bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Long-Term Impact of Moral Education on College Students’ Psychological Well-Being: A Longitudinal Study Revealing Multidimensional Synergistic Mechanisms
Authors: Tian Xianghui , Tang Yanlin
Published: February 2025

Moral education significantly impacts the psychological well-being of college students by cultivating moral awareness, social responsibility, and moral values. However, existing studies have mainly focused on its cognitive effects (e.g., value formation and moral judgment development), with less attention to its impact on the affective level (e.g., positive and negative emotions). Longitudinal studies on its long-term effects are also limited. To address this gap, the present study conducted two waves of a longitudinal survey involving 423 Chinese university students. The results showed that baseline moral education levels significantly predicted subsequent psychological well-being, including higher psychological prosperity, more positive emotions, and fewer negative emotions. Additionally, gender moderated the relationship between moral education and psychological well-being: females showed significantly higher levels of well-being than males after receiving moral education. This study provides deeper insights into how moral education affects the psychological well-being of college students and offers theoretical and practical recommendations for enhancing emotion regulation and implementing psychological well-being interventions.
Different Strategy Choices Analysis Based on Stochastic Evolutionary Game Model for Construction Safety Supervision With/Without Smart Site Technology
Authors: Huang Song , Hu Jinxin , Xu Wenxin , Zhou Jianliang , Hao Mengya , Zhou Jie
Published: February 2025

The complexity and uncertainty of engineering construction present significant challenges to construction safety. Smart sites are an important measure of the transformation and upgrading of China’s construction industry. In the context of smart site technology, the impact and the influence path of the smart site technology on the project safety supervision system was introduced in this study, which was mainly based on stochastic evolutionary game theory. Meanwhile, a stochastic evolutionary game model between construction workers and project safety management departments was conducted to improve the safety management strategy of smart sites. Matlab simulation experiments were applied to analyze the changes in safety strategy selection among different groups in the context of the presence and absence of smart site technology. The results show that the introduction of smart site technology could promote the strategy selection of construction workers to be more stable; however, reasonable smart site operation strategies should be formulated to control the management costs in case of negative effects. In addition, an appropriate increase in penalties could reduce the probability of workers adopting unsafe construction strategies. The results are beneficial in assisting the formulation of project safety management strategies in the context of smart sites, improving the level of construction safety management, as well as reducing the occurrence of safety accidents.
An Eye-Tracking Study on Exploring Children’s Visual Attention to Streetscape Elements
Authors: Sheng Kaiyuan , Liu Lian , Wang Feng , Li Songnian , Zhou Xu
Published: February 2025

Urban street spaces play a crucial role in children’s daily commuting and social activities. Therefore, the design of these spaces must give more consideration to children’s perceptual preferences. Traditional street landscape perception studies often rely on subjective analysis, which lacks objective, data-driven insights. This study overcomes this limitation by using eye-tracking technology to evaluate children’s preferences more scientifically. We collected eye-tracking data from 57 children aged 6–12 as they naturally viewed 30 images depicting school commuting environments. Data analysis revealed that the proportions of landscape elements in different street types influenced the visual perception characteristics of children in this age group. On well-maintained main and secondary roads, elements such as minibikes, people, plants, and grass attracted significant visual attention from children. In contrast, commercial streets and residential streets, characterized by greater diversity in landscape elements, elicited more frequent gazes. Children’s eye-tracking behaviors were particularly influenced by vibrant elements like walls, plants, cars, signboards, minibikes, and trade. Furthermore, due to the developmental immaturity of children’s visual systems, no significant gender differences were observed in visual perception. Understanding children’s visual landscape preferences provides a new perspective for researching the sustainable development of child-friendly cities at the community level. These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing the design of child-friendly streets.
Seismic Behavior of Composite Beam to Concrete-Filled Cold-Formed High-Strength Square Steel Tubular Column Joints with Different Connection Forms
Authors: Guo Jiangran , Sun Longhui , Zhao He , Hu Xihan
Published: February 2025

To enhance the standardization and construction efficiency of prefabricated steel structures and to promote the application of cold-formed steel tubes with the advantages of high standardization, superior mechanical properties, and fast processing speeds, two types of composite beam to concrete-filled cold-formed high-strength square steel tubular column joints with different connection forms were designed in this study: the external diaphragm joint (ED joint) and the through diaphragm joint (TD joint). These joints were subjected to cyclic loading tests to evaluate the influence of the connection designs on key seismic performance parameters, such as failure modes, load-bearing capacities, the degradation of strength and stiffness, ductility, and energy dissipation capabilities. The results show that both the ED and TD joints experienced butt weld fractures at the bolted-welded connections on the beam, effectively transferring the plastic hinges from the joint zone to the beam and demonstrating good seismic performance. The ED joint specimen JD1 and the TD joint specimen JD2 exhibited similar load-bearing capacity, stiffness, strength degradation, and energy dissipation capacity. However, the TD joint showed lower ductility compared to the ED joint due to premature weld fractures. A nonlinear finite element model (FEM) was developed using MSC.MARC 2012, and the numerical simulation showed that the FEM could effectively simulate the hysteresis performance of the composite beam to concrete-filled, cold-formed, high-strength, square, steel tubular column joints with external and through diaphragms.
Transcriptome-Wide Analysis of Pituitary and Ectopic Adrenocorticotropic Hormone-Secreting Tumors
Authors: Buzdin Anton A. , Heydarov Rustam N. , Golounina Olga O. , Suntsova Maria V. , Matrosova Alina V. , Bondarenko Ekaterina V. , Roumiantsev Sergey A. , Sorokin Maksim I. , Kholodenko Roman V. , Kholodenko Irina V. , Chekhonin Vladimir P. , Plaksina Evgeniya V. , Rozhinskaya Liudmila Y. , Melnichenko Galina A. , Belaya Zhanna E.
Published: February 2025

Endogenous Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is a rare neuroendocrine disorder characterized by either secondary cortisol increases due to an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary tumor (Cushing’s disease (CD)), an ACTH-secreting neuroendocrine tumor (NET) of non-pituitary origin (ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS)), or by the primarily adrenal autonomous overproduction of cortisol [...]
Genetic Drivers in Sebaceous Neoplasms: A Review of Germline and Somatic Mutations and Their Role in Treatment and Management Strategies
Authors: Fujii Christina , Mochizuki Ashley , Dreike Sandra , Jeter Joanne M.
Published: February 2025

Background: The efficacy of germline testing in colorectal cancer has been proven; however, germline testing in individuals with sebaceous neoplasms is less well defined. This review aims to summarize the literature on sebaceous neoplasms to date, describing the somatic tumor profiles, tumor screening methods, and personal and family history that are suspicious of a germline mutation. Sebaceous neoplasms can be attributed to a variety of etiologies, including UV exposure, immunodeficiency, germline mutations, or multifactorial influences associated with aging. Sebaceous tumors with abnormal microsatellite instability and mismatch repair deficiency are indicative of a germline mutation in 20–50% of cases, which is similar to rates found in colorectal tumors. Personal and familial history can also be suggestive of a germline etiology in these patients and should be assessed routinely, as approximately 30% of individuals with sebaceous neoplasms carry a germline mutation. We outline a strategy for the identification of individuals at risk for germline mutations, recommendations for the management of mutation carriers, and treatment options for individuals with sebaceous neoplasms. Conclusions: Sebaceous tumors are most often sporadic; however, evaluations of a germline etiology are prudent to effectively identify those at risk of additional malignancies as well as at-risk family members. Referral to genetic counseling and germline genetic testing for individuals at risk can significantly impact cancer treatment and screening in patients and their families.
Optimizing Outcomes in Breast Reconstruction: The Role of Hormonal Therapy Management
Authors: Saorín-Gascón Eduardo , Nova-Tayant Óscar , Moreno-Villalba Ramón A. , García-Contreras Juan de Dios , Fernández-Pascual Clemente José , Mora-Ortíz Asunción M. , Servet-Pérez de Lema Maria del Carmen , Quiles-Hevia Alba , Piñero-Madrona Antonio
Published: February 2025

Background: Breast cancer comprises diverse subtypes with prognostic and therapeutic implications. Hormone therapy plays a crucial role in managing tumors expressing hormonal receptors, but its impact on breast reconstruction outcomes remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the association between perioperative hormone therapy continuation and the incidence of postoperative complications following breast reconstruction (including autologous, prosthetic, and hybrid techniques), with a focus on identifying specific complication types to refine patient management strategies. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent breast reconstruction following mastectomy for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Patients were categorized based on the appropriate discontinuation of hormonal therapy. Clinical data, including patient characteristics, treatment regimens, and complication occurrences, were registered and analyzed. Results: Inadequate suspension of hormonal therapy during the perioperative period was significantly associated with a higher rate of complications, particularly in the immediate and early phases. Complications such as skin alterations, flap failure, seroma development, and clinical infection showed significant associations with the continuation of hormone therapy (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed for other complications. Conclusions: Preliminary findings suggest a potential correlation between the continuation of hormone therapy during the perioperative phase and the development of complications following breast reconstruction.
Double PitNETs: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Nishiyama Mitsuru , Fukuhara Noriaki , Nishioka Hiroshi , Yamada Shozo
Published: February 2025

Double pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (double PitNETs) are two distinct tumors in the same gland and are infrequent in clinical practice. In typical double PitNETs, an MRI detects two separate tumors that are diagnosed by pathology; they could also appear as a single tumor, and pathology would then identify the two independent tumors. A literature review was conducted, and 142 cases were analyzed to determine the characteristics of double PitNETs. Of these cases, acromegaly (45.5%) was the most common clinical feature, followed by Cushing’s disease (35.1%) and prolactinoma (17.9%), indicating that double PitNETs are usually noticed by hormonal excess symptoms due to at least one functional tumor. The pathological analysis of 284 tumors showed that somatotroph (28.9%) and corticotroph (26.8%) tumors were predominant, with a recent increase in the proportion of gonadotroph tumors. Regarding transcription factors, 51.1% were of GH-PRL-TSH PIT1-lineage, 26.1% ACTH TPIT-lineage, and 17.9% LH-FSH SF1-lineage. The radiological analysis of 82 cases revealed that double tumors (45.1%) and single tumors (47.6%) were comparable, suggesting that double PitNETs are often detected as a single tumor, and attention should be paid to hidden micro-tumors during surgery. Double PitNETs are complicated by a wide variety of clinical, radiological, and pathological findings, but diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are advancing.
Zirconia Implants Indicated Better Stability After Exposure to Radioiodine-131 Therapy Used for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Mester Alexandru , Piciu Doina , Moldovan Marioara , Sarosi Codruta , Cuc Stanca , Petean Ioan , Moisescu-Pop Cristina , Piciu Andra , Onisor Florin , Bran Simion
Published: February 2025

Background: Advancements in therapeutic approaches and standard medical interventions have significantly improved the prognosis of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer. However, uncertainties remain regarding the optimal timing and protocols for dental implant placement in patients undergoing radioiodine-131 (I-131) therapy. Debates continue about the potential effects of radiation on osseointegration dynamics and implant viability. This in vitro study assessed the impact of radiodiodine-131 (I-131) used for differentiated thyroid cancer on the structure of zirconia and titanium implants. Methods: A total of 60 implants were utilized, with distribution into two cohorts: titanium implants (Ti, n = 30) and zirconia implants (Zr, n = 30). Subsequently, the Ti and Zr implants were immersed in I-131 solution and retrieved at specified time intervals: 0, 6, 12, 24, 48 h, and 8 days post irradiation. The analyses used to characterize the structure of the implants were radioactivity, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, roughness, and Vickers hardness assessment. Results: The findings indicate that the zirconia implants exhibited minimal ultra-structural topographic changes after irradiation. Notable topographical changes and debris deposition on zirconia surfaces became evident after 24 h, with cumulative effects observed after 192 h. The titanium implants, on the other hand, showed surface alterations beginning at 12 h of exposure. Significant changes, including erosive patterns and substantial debris deposits, occurred after 48 and 192 h, leading to increased surface roughness by 24 h. Implants exposed for 12 and 24 h formed a statistically significant group, indicating the onset of surface alteration accumulation. The erosion debris confirmed the surface alterations induced by radioiodine-131 exposure. Conclusions: Overall, the Zr implants demonstrated greater stability compared to the Ti implants following radioiodine-131 exposure.
Phenolic Compounds from Haskap Berries Have Structure, Combination, and Cell Line-Dependent Impacts on the Longevity-Associated Deacetylase Sirtuin 1
Authors: Fleming Morgan A. , Low Nicholas H. , Eskiw Christopher H.
Published: February 2025

It is well established that phenolic compounds from plant sources impact readouts of cell health such as reduced radical and reactive oxygen species. However, it is unclear if specific phenolic structures impact other cellular processes or proteins, such as the evolutionary conserved deacetylase Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), and if phenolic combinations interact synergistically to do so. We observed that structurally diverse haskap berry phenolics (caffeic acid, cyanidin, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, and gentisic acid) differentially impacted normal primary human fibroblast growth, which has been linked to SIRT1. These results were consistent with previous work from our lab indicating that haskap phenolic extracts/fractions impact human cell growth via SIRT1-dependent mechanisms. Therefore, we furthered the investigation into SIRT1 and phenolic structure and observed that the individual phenolics or their combinations had no observable impact on SIRT1 transcript abundance or cellular localization. We also observed that select phenolics decreased SIRT1 protein abundance and increased SIRT1 activity. The catechol-containing phenolics outperformed those that lack a catechol group, indicating potential structure-dependent impact(s). Potential synergy between the specific phenolics analyzed was observed in Western blot, and potential antagonism was identified in the SIRT1 activity assay. Results were concomitant with the presence of different phenolic structures, phenolic combinations, and cell type (sex and/or individual differences). These results highlight the possible significance of the catechol structure and indicate that phenolics have the potential to impact cell processes, which the authors hypothesize to be due to mechanisms that are independent of antioxidant activity.
Selected Elements of the Tumor Microenvironment (MMP-2, MMP-7, TIMP-2, CXCL-9, CXCL-10) in the Serum of Pediatric Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Kaczorowska Aleksandra , Miękus-Purwin Natalia , Owczarzak Anna , Gabrych Anna , Wojciechowska Małgorzata , Irga-Jaworska Ninela , Małgorzewicz Sylwia , Rąpała Małgorzata , Stefanowicz Joanna
Published: February 2025

In recent years, researchers have been paying special attention to the tumor microenvironment (TME). One of the most important factors contributing to the development and progression of cancer is the destruction of elements of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The most important substances involved in regulating the extracellular matrix degradation process are extracellular matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs). In the process of cancer cell migration, chemokines secreted by target tissues, as well as the profile of chemokine receptors presented on cancer cells, play a key role. In the presented work, five components of the TME were selected: MMP-2, MMP-7, TIMP-2, CXCL-9, and CXCL-10. In the years 2018–2021, peripheral blood samples were collected before the start of treatment and then on day 33 of intensive treatment from 31 patients diagnosed with ALL. The results indicate that the levels of MMP-2, MMP-7, and TIMP-2 did not statistically significantly change before and during treatment of ALL patients. The decrease in CXCL-9 and CXCL-10 levels in the patients’ serum on the 33rd day of therapy turned out to be statistically significant. Our study indicates that serum is also a valuable material for the evaluation of these substances. Conclusions: CXCL-9 and CXCL-10 could be used as one of markers for monitoring the response to treatment and a potential marker of ALL recurrence in pediatric patients. The role of MMP-2, MMP-7, and TIMP-2 in the assessment of response to therapy in children with ALL has not been confirmed.
Chemical Sensors and Biosensors Based on Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs)
Authors: Wu Chunsheng , Du Liping , Chen Wei
Published: February 2025

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), also referred to as porous coordination polymers [...]
An Activatable Fluorescence/Photoacoustic Bimodal Probe for the Detection of Drug-Induced Liver Senescence
Authors: Yan Ying-Hong , Zhou Jun-Liang , Ren Li-Li , Liang Ping-Zhao , Zhang Wen , Ren Tian-Bing , Yuan Lin , Yin Xia , Zhang Xiao-Bing
Published: February 2025

Senescence is an intricate physiological progression that can be instigated by a multiplicity of factors. Aberrant cellular senescence is capable of precipitating a substantial array of diseases. During chemotherapy, drugs typically tend to gradually accumulate in the liver, thereby inducing liver senescence and leading to a successive deterioration in its physiological function. β-galactosidase (β-gal), serving as a significant index in the exploration of senescence, has attracted considerable attention. In this study, a fluorescence/photoacoustic (FL/PA) biomodal probe (Gal-QCS) was developed based on a hemicyanine fluorophore for the imaging of β-gal in the process of drug-induced liver senescence. Gal-QCS demonstrates rapid responsiveness, high sensitivity, and remarkable selectivity in detecting β-gal in aqueous solutions. After incubation with β-gal, the fluorescence signal at 810 nm significantly increases, and concurrently, the photoacoustic signal at 775 nm also exhibits a substantial increment. Upon the induction of cell senescence with camptothecin, Gal-QCS can expeditiously and selectively image senescent cells. Moreover, after administering this probe to mice with liver senescence, the FL/PA signals in the livers of senescent mice were enhanced by 10.53-fold and 1.43-fold, respectively. This work robustly substantiates the potential and application prospects of Gal-QCS in detecting drug-induced liver senescence, with β-gal serving as a biomarker.
Numerical Study and Model Validation of Low-Pressure Hydrogen–Air Combustion in a Closed Vessel
Authors: Tryfonov Oleh , Teodorczyk Andrzej , Shypul Olga , Rudy Wojciech , Garin Vadym , Myntiuk Vitalii , Tkachenko Denys
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the combustion behavior of hydrogen–air mixtures in a closed chamber at reduced initial pressure, focusing on applications in thermal energy methods (TEMs) for plastic processing. The primary goal was to develop and validate a numerical model capable of accurately predicting pressure and temperature profiles over time. By employing ANSYS Fluent 2024 R2 and the GRI-Mech 3.0 mechanism, a detailed combustion model was constructed and validated against experimental data, adhering to the standards outlined in EN 15967: 2011. Subsequent simulations under low-pressure conditions revealed consistent flame front propagation and turbulent flow patterns, crucial factors for achieving stable temperature distributions and optimal part placement. This validated model provides a valuable tool for predicting combustion effects, enhancing safety, and optimizing the performance of hydrogen-fueled TEM processes. By leveraging hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy source, this research contributes to a more environmentally friendly approach to plastic processing. Future studies will delve into the combustion of hydrogen–air mixtures in the presence of plastic parts to further refine the efficiency and effectiveness of TEM processes.
Detection of Surgical Instruments Based on Synthetic Training Data
Authors: Wiese Leon , Hinz Lennart , Reithmeier Eduard , Korn Philippe , Neuhaus Michael
Published: February 2025

Due to a significant shortage of healthcare staff, medical facilities are increasingly challenged by the need to deploy current staff more intensively, which can lead to significant complications for patients and staff. Digital surgical assistance systems that track all instruments used in procedures can make a significant contribution to relieving the load on staff, increasing efficiency, avoiding errors and improving hygiene. Due to data safety concerns, laborious data annotation and the complexity of the scenes, as well as to increase prediction accuracy, the provision of synthetic data is key to enabling the wide use of artificial intelligence for object recognition and tracking in OR settings. In this study, a synthetic data generation pipeline is introduced for the detection of eight surgical instruments during open surgery. Using 3D models of the instruments, synthetic datasets consisting of color images and annotations were created. These datasets were used to train common object detection networks (YOLOv8) and compared against networks solely trained on real data. The comparison, conducted on two real image datasets with varying complexity, revealed that networks trained on synthetic data demonstrated better generalization capabilities. A sensitivity analysis showed that synthetic data-trained networks could detect surgical instruments even at higher occlusion levels than real data-trained networks. Additionally, 1920 datasets were generated using different parameter combinations to evaluate the impact of various settings on detection performance. Key findings include the importance of object visibility, occlusion, and the inclusion of occlusion objects in improving detection accuracy. The results highlight the potential of synthetic datasets to simulate real-world conditions, enhance network generalization, and address data shortages in specialized domains like surgical instrument detection.
Numerical Study of Perforated Plate Balanced Flowmeter Performance for Liquid Hydrogen
Authors: Zhao Feng , Song Jingcheng , Peng Shiyao , Zhang Xiaobin
Published: February 2025

A balanced flowmeter not only inherits the advantages of orifice plate flowmeters but also stabilizes the flow field, reduces permanent pressure loss, and effectively increases the cavitation threshold. To perform an in-depth analysis of flow characteristics through the perforated plate and achieve performance optimization for the liquid hydrogen (LH2) measurement, a numerical calculation framework is established based on the mixture model, realizable turbulence closure, and Schnerr–Sauer cavitation model. The model is first evaluated through comparison with the liquid nitrogen (LN2) experimental results of a self-developed balanced flowmeter as well as the measuring setup. The flow coefficient and pressure loss coefficient are especially considered, and a comparison is made with the orifice plane considering cavitation and non-cavitation conditions. The cavitation cloud and temperature contours are also presented to illustrate the difference in the upper limit of the Re between water, LN2, and LH2 flow. The results show that compared to LN2 and water, LH2 has a larger cavitation threshold, indicating a wider range of Re number measurements.
“I Got My Trophy”: The Story of Implementing a Neuro-Oncology Exercise Program from the Patient and Caregiver Lens—A Qualitative Study
Authors: Daun Julia T. , Bansal Mannat , Iversen Randall L. , McDonough Meghan H. , Urgoiti Gloria Roldan , Dhruva Tana , McLaughlin Emma , Capozzi Lauren C. , Easaw Jacob C. , McNeely Margaret L. , Francis George J. , Culos-Reed S. Nicole
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study was to gather patient and caregiver perspectives of adult neuro-oncology patients participating in a 12-week exercise program (i.e., the Alberta Cancer Exercise-Neuro-Oncology; ACE-Neuro study). Patients and their caregivers were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews across study delivery. A qualitative photo elicitation methodology within a patient-oriented research approach was used. Interpretive description and a constructivist philosophy guided the investigation, analysis, and dissemination of findings. A patient partner was included as a member of the research team. N = 51 patients completed the ACE-Neuro study, of which 28 patients and nine caregivers participated in interviews (n = 37). Working with the patient partner, five themes were created and are presented as a story of neuro-oncology patients on their journey to accessing and participating in ACE-Neuro: (1) The Exposition: I Have Cancer…Now What?; (2) The Rising Action: Trials and Triumphs of Participation; (3) The Pivotal Moment: It’s More Than Exercise; (4) The Resolution: Tailored Not Templated…The Ideal Program for Me; and (5) The Epilogue: Key Factors for Sustained Delivery. The findings from this work address the lack of qualitative exploration for understanding the neuro-oncology exercise experience and will inform the sustainable implementation of programming to meet patients’ needs.
YOLOSAMIC: A Hybrid Approach to Skin Cancer Segmentation with the Segment Anything Model and YOLOv8
Authors: Gül Sevda , Cetinel Gökçen , Aydin Bekir Murat , Akgün Devrim , Öztaş Kara Rabia
Published: February 2025

Background/Objective: The rising global incidence of skin cancer emphasizes the urgent need for reliable and accurate diagnostic tools to aid early intervention. This study introduces YOLOSAMIC (YOLO and SAM in Cancer Imaging), a fully automated segmentation framework that integrates YOLOv8 for lesion detection, and the Segment Anything Model (SAM)-Box for precise segmentation. The objective is to develop a reliable segmentation system that handles complex skin lesion characteristics without requiring manual intervention. Methods: A hybrid database comprising 3463 public and 765 private dermoscopy images was built to enhance model generalizability. YOLOv8 was employed to localize lesions through bounding box detection, while SAM-Box refined the segmentation process. The model was trained and evaluated under four scenarios to assess its robustness. Additionally, an ablation study examined the impact of grayscale conversion, image blur, and model pruning on segmentation performance. Results: YOLOSAMIC demonstrated high segmentation accuracy, achieving Dice and Jaccard scores of 0.9399 and 0.9112 on the public database and 0.8990 and 0.8445 on the hybrid dataset. Conclusions: The proposed YOLOSAMIC framework provides a robust, fully automated solution for skin lesion segmentation, eliminating the need for manual annotation. Integrating YOLOv8 and SAM-Box enhances segmentation precision, making it a valuable decision-support tool for dermatologists.
Essays on the Binary Representations of the DNA Data
Authors: Mavrodiev Evgeny V. , Mavrodiev Nicholas E.
Published: February 2025

The advancement of modern genomics has led to the large-scale industrial production of molecular data and scientific outcomes. Simultaneously, conventional DNA character alignments (sequence alignments) are utilized for DNA-based phylogenetic analyses without further recoding procedures or any a priori determination of character polarity, contrary to the requirements of foundations of phylogenetic systematics. These factors are the primary reasons why the binary perspective has not been implemented in modern molecular phylogenetics. In this study, we demonstrate how to recode conventional DNA data into various types of binary matrices, either unpolarized or with established polarity. Despite its historical foundation, our analytical approach to DNA sequence data has not been adequately explored since the inception of the molecular age. Binary representations of conventional DNA alignments allow for the analysis of molecular data from a purely comparative or static perspective. Furthermore, we show that the binarization of DNA data possesses broad mathematical and cultural connotations, making them intriguing regardless of their applications to different phylogenetic procedures.
Beamforming Design for STAR-RIS-Assisted NOMA with Binary and Coupled Phase-Shifts
Authors: Liu Yongfei , Wang Yuhuan , Xu Weizhang
Published: February 2025

This paper investigates the joint optimization of active and passive beamforming in simultaneously transmitting and reflecting reconfigurable intelligent surface (STAR-RIS)-assisted non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) systems, with the aim of maximizing system throughput and improving overall performance. To achieve this goal, we propose an iterative and efficient algorithmic framework. For active beamforming optimization, the fractional programming (FP) method is employed to reformulate the non-convex optimization problem into a convex problem, making it more tractable. Additionally, Nesterov’s extrapolation technique is introduced to enhance the convergence rate and reduce computational overhead. For the phase optimization of the STAR-RIS, a binary phase design method is proposed, which reformulates the binary phase optimization problem as a segmentation problem on the unit circle. This approach enables a closed form solution that can be derived in linear time. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithmic framework outperforms existing benchmark algorithms in terms of both system throughput and computational efficiency, verifying its effectiveness and practicality in STAR-RIS-assisted NOMA systems.
Bouncing Back: The Psychosocial Benefits of a Community-Based Exercise Program for Children with Non-Severe Burns
Authors: Atapattu Dinithi , Shoesmith Victoria M. , Kierath Eva , Fear Mark W. , Wood Fiona M. , Martin Lisa J.
Published: February 2025

Burns significantly impact children’s physical and psychosocial recovery, even in cases of non-severe injuries, leading to long-term health and mental health risks. This study explores the psychosocial benefits of a community-based exercise program for children recovering from burn injuries, addressing concerns such as anxiety, reduced physical activity, and social challenges. A pre-test–post-test design assessed the effects of an 8-week community-based trampoline exercise intervention on psychosocial outcomes in children and their caregivers. No significant or clinically meaningful physical improvements were observed across measures such as MET score, grip strength, BMI percentile, or heart-rate recovery despite a significant improvement in trampolining performance (p < 0.0001). Psychosocial outcomes showed improved child emotional function (PedsQL, p = 0.024) as reported by parents, though children’s self-reported emotional function and Child PTSD Symptom Scale (CPSS) scores remained unchanged. Parent-reported strengths and difficulty scores for the child remained stable over time but were higher than population norms for hyperactivity and emotional difficulty. Parental post-traumatic stress symptoms decreased significantly over time (p = 0.050), with reductions in avoidance (p = 0.009), hypervigilance (p = 0.007), and intrusion scores (p = 0.026). Children significantly improved their trampolining performance, while parents reported enhanced emotional function for their child. However, children’s self-reports did not reflect these emotional improvements.
From Seeds to Harvest in Seven Weeks: Project-Based Learning with Latina Girls and Their Parents
Authors: Rillero Peter , Jiménez-Silva Margarita , Short-Meyerson Katherine , Rillero Kim Marie
Published: February 2025

This study examines the impact of a culturally responsive, garden-based STEM program designed for Latina girls (grades 5–6) and their parents. The “Our Plot of Sunshine” project integrates Family Project-Based Learning with garden education to create meaningful STEM engagement opportunities. Drawing on the science capital, science identity, and community cultural wealth frameworks, the program leverages families’ cultural and linguistic resources while developing science knowledge and identity. Nineteen families from low socioeconomic schools participated in three pilot implementations across two Western U.S. cities. Using a mixed-methods approach with repeated measures over 19 weeks, the study tracked changes in participants’ science identity, interest, and career aspirations. Results showed significant increases in science identity and career aspirations, with effects maintained at three-month follow-up. While interest/enjoyment showed positive trends, changes were not statistically significant. Parent ratings of program elements were consistently higher than daughter ratings, though both groups reported strong engagement. The successful integration of bilingual instruction emerged as a particularly valued program component. These findings suggest that family-centered, culturally responsive garden education can effectively support Latina girls’ STEM identity development and future orientation, while highlighting the potential of leveraging family and cultural resources in STEM education.
Solar Irradiance Estimation in Tropical Regions Using Recurrent Neural Networks and WRF Models
Authors: Suwadana Fadhilah A. , Garniwa Pranda M. P. , Putera Dhavani A. , Puspita Dita , Gufron Ahmad , Aditya Indra A. , Lee Hyunjin , Garniwa Iwa
Published: February 2025

The accurate estimation of solar radiation is crucial for optimizing solar energy deployment and advancing the global energy transition. This study pioneers the development of a hybrid model combining Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) and the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to estimate solar radiation in tropical regions characterized by scarce and low-quality data. Using datasets from Sumedang and Jakarta across five locations in West Java, Indonesia, the RNN model achieved moderate accuracy, with R2 values of 0.68 and 0.53 and RMSE values of 159.87 W/m2 and 125.53 W/m2, respectively. Additional metrics, such as Mean Bias Error (MBE) and relative MBE (rMBE), highlight limitations due to input data constraints. Incorporating spatially resolved GHI data from the WRF model into the RNN framework significantly enhanced accuracy under both clear and cloudy conditions, accounting for the region’s complex topography. While the results are not yet comparable to best practices in data-rich regions, they demonstrate promising potential for advancing solar radiation modeling in tropical climates. This study establishes a critical foundation for future research on hybrid solar radiation estimation techniques in challenging environments, supporting the growth of renewable energy applications in the tropics.
Planning Amidst Uncertainty: Identifying Core CCS Infrastructure Robust to Storage Uncertainty
Authors: Olson Daniel , Yaw Sean
Published: February 2025

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a critical technology for reducing anthropogenic CO2 emissions, but its large-scale deployment is complicated by uncertainties in geological storage performance. These uncertainties pose significant financial and operational risks, as underperforming storage sites can lead to costly infrastructure modifications, inefficient pipeline routing, and economic shortfalls. To address this challenge, we propose a novel optimization workflow that is based on mixed-integer linear programming and explicitly integrates probabilistic modeling of storage uncertainty into CCS infrastructure design. This workflow generates multiple infrastructure scenarios by sampling storage capacity distributions, optimally solving each scenario using a mixed-integer linear programming model, and aggregating results into a heatmap to identify core infrastructure components that have a low likelihood of underperforming. A risk index parameter is introduced to balance trade-offs between cost, CO2 processing capacity, and risk of underperformance, allowing stakeholders to quantify and mitigate uncertainty in CCS planning. Applying this workflow to a CCS dataset from the US Department of Energy’s Carbon Utilization and Storage Partnership project reveals key insights into infrastructure resilience. Reducing the risk index from 15% to 0% is observed to lead to an 83.7% reduction in CO2 processing capacity and a 77.1% decrease in project profit, quantifying the trade-off between risk tolerance and project performance. Furthermore, our results highlight critical breakpoints, where small adjustments in the risk index produce disproportionate shifts in infrastructure performance, providing actionable guidance for decision-makers. Unlike prior approaches that aimed to cheaply repair underperforming infrastructure, our workflow constructs robust CCS networks from the ground up, ensuring cost-effective infrastructure under storage uncertainty. These findings demonstrate the practical relevance of incorporating uncertainty-aware optimization into CCS planning, equipping decision-makers with a tool to make informed project planning decisions.
Evaluation of Energy Demands and Performance of Multi-Storey Cross-Laminated Timber Buildings
Authors: Adekunle Timothy O.
Published: February 2025

The overarching goal of this research is to evaluate the energy demands and performance of multi-storey cross-laminated timber (CLT) buildings. The research examines the various energy demands influencing the performance of multi-storey CLT buildings. The study addresses the following research question: Can different energy demands influence the performance of CLT buildings? The investigation explores building modeling and simulation under two different weather scenarios to assess these issues. The study considers London Islington and St Albans (Test Reference Year—TRY), due to the proximity of the actual case studies to the reference locations of the weather files. The investigation captures energy demands and performance in the warm season (i.e., May–August). The findings show that the Stadt building (STB) temperatures under the two weather scenarios are warmer by 1.2 °C and 1.6 °C than those of Brid building (BDH) under the same weather conditions. Outdoor dry-bulb temperatures have a lesser impact on radiant temperatures than indoor air temperatures and operative temperatures in the buildings. Solar gains for external windows are influenced by design variables (e.g., building shapes, heights, floor areas, orientations, opening sizes, etc.). The indoor environmental conditions of the buildings under different weather conditions are comfortable, except for BDH St Albans TRY. Occupancy is a major driver influencing domestic hot water (DHW) usage profiles, regardless of the energy sources in the buildings. DHW is a significant parameter determining the overall energy usage in buildings. Other energy usage profiles, such as room electricity, computers and equipment, general lighting, and lighting, can also impact energy usage in buildings. The research outcomes can enhance our understanding of energy usage profiles and possible improvements to enhance the overall performance of CLT buildings.
Investigation of Water-in-Diesel Emulsion Behavior Formulated for Performance Conditions in a Single-Cylinder Diesel Engine
Authors: Oliveira Pedro , Brójo Francisco , Serôdio Rogério , Serôdio João
Published: February 2025

The search for alternative fuels is driven by increasing environmental and health concerns across the globe. Water-in-diesel emulsions (WiDEs) have been explored over the years as a potential fuel for diesel engines to mitigate emissions of greenhouse gases, especially nitrogen oxides and smoke. Researchers have been developing and testing different formulations of emulsified fuels with the common goal of stabilizing the mixture and minimizing pollutant emissions without significantly compromising engine performance. In this work, a novel approach is taken by developing a hydrophilic emulsion formulation optimized for engine operating temperatures, overcoming the storage-related stability issues that most studies focus on. Two different mixtures of WiDE were heated and supplied to a Hatz 1B40 single-cylinder diesel engine. The engine was coupled to an eddy current dynamometer to measure speed, torque, and power values. Emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrocarbons (HCs), nitric oxide (NO), and oxygen (O2) were measured by an AVL DiGas 1000 exhaust gas analyzer. Smoke emissions were measured by an AVL DiSmoke 480. This study represents a contribution to the field of alternative fuels for diesel engines by providing experimental evidence that formulating WiDE for operating temperatures can be advantageous and significantly improve thermal efficiency and reduce emissions of NO and smoke at specific engine operating conditions, with a maximum reduction of 46.86% for NO emissions and a maximum reduction of 83.67% for smoke emissions obtained when compared to diesel.
Power Distribution System Improvement Planning Considering Financial Losses Due to Faults in Power Systems
Authors: Kesphrom Nitikorn , Nedphokaew Supawud , Ruangsap Natchapol , Rugthaicharoencheep Nattachote
Published: February 2025

This research article presents a method for selecting an improvement approach for the power distribution system by analyzing financial losses caused by faults in the system. These losses can be in two parts: the first part arises from power outages, which lead to lost sales, estimated opportunities, and expenses for resolving the outages, while the second part results from voltage sags that affect sensitive electrical equipment. The method involves simulating faults at various points in the distribution system and assessing their impact on industrial, commercial, and large-scale electricity consumers. The results demonstrate that by combining the total financial losses from both parts and comparing these losses before and after implementing system improvements, effective and economically viable decision-making information can be obtained for enhancing the power distribution system.
Solid Insulation Partial Discharge Detection of Low-Intensity Noise Fiber Laser Based on Polarized Light Demodulation
Authors: Zhang Zhenpeng , Liang Zhengbo , Hou Junping , Chen Li , Tang Lin , Xu Mingzhong
Published: February 2025

The distributed feedback fiber (DFB) laser has been extensively researched for the purpose of detecting partial discharges in power equipment. DFB is demodulated using an unbalanced interferometer, which is not only structurally complex but also prone to introducing significant noise when the fiber distance is long. In order to address this issue, this paper presents the design of a low-noise demodulation system. The theoretical model of external optical feedback noise is described in this study. The relationship between this noise and the DFB linewidth is established by introducing the external optical feedback coefficient C. The theoretical results demonstrate that the system noise is minimized when C is approximately 30. A low-noise partial discharge detection system combined with a polarization optical demodulation method is developed. The experimental results confirmed the local discharge detection capability of the system in solid insulation and significantly reduced the system noise. This result promotes wider application and promotion of DFB lasers.
Balancing Non-Timber Services with Biomass Production via Sustainable Forest Management: A Review of Conflicting Demands and Suggested Approaches
Authors: Kiziridis Diogenis A. , Salonikidou Eleni , Eleftheriadou Nikoleta , Fotakis Dimitrios
Published: February 2025

Forest management can be implemented for various demands, including biomass or energy production, biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem services, all related to forest utilisation and sustainability. However, these demands can conflict, with biomass production potentially hindering biodiversity conservation, and a focus on climate mitigation or ecosystem services possibly limiting wood production. The aim of the present study was to review the literature related to these conflicts and identify best practices for balancing demands in the context of policies and management tools in the European Union (EU). We found that while EU policies promote sustainability, there is insufficient integration between the biodiversity, carbon storage, and biomass production objectives. We additionally found that by integrating datasets and models, such as by interconnecting models for carbon dynamics, biodiversity, and biomass production, predictions and hence workarounds for addressing these competing demands can be more accurate. Based on these findings, we recommend adopting a more holistic approach in forest management strategies, considering both ecological and socio-economic factors for long-term sustainability. This review provides insights for policymakers, forest managers, and other stakeholders, for navigating the trade-offs between different forest ecosystem services, and for supporting informed decision-making in the development of effective forest policies.