bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Boundary Conditions and Angles on the Compressive Performance of the Corner Element
Authors: Xu Bing , Wang Lang , Liu Qin , Wang Rui , Xu Bo , Kong Bing , Zhang Dan
Published: January 2025

The corner element is the most basic constitutive element of multi-cellular thin-walled structures; however, scenarios for using relevant theories are limited. To improve this situation, this research investigated the effect of boundary conditions on the compression performance of corner elements with different angles. The deformation laws of corner elements were also explored. The approach was based on experiments and the finite element method. The result shows the outwardly extending plates on both sides yield first, the central twisted wire region then destabilizes and exits the working state, and the plate enters the post-buckling phase. A more relaxed boundary and larger angle can make it easier for the corner elements to trigger the symmetric deformation mode. Moreover, a mechanical model for simplified computation is proposed to predict the initial peak crushing force. The research can provide a reference for studying the compression performance of energy-absorbing elements in engineering.
The Efficacy of FOLFIRI Plus Ramucirumab in Recurrent Colorectal Cancer Refractory to Adjuvant Chemotherapy with Oxaliplatin/Fluoropyrimidine—Including Biomarker Analyses
Authors: Sugimoto Naotoshi , Noura Shingo , Kato Takeshi , Yoshioka Shinichi , Hata Taishi , Naito Atsushi , Tei Mitsuyoshi , Tamagawa Hiroshi , Komori Takamichi , Ide Yoshihito , Fukuzaki Takayuki , Danno Katsuki , Sawada Genta , Kagawa Yoshinori , Shimokawa Toshio , Miyoshi Norikatsu , Ogino Takayuki , Uemura Mamoru , Yamamoto Hirofumi , Murata Kohei , Doki Yuichiro , Eguchi Hidetoshi
Published: January 2025

Background: FOLFIRI (5-FU + leucovorin + irinotecan) plus ramucirumab is one of the standards in second-line metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) patients progressing after treatment with oxaliplatin/fluoropyrimidine with bevacizumab, but there is no evidence on its efficacy without prior bevacizumab. Moreover, VEGF-D has not been confirmed as a predictive biomarker for ramucirumab’s efficacy, either. Methods: The RAINCLOUD study was a multicenter, single-arm, phase II trial conducted in Japan. Patients with recurrent CRC pretreated with fluoropyrimidine and oxaliplatin without bevacizumab were analyzed. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). The secondary endpoints measured were overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR), and safety. Results: A total of 48 patients were enrolled from 15 sites between September 2017 and September 2020. Their median age was 63.5 years (25~77), 20.1% had a right-sided tumor, and 68.8% had RAS-mutant cancer. The median PFS was 8.9 months (90% CI: 6.3–11.8), so the primary endpoint was met. Their median OS and ORR were 22.3 months (95% CI: 17.4-NA) and 41.7% (95% CI: 4.9–7.6), respectively. An incidence of grade 3/4 adverse events that reached over 5% applied to neutropenia (44%), leucopenia (10%), and hypertension (8%). In the biomarker analysis, the serum VEGF-D levels post-treatment were higher than those pre-treatment, but the PFS in those with high VEGF-D levels trended towards being worse than that in those with low VEGF-D (7.6M/5.6M (p = 0.095; HR: 0.56)). Instead, those with low TSP-2 had a better PFS than those with high TSP-2 (7.5M/4.3M (p = 0.022; HR: 0.45)). Conclusions: Our data suggested that FOLFIRI plus ramucirumab was effective and tolerable for CRC refractory to fluoropyrimidine and oxaliplatin without anti-angiogenesis. Serum VEGF-D levels may not be predictive but TSP-2 may be a potential prognostic biomarker for ramucirumab’s efficacy.
Robot-Assisted PSMA-Radioguided Salvage Surgery for Oligorecurrent Prostate Cancer Using the Novel SENSEI® Drop-in Gamma Probe: Correlation of Intraoperative Measurements to Preoperative Imaging and Final Histology
Authors: Mazzucato Giovanni , Falkenbach Fabian , Schmalhofer Marie-Lena , Shenas Farzad , Cerruto Maria Angela , Antonelli Alessandro , Tennstedt Pierre , Graefen Markus , Preisser Felix , Mandel Philipp , Knipper Sophie , Budäus Lars , Koehler Daniel , Maurer Tobias
Published: January 2025

Background: To examine the feasibility and safety of the SENSEI® drop-in gamma probe for robot-assisted, prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-radioguided salvage surgery (RGS) in lymph node or local oligorecurrent prostate cancer (PCa), detected via PSMA positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). Methods: The first thirteen patients with pelvic oligorecurrent PCa who underwent [99mTc]Tc-PSMA-I&S RGS using the SENSEI® drop-in gamma probe at the Martini-Klinik (February–June 2024) were retrospectively analyzed. Radioactivity measurements in counts per second (CPS) as absolute values or ratios (CPS of tumor specimens/mean CPS from the patients’ benign tissues) were correlated with preoperative imaging and pathological findings (benign/malignant, lesion size). Postoperative complete biochemical response (cBR) was defined as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels of <0.2 ng/mL. Results: Fifty-four specimens were removed from 13 patients, with nineteen (35%) containing PCa. All patients had one PSMA PET/CT-positive lesion, which were all detected intraoperatively. These lesions showed higher ex vivo CPS, CPS ratios, and larger cancer diameters than PSMA PET/CT-negative lesions (all p < 0.05). Cancer-containing specimens exhibited higher CPS and CPS ratios than benign tissues (median values of 45 vs. 3, and 9.9 vs. 1.0, both p < 0.001). In total, 12/13 (92%) patients achieved cBR. Conclusions: This device yielded excellent detection rates with good correlation to preoperative imaging and histological results without adverse events.
Blood Transfusion and Survival of Children, Adolescent, and Young Adult Patients with Osteosarcoma: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Cho Sukjoo , Fierstein Jamie L. , Khalaf Racha T. , Morrison John M. , Metts Jonathan
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Prior studies suggest that blood transfusion may adversely affect the survival of patients with cancer via transfusion-related immunomodulation. The objective of our study is to investigate the association between transfusion during neoadjuvant chemotherapy and survival in children, adolescent, and young adult (CAYA, 39 years old or younger) patients with osteosarcoma. Methods: This is a multicenter retrospective cohort study of patients between 2007 and 2022. Our primary exposure was receipt of any blood product in the neoadjuvant period (i.e., neoadjuvant transfusion). The primary outcome of interest was 3-year event-free survival (EFS) calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method, while secondary outcomes of interest included 5-year EFS and 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS). Firth multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to evaluate the adjusted association between transfusion status and 3- and 5-year EFS and OS. Results: In total, 73 patients were included in the analytic sample; among them, 34 received neoadjuvant transfusion. There was no significant difference between transfused and non-transfused groups in race, ethnicity, tumor location, stage at diagnosis, histologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and receipt of ifosfamide or radiation during initial treatment. The transfusion group included more females (p = 0.02) and lower median hemoglobin at diagnosis (p = 0.002) than the non-transfusion group. EFS and OS did not significantly vary by transfusion status or type. Conclusions: We did not observe an adjusted association between neoadjuvant transfusion and survival in CAYA patients with osteosarcoma.
Statistical Correlations Between Various Drivers of Energy Demand in Post-Combustion Carbon Capture Retrofitted Power Plants
Authors: Alalaiwat Dalal , Khan Ezzat
Published: January 2025

Power plants are one of the main sources emitting the CO2 that is responsible for climate change consequences. Post-combustion carbon capture (PCC), particularly using an aqueous solution, is highly recommended to be used as a mitigation solution to reduce the emissions of CO2 from power plants. Although PCC is a promising solution, the process still needs further development to reduce the energy demand for solvent regeneration. This paper reviews the challenges related to the post-combustion processes and finds the correlations between selected variables addressed by several researchers. Moreover, this study provides valuable insights into the factors influencing the reduction in energy demand and efficiency penalties. The research findings highlight the importance of considering two key drivers during the design of the PCC process. These are the absorber temperature and the type and amount of the selected solvent. Indeed, statistical analyses show that there is a correlation between the identified drivers’ values and the energy demand of solvent regeneration.
Comparing International Guidelines for the Remission of Hypertension After Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Dias Carina Vieira , Silva Ana Lúcia , Dias Joana , Cardoso Paulo , Castanheira Rute , Fernandes Andreia , Nunes Filipa , Sanai Tina , Sanchez Mercedes , Maia-Teixeira João , De Sousa-Coelho Ana Luísa
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Obesity remains a global health concern and is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease overall. Dissimilar hypertension guidelines are available for clinicians, namely those prepared by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), which may lead to distinctive appreciation of health outcomes of patients with obesity after bariatric and metabolic surgery, such as hypertension remission. The main goal of this study was to compare the effects of applying stricter (AHA) versus looser (ESC) blood pressure criteria on hypertension diagnosis pre-bariatric surgery and remission assessment one year post-op. Methods: A retrospective analysis of clinical data from patients who underwent surgical treatment for obesity at a single university hospital was performed. To evaluate the hypertension improvement or remission, two different types of blood pressure (BP) categorization were considered (based on AHA and ESC guidelines), in which each patient would fit according to their BP values pre- (m0) and 12 months postoperative (m12). Results: From a sample of 153 patients submitted for surgical treatment of obesity, more patients were considered with hypertension based on the AHA guideline (130 vs. 102; p < 0.001), while a higher rate of hypertension remission at 12 months after bariatric surgery was observed when following the ESC guideline (58.82 vs. 53.08%). Baseline patients’ clinical characteristics based on each hypertension outcome were mostly independent of the guideline used (p > 0.05), where only age and systolic blood pressure were relatively higher in “ESC groups”. Conclusions: We conclude that only minor differences exist between the two guidelines used. If evaluated based on ESC guidelines, it is expected that less patients are considered with hypertension, and the remission rate may be, at least numerically, higher.
Impact of Varying Sleep Pressure on Daytime Sleep Propensity in Healthy Young and Older Adults
Authors: de Haan Stella , Dourte Marine , Deantoni Michele , Reyt Mathilde , Baillet Marion , Berthomier Christian , Muto Vincenzo , Hammad Gregory , Cajochen Christian , Reichert Carolin F. , Maire Micheline , Schmidt Christina , Postnova Svetlana
Published: January 2025

Fixed sleep schedules with an 8 h time in bed (TIB) are used to ensure participants are well-rested before laboratory studies. However, such schedules may lead to cumulative excess wakefulness in young individuals. Effects on older individuals are unknown. We combine modelling and experimental data to quantify the effects of sleep debt on sleep propensity in healthy younger and older participants. A model of arousal dynamics was fitted to sleep data from 22 young (20–31 y.o.) and 26 older (61–82 y.o.) individuals (25 male) undertaking 10 short sleep–wake cycles during a 40 h napping protocol, following >1 week of fixed 8 h TIB schedules. Homeostatic sleep drive at the study start was varied systematically to identify best fits between observed and predicted sleep profiles for individuals and group averages. Daytime sleep duration was the same on the two days of the protocol within the groups but different between the groups (young: 3.14 ± 0.98 h vs. 3.06 ± 0.75 h, older: 2.60 ± 0.98 h vs. 2.37 ± 0.64 h). The model predicted an initial homeostatic drive of 11.2 ± 3.5% (young) and 10.1 ± 3.5% (older) above well-rested. Individual variability in first-day, but not second-day, sleep patterns was explained by the differences in the initial homeostatic drive for both age groups. Our study suggests that both younger and older participants arrive at the laboratory with cumulative sleep debt, despite 8 h TiB schedules, which dissipates after the first four sleep opportunities on the protocol. This has implications for protocol design and the interpretation of laboratory studies.
Engineering g-C3N4/Bi2WO6 Composite Photocatalyst for Enhanced Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Chen Wenxing , Ni Lingzhe , Ogino Kenji , Sun Hong , Bi Jinghui , Hou Huilin
Published: January 2025

As global CO2 emissions continue to rise, addressing their environmental impact is critical in combating climate change. Photocatalytic CO2 reduction, which mimics natural photosynthesis by converting CO2 into valuable fuels and chemicals using solar energy, represents a promising approach for both reducing emissions and storing energy sustainably. However, the development of efficient photocatalysts, particularly those capable of absorbing visible light, remains a challenge. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has gained attention for its visible light absorption and chemical stability, though its performance is hindered by rapid electron–hole recombination. Similarly, bismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6) is a visible-light-active photocatalyst with promising properties, but also suffers from limited efficiency due to charge recombination. To overcome these limitations, this study focuses on the design and synthesis of a g-C3N4/Bi2WO6 composite photocatalyst, leveraging the complementary properties of both materials. The composite benefits from enhanced charge separation through the formation of a heterojunction, reducing recombination rates and improving overall photocatalytic performance. The optimized g-C3N4/Bi2WO6 composite exhibited significant improvements in the production rates of both CH4 and CO, achieving 18.90 and 17.78 μmol/g/h, respectively, which are 2.6 times and 1.6 times higher than those of pure Bi2WO6. The study explores how optimizing the g-C3N4/Bi2WO6 interface, increasing surface area, and adjusting material ratios can further enhance the efficiency of CO2 reduction. Our findings demonstrate the potential of this composite for solar-driven CO2 conversion, offering new insights into photocatalyst design and paving the way for future advancements in CO2 mitigation technologies.
Application of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) as an Attempt to Determine Graphene Oxide Incorporation on Wood Surfaces
Authors: Betlej Izabela , Skrzeczanowski Wojciech , Nasiłowska Barbara , Bombalska Aneta , Borysiuk Piotr , Nowacka Małgorzata , Boruszewski Piotr
Published: January 2025

Wood modification with graphene oxide can give it unique features characteristic of other materials. However, the durability of the newly acquired features is of great importance. To better understand them, it is worth conducting an in-depth analysis of the structural changes that occur in wood under the influence of modification with graphene oxide. As part of the research, wood was impregnated with aqueous graphene oxide dispersion. Wood was impregnated using two methods: single vacuum and pressureless with ultrasound. Laser-assisted ionization spectroscopy (LIBS) was used to determine elements, mainly carbon, and to characterize differences in the elemental composition between the surface layers of wood impregnated with graphene oxide and native wood. Changes in the structure of polymers building wood tissue were analyzed using LIBS and FTIR spectrometry. The wood surface was also imaged using three microscopic techniques (stereomicroscope, confocal laser scanning microscope, and scanning electron microscopy). LIBS showed that graphene oxide was deposited on the surface of impregnated wood, and the intensity of carbon signals in wood impregnated with graphene oxide using vacuum and ultrasound differed. The content of carbon, magnesium, and oxygen elements in the surface layers of wood impregnated with graphene oxide using ultrasound was lower than in vacuum-impregnated wood. Analysis of FTIR spectra showed effective incorporation of graphene oxide into the surface layer of wood.
An Experimental Study on the Shear Performance of a CFRP–Steel Composite Component Bushing Bolt Connection
Authors: Guo Bing , Luo Guangxin , Wang Ziyu , Wang Deyi , Zhang Qun , Zhang Longbo , Wang Xingxing
Published: January 2025

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRPs) are extensively utilized in civil engineering and other domains due to their exceptional mechanical properties. Integrating CFRPs with steel presents an approach to structural design, characterized by enhanced load-bearing capabilities and extended service life. Static tensile and hysteretic tests were employed to examine the influence of the bolt diameter and steel plate thickness on the shear resistance of component. The results indicate that under monotonic loading, the load–displacement curves for each component undergo three distinct phases: the linear stage, damage evolution stage, and failure stage, ultimately leading to a bolt pull-off failure in all six groups of components. Under cyclic loading, the component with a 1.5 mm thick steel plate and a 4.6 mm diameter bushing bolt experienced bolt shear failure, primarily caused by the increased steel plate thickness, which enhanced the component’s load-carrying capacity, ultimately leading to the overloading and failure of the M4 bolt. The other five groups of components experienced pull-off failures. The hysteresis curve analysis revealed that enhancements in steel plate thickness and bolt diameter improve the hysteresis behaviour of the connections. However, there was a significant reduction in the strength degradation coefficient and hoop stiffness, which decreased to approximately 55% and 40% of their initial values, respectively.
Temperature-Independent Thermal Radiation Design Using Phase-Change Materials
Authors: Babicheva Viktoriia E. , Kim Heungsoo , Piqué Alberto
Published: January 2025

The ability to treat the surface of an object with coatings that counteract the change in radiance resulting from the object’s blackbody emission can be very useful for applications requiring temperature-independent radiance behavior. Such a response is difficult to achieve with most materials except when using phase-change materials, which can undergo a drastic change in their optical response, nullifying the changes in blackbody radiation across a narrow range of temperatures. We report on the theoretical design, giving the possibility of extending the temperature range for temperature-independent radiance coatings by utilizing multiple layers, each comprising a different phase-change material. These designed multilayer coatings are based on thin films of samarium nickelate, vanadium dioxide, and doped vanadium oxide and cover temperatures ranging from room temperature to up to 140 °C. The coatings are numerically engineered in terms of layer thickness and doping, with each successive layer comprising a phase-change material with progressively higher transition temperatures than those below. Our calculations demonstrate that the optimized thin film multilayers exhibit a negligible change in the apparent temperature of the engineered surface. These engineered multilayer films can be used to mask an object’s thermal radiation emission against thermal imaging systems.
Benthic Marine Diatom Flora (Bacillariophyta) of Yap, Micronesia: Preliminary Annotated List, with Some New Mangrove Species
Authors: Lobban Christopher S. , Tharngan Bernadette G.
Published: January 2025

Yap diatoms—from freshwater streams through estuaries and mangroves to the marine coral reefs—had been sampled in 1988 and 2014 and a few species from the 1988 collections described in a 2009 report. The present paper documents 168 new records, including seven new species, mostly from coral reef habitats, but including some interesting new species from mangroves, and incorporates records published in taxonomic papers. In addition, 44 Mastogloia records were published separately, bringing the taxon total to 245. In the present paper, 32 records are new for Micronesia, while many others are species described from neighboring Guam in the past 15 years. The total represents probably less than one-quarter of the species present on the reef because many specimens of Navicula, Nitzschia, Amphora, etc., have so far been identified only to genus. Floristic studies of benthic diatoms are limited partly by the shortage of taxonomic studies, and we present the taxa for which we can make reasonable arguments for identification, supporting light microscopy with scanning electron micrographs whenever possible. New taxa include Ehrenbergiopsis gen. nov. for Ehrenbergiulva hauckii; Biddulphiella cuniculopsis sp. nov.; Campylodiscus tatreauae sp. nov.; Cymatoneis belauensis from Palau and Cymatoneis yapensis from Yap; Diploneis denticulata sp. nov.; Entomoneis yudinii sp. nov.; and Nitzschia pseudohybridopsis sp. nov. Interesting new records include: Achnanthes cf. brevipes; Actinocyclus decussatus; Caloneis ophiocephala; Licmophora cf. hastata; Lyrella cf. rudiformis; and an unidentified cymatosiroid. One sediment sample included the remains of a planktonic community with Chaetoceros peruvianus, Skeletonema grevillei, Thalassiothrix gibberula and two species of Lioloma, rarely seen in the oligotrophic waters of Micronesia.
Optimizing Parkinson’s Disease Prediction: A Comparative Analysis of Data Aggregation Methods Using Multiple Voice Recordings via an Automated Artificial Intelligence Pipeline
Authors: Yang Zhengxiao , Zhou Hao , Srivastav Sudesh , Shaffer Jeffrey G. , Abraham Kuukua E. , Naandam Samuel M. , Kakraba Samuel
Published: January 2025

Patient-level grouped data are prevalent in public health and medical fields, and multiple instance learning (MIL) offers a framework to address the challenges associated with this type of data structure. This study compares four data aggregation methods designed to tackle the grouped structure in classification tasks: post-mean, post-max, post-min, and pre-mean aggregation. We developed a customized AI pipeline that incorporates twelve machine learning algorithms along with the four aggregation methods to detect Parkinson’s disease (PD) using multiple voice recordings from individuals available in the UCI Machine Learning Repository, which includes 756 voice recordings from 188 PD patients and 64 healthy individuals. Seven performance metrics—accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, F1 score, AUC, and MCC—were utilized for model evaluation. Various techniques, such as Bag Over-Sampling (BOS), cross-validation, and grid search, were implemented to enhance classification performance. Among the four aggregation methods, post-mean aggregation combined with XGBoost achieved the highest accuracy (0.880), F1 score (0.922), and MCC (0.672). Furthermore, we identified potential trends in selecting aggregation methods that are suitable for imbalanced data, particularly based on their differences in sensitivity and specificity. These findings provide meaningful implications for the further exploration of grouped imbalanced data.
dy-TACFL: Dynamic Temporal Adaptive Clustered Federated Learning for Heterogeneous Clients
Authors: Ali Syed Saqib , Ali Mazhar , Bhatti Dost Muhammad Saqib , Choi Bong-Jun
Published: January 2025

Federated learning is a potential solution for training secure machine learning models on a decentralized network of clients, with an emphasis on privacy. However, the management of system/data heterogeneity and the handling of time-varying client interests still pose challenges to traditional federated learning (FL) approaches. Therefore, we propose the concept of dynamic temporal adaptive clustered federated learning (dy-TACFL) to tackle the issue of of client heterogeneity in time-varying environments. By continuously analyzing and assigning appropriate clusters to the clients with similar behavior, the proposed federated clustering approach increases both prediction accuracy and clustering efficiency. First, a silhouette coefficient-based threshold is used in the temporal adaptive clustering federated learning (TACFL) algorithm to evaluate cluster stability in each round of federated training. Then, an affinity propagation-based dynamic clustering (APD-CFL) algorithm is proposed to adaptively organize clients into an appropriate number of clusters, taking into account the complex underlying pattern. The experimental findings indicate that the proposed time-based adaptive clustered federated learning algorithms can significantly improve prediction accuracy compared to the existing clustered federated learning algorithms.
A Space-Vector Analysis of the Twelve-Pulse Diode Bridge Rectifier Operation for the Auxiliary Circuit Current Determination Providing the Optimal Line Currents’ THD
Authors: Rolek Jaroslaw , Utrata Grzegorz
Published: January 2025

Three-phase diode bridge rectifiers are widely employed in various industrial applications because of their inherent simplicity, robustness, low electromagnetic interference and good overall performance. However, their use causes harmonic distortion in the electric power network line currents due to their nonlinear nature, which, in turn, affects the electric power quality. The fundamental approach to limit the line currents’ total harmonic distortion (THD) introduced by the diode bridge rectification systems is based on increasing the number of steps in their waveform per power supply cycle and drawing them closer to the pure-sine waveforms. This can be achieved by employing the conventional twelve-pulse rectification system composed of two parallel connected six-pulse diode bridge rectifiers, in which the DC circuit is expanded on the auxiliary circuit responsible for adequately shaping the line currents’ waveforms per power supply cycle. When the auxiliary circuit is connected to the interphase reactor (IPR) additional (secondary) winding, the ability of the rectification system to reduce the line current THD depends mainly on the auxiliary circuit current waveform and its parameters. This paper provides a space vector analysis of the twelve-pulse diode bridge rectifier operation. It leads to devising a formula for the auxiliary circuit current related to the phase angle of the rectification system line currents’ space vector and the load current, which has been missing in the literature so far. The formula explicitly defines the auxiliary circuit current waveform that guarantees the optimal line currents’ THD for the twelve-pulse diode bridge rectifier which is expanded with the auxiliary circuit connected to the IPR secondary winding. The theoretical studies are validated through experimental investigations.
Reliability of Insulation Systems and Its Impact on Electric Machine Design for Automotive and Aviation Applications
Authors: Asgari Arsham , Hanisch Lucas Vincent , Anspach Johanna , Franzki Jonas , Kahn Maik , Kurrat Michael , Henke Markus
Published: January 2025

The growing use of electric machines in safety-critical applications, such as electromobility and electrified aviation, underscores the importance of ensuring their reliability. The reliability of electric machines will increasingly depend on the electrical insulation system (EIS), as they face higher voltage levels, faster switching semiconductors, and more demanding environmental conditions. The influence that the dimensioning of the enameled copper wire and the slot insulation material has on the reliability of the EIS and how different impregnation resins and novel high-thermal-conductivity (HTC) configurations of the slot insulation materials affect it will be demonstrated. This is because in addition to increased reliability, the performance of electrical machines is to be improved at the same time. A case study for an aviation application is used to show how the EIS influences the machine design. Depending on the EIS, the copper and iron losses and the conductor temperature have been investigated with the aim of keeping them as low as possible while simultaneously minimizing the risk of PD.
Risk Preferences of EV Fleet Aggregators in Day-Ahead Market Bidding: Mean-CVaR Linear Programming Model
Authors: Zoltowska Izabela
Published: January 2025

This paper introduces a mean profit- conditional value-at-risk (CVaR) model for purchasing electricity on the day-ahead market (DA) by electric vehicles fleet aggregator (EVA). EVA controls electric vehicles (EVs) during their workplace parking, enabling smart charging and cost savings by accessing market prices that are potentially lower than flat rates available during home charging. The proposed stochastic linear programming model leverages market price scenarios to optimize aggregated charging schedules, which serve as templates for constructing effective DA bidding curves. It integrates an aspiration/reservation-based formulation of the mean profit-risk criteria, specifically Conditional Value at Risk (CVaR) to address the EVA’s risk aversion. By incorporating interactive analysis, the framework ensures adaptive and robust charging schedules and bids tailored to the aggregator’s risk preferences. Its ability to balance profitability with risk is validated in case studies. This approach provides a practical and computationally efficient tool for EV aggregators of global companies that can benefit from the workplace charging their fleets thanks to buying energy in the DA market.
Indirect Method of Moisture Degree Evaluation in Varistors by Means of Dielectric Spectroscopy
Authors: Walczak Krzysztof
Published: January 2025

Varistors, due to their unique properties, are materials commonly used in surge protection devices. Their reliability, however, requires periodic inspection, which should specifically include assessment of their moisture content. So far, no method has been developed that would directly and non-invasively allow for the assessment of the moisture content of a varistor. In this work, an attempt was made to use dielectric spectroscopy for this purpose, i.e., measurements of dielectric parameters in the frequency domain. The tests were carried out on samples of materials based on silicon carbide. The result of the tests was the determination of the dependence of the dielectric response of the tested materials on moisture content, which after further tests may be the starting point for the development of a method for determining the moisture content of varistor surge arresters.
Model-Based Optimization of a Sliding Vane Rotary Pump for Micro-Organic Rankine Cycle
Authors: Fatigati Fabio , Di Giovine Giammarco , Cipollone Roberto
Published: January 2025

The residential sector is one of the main sectors responsible for the atmospheric emission of CO2. Hence, a significant effort is required to develop technological solutions to enable decarbonization. The integration of Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC)-based units with renewable sources at a micro-scale of cogeneration units is commonly believed to be one of the most important technological alternatives. Indeed, an ORC-based unit allows the exploitation of low-temperature heat sources in the production of electricity. The low power scale of this application (1–5 kW) and the severe operating conditions call for the reliable and proper design of components. Particularly critical is the pump, as the experimental analyses available in the literature show its efficiency rarely exceeds values of 0.3. The most suitable technology is volumetric, and among those available, the sliding vane types are interesting candidates. However, low efficiency leads to a significant erosion of the power produced by the expander, limiting the achievement of high-efficiency values. What is more, in the literature, there is a lack of development of optimization strategies to improve the performance of this machine. To fill this knowledge gap, in this present paper an optimized sliding vane rotary pump was designed. Thanks to a comprehensive experimentally validated model, the pump performance was assessed for a wide range of operating conditions. Results confirmed that a disk-shaped configuration also ensures the best efficiency is achieved for small-scale pumps. Moreover, the model allowed for a detailed analysis of efficiency, evaluating the volumetric, fluid dynamic and mechanical behaviors. Results demonstrated that the weakest point was the mechanical efficiency, which was between 0.45 and 0.55. The best configuration was that involving four blades, the adoption of graphite and a clearance gap between the rotor face and casing of 10 μm. These design solutions improved efficiency by up to 25%, with a maximum value equal to 0.50, which is close to double with respect to the usual values. A final remark concerns the operating robustness of the machine, as the efficiency demonstrated weak variations even when wide operating conditions were considered.
Experimental Study of 2-Ethylhexyl Nitrate Effects on Engine Performance and Exhaust Emissions of Diesel Engine Fueled with Diesel–2-Methylfuran Blends
Authors: Ahmed Balla M. , Luo Maji , Elbadawi Hassan A. M. , Mahmoud Nasreldin M. , Sui Pang-Chieh
Published: January 2025

2-Methylfuran (2-MF) has emerged as a promising renewable alternative fuel, primarily due to its sustainable production processes and its potential to significantly reduce soot emissions. However, when blended with diesel, it presents challenges, including an increase in NOx emissions, which is attributed to the lower cetane number (CN) of the M30 blend. This study investigates the effect of adding 2-ethylhexyl nitrate (2-EHN), a cetane enhancer, to the M30 blend (30% 2-MF by volume), on combustion characteristics and exhaust emissions. Experiments were conducted using a modified four-cylinder, four-stroke, direct-injection compression ignition (DICI) engine featuring a common rail fuel injection system. The engine was evaluated under different load conditions, with brake mean effective pressure (BMEP) ranging from 0.13 to 1.13 MPa, while maintaining a constant engine speed of 1800 rpm. The incorporation of 1.5% and 2.5% 2-EHN into the M30 blend enhanced combustion performance, as indicated by a reduction in the maximum pressure rise rate, a shorter ignition delay (ID), and an extended combustion duration (CD). Furthermore, the brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) reduced by 2.78% and 5.7%, while the brake thermal efficiency (BTE) increased by 3.54% and 7.1%, respectively. Moreover, the inclusion of 2-EHN led to a significant reduction in Nox by 9.20–17.57%, with the most significant reduction observed at a 2.5% 2-EHN, where hydrocarbon (HC) decreased by 7.93–21.59%, and carbon monoxide (CO) reduced by 12.11–33.98% as compared to the M30 blend without 2-EHN. Although a slight increase in soot emissions was observed with higher concentrations of 2-EHN, soot levels remained significantly lower than those from pure diesel. The results indicate that the addition of 2-EHN can effectively mitigate the trade-off between NOx and soot emissions in low cetane number oxygenated fuels.
Roughness Evaluation of Bamboo Surfaces Created by Abrasive Belt Sanding
Authors: Zhang Jian , Cui Yunhao , Yang Haibin , Wang Liuting , Qian Jun
Published: January 2025

Mechanical belt sanding is critical in the manufacturing of bamboo and bamboo products, where surface roughness is commonly used to quantitatively evaluate the surface quality. In this study, flattened bamboo workpieces were sanded using P80 and P120 abrasive belts to create different surfaces. The linear roughness parameters, namely Rz, Ra, Rq, Rsk, Rku, and Rmr(c), were measured using both a stylus profilometer and a 3D profilometer. Statistical t-tests were conducted to determine the significance of differences between the two methods. Additionally, roughness profiles were analyzed in the frequency domain using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and Power Spectral Density (PSD) methods. A Random Forest (RF) regression model was also developed to predict the roughness values and figure out the dominant factors between granularity and measurement methods. The results revealed that both the stylus and 3D profilometers provided reliable comparisons of Rz, Ra, Rq, and Rmr (50%) for different grit sizes. However, resolution differences between the two methods were found to be critical for accurately interpreting roughness values. Variations in Rsk and Rku highlighted differences in sensitivity and detection range, particularly at finer scales, between the two methods. The stylus profilometer, with its higher spatial resolution and finer sampling density, demonstrated greater sensitivity to finer surface details. This was consistent with the FFT and PSD analyses, which showed that the stylus profilometer captured higher-frequency surface components more effectively. Furthermore, the RF model indicated that the choice of measurement method had negligible impact on the evaluation of the selected roughness parameters, suggesting that standardizing measurement techniques may not be essential for consistent roughness assessments of sanded bamboo surfaces.
Efficient Distributed Denial of Service Attack Detection in Internet of Vehicles Using Gini Index Feature Selection and Federated Learning
Authors: Dilshad Muhammad , Syed Madiha Haider , Rehman Semeen
Published: January 2025

Considering that smart vehicles are becoming interconnected through the Internet of Vehicles, cybersecurity threats like Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks pose a great challenge. Detection methods currently face challenges due to the complex and enormous amounts of data inherent in IoV systems. This paper presents a new approach toward improving DDoS attack detection by using the Gini index in feature selection and Federated Learning during model training. The Gini index assists in filtering out important features, hence simplifying the models for higher accuracy. FL enables decentralized training across many devices while preserving privacy and allowing scalability. The results show that the case for this approach is in detecting DDoS attacks, bringing out data confidentiality, and reducing computational load. As noted in this paper, the average accuracy of the models is 91%. Moreover, different types of DDoS attacks were identified by employing our proposed technique. Precisions achieved are as follows: DrDoS_DNS: 28.65%, DrDoS_SNMP: 28.94%, DrDoS_UDP: 9.20%, and NetBIOS: 20.61%. In this research, we foresee the potential for harvesting from integrating advanced feature selection with FL so that IoV systems can meet modern cybersecurity requirements. It also provides a robust and efficient solution for the future automotive industry. By carefully selecting only the most important data features and decentralizing the model training to devices, we reduce both time and memory usage. This makes the system much faster and lighter on resources, making it perfect for real-time IoV applications. Our approach is both effective and efficient for detecting DDoS attacks in IoV environments.
Transcriptome Analysis of the Effect of Acute Ammonia Stress on Pseudobagrus ussuriensis Liver Tissue
Authors: Shi Shun , Sun Xiaohui , Zhang Chunnuan , Lv Chenran , Liu Yajuan , Du Juan , Qi Qian
Published: January 2025

Excess ammonia can damage the growth and development of fish. Pseudobagrus ussuriensis is a scaleless fish with important economic value that is more sensitive to ammonia stress. In this study, P. ussuriensis was explored using different ammonia concentrations [control (0 mg/L), CL; low stress (10 mg/L), T1L; and high stress (50 mg/L), T2L] for 48 h. Compared to the control group, the liver cells in the T1L group showed slight damage, while the T2L group was severely damaged, with the cells being loosely arranged, with nuclei lysis and cell vacuolization. The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione in the T1L and T2L groups were significantly lower than those in the CL group (p < 0.05), and the malondialdehyde reached the maximum at 48 h. Furthermore, 9301 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (4583 upregulated and 4718 downregulated) were detected by transcriptome sequencing. Most DEGs were highly enriched in cellular processes (GO:0009987) and cell parts (GO:0044464). Especially, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt) signaling pathway had the maximum quantity of DEGs in all the three groups. In-depth analysis revealed the stress caused multiple substitutions of SNP sites in pik3ca and kras, blocking the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to prevent cancer cell proliferation and spread, accelerating the apoptosis of damaged cells. These results suggest that ammonia stress induces liver damage in P. ussuriensis, causing genetic mutations and cellular carcinogenesis, thereby accelerating cell apoptosis.
Utilisation of Rosehip Waste Powder as a Functional Ingredient to Enrich Waffle Cones with Fibres, Polyphenols, and Carotenoids
Authors: Borşa (Bogdan) Alexandra Raluca , Păucean Adriana , Fogarasi Melinda , Ranga Floricuța , Borșa Andrei , Tanislav Anda Elena , Mureșan Vlad , Semeniuc Cristina Anamaria
Published: January 2025

The solid waste generated from processing rosehip fruits into jam is valuable due to its rich content in fibres, polyphenols, and carotenoids; it could be valorised as a functional ingredient in a powder form to enrich food products. This study aimed to test its potential as a value-added ingredient, especially to enrich waffle cones with fibres, polyphenols, and carotenoids. In this regard, four formulations of waffle cones were prepared by partially substituting wheat flour with rosehip waste powder at 0%, 10%, 15%, and 20%, reaching concentrations of 0%, 3.7%, 5.7%, and 7.5% of the total batter, respectively. These were assessed for their sensory, textural, and techno-functional properties; proximate composition (including crude fibre); energy value; pH; and colour, as well as the content of carotenoids and polyphenols. The contribution of rosehip powder to the production cost of these waffle cone formulations was also determined. The results showed that using rosehip waste powder as an ingredient reduced the waffle cones powder’s capacity to hold water (from 3.11 g/g to 2.64–3.08 g/g) and to swell (from 4.98 mL/g to 4.23–4.48 mL/g), while it increased their oil-holding capacity (from 0.93 g/g to 0.96–1.19 g/g) and the content in fibre (from 1.58% to 3.41–4.83%), polyphenols (from 400.70 µg/g to 1732.26–2715.69 µg/g), and carotenoids (from n.d. to 6.86–14.28 µg/g); however, the solubility (72.65–75.33%), hardness (2.31–2.83 N), and fracturability (6–8) were not significantly influenced. The sensory acceptability of enriched waffle cones (92–93%) was higher than that of control waffle cones (90%). The production cost of a waffle cone increased by EUR 0.004–0.009 when wheat flour was substituted by rosehip powder in concentrations of 10–20%. In conclusion, to enrich waffle cones with fibres, polyphenols, and carotenoids, at least 10% of wheat flour must be substituted with rosehip waste powder in their manufacturing recipe.
Characterization and Nutritional Intervention Effects of Canna edulis Type 5 Resistant Starch in Hyperlipidemia Mice
Authors: Li Houxier , Wang Nan , Wu Jiahui , Tan Shuting , Li Yan , Zhang Nan , Yang Li , Li Aji , Min Rongting , Xiao Maochun , Su Shiyao , Wang Xiang , Wang Xueyong
Published: January 2025

Numerous reports have indicated that the type 3 resistant starch (RS3) derived from Canna edulis can regulate lipid metabolism. However, it remains unclear whether the type 5 resistant starch (RS5) exhibits similar effects. In this study, RS5 was prepared from Canna edulis native starch and lauric acid through a hydrothermal method for the first time, and its nutritional intervention effects on hyperlipidemia in mice were investigated. The Canna edulis type 5 resistant starch (Ce-RS5) prepared using Canna edulis native starch and lauric acid exhibited a high compound index and resistant starch content, along with decreased swelling power and enhanced starch granule stability. The crystallinity of Ce-RS5 was decreased, and its crystal structure displayed a B+V pattern. Microscopically, the surface appeared rough with deepened grooves, and the granules were loose. Feeding mice with 1.5 g/kg and 3 g/kg of Ce-RS5 significantly reduced their body weight, positively regulated their blood lipid levels, and improved liver damage and fat accumulation. Additionally, Ce-RS5 promoted the abundance of beneficial gut bacteria, such as norank_f_Muribaculaceae, and inhibited the abundance of harmful bacteria like Colidextribacter. This study provides the first evidence of the hypolipidemic and weight loss effects of Ce-RS5 in hyperlipidemia mice.
Towards a Quantitative Description of Proteolysis: Contribution of Demasking and Hydrolysis Steps to Proteolysis Kinetics of Milk Proteins
Authors: Vorob’ev Mikhail M.
Published: January 2025

The hydrolysis of proteins by proteases (proteolysis) plays a significant role in biology and food science. Despite the importance of proteolysis, a universal quantitative model of this phenomenon has not yet been created. This review considers approaches to modeling proteolysis in a batch reactor that take into account differences in the hydrolysis of the individual peptide bonds, as well as the limited accessibility (masking) for the enzymes of some hydrolysis sites in the protein substrate. Kinetic studies of the proteolysis of β-casein and β-lactoglobulin by various proteolytic enzymes throughout the whole degree of hydrolysis are reviewed. The two-step proteolysis model is regarded, which includes demasking of peptide bonds as a result of opening of the protein structure at the first stage, then hydrolysis of the demasked peptide bonds. To determine the kinetics of demasking, the shift in Trp fluorescence during opening of the protein substrate is analyzed. Two stages of demasking and secondary masking are also considered, explaining the appearance of unhydrolyzed peptide bonds at the end of proteolysis with decreasing enzyme concentrations. Proteolysis of a nanosized substrate is considered for the example of tryptic hydrolysis of β-CN micelles, leading to the formation and degradation of new nanoparticles and non-monotonic changes in the secondary protein structures during proteolysis.