bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Household Dietary Profile, Diversity, and Food Security in the Grands-ponts Region of Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: KRAIDY Atchiman Esther Blandine , DIAGOU Jean-Jacques , YÉPIÉ Audrey Herbert , COULIBALY Gnelle Assita , ANIN-ATCHIBRI Anin L.
Published: February 2025

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the dietary habits, food diversity, and nutritional security of households in this region.
Study Design: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study.
Study setting and Duration: Nangui Abrogoua University, the departments of Dabou, Grand-Lahou, and Jacqueville, between July 3 and December 3, 2023.
Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1,059 households, using structured questionnaires to collect data on sociodemographic profiles, dietary practices, and food security indicators, including the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) and the Simplified Coping Strategies Index (rCSI).
Results: The results show that 75% of households consume three meals a day, but their diet remains monotonous, dominated by attiéké. Fish is the main source of protein, while dairy products, eggs, and fruits are under-consumed. Approximately 27% of households are food insecure, and only 10% enjoy food security. These findings reveal socio-economic constraints and limited dietary diversity.
Conclusion: This study highlights the need to promote dietary diversification and strengthen food security programs. Targeted actions in nutritional education and better access to diverse foods should be considered to sustainably improve the situation.
Morphological Diversity and Phytogeographic Patterns of Chrysophyllum albidum (Sapotaceae) in Benin
Authors: Alowanou-Kélé Blaise , Missihoun Antoine Abel , Agbo Relique Ignace , Sedah Paulin , Ewédjè Eben-Ezer , Yédomonhan Hounnankpon , Agbangla Clément
Published: February 2025

Chrysophyllum albidum is an agroforestry tree that provides enormous goods and services to local populations in West Africa. The unbridled use of organs the specy, causes its vulnerability, even its disappearance in certain regions, in Benin. The present study aims to evaluate the morphological diversity of populations of C. albidum in Benin, in order to differentiate individuals of the specy and target interesting morphotypes for its conservation.  Nine (9) variables were used to evaluation of the phenotypic diversity of sixty (60) fruiting trees of the specy, selected in four (04) phytodistricts of Benin. To determine the inter and intra-population variability of the specy, the descriptive statistic was carried out on the quantitative morphology variables of trees by population, and for all populations. The recorded morphological variables were subjected to ANOVA to test the variability of morphological descriptors within phytodistricts and between soil type levels. An Ascending Hierarchical Classification was performed to identify the different morphotypes of the specy. The results obtained reveal significant variability in certain morphological descriptors used, depending on the phytodistricts and soil groups. We observe depending on soil types, seven significant morphological descriptors, with a significance rate of 77.78% (higher) compared to five significant morphological descriptors for the phytodistricts, with a significance rate of 55.56% (lower). So, in Benin, soil types discriminate C. albidum, much more than phytodistricts. The descriptors based on the fruits and the leaves of trees of the specy are more discriminants than those the trunk and crown. Three (03) morphotypes of C. albidum were obtained in Benin. Chrysophyllum albidum’s plants of the phytodistricts Coastal and Plateau belong to the same phenotypic class while the trees of the phytodistricts Pobè and Valley of Ouémé each have a morphotype of the specy. Consisting of relatively short trees bearing longer and wider leaves and fruits, the morphotype of C. albidum from the phytodistrict Valley of Ouémé is better indicated for future selections. These various data found must be further supplemented by the molecular genetics characterization, for confirm genetic diversity of the species and support its reproduction programs.
Association of Trichloroacetic Acid Peeling with Photobiomodulation in the Treatment of Photoaging of the Hands: A Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial
Authors: Momolli Marcos , Santana Kelly Gomes , Guerra Marina Bertoni , Quaresma Silmara Brasileiro , Santos Tawany Gonçalves , Alves Cíntia Estefano , Duran Cinthya Cosme Gutierrez , Chavantes Maria Cristina , Marcos Rodrigo Labat , Zamuner Stella Regina , Junior Jose Antonio Silva , Aimbire Flavio , Palma Renata Kelly da , Oliveira Ana Paula Ligeiro de
Published: February 2025

Aims: To compare the photorejuvenating effects of 20% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peeling applied alone and the effects of associating 20% TCA peeling with red LED photobiomodulation (PBM) on the treatment of the back of the hands (660 nm; 100 mW; 5 J/cm²)
Study Design:  Randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medicine-Biophotonic, Universidade Nove de Julho, Campus Vergueiro, São Paulo, Brazil, between July 2020 and September 2021.
Methodology: Forty-four participants were randomized into two groups. The experimental group underwent three sessions of 20% TCA peeling combined with PBM, while the control group received three sessions of 20% TCA peeling with simulated PBM. Treatments were administered monthly, with evaluations conducted biweekly. Assessment of photoaging characteristics, including fine and deep wrinkles, dyschromia, and global appearance, was performed using standardized photographs analyzed by two independent plastic surgeons. Pain and participant satisfaction were assessed using a visual analog scale and a 5-point Likert scale.
Results: After three sessions, the experimental group demonstrated significant improvement in fine wrinkles, deep wrinkles, and pain levels, as well as in dyschromia and global assessment after two sessions. Both groups showed high satisfaction.
Conclusion: This study supports the beneficial role of PBM as an adjunct to 20% TCA peeling in hand photoaging treatment.
Sustainable Remediation Technique for Heavy Metals-Contaminated Soil Using Agro-Waste
Authors: Ntesat Unyeawaji Brownson , Ozero Blessing Oghale , Emeka Chinwendu , Okosiemiema Raphael
Published: February 2025

Investigating the potential of Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) leaf extract to stimulate the removal of selected heavy metals (chromium, zinc and iron) in spent engine oil-contaminated soil, which would help in managing the agro-waste. To achieve this, 4kg of sandy loam soil was artificially polluted with a fixed used engine oil of 0.5L to simulate conditions of a spill. The leaf extract was derived from the bitter leaf plant which were harvested, washed with distilled water, blended and filtered to get the juice. The experiment used a randomized complete block design (RCBD), the set-up consisted of three treatments (T1, T2 and T3) and one control (T4), each replicated twice. The stated treatments contain 250, 500 and 750 g of the leaf extract except for the control with no treatment. The set-up was tilled and irrigated twice weekly for a period of 40 days. The nutritional (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) value of the bitter leaf extract and selected heavy metals were determined following standard procedures. The heavy metals content were determined before and after application of treatment, till the end of the experiment. After 40 days of treatment, chromium content dropped to 0.023, 0.015, 0.0065 and 0.121 mg/kg (T1, T2 T3 and T4), accounting for 61.76, 42.31, 25.81 and 19.01% reduction, respectively. Zinc and iron followed same trend. However, C reclaimed the selected heavy metals in the spent engine oil-contaminated soil, better than other levels of treatments.
Addressing persistent challenges in digital image analysis of cancer tissue: resources developed from a hackathon
Authors: Prabhakaran Sandhya , Yapp Clarence , Baker Gregory J. , Beyer Johanna , Chang Young Hwan , Creason Allison L. , Krueger Robert , Muhlich Jeremy , Patterson Nathan Heath , Sidak Kevin , Sudar Damir , Taylor Adam J. , Ternes Luke , Troidl Jakob , Yubin Xie , Sokolov Artem , Tyson Darren R.
Published: February 2025

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) supports numerous research consortia that rely on imaging technologies to study cancerous tissues. To foster collaboration and innovation in this field, the Image Analysis Working Group (IAWG) was created in 2019. As multiplexed imaging techniques grow in scale and complexity, more advanced computational methods are required beyond traditional approaches like segmentation and pixel intensity quantification. In 2022, the IAWG held a virtual hackathon focused on addressing challenges in analyzing complex, high‐dimensional datasets from fixed cancer tissues. The hackathon addressed key challenges in three areas: (1) cell type classification and assessment, (2) spatial data visualization and translation, and (3) scaling image analysis for large, multi‐terabyte datasets. Participants explored the limitations of current automated analysis tools, developed potential solutions, and made significant progress during the hackathon. Here we provide a summary of the efforts and resultant resources and highlight remaining challenges facing the research community as emerging technologies are integrated into diverse imaging modalities and data analysis platforms.
Cost‐Effectiveness of the Tailored Activity Programme for Person With Dementia‐Caregiver Dyads: A Markov Model
Authors: Gannon Brenda , Vo Vinh , Gitlin Laura N. , Bennett Sally
Published: February 2025

Objectives

The Tailored Activity Programme (TAP) is a home‐based programme with compelling outcomes for reducing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia and functional decline. We conducted a cost‐utility analysis of TAP compared to usual care, for the person with dementia and their caregiver.

Methods

We developed a Markov Model, from the healthcare sector perspective. Using parameters from the dementia care literature. Base‐case and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were applied to handle uncertainty.

Results

Given the growing need for cost‐effective dementia care, understanding the cost‐effectiveness of TAP is crucial for health service design and its implementation into healthcare settings. Our study shows that TAP is cost‐effective for both males and females with dementia and their caregivers. The most favourable cost‐effectiveness acceptability curves were found in men and women with dementia, aged 50 to 70, with lower costs and higher QALYs compared to those over 80. The probability of TAP being cost‐effective rises with public higher willingness‐to‐pay thresholds, especially for people with dementia in the age group of 50–70.

Conclusions

These findings indicate TAP is highly cost‐effective for individuals living with dementia compared to usual home care, which provides evidence for policy makers towards their decisions on resource allocation and for implementing TAP in Australia.
Classification of Hepatic Nodules Using an Improved WOA‐SVM Radiomics Model
Authors: Sun Haoyun , Wang Lijia
Published: February 2025

The incidence and mortality of liver cancer in China are not optimistic. Early diagnosis and treatment have become the urgent means to solve this situation. To develop an improved radiomics model for the classification of hepatic nodules based on dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI). The DCE‐MRI images of 30 hepatitis, 30 cirrhotic nodules (CN), 30 dysplastic nodules (DN), and 30 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients were retrospectively and randomly divided into training and testing datasets in a 7:3 ratio. Firstly, the radiomics features of lesions were extracted by using feature extractor module based on Pyradiomics, from which optimal features were selected by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). Then, the improved whale optimization algorithm (WOA) with Tent mapping, Adaptive weight, and Levy flight (TALWOA) was used for parameter optimization of support vector machines (SVM). Finally, TALWOA‐SVM was employed for the four‐class classification of hepatic nodules. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, area under curve (AUC), and F1‐score were used to evaluate the performance of the TALWOA‐SVM model. Forty‐four most informative features were selected from 851 features to train the SVM classifier. Compared with the standard whale algorithm and other optimization algorithms, the optimized model proposed in this paper has highest classification accuracy (81.315%), the ROC of each category being closer to the top left corner with AUC were 0.9378 (95% CI: 0.893–0.981), 0.9223 (95% CI: 0.873–0.971), 0.9794 (0.958–1.000), 0.9872 (0.971–1.000). The model proposed in this study can better classify hepatic nodules in different periods, and is expected to provide help for the early diagnosis of liver cancer.
A Zwitterion Coupled All‐Solid‐State Single Ion Conducting Polymer Electrolyte via Photoinitiated Thiol‐Ene Click Polymerization
Authors: Tu Kaifang , Zhang Jinnan , Luo Ganqing , Zeng Danli , Zhang Yunfeng , Sun Yubao
Published: February 2025

The all‐solid‐state single ion conducting polymer electrolyte has a bottleneck in ionic conductivity even though it can prevent concentration polarization. Here, lithium 3,3′‐(diallylammonio)bis(propane‐1‐sulfonyl(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide) (LiDAA(PSI)2) with a symmetrical “one positive, two negative” structure and unsaturated double bonds for propagation, is synthesized. LiDAA(PSI)2 is copolymerized with 1,2‐ethanedithiol and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate via photoinitiated thiol‐ene click polymerization and forms a random copolymer, SPZ for short. For comparison, lithium 3‐(diallylamino)propane‐1‐sulfonyl(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide) (LiDAAPSI) and corresponding copolymer SP are synthesized. The 7Li resonance peak position of LiDAA(PSI)2 shifts to a low‐field compared to that of LiDAAPSI, indicating a weaker electrostatic attraction. The symmetrical “one positive, two negative” structure is responsible for the low‐field shift, taking effect of charge conjugation. Unsurprisingly, the ionic conductivity of SPZ is 1.69e‐5 S cm−1 at 60 °C, which is 1.9 times that of SP. Lithium electroplating and stripping at 0.0125 mA cm−2@0.05 mAh cm−2 at 60 °C are performed. An all‐solid‐state single ion conducting lithium metal secondary battery is demonstrated. Zwitterion coupled LiDAA(PSI)2 possesses a symmetrical “one positive, two negative” structure, charge conjugation to weaken electrostatic interaction, and unsaturated double bonds for propagation, which inspires the design and synthesis of single ion conducting polymer electrolytes with zwitterion effect.
Calculation method of stress intensity factors for three‐dimensional crack of glass reinforced aluminum laminates
Authors: Qi Cong , Pi Ai‐guo
Published: February 2025

Improved the interaction integral method for calculating three‐dimensional crack stress intensity factors (SIFs), and fully evaluating the actual calculation accuracy of the improved method. Combining glass reinforced aluminum laminates (GLARE) stress corrosion experiment, the improved calculation method was used to study three‐dimensional crack SIFs, and the calculation results were accurate and effective. Analyzed the influence of crack inclination angle and crack depth on the distribution of three‐dimensional crack SIFs in GLARE. The work results provide calculation methods for preventing the unstable propagation of GLARE three‐dimensional crack and predicting the service life.

Highlights

Improved the interaction integral method for calculating SIFs of 3‐D crack.

Glare stress corrosion experiment of prefabricated crack was carried out.

The SIFs of stress corrosion crack in GLARE are calculated.

Provide reference for calculating GLARE fracture mechanics parameters.
Psychosocial Interventions to Improve Wellbeing in Teenage and Young Adult Post‐Treatment Survivors of Childhood Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: O'Donnell Nicola , Ellis Leila , Morgan Jessica E. , Gregersen Pernille Axél , Willard Victoria , Howell Debra , Phillips Bob
Published: February 2025

Objective

This systematic review explores psychosocial interventions aimed at improving the well‐being of teenage and young adult (TYA) survivors of childhood cancer. It focuses on post‐treatment survivors aged 13–39 years, examining the types of interventions trialled, their efficacy in enhancing different facets of mental well‐being, and any potential negative impacts. The review was prospectively registered on PROSPERO and utilised randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to assess psychosocial interventions such as cognitive‐behavioural therapy, psychoeducation, peer support, and physical activity programmes.

Methods

Fifteen studies involving 1109 participants were included, covering interventions across multiple modes of delivery; online, in‐person, and app‐based.

Results

Interventions demonstrated varied effects on outcomes like quality of life, depression, anxiety, stress, mood, behaviour, coping skills, and social support. While some interventions, such as psychoeducation and physical activity programs, showed promising improvements in well‐being, others demonstrated limited or mixed results. No significant adverse effects were reported.

Conclusions

The heterogeneity of interventions and outcome measures pose challenges for definitive conclusions, emphasising the need for future research with standardised measures, consistent sample sizes, and long‐term follow‐up to better assess the sustainability of intervention effects. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of tailored psychosocial support to address the unique needs of TYA cancer survivors during their survivorship journey.
Exploring the morphology and taphonomy of Archaeoniscus brodiei—a gregarious, Early Cretaceous isopod
Authors: Bicknell Russell D. C. , Klompmaker Adiël A. , Smith Patrick M. , Hegna Thomas A.
Published: February 2025

Marine isopod fossils represent a small component of the crustacean fossil record, contrasting the exceptional modern diversity of marine representatives of Isopoda. Examination of previously documented isopod species therefore presents an opportunity to derive additional paleobiological and taphonomic insight of these rare fossils. Here we consider two clusters of Archaeoniscus brodiei from the Lower Cretaceous (middle to upper Berriasian) Intermarine Member of the Durlston Formation, England. The individuals within the clusters are mostly complete, of similar size ranges, and are preserved on two different bedding planes. After examining these individuals, we illustrate, for the first time, appendages and eyes of A. brodiei. The appendage morphology supports the interpretation of A. brodiei as an isopod adapted to a benthic lifestyle. We propose that isopods from the Durlston Formation follow similar taphonomic pathways to arthropods preserved within plattenkalk-like deposits, resulting in enrichment in calcium carbonate and phosphate. Finally, the clusters reflect gregarious activities that were preserved during hypoxic events brought on by concurrent decay of algal blooms.
On completeness of foliated structures, and null Killing fields
Authors: Hanounah Malek , Mehidi Lilia
Published: February 2025

We consider a compact manifold

$$(M,\mathfrak {F})$$

(
M
,
F
)

with a foliation

$$\mathfrak {F}$$

F

, and a smooth affine connection

$$\nabla $$

∇

on the tangent bundle of the foliation

$$T\mathfrak {F}$$

T
F

. We introduce and study a foliated completeness problem. Namely, under which conditions on

$$\nabla $$

∇

the leaves are complete? We consider different natural geometric settings: the first one is the case of a totally geodesic lightlike foliation of a compact Lorentzian manifold, and the second one is the case where the leaves have particular affine structures. In the first case, we characterize the completeness, and obtain in particular that if a compact Lorentzian manifold admits a null Killing field V such that the distribution orthogonal to V is integrable, then it defines a (totally geodesic) foliation with complete leaves. In the second case, we give a completeness result for a specific affine structure called “the unimodular affine lightlike geometry”, and characterize the completeness for a natural relaxation of the geometry. On the other hand, we study the global completeness of a compact Lorentzian manifold in the presence of a null Killing field. We give two non-complete examples, starting from dimension 3: one is a locally homogeneous manifold, and the other is a 3D example where the Killing field dynamics is equicontinuous.
High gain, multi-pass, femtosecond Yb: KYW crossed-crystals amplifier pumped by high-brightness tapered laser diodes
Authors: Dabbene Simone , Gotti Riccardo , Xue Wenze , Pizzurro Sara , Heinrich Arne , Messner Manuel , Agnesi Antonio , Pirzio Federico
Published: February 2025

In this work we present the development and characterization of a high-gain, double-pass and four-pass femtosecond Yb: KYW amplifier pumped by two polarization-coupled tapered laser diodes emitting a total power of 9 W at 979 nm. The amplifier utilized relies on a crossed-crystals configuration, employing two 3-mm-long 10%-at. doped Ng-cut Yb: KYW crystals with orthogonal orientation of the respective Nm-axis in order to optimize pump absorption and minimize gain narrowing. The amplifier was seeded either with almost Fourier-transform limited ∼300-fs pulses from an in-house-made Yb: KYW oscillator, or with 5-ps-long, chirped pulses (∼15 nm full-width at half-maximum bandwidth around 1030 nm) from a commercial Yb-doped fiber laser. In both cases, we achieved a four-pass small-signal gain G0 > 100 and an optical-to-optical extraction efficiency of about 30%, even at low seed average power levels. The amplifier showed excellent spatial beam quality preservation up to the full pump power (M2 < 1.1) and good preservation of the pulse duration with negligible gain narrowing in case of the 300-fs bulk seeder and pulses
$$\:\le\:$$
200 fs after compression in case of the fiber laser seeder.
Medical mud-pack treatment with different temperatures in patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Güneri Fulya Demircioğlu , Karaarslan Fatih , Özen Hülya , Odabaşi Ersin
Published: February 2025

To compare the effects of medical mud-pack (MMP) treatments applied at different temperatures on the pain and joint functions of patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Kellgren Lawrence (KL) stage 3 or 4 KOA patients were included and randomized into three groups. Patients in groups 1, 2, and 3 took MMP treatment to both knees at 39 °C, 42 °C, and 45 °C, respectively. The treatment was performed for 12 days (only weekdays) and was 30 min long per day. The same blinded physician evaluated the patients at baseline and at the end of the treatment. The assessments were done before and after the intervention. The primary outcome was to achieve a minimal clinically important improvement (MCII) for KOA (decrease of at least 19 mm (-40.8%) on the VAS for pain, a decrease of 18.3 mm (-39%) on the patient’s global assessment (PGA), and/or a decrease of at least 9.1 points (-26%) on the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index function subscale (WOMAC-FS). Secondary outcomes were pain (VAS), patient’s global assessment (VAS), physician’s global assessment (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Patient’s health state, Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS). 217 patients were analyzed. Groups 1, 2, and 3 had 68, 81,68 patients, respectively. The MCII measurement revealed that MMP treatment did not show a significant difference between groups 2 and 3 (p > 0.05). Also, it was observed that more patients in groups 2 and 3 reached the MCII compared to group 1 (p < 0.001). For the secondary outcomes, significant improvements were observed within-group evaluations for each of the three groups (p < 0.001). Between groups comparisons, the improvements at the end of the treatment were found to be superior for group 2 and group 3 compared to group 1 (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between groups 2 and 3 for any parameters (p > 0.05). The number of patients who achieved the PASS was statistically lower for group 1 compared to groups 2 and 3 (p < 0.001). We observed significant improvements in all groups after treatment. The main result, as measured by MCII, suggests that MMP treatments at 42–45 °C is more effective than at 39 °C in managing severe KOA patients’ pain and functional status. We found no significant difference in pain and joint function improvement between 42 °C and 45 °C after MMP.
Intentions of hospital pharmacists to use digital technology in their daily practice: a cross-sectional survey using the Theory of Planned Behaviour
Authors: Tecen-Yucel Kamer , Ozdemir-Ayduran Nesligül , Kara Emre , Demirkan Kutay , Okuyan Betul
Published: February 2025

Background

Digital technology has been widely integrated into healthcare. This encompasses knowledge, skills, and practices related to the development and use of health technologies. The behavior of health professionals is critical to the adoption of these technologies.

Aim

This study aimed to investigate factors associated with hospital pharmacists’ intention to use digital technology in their daily practice using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB).

Method

In this cross-sectional study, a paper-based survey was conducted among hospital pharmacists who attended the National Hospital Pharmacy Congress in Türkiye in March 2022. A valid and reliable Turkish scale based on the TBP was used to identify factors associated with the intention score by a multiple linear regression model.

Results

One hundred ten participants completed the survey (response rate: 44.0%). Seventy percent of pharmacists reported that they had not received prior training in digital technologies. More than eighty percent of the participants said they intend to use digital technology in daily practice. The higher scores of attitudes (p = 0.005), self-efficacy (p < 0.001), and working place (p = 0.017) were associated with increased intention scores.

Conclusion

Positive attitudes, higher self-efficacy, and working in tertiary hospitals were associated with hospital pharmacists’ intentions to use digital technology in daily practice. These factors should be considered in developing interventions to promote digital technology use of hospital pharmacists.
Ranking Departments based on research quality: a statistical evaluation of the ISPD indicator
Authors: Galli Federica , Greco Fedele
Published: February 2025

Given the relevance of performance-based funding for the Italian University System, in this paper, we analyse the statistical properties of the ISPD indicator used to provide a ranking of the best 180 Italian Departments. Besides the adoption of a standardization procedure and subsequent aggregation, the main flow of the ISPD indicator appears to be its tendency to polarization, which has important consequences on the ability of such indicator to effectively discriminate between outstanding Departments as opposed to those just above the average. Implications on funding allocation are discussed using data on the 2011-2014 Italian research assessment exercise and some proposals on alternative indicators that solve some of the critical aspects of ISPD are sketched.
Supervision of seismic velocity models of the Reykjanes Peninsula Rift, SW Iceland
Authors: Růžek Bohuslav , Doubravová Jana , Horálek Josef
Published: February 2025

Most methods for processing seismological data require a suitable velocity model characteristic for the given region being defined. This is also the case of the Reykjanes Peninsula in SW Iceland, where the REYKJANET seismic network was built to monitor local seismicity in the rift zone. At present, four previously published 1D velocity models (SIL, BRA, TRY and VOG) can potentially be used, prompting us to determine which one is the best. In order to address this issue, we arranged a contest in which all four 1D models and one additional 3D model (T3D) were entered. Uniform methodology for classifying the models was applied and included an analysis of: (i) post-localization travel-time residuals, (ii) residuals of the P-wave first-motion incidence angle and (iii) model-predicted and measured Rayleigh-wave dispersion. We discovered that no single model was unequivocally the most optimal, as the differences between them proved rather minor. A common shortcoming of all the models is the bias of the P-wave first motion incidence angle residuals, which may be a general problem for methods working with P-wave amplitudes (e.g., moment tensor solutions). The VOG model was selected with a weak preference. Finally, we propose a simple method for modifying any of the 1D models by adding a station-dependent surface layer with a vertical velocity gradient. This way, a pseudo-3D model is generated which is fully competitive with a true 3D model while retaining the simplicity of 1D ray tracing. The efficiency of this correction was demonstrated using the VOG model. The corrected VOG model provides post-localization residuals comparable with the true 3D model T3D, has zero bias in predicting the P-wave first-motion incidence angles, and agrees acceptably in predicting the Rayleigh-wave phase-velocity known from other sources. While calculations with a 3D model can be clumsy, the proposed pseudo-3D model is defined by few parameters and is very easy to use. Its applicability is limited to earthquake sources deeper than the deepest lower limit of the topmost layer below the stations.
Influence of HIPing Post-Treatment on the Cavitation Erosion in HVOF Thermally Sprayed WC-NiCrBSi Coatings
Authors: Algoburi A. , Ahmed R. , Kumar V.
Published: February 2025

Cavitation erosion caused by the energy released from collapsing bubbles is a major failure mode of engineering components in hydraulic and marine environments. Thermal spray coatings provide a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to improve the cavitation erosion resistance of components. Functionally graded WC-NiCrBSi coatings were deposited by the high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) process and post-retreated using hot isostatic pressing (HIPing) to improve the interlamellar bonding at two different temperatures of 850 °C and 1200 °C. ASTM G32 cavitation erosion tests were conducted in seawater for a total test time of 24 hours. Microstructural and post-cavitation test investigations were conducted on the coating surface and cross sections using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Microstructural phases were investigated using x-ray diffraction (XRD). Changes in microstructure, hardness, fracture toughness, and porosity due to HIPing post-treatment are discussed. The results of this investigation show that the cavitation erosion resistance of coatings improves after HIPing post-treatment. This improvement was five times the cavitation wear resistance of as-sprayed coating at the HIPing temperature of 1200 °C, surpassing the cavitation erosion resistance of the AISI 440 C steel substrate. Microstructural changes leading to the strengthening of interlamellar and carbide-matrix boundaries, which reduce intergranular and transgranular crack propagation, are attributed to this improvement. A combination of the improvement in hardness, elastic modulus, porosity, and fracture toughness due to microstructural changes resulted in the superior cavitation erosion resistance of HIPed coatings.
Predicting seawater intrusion wedge length in coastal aquifers using hybrid gradient boosting techniques
Authors: Elshaarawy Mohamed Kamel , Armanuos Asaad M.
Published: February 2025

Controlling seawater intrusion (SWI) into freshwater aquifers is crucial for preserving water quality in coastal groundwater management. This research evaluates the performance of three machine learning (ML) models: eXtreme Gradient Boosting (BO-XGB), Light Gradient Boosting Machine (BO-LGB), and Categorical Gradient Boosting (BO-CGB) in predicting the SWI wedge length. A database of 345 numerical simulations was compiled from previous research, and Bayesian Optimization (BO) with fivefold cross-validation was used to fine-tune the models. The inputs included abstraction well distance (X

a
), abstraction well depth (Y

a
), recharge well distance (X

r
), recharge well depth (Y

r
), abstraction rate (Q

a
), artificial recharge rate (Q

r
), and SWI wedge length (L). Results show that BO-CGB consistently achieved the best performance, with high R2 values (0.996 in training and 0.969 in testing) and low RMSE values (0.439 m in training and 1.327 m in testing). SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis highlighted that Q

a
and Q

r
had the most significant impact on SWI wedge length predictions, followed by X

a
and Y

a
. Partial Dependence Plot (PDP) analysis revealed a strong negative correlation between flow variables Q

a
and Q

r
and wedge length, while X

r
displayed a more complex, non-linear pattern. BO-CGB emerged as the most reliable model for predicting SWI wedge length. To facilitate practical application, an interactive Graphical User Interface (GUI) was developed, enabling users to input variables and receive instant predictions, enhancing the practical usability of the ML models in managing SWI in coastal aquifers.
Local High Pressure Torsion: a process for creating targeted heterogeneities in metallic materials
Authors: Beygelzimer E. , Davydenko O. , Beygelzimer Y. , Tereshchenko Y. , Bondarchuk V. , Shyvaniuk V. , Fataiev R. , Shapiro I. , Balakin V. , Biba N. , Orlov D.
Published: February 2025

In the light of recent developments in the design of structural materials, micro-architected heterogenous-structure metals are considered among most structurally efficient. In this work, a new technique for Local High Pressure Torsion (L-HPT) enabling the creation of heterogeneous structures through localised deformation processing in sheet metals by impeding a rotating punch is proposed. Using AA5083 aluminium alloy as an example, we show experimentally that the rotation of the punch sets adjacent material layers in motion. This results in more than two-fold increase in material hardness over initial level in the workpiece bulk with rather sharp gradients in hardness level transition. The maximum hardness is observed at the peripheral edge of a punch tip. Finite-element modelling of the L-HPT process confirmed that the rotational flow of workpiece material leads to the accumulation of shear strain. The level of accumulated strain increases with an increase in friction at the contact surface. Further analysis based on dimensionality theory revealed that for such an L-HPT configuration the level of equivalent strain is directly proportional to the ratio of rotation-to-translation speeds at the punch.
Performance Comparison of Centered and Tilted Blunt and Lighthouse Tip Cannulae for Drainage in Extracorporeal Life Support
Authors: Rorro Federico , Broman Lars Mikael , Prahl Wittberg Lisa
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is a lifesaving treatment for patients with refractory acute respiratory, circulatory, or combined cardiopulmonary failure. The patient is cannulated with one or two cannulae for drainage and reinfusion of blood. Blood is drained from the patient, pumped through a membrane lung for oxygenation and returned to the patient. Treatment efficiency depends on correct cannula positioning and interactions between drainage and reinfusion cannula.

Methods

An experimental setup was built to study the isolated drainage performance of 24 Fr rigid models of a blunt and lighthouse tip cannula, both when centered and when tilted towards the vessel wall. Planar particle image velocimetry was used to investigate the flow field with water as the fluid medium.

Results

For similar flow configuration, higher shear stresses were recorded in the blunt tip rather than lighthouse tip cannula. Moreover, in the lighthouse tip cannula, side-holes furthest from the tip (proximal side-holes) had the highest drainage. Results did not change substantially when the cannula was tilted towards the vessel wall.

Conclusions

The effective drainage point of the lighthouse tip cannula was located near the proximal side-holes. Lower shear stresses were recorded in the lighthouse tip cannula when compared with the blunt tip cannula, for all considered flow rate ratios and cannula positions.
Carbon coated titanium dioxide (CC-TiO2) as an efficient anode material for sodium- ion batteries
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Pradeep Anagha , Bhargava Parag
Published: February 2025

TiO2 has attracted a lot of attention as anode material for sodium-ion batteries due to its higher operating voltage, safely and low lost material, but TiO2 has two main issues, low electronic conductivity and slow solid-state ion diffusion. These issues have been successfully resolved by researchers using carbon coating on TiO2. In this work, carbon coated TiO2 (CC-TiO2) nanoparticles have been synthesized by using TiO2 and sucrose as soluble source of carbon. The carbon coating on TiO2 particles was formed after heat treatment in inert atmosphere. CC-TiO2 particles exhibited reversible capacity of 116 mAh g− 1 at 0.1 C after 50 cycles, and high capacity retention of 77% after 100 cycles in a sodium-ion battery cell. The impressive electrochemical performance of the TiO2 particles is due to several factors: the small size of the crystallites, the continuous electronic network created by the close contact of individual carbon-coated TiO2 particles, and the efficient penetration of the mesopores by the electrolyte.
The Handling of the Credit Suisse Failure in Light of the FSB’s Key Attributes for Global Systemically Important Banks
Authors: Grünewald Seraina
Published: February 2025

On 19 March 2023, the Swiss authorities announced that UBS would acquire its failing competitor Credit Suisse in a state-facilitated merger to avoid its resolution. What is seen by some observers as a blunt violation of international standards warrants an objective and balanced assessment. This article provides such an assessment, contrasting the measures taken on 19 March 2023 with alternative courses of action contemplated by the Swiss authorities and evaluating their outcome in light of the international framework devised for resolving global systemically important banks—the Key Attributes of the Financial Stability Board. The assessment shows that the handling of Credit Suisse’s failure was far from a bailout like those seen during the global financial crisis of 2007-2008. While the Swiss authorities chose not to apply their legal powers to put Credit Suisse into resolution, many aspects of the resolution framework fulfilled their intended purpose. Nevertheless, the article points to three key lessons for the further development of global resolution frameworks: (1) avoiding the risks associated with creating yet bigger banks should become an explicit objective of resolution planning; (2) preserving strategic optionality in resolution planning will significantly enhance the chances of successfully deploying resolution actions; and (3) resolution planning as well as a credible public sector backstop must cater for the ample funding needs during and after the resolution of global systemically important banks.
Double Coalitions in Graphs
Authors: Henning Michael A. , Mojdeh Doost Ali
Published: February 2025

A set S of vertices in a graph G is a dominating set of G if every vertex not in S has a neighbor in S, where two vertices are neighbors if they are adjacent. If G is isolate-free, then a set

$$S \subseteq V(G)$$

S
⊆
V
(
G
)

is a double dominating set of G, if every vertex in

$$V(G) \setminus S$$

V
(
G
)
\
S

has at least two neighbors in S, and every vertex in S has a neighbor in S. A double coalition in G consists of two disjoint sets of vertices X and Y of G, neither of which is a double dominating set but whose union

$$X \cup Y$$

X
∪
Y

is a double dominating set of G. Such sets X and Y are said to form a double coalition. A double coalition partition in G is a vertex partition

$$\Psi = \{V_1,V_2,\ldots ,V_k\}$$

Ψ
=
{

V
1

,

V
2

,
…
,

V
k

}

such that for all

$$i \in [k]$$

i
∈
[
k
]

, the set

$$V_i$$

V
i

forms a double coalition with another set

$$V_j$$

V
j

for some j, where

$$j \in [k] \setminus \{i\}$$

j
∈
[
k
]
\
{
i
}

. The double coalition number,

$$\textrm{DC}(G)$$

DC
(
G
)

, of G equals the maximum order of a double coalition partition in G. We prove that every isolate-free graph has a double coalition partition, and we show that

$$2 \le \textrm{DC}(G) \le n$$

2
≤
DC
(
G
)
≤
n

and we characterize the graphs G satisfying

$$\textrm{DC}(G) = 2$$

DC
(
G
)
=
2

and the graphs G satisfying

$$\textrm{DC}(G) = n$$

DC
(
G
)
=
n

. We show that

$$\textrm{DC}(G) \ge \delta (G) + 1$$

DC
(
G
)
≥
δ
(
G
)
+
1

where

$$\delta (G)$$

δ
(
G
)

denotes the minimum degree among the vertices of G. We show that if

$$\delta (G) \in \{1,2\}$$

δ
(
G
)
∈
{
1
,
2
}

, then

$$\textrm{DC}(G) \le \Delta (G) + 1$$

DC
(
G
)
≤
Δ
(
G
)
+
1

where

$$\Delta (G)$$

Δ
(
G
)

denotes the maximum degree among the vertices of G. However we show that there exist graphs G with

$$\delta (G) \ge 6$$

δ
(
G
)
≥
6

satisfying

$$\textrm{DC}(G) > \Delta (G) + 1$$

DC
(
G
)
>
Δ
(
G
)
+
1

. We determine the double coalition number of special classes of graphs. In particular, we determine the double coalition number of every cubic graph G and show that

$$\textrm{DC}(G) = 4$$

DC
(
G
)
=
4

always holds.
Comparison of Three Quality Assurance Methods for Clinical Ultrasound Devices
Authors: Vuorenmaa Anna , Koivikko Anastasia , Siitama Eetu , Aarnio Jussi , Linder Pia , Heikkinen Jari , Eskola Hannu
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of the work was to compare the performance of different ultrasound quality assurance methods in finding transducer defects. For this, three different commonly used ultrasound QA methods were studied and compared.

Methods

The integrity of 99 US transducers was measured using the FirstCall transducer test in two tertiary healthcare centers in Finland. Thereafter, the ability of three different quality assurance methods (the FirstCall sensitivity test, in-air reverberation test, and uniformity test) to find defective probes was evaluated with a sub-group (N=37) of probes. All sensors were classified as either defective or functional according to predefined criteria.

Results

According to the 99 FirstCall measurement reports, 31% of the transducers were defective. The sensitivity test, in-air test, and uniformity test identified 27, 27, and 14% of the transducers, respectively, as defective. The agreement between the three quality assurance methods was 78%.

Conclusion

Even if ultrasound quality assurance is performed systematically, the number of undetected defective transducers can still be high. FirstCall allows the transducers to be measured independently and is useful in testing the sensitivity and capacitance of each element and the wiring. The in-air reverberation test is effective in finding transducer failures. It is the easiest and fastest to implement and is therefore recommended to be performed regularly for all ultrasound transducers in clinical use along with the mechanical inspection. The uniformity test requires a phantom and can be used to confirm a possible defect found by the two other methods.
A global study on the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the modern cow leather industry
Authors: Brugnoli F. , Sena K. , Zugno L. , Oggioni A.
Published: February 2025

The leather industry lacks aggregated studies regarding the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of leather production. Existing studies to date are outdated, incomplete, use old methodologies, or do not represent the whole leather segment. There is a need for more complete, reliable, and updated studies in modern state-of-the-art leather production sites (tanneries), which are more representative of global leather production than the current limited and isolated studies. This work aims to provide an average LCA for the leather industry, without focusing on specific tanneries or locations. The goal is to produce high quality, up-to-date, and aggregated LCA data that accurately represents leather in comparison with synthetic and alternative materials. SimaPro 9.1.0.8 [1],a robust and reliable LCA software used to ensure the credibility of life cycle assessment results, and the Ecoinvent 3.6 [2] database, that features more than 2,200 new and 2,500 updated datasets, were used to conduct 56 LCA studies of bovine leathers produced by 6 leather groups in 16 facilities distributed among eleven countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Italy, Sweden, Thailand, United Kingdom, the United States, Uruguay, and Vietnam) and for different types of leather (automotive, shoe, upholstery, and leather goods) that represent most types of leathers produced globally. The ISO 14044 [3] LCA methodology was used for LCA and life cycle inventory (LCI) studies providing the scope, interpretation, reporting, and critical review of the LCA. The LCA results indicate that, of the six impact categories studied (Global Warming, Eutrophication, Abiotic Depletion, Water Use, Water Consumption, and Freshwater Ecotoxicity), the farming stage (upstream) significantly contributes to the impact of five of them. A need for more basic data on raw material allocation, processing, and chemicals was identified. Nonetheless, the study revealed that the values for several parameters were much lower than previously indicated, particularly regarding allocation to raw materials. These new results can be used as a benchmark for complementary studies in this area and to recommend opportunities for process improvements that will make the leather industry more sustainable in the future. The paper contains important information for understanding the LCA hot spots and provides insights into the industry regarding the improvements needed in specific process areas. It also allows for a better understanding of data gaps that, when addressed, will allow for more reliable aggregated bovine leather LCAs.
Molecular dynamics of plant-virus interactions: unravelling the dual role of ubiquitin proteasome system
Authors: Sharma Veerendra , Devendran Ragunathan , Kumar Manish , Prajapati Ramgopal , Kumar Ritesh , Prakash Ved
Published: February 2025

Plants response to various biotic and abiotic factors requires not only the de novo synthesis of proteins and enzymes but also their precise and timely degradation. The latter is achieved through protein degradation machinery such as the ubiquitin proteasome pathway (UPS). The UPS plays a central role in maintaining cellular physiology and orchestrating plant response to stresses responses. The UPS regulates all stages of defense response from pathogen perception to mounting defense response, this make the UPS a suitable candidate for host manipulation. Viruses are obligatory intracellular pathogens and master of manipulating host defense machinery for successful infection and spread. Several reports suggest a dynamic interaction between the host UPS machinery and viruses. This review focuses on our current understanding of the involvement of UPS in defense against plant viruses and how viruses have evolved mechanisms to counter and exploit UPS machinery for their advantage.
Human rights and taxation in the digital economy: data tax and the right to science
Authors: Lamchek Jayson S.
Published: February 2025

Data tax (DT) could re-establish states’ legitimacy by governing economic actors and promoting social solidarity and welfare through benefits. However, the overall impact of DT will depend on decisions about what social benefits DT funds (universal basic income or less expensive public goods) and whether benefits will entrench or challenge harmful business models and practices. Focusing on the right to science (RtS), the paper argues that DT could realise the RtS in the digital age through taxation that exacted not only data rent but also rent on the scientific heritage. Finally, the paper emphasises the need for international coordination to ensure that DT is equitably shared among developed and less developed countries.