bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Numerical Analysis of Hand-Handle Interaction: Evaluating the Influence of Handle Stiffness on Contact Mechanics
Authors: Harih Gregor , Plesec Vasja 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The interaction between users and handheld products, particularly regarding handle stiffness, plays a critical role in determining comfort and performance. This study investigates the influence of handle material properties on user comfort and task performance in handheld tools. Through advanced numerical modelling and the finite element method, the contact mechanics of human grasping were analysed by simulating the interaction between the distal phalanx of the finger and the handle during a sawing task. The study compares the simulation results with user comfort ratings, demonstrating that stiff plastic handles induce the highest contact pressures, contributing to discomfort and fatigue. In contrast, soft deformable handles alleviate peak pressures but may compromise stability under increased loads. Medium and hard deformable handles yielded optimal comfort levels, underscoring the importance of balancing material stiffness with deformation behaviour. Experimental user analysis further confirmed significant differences in comfort ratings across handle types, indicating that user preferences are task-specific. This research highlights the necessity of integrating computational biomechanics with ergonomic design and subjective user assessments to optimize handheld tool design. The findings offer valuable insights into the material behaviour of handles and establish a framework for developing innovative designs that enhance both user comfort and tool functionality.
Influences of nano-SiO2-CH3 modified release agent on the hydrophobic and hydration properties of cement matrix
Authors: Lin Hui , Sun Xiaojie , Zhang Yufeng , Huang Bing 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Research on nano-modified release agents can provide valuable guidance for enhancing the apparent quality of precast concrete. In this study, we introduce a novel hydrophobic nano-SiO2-CH3 into the release agent and investigate its effects on the hydrophobic and hydration properties of cement matrix. The results demonstrate that nano-SiO2-CH3 is uniformly dispersed in the release agent through an ultrasonic method. The viscosity of release agent increases with the addition of nano-SiO2-CH3. As the amount of nano-SiO2-CH3 increases, the contact angle significantly rises while the water absorption rate decreases, indicating that the cement matrix treated with the nano-SiO2-CH3 modified release agent exhibits excellent hydrophobic performance. This behavior can be attributed to the chemical bond between hydrophobic nano-SiO2-CH3 and the surface cement. Additionally, the mechanical strength of cement matrix's surface is enhanced by the presence of nano-SiO2-CH3. Furthermore, the introduction of nano-SiO2-CH3 improves the hydration degree of cement without generating new products. This study provides a deeper understanding of the application of nano-SiO2-CH3 in modifying release agents.
Phyllosphere antagonistic bacteria induces growth promotion and effective anthracnose control in cucumber
Authors: Mostofa Mohammad Golam 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The phyllosphere, aerial parts of plants, serves as a crucial habitat for diverse microorganisms. Phyllosphere bacteria can activate protective mechanisms that help plants resist diseases. This study focuses on isolating and characterizing phyllosphere bacteria from cucurbits to evaluate their potential in controlling Colletotrichum orbiculare, a pathogen causing anthracnose in cucumbers. Among 76 bacterial isolates collected, 11 exhibited strong antagonistic effects against C. orbiculare in vitro. Morphological and 16S rRNA analyses identified these isolates as different Bacillus species, including B. vallismortis, B. velezensis, B. amyloliquefaciens, and B. subtilis. These bacteria demonstrated essential plant-growth-promoting and biocontrol traits, such as motility, biofilm formation, phosphate solubilization, nitrogen fixation, and production of indole acetic acid. Most of the bacterial strains also produced biocontrol compounds like ammonia, acetoin, siderophores, hydrogen cyanide, chitinase, protease, lipase, and cellulase. Application of these bacteria significantly enhanced cucumber growth in both non-manured and organic-manured soils, showing improvements in root and shoot length, chlorophyll content, and biomass accumulation. Additionally, bacterial treatments effectively reduced anthracnose severity, with isolates GL-10 and L-1 showing the highest disease suppression in both soil types. Colonization studies showed that phyllobacteria preferentially colonized healthy leaves over roots and diseased tissues, and were more effective in manure-amended soils. These results suggest that Bacillus phyllobacteria have strong potential as sustainable bio-stimulants and biocontrol agents, offering an effective approach to enhance cucumber growth and disease control under both fertilized and unfertilized soil conditions.
Occupational and Environmental Factors Contributing to Knee Pain in Hospital Staff: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study in Iran
Authors: Zamani Navidreza , Pouragha Hamidreza , Saraei Maryam , Kheiltash Azita , Sharifian Seyed Akbar , Pouryaghoub Gholamraza , Mehrdad Ramin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective
The present study aimed to investigate the risk factors associated with knee pain among staff at Baharloo Teaching hospital in Tehran, Iran. Given the high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and their impact on quality of life and job performance, this research focused on identifying both occupational and non-occupational risk factors contributing to knee pain.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 450 hospital personnel. The study collected information regarding demographic characteristics, employment history—including job type, secondary employment, duration of employment, and work shift—as well as medical history, which encompassed personal and family histories of health issues, knee pain, the presence of any musculoskeletal disorders, and smoking history. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to analyse the collected data.
Results
Of the 450 participants, 229 (51.1%) reported experiencing knee pain. The results indicated that risk factors such as age, female gender, carrying heavy loads, standing for more than four hours a day, using medication for knee pain, and a history of rheumatic and musculoskeletal disorders were associated with the incidence of knee pain. Additionally, individuals with lower job satisfaction scores were at higher risk (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
This study revealed that both occupational and non-occupational risk factors significantly influence the occurrence of knee pain among hospital staff. Identifying these factors can aid in the development of preventive strategies and improve the occupational health of hospital personnel. The findings highlight the need for greater attention to ergonomic and health-related issues in medical work environments.
Deep two-photon voltage imaging with adaptive excitation
Authors: Zhao Shitong , Hebert Eric , Gruzdeva Anna , Mahishi Deepthi , Takahashi Hazuki , Lee Sungmoo , Hao Yukun , Lin Michael , Yapici Nilay , Xu Chris 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Optical imaging of neuronal voltage dynamics is invaluable to studying brain functions. However, high-speed imaging at significant depth is challenging due to the limitations of the short pixel dwell time and the maximum permissible excitation power in tissues. We report high-speed, deep voltage imaging by applying adaptive excitation, which illuminates the regions of interest only. We imaged neuronal voltage activities across two planes down to 500-630 μm depth in the awake mouse brain. Our techniques can be straightforwardly applied to typical two-photon microscopes.
Synthesis and Characterization of Thiazolidinone Derivatives by Using Novel 1,3-dibutyl-1H- benzo[d]imidazol-3-ium Tetrafluroborate Ionic Liquid
Authors: Ahmad Nadeem Ahmad Ayyub , Aher Sainath Babaji , Bhagat Pundlik Rambhau , Muskawar Prashant Narayan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

We have synthesized 1,3-dibutyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-3-ium tetrafluoroborate [DBBim] BF4 ionic liquid to carry out the synthesis of thiazolidin-2,4-one derivatives through substituted aldehydes, p-toluidine, and thioglycolic acid in a one-pot three-component synthesis. The tetrafluoroborate anion-based ionic liquid has demonstrated noticeably higher activity in shorter reaction time compared to Br̅ based IL and catalysts in the literature. Such TSIL i.e. task-specific ionic liquid [DBBim] BF4 serves as a catalyst and solvent during the synthesis of thiazolidinone derivatives, providing a moderate to good yield. The synthesis of thiazolidinone derivatives was achieved in only 18–30 minutes with [DBBim]BF4 IL catalyst which otherwise typically requires 6–8 hours when using the standard approach. This promising activity with reduced reaction time was not lost upon subsequent runs as observed with other catalysts reported in the literature. Even, the DBBim BF4 IL was conveniently extracted from the reaction medium and reused further. The synthesized compounds were characterized by spectral analysis such as IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, GC-MS, and HRMS.
A2B adenosine receptor-triggered intracellular calcium mobilization: Cell type-dependent involvement of Gi, Gq, Gs proteins and protein kinase C
Authors: Gao Zhan-Guo , Gao Ray R. , Meyer Clayton K. , Jacobson Kenneth A. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Activation of PLCβ enzymes by Giβγ and Gαq/11 proteins is a common mechanism to trigger cytosolic Ca2+ increase. We and others reported that Gαq/11 inhibitor FR900358 (FR) can inhibit both and Gαq- and, surprisingly, Giβγ-mediated intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. Thus, the Gαi-Gβγ-PLCβ-Ca2+ signaling axis depends entirely on the presence of active Gαq, which reasonably explained FR-inhibited Giβγ-induced Ca2+ release. However, the conclusion that Giβγ signaling is controlled by Gαq derives mostly from HEK293 cells. Here we show that indeed in HEK293 cells both Gαq/11 siRNA and Gαq/11 inhibitors diminished Ca2+ increase triggered by native Gq-coupled P2Y1 receptors, or by transfected Gi-coupled A1- or Gs-coupled A2B adenosine receptors (ARs). However, in T24 bladder cancer cells, Gi inhibitor PTX, but not Gαq/11 inhibitors, FR, YM254890 (YM) or Gq/11 siRNA, inhibited Ca2+ increase triggered by native A2BAR activation. Simultaneous inactivation of Gi and Gs further suppressed A2BAR-triggered Ca2+ increase in T24 cells. The Gαq/11 inhibitor YM fully and partially inhibited endogenous P2Y1- and β2-adrenergic receptor-induced Ca2+ increase in T24 cells, respectively. PKC activator PMA partially diminished A2BAR-triggered but completely diminished β2-adrenergic receptor-triggered Ca2+ increase in T24 cells. Neither β-arrestin1 nor β-arrestin2 siRNA affected A2BAR-mediated Ca2+ increase. Unlike in T24 cells, YM inhibited native A2BAR-triggered calcium mobilization in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Thus, Gαq/11 is vital for Ca2+ increase in some cell types, but Giβγ-mediated Ca2+ signaling can be Gαq/11-dependent or independent based on cell type and receptor activated. Besides G proteins, PKC also modulates cytosolic Ca2+ increase depending on cell type and receptor.
Gravitational Collapse of Bose-Einstein condensate dark matter in Generalized Vaidya spacetime
Authors: Rudra Prabir 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

In this work we study the gravitational collapse procedure in generalized Vaidya spacetime with Bose-Einstein condensate dark matter density profile. We use the generalized Vaidya metric to simulate the spacetime of a big star and subsequently obtain the field equations. Then we proceed to determine the star system's mass parameter by solving the field equations. Then the gravitational collapse mechanism is investigated using the derived solutions. Investigating the nature of the singularity (if formed) as the end state of the collapse is the main goal. Dark matter in the form of Bose-Einstein condensate is expected to play a crucial role in the fate of the collapse. We see that there is a possibility of the formation of both black holes and naked singularities as the end state of the collapse depending upon the initial conditions. The junction conditions are derived with a Vaidya exterior and a Friedmann interior and some important insights are obtained. A Penrose diagram showing the causal relations between the spacetimes is generated and studied in detail.
A Primary User Activity Prediction for Cognitive Radio Using Machine Learning Algorithms with On-The-Go Training
Authors: Younis Muhammad Naveed , Naseer Mudasser , Bukhari Syed Hashim Raza , Ahmed Farooq 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Wireless communication is experiencing rapid growth, but it faces a significant challenge due to the limited availability of radio frequency spectrum. Cognitive Radio (CR) technology has emerged as a solution for mitigating spectrum scarcity. CR allows for more efficient spectrum utilization by enabling devices to dynamically access available frequency channels. One of the key mechanisms of CR technology is the utilization of Licensed User or Primary User (PU) channels when they are inactive. By intelligently sensing and detecting unused spectrum, CR devices can access these channels without causing interference to the primary users. Machine learning (ML) models have been successfully integrated into CR systems to improve their performance. These models are favored for their ability to accurately predict channel availability and occupancy patterns. Traditional ML approaches typically rely on labeled data and predefined decision boundaries. However, in the context of CR, the decision boundary can shift as devices transition between indoor and outdoor environments. To address this challenge, we have developed a novel model called Support Vector Machine with On-The-Go training (SVM-OTG). This model offers flexibility by allowing the CR system to train itself whenever there is a change in the environment's decision boundary. Additionally, our model undergoes On-The-Go training whenever its predictions do not match the actual output. This adaptive capability allows the CR system to continuously adapt to the changing environment, thereby improving the accuracy of its predictions. Our work has been specifically focused on enhancing spectrum usage within the widely utilized 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band. Recent studies have indicated that conventional 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi protocols often experience performance bottlenecks. To address this, we applied our SVM-OTG model to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi dataset. Through extensive experimentation, we have demonstrated that our proposed model outperforms existing algorithms in this domain, achieving a prediction accuracy of 97.25% in both fixed and dynamic environments. Compared to state-of-the-art approaches such as LSTM, RLMLP, RNN, SHLNN, and DL-Mac, our model consistently delivers superior prediction accuracy. These results underscore the effectiveness of the SVM-OTG model in optimizing spectrum utilization and improving wireless communication in the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band.
Metal-organic frameworks encapsulating gold nanoclusters and carbon dots for ratiometric fluorescent detection of formaldehyde in real food samples, construction materials and indoor environments
Authors: Du Man , Song Meimei , Hou Shuang , Zhang Yue , Lv Haijun , Zhao Shuchun , Du Hongxia , Guo Hongyong 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

In this study, a novel fluorescence sensing nanoplatform (CDs/AuNCs@ZIF-8) encapsulating carbon dots (CDs) and gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) within a zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) was developed for ratiometric detection of formaldehyde (FA) in the medium of hydroxylamine hydrochloride (NH2OH·HCl). The nanoplatform exhibited pink fluorescence due to the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) effect of AuNCs and the internal filtration effect (IFE) between AuNCs and CDs. Upon reaction between NH2OH·HCl and FA, a Schiff base formed via aldehyde-diamine condensation, releasing hydrochloric acid. The acid triggered the degradation of ZIF-8, releasing CDs and AuNCs, and thereby shifting the fluorescence to blue as the CDs disperse. The nanoplatform demonstrated high sensitivity (LOD of 0.26–2.21 µM), exceptional selectivity, and rapid response time (< 1 min) toward FA. Additionally, test strips and hydrogel films integrated with smartphones were prepared for on-site and visual detection of FA. The portable and smartphone-assisted test strips effectively detected indoor FA gas, while wearable and intelligent hydrogel films provided reliable surface measurements of FA on fruits and vegetables. Real sample analyses achieved satisfactory FA recoveries (97.81–107.64%) with relative standard deviations (RSD) from 1.86–3.81%. The innovative sensing nanoplatform served as a promising approach for FA detection in food, construction materials, and indoor air quality, offering both analytical accuracy and convenient visualization.
The association between potassium intake and diabetic microvascular complications: Insights from UK Biobank data
Authors: Li Chao , Zeng Jingjing , Huang Xufang , Li Ying , Lett Aaron M. , Wu Yucen , You Qiqi , Fu Wan , Xu Shaoyong 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Potassium plays an important role in glucose metabolism and blood vessel. However, there is a lack of systematic research on the intake of potassium and diabetic microvascular complications. The aim of this study was to explore whether insufficient potassium intake increases the risk of developing diabetic microvascular complications, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic neuropathy using the UK Biobank database.
Methods
This study included 26,172 subjects with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus at baseline. Urinary potassium and creatinine were measured by potentiometry and photometric assay respectively. Dietary potassium intake was measured using the 24-hour dietary recall method. The occurrence of microvascular complications was determined using ICD-10 codes from cumulative hospitalization records and death records in the national death registry. Cox proportional hazards models were used to explore the relationship between urinary potassium-to-creatinine ratio, dietary potassium, and overall and individual microvascular complications, generating hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results
Compared with the minimum potassium-to-creatinine ratio group, the highest potassium-to-creatinine ratio group had a significantly lower risk of diabetic microvascular complications (HR, 0.700 [95% CI 0.631–0.777]; P for trend < 0.001) and diabetic nephropathy (HR, 0.536 [95% CI 0.469–0.613]; P for trend < 0.001). The group with the highest dietary potassium had a significantly lower risk of diabetic nephropathy (HR, 0.481 [95% CI 0.291–0.795], P for trend = 0.005) than the minimum dietary potassium group. The restricted cubic spline results showed a non-linear relationship between urinary potassium-to-creatinine ratio and overall microvascular complications and diabetic nephropathy, with nonlinear P values of 0.009 and < 0.001, respectively, and a generally declining trend.
Conclusions
The urinary potassium-to-creatinine ratio was significantly negatively associated with overall diabetic microvascular complications and diabetic nephropathy.
Study of aircraft icing forecasting methods and its application scenarios over Eastern China
Authors: Lu Sha , Yang Chen 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

In this study, an aircraft icing diagnosis and forecasting method is constructed and hindcast for 25 collected spring icing cases over Eastern China based on two commonly used aircraft icing diagnostic methods (hereinafter referred to as the IC index method and the TF empirical method respectively) and ERA5 reanalysis data as the atmospheric environmental field for icing occurrence. The spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of aircraft icing accumulation occurrence over typical cities at different latitudes in China are calculated separately, and the spatial and temporal distribution of icing accumulation areas over Xinchang, Zhejiang Province in China during one cold air activity case is simulated. Accordingly, several application scenarios of aircraft icing accumulation forecasting methods are proposed. The results indicate that among the selected icing cases, the diagnosis accuracy of the IC index method is 80%, while the TF empirical method is 92%. The effects of aircraft flight speed and dynamic warming are taken into account by TF empirical method, which has better correlation with ice water particle concentration and cloud cover in medium and low clouds. However, the predicted icing accumulation intensity predicted by TF empirical method is not accurate enough without the real flight speed of the aircraft, and there are more empty forecasts above 400-hPa. In practical applications, both the IC index method and the TF empirical method can better diagnose the icing-prone pressure level and the icing-prone time period, and can effectively forecast the distributions of high pressure levels icing accumulation intensity at a certain station.
PVRE: Privacy-preserving and Verifiable Reputation Evaluation Scheme for VANETs
Authors: Chen Chang , Wu Zhen , Yang Hui , Cheng Hongyuan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

In order to enhance road safety and traffic efficiency, vehicles disseminate road condition information through Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs). However, the authenticity and reliability of this information are highly dependent on the credibility of the source vehicles. Although existing reputation evaluation systems can mitigate malicious activities and improve the trustworthiness of messages to some extent, they often overlook the strict verification of the authenticity of feedback results. Furthermore, many reputation management schemes rely on third-party entities to update the reputations of vehicles, which may be biased due to their own interests. To address these issues, this paper proposes a privacy-preserving and verifiable reputation scheme (PVRE) for VANETs. The proposed scheme utilizes Roadside Units (RSUs) to aggregate feedback from vehicles and employs smart contracts with automatic execution and tamper-proof features to ensure data privacy and security. Vehicles participating in the evaluation process can verify the accuracy of feedback using information broadcasted by a trusted authority (TA). Simulation results and security analysis demonstrate that PVRE can effectively verify the authenticity of feedback results while providing privacy protection for vehicle feedback, all within an acceptable range of computational and communication overhead.