous macular detachments, and retinal vasoproliferative lesions may also occur. We report a case of unilateral exudative retinal detachment and uveitis with a large subretinal deposit on the macula in a 6-year-old female with CSD, along with lymphadenitis on her left thigh. To the best of our knowledge, this case of exudative retinal detachment and uveitis with a large subretinal deposit under the retina affecting the macular area above the optic disc has not been previously reported.
From Detection to Action: A Multimodal AI Framework for Traffic Incident Response
Authors: Ahmed Afaq , Farhan Muhammad , Eesaar Hassan , Chong Kil To , Tayara Hilal
Published: December 2024

With the rising incidence of traffic accidents and growing environmental concerns, the demand for advanced systems to ensure traffic and environmental safety has become increasingly urgent. This paper introduces an automated highway safety management framework that integrates computer vision and natural language processing for real-time monitoring, analysis, and reporting of traffic incidents. The system not only identifies accidents but also aids in coordinating emergency responses, such as dispatching ambulances, fire services, and police, while simultaneously managing traffic flow. The approach begins with the creation of a diverse highway accident dataset, combining public datasets with drone and CCTV footage. YOLOv11s is retrained on this dataset to enable real-time detection of critical traffic elements and anomalies, such as collisions and fires. A vision–language model (VLM), Moondream2, is employed to generate detailed scene descriptions, which are further refined by a large language model (LLM), GPT 4-Turbo, to produce concise incident reports and actionable suggestions. These reports are automatically sent to relevant authorities, ensuring prompt and effective response. The system’s effectiveness is validated through the analysis of diverse accident videos and zero-shot simulation testing within the Webots environment. The results highlight the potential of combining drone and CCTV imagery with AI-driven methodologies to improve traffic management and enhance public safety. Future work will include refining detection models, expanding dataset diversity, and deploying the framework in real-world scenarios using live drone and CCTV feeds. This study lays the groundwork for scalable and reliable solutions to address critical traffic safety challenges.
Boson–Fermion Algebraic Mapping in Second Quantization
Authors: Lingua Fabio , Peñafiel Diego Molina , Ravera Lucrezia , Salgado Sebastián
Published: December 2024

We present an algebraic method to derive the structure at the basis of the mapping of bosonic algebras of creation and annihilation operators into fermionic algebras, and vice versa, introducing a suitable identification between bosonic and fermionic generators. The algebraic structure thus obtained corresponds to a deformed Grassmann-type algebra, involving anticommuting Grassmann-type variables. The role played by the latter in implementing gauge invariance in second quantization within our procedure is then discussed. This discussion includes the application of the mapping to the case of the bosonic and fermionic harmonic oscillator Hamiltonians.
Semi-Empirical Approach to Evaluating Model Fit for Sea Clutter Returns: Focusing on Future Measurements in the Adriatic Sea
Authors: Vondra Bojan
Published: December 2024

A method for evaluating Kullback–Leibler (KL) divergence and Squared Hellinger (SH) distance between empirical data and a model distribution is proposed. This method exclusively utilises the empirical Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF) of the data and the CDF of the model, avoiding data processing such as histogram binning. The proposed method converges almost surely, with the proof based on the use of exponentially distributed waiting times. An example demonstrates convergence of the KL divergence and SH distance to their true values when utilising the Generalised Pareto (GP) distribution as empirical data and the K distribution as the model. Another example illustrates the goodness of fit of these (GP and K-distribution) models to real sea clutter data from the widely used Intelligent PIxel processing X-band (IPIX) measurements. The proposed method can be applied to assess the goodness of fit of various models (not limited to GP or K distribution) to clutter measurement data such as those from the Adriatic Sea. Distinctive features of this small and immature sea, like the presence of over 1300 islands that affect local wind and wave patterns, are likely to result in an amplitude distribution of sea clutter returns that differs from predictions of models designed for oceans or open seas. However, to the author’s knowledge, no data on this specific topic are currently available in the open literature, and such measurements have yet to be conducted.
Tethered Balloon Cluster Deployments and Optimization for Emergency Communication Networks
Authors: Guan Mingyu , Feng Zhongxiao , Jiang Shengming , Zhou Weiming
Published: December 2024

Natural disasters can severely disrupt conventional communication systems, hampering relief efforts. High-altitude tethered balloon base stations (HATBBSs) are a promising solution to communication disruptions, providing wide communication coverage in disaster-stricken areas. However, a single HATBBS is insufficient for large disaster zones, and limited resources may restrict the number and energy capacity of available base stations. To address these challenges, this study proposes a cluster deployment of tethered balloons to form flying ad hoc networks (FANETs) as a backbone for post-disaster communications. A meta-heuristic-based multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) algorithm is employed to optimize the placement of balloons and power control to maximize target coverage and system energy efficiency. Comparative analysis with a stochastic algorithm (SA) demonstrates that MOPSO converges faster, with significant advantages in determining optimal balloon placement. The simulation results show that MOPSO effectively improves network throughput while reducing average delay and packet loss rate.
Comparing Recovery Volumes of Steady and Unsteady Injections into an Aquifer Storage and Recovery Well
Authors: Masoudiashtiani Saeid , Peralta Richard C.
Published: December 2024

Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) can involve injecting available surface water into an unconfined aquifer and then extracting it to provide secondary water for irrigation. This study demonstrates a method for evaluating the appropriateness of steady injection versus unsteady injection for an assumed situation. In design, it can be important to affect the transient: the proportion of the injected water that would be subsequently extracted (versus that remaining in the aquifer) and the proportion within the extracted water that would be an injectate (versus ambient groundwater). These proportions can be predicted from the predicted value of an ASR well’s Recovery Effectiveness (REN)—the time-varying proportion of injectate that is extracted subsequently from the same fully penetrating well. Applying the demonstrated procedure with appropriately detailed data and simulation models can predict the REN values resulting from steady versus unsteady injection, followed by steady extraction. For convenience in displaying and computing REN, the injectate was assumed to have a 100 ppm conservative solute concentration. For this demonstration, a homogenous isotropic unconfined one-layer aquifer was assumed. The scenarios involved steady or unsteady injection for 61 days via a fully penetrating ASR well. Then, 91 days of steady pumping led to the extraction of a total volume equal to that injected. For the assumed hydrogeologic data—31 years of Salt Lake City, Utah, rainfall data and estimated captured runoff—the results show that steady injection is more likely to cause a predictable REN but might not cause a higher REN than daily varying injection of the same total volume. Assuming different runoff or hydrogeologic flows would lead to different REN values. Steady injection causes a predictable groundwater mound and can assure a sufficient vadose zone thickness for overlying plants. Augmentation and storage of captured rainwater can help to provide a steady injection rate. For a situation that requires REN management, appropriate simulations can help water managers design ASR systems that will achieve REN goals and increase sustainable groundwater availability.
The Impact of the Pacific Alliance on Trade Creation and Trade Diversion in the COVID-19 Period: A Robust Econometric Analysis
Authors: Delgado-Martínez Edinson
Published: December 2024

(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted global trade, posing challenges for regional trade agreements such as the Pacific Alliance, comprising Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. This study investigates the Pacific Alliance’s impact on trade creation and diversion during the pandemic, exploring how regional cooperation mitigated trade disruptions. (2) Methods: A quantitative approach utilizing econometric models, including ordinary least squares, Poisson pseudo-maximum likelihood, and the Heckman selection model, was employed. The gravity model of trade was applied to bilateral trade data from 1948 to 2021, incorporating COVID-19-specific variables to assess trade dynamics. (3) Results: The analysis revealed significant trade creation within the Pacific Alliance during the pandemic, with intra-bloc trade strengthening despite global disruptions. However, evidence of trade diversion from non-member countries was mixed and inconclusive. (4) Conclusions: The Pacific Alliance demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 period, fostering regional trade creation and cushioning the impact of global trade shocks. While trade diversion remains uncertain, the study highlights the critical role of regional trade agreements in stabilizing trade flows during global crises, offering valuable insights for future policy and regional cooperation strategies.
What Affects Teachers’ Use of Technology: Teachers’ Beliefs Regarding Technology, Teachers’ Technological Skills, or Available Sources of Support?
Authors: Yavich Roman , Davidovitch Nitza
Published: December 2024

Many studies have examined teachers’ use of technology, but not many have examined what factors promote such use. The current study examines the effect of several factors on use of technology by teachers. A questionnaire on this topic was given to 120 male and female teachers from Israel. It was found that teachers’ beliefs on the effectiveness of use of technology in education, as well as support for such use from parents of school students, promotes teachers’ use of technology in education. Teachers’ technological knowledge and skills, support from the school management and from Education Ministry supervisors, and the availability of technological support were not found to promote teachers’ use of technology in education. Conducting programs and workshops that will educate teachers on the usefulness of technology in education and promote parent–teacher cooperation is recommended. The study may greatly help to promote the use of technology in teaching and education, which may greatly improve student learning.
Maximize the Impacts of Forgiveness Education with Moral Agency Development
Authors: Wong Lai Yung
Published: December 2024

Forgiveness education is more than the teaching of forgiveness. Since forgiveness education cultivates virtuous characters and the best self as the moral self, it sets the foundation for moral agency development. Based on a review of research and the literature about the psychological processes of forgiveness and moral agency, this article illustrates how the forgiveness virtue and moral agency operate and enhance each other for their common roots in the moral self. Due to their symbiotic relationship, promoting moral agency development in forgiveness education is beneficial for the cultivation of mature forgivers, mature moral agents, and good citizens with virtuous characters. To maximize the effectiveness and the impacts of forgiveness education, the GMIRA method is proposed, which involves setting the learning goal of living and being the best self, social modeling towards the goal, and blending the holistic moral agency concept into the existing forgiveness curriculum using the IRA (invitation, reflection, and assessment) strategies. Since moral agency is adaptive, the IRA methods can be flexibly applied to fit individual developmental needs across time and social-cultural contexts in all types of education. This novel idea is open for future research.
Research on a Passenger Flow Prediction Model Based on BWO-TCLS-Self-Attention
Authors: Liu Sheng , Du Lang , Cao Ting , Zhang Tong
Published: December 2024

In recent years, with the rapid development of the global demand and scale for deep underground space utilization, deep space has gradually transitioned from single-purpose uses such as underground transportation, civil defense, and commerce to a comprehensive, livable, and disaster-resistant underground ecosystem. This shift has brought increasing attention to the safety of personnel flow in deep spaces. In addressing challenges in deep space passenger flow prediction, such as irregular flow patterns, surges in extreme conditions, large data dimensions, and redundant features complicating the model, this paper proposes a deep space passenger flow prediction model that integrates a Temporal Convolutional Network (TCN) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network. The model first employs a dual-layer LSTM network structure with a Dropout layer to capture complex temporal dynamics while preventing overfitting. Then, a Self-Attention mechanism and TCN network are introduced to reduce redundant feature data and enhance the model’s performance and speed. Finally, the Beluga Whale Optimization (BWO) algorithm is used to optimize hyperparameters, further improving the prediction accuracy of the network. Experimental results demonstrate that the BWO-TCLS-Self-Attention model proposed in this paper achieves an R2 value of 96.94%, with MAE and RMSE values of 118.464 and 218.118, respectively. Compared with some mainstream prediction models, the R2 value has increased, while both MAE and RMSE values have decreased, indicating its ability to accurately predict passenger flow in deep underground spaces.
Spatial and Temporal Evolution of Regional Energy Efficiency in China and Its Influencing Factors
Authors: Li Jinqiu , Hu Yufeng , Zhang Hui
Published: December 2024

Finding ways to improve regional energy efficiency is important for the Chinese government to achieve its dual carbon target. This paper aims to explore ways to improve regional energy efficiency by studying the spatial–temporal dynamic evolution of energy efficiency. To scientifically study the evolution trend in regional energy efficiency in China, this study uses convergence analysis, a spatial Gini coefficient decomposition model (no spatial consideration), and a spatial Markov chain model and spatial measurement model (spatial consideration). The results show the following: from 2008 to 2019, the mean value of regional single-factor energy efficiency (RS) showed an obvious trend of continuous increase, while the mean value of regional green total-factor energy efficiency (RT) changed from a trend of continuous decline to a relatively stable trend. The overall Gini coefficient of RS showed a trend of “steady–rising–steady”, and the overall Gini coefficient of RT showed a trend of “steady–small increase–sharp increase–fall”. There was club convergence in the two types of regional energy efficiency, and both of them achieved certain “leapfrog” changes. The factors that had a significant impact on RS include human capital, industrialization, openness, urbanization, financial development, and innovation environment. The significant factors for RT included governance structure, industrialization, openness, policy support, and financial development. The limitation of this paper is that only provincial data were used. In the future, city-level data can be mined and more detailed policy suggestions can be put forward for city-level differences. The research method used in this paper to study regional energy efficiency evolution trends is also applicable to other countries.
Contributon-Informed Approach to RPV Irradiation Study Using Hybrid Shielding Methodology
Authors: Matijević Mario , Trontl Krešimir , Pevec Dubravko
Published: December 2024

An important aspect of pressurized water reactor (PWR) lifetime monitoring is supporting radiation shielding analyses which can quantify various in-core and out-core effects induced in reactor materials by varying neutron–gamma fields. A good understanding of such a radiation environment during normal and accidental operating conditions is required by plant regulators to ensure proper shielding of equipment and working personnel. The complex design of a typical PWR is posing a deep penetration shielding problem for which an elaborate simulation model is needed, not only in geometrical aspects but also in efficient computational algorithms for solving particle transport. This paper presents such a hybrid shielding approach of FW-CADIS for characterization of the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) irradiation using SCALE6.2.4 code package. A fairly detailed Monte Carlo model (MC) of typical reactor internals was developed to capture all important streaming paths of fast neutrons which will backscatter the biological shield and thus enhance RPV irradiation through the cavity region. Several spatial differencing and angular segmentation options of the discrete ordinates SN flux solution were compared in connection to a SN mesh size and were inspected by VisIt code. To optimize MC neutron transport toward the upper RPV head, which is a particularly problematic region for particle transport, a deterministic solution of discrete ordinates in forward/adjoint mode was convoluted in a so-called contributon flux, which proved to be useful for subsequent SN mesh refinement and variance reduction (VR) parameters preparation. The pseudo-particle flux of contributons comes from spatial channel theory which can locate spatial regions important for contributing to a shielding response.