bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individual Pharmacotherapy Management (IPM-II) for Patient and Drug Safety in Polypharmacy via Clinical Electronic Health Record Is Associated with Significant Fall Prevention
Authors: Wolf Ursula , Drewas Luise , Ghadir Hassan , Bauer Christian , Becherer Lars , Delank Karl-Stefan , Neef Rüdiger
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Falls and fractures are emerging as a near-pandemic and major global health concern, placing an enormous burden on ageing patients and public health economies. Despite the high risk of polypharmacy in the elderly patients, falls are usually attributed to age-related changes. For the “Individual Pharmacotherapy Management (IPM)” established at the University Hospital Halle, the IPM medication adjustments and their association with in-hospital fall prevention were analysed. Methods: On the basis of the most updated digital overall patient view via his inpatient electronic health record (EHR), IPM adapts each drug’s Summary of Product Characteristics to the patient’s condition. A retrospective pre-post intervention study in geriatric traumatology on ≥70 years old patients compared 200 patients before IPM implementation (CG) with 204 patients from the IPM intervention period (IG) for the entire medication list, organ, cardiovascular and vital functions and fall risk parameters. Results: Statistically similar baseline data allowed a comparison of the average 80-year-old patient with a mean of 11.1 ± 4.9 (CG) versus 10.4 ± 3.6 (IG) medications. The IPM adjusted for drug-drug interactions, drug-disease interactions, overdoses, anticholinergic burden, adverse drug reactions, esp. from opioids inducing increased intrasynaptic serotonin, psychotropic drugs, benzodiazepines, contraindications and missing prescriptions. IPM was associated with a significant reduction in in-hospital falls from 18 (9%) in CG to 3 (1.5%) in IG, a number needed to treat of 14, relative risk reduction 83%, OR 0.17 [95% CI 0.04; 0.76], p = 0.021 in multivariable regression analysis. Factors associated with falls were antipsychotics, digitoxin, corticosteroids, Würzburg pain drip (combination of tramadol, metamizole, metoclopramide), head injury, cognitive impairment and aspects of the Huhn Fall Risk Scale including urinary catheter. Conclusion: The results indicate medication risks constitute a major iatrogenic cause of falls in this population and support the use of EHR-based IPM in standard care for the prevention of falls in the elderly and for patient and drug safety. In terms of global efforts, IPM contributes to the running WHO and United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030).
Development of a Population Pharmacokinetic Gabapentin Model Leveraging Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Concentrations
Authors: Al-Zubaydi Firas , Wassef Andrew , Kagan Leonid , Brunetti Luigi
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Gabapentin has variable pharmacokinetics (PK), which contributes to difficulty in dosing and increased risk of adverse events. The objective of this study was to leverage gabapentin concentrations from therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) to develop a population PK (popPK) model and characterize significant covariates that impact gabapentin PK. Methods: Data were retrospectively collected from 82 hospitalized adult patients with TDM gabapentin concentrations. Renal function indicators (i.e., estimated glomerular filtration rate, creatinine clearance, acute kidney injury), body weight parameters (i.e., actual body weight, ideal body weight, adjusted body weight, lean body weight, body mass index, obesity status), fasting plasma glucose levels, and diagnosis of type 2 diabetes were tested as potential covariates. A popPK model was developed in MONOLIX (2020R1, Lixoft, France). Results: A one-compartment model best described gabapentin PK with first-order absorption, dose-dependent bioavailability, first-order elimination, and no lag time. Population parameter estimates for the volume of distribution (Vd), and clearance (Cl) were 44.61 L, and 5.73 L/h, respectively. Serum creatinine was a significant covariate on Cl. Conclusions: The popPK model highlights the importance of renal function in the interindividual variability of gabapentin PK and suggests that diabetes and body weight parameters have no impact on gabapentin PK. Moreover, our study supports the utility of leveraging data obtained from clinical TDM for popPK model development.
Advances in Encapsulating Marine Bioactive Compounds Using Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) and Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) for Health Applications
Authors: Favas Rita , Almeida Hugo , Peixoto Andreia F. , Ferreira Domingos , Silva Ana C.
Published: November 2024

As life expectancy rises and modern lifestyles improve, there is an increasing focus on health, disease prevention, and enhancing physical appearance. Consumers are more aware of the benefits of natural ingredients in healthcare products while also being mindful of sustainability challenges. Consequently, marine bioactive compounds have gained popularity as ingredients in cosmetics and food supplements due to their diverse beneficial properties. Nonetheless, the use of some of these compounds is restricted by their low stability and poor aqueous solubility, necessitating solutions to overcome these limitations. In this context, lipid nanoparticles, such as solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), have been investigated for their potential to protect and improve the absorption of molecules through various routes, including oral and cutaneous. Numerous studies have shown that nanoencapsulating these compounds and incorporating them into cosmetics and food supplements can be effective. However, this application remains unregulated at the global level and is not currently addressed by existing legislation. Additional in vivo studies in both animals and humans are necessary to fully assess safety concerns.
From Natural to Artificial: The Transformation of the Concept of Logical Consequence in Bolzano, Carnap, and Tarski
Authors: Saario-Ramsay Lassi
Published: November 2024

Our standard model-theoretic definition of logical consequence is originally based on Alfred Tarski’s (1936) semantic definition, which, in turn, is based on Rudolf Carnap’s (1934) similar definition. In recent literature, Tarski’s definition is described as a conceptual analysis of the intuitive ‘everyday’ concept of consequence or as an explication of it, but the use of these terms is loose and largely unaccounted for. I argue that the definition is not an analysis but an explication, in the Carnapian sense: the replacement of the inexact everyday concept with an exact one. Some everyday intuitions were thus brought into a precise form, others were ignored and forgotten. How exactly did the concept of logical consequence change in this process? I suggest that we could find some of the forgotten intuitions in Bernard Bolzano’s (1837) definition of ‘deducibility’, which is traditionally viewed as the main precursor of Tarski’s definition from a time before formalized languages. It turns out that Bolzano’s definition is subject to just the kind of natural features—paradoxicality of everyday language, Platonism about propositions, and dependence on the external world—that Tarski sought to tame by constructing an artificial concept for the special needs of mathematical logic.
Preliminary Treatment by Exogenous 24-Epibrassinolide Influences Burning-Induced Electrical Signals and Following Photosynthetic Responses in Pea (Pisum sativum L.)
Authors: Sukhova Ekaterina , Yudina Lyubov , Kozlova Elizaveta , Sukhov Vladimir
Published: November 2024

Long-distance electrical signals (ESs) are an important mechanism of induction of systemic adaptive changes in plants under local action of stressors. ES-induced changes in photosynthesis and transpiration play a key role in these responses increasing plant tolerance to action of adverse factors. As a result, investigating ways of regulating electrical signaling and ES-induced physiological responses is a perspective problem of plant electrophysiology. The current work was devoted to the analysis of the influence of preliminary treatment (spraying) by exogenous 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) on burning-induced ESs and following photosynthetic and transpiratory responses in pea (Pisum sativum L.). It was shown that preliminary treatment by 1 µM EBL (1 day before the experiment) increased the amplitude of burning-induced ESs (variation potentials) in leaves and decreased the time of propagation of these signals from the stem to the leaf. The EBL treatment weakly influenced the magnitudes of burning-induced decreasing the photosynthetic linear electron flow and CO2 assimilation, but these changes were accelerated. Burning-induced changes in the cyclic electron flow around photosystem I were also affected by the EBL treatment. The influence of the EBL treatment on burning-induced changes in the stomatal water conductance was not observed. Our results show that preliminary treatment by EBL can be used for the modification of electrical signals and following photosynthetic responses in plants.
Phytotoxic Activity of Myrciaria cuspidata O. Berg, a Dominant Myrtaceae Woodland Tree Native of Brazil
Authors: Magedans Yve V. S. , Antonelo Fábio A. , Rodrigues-Honda Kelly C. S. , Ribeiro Paula O. S. , Alves-Áquila Maria E. , Fett-Neto Arthur G.
Published: November 2024

Limited phytodiversity and regeneration rates occur in some of the southern Brazilian formations known as the Myrtacean Woodlands. Data on phytotoxicity, chemical composition, and allelopathic potential of Myrciaria cuspidata O. Berg, a dominant species in such woodlands, is missing. In this study, both the chemical composition and phytotoxic activity of an aqueous extract (AE) from M. cuspidata leaves were investigated. Target plants were the model species Lactuca sativa L. and the weed Bidens pilosa L. Germination rates, seedling growth, and phenotypic responses of target species were assessed following AE application to determine the inhibitory capacity of M. cuspidata leaf extract. Germination of L. sativa was reduced and delayed in the presence of AE. Strong inhibition of germination was recorded in B. pilosa achenes under the same treatment. Pre-germinated seedlings of L. sativa were essentially not affected by AE, whereas those of the weed showed some negative developmental responses. Overall, inhibitory responses were consistent both in vitro and in soil substrate. Detrimental effects were most apparent in roots and included tip darkening and growth anomalies often preceded by loss of mitochondrial viability. AE proved rich in phytotoxic phenolic compounds including quercetin, gallic and tannic acid. To sum up, AE shows potential as an environmentally friendly pre-emergence bioherbicide of low residual effect and minor environmental impact. Experimental data in laboratory conditions were consistent with potential allelopathic activity of this tree, as inferred from field observations of dominance in the Myrtaceae Woodlands.
Comprehensive Morphological and Molecular Insights into Drought Tolerance Variation at Germination Stage in Brassica napus Accessions
Authors: Lu Guangyuan , Tian Zhitao , Chen Peiyuan , Liang Zhiling , Zeng Xinyu , Zhao Yongguo , Li Chunsheng , Yan Tao , Hang Qian , Jiang Lixi
Published: November 2024

Drought constitutes a noteworthy abiotic stressor, detrimentally impacting seed germination, plant development, and agricultural yield. In response to the threats imposed by climate change and water paucity, this study examined the morphological divergence and genetic governance of drought resilience traits at the germination stage in 196 rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) lines under both normal (0 MPa) and drought-induced stress (−0.8 MPa) scenarios. Our study showed that the composite drought tolerance D value is a reliable index for identifying drought resilience. Through a genome-wide association study (GWAS), we uncovered 37 significant SNP loci and 136 putative genes linked to drought tolerance based on the D value. A key discovery included the gene BnaA01g29390D (BnNCED3), encoding 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase, which exhibited significantly heightened expression levels in drought-resistant accessions (p < 0.01), underscoring its potential as a positive drought stress regulator and a suitable candidate for genetically enhancing drought resilience. Moreover, we pinpointed four stress-reactive transcription factors (BnaA07g26740D, BnaA07g26870D, BnaA07g26910D, and BnaA07g26980D), two E3 ubiquitin-protein ligases (BnaA05g22900D and BnaC06g28950D), two enzymes (BnaA01g29390D and BnaA03g48550D), and two photosystem-associated proteins (BnaA05g22950D and BnaC06g28840D) as vital components in drought response mechanisms. The construction of a regulatory network reveals an ABA-dependent pathway (NCED3/RGLG5/IDD14) that contributes to drought tolerance in rapeseed seedlings, alongside the involvement of a drought avoidance strategy (APRR6/PHYB). The SNPs and genes unveiled in this study offer a substantial theoretical foundation for subsequent investigations targeting genetic improvement for drought resilience during seed germination in rapeseed.
OsFBN6 Enhances Brown Spot Disease Resistance in Rice
Authors: Cao Fang-Yuan , Zeng Yuting , Lee Ah-Rim , Kim Backki , Lee Dongryung , Kim Sun-Tae , Kwon Soon-Wook
Published: November 2024

Brown spot (BS) is caused by necrotrophs fungi Cochliobolus miyabeanus (C. miyabeanus) which affects rainfed and upland production in rice, resulting in significant losses in yield and grain quality. Here, we explored the meJA treatment that leads to rice resistance to BS. Fibrillins (FBNs) family are constituents of plastoglobules in chloroplast response to biotic and abiotic stress, many research revealed that OsFBN1 and OsFBN5 are not only associated with the rice against disease but also with the JA pathway. The function of FBN6 was only researched in the Arabidopsis. We revealed gene expression levels of OsFBN1, OsFBN5, OsFBN6 and the JA pathway synthesis first specific enzyme OsAOS2 following infection with C. miyabeanus, OsAOS2 gene expression showed great regulation after C. miyabeanus and meJA treatment, indicating JA pathway response to BS resistance in rice. Three FBN gene expressions showed different significantly regulated modes in C. miyabeanus and meJA treatment. The haplotype analysis results showed OsFBN1 and OsFBN5 the diverse Haps significant with BS infection score, and the OsFBN6 showed stronger significance (**** p < 0.0001). Hence, we constructed OsFBN6 overexpression lines, which showed more resistance to BS compared to the wild type, revealing OsFBN6 positively regulated rice resistance to BS. We developed OsFBN6 genetic markers by haplotype analysis from 130 rice varieties according to whole-genome sequencing results, haplotype analysis, and marker development to facilitate the screening of BS-resistant varieties in rice breeding. The Caps marker developed by Chr4_30690229 can be directly applied to the breeding application of screening rice BS-resistant varieties.
Investigations on the Endemic Species Taraxacum mirabile Wagenitz: HPLC–MS and GC–MS Studies, Evaluation of Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antimicrobial Properties, and Isolation of Several Phenolic Compounds
Authors: Karahüseyin Seçil , Özsoy Nurten , Özbek Çelik Berna , Sarı Aynur
Published: November 2024

In this study, the aim was to investigate the chemical content and in vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities of petroleum ether (PE), dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EA), and n-butanol (n-BuOH) fractions obtained from ethanol extracts of the aerial parts and roots of the endemic Taraxacum mirabile Wagenitz. This plant is found in the Aksaray–Eskil region and has not been studied in phytochemical studies before. In this context, the chemical content of the aerial parts and root PE fractions was analyzed by GC–MS analysis in terms of terpenes and steroid substances. The composition of phenolic compounds in the aerial parts and root DCM and EA fractions was determined by HPLC–MS analysis. Apigenin, luteolin, and caffeic acid were isolated from the EA fraction of aerial parts. The total amounts of phenolic substances and the DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP antioxidant activities of PE, DCM, EA, and n-BuOH fractions were investigated, and it was found that the fractions had the ability to scavenge DPPH• and ABTS•+ radicals, as well as to reduce Fe (III) to Fe (II); however, all of the fractions were significantly less effective (p < 0.05) than the reference antioxidant quercetin. Considering that antioxidants can also exert an anti-inflammatory effect, these fractions were evaluated for their ability to inhibit cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2), the key enzymes of arachidonic acid metabolism that lead to the production of important mediators of inflammation. It was observed that fractions had the ability to inhibit both enzymes, suggesting their possible beneficial effects against inflammation. However, no extract had greater inhibitory activity than the positive control, indomethacin. The antimicrobial activity was determined against different bacterial and fungal strains. It was observed that the aerial parts and root n-BuOH and EA fractions showed weak antibacterial effects. No antifungal activity has been detected against Candida sp.
Molecular Functional and Transcriptome Analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana Overexpression BrBBX21 from Zicaitai (Brassica rapa var. purpuraria)
Authors: Fu Mei , Lu Mengting , Guo Juxian , Jiang Shizheng , Khan Imran , Karamat Umer , Li Guihua
Published: November 2024

B-box transcription factors (TFs) in plants are essential for circadian rhythm regulation, abiotic stress responses, hormonal signaling pathways, secondary metabolism, photomorphogenesis, and anthocyanin formation. Here, by blasting the AtBBX21 gene sequence, we identified a total of 18 BBX21 genes from five distinct Brassica species (Arabidopsis thaliana, Brassica rapa, Brassica oleracea, Brassica napus, and Brassica juncea). The BrBBX21-1 gene is most closely linked to the AtBBX21 gene based on phylogeny and protein sequence similarities. The BrBBX21-1 gene, which encodes a polypeptide of 319 amino acids, was identified from Zicaitai (Brassica rapa ssp. purpuraria) and functionally characterized. BrBBX21-1 was localized within the nucleus, and its overexpression in Arabidopsis augmented anthocyanin accumulation in both leaves and seeds. We further performed an RNA-seq analysis between the BrBBX21-OE and WT A. thaliana to identify the key regulators involved in anthocyanin accumulation. In detail, a total of 7583 genes demonstrated differential expression, comprising 4351 that were upregulated and 3232 that were downregulated. Out of 7583 DEGs, 81 F-box protein genes and 9 B-box protein genes were either up- or downregulated. Additionally, 7583 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were associated with 109 KEGG pathways, notably including plant hormone signal transduction, the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, metabolic pathways, glutathione metabolism, and starch and sucrose metabolism, which were considerably enriched. A transcriptome analysis led us to identify several structural genes, including DFRA, GSTF12, UGT75C1, FLS1, CHI1, 4CL3, and PAL1, and transcription factors, MYB90, TT8, and HY5, that are regulated by the overexpression of the BrBBX21-1 gene and involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis. Altogether, these findings demonstrate the beneficial regulatory function of BrBBX21-1 in anthocyanin accumulation and offer valuable information about the basis for breeding superior Brassica crops.
Optimizing Mechanical Properties of Recycled 3D-Printed PLA Parts for Sustainable Packaging Solutions Using Experimental Analysis and Machine Learning
Authors: Tănase Maria , Portoacă Alexandra Ileana , Diniță Alin , Brănoiu Gheorghe , Zamfir Florin , Sirbu Elena-Emilia , Călin Cătălina
Published: November 2024

Increasing environmental concerns and the need for sustainable materials have driven a focus towards the utilization of recycled polylactic acid (PLA) in additive manufacturing as PLA offers advantages over other thermoplastics, including biodegradability, ease of processing, and a lower environmental impact during production. This study explores the optimization of the mechanical properties of recycled PLA parts through a combination of experimental and machine learning approaches. A series of experiments were conducted to investigate the impact of various processing parameters, such as layer thickness and infill density, as well as annealing conditions, on the mechanical properties of recycled PLA parts. Machine learning algorithms have proven the possibility to predict tensile behavior with an average error of 6.059%. The results demonstrate that specific combinations of processing parameters and post-treatment annealing differently improve the mechanical properties (with 7.31% in ultimate tensile strength (UTS), 0.28% in Young’s modulus, and 3.68% in elongation) and crystallinity (with 22.33%) of recycled PLA according to XRD analysis, making it a viable alternative to virgin PLA in various applications such as sustainable packaging solutions, including biodegradable containers, clamshell packaging, and protective inserts. The optimized recycled PLA parts exhibited mechanical properties and crystallinity levels comparable to those of their virgin counterparts, highlighting their potential for reducing environmental impact and saving costs. For both as-built and annealed samples, the optimal settings for achieving high composite desirability involved a 0.2 mm layer thickness, with 75% infill for the as-built samples and 100% infill for the annealed samples. This study provides a comprehensive framework for optimizing recycled PLA in additive manufacturing, contributing to the advancement of sustainable material engineering and the circular economy.
Comigration Behavior of Cr(VI) and Microplastics and Remediation of Microplastics-Facilitated Cr(VI) Transportation in Saturated Porous Media
Authors: Yang Zijiang , Ma Yuheng , Jing Qi , Ren Zhongyu
Published: November 2024

The study of the co-transport of Cr(VI) and microplastics (MPs) in porous media is important for predicting migration behavior and for achieving pollution removal in natural soils and groundwater. In this work, the effect of MPs on Cr(VI) migration in saturated porous media was investigated at different ionic strengths (ISs) and pHs. The results showed that pH 7 and low IS (5 mM), respectively, promoted the movement of Cr(VI), which was further promoted by the presence of MPs. The Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek (DLVO) results showed that the repulsive energy barrier between MPs and quartz sand decreased with increasing IS and decreasing pH, respectively, which promoted the retention of MPs in quartz sand and constrained the competition of Cr(VI) for adsorption sites on the surface of the quartz sand, thus facilitating the enhanced migration of Cr(VI), while Cr(VI) behaved conversely. Sodium alginate/nano zero-valent iron-reduced graphene oxide (SA/NZVI-rGO) gel beads could achieve the removal of MPs through a π-π interaction, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic attraction, but the MPs removal would be reduced by 40% due to the competitive adsorption of Cr(VI). Notably, 97% Cr(VI) removal could still be achieved by the gel beads in the presence of MPs. Therefore, the gel beads can be used as a permeation reaction barrier to inhibit the MP-induced high migration of Cr(VI). The Cr(VI) breakthrough curves in reactive migration were well-fitted with the two-site chemical nonequilibrium model. Overall, the findings of this work contribute to the understanding of the migration behavior of Cr(VI) and MPs in saturated porous media and provide a theoretical basis for the remediation of soils and groundwater contaminated with Cr(VI) and MPs.
Composite Polymer Electrolyte Based on PAN/TPU for Lithium-Ion Batteries Operating at Room Temperature
Authors: Lu Xuanan , Luo Jianguo , Lan Lingxiao , Wang Yujiang , Liang Xinghua , Li Junming , Fu Aijun
Published: November 2024

Lithium-ion batteries have garnered significant attention owing to their exceptional energy density, extended lifespan, rapid charging capabilities, eco-friendly characteristics, and extensive application potential. These remarkable features establish them as a critical focus for advancing next-generation battery technologies. However, the commonly used organic liquid electrolytes in batteries are explosive, volatile, and possess specific toxic properties, resulting in persistent safety concerns that remain to be addressed. Composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) exhibit enhanced safety and stable electrochemical performance, emerging as one of the most promising alternatives. However, single polymers often need to meet the multifaceted performance requirements of batteries. In this study, a composite polymer electrolyte was prepared using solution casting, consisting of a blend of polyurethane (TPU) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN), along with the ceramic filler Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 (LATP) and lithium perchlorate (LiClO4). The optimal formulation, which included 40 wt% TPU, 60 wt% PAN, and 10 wt% LATP, exhibited a commendable ionic conductivity of 2.1 × 10−4 S cm−1, a lithium-ion transference number (tLi+) of 0.60, and notable electrochemical stability at 30 °C. The LiFePO4/Li battery assembled with this CPE demonstrated excellent cycling stability and rate capability at room temperature. It delivered a discharge specific capacity of 130 mAh g−1 at 1C. Under a charge–discharge rate of 0.2C, the battery achieved a discharge specific capacity of 168 mAh g−1, retaining 98% of its capacity after 100 cycles at 25 °C. Additionally, the CPE exhibited robust safety performance. Consequently, this composite polymer electrolyte holds significant promise for application in lithium-ion batteries.
Advanced Emission Reduction Strategies: Integrating SSSC and Carbon Trading in Power Systems
Authors: Lu Kai-Hung , Lian Junfang , Liu Ting-Wei
Published: November 2024

The global power sector faces the critical challenge of balancing rising electricity demand with stringent carbon reduction targets. Taiwan’s unique geopolitical and energy import constraints provide an ideal context for exploring advanced grid technologies integrated with carbon-trading mechanisms. This study combines the Adaptive Time-Varying Gravitational Search Algorithm (ATGA) with Static Synchronous Series Compensator (SSSC) technology to optimize power flow and enable carbon transactions between the power generation and transmission sectors. Through a feedback-driven mechanism, power producers acquire carbon credits from transmission operators, maximizing profitability while meeting emission targets. Managed by the transmission companies, the SSSC enhances grid stability, reduces transmission losses, and generates valuable carbon credits. Simulations based on Taiwan’s power market demonstrate that this integrated approach achieves a 50% reduction in emissions and increases profitability for power producers by up to 20%. This model has potential applications in other regions, and future work could explore its scalability and adaptability in different economic and regulatory contexts.
Deep Learning Integration for Normal Breathing Classification Using a Flexible Fiber Sensor
Authors: Kim Jiseon , Kim Jooyong
Published: November 2024

Measuring respiratory parameters is crucial for clinical decision making and detecting abnormal patterns for disease prevention. While deep learning methods are commonly used in respiratory analysis, the image-based classification of abnormal breathing remains limited. This study developed a stitched sensor using silver-coated thread, optimized for the knit fabric’s course direction in a belt configuration. By applying a Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) and a two-dimension Convolutional Neural Network (2D-CNN), the model achieved 96% accuracy, with potential for further improvement through data expansion.
Impact of Advanced Thyristor Controlled Series Capacitor on Load Frequency Control and Automatic Voltage Regulator Dual Area System with Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Sets-PID Usage
Authors: Alshehri Saeed , Wazir Awadh Ba , Alhussainy Abdullah Ali , Alghamdi Sultan , Alobaidi Abdulraheem , Rawa Muhyaddin , Alturki Yusuf A.
Published: November 2024

A major priority for practicing engineers in an electric power system is preserving the stability of frequency and voltage levels. Any change in these two factors will impact the efficiency and lifespan of the machines connected to the power supply. Therefore, this paper provides a control approach utilizing the Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Sets- Proportional Integral Derivative (IT2FSs-PID) controller and Advanced Thyristor Controlled Series Capacitor (ATCSC) with a combined Load Frequency Control-Automatic Voltage Regulator (LFC-AVR). Several inspections were implemented to demonstrate the controller’s strength, including various disturbances in the power system. The LFC-AVR was studied using two different dynamic models, referred to as open and closed loops on the Generation Rate Constraint (GRC) forms. A comparison was made using different techniques from the literature using the same model. Before using the approach, the frequency deviation of area-1 had a very large settling time value, which was caused by system instability. However, after implementing the approach, this value decreased to 4.9236 s. Finally, an additional ATCSC was added to the proposed model to observe its effect on the power system. The simulation was implemented using MATLAB/SIMULINK tools.
Fabrication of Flexible SWCNTs/Polyurethane Coatings for Efficient Electric and Thermal Management of Space Optical Remote Sensors
Authors: Yang Huiqiao , Wang Yueting , Yang Bo , Ji Fulong , Jiang Haitong , Li Lei
Published: November 2024

Given the requirement of high-efficiency thermal dissipation for large-aperture space optical remote sensors, a radiator based on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) filled with waterborne polyurethane (SWCNTs/WPU) coatings was proposed in this work. In situ polymerized SWCNTs/WPU coatings allowed for the uniform distribution of acid-purified SWCNTs in WPU matrix. Modified oxygen-containing groups on purified SWCNTs enhanced the interfacial compatibility of SWCNTs/WPU and enabled an improved tensile strength 9 (26.3 MPa) compared to raw-SWCNTs/WPU. A high electrical conductivity of 5.16 W/mK and thermal conductivity of 10.9 S/cm were achieved by adding 49.1 wt.% of SWCNTs. Only 2.85% and 4.2% of declined ratios for electric and thermal conductivities were presented after 1000 bending cycles, demonstrating excellent durability and flexibility. The designed radiator was composed of a heat pipe, SWCNTs/WPU coatings and an aluminum honeycomb core, allowing for −1.6~0.3 °C of temperature difference for the in-orbit temperature and thermal balance experimental temperature of the collector pipe. Moreover, the close temperature difference for the in-orbit and ground temperatures of the radiator indicated that the designed radiator with high heat dissipation met the mechanical environment requirements of a rocket launch. SWCNTs/WPU would be promising electric/thermal interface materials in the application of space optical remote sensors.
Introducing the Second-Order Features Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis Methodology for Neural Ordinary Differential Equations—I: Mathematical Framework
Authors: Cacuci Dan Gabriel
Published: November 2024

This work introduces the mathematical framework of the novel “First-Order Features Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis Methodology for Neural Ordinary Differential Equations” (1st-FASAM-NODE). The 1st-FASAM-NODE methodology produces and computes most efficiently the exact expressions of all of the first-order sensitivities of NODE-decoder responses with respect to the parameters underlying the NODE’s decoder, hidden layers, and encoder, after having optimized the NODE-net to represent the physical system under consideration. Building on the 1st-FASAM-NODE, this work subsequently introduces the mathematical framework of the novel “Second-Order Features Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis Methodology for Neural Ordinary Differential Equations (2nd-FASAM-NODE)”. The 2nd-FASAM-NODE methodology efficiently computes the exact expressions of the second-order sensitivities of NODE decoder responses with respect to the NODE parameters. Since the physical system modeled by the NODE-net necessarily comprises imprecisely known parameters that stem from measurements and/or computations subject to uncertainties, the availability of the first- and second-order sensitivities of decoder responses to the parameters underlying the NODE-net is essential for performing sensitivity analysis and quantifying the uncertainties induced in the NODE-decoder responses by uncertainties in the underlying uncertain NODE-parameters.
Averroesian Religious Common Sense Natural Theology as Reflective Knowledge in the Form of Teleological Argument
Authors: Batak Kemal
Published: November 2024

In his Middle Commentary on Posterior Analytics, the great Aristotelian Commentator Ibn Rushd defines “knowledge” (scientific knowledge, epistemē, ‘ilm) as one of Aristotle’s five intellectual virtues and the faculty of reason, akin to the other virtues, in an Aristotelian way. Ibn Rushd defends the teleological argument, rooted in Aristotle’s teleological reading of nature, and supports the modal strong epistemic status of this argument, which is part of the concept of knowledge, in his early work (Short Commentary on Metaphysics), middle period work (al-Kashf) and late work (Long Commentary on Metaphysics), all in harmony with each other. Ibn Rushd, constructing the teleological argument based on the definition of knowledge, which fundamentally articulates the necessary or essential qualities inherent in objects in defense of de re modality, takes a step that seems quite radical within the context of the Aristotelian epistemic tradition to which he is affiliated: The teleological argument, strongly associated with the concept of knowledge—one of the five intellectual virtues—is presented as a form of deductive inference accessible not only to philosophers but also to ordinary public. In other words, according to him, the argument is both a philosophical and a religious way. This implies, for instance, that natural theology, typically viewed by Aquinas as an activity reserved for the higher epistemic class with talent and leisure, is seen by Ibn Rushd as a robust epistemic activity accessible to ordinary people. This new element, which can be referred to as common sense natural theology, contends that ordinary public knowledge and philosophers’ knowledge differ in details, such as whether it is a simple or complex deductive inference, while remaining the same in terms of their knowledge status.
Research Trends in Going Concern Assessment and Financial Distress in Last Two Decades: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Chiosea Dorotheea-Beatrice-Ruxandra , Hategan Camelia-Daniela
Published: November 2024

Over time, companies have faced many crises that have impacted their capacity to remain operational in the market. When going through periods of financial distress, companies must find solutions to face the risks and to fulfill the going concern assumption, which is an essential principle in accounting and also of major importance in financial-statements auditing. The research objective is to identify the research trends and approaches in the fields of going concern and financial distress. To achieve this purpose, a bibliometric analysis was carried out of the articles published in the journals indexed in Web of Science Clarivate Analytics (WoS) for the period 2004–2023. The selection criteria was based on instances of the keywords “going concern” and “financial distress” appearing in a sample of 2.859 articles. The results highlighted that these fields represent a domain of interest in the research, with the trend being most pronounced in the area of financial distress, since 2018. Based on the content analysis of the most influential articles, the main topics addressed were related to audit quality and aspects related to management and corporate governance. Thus, it is confirmed that the area of financial distress and going concern assessment is a widely studied one, and the studies made can provide essential information to overcome the difficult periods that a company can go through.
Comparison of Line-Focused and Point-Focused Raman Mineral Analysis in Planetary Exploration
Authors: Wang Mengyu , Wang Chenyu , Liu Ping , Qu Hongkun , Ling Zongcheng
Published: November 2024

Raman spectroscopy plays a critical role in planetary exploration by providing detailed analysis of mineralogical and chemical compositions. However, the conventional point-focused Raman systems, while precise, are limited by their time-consuming nature, which hampers efficiency in space missions. This study compares a line-focused Raman spectroscopy system equipped with a cylindrical mirror array to a traditional point-focused system by testing various lunar-analogue minerals. The results demonstrate that the line-focused mode significantly reduces mineral detection time while covering larger sample surface areas, albeit with a slightly higher detection limit compared to the point-focused mode. Both modes exhibit similar capabilities in mineral identification and compositional analysis, with the line-focused system offering a more practical solution for rapid, high-throughput analysis in large-scale planetary geological surveys. These findings suggest that the line-focused Raman system could be a valuable tool in accelerating geochemical data collection during future deep space exploration missions.
Evaluating the Dynamics of Groundwater Storage and Its Sustainability in the Loess Plateau: The Integrated Impacts of Climate Change and Human Activities
Authors: Li Jifei , Ma Jinzhu
Published: November 2024

In recent decades, the Loess Plateau has undergone rapid urbanization alongside extensive afforestation efforts aimed at controlling soil erosion. These large-scale land use changes have inevitably affected the region’s hydrological cycle. Despite these changes, the impact on groundwater has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aims to examine the spatial and temporal evolution of groundwater storage (GWS) in the Loess Plateau from 2003 to 2022, identify the driving factors behind these changes, and evaluate the sustainability of groundwater levels through the Reliability–Resilience–Vulnerability framework. GWS changes were estimated using GRACE gravity satellite data and the Global Land Assimilation Dataset (GLDAS). Our study also analyzed the drivers of GWS evolution by integrating land use change data, ERA5-Land reanalysis data, and various statistical data. Our findings indicate a decline in GWS at a rate of −6.9 ± 3.84 mm/yr. Seasonal variations show that the GWS is relatively higher in spring and autumn, but lower in summer and winter. The eastern part of the Loess Plateau in particular is experiencing a rate of decline that is 150% of that of the overall regional average. Groundwater storage in the Loess Plateau is currently at a critically unsustainable level, with conditions in the west being more favorable compared to the central and eastern regions. Climate factors such as precipitation, evaporation, and runoff did not show a significant correlation with GWS changes. Increases in forest areas and water consumption together explained 95.8% of the changes in GWS, with forest area growth being the dominant factor. Human activities are identified as the main cause of GWS decline. This study’s findings improve our understanding of GWS dynamics in the Loess Plateau and offer a scientific basis for formulating groundwater resource management and ecological restoration policies in the region.
A Synergistic Framework for Coupling Crop Growth, Radiative Transfer, and Machine Learning to Estimate Wheat Crop Traits in Pakistan
Authors: Ishaq Rana Ahmad Faraz , Zhou Guanhua , Ali Aamir , Shah Syed Roshaan Ali , Jiang Cheng , Ma Zhongqi , Sun Kang , Jiang Hongzhi
Published: November 2024

The integration of the Crop Growth Model (CGM), Radiative Transfer Model (RTM), and Machine Learning Algorithm (MLA) for estimating crop traits represents a cutting-edge area of research. This integration requires in-depth study to address RTM limitations, particularly of similar spectral responses from multiple input combinations. This study proposes the integration of CGM and RTM for crop trait retrieval and evaluates the performance of CGM output-based RTM spectra generation for multiple crop traits estimation without biased sampling using machine learning models. Moreover, PROSAIL spectra as training against Harmonized Landsat Sentinel-2 (HLS) as testing was also compared with HLS data only as an alternative. It was found that satellite data (HLS, 80:20) not only consistently performed better, but PROSAIL (train) and HLS (test) also had satisfactory results for multiple crop traits from uniform training samples in spite of differences in simulated and real data. PROSAIL-HLS has an RMSE of 0.67 for leaf area index (LAI), 5.66 µg/cm2 for chlorophyll ab (Cab), 0.0003 g/cm2 for dry matter content (Cm), and 0.002 g/cm2 for leaf water content (Cw) against the HLS only, with an RMSE of 0.40 for LAI, 3.28 µg/cm2 for Cab, 0.0002 g/cm2 for Cm, and 0.001 g/cm2 for Cw. Optimized machine learning models, namely Extreme Gradient Boost (XGBoost) for LAI, Support Vector Machine (SVM) for Cab, and Random Forest (RF) for Cm and Cw, were deployed for temporal mapping of traits to be used for wheat productivity enhancement.
Improved LOD and UT1-UTC Prediction Using Least Squares Combined with Polynomial CURVE Fitting
Authors: Li Chao , Li Xishun , Wu Yuanwei , Yang Xuhai , Qiao Haihua , Yang Haiyan
Published: November 2024

The Length of Day (LOD) and the Universal Time (UT1) play crucial roles in satellite positioning, deep space exploration, and related fields. The primary method for predicting LOD and UT1 is least squares fitting combined with autoregressive (AR) models. Polynomial Curve Fitting (PCF) has greater accuracy in capturing long-term trends compared to standard least squares fitting. In this study, PCF combined with Weighted Least Squares (WLS) is employed to fit and extrapolate the periodic and trend components of the LOD series after removing tidal influences. Additionally, considering the time-varying characteristics of the LOD series, a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network is utilized to predict the residuals derived from the fitting process. The 14 C04 LOD series released by the International Earth Rotation and Reference System Service (IERS) is used as the base series, with 70 LOD and UT1-UTC prediction experiments conducted during the period from 1 September 2021–31 December 2022. The results indicate that the PCF+WLS+LSTM method is well-suited for medium- and long-term (90–360 days) prediction of the LOD and UT1-UTC. Significant improvements in prediction accuracy were obtained for periods ranging from 90–360 days, particularly beyond 150 days, where the average accuracy improved by over 20% compared to IERS Bulletin A. Specifically, the largest prediction accuracy increase for LOD and UT1-UTC was 49.5% and 59.2%, respectively.
A Generalized Voronoi Diagram-Based Segment-Point Cyclic Line Segment Matching Method for Stereo Satellite Images
Authors: Zhao Li , Guo Fengcheng , Zhu Yi , Wang Haiyan , Zhou Bingqian
Published: November 2024

Matched line segments are crucial geometric elements for reconstructing the desired 3D structure in stereo satellite imagery, owing to their advantages in spatial representation, complex shape description, and geometric computation. However, existing line segment matching (LSM) methods face significant challenges in effectively addressing co-linear interference and the misdirection of parallel line segments. To address these issues, this study proposes a “continuous–discrete–continuous” cyclic LSM method, based on the Voronoi diagram, for stereo satellite images. Initially, to compute the discrete line-point matching rate, line segments are discretized using the Bresenham algorithm, and the pyramid histogram of visual words (PHOW) feature is assigned to the line segment points which are detected using the line segment detector (LSD). Next, to obtain continuous matched line segments, the method combines the line segment crossing angle rate with the line-point matching rate, utilizing a soft voting classifier. Finally, local point-line homography models are constructed based on the Voronoi diagram, filtering out misdirected parallel line segments and yielding the final matched line segments. Extensive experiments on the challenging benchmark, WorldView-2 and WorldView-3 satellite image datasets, demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms several state-of-the-art LSM methods. Specifically, the proposed method achieves F1-scores that are 6.22%, 12.60%, and 18.35% higher than those of the best-performing existing LSM method on the three datasets, respectively.
Utilizing Dual Polarized Array GPR System for Shallow Urban Road Pavement Foundation in Environmental Studies: A Case Study
Authors: Zou Lilong , Li Ying , Alani Amir M.
Published: November 2024

Maintaining the integrity of urban road pavements is vital for public safety, transportation efficiency, and economic stability. However, aging infrastructure and limited budgets make it challenging to detect subsurface defects that can lead to pavement collapses. Traditional inspection methods are often inadequate for identifying such underground anomalies. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), especially dual-polarized array systems, offers a non-destructive, high-resolution solution for subsurface inspection. Despite its potential, effectively detecting and analyzing areas at risk of collapse in urban pavements remains a challenge. This study employed a dual-polarized array GPR system to inspect road pavements in London. The research involved comprehensive field testing, including data acquisition, signal processing, calibration, background noise removal, and 3D migration for enhanced imaging. Additionally, Short-Fourier Transform Spectrum (SFTS) analysis was applied to detect moisture-related anomalies. The results show that dual-polarized GPR systems effectively detect subsurface issues like voids, cracks, and moisture-induced weaknesses. The ability to capture data in multiple polarizations improves resolution and depth, enabling the identification of collapse-prone areas, particularly in regions with moisture infiltration. This study demonstrates the practical value of dual-polarized GPR technology in urban pavement inspection, offering a reliable tool for early detection of subsurface defects and contributing to the longevity and safety of road infrastructure.