bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Analytical Approach to Gear Mesh Dynamics for the Sustainable Design of Agricultural Machinery Drive Systems
Authors: Twardoch Krzysztof , Sierociński Damian
Published: December 2024

This research aims to advance the understanding and application of dynamic models for gears within agricultural machinery drive trains by developing analytical solutions. Despite significant advancements in vibration analysis, there is a notable scarcity of comprehensive research that addresses the analytical modeling of gear dynamics, particularly using advanced mathematical techniques such as the Multiple Scale Method (MSM). This research aims to bridge this gap by starting with the simplest gear mathematical models and progressively scaling to more complex systems. Such models facilitate gearbox design optimisation, fault diagnosis, and maintenance planning, effectively reducing downtime and increasing the reliability of agricultural machinery. The study is oriented toward employing the MSM to derive analytical solutions to determine the vibration frequency ranges and identify emitted components. This mathematical approach offers a generalized framework for understanding vibration propagation and can significantly enhance the precision of vibration management strategies. Based on these insights, the research can contribute to the sustainable design of agricultural machinery drive trains, emphasizing vibration reduction and efficient propagation control. Ultimately, this work seeks to enhance these machinery’s durability and operator comfort, fostering safer and more effective agricultural practices.
Determination of Stress Limit Values for Plastic Components up to 3 mm Thick, Forming Bolted Joints Applicable in the Automotive Industry
Authors: Murčinková Zuzana , Holíček Rudolf , Baron Petr , Onufer Martin
Published: December 2024

The paper addresses the analysis of stress limit values of plastic components with a thickness of no more than 3 mm used in bolted joints, especially in the automotive industry. The results of the tests show that the stress limit values often exceed the tensile limit values specified in the material data sheets, which has a significant impact on the way in which reliable bolted joints are designed without the risk of plastic deformation. Various plastic materials have been tested, including ABS, PA, POM, PP and their reinforced counterparts. The tests showed that it is possible to exceed the tensile limit value by 5 to 10% with the plastic deformation being unlikely. In the case of the POM group materials, the stress limit was set at as much as 150% of the tensile limit, with minimal risk of deformation. For other materials, such as PA6, PA66 or PP, individual recommendations were established based on variability of values. The results of the study contribute to optimization of the plastic components design and reduce the need for excessive testing in automotive production.
Lubricant Viscosity Impact in Fuel Economy: Experimental Uncertainties Compensation
Authors: Rovai Fernando Fusco , Tomanik Eduardo
Published: December 2024

Climate constraints impose greenhouse gas emissions mitigation and the passenger cars have considerable contributions to give it. To improve engine efficiency of vehicles equipped with conventional powertrains, many technologies are available but with limited individual contribution. The experimental assessment of some technology regarding fuel economy measurement results is sometimes lower than test uncertainties. This study proposes a methodology to compensate the fuel economy for two test uncertainties: vehicle speed variations and battery recharging. The proposed method can be applied when investigating the effects of different vehicle design changes, including engine powercell design, in this work, the proposed method is demonstrated on the test of oils with two different viscosities, which allows a more detailed analysis. Applying the proposed methodology to experimental results changed from a raw 1.3% reduction in fuel consumption measured in the combined cycle to 2.9% compensated by these two uncertainties considering a vehicle numerical simulation model, a more plausible and reliable result.
First Report of Antibiotic Resistant Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcus Strains Isolated from Technical Snow on Ski Slopes in Mountain Areas
Authors: Stankiewicz Klaudia , Lenart-Boroń Anna
Published: December 2024

Coagulase-negative staphylococci form a heterogeneous group, defined solely by the lack of coagulase. Initially considered non-pathogenic, now known opportunistic pathogens of increasing importance. This study was conducted to examine the prevalence of Staphylococcus spp., their taxonomic diversity, antibiotic resistance patterns and genetic determinants of antibiotic resistance in the water resources within the technical snow production process. The types of samples included 1) river water at intakes where water is drawn for snowmaking; 2) water stored in technical reservoirs, from which it is pumped into the snowmaking systems; 3) technical snow-melt water. The study was conducted in catchments of five rivers: Białka, Biały Dunajec, Raba and Wisła in Poland, and Studený Potok in Slovakia. Staphylococcus spp. was detected in all types of samples: in 17% of river water, 25% of reservoir-stored water and in 60% of technical snow-melt water. All staphylococci were coagulase-negative (CoNS) and belonged to 10 species, with S. epidermidis being the most prevalent in river water, S. warneri and S. pasteuri in reservoir-stored water, and S. haemolyticus in snowmelt water. The highest resistance rates to erythromycin and macrolide/lincosamid.streptogramin b (MLSb) types of resistance were detected in all types of samples, accompanied by erythromycin efflux pump-determining msrA gene as the most frequent genetic determinant of antimicrobial resistance. This study is the first report of the presence of antibiotic resistant, including multidrug resistant CoNS, carrying more than one gene determining antimicrobial resistance in technical snow, in mountain areas of the central European countries.
A Study on the Axial Compressive Response of Lattice-Cored Sandwich Tubes
Authors: Ushijima Kuniharu , Yamada Hiroyuki , Cantwell Wesley
Published: December 2024

This paper deals with the axial crushing characteristics of sandwich cylinders with a BCClattice core based on the nonlinear finite element (FE) method. In particular, the effect ofcore and cylinder diameter on the crushing characteristics were investigated. By introducingthe lattice core sandwiched between two tubes, the deformation behaviour can be controlledaxisymmetrically, leading to an increase in the average load Pave, due to the local bendingresistance. In addition, a series of lattice sandwich tubes were fabricated using a metal 3Dprinter, and their axial compressive responses were compared with the FE analysis, where goodagreement was observed.
Spatial Semantic Expression of Terrain Viewshed: A Data Mining Method
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Wang Yiwen , Cheng Haozhe , Dou Wanfeng
Published: December 2024

With the rapid development of geographic information technology, the expression of topographic spatial semantic relationships has become a research hotspot in the field of intelligent geographic information systems. Geographic spatial semantic relationships refer to the spatial relationships and their inherent meanings between geographic entities, including topological relationships, metric relationships, etc. These relationships not only reveal the interconnections between geographic entities but also provide an important basis for understanding, analyzing, and applying geographic data. Taking Nanjing's Purple Mountain as the study area, this paper defines a series of attributes representing visual features, quantifies the spatial characteristics of the viewshed, and then uses the DBSCAN algorithm to divide the viewshed into multiple sub-viewsheds, extracting the spatial features of these sub-viewsheds for further analysis. This paper proposes a model for expressing the spatial semantic relationship of the terrain viewshed, which analyzes and describes the spatial features of the viewshed through quantitative and qualitative methods. This model provides theoretical and methodological support for landscape analysis applications based on viewsheds and has good application value in urban planning, environmental ecological protection, archaeological research, and other fields.
National Guidelines for Infection Prevention and Control in the Netherlands
Authors: Sussenbach Annelotte , Versteeg Bart , Aanhane Femke , Weijdema Klaartje , Graveland Haitske , Voss Andreas
Published: December 2024

Nosocomial infections in healthcare impose a heavy and potentially life-threatening burden on patients and can inflate healthcare expenditures. From 1981 to 2017, the Dutch Working Party on Infection Prevention (Werkgroep infectiepreventie [WIP]) developed infection prevention and control guidelines to minimize the impact of nosocomial infections. Despite its long standing and renowned status, the WIP lost both support from its base and financial support and was disbanded. Four years later, the Dutch Collaborative Partnership for Infection Prevention Guidelines (Samenwerkingsverband Richtlijnen Infectiepreventie [SRI]) was established to develop evidence-based guidelines for hospitals, long-term care, and public health settings. In this article, we summarize the process and methodology of infection prevention and control guideline development, within all three healthcare domains in the Netherlands.
MAGIC: Multi-User Advanced Graphic Immersive Configurator for Sustainable Customization of Complex Design Products – A Sailing Yacht Case Study
Authors: Piccininni Saverio , Dastan Mine , Vangi Fabio , Fiorentino Michele
Published: December 2024

Modern design products are increasingly complex and hold greater emotional value, requiring versatile and collaborative customization. However, flexible multi-user, photorealistic Virtual Reality (VR) systems for product configuration remain limited, as shown by an analysis of literature and commercial solutions. To address these gaps, this paper introduces MAGIC (Multi-user Advanced Graphic Immersive Configurator). It provides a collaborative cross-platform environment with optimized graphics and ergonomic validation via digital avatars, overcoming the limitations of 2D visualization and existing tools. MAGIC can reduce CO2 emissions through prototype dematerialization and boost the global competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), while its versatility enables future VR applications in other industries. MAGIC is applied to yacht design as a case study to evaluate its usability by conducting user testing, n=30. Participants collaborated in paired sessions to customize a high-performance sailing yacht and assess VR potential for configuring complex products. Results demonstrate MAGIC’s feasibility in a nautical scenario, reducing transportation costs and environmental impacts of client meetings and trade fairs. Additionally, it achieves a high usability score (SUS=80.83). Positive user feedback highlights that high-quality graphics and additional content significantly enhance immersion and engagement. However, encountered challenges with navigation methods and spatial perception indicate areas for improvement.
Analysis by the Polarization of the Physic-Chemical Processes in the Friction Pairs, What It Works with Selective Transfer
Authors: Ilie Filip , Juganaru Alina , Ipate George
Published: December 2024

Based on some experiments, the paper describes with the help of polarization the physic-chemical processes that take place in the contact area of friction pairs (of type bronze/steel lubricated with glycerin), during the selective transfer as a result of the change in the input speed of the lubricant (glycerin), as well as how it their wear influences. Through the polarization method, the quantitative and qualitative transformations of glycerin are studied during frictional stress with the selective transfer as well as the damage to the metals and alloys of the friction pairs, even after frictional stress, respectively can be determined the properties of the selective solution.
I-PAttnGAN: An Image-Assisted Point Cloud Completion Network Based on Attention GAN
Authors: Li Wenwen , Chen Yaxing , Fan Qianyue , Yang Meng , Guo Bin , Yu Zhiwen
Published: December 2024

Ensuring the consistency and accuracy of point cloud data is crucial for building 3D scenes. However, obtaining dense and uniformly distributed features is challenging due to limitations in LiDAR hardware. The presence of sparse regions increases the workload and redundancy of subsequent tasks. To address this issue, we propose I-PAttnGAN, a network that generates point clouds based on images with the aim of improving density and uniformity in sparse areas. By integrating image and point cloud data, I-PAttnGAN dynamically extracts attention weights focused on point cloud density using a normalization flow model to learn the relationship between image features and point cloud distribution. This enables adaptive generation of dense point clouds. We conducted extensive experiments using ShapeNet and NuScenes datasets, which demonstrated that our proposed I-PAttnGAN outperforms existing methods, particularly in generating high-quality dense point clouds in low-density areas: CD values significantly reduced by approximately two times, EMD values increased by 1.3 times, and F1 scores improved by 1.5 times. Meanwhile, we also conducted ablation experiments to verify the newly added modules, and the results show that our model played a critical role in the generation process. We demonstrate significant advantages of our model in terms of accuracy and efficiency for generating complete spatial point clouds.
An Investigation into Mechanomyography for Signal Extraction and Classification of Human Lower Limb Activity
Authors: Bai Yu , Guan Xiao Rong , Wang Zheng , Zhang Rui , Cheng Shi , Li Hui Bin
Published: December 2024

To mitigate the difficulties associated with the extraction of Mechanomyography (MMG) signals from raw Acceleration (ACC) data and the subsequent classification of human lower limb activities based on MMG signals, the Feature Mode Decomposition (FMD) algorithm has been utilized for the isolation of the MMG signal. Simultaneously, surface Electromyography (sEMG) signals were recorded to perform correlation analyses, thereby validating the effectiveness of the extracted Mechanomyography (MMG) signals. The results demonstrate that the envelope entropy derived from the FMD was the lowest among the observed values, and the composite signal obtained via FMD displayed the highest correlation with the sEMG signal. This indicates that FMD is capable of efficiently isolating the MMG signal while maintaining the maximal quantity of muscle contraction data. To address the challenge of classifying human lower limb activities, a comprehensive feature extraction procedure was implemented, resulting in the derivation of 448 unique features from multi-channel mechanomyography (MMG) signals. Subsequently, Kernel Principal Component Analysis (KPCA) was employed to diminish the feature set's dimensionality. This was succeeded by the deployment of a Temporal Convolutional Network integrated with an Attention mechanism (TCN-Attention) to train the classification model. Additionally, the Sine-Cosine Northern Goshawk Optimization (SCNGO) algorithm was leveraged for optimization purposes. The findings indicate that FMD exhibited the minimum envelope entropy value of 8.13, concurrently attaining the maximum correlation coefficient of 0.87 between MMG and sEMG signals. Significantly, the SCNGO-TCN-Attention model demonstrated superior classification accuracy, attaining an exceptional accuracy rate of 98.44%.
Modeling the Dynamics of Deforestation, Afforestation, and the Effects of Reforestation on Forests
Authors: Sinje Sadia Shihab , Alqahtani Rubayyi T. , Kamrujjaman Md.
Published: December 2024

Deforestation, the clearing of forests for agricultural, commercial, or urban development, is a significant concern, particularly in underdeveloped countries, where it is seen as a misuse of resources that can lower agricultural productivity. Reforestation aims to restore forest ecosystems, biodiversity, wildlife habitats, and environmental services in areas impacted by deforestation. This study focuses on the causes and impacts of deforestation in Bangladesh and examines the ecological consequences of simultaneous deforestation and reforestation through mathematical models. By identifying equilibrium points and conducting stability analysis, we assess the influence of reforestation on these models. The study also explores measures to prevent deforestation and discusses policies, legal frameworks, and oversight mechanisms that can support replanting and forest restoration efforts.
Cellular Automaton Simulation of Corrosion in 347H Steel Exposed to Molten Solar Salt at Pilot Plant Scale
Authors: Reinoso-Burrows Juan C. , Cortés-Carmona Marcelo , Henríquez Mauro , Fuentealba Edward , Alvear Andrés , Soto Carlos , Durán Carlos , Pastén Raúl , Guerreiro Luis , Galleguillos-Madrid Felipe
Published: December 2024

The fast-paced depletion of fossil fuels and environmental concerns have intensified interest in renewable energies, with dispatchable solar energy emerging as a key alternative. Concentrated solar power (CSP) technology, utilizing thermal energy storage (TES) systems with molten salts at 560°C, offers significant potential for large-scale energy generation. However, these extreme conditions pose challenges related to material corrosion, critical for maintaining CSP efficiency and lifespan. This research models the corrosion process of 347H stainless steel in molten solar salt (60% NaNO3 + 40% KNO3) melted at 400°C using a cellular automaton (CA) algorithm. The CA model simulates oxide growth under pilot plant conditions in a lattice of 400x400 cells. SEM-EDS imaging compared the model with a mean squared error of 2%, corresponding to a corrosion layer of 4.25 µm after 168 hours. The simulation applied von Neumann and Margolus neighborhoods for ion movement and reaction rules, achieving a cell size of 0.125 µm and 10.08 seconds per iteration. This study demonstrates the CA model’s effectiveness in replicating corrosion processes, offering a tool to optimize material performance in CSP systems.
Translating Evidence for a Mediterranean-Style Dietary Pattern into Routine Care for Coronary Heart Disease and Type 2 Diabetes: Implementation and Evaluation in a Targeted Public Health Service
Authors: Mayr Hannah L , Hayes Lisa , Wang William YS , Murray Eryn , Kelly Jaimon T , Palmer Michelle , Hickman Ingrid J
Published: December 2024

Background: A Mediterranean-style dietary pattern (MDP) is embedded across coronary heart disease (CHD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) clinical guidelines. However, MDP evidence has not consistently been translated into practice. This study aimed to develop, integrate and evaluate implementation strategies to support clinicians to translate MDP evidence into routine care for CHD and T2D in the local context of a public health service. Methods: This study documents the implementation and evaluation phases of a broader knowledge translation project guided by the Knowledge-to-Action cycle. Multi-disciplinary clinicians in cardiology and diabetes services of two large metropolitan hospitals and a post-acute community service were targeted. Strategies were prioritised utilising theory and stakeholder engagement and included: facilitation, building a coalition, engagement of clinical champions and local opinion leaders, educational meetings, consensus discussions, sharing local knowledge, consumer consultation, and development and distribution of education materials. Surveys were conducted with clinicians and patients of targeted services to evaluate reach, acceptability, feasibility, adoption and perceived sustainability of MDP in practice. Results: Fifty-seven clinicians (7 dietitians, 29 nurses/diabetes educators, 15 doctors and 6 other allied health professionals) and 55 patients completed post-implementation evaluation surveys. Majority of clinicians agreed a MDP is appropriate to recommend in their clinical setting (95%) and most of the time/always their advice (85%) aligns. Education sessions were attended by 65% of clinicians; of which the majority indicated improved knowledge (100%) and change in practice (86%). Factors deemed most important to maintaining a MDP approach in practice were hard-copy education materials (85%) and access to a dietitian (62%). Of the patients who had received care from a dietitian of targeted services (n=32, 58%), 100% recalled having discussed ≥1 MDP topic and 89% received education material. Of the patients who had received dietary advice from non-dietetic clinicians (n=33, 60%), 67% recalled having discussed ≥1 MDP topic and 70% received education material. Conclusions: Targeted and theory-informed implementation reached majority of surveyed clinicians and patients and positively influenced adoption, acceptability and feasibility of a MDP approach in routine care. Ongoing sustainability strategies are crucial with rotating clinician roles.
The Importance of Measurement Uncertainty Arising from the Sampling Process in Conformity Assessment
Authors: Oliveira Elcio Cruz de
Published: December 2024

There is growing concern regarding the environmental and operational safety aspects of fuel. The result of a physicochemical measurement is the outcome of a series of steps that begin with the sampling process. The information obtained from this step and the contribution from the ana-lytical process define the measurement uncertainty, although most laboratories consider only the analytical contribution as a quality parameter. On the other hand, this variability can be used as vital information to evaluate conformity to the specification. This study aimed to use the uncer-tainty information considering only the analytical uncertainty and, next, the analytical and sam-pling uncertainties in compliance assessment, taking physicochemical measurements of fuel as case studies. The first scenario, which is traditional and focused solely on analytical uncertainty, showed to be less rigorous than the second scenario, which combined sampling uncertainty with analytical uncertainty. The results indicated that for the flash point in jet fuel, the sulfur mass fraction in gasoline-ethanol blends, and the kinematic viscosity in diesel, the risks to consum-ers—first considering only analytical uncertainty and then combining analytical uncertainty with sampling uncertainty—were as follows: 2.6 % and 5.6 %; 4.4 % and 7.1 %; and 1.6 % and 18.9 %, respectively. Since the initial result of each pair is below 5 %, compliance with the specification is suggested. However, when accounting for sampling uncertainty, there is an indication of poten-tial non-compliance with the specification. Therefore, it is concluded that the contribution of uncertainty arising from sampling must be considered in the conformity assessment.
Does Scapular and Thoracic Morphology Affect Latarjet Alpha Angle?
Authors: Kizilkurt Taha , Darilmaz Muhammed Furkan , Okatar Furkan , Ersen Ali
Published: December 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the relationship between alpha angle (the angle between the screws and the glenoid) and thoracic diameters in patients undergoing the Latarjet procedure. Defining the relationship between thoracic morphology and alpha angle is aimed to fill the gap in the literature to improve surgical outcomes. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 74 patients who underwent the Latarjet procedure for recurrent anterior shoulder instability between 2022 and 2024. All procedures were performed by the same surgeon using a standardized protocol to ensure consistency of surgical technique across cases. In postoperative chest CT scans, alpha angle, anteroposterior diameter of the thorax, transverse diameter of hemithorax, scapular inclination, and glenoid version were evaluated. Results: The study included predominantly male patients (90%) with a mean age of 26.4±6.4 years who underwent Latarjet procedures predominantly on the right side (60%). Significant associations were observed between thoracic morphology and alpha angle on postoperative CT scans. There was a significant positive correlation between anterior-posterior/transverse diameter ratio (AP/T) and alpha angle (r=0.407, p<0.001), as well as correlations between scapular inclination, glenoid version, thoracoscapular angle, and alpha angle (r=0.275, p=0.018; r=0.241, p=0.039; r= -0.288, p=0.013, respectively). Patients were divided based on an alpha angle threshold of 15 degrees, with results indicating worse outcomes for angles above this threshold. Additionally, the AP/T ratio demonstrated predictive value for poor outcomes (AUC=0.660, p=0.018) with a threshold of 1.2545. Conclusion: This study highlights the direct impact of thoracic morphology on the alpha angle observed on post-Latarjet chest CT scans. Specifically, patients with a higher ratio of anterior-posterior to transverse thoracic diameter (AP/T) show a proportional increase in alpha angle. When the AP/T ratio exceeds 1.25, surgeons may face challenges in achieving the target alpha angle.
Investigating The Level of Adoption and Perception Towards Irrigated Wheat Production in North Shawa Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Sima Marsimoy Ajema , Aduna Teferi Taye
Published: December 2024

The main objective of the study was investigating the level of adoption and perception of irrigated wheat production in North Shewa Zone of Oromia Regional State. This study combined a qualitative and quantitative research approach with a descriptive research design and a cross-sectional survey type. Multi-stage sampling techniques were also used in the study to choose sample households. Both primary and secondary data were employed. Statistical Package for Social Science Version 20 was utilized to analyse the data using simple descriptive statistics. According to the study's findings, the majority of smallholder farmers expressed dissatisfaction with the extension services provided by DA. They also expressed disapproval of the availability of water sources for irrigated wheat production in the study area, as well as with access to credit services, necessary inputs, technical training on irrigated wheat, and irrigation facilities provided by the government. On the other hand, they confidently agreed that the government program encourages us to cultivate wheat under irrigation, and that the yields from this method are better than those from rainfed wheat. The finding of the study revealed that the overall level of adoption of irrigated wheat producers was low in the study area. In order to better align investments on irrigated wheat production, the study concludes that this new initiative knowledge should be useful through the development of a regular input supply system, the improvement of farmers' skills and knowledge, the development of modern schemes, the development of new disease-resistant varieties, and the strengthening of market linkage by experts, policymakers, researchers, and seed enterprises.
Investigation Study of Efficiency Water Heating System in Wool Washing Process by Using Parabolic Trough Solar System
Authors: Messaoud Hazmoune , Mohammed Debbache , Osman Mohammed Gmal , Benaoumeur Aour , Panait Cornel , Mohammed Laissaoui , Lazaroiu Gheorghe
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the efficiency of a water heating system for wool washing processes using a parabolic trough solar system. Wool washing, an essential phase in wool transformation, requires water heated above 70°C. The research proposes replacing conventional natural gas systems with parabolic trough solar concentrators system, focusing on the water pool as the system's core element. The pool, constructed from bricks reinforced with an internal steel layer, enhances heat exchange efficiency. Various synthetic oils—Thermia B, Heat Transfer Oil 32, Biphasic Oil (Syltherm 800), and Therminol vp1—were analyzed to determine the optimal heat transfer fluid. Numerical simulations, conducted using ANSYS CFX software with the k-ε turbulence model, evaluated the thermal performance and temperature distribution. Results demonstrate the superior efficiency of the proposed solar-powered system, particularly when combined with steel reinforcement and optimized heat transfer fluids, offering a sustainable and energy-efficient solution for industrial wool washing.
Determinants of Tourist Arrivals to Argentina from Bolivia, Brazil, and Chile: An Analytical Perspective
Authors: Zeng Zhiguo
Published: December 2024

This article explores determinants of tourist arrivals from neighboring countries of Bolivia, Brazil and Chile to Argentina. The research utilizes an observation data of the World Bank in the period of 1995-2016. Linear regression analysis is applied to identify the relationship between tourist arrivals to Argentina from Bolivia, Brazil, and Chile and variables including distance, common religions, tourist income, government effectiveness and political stability. The findings indicate that distance and common religions do not have any relationship with tourist flow. Tourist income form both origin and destination, government effectiveness in destination, and political stability in origin have a positive effect, while political stability in destination and government effectiveness in origin have a negative effect on tourist arrivals to Argentina. Limitations include the reliance on historical data, which may not fully predict future trends.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors as Modulators of Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Function: A Systematic Review of the Evidence
Authors: Thorne Bryony N. , Ellenbroek Bart A. , Day Darren J.
Published: December 2024

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a first line treatment for depressive and anxiety disorders. They function by selectively binding and blocking the serotonin transporter (SERT) and preventing reuptake of serotonin into the presynaptic terminal; however, the downstream changes and that determine the therapeutic effects remain largely unknown. There is growing evidence showing that serotonergic signalling and SERT blockade influences mitochondrial biogenesis and activity, suggesting that this may be an important downstream effect to consider in understanding the mechanism of action of these drugs. The aim of this study was to review the literature investigating mitochondrial biogenesis and activity as a result of SSRI treatment. Publications investigating SSRI treatment and mitochondrial function between 2007 and 2021 were identified by literature search using the PubMed database. Publications were categorised by whether mitochondrial biogenesis and activity was increased, decreased, restored following a disruption, or whether effects were mixed. Effects of SSRI treatment on mitochondrial biogenesis and function were dependent on the chosen dose and model. While cell culture based-studies showed mixed outcomes, the majority of animal studies showed that mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation was increased, while oxidative stress was decreased. Collectively, the studies in this review suggest that SSRI treatment within the therapeutic dose range has the capacity to enhance mitochondrial biogenesis and function. Given that reduced oxidative capacity has been implicated in the pathophysiology of depressive and anxiety disorders, this may be important for understanding how SSRIs function to alleviate symptoms of these disorders.
A Comprehensive Review of Fc Gamma Receptors and Their Role in SLE
Authors: Sepúlveda-Delgado Jesús , Llorente Luis , Hernández-Doño Susana
Published: December 2024

Receptors for the Immunoglobulin G Constant Fraction (FcγRs) are widely expressed in cells of the immune system. Complement-independent phagocytosis prompted FcγR research to show that the engagement of IgG immune complexes with FcγRs triggers a variety of cell host immune responses, such as phagocytosis, antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity, and NETosis, among others. However, variants of these receptors have been implicated in the development of and susceptibility to autoimmune diseases, such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Currently, the knowledge of FcγR variants is a required field of antibody therapeutics, which includes the en-gineering of recombinant soluble human Fc gamma receptors, enhancing the inhibitory and blocking of the activating FcγRs function, vaccines, and organ transplantation. Importantly, recent interest in FcγRs is the Antibody-Dependent Enhancement (ADE), a mechanism by which the pathogenesis of certain viral infections is enhanced. ADEs may be responsible for the severity of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, FcγRs have become a current research topic. Therefore, this review briefly describes some of the historical knowledge about the FcγR type I family in humans, including the structure, affinity, mechanism of ligand binding, FcγRs in diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), and the potential therapeutic approaches related to these receptors in SLE.
Advanced Pathogen Monitoring in Penaeus vannamei from Three Latin American Regions: Passive Surveillance Part 2
Authors: Intriago Pablo , Montiel Bolivar , Valarezo Mauricio , Gallardo Jennifer , Cataño Yamilis
Published: December 2024

This study presents the second phase of a year-long investigation comparing multiple PCR anal-yses and histological examinations to confirm the presence of characteristic lesions for each path-ogen in three different regions of Latin America. More than 20 agents, including DNA and RNA viruses, bacteria and microsporidia, have been targeted. In addition to wild P. vannamei, which was studied previously, samples of wild P. stylirostris and P. monodon were included. Notably, a positive PCR test result alone does not confirm the presence of a viable pathogen or a disease state. Similarly, positive PCR results do not necessarily correlate with the presence of histological le-sions characteristic of the targeted pathogen. Wenzhou shrimp virus 8 (WzSV8) was found to be widespread among shrimp in all regions, including both farm-raised and wild populations. Histo-pathological analysis indicated that shrimp typically presented coinfections, such as WzSV8, dec-apod hepanhamaparvovirus (DHPV), chronic midgut inflammation, and tubule disten-sion/epithelial atrophy, consistent with the toxicity of Pir A/B or another bacterial toxin. Bacterial muscle necrosis was also found in some regions. In general, bacterial infection was the dominant pathology in all three regions during the year. We also postulate that both WzSV8 and DHPV can infect not only hepatopancreatic cells but also cells in the ceca and intestine.
Blockchain Technology in Healthcare: Ensuring Integrity, Security, and Performance in a Distributed Ecosystem
Authors: Minango Juan , Carvajal Mora Henry , Zambrano Marcelo , Orozco Garzón Nathaly , Pérez Francisco
Published: December 2024

This paper evaluates the technical feasibility of blockchain technology within the healthcare ecosystem, with a focus on the use of Corda Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) to ensure data integrity, security, and trustworthiness. Key attributes examined include the guarantee of data integrity—ensuring that transmitted data remains unaltered; authenticity through the implementation of digital signatures and certificates; confidentiality achieved via secure peer-to-peer communication accessible only to authorized parties; and traceability and auditing mechanisms that enable tracking of information changes and accountability. To validate these features, a Corda Distributed Application (CorDapp) was developed to manage the core logic of the healthcare ecosystem. The CorDapp was deployed across nodes and executed within the Corda Network. Its performance was assessed using metrics such as throughput, latency, CPU usage, and memory consumption in both local and cloud network environments. Results demonstrate the feasibility of using Corda blockchain technology in healthcare, effectively addressing critical requirements such as integrity, authenticity, confidentiality, traceability, and auditing while maintaining satisfactory performance across diverse deployment scenarios.
An Experimental Study of Semi-supervised Clustering Performance in Presence of Imbalanced and Noisy Constraints
Authors: Yang Tianshu , Pasquier Nicolas
Published: December 2024

Semi-supervised clustering incorporates prior knowledge such as class labels or pairwise constraints into classical clustering methods to obtain better quality clustering result. While many literature publications made great effort to develop novel and efficient semi-supervised clustering variants, the impact of imbalanced constraint set and noisy constraint set has not been fully explored. In this article, we simulate the realistic settings where the input is noisy, that means, the constraint sets are skewed or contain noisy constraints. We analyze the robustness and accuracy of six state-of-the-art semi-supervised clustering algorithms, and highlight the scenarios in which each approach is more suitable for. The experimental results on prominent UCI benchmark datasets demonstrate that most semi-supervised clustering approaches benefit more from must-link constraints than from cannot-link constraints. Moreover, pure cannot-link constraint set sometimes leads to a decrease in performance. We also find that semi-supervised clustering approaches do not have good robustness properties against noisy constraints, especially noisy must-link constraints.
Plasticity of Expression of Stem Cell and EMT Markers in Breast Cancer Cells in 2D and 3D Culture Depend on the Spatial Parameters of Cell Growth; Mathematical Modeling of Mechanical Stress in Cell Culture in Relation to ECM Stiffness
Authors: Szostakowska-Rodzos Malgorzata , Chmielarczyk Mateusz , Zacharska Weronika , Fabisiewicz Anna , Kurzyk Agata , Mysliwy Izabella , Gruba Zofia , Postek Eligiusz , Grzybowska Ewa A.
Published: December 2024

The majority of the current cancer research is based on two-dimensional cell cultures and animal models. These methods have limitations, including different expression of key factors involved in carcinogenesis and metastasis, depending on culture conditions. Addressing these differences is crucial in obtaining physiologically relevant models. In this manuscript we analyzed the plasticity of expression of stem cell and epithelial/mesenchymal markers in breast cancer cells, depending on culture conditions. Significant differences in markers expression in different growth conditions were observed, not only between 2D and 3D conditions, but also between two different 3D models. Differences observed in the levels of adherent junction protein E-cadherin in a two different 3D models suggest that spatial parameters of cell growth and tensions in the culture may affect the expression of junctions proteins. These parameters were analyzed using mathematical model of the 3D bioprinted cell culture. The finite element mechanical model includes an extracellular matrix and a group of regularly placed cells. The single-cell model comprises an idealized cytoskeleton, cortex, cytoplasm, and nucleus. The stress between cells is transferred via spring junctions. The model involves prestressed bar, tetrahedral, and shell elements. During the analysis, the transfer of stress generated by external pressure into the cytoskeleton is observed. Using the model, we have analyzed two different growth conditions, corresponding to a different elasticity of extracellular matrix. These results may contribute to a better understanding of the differences between various growth models.
A Comprehensive Survey on the Integrity of Localization Systems
Authors: Maharmeh Elias , Alsayed Zayed , Nashashibi Fawzi
Published: December 2024

This survey extends and refines the existing definitions of integrity and protection level in localization systems (localization as a broad term, i.e., not limited to GNSS-based localization). In our definition, we study integrity from two aspects: quality and quantity. Unlike existing reviews, this survey examines integrity methods covering various localization techniques and sensors. We classify localization techniques as optimization-based, fusion-based, and SLAM-based. A new classification of integrity methods is introduced, evaluating their applications, effectiveness, and limitations. Comparative tables summarize strengths and gaps across key criteria. The survey presents a general probabilistic model addressing diverse error types in localization systems. Findings reveal a significant research imbalance: 73.3% of surveyed papers focus on GNSS-based methods, while only 26.7% explore non-GNSS approaches like fusion, optimization, or SLAM, with few addressing protection level calculations. Robust modeling is highlighted as a promising integrity method, combining quantification and qualification to address critical gaps. This approach offers a unified framework for improving localization system reliability and safety. This survey provides key insights for developing more robust localization systems, contributing to safer and more efficient autonomous operations.
Efficient Synthesis of cis,cis-Muconic Acid by Catechol Oxidation of Ozone in the Presence of a Base
Authors: Katayama Kohtaro , Hotta Hiroki , Tsujino Yoshio
Published: December 2024

Muconic acid, a crucial precursor in synthesizing materials like PET bottles and nylon, is pivotal for the anticipated growth in textiles and plastics industries. This study presents a novel chemical synthesis route for cis,cis-muconic acid (ccMA) using catechol. Biochemical methods face scale-up challenges due to microorganism sensitivity and complex extraction processes, while chemical methods involve environmentally harmful substances and have low yields. Our research intro-duces a method that enhances ccMA yield to 56% by employing ozonation in the presence of a hydrophilic base, significantly simplifying the synthesis process. This one-step synthesis reduces reagent use and labor, aligns with green chemistry principles, and avoids using toxic chemicals. The methodology, involving low-temperature ozonation of catechol with base addition, reduces ccMA degradation and improves yield, confirmed by HPLC analysis and replicated experiments. This promising approach could lead to sustainable industrial synthesis of muconic acid deriva-tives. Further investigations will focus on refining this method for larger-scale applications and testing its economic viability, aiming to optimize conditions for maximum efficiency and yield.
Recent Trends in High Efficiency Induction Motor Drives
Authors: Azab Mohamed Ahmed
Published: December 2024

Induction Motor (IM) drives are considered one of the important technologies in modern industry. Several industrial applications such as material handling, sawmills, food and beverage applications are driven and operated by modern AC drives. Moreover, modern electric transportation systems such as EVs and e-trucks are based on AC drives. Even modern household electric appliances utilize electric vehicle technologies. Recently, high efficiency IM drive systems are of a major concern to reduce energy and fuel consumption. This article addresses the recent trends and advancement in high efficiency IM drives during the period (2017-2024), including the development of high efficiency motors, the utilization of efficient Wide band gap (WBG) semiconductor devices for inverter topology, and commonly used control strategies to achieve high performance drives. Moreover, the article addresses several manufacturers of industrial IM drives and the corresponding adopted control techniques in their products.
Generative Games: Positioning, Progress and Prospects
Authors: Sang Jitao
Published: December 2024

Recent advancements in large-scale foundation models have expanded generative AI's influence from static content creation to dynamic, interactive applications, with gaming as a prominent domain. This note introduces a novel genre termed Generative Games, which incorporates generative AI as a foundational mechanic. It begins by tracing the evolution of generative AI applications in games, then identifies three key features of generative games as real-time interactive scenarios, personalized and dynamic storylines, and autonomous, self-evolving character behaviors. Finally, it envisions a future where games drive advancements toward AGI and evolve beyond entertainment to support self-actualization.
Three-Dimensional Stratigraphic and Attributive Collaborative Modeling in Urban Engineering Construction
Authors: Zhang Baoyi , Zhu Yanli , Zhang Tongyun , Zhou Xian , Wang Binhai , Kablan Or Aimon Brou Koffi , Huang Jixian
Published: December 2024

In urban engineering construction, ensuring the stability and safety of subsurface geological structures is as crucial as surface planning and aesthetics. This study proposes a novel multivariate radial basis function (MRBF) interpolant for three-dimensional (3D) modeling of engineering geo-logical properties, constrained by the stratigraphic structural model. A key innovation is the in-corporation of a well-sampled geological stratigraphical potential field (SPF) as an ancillary variable, which enhances the interpolation of geological properties in areas with sparse and uneven sampling points. The proposed MRBF method outperforms traditional interpolation techniques by showing reduced dependency on the distribution of sampling points. Furthermore, the study calculates the bearing capacity of individual pile foundations based on precise stratigraphic thicknesses, yielding more accurate results compared to conventional methods that average these values across the entire site. Additionally, the integration of 3D geological models with urban planning facilitates the de-velopment of comprehensive urban digital twins, optimizing resource management, improving decision-making processes, and contributing to the realization of smart cities through more efficient data-driven urban management strategies.
Celestial Light Marker: An Engineered Calendar on a Topographically Spectacular Geoscape
Authors: Stoffle Richard , Vlack Kathleen Van , Lim Heather
Published: December 2024

Humans have been monitoring light from the solar system to tell the time and plan activities since Time Immemorial. This is an analysis regarding why Native Americans living in the upper Colorado River Basin chose to monitor light from the western sky using a light marker that is approximately 4.02 miles long and 2.07 miles wide or approximately 12.7 square miles. The light catching is accomplished in a massive geoscape by a carefully calibrated engineered stone markers. The scale of this light marker and its functional topographic components makes it one of the biggest and most elaborate in North America. As such it is a World Balancing geosiste. The analysis is based on 522 ethnographic interviews with 316 conducted during the Canyonlands National Park (Canyonlands NP) ethnographic study and 206 during the two BLM Ethnographic studies. The findings are situated in ethnographic understands from more than a dozen other studies conducted by the authors.
Burn Wound Dynamics Measured with Hyperspectral Imaging
Authors: Wild Thomas , Marotz Jörg , Aljowder Ahmed , Siemers Frank
Published: December 2024

Introduction. Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) combined with an augmented model-based data processing enables the measurement of the depth-resolved perfusion of burn wounds. With this methods the fundamental problem of the wound dynamics (wound conversion or progression) in the first 4 days should be parametrically analysed and evaluated.