bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction Quality Evaluation of Concrete Structures in Hydraulic Tunnels Based on CWM-UM Modeling
Authors: Zhao Liang , He Changhai , Luo Zhuangzhuang , Li Qingfu
Published: October 2024

The construction time of concrete structures in hydraulic tunnels is long, the construction environment is complex, and there are many influencing factors. The requirements for construction quality are high not only to meet the strength requirements but also to meet the design requirements of erosion resistance, crack resistance, and seepage resistance according to its specific operating environment. Therefore, evaluating the construction quality of concrete structures in hydraulic tunnels is of great significance. Considering the randomness and fuzziness of factors affecting the construction quality of concrete structures in hydraulic tunnels, this paper proposes a comprehensive evaluation model based on combined weighting (CWM) and uncertainty measurement theory (UM). The improved analytic hierarchy process (IAHP) and the CRITIC method are used to determine the subjective and objective weights of evaluation indicators. Combined weighting is based on the principle of minimum entropy, and the UM method is used to evaluate the construction quality level. Finally, taking a hydraulic tunnel as an example, its construction quality grade is calculated to be III, according to the evaluation model proposed in this paper, which matches the engineering reality, and a comparative study is made with the mixture element topology theory at the same time. It is verified that the evaluation model can scientifically and reasonably evaluate the construction quality level of concrete structures in hydraulic tunnels.
Study on the Bearing Structure of Key Strata and the Linkage Evolution Mechanism of Surface Subsidence in Shallow Coal Seam Mining
Authors: He Yifeng , Zhang Jie , Yang Tao , Wu Jianjun , Gao Shoushi , Sun Jianping
Published: October 2024

Shallow coal seam mining results in the formation of various bearing structures in key strata, leading to varying degrees of surface subsidence and severe disruption to the surface ecological environment. To investigate the coupled evolution characteristics of key strata fracture-bearing structures and surface subsidence in shallow coal seam mining, with a focus on the 1–2 coal seam mining at Longhua Coal Mine in northern Shaanxi as the research background, this study employed physical similarity simulation to establish the correlation between key strata fracture-bearing structures and surface subsidence. The study also utilized theoretical calculations to develop models for the trapezoidal hinged arch structure and the coupling between key strata-bearing structures and surface subsidence. Mechanical properties of bearing structures and the coupled evolution characteristics of surface subsidence were examined, and the scientific validity of the models was verified through field monitoring. The research reveals that the inclined section of the working face in shallow coal seam mining forms a trapezoidal hinged arch structure, where stress transmission actually resembles an arch shape. Based on the fracture characteristics of rock strata, this structure can be categorized into three types: a full-trapezoidal hinged arch structure, a semi-trapezoidal hinged arch structure, and a trapezoidal-like hinged arch structure. A mechanical calculation model for the trapezoidal hinged arch structure was constructed, and the mechanical calculation formula for this structure was derived based on mechanical equilibrium conditions. Using a masonry beam mechanical model, the formula for calculating the subsidence of key blocks in the key strata fracture was obtained. Based on the “masonry beam” mechanical model, a formula was derived to calculate the subsidence of key blocks in fractured key strata. The relationship between key strata-bearing structures and surface subsidence curves was analyzed, leading to the development of a calculation model for both. This model reveals the coupled evolution between rock movement and surface subsidence. Field measurements indicate a maximum surface subsidence of 1.93 m, with a subsidence coefficient of 0.65, showing that the surface helps suppress and reduce the overall subsidence.
Fatigue Crack Growth Monitoring and Investigation on G20Mn5QT Cast Steel and Welds via Acoustic Emission
Authors: Liu Qingyang , Zhang Zhenli , Lacidogna Giuseppe , Xu Yantao , Xu Jie
Published: October 2024

The fatigue crack growth properties of G20Mn5QT cast steel and corresponding butt welds, using compact tension specimens, were monitored and investigated via acoustic emission (AE) techniques. Fatigue crack growth is a combination of cyclic plastic deformations before the crack tip, tensile crack fractures, and shear crack fractures. The cyclic plastic deformations release the maximum amount of energy, which accounts for half of the total energy, and the second-largest number of AE signals, which are of the continuous-wave type. The tensile crack fractures release the second-largest amount of energy and the largest number of AE signals, which are of the burst-wave type. The shear crack fractures release the least amount of energy and the lowest number of AE signals, which are similar to the burst type, albeit with a relatively longer rise time and duration. Crack tip advancement can be regarded as a discontinuous process. The critical area before the crack tip brittlely ruptures when the fatigue damage caused by cyclic plastic deformations reaches critical status. The ruptures produce a large number of tensile crack fractures and rare shear crack fractures. Through fractography observation, the shear crack fractures occur probabilistically around defects caused by casting or welding, which lead to stress and strain in the local complex.
In Vitro Antitumor, Antioxidant, and Hemolytic Activities of Chlorella sorokiniana Methanol Extracts and Collective Fractions
Authors: Domínguez-Gámez Maribel , Romo-Sáenz César I. , Gomez-Flores Ricardo , González-Ochoa Guadalupe , García-Romero Andrés , Orozco-Flores Alonso A. , Rodríguez-Padilla Cristina , Tamez-Guerra Patricia
Published: October 2024

Chlorella species are fast-growing microalgae with significant industrial applications. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antitumor, antioxidant, and hemolytic activities of Chlorella sorokiniana UTEX 1230 crude methanol extracts and fractions. Ch. sorokiniana crude methanol extracts and collective fractions (CFs) were obtained from lyophilized biomass by maceration and column chromatography. Antitumor assays against murine lymphoma L5178Y-R and human breast cancer MCF-7 cells were performed by the colorimetric 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction technique, using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) as the control group. Antioxidant and hemolytic activities were evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay (DPPH) and erythrocyte hemolysis, respectively. We showed that crude methanol extracts (IC50) increased L5178Y-R and MCF-7 cell growth inhibition, without affecting PBMC. In addition, all evaluated CFs showed significantly higher antioxidant activity than the positive control (ascorbic acid). CF3 and CF4 showed the highest cytotoxicity against L5178Y-R, whereas CF3, CF4, and CF5 caused the highest antitumor activity against MCF-7 cells. CF3, CF4, and CF5 induced significantly higher hemolytic activity compared with all other fractions. CF characterization revealed loliolide, cinnamic acid, methyl dihydrojasmonate, salsalvamide A, 1-monolinolenin, cryptophycin 29, costunolide, riboflavin lumicrome, and germicidin B, which have been related to antitumor and antioxidant activities. In conclusion, we demonstrated that Ch. sorokiniana extracts and fractions possess antitumor and antioxidant potential, without affecting human erythrocytes and PBMC.
Multifunctional 3D-Printed Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) Nanocomposites for Thermal Management Applications
Authors: Rigotti Daniele , Dorigato Andrea , Pegoretti Alessandro
Published: October 2024

In this work, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were melt-compounded into a novel thermal energy storage system consisting of a microencapsulated paraffin, with a melting temperature of 6 °C (M6D), dispersed within a flexible thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) matrix. The resulting materials were then processed via Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), and their thermo-mechanical properties were comprehensively evaluated. After an optimization of the processing parameters, good adhesion between the polymeric layers was obtained. Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) images of the 3D-printed samples highlighted a uniform distribution of the microcapsules within the polymer matrix, without an evident MWCNT agglomeration. The thermal energy storage/release capability provided by the paraffin microcapsules, evaluated through Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), was slightly lowered by the FFF process but remained at an acceptable level (i.e., >80% with respect to the neat M6D capsules). The novelty of this work lies in the successful integration of MWCNTs and PCMs into a TPU matrix, followed by 3D printing via FFF technology. This approach combines the high thermal conductivity of MWCNTs with the thermal energy storage capabilities of PCMs, creating a multifunctional nanocomposite material with unique thermal management properties.
Research on the Evolutionary Law of Fracture Formation in Loose Seams Under High-Intensity Mining with Shallow Depth
Authors: Zhao Linshuang , Yang Daming , Sun Lihui , Xu Jiabo , Sun Yun
Published: October 2024

The western mining regions of China, known for shallow-buried and high-intensity mining activities, face significant ecological threats due to damage to loose strata and the surface. The evolution of fissures within the loose layer is a critical issue for surface ecological environment protection in coal mining areas. The study employed field measurements, mechanical experiments, numerical simulations, and theoretical analysis, using the ‘triaxial consolidation without drainage’ experiment to assess the physical and mechanical properties of various strata in the loose layer. Additionally, the PFC2D numerical simulation software was employed to construct a numerical model that elucidates the damage mechanisms and reveals the evolution of loose layer fissures and the development of ground cracks. The research findings indicate that during shallow-buried high-intensity mining loose layer fissures undergo a dynamic evolution process characterized by “vertical extension-continuous penetration-lateral expansion”. As the working face advances, these fissures eventually propagate to the surface, forming ground cracks. The strong force chains within the overlying rock (or soil) layers develop in the form of an “inverted catenary arch”. As the arch foot and the middle of the arch overlap, fissures propagate along these strong force chains to the surface, resulting in ground cracks. The study elucidates the surface damage patterns in shallow-buried, high-intensity mining, offering theoretical insights for harmonizing coal mining safety with ecological conservation in fragile regions.
An Analysis Comparing the Taguchi Method for Optimizing the Process Parameters of AA5083/Silicon Carbide and AA5083/Coal Composites That Are Fabricated via Friction Stir Processing
Authors: Muribwathoho Oritonda , Msomi Velaphi , Mabuwa Sipokazi
Published: October 2024

Aluminium metal matrix composites are widely used in automotive, aerospace, marine, and structural engineering due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and superior mechanical properties. Optimizing friction stir process parameters is critical to enhancing the performance of these materials. This study investigates the effects of FSP parameters such as rotational speed, tilt angle, and traverse speed, on the mechanical properties of AA5083/Silicon carbide and AA5083/Coal composites. Using a Taguchi L9 design of experiments, signal-to-noise ratio, and analysis of variance, this study identifies the optimal process settings for maximizing ultimate tensile strength, microhardness, and elongation. From the results, the study revealed that for AA5083/Silicon carbide composites, rotational speed was the most significant factor affecting tensile strength, while for AA5083/Coal composites, tilt angle played a more critical role. Rotational speed consistently influenced microhardness and elongation for both materials. The signal-to-noise ratio analysis indicates that optimal FSP parameters vary depending on the reinforcement material used. This study highlights the importance of tailoring FSP settings to specific reinforcements to achieve optimal mechanical properties. These findings contribute to the advancement of friction stir processing techniques for fabricating high-performance aluminium metal matrix composites, particularly for applications in industries requiring strong, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant materials.
Cross-Cultural Histories and Traditions Between the Cut and Engraved Glass Scenes of the UK and Japan
Authors: Kelly Jessamy
Published: October 2024

Recent research conducted by Heritage Crafts, a prominent national advocacy organisation dedicated to preserving traditional heritage crafts in the UK, has unveiled a concerning trend: several traditional craft skills teeter on the edge of extinction within the UK. This revelation stems from the Heritage Crafts Red List of Endangered Crafts, an initiative which identifies crafts facing the risk of endangerment. In their recent 2023 publication, Heritage Crafts highlighted the distressing decline of cut and engraved glass craftsmanship in the UK, categorising and placing both brilliant cutting (as endangered) and copper wheel engraving (as critically endangered) on the Red List of Endangered Crafts in the UK. This means that these crafts pose the risk of not being actively practised. In December 2023, the alarming downturn of these crafts in the UK was explored and discussed during a conference held at Edinburgh College of Art (ECA), entitled Edo-Kiriko: The Art of Japanese Cut Crystal. This event explored the cross-cultural connection and exchange that exists between Scotland and Japan, drawing upon a rich historical exchange that saw the transmission of Western-style glassmaking from Scotland to Japan in the 1870s–1880s. It also details the more recent exchange that has been in place between Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) and the Horiguchi Kiriko glass studio in Tokyo, Japan. This modern-day exchange has seen the recent transmission of glass-cutting skills through a masterclass led by Toru Horiguchi at ECA. This paper presents this conference, introducing the invited speakers and creating a commentary on the proceedings and the plenary discussions that unfolded. Focus and discussion will be given to the factors that have contributed to the current decline of cut and engraved glassmaking in the UK and the possible measures that could be taken to support and safeguard this field. The final part of this paper will offer a reflection on the conference proceedings and will conclude by making an urgent call for the future of cut and engraved glass craftsmanship in the UK. It is hoped this paper will draw attention to the urgent need for support from education and funding bodies, to safeguard and protect these vital heritage crafts, which boast a rich history in the UK.
Expanding Understandings of Curatorial Practice Through Virtual Exhibition Building
Authors: Albrezzi Francesca
Published: October 2024

This article reflects on the translation of gallery space into a virtually immersive experience in an era of remote access. Curators and scholars such as Mary Nooter Roberts, Susan Vogel, Carol Duncan, Tony Bennet, Stephen Greenblatt, Judith Mastai, and Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett have discussed the myriad of ways in which the experience of culturally significant objects and sites in person has been critical to the study of art and its history. Focusing on theories of curation and display, I utilize practice-based examples from six virtual reality (VR) exhibitions produced in three different institutional contexts: the International Journal of Digital Art History’s online gallery, the European Cultural Center’s Performance Art program, and the Digital Humanities program at the University of California, Los Angeles. By documenting and analyzing the extended reality (XR) methods employed and the methodological approaches to the digital curatorial work, I address some of the challenges and opportunities of presenting objects in virtual space, offering comparisons to those faced when building physical exhibitions. I also consider how digital modalities provide a distinctly different paradigm for epistemologies of art and culture that offer greater contextualized understandings and can reshape exhibition documentation and the teaching of curatorial practice and museum studies.
The Evaluation of Global and Regional Applications of Model for Prediction Across Scales-Atmosphere (MPAS) Against Weather Research Forecast (WRF) Model over California for a Winter (2013 DISCOVER-AQ) and Summer (2016 CABOTS) Episode
Authors: Gürer Kemal , Zhao Zhan , Cai Chenxia , Avise Jeremy C.
Published: October 2024

The Model for Prediction Across Scales-Atmosphere (MPAS) was used to simulate meteorological conditions for a two-week winter episode during 10–23 January 2013, and a two-week summer episode during 18–31 July 2016, using both as a global model and a regional model with a focus on California. The results of both global and regional applications of MPAS were compared against the surface and upper air rawinsonde observations while the variations of characteristic meteorological variables and modeling errors were evaluated in space, time, and statistical sense. The results of the Advanced Weather Research and Forecast (WRF-ARW, hereafter WRF) model simulations for the same episodes were also used to evaluate the results of both applications of MPAS. The temporal analyses performed at surface stations indicate that both global and regional applications of MPAS and WRF model predict the diurnal evolution of characteristic meteorological parameters reasonably well in both winter and summer episodes studied here. The average diurnal bias in predicting 2 m temperature by MPAS and WRF are about the same with a maximum of 2 °C in winter and 1 °C in summer while that of 2 m mixing ratio is within 1 g/kg for all three modeling applications. The rawinsonde profiles of temperature, dew point temperature, and wind direction agree reasonably well with observations while wind speed is underestimated by all three applications. The comparisons of the spatial distribution of anomaly correlation and mean bias errors calculated from each model results for 2 m temperature, 2 m water vapor mixing ratio, 10 m wind speed and wind direction indicate that all three models have similar magnitudes of agreement with observations as well as errors away from observations throughout California.
Modeling Civil Aviation Emissions with Actual Flight Trajectories and Enhanced Aircraft Performance Model
Authors: Wang Jinzi , Zhang Hengcai , Yu Jianing , Lu Feng , Li Yafei
Published: October 2024

Aviation emissions are continuously increasing along with the rapid development of air transportation, and results in the deterioration in regional air quality and the global climate. Accurate emission estimation is of great importance for relevant policies promotion and the sustainable development of the environment. Previous studies focused on the total emissions of a flight and lacked high precision in both spatial and temporal resolutions, especially aviation activities near ground. In this research, we propose an open-sourced emission calculation framework based on actual flight trajectories (TrajEmission), which calculates both the ground and airborne emissions simultaneously according to the configuration parameters, trajectory characteristics, and ambient conditions. We compare the emission results with five emission inventory methods. The results indicate that pollutant (nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and unburned hydrocarbons) emissions in the landing and takeoff (LTO) cycle might usually be underestimated due to a lack of trajectory-based methods. In addition, in the overall results, the method based on the great circle route leads to an overestimation of 56.8% of pollutant emissions compared to the method based on actual routes. We also investigate the extent to which other factors could influence the emission results. To summarize, the TrajEmission framework can build inventories for the whole process of flight movements with high spatial–temporal resolutions and provide solid data support for environmental science and other related fields.
Rainfall Enhancement Downwind of Hills Due to Stationary Waves on the Melting Level and the Extreme Rainfall of December 2015 in the Lake District of Northwest England
Authors: Carroll Edward
Published: October 2024

This paper investigates how stationary gravity waves generated by flow over orography enhance rainfall, with particular attention to the role of induced waves in the melting level. The findings reveal a new mechanism by which gravity wave flow focuses precipitation, amplifying rainfall intensity downwind of hills. This mechanism, which depends on the differential velocities of rain and snow, offers fresh insights into how orographic effects can intensify rainfall. A two-dimensional diagnostic model based on linear gravity wave theory is used to investigate the record-breaking rainfall of December 2015 in the Lake District of northwest England. The pattern of ascent is shown to have a qualitatively good fit to that of the Met Office’s operational high-resolution UKV model averaged over 24 h, suggesting that orographically excited stationary waves were the principal cause of the rain. Precipitation trajectories imply that a persistent downstream elevated wave caused by the Isle of Man supported a spray of seeding ice particles directed towards the Lake District, and that these grew whilst suspended in strong upslope flow before being focused by the undulating melting-level into intense shafts of rain.
Does ERA5-Land Effectively Capture Extreme Precipitation in the Yellow River Basin?
Authors: Guo Chunrui , Ning Ning , Guo Hao , Tian Yunfei , Bao Anming , De Maeyer Philippe
Published: October 2024

ERA5-Land is a valuable reanalysis data resource that provides near-real-time, high-resolution, multivariable data for various applications. Using daily precipitation data from 301 meteorological stations in the Yellow River Basin from 2001 to 2013 as benchmark data, this study aims to evaluate ERA5-Land’s capability of monitoring extreme precipitation. The evaluation study is conducted from three perspectives: precipitation amount, extreme precipitation indices, and characteristics of extreme precipitation events. The results show that ERA5-Land can effectively capture the spatial distribution patterns and temporal trends in precipitation and extreme precipitation; however, it also exhibits significant overestimation and underestimation errors. ERA5-Land significantly overestimates total precipitation and indices for heavy precipitation and extreme precipitation (R95pTOT and R99pTOT), with errors reaching up to 89%, but underestimates the Simple Daily Intensity Index (SDII). ERA5-Land tends to overestimate the duration of extreme precipitation events but slightly underestimates the total and average precipitation of these events. These findings provide a scientific reference for optimizing the ERA5-Land algorithm and for users in selecting data.
Mechanisms Underlying the Changes in Sporadic E Layers During Sudden Stratospheric Warming
Authors: Zheng Haiyang , Fang Hanxian , Xiao Chao , Huang Hongtao , Duan Die , Ren Ganming
Published: October 2024

During sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) events, significant modifications occur, not only in the neutral atmosphere, but also in the ionosphere. Specifically, sporadic E layers in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere regions significantly disrupt satellite communication. Although research has frequently focused on ionospheric alterations during SSW events, detailed studies on sporadic E layers remain limited. Examining these variations during SSW events could enhance our understanding of the interaction mechanisms between the ionosphere and the neutral atmosphere, and provide insights into the patterns of sporadic E layer alterations. This study analyzed the behavior of sporadic E layers during the 2008/2009 winter SSW period using data from three Japanese stations and satellite observations. The principal findings included the following: (1) The enhancement in the critical frequency of the sporadic E layers was most notable following the transition from easterly to westerly winds at 60° N at a 10 hPa altitude, accompanied by quasi 6-day and quasi 16-day oscillations in frequency. (2) The daily average zonal and meridional wind speeds in the MLT region also exhibited quasi 6-day and quasi 16-day oscillations, aligning with the observed periodicities in the critical frequency of the sporadic E layers. (3) Planetary waves were shown to modulate the amplitude of diurnal and semidiurnal tides, influencing the sporadic E layers. Furthermore, a wavelet analysis of foEs data with a time resolution of 0.25 h demonstrated that planetary waves also modulate the frequency of diurnal tides, thereby affecting the sporadic E layers. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the formation mechanisms and prediction of sporadic E layer behavior.
Recent Progress on Point-Countable Covers and Sequence-Covering Mappings
Authors: Lin Shou , Zhang Jing
Published: October 2024

This paper is dedicated to the memory of Professor Gary Gruenhage (1947–2023). This survey introduces the formation and early development of the topic of point-countable covers and sequence-covering mappings, and lists the recent progress of 38 questions on this topic proposed before 2015, which involve the theory of generalized metric spaces. These questions are related to point-countable covers and sequence-covering mappings, including point-countable covers with certain networks, sequence-covering mappings, images of metric spaces, and hereditarily closure-preserving families.
Multi-Step Temperature Prognosis of Lithium-Ion Batteries for Real Electric Vehicles Based on a Novel Bidirectional Mamba Network and Sequence Adaptive Correlation
Authors: Shen Hongyu , Liu Yuefeng , Zhao Qiyan , Xue Guoyue , Zhang Tiange , Tan Xiuying
Published: October 2024

The battery systems of electric vehicles (EVs) are directly impacted by battery temperature in terms of thermal runaway and failure. However, uncertainty about thermal runaway, dynamic conditions, and a dearth of high-quality data sets make modeling and predicting nonlinear multiscale electrochemical systems challenging. In this work, a novel Mamba network architecture called BMPTtery (Bidirectional Mamba Predictive Battery Temperature Representation) is proposed to overcome these challenges. First, a two-step hybrid model of trajectory piecewise–polynomial regression and exponentially weighted moving average is created and used to an operational dataset of EVs in order to handle the problem of noisy and incomplete time-series data. Each time series is then individually labeled to learn the representation and adaptive correlation of the multivariate series to capture battery performance variations in complex dynamic operating environments. Next, a prediction method with multiple steps based on the bidirectional Mamba is suggested. When combined with a failure diagnosis approach, this scheme can accurately detect heat failures due to excessive temperature, rapid temperature rise, and significant temperature differences. The experimental results demonstrate that the technique can accurately detect battery failures on a dataset of real operational EVs and predict the battery temperature one minute ahead of time with an MRE of 0.273%.
Fruit Juices as Alternative to Dairy Products for Probiotics’ Intake
Authors: D’Amico Angela , Buzzanca Carla , Pistorio Enrica , Melilli Maria Grazia , Di Stefano Vita
Published: October 2024

In the context of functional foods and beverages, probiotic fruit juices offer a unique opportunity to combine probiotics’ health benefits with fruit juices’ nutritious properties. Since most probiotic food products are dairy products, fruit juices could be a viable alternative to dairy foods. Moreover, the variety of tastes with which these juices can be produced can expand the market for these products to consumers of all ages. Important challenges for the probiotic juice manufacturing industry are stability and sensory properties, which can be altered by probiotics or their metabolites. Any functional food must be healthy but still acceptable to consumers’ tastes. To evaluate the safety of these products, and improve the efficacy of probiotics in fruit juices, innovative technologies have been proposed, such as microencapsulation and the contemporary use of antioxidants.
Anomaly Detection in Embryo Development and Morphology Using Medical Computer Vision-Aided Swin Transformer with Boosted Dipper-Throated Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Mazroa Alanoud Al , Maashi Mashael , Said Yahia , Maray Mohammed , Alzahrani Ahmad A. , Alkharashi Abdulwhab , Al-Sharafi Ali M.
Published: October 2024

Infertility affects a significant number of humans. A supported reproduction technology was verified to ease infertility problems. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the best choices, and its success relies on the preference for a higher-quality embryo for transmission. These have been normally completed physically by testing embryos in a microscope. The traditional morphological calculation of embryos shows predictable disadvantages, including effort- and time-consuming and expected risks of bias related to individual estimations completed by specific embryologists. Different computer vision (CV) and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques and devices have been recently applied in fertility hospitals to improve efficacy. AI addresses the imitation of intellectual performance and the capability of technologies to simulate cognitive learning, thinking, and problem-solving typically related to humans. Deep learning (DL) and machine learning (ML) are advanced AI algorithms in various fields and are considered the main algorithms for future human assistant technology. This study presents an Embryo Development and Morphology Using a Computer Vision-Aided Swin Transformer with a Boosted Dipper-Throated Optimization (EDMCV-STBDTO) technique. The EDMCV-STBDTO technique aims to accurately and efficiently detect embryo development, which is critical for improving fertility treatments and advancing developmental biology using medical CV techniques. Primarily, the EDMCV-STBDTO method performs image preprocessing using a bilateral filter (BF) model to remove the noise. Next, the swin transformer method is implemented for the feature extraction technique. The EDMCV-STBDTO model employs the variational autoencoder (VAE) method to classify human embryo development. Finally, the hyperparameter selection of the VAE method is implemented using the boosted dipper-throated optimization (BDTO) technique. The efficiency of the EDMCV-STBDTO method is validated by comprehensive studies using a benchmark dataset. The experimental result shows that the EDMCV-STBDTO method performs better than the recent techniques.
Exploring NRB Biofilm Adhesion and Biocorrosion in Oil/Water Recovery Operations Within Pipelines
Authors: Didouh Hadjer , Khurshid Hifsa , Hadj Meliani Mohammed , Suleiman Rami K. , Umoren Saviour A. , Bouhaik Izzeddine Sameut
Published: October 2024

Microbially influenced corrosion represents a critical challenge to the integrity and durability of carbon steel infrastructure, particularly in environments conducive to biofilm formation by nitrate-reducing bacteria (NRB). This study investigated the impact of NRB biofilms on biocorrosion processes within oil/water recovery operations in Algerian pipelines. A comprehensive suite of experimental and analytical techniques, including microbial analysis, gravimetric methods, and surface characterization, were employed to elucidate the mechanisms of microbially influenced corrosion (MIC). Weight loss measurements revealed that carbon steel samples exposed to injection water exhibited a corrosion rate of 0.0125 mm/year, significantly higher than the 0.0042 mm/year observed in crude oil environments. The microbial analysis demonstrated that injection water harbored an average of (4.4 ± 0.56) × 106 cells/cm2 for sessile cells and (3.1 ± 0.25) × 105 CFU/mL for planktonic cells, in stark contrast to crude oil, which contained only (2.4 ± 0.34) × 103 cells/cm2 for sessile cells and (4.5 ± 0.12) × 102 CFU/mL for planktonic cells, thereby highlighting the predominant role of injection water in facilitating biofilm formation. Contact angle measurements of injection water on carbon showed 45° ± 2°, compared to 85° ± 4° for crude oil, suggesting an increased hydrophilicity associated with enhanced biofilm adhesion. Scanning electron microscopy further confirmed the presence of thick biofilm clusters and corrosion pits on carbon steel exposed to injection water, while minimal biofilm and corrosion were observed in the crude oil samples.
Mamba- and ResNet-Based Dual-Branch Network for Ultrasound Thyroid Nodule Segmentation
Authors: Hu Min , Zhang Yaorong , Xue Huijun , Lv Hao , Han Shipeng
Published: October 2024

Accurate segmentation of thyroid nodules in ultrasound images is crucial for the diagnosis of thyroid cancer and preoperative planning. However, the segmentation of thyroid nodules is challenging due to their irregular shape, blurred boundary, and uneven echo texture. To address these challenges, a novel Mamba- and ResNet-based dual-branch network (MRDB) is proposed. Specifically, the visual state space block (VSSB) from Mamba and ResNet-34 are utilized to construct a dual encoder for extracting global semantics and local details, and establishing multi-dimensional feature connections. Meanwhile, an upsampling–convolution strategy is employed in the left decoder focusing on image size and detail reconstruction. A convolution–upsampling strategy is used in the right decoder to emphasize gradual feature refinement and recovery. To facilitate the interaction between local details and global context within the encoder and decoder, cross-skip connection is introduced. Additionally, a novel hybrid loss function is proposed to improve the boundary segmentation performance of thyroid nodules. Experimental results show that MRDB outperforms the state-of-the-art approaches with DSC of 90.02% and 80.6% on two public thyroid nodule datasets, TN3K and TNUI-2021, respectively. Furthermore, experiments on a third external dataset, DDTI, demonstrate that our method improves the DSC by 10.8% compared to baseline and exhibits good generalization to clinical small-scale thyroid nodule datasets. The proposed MRDB can effectively improve thyroid nodule segmentation accuracy and has great potential for clinical applications.
Wearable Online Freezing of Gait Detection and Cueing System
Authors: Slemenšek Jan , Geršak Jelka , Bratina Božidar , van Midden Vesna Marija , Pirtošek Zvezdan , Šafarič Riko
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a real-time wearable system designed to assist Parkinson’s disease patients experiencing freezing of gait episodes. The system utilizes advanced machine learning models, including convolutional and recurrent neural networks, enhanced with past sample data preprocessing to achieve high accuracy, efficiency, and robustness. By continuously monitoring gait patterns, the system provides timely interventions, improving mobility and reducing the impact of freezing episodes. This paper explores the implementation of a CNN+RNN+PS machine learning model on a microcontroller-based device. The device operates at a real-time processing rate of 40 Hz and is deployed in practical settings to provide ‘on demand’ vibratory stimulation to patients. This paper examines the system’s ability to operate with minimal latency, achieving an average detection delay of just 261 milliseconds and a freezing of gait detection accuracy of 95.1%. While patients received on-demand stimulation, the system’s effectiveness was assessed by decreasing the average duration of freezing of gait episodes by 45%. These preliminarily results underscore the potential of personalized, real-time feedback systems in enhancing the quality of life and rehabilitation outcomes for patients with movement disorders.
A Scoping Review of ‘Smart’ Dressings for Diagnosing Surgical Site Infection: A Focus on Arthroplasty
Authors: King Samuel W. , Abouharb Alexander , Doggett Thomas , Taufiqurrakhman Mohamad , Palan Jeya , Freear Bulut , Pandit Hemant , van Duren Bernard H.
Published: October 2024

Early diagnosis and treatment of surgical wound infection can be challenging. This is especially relevant in the management of periprosthetic joint infection: early detection is key to success and reducing morbidity, mortality and resource use. ‘Smart’ dressings have been developed to detect parameters suggestive of infection. This scoping review investigates the current status of the field, limited to devices tested in animal models and/or humans, with a focus on their application to arthroplasty. The literature was searched using MEDLINE/PubMed and Embase databases from 2000 to 2023. Original articles assessing external sensing methods for the detection of wound infection in animal models or human participants were included. Sixteen articles were eligible. The results were broadly divided by sensing method: colorimetric, electrochemical and fluorescence/photothermal responses. Six of the devices detected more than one parameter (multimodal), while the rest were unimodal. The most common parameters examined were temperature and pH. Most ‘smart’ dressings focused on diagnosing infection in chronic wounds, and none were tested in humans with wound infections. There is limited late-stage research into using dressing sensors to diagnose wound infection in post-surgical patients. Future research should explore this to enable inpatient and remote outpatient monitoring of post-operative wounds to detect wound infection.
A Comprehensive Assessment of Nutritional Value, Antioxidant Potential, and Genetic Diversity in Metapenaeus ensis from Three Different Populations
Authors: Li Yundong , Chen Juan , Jiang Song , Yang Qibin , Yang Lishi , Huang Jianhua , Shi Jianzhi , Zhang Yan , Lu Zhibin , Zhou Falin
Published: October 2024

Due to its high tolerance to salinity and temperature, as well as its strong adaptability, Metapenaeus ensis holds an important position in the Chinese aquaculture industry. However, studies on the evaluation of its germplasm resources remain insufficient. This research conducted an in-depth comparative evaluation of M. ensis from three representative farming regions in China: Sanya, Zhuhai, and Raoping. The nutritional analysis of muscle tissue showed no statistically significant differences in crude ash, moisture, and crude protein content among the populations (p > 0.05). However, significant differences were observed in crude fat and total sugar content (p < 0.05). The MeSY and MeRP populations had higher crude fat content than the MeZH population (p < 0.05), while the MeZH population exhibited the highest total sugar content. In terms of amino acid composition, the MeSY population had relatively higher total essential amino acid content and proportion, as well as higher total amino acid content, both of which were statistically significant (p < 0.05). A fatty acid composition analysis further highlighted the advantages of the MeRP population in several key fatty acids (p < 0.05). Physiological and biochemical analyses showed no significant differences among the three populations in total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase activity, or catalase activity (p > 0.05). A genetic diversity analysis indicated that M. ensis has relatively low diversity, with the MeSY population showing higher SNP density and nucleotide diversity. A genetic differentiation analysis revealed significant genetic differentiation between the MeSY and MeZH populations, while differentiation between the MeZH and MeRP populations was relatively smaller. This comprehensive assessment of nutritional components, amino acids, fatty acids, antioxidant capacity, and genetic diversity highlights the advantages of germplasm resources from different regions. These findings provide valuable insights for future research on the genetic characteristics and breeding potential of M. ensis.
Research Progress on Viruses of Passiflora edulis
Authors: Wu Wenhua , Ma Funing , Zhang Xiaoyan , Tan Yuxin , Han Te , Ding Jing , Wu Juyou , Xing Wenting , Wu Bin , Huang Dongmei , Zhang Shaoling , Xu Yi , Song Shun
Published: October 2024

Passiflora edulis, also known as passion fruit, is celebrated for its rich nutritional content, distinctive flavour, and significant medicinal benefits. At present, viral diseases pose a major challenge to the passion fruit industry, affecting both the production and quality of the fruit. These diseases impede the sustainable and healthy growth of the passion fruit sector. In recent years, with the expansion of P. edulis cultivation areas, virus mutations, and advances in virus detection technology, an increasing number of virus species infecting P. edulis have been discovered. To date, more than 40 different virus species have been identified; however, there are different strains within the same virus. This poses a challenge for the control and prevention of P. edulis virus disease. Therefore, this review discusses the different types of viruses and their characteristics, modes of transmission, and effects on the growth of the passion fruit plant, as well as the mechanisms of virus generation and preventive measures, with the hope that these discussions will provide a comprehensive understanding of and countermeasures for viruses in passion fruit.
Nematocyst Types and Characteristics in the Tentacles of Gershwinia thailandensis and Morbakka sp. (Cubozoa: Carybdeida) from the Gulf of Thailand
Authors: Yasanga Thippawan , Santidherakul Sineenart , Wunnapuk Klintean , Phuackchantuck Rochana , Thaikruea Lakkana , Achalawitkun Thunyaporn , Rungraung Purinat
Published: October 2024

Nematocysts, specialized stinging cells in cnidarians, play a crucial role in both defense and prey capture, containing venomous, coiled tubes within a capsule. While box jellyfish are recognized as a medical threat, information on the nematocysts of species like Gershwinia thailandensis and Morbakka sp. from Thai waters remains sparse. This study explores the types and morphology of nematocysts found in the tentacles of these species using light and scanning electron microscopy. We identified three nematocyst types: club-shaped microbasic p-mastigophores, oval isorhizas, and oval microbasic p-rhopaloids. Notably, significant differences in capsule sizes were observed, especially in the microbasic p-mastigophores and isorhizas. The discharge tubules tapered from the proximal to the distal ends, featuring arrow-shaped spines in a helical pattern. A distinct lancet structure was present in both microbasic p-mastigophores and p-rhopaloids. These findings suggest that variations in nematocyst size and morphology may be linked to evolutionary adaptations, functional roles, and venom toxicity. Further research into venom discharge mechanisms could offer valuable insights into the ecological and medical importance of these cnidarians.
Role of T Lymphocytes in Glioma Immune Microenvironment: Two Sides of a Coin
Authors: Noor Laiba , Upadhyay Arun , Joshi Vibhuti
Published: October 2024

Glioma is known for its immunosuppressive microenvironment, which makes it challenging to target through immunotherapies. Immune cells like macrophages, microglia, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and T lymphocytes are known to infiltrate the glioma tumor microenvironment and regulate immune response distinctively. Among the variety of immune cells, T lymphocytes have highly complex and multifaceted roles in the glioma immune landscape. T lymphocytes, which include CD4+ helper and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, are known for their pivotal roles in anti-tumor responses. However, these cells may behave differently in the highly dynamic glioma microenvironment, for example, via an immune invasion mechanism enforced by tumor cells. Therefore, T lymphocytes play dual roles in glioma immunity, firstly by their anti-tumor responses, and secondly by exploiting gliomas to promote immune invasion. As an immunosuppression strategy, glioma induces T-cell exhaustion and suppression of effector T cells by regulatory T cells (Tregs) or by altering their signaling pathways. Further, the expression of immune checkpoint inhibitors on the glioma cell surface leads to T cell anergy and dysfunction. Overall, this dynamic interplay between T lymphocytes and glioma is crucial for designing more effective immunotherapies. The current review provides detailed knowledge on the roles of T lymphocytes in the glioma immune microenvironment and helps to explore novel therapeutic approaches to reinvigorate T lymphocytes.
From Organotypic Mouse Brain Slices to Human Alzheimer’s Plasma Biomarkers: A Focus on Nerve Fiber Outgrowth
Authors: Yilmaz Sakir Necat , Steiner Katharina , Marksteiner Josef , Faserl Klaus , Villunger Mathias , Sarg Bettina , Humpel Christian
Published: October 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory loss and progressive deterioration of cognitive functions. Being able to identify reliable biomarkers in easily available body fluids such as blood plasma is vital for the disease. To achieve this, we used a technique that applied human plasma to organotypic brain slice culture via microcontact printing. After a 2-week culture period, we performed immunolabeling for neurofilament and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) to visualize newly formed nerve fibers and oligodendrocytes. There was no significant change in the number of new nerve fibers in the AD plasma group compared to the healthy control group, while the length of the produced fibers significantly decreased. A significant increase in the number of MOG+ dots around these new fibers was detected in the patient group. According to our hypothesis, there are factors in the plasma of AD patients that affect the growth of new nerve fibers, which also affect the oligodendrocytes. Based on these findings, we selected the most promising plasma samples and conducted mass spectrometry using a differential approach and we identified three putative biomarkers: aldehyde-dehydrogenase 1A1, alpha-synuclein and protein S100-A4. Our method represents a novel and innovative approach for translating research findings from mouse models to human applications.