bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Standard to Handheld: A New Wave in Thoracic Ultrasound and Patient Care—A Direct Comparison of Portable Handheld Against Standard in Thoracic Ultrasound
Authors: Halim Dzufar , Kelly Alan , Hayes James , Bennett Kathleen , Tzouvelekis Argyrios , Ampazis Dimitrios , Sampsonas Fotios
Published: February 2025

Background and Objective: Ultrasound has become more popular and useful over the last few years in improving healthcare. While handheld devices offer portability and convenience, their diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility require further scrutiny. This study attempted to evaluate the non-inferiority of handheld portable ultrasound devices compared to standard ultrasound devices for common lung pathologies. Materials and Methods: Videos of various common lung pathologies from 20 patients were recorded by a single operator using both portable handheld and standard ultrasound devices in a single setting. These videos were then assessed via online questionnaires by clinicians of various levels of experience from respiratory and non-respiratory departments. A Likert scale was used, ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree (ranging from 1 to 5) in terms of overall image quality, clear anatomical visualization, similar clinical interpretations/decisions, and the perception of non-inferiority. Median values with interquartile ranges were reported; a rating of 3 or above was defined as indicating non-inferiority. Results: Thirty participants completed the questionnaires, of which the majority were at trainee level (n = 20, 73%) and from a respiratory department (n = 20, 67%). The participants had mixed levels of experience in terms of the years and frequency of use of the ultrasound. Overall median ratings were 4.0 for overall image quality, clear anatomical visualization, and similar clinical interpretations/decisions, with slight variations in interquartile ranges. No significant differences were observed between subgroups. The portable ultrasound device was rated similarly for the overall perception of non-inferiority, but clinicians from respiratory departments and clinicians with less experience showed statistically significant variability in their assessments. Conclusions: The portable handheld device demonstrated potential as a reliable alternative to standard models in standard clinical settings without compromising clinical decision. Further evaluation is needed that includes a direct comparison of various types of handheld ultrasound devices, across different operators’ levels of experience, to further solidify their suitability in patient care.
Correlation Between the Clinical and Histopathological Results in Experimental Sciatic Nerve Defect Surgery
Authors: Marin Andrei , Herlea Vlad , Bancu Alice , Giuglea Carmen , Țăpoi Dana Antonia , Ciongariu Ana Maria , Marin Georgiana Gabriela , Marinescu Silviu Adrian , Dobrete Nicoleta Amalia , Dumitru Adrian Vasile , Trambitaș Cristian , Șerban Dragoș , Sajin Maria
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives: Peripheral nerve defect regeneration is subject to ongoing research regarding the use of conduits associated with various cells or molecules. This article aims to correlate histopathological and clinical outcomes at the end of a 12-week experiment performed on a rat sciatic nerve model and show which repair method has the best results. Materials and Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups to compare the results of four different methods of reconstruction for sciatic nerve defect: (1) nerve graft–control group, (2) empty aortic conduit, (3) aortic conduit filled with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and (4) aortic conduit filled with mesenchymal stem cells. There were three clinical examinations: a sensitivity test, a mobility test and a footprint test. After 12 weeks, the nerves were excised and assessed microscopically using conventional Hematoxylin and Eosin staining (HE), special stains and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results: Nerve regeneration was observed in all batches, both from the clinical and histopathological assessment; the two types of examinations correlated for each batch. Immunohistochemistry and special staining offered a more complete image of the nerve regeneration results. Conclusions: Superior nerve regeneration was achieved using an aortic conduit in combination with either PRP or stem cells, while the empty aortic conduit recorded lesser results.
Recent Advances in AlN-Based Acoustic Wave Resonators
Authors: Lu Hao , Hao Xiaorun , Yang Ling , Hou Bin , Zhang Meng , Wu Mei , Dong Jie , Ma Xiaohua
Published: February 2025

AlN-based bulk acoustic wave (BAW) filters have emerged as crucial components in 5G communication due to their high frequency, wide bandwidth, high power capacity, and compact size. This paper mainly reviews the basic principles and recent research advances of AlN-based BAW resonators, which are the backbone of BAW filters. We begin by summarizing the epitaxial growth of single-crystal, polycrystalline, and doped AlN films, with a focus on single-crystal AlN and ScAlN, which are currently the most popular. The discussion then extends to the structure and fabrication of BAW resonators, including the basic solidly mounted resonator (SMR) and the film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR). The new Xtended Bulk Acoustic Wave (XBAW) technology is highlighted as an effective method to enhance filter bandwidth. Hybrid SAW/BAW resonators (HSBRs) combine the benefits of BAW and SAW resonators to significantly reduce temperature drift. The paper further explores the application of BAW resonators in ladder and lattice BAW filters, highlighting advancements in their design improvements. The frequency-reconfigurable BAW filter, which broadens the filter’s application range, has garnered substantial attention from researchers. Additionally, optimization algorithms for designing AlN-based BAW filters are outlined to reduce design time and improve efficiency. This work aims to serve as a reference for future research on AlN-based BAW filters and to provide insight for similar device studies.
Enrichment, Isolation and Characterization of Heavy Metal-Tolerant Bacteria from Polar Lacustrine Sediments
Authors: Rappazzo Alessandro C. , Marchetta Alessia , Rizzo Carmen , Azzaro Maurizio , Cairns Warren R. L. , Lo Giudice Angelina , Papale Maria
Published: February 2025

Polar areas are not exempt from anthropogenic pollution. Heavy metals have been detected in Arctic and Antarctic lakes. Bacteria, at the base of the food web, can possess the ability to adsorb or immobilize heavy metals in the environment and reduce their concentration in the water column. However, several gaps exist in our knowledge of bacterial tolerance to heavy metals in polar systems, especially in lakes. Heavy metal-tolerant bacteria from polar lacustrine sediments were selectively enriched and subsequently isolated and identified. Their growth at increasing concentrations of different heavy metals (iron, copper, and mercury) was evaluated. Selected isolates were tested for sequestration of iron and mercury. A total of 101 bacterial isolates were obtained from metal-enriched cultures. Gammaproteobacteria and Actinomycetota isolates were most abundant in Arctic and Antarctic enrichments, respectively. Iron was the most tolerated metal. Mercury and iron were sequestered by the isolates by up to 14.2 and 13.4%, respectively. The results from this study contribute to our understanding of heavy metal-tolerant bacteria from cold environments and their potential use in biotechnological applications.
Roughage Sources During Late Gestation and Lactation Alter Metabolism, Immune Function and Rumen Microbiota in Ewes and Their Offsprings
Authors: Du Haidong , Li Kenan , Guo Wenliang , Na Meila , Zhang Jing , Na Renhua
Published: February 2025

Maternal metabolic intensity significantly increases during late gestation and lactation, placing significant stress on cells and tissues. This heightened metabolic demand can lead to inflammatory responses and metabolic disorders, adversely affecting the health of both the mother and her offspring. Diet plays a key role in modulating host health by influencing the gastrointestinal microbiome. This study examined the impact of two roughage sources, corn straw (CS), and alfalfa hay (AH), on ewes and their offspring during late gestation and lactation, with a focus on metabolism, immunity, and the microbiome. Thirty-six multiparous Inner Mongolia cashmere goats, approximately 60 days pregnant, were assigned to CS and AH groups. Samples were collected from the ewes on day 140 of gestation (G140) and day 28 of lactation (L28) for analysis. The results showed that ewes fed AH had reduced body weight loss during lactation (p < 0.05), and increased serum metabolic factors levels (p < 0.05). Additionally, ewes in the AH group exhibited a reduced inflammatory response during both gestation and lactation compared to those in the CS group, as evidenced by a significant decrease in TNF-α and LPS levels and a notable increase in IL-10 (p < 0.05). The rumen microbiomes of ewes in the AH and CS groups exhibited stark differences, with specific microbial markers identified at G140 and L28. Correlation analysis revealed associations between microbiome, volatile fatty acids, cytokines, and metabolic markers. The analysis of the lambs demonstrated that their immune status and microbial composition were significantly influenced by the immune health and microbial community structure of the ewe. Moreover, microbial and immune-related components from the ewes were transmitted to the lambs, further shaping their immune development and rumen microbiota. Overall, different roughage sources during late gestation and lactation had minimal impact on the growth performance of ewes and lambs, given that both diets were iso-nitrogen and iso-energetic. However, ewes fed AH exhibited significant improvements in immune function and overall health for both them and their lambs.
Multianalytical Study of Archaeological Iron Nails of the Roman Period (First to Third Century) in Northern Spain
Authors: Rémazeilles Céline , Zuluaga Maria Cruz , Conforto Egle , Oudriss Abdelali , Ortega Luis Ángel , Martínez-Salcedo Ana , Cepeda-Ocampo Juan José
Published: February 2025

In the archaeometallurgical study of iron nails to investigate Roman manufacturing processes, multi-analyte characterization provides information on alloy composition and microstructure. Nails from the Roman sites of Forua, Aloria, and Iuliobriga (northern Spain) were studied. To characterize the iron phases and microstructures of the nails, optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy coupled with electron-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), micro-Raman spectroscopy, electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) realized in environmental mode, and microhardness measurements were carried out. The chemical composition of the metal was determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The corrosion mineralogical composition was determined by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). Aggressive burial conditions had a significant effect on the forms of corrosion of the Forua nails to the point of complete iron loss. Examination of the metal of the nails from the Aloria site revealed that most of the ironwork was made in the villa’s own forge. In the case of the Iuliobriga nails, different degrees of forging were identified associated with different workshops.
Ion Substitution-Induced Distorted MOF Lattice with Deviated Energy and Dielectric Properties for Quasi-Solid-State Ion Conductor
Authors: Huang Yike , Zheng Yun , Guo Yan , Zhang Qi , Shen Yingying , Zhang Hebin , Liu Yinan , Zheng Yihao , Jia Pingshan , Chen Rong , Long Lifen , Zhang Zhiyuan , Zhang Congcong , Hou Yuanhang , Yan Kunye , Huang Ziyu , Zhang Manting , Jiang Jiangmin , Dong Shengyang , Lei Wen , Shao Huaiyu
Published: February 2025

Solid-state electrolytes are currently receiving increasing interest due to their high mechanical strength and chemical stability for safe battery construction. However, their poor ion conduction and unclear conduction mechanism need further improvement and exploration. This study focuses on a hybrid solid-state electrolyte containing MOF-based scaffolds, using metal salts as the conductor. In this paper, we employ an ion substitution strategy to manipulate the scaffold structure at the lattice level by replacing hydrogen with larger alkali cations. The research systematically presents how changes in the lattice affect the physical and chemical properties of MOFs and emphasizes the role of scaffold–salt interactions in the evolution of ion conduction. The results reveal that long range-ordered structural distortion can enhance permittivity at 1 Hz, from 58 ohms to more than 10 M ohms, which can boost ion pairs dissociation and improve the transference number from 4.7% to 22.6%. Defects in the lattice can help stabilize the intermediate state in the charge transfer process and lower the corresponding impedance from 2.6 MΩ to 559 Ω.
New Approaches to the Ecology of Triatoma sordida in Peridomestic Environments of an Endemic Area of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Valença-Barbosa Carolina , Andrade Isabel Mayer de , de Simas Fellipe Dias Tavares , Neto Ozorino Caldeira Cruz , Silva Nilvanei Aparecido da , Costa Camila Fortunato , Moreira Bruno Oliveira Bolivar , Finamore-Araujo Paula , Alvarez Marcus Vinicius Niz , Borges-Veloso André , Moreira Otacílio da Cruz , Diotaiuti Liléia , Souza Rita de Cássia Moreira de
Published: February 2025

Triatoma sordida is a native South American species and the most frequently captured triatomine in artificial environments in Brazil. Although considered a secondary vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, it is typically associated with low infection rates. To investigate its role in an endemic area for Chagas disease in northern Minas Gerais, Brazil, we employed a multidimensional approach that combined triatomine capture data with quantitative and qualitative analyses of T. cruzi. A total of 1861 T. sordida specimens were captured, of which 1455 were examined and 210 (14.4%) were found to be infected with T. cruzi. The most prevalent discrete typing unit (DTU) was TcI (80%), followed by TcII (8%), TcV (5%), and TcIII (3%). Molecular techniques provided new insights into the ecology of T. sordida, revealing a higher infection rate than previously reported and a parasitic load lower than that observed in other quantified species. Chickens were confirmed as the primary food source, playing an epidemiological role in maintaining infected insects with four T. cruzi DTUs. The observed diversity of T. cruzi DTUs suggests a lack of environmental segregation, likely due to the extensive movement of various host species between wild and domestic habitats, resulting in overlapping transmission cycles.
How Does Vaccine-Induced Immunity Compare to Infection-Acquired Immunity in the Dynamics of COVID-19?
Authors: Hewage Indunil M. , Hull-Nye Dylan , Schwartz Elissa J.
Published: February 2025

Five years into the COVID-19 pandemic, the availability of effective vaccines has substantially reduced new cases, hospitalizations, and mortality. However, the waning of immunity has been a topic of particular interest in relation to disease control. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of the decline in vaccine-induced immunity (ω1) and infection-acquired immunity (ω2) on disease dynamics. For this purpose, we use a compartmental model with seven compartments that accounts for differential morbidity, vaccination, and waning immunity. A compartmental model divides a population into distinct groups depending on their disease status. The temporal changes in the compartments are represented through ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The model is mathematically analyzed to show that a backward bifurcation (i.e., a perverse outcome) may occur when the vaccinated reproduction number (Rv) is equal to unity. Both local and global sensitivity analysis on the reproduction number reveal that the vaccine efficacy, waning of vaccine-induced immunity, vaccine coverage rate, coefficients of transmissibility, and the recovery rate for mild infections are the most sensitive parameters. The global sensitivity analysis on the cumulative number of infections shows that ω1 and ω2 are both pivotal parameters, while ω2 has a higher influence. Simulations on infections and mortality suggest that the changes in ω2 result in dynamics that are more pronounced compared to the dynamics resulting from the changes in ω1, thus indicating the importance of the duration of infection-acquired immunity in disease spread.
Targeting Plasmodium falciparum Schizont Egress Antigen-1 in Infected Red Blood Cells: Docking-Based Fingerprinting, Density Functional Theory, Molecular Dynamics Simulations, and Binding Free Energy Analysis
Authors: Almasoudi Hassan H. , Nahari Mohammed H.
Published: February 2025

Background: Malaria remains a global health crisis, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting 241 million cases and 627,000 deaths worldwide in 2020, predominantly affecting Sub-Saharan Africa. The region accounted for 95% of cases and 96% of deaths, reflecting the immense challenges in malaria prevention and treatment. Plasmodium falciparum Schizont Egress Antigen-1 (PfSEA-1) is crucial in facilitating immune evasion and promoting the sequestration of infected red blood cells (RBCs), contributing to severe malaria symptoms, including cerebral malaria, and necessitates the urgent identification of novel or repurposed drugs targeting PfSEA1. Methods: The protein structure of PfSEA-1 (UniProt ID: A0A143ZXM2) was modelled in three dimensions, prepared, and subjected to a 50 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to achieve a stable structure. The equilibrated structure was minimised for molecular docking against the DrugBank compound library. Docking analysis identified potential inhibitors, including Alparabinos, Dihycid, Ambenzyne, Amiflupipquamine, Ametchomine, and Chlobenethyzenol, with docking scores ranging from −8.107 to −4.481 kcal/mol. Advanced analyses such as interaction fingerprints, density functional theory (DFT), and pharmacokinetics evaluations were conducted. Finally, a 100 ns MD simulation in the NPT ensemble was performed to assess the stability of protein–ligand complexes, with binding free energy and total energy calculations derived from the simulation trajectories. Results and Discussion: The identified compounds exhibited satisfactory pharmacokinetic profiles and binding interactions with PfSEA-1. The MD simulations demonstrated overall stability, with minor fluctuations in some instances. Key intermolecular interactions were observed, supporting the binding stability of the identified compounds. Binding free energy calculations confirmed favourable interactions, underscoring their potential as therapeutic agents against Plasmodium falciparum. While the in silico results are promising, experimental validation is essential to confirm their efficacy and safety for clinical use. Conclusion: These findings highlight PfSEA-1 as a promising antimalarial target and identify potential inhibitors with strong binding affinities and favourable pharmacokinetics. While the computational results are encouraging, further in vitro and in vivo validation is necessary to confirm their therapeutic potential and facilitate future drug development.
Resentful, Resigned and Respectful: Opioid Analgesics, Pain and Control, a Qualitative Study
Authors: Cooper Richard , Matheson Catriona , Pagan Emily , Radford Helen
Published: February 2025

Opioid analgesic prescribing has increased significantly with associated concerns about dependence and overdose. This study aimed to explore non-cancer patients’ experiences and views of taking opioid analgesics to manage their pain. Twenty-two patients were purposively sampled from English GP practices and participated in semi-structured telephone interviews. Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis was used to generate emerging latent and semantic themes. Patients resented taking opioid analgesics due to tolerance and addiction fears but were resigned to experiencing chronic pain. Control emerged in relation to patients’ acceptance of doctors’ control over treatment decisions but also patients’ attempted self-control over medicine adherence. This involved negatively perceived attempts to control pain but also prevent tolerance and addiction. Non-pharmacological treatments were viewed negatively by patients and addiction awareness arose from various sources. Patients were respectful of doctors but expressed negativity about the lack of addiction warnings, medication reviews and appointments. Family and friends were infrequently mentioned, as was reference to shared decision-making, suggesting patients navigate control over opioids and pain in relatively isolated ways. Patients reported generally negative experiences of opioid use for pain, which provides key insights for health professionals to enhance understanding and the management of such patients.
Microclimate Performance Analysis of Urban Vegetation: Evidence from Hot Humid Middle Eastern Cities
Authors: Al-Hajri Sarah , Al-Ramadan Baqer , Shafiullah Md , Rahman Syed Masiur
Published: February 2025

Urban heat islands (UHIs) pose a growing challenge in rapidly urbanizing areas, necessitating effective mitigation strategies to enhance environmental sustainability and human well-being. This study examined the role of vegetation in regulating urban microclimates, focusing on its ability to mitigate the effects of UHIs, promote thermal comfort, and enhance urban esthetics. The study drew on existing research that employed spatial analysis and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to explore the relationship between vegetation metrics and reductions in surface temperature. Municipal initiatives in Khobar, Saudi Arabia, including tree-planting programs and street humanization projects, aimed to improve urban esthetics and pedestrian experiences. Although these efforts enhanced urban livability, they lacked a comprehensive ecological perspective, emphasizing the need for strategies that integrate thermal comfort, environmental resilience, and broader sustainability goals. The analysis demonstrated the societal and environmental benefits of tree-planting activities and linked urban vegetation plans to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The results highlighted the importance of incorporating green infrastructure in urban development to mitigate the effects of UHIs, improve air quality, and enhance overall urban livability. This paper proposed a framework for sustainable urban design, offering practical insights for policymakers and urban planners working to create resilient, environmentally conscious communities in extreme climates.
Preparation of a Macromolecular Flame Retardant with a Phosphine Oxide Structure and Its Application in Polyamide 6
Authors: Liu Ke , Liang Bohan , Zhang Shujuan , Li Ruyi , Dai Junming , Lu Wangyang
Published: February 2025

In this study, a novel macromolecular flame retardant (MFR) with a phosphine oxide structure is successfully synthesized to improve the flame retardancy of polyamide 6 (PA6). Following this, the flame-retardant polyamide 6 (FR–PA6) is prepared via melt blending the MFR with PA6. Results indicate that the introduction of MFR has little effect on the melting and crystallization temperature of FR–PA6. While it slightly reduces the thermal stability of PA6, MFR significantly enhances its flame retardancy. The limiting oxygen index of FR–PA6 increases from 21.8% to 28.2%, and it successfully passes the UL-94 V-0 rating when it contains 0.5 wt% of phosphorus. Compared with pure PA6, the av-EHC of FR–PA6 is reduced by 32.2% and the SEA is increased by 66.7%. The MFR showed a flame-retardant mechanism in both the gas phase and the condensed phase. In the gas phase, the decomposition of MFR releases phosphorus-containing free radicals to interrupt the combustion chain reaction and reduces the concentration of the combustible caprolactam. In the condensed phase, the MFR promotes faster formation of melt droplets during combustion, taking heat away from the burning PA6 timely.
Designing a Clearing Model for the Regional Electricity Spot Market Based on the Construction of the Provincial Electricity Market: A Case Study of the Yangtze River Delta Regional Electricity Market in China
Authors: Li Yunjian , Zhang Lizi , Cong Ye , Chen Haoxuan , Zhang Fuao
Published: February 2025

Building the regional electricity spot market (RESM) in a representative area is an important move to promote the electricity market reform and new power system construction in China. In this paper, the RESM operation model and optimization method are established, which take into account the special power grid operation mechanism and market construction achievements in the provincial electricity spot market. Firstly, the influencing factors, core elements, market structure, and operation model of RESM construction in China are analyzed. Secondly, a bi-level optimization model of the RESM is established. The lower layer is the pre-clearing model of the provincial electricity spot market, which is used to optimize the unit combination strategy, considering unit operation constraints and power grid security constraints in the province. The upper layer is the optimization clearing model of the RESM, which is used to optimize the clearing price and adjust the unit operation strategy and inter-provincial electricity trading strategy, considering the security constraints of regional power grid tie lines. Finally, the RESM composed of power grids in the Yangtze River Delta region of China is simulated as an example. The analysis focuses on the operational state of the power grid after the operation of the RESM, considering its safety benefits, economic benefits, and environmental benefits. The optimization of the RESM can effectively solve the serious regional power grid congestion problem, which is achieved through the superposition and printing of pre-clearing results in various provinces, and the average daily cost of electricity purchasing in the region has been reduced by about CNY 11 million, while the annual cost has been reduced by about CNY 4 billion. In addition, the total carbon emissions have been reduced by 11,000 tons per day and 0.18 kg per kilowatt hour on average, and scenes without power abandonment account for more than 95% of the total scenes.
Monitoring-Based Study of Migration Characteristics of Highly Saline Mine Water During Deep Well Injection and Storage in the Ordos Basin
Authors: Che Qiaohui , Du Song , Zhang Degao , Dong Donglin , Fan Yinglin , Li Xiang , Yang Zhan , Zhang Xiao
Published: February 2025

Deep well injection and storage (DWIS) has recently been proposed and implemented to achieve zero mine water emissions. In 2023, DWIS for highly saline mine water was successfully applied to a local mine in the Ordos Basin for the first time with excellent performance. However, the storage characteristics of highly saline mine water in the storage layer during DWIS remain unclear. This study was conducted in situ with real-time, online monitoring of instantaneous flow and injection pressure, along with synchronous micro-seismic monitoring during the early stages of DWIS, based on the geological conditions and spatial structure of the storage layer. The results indicated that the early seepage characteristics of the fluid geological storage did not conform to Darcy’s law. Within a certain pressure range, as the water pressure increased, the flow also increased. However, beyond this range, further increases in pressure caused a gradual decline in the flow. During the initial phase of storage, the migration of high-salinity mine water within the storage layer occurred in two stages: breakthrough and stabilization. During the breakthrough stage, the water injection pressure propagated to the flooding front, overcoming the formation stress and expanding the storage space. At this stage, mine water primarily filled the pore microcracks within the flooding front. In the initial 10 days of storage, high-salinity mine water in the study area affected approximately 42,104 m2 of the storage layer plane. The injection well affected an area nearly 200 m in depth, extending approximately 190 m northward and approximately 40 m upward. The predominant diffusion directions were northeast and east–southeast from the injection well. These findings could provide valuable insights into the treatment of highly saline mine water in the Ordos Basin, demonstrate the feasibility and safety of DWIS, and offer significant scientific contributions to the prevention and control of mine water pollution.
Experimental Investigation of Factors Influencing Spontaneous Imbibition in Shale Reservoirs
Authors: Liu Li , Wang Yi-Min , Zheng Ai-Wei , Li Ji-Qing , Zhang Qian , Tang Ya-Wan , Yang Wen-Xin , Chen Mingjun , Shi Shuqiang
Published: February 2025

The flowback rate of fracturing fluid in shale reservoirs is often notably low, primarily due to the spontaneous imbibition of the water-based fracturing fluid. Despite their significance, the factors influencing spontaneous imbibition in shale reservoirs remain insufficiently understood. Moreover, whether spontaneous imbibition is ultimately beneficial or detrimental to shale reservoirs is still a subject of debate. This study investigates the spontaneous imbibition process in shale, the factors (the bedding, contact area, porosity, initial water saturation, and fluid type) affecting it, and its impact on shale porosity and permeability. The results reveal that the spontaneous imbibition process can be categorized into three distinct stages: the rapid imbibition stage, the transitional stage, and the stable stage. It is observed that bedding significantly influences the imbibition rate, and the imbibition rate in the parallel bedding direction is greater than that in the vertical bedding direction. The imbibition capacity increases with larger contact area and higher porosity, while it decreases with higher initial water saturation. Furthermore, the imbibition capacity varies with the type of fluid, following this order: distilled water > 5% KCl solution > kerosene. The maximum imbibed volume per unit pore volume of shale in distilled water is twice that in kerosene. Lastly, spontaneous imbibition is found to enhance the porosity and permeability of shale. After three instances of imbibition, the porosity of the matrix and fractured sample increased by 0.85% and 1.68%, and the permeability increased by 0.636 mD and 0.829 mD, respectively.
Piecewise Linear Approximation of Elliptical Neutron Guides—A Case Study for BIFROST at ESS
Authors: Christensen Daniel Lomholt , Frøystad Rebekka , Olsen Martin Andreas , Krighaar Kristine Marie Løfgren , Husgard Asla , Bertelsen Mads , Toft-Petersen Rasmus , Lefmann Kim
Published: February 2025

Previous studies of elliptical neutron guides have shown that they transport neutrons with fewer reflections than traditional guides with a constant cross section, thus reducing neutron losses. True elliptical guides, however, are tedious to produce. Therefore, we use the neutron simulation package McStas to investigate the effect of approximating the elliptical shape by linearly tapering guide pieces. The study concerns both simple model guides and a more complex guide system corresponding to that of the BIFROST instrument, currently under construction at the European Spallation Source (ESS). Our results show that it is possible to split a simple elliptical guide into linearly tapering pieces with lengths of up to 3 m, without sacrificing transport properties. We also find that the piecewise tapering guides in some cases will have a slightly higher neutron transfer than the perfectly shaped guides for shorter wavelengths. For a ballistic guide systems with elliptical expanding and focusing sections, and for the BIFROST guide, linearly tapered pieces of 0.5 m can be used with no cost in transport properties or penalties in form of inhomogeneous phase space, but with significantly lower production costs.
Semi-Supervised Burn Depth Segmentation Network with Contrast Learning and Uncertainty Correction
Authors: Zhang Dongxue , Xie Jingmeng
Published: February 2025

Burn injuries are a common traumatic condition, and the early diagnosis of burn depth is crucial for reducing treatment costs and improving survival rates. In recent years, image-based deep learning techniques have been utilized to realize the automation and standardization of burn depth segmentation. However, the scarcity and difficulty in labeling burn data limit the performance of traditional deep learning-based segmentation methods. Mainstream semi-supervised methods face challenges in burn depth segmentation due to single-level perturbations, lack of explicit edge modeling, and ineffective handling of inaccurate predictions in unlabeled data. To address these issues, we propose SBCU-Net, a semi-supervised burn depth segmentation network with contrastive learning and uncertainty correction. Building on the LTB-Net from our previous work, SBCU-Net introduces two additional decoder branches to enhance the consistency between the probability map and soft pseudo-labels under multi-level perturbations. To improve segmentation in complex regions like burn edges, contrastive learning refines the outputs of the three-branch decoder, enabling more discriminative feature representation learning. In addition, an uncertainty correction mechanism weights the consistency loss based on prediction uncertainty, reducing the impact of inaccurate pseudo-labels. Extensive experiments on burn datasets demonstrate that SBCU-Net effectively leverages unlabeled data and achieves superior performance compared to state-of-the-art semi-supervised methods.
Decision Fusion-Based Deep Learning for Channel State Information Channel-Aware Human Action Recognition
Authors: Varga Domonkos
Published: February 2025

WiFi channel state information (CSI) has emerged as a promising modality for human action recognition due to its non-invasive nature and robustness in diverse environments. However, most existing methods process CSI channels collectively, potentially overlooking valuable channel-specific information. In this study, we propose a novel architecture, DF-CNN, which treats CSI channels separately and integrates their outputs using a decision fusion (DF) strategy. Extensive experiments demonstrate that DF-CNN significantly outperforms traditional approaches, achieving state-of-the-art performance. We also provide a comprehensive analysis of individual and combined CSI channel evaluations, showcasing the effectiveness of our method. This work establishes the importance of separate channel processing in CSI-based human action recognition and sets a new benchmark for the field.
pH Sensing Properties of Co3O4-RuO2-Based Electrodes and Their Application in Baltic Sea Water Quality Monitoring
Authors: Uppuluri Kiranmai , Szwagierczak Dorota , Zaraska Krzysztof , Zachariasz Piotr , Stokowski Marcin , Synkiewicz-Musialska Beata , Krzyściak Paweł
Published: February 2025

Water is critical for the sustenance of life and pH is an important parameter in monitoring its quality. Solid-state pH sensors provide a worthy alternative to glass-based electrodes due to many advantages such as low cost, longer shelf life, simpler manufacturing, easier operation, miniaturization, and integration into electronic systems. Cobalt oxides are relatively cheaper and more abundantly available than ruthenium oxide. This work aims to reduce the environmental impact of screen-printed pH sensors by mixing Co3O4 and RuO2 in five molar proportions (30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, and 70%) and investigating the influence of oxide proportions on the pH-sensing properties of the resulting composition using potentiometric characterization, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, surface profilometry, and electron dispersive spectroscopy. Although all the developed compositions showed super- or near-Nernstian sensitivity with good linearity, the sensors based on 50 mol% Co3O4-50 mol% RuO2 were the best due to superior sensitivity, selectivity, and stability. Fabricated sensors were applied in real-life environmental, municipal, and commercial water samples, including those from various depths in the Baltic Sea, and were found to be accurate in comparison to a glass electrode.
A Comparative Study of Divergent Surface Acoustic Wave Beams’ Generation on an Y128° Lithium Niobate Using Various Types of Interdigital Transducers
Authors: Duquennoy Marc , Fall Dame , Ben Jafela Nada , Smagin Nikolay , Oumekloul Zakariae , Chehami Lynda , Moulin Emmanuel , Ouaftouh Mohammadi
Published: February 2025

This study focuses on the possibility of generating divergent surface acoustic waves (SAWs) with interdigital transducers (IDTs) deposited on Y128° Lithium Niobate for non-destructive testing applications, particularly in the context of manufacturing layer-on-substrate systems for microelectronic components. The selected approach is to diffuse the SAWs over a large surface area and in various directions in order to analyze the structure and detect any defects when using the well-known passive imaging by correlating the diffuse acoustic field. The introduction of SAWs is achieved using offset interdigital transducers that make acoustic contact with the sample under analysis without causing damage. The considered IDTs are characterized based on criteria for maximizing the divergence angle, maximizing SAW emission amplitude, and minimizing the acoustic contact area. Three IDT configurations were tested to compare their performance: (i) a transducer with circular electrodes emitting from its wide convex end; (ii) a circular IDT emitting from its narrow concave end; and (ii) a narrow transducer with an aperture close to two wavelengths. It was shown that the second configuration provides the highest SAW amplitude, which is important while measuring the diffuse acoustic field. Nevertheless, the third one was particularly efficient in terms of reducing the contact area.
Modeling and Simulation of Inter-Satellite Laser Communication for Space-Based Gravitational Wave Detection
Authors: Liang Haoqian , Yi Zhaoxiang , Ling Hongling , Luo Kai
Published: February 2025

Space-based gravitational wave detection uses an equilateral triangular satellite constellation with inter-satellite laser heterodyne interferometry to measure displacement variations caused by gravitational waves. Inter-satellite laser communication is critical for data transmission, redundancy and clock synchronization, which suppresses clock noise and enhances detection sensitivity. This integrated approach ensures precise gravitational wave information extraction, supporting the high-accuracy requirements of space-based observatories. This study focuses on the modeling and simulation of inter-satellite laser communication for space-based gravitational wave detection. Based on the data-transmission requirements of such systems, the principles of inter-satellite laser communication are analyzed. The research includes the selection of pseudo-random noise (PRN) codes, the signal scheme design and the development of the mathematical models for signal transmission. A simulation model is subsequently constructed in Simulink to evaluate the system. The simulation results confirm the accuracy of the model’s functionalities, including spreading, phase modulation, noise addition, phase demodulation and despreading. Additionally, the model achieves a data-transmission rate of 62.5 kbps with a bit error rate (BER) better than 10−6 when the modulation index exceeds 3.4×10−3, meeting the requirements for inter-satellite laser communication in space-based gravitational wave detection.
A Particle Swarm Optimization-Based Queue Scheduling and Optimization Mechanism for Large-Scale Low-Earth-Orbit Satellite Communication Networks
Authors: Zhang Ziyong , Dong Tao , Yin Jie , Xu Yue , Luo Zongyi , Jiang Hao , Wu Jing
Published: February 2025

The spatial topology of large-scale low-Earth-orbit satellite communication networks is dynamically time-variant, and the load on the output ports of network nodes is continuously changing. The lengths and numbers of output port queues at each network node can affect the packet loss rate and end-to-end latency of traffic flows. In order to provide high-quality satellite communication services, it is necessary to schedule and optimize the lengths and numbers of queues used for transmitting time-sensitive traffic flows at each node’s output port to achieve the best deterministic transmission performance. This paper introduces a queue scheduling optimization mechanism based on the Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm (PSO-QSO) for large-scale low-Earth-orbit satellite communication networks. This method analyzes the relevant parameters of various traffic flows transmitted through the network and calculates the maximum time-sensitive business load within network nodes. It applies the Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm to calculate the optimal solution for the length and number of queues at each node’s output port used for forwarding time-sensitive traffic flows. The mechanism proposed in this paper ensures the deterministic end-to-end transmission of time sensitive traffic in large-scale low-Earth-orbit satellite communication networks and can provide real-time satellite communication services.
Reliability and Validity Examination of a New Gait Motion Analysis System
Authors: Matsuda Tadamitsu , Fujino Yuji , Morisawa Tomoyuki , Takahashi Tetsuya , Kakegawa Kei , Matsumoto Takanari , Kiyohara Takehiko , Fukushima Hiroshi , Higuchi Makoto , Torimoto Yasuo , Miwa Masaki , Fujiwara Toshiyuki , Daida Hiroyuki
Published: February 2025

Recent advancements have made two-dimensional (2D) clinical gait analysis systems more accessible and portable than traditional three-dimensional (3D) clinical systems. This study evaluates the reliability and validity of gait measurements using monocular and composite camera setups with VisionPose, comparing them to the Vicon 3D motion capture system as a reference. Key gait parameters—including hip and knee joint angles, and time and distance factors—were assessed under normal, maximum speed, and tandem gait conditions during level walking. The results show that the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC(1,k)) for the 2D model exceeded 0.969 for the monocular camera and 0.963 for the composite camera for gait parameters. Time–distance gait parameters demonstrated excellent relative agreement across walking styles, while joint range of motion showed overall strong agreement. However, accuracy was lower for measurements during tandem walking. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for time–distance parameters ranged from 0.932 to 0.999 (monocular) and from 0.823 to 0.998 (composite). In contrast, for joint range of motion, the coefficient varied more widely, ranging from 0.826 to 0.985 (monocular) and from 0.314 to 0.974 (composite). The correlation coefficients for spatiotemporal gait parameters were greater than 0.933 (monocular) and 0.837 (composite). However, for joint angle parameters, the coefficients were lower during tandem walking. This study underscores the potential of 2D models in clinical applications and highlights areas for improvement to enhance their reliability and application scope.
A Novel Hybrid Approach for UT1-UTC Ultra-Short-Term Prediction Utilizing LOD Series and Sum Series of LOD and First-Order-Difference UT1-UTC
Authors: Ye Fei , Ao Minsi , Li Ningbo , Zeng Rong , Zeng Xiangqiang
Published: February 2025

Accurate ultra-short-term prediction of UT1-UTC is crucial for real-time applications in high-precision reference frame conversions. Presently, traditional LS + AR and LS + MAR hybrid methods are commonly employed for UT1-UTC prediction. However, inherent unmodeled errors in fitting residuals of these methods often compromise the prediction performance. Thus, mitigating these common unmodeled errors presents an opportunity to enhance UT1-UTC prediction performance. Consequently, we propose a novel hybrid difference method for UT1-UTC ultra-short-term prediction by integrating LOD prediction and the prediction of the sum of the LOD and the first-order-difference UT1-UTC. The evaluation demonstrated promising results: (1) The mean absolute errors (MAEs) of the proposed method range from 21 to 869 µs in 1–10-day UT1-UTC predictions. (2) Comparative analysis against zero-/first-/second-order-difference LS + AR and zero-/first-order-difference LS + MAR hybrid method reveals a substantial reduction in MAEs by an average of 54/64/44 µs, and 47/20 µs, respectively, with the proposed method. (3) Correspondingly, the proposed method achieves average improvement percentages of 17%/18%/15%, and 13%/3% in 1–10-day UT1-UTC predictions.
Spatial Insights for Building Resilience: The Territorial Risk Management & Analysis Across Scale Framework for Bridging Scales in Multi-Hazard Assessment
Authors: Ugliotti Francesca Maria , Daud Muhammad , Iacono Emmanuele
Published: February 2025

In an era of increasingly abundant and granular spatial and temporal data, the traditional divide between environmental GIS and building-centric BIM scales is diminishing, offering an opportunity to enhance natural hazard assessment by bridging the gap between territorial impacts and the effects on individual structures. This study addresses the challenge of integrating disparate data formats by establishing a centralised database as the foundation for a comprehensive risk assessment approach. A use case focusing on flood risk assessment for a public building in northwest Italy demonstrates the practical implications of this integrated methodology. The proposed TErritorial RIsk Management & Analysis Across Scale (TERIMAAS) framework utilises this centralised repository to store, process, and dynamically update diverse BIM and GIS datasets, incorporating real-time IoT-derived information. The GIS spatial analysis assesses risk scores for each hazard type, providing insights into vulnerability and potential impacts. BIM data further refine this assessment by incorporating building and functional characteristics, enabling a comprehensive evaluation of resilience and risk mitigation strategies tailored to dynamic environmental conditions across scales. The results of the proposed scalable approach could provide a valuable understanding of the territory for policymakers, urban planners, and any stakeholder involved in disaster risk management and infrastructure resilience planning.