bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sustainable Facility Site Location Selection Based on Coordinate Geometry Using Nature-Inspired Optimisation Strategies
Authors: Khan Muhammad Najeeb , Ghanbarzadeh Reza , Mirjalili Seyedali 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The efficiency of supply chains relies heavily on the strategic placement of facilities, directly influencing the flow of goods from manufacturers to the consumers. This paper addresses the critical challenge of facility location selection by proposing an optimised model for the placement of distribution centres in an Australian city. The proposed model integrates nature-inspired metaheuristic algorithms with a coordinate-based approach; the model expands the search space using latitude and longitude data as site indicators, enhancing decision-making for complex urban environments. The suggested model is particularly relevant for industries aiming to reduce logistics costs, minimise environmental impact, and improve service levels in distribution networks. By applying advanced metaheuristics, this approach provides a robust framework for solving the facility location problem, balancing efficiency with sustainability. Its effectiveness is demonstrated through a real-world case study, showing how the model can support the development of resilient, environmentally conscious supply chain networks.
Power and sample size calculation for non-inferiority trials with treatment switching in intention-to-treat analysis comparing RMSTs
Authors: Shih Austin , Hsu Chih-Yuan , Shyr Yu 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Difference in Restricted Mean Survival Time (DRMST) has attracted attention and is increasingly used in non-inferiority (NI) trials because of its superior power in detecting treatment effects compared to hazard ratio. However, when treatment switching (also known as crossover) occurs, the widely used intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis can underpower or overpower NI trials.
Methods: We propose a simulation-based approach, named nifts, to calculate powers and determine the necessary sample size to achieve a desired power for non-inferiority trials that allow treatment switching, in ITT analysis using DRMST.
Results: Real-world and simulated examples are used to illustrate the proposed method and examine how switching probability, switching time, the relative effectiveness of treatments, allocation ratio, and even time distribution influence powers and sample sizes. Our simulation study shows that switching time and switching probability decrease or increase powers and sample sizes compared to those in the scenarios without treatment switching. A shorter switching time and a higher switching probability amplify the magnitude of these changes. The direction of the change in powers and sample sizes depends on the relative effectiveness of the treatments. When m2/m1>1, power decreases and sample size increases, while m_2/m_1<1 leads to the opposite effect, where m1 and m2 are the median survivals in the control and experimental groups, respectively.
Conclusions: This simulation-based approach offers a preview of how treatment switching can influence powers and sample sizes in NI trials, providing investigators with useful information before conducting the trials. nifts is freely available at https://github.com/cyhsuTN/nifts.
High-quality forming of laser DED components based on a multi-source sensing system
Authors: Li Xu , Shen Jiehao , Zhu Kanghong , Chen Huabin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Laser Directed Energy Deposition (L-DED) is an additive manufacturing technology that uses a laser as the energy source to create a liquid melt pool in the deposition area, which rapidly moves it, melting powder and depositing layers sequentially. Given that the L-DED process involves intense energy exchange and complex physicochemical changes, the quality control of the formed parts and the repeatability of the process are common technical challenges for its large-scale application. This paper establishes an integrated in-situ monitoring system for L-DED, which can monitor the geometric characteristics of the liquid melt pool, temperature, and high-temperature strain on the side walls of the formed parts, through a temperature sensing unit, a visual sensing unit, and a strain unit based on digital image correlation algorithm. Based on the information obtained from multi-source sensing of the cladding process, we compared the stability and forming quality of the cladding process under different process parameter paths and identified a process path that yields more stable melt pool temperatures, reduced fluctuations in melt pool dimensions, and lower peak strains on the build sidewalls, the maximum strain eyy and exx were 23% and 20% lower, the strain fluctuation range of eyy and exx was found to be 45.65% and 26.49% lower compared to components built before process optimization, thereby achieving high-quality construction manufacturing when building cladding components of the same size.
Enhanced Rock Weathering in Acid Mine Drainage: Carbon Removal Potential and Co-benefits
Authors: Hkaung Htut San , Yamashita Naito , Kimotsuki Nono , Nakamura Fugo , Frances Chikanda , Kikuchi Ryosuke , Ohtomo Yoko , Otake Tsubasa , Sato Tsutomu 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Enhanced rock weathering (ERW) involving the spreading of basaltic rock powder on cropland is gaining interest as a promising carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technique. To optimise CDR efficiency and address the limitations of mineral dissolution associated with cropland, this study explored the potential of deploying basalt-based ERW in acid mine drainage (AMD), utilizing its strong acidity and flow-through nature. One-dimensional reactive transport modeling was undertaken by simulating various AMD scenarios with pH levels of 2–4 and flow rates of 0.005–0.5 m³ s–1, with a range of particle sizes. Results indicate that a single AMD system could dissolve up to 10,500 tonnes (t) of basalt annually, potentially removing 3,660 t CO₂. AMD ERW may thus contribute to CDR with a co-benefit of arsenic removal. In the absence of direct basalt-based ERW applications to AMD settings, this study provides guidance for designing alternative ERW protocols alongside traditional cropland-ERW applications.
Promoting Radial Repair in Rabbits through BMP-9 Overexpression in Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Loaded with ICA/nHAC/PLA
Authors: Xu Fang-Tian , Lin Wen-xian , Li Shuang-Yi , Lai Zhong-Hong , Wei Hui-Xian , Meng Ling-Zhang 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Bone defects commonly cause delayed bone healing and local dysfunction. Both adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and icariin (ICA)-loaded nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen/polylactic acid (nHAC/PLA) have been reported to promote osteoblast metabolism and accelerate fracture healing.
Aim
The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism of ADSCs combined with ICA-loaded nHAC/PLA in regulating bone defects.
Methods
The effects of ICA and BMP-9 (Bone morphogenetic protein-9) overexpression on cell viability and osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs were measured by qRT-PCR, western blotting and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay. Alizarin red staining examined the formation of mineralized nodules in ADSCs. Finally, radial defect of rabbit model was established, and administrated by ADSCs with BMP-9 overexpression combined with ICA-loaded nHAC/PLA. The new bone formation was detected by X-ray, immunohistochemistry and Hematoxylin and eosin staining.
Results
BMP-9 overexpression significantly increased ALP activity and mineralized nodule formation in ADSCs, effects that were amplified by ICA. This combination also upregulated the expression of osteogenic markers (BMP-9, OCN, OPN, COL-1, BSP, Runx-2) and influenced key signaling pathways (p38 MAPK, JNK, ERK). In vivo, the treatment group showed enhanced radial bone repair.
Conclusions
Our findings indicate that the combination of BMP-9-overexpressed ADSCs and ICA-loaded nHAC/PLA scaffolds is effective in promoting bone repair, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for bone defects.
Core tip
BMP-9 overexpression promoted osteogenic differentiation and proliferation of ADSCs. BMP-9 overexpression combined with ICA promoted osteogenesis in ADSCs. ADSCs with BMP-9 overexpression and ICA-loaded nHAC/PLA promoted radial repair.
Bayesian Quality-Diversity optimization for conditional search-space problems
Authors: Baraton Lucas , Urbano Annafederica , Brevault Loïc , Balesdent Mathieu 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The preliminary design and optimization of aerospace systems often requires to make architectural and technological choices and to perform computationally expensive numerical simulations. In early design phases, the decision makers may be interested in obtaining a set of valuable solutions presenting a diversity of characteristics. This paper proposes two approaches tackling these challenges by formulating and solving a particular optimization problem. The latter is called Conditional Search-Space Problem because architectural and technological choices are represented by design variables, called conditional, which are acting on the structure of the optimization problem (e.g., number of design variables and constraints). To produce a broad diversity of solutions, a Quality-Diversity (QD) algorithm adapted to deal with conditional variables and expensive functions is developed. The proposed methods consist in decomposing the optimization problem in several subproblems that have a non-conditional structure. A Bayesian optimization strategy coupled with a QD algorithm is used to search for potential solutions among the subproblems. The most performing potential solutions are then evaluated with the exact functions. The methodology is tested on two analytical and an aerospace system design problems.
Gene syntax modulates gene expression and circuit behavior on plasmids
Authors: Deng Yijie , Maurais Hannah E. , Etheridge Kai , Sarpeshkar Rahul 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Achieving consistent and predictable gene expression from plasmids remains challenging. While much attention has focused on intra-genetic elements like promoters and ribosomal binding sites, the spatial arrangement of genes within plasmids—referred to as gene syntax—also plays a crucial role in shaping gene expression dynamics. This study addresses the largely overlooked impact of gene syntax on gene expression variability and accuracy. Utilizing a dual-fluorescent protein system, we systematically investigated how different gene orientation and order affect expression profiles including mean levels, relative expression ratios, and cell-to-cell variations. We found that arbitrary gene placement on a plasmid can cause significantly different expression means and ratios. Genes aligned in the same direction as a plasmid’s origin of replication (Ori) typically exhibit higher expression levels, while adjacent genes in the divergent orientation tend to suppress the expression of both genes. Additionally, altering gene order without changing its orientation can yield varied expression. Gene syntax also influences intrinsic and extrinsic noise, despite unchanged total cell-to-cell variations across different syntaxes. Interestingly, cell-to-cell variations appear to depend on the reporter protein, with GFP consistently exhibiting higher variation than RFP. Moreover, the effects of gene syntax can propagate through downstream circuits, strongly altering the behaviors of incoherent feedforward loops and contributing to unpredictable outcomes in genetic networks. Our findings reveal how gene syntax on plasmids modulates gene expression and circuit behavior, providing valuable insights for the rational design of plasmids and genetic circuits.
Exercise promotes neurological recovery by enhancing neuroplasticity and the spinal cord compensation in stroke-affected rats
Authors: Li Xuefei , Chen Jiahui , Li Tingting , Zhao Ayang , Li Wenzhi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Stroke stands as the main cause of mortality and disability, mainly leaving survivors with sensorimotor and cognitive impairments. Although the therapeutic benefits of exercise for neurological disorders are widely acknowledged, the underlying mechanisms have still remained elusive. The spinal cord serves as a crucial pathway for nerve conduction and a pivotal link between the brain and limbs, while its potential for compensation post-stroke should be elucidated. This study explored the influences of exercise on sensorimotor function recovery post-stroke, assessed alterations in brain and spinal cord neuroplasticity, and elucidated potential molecular mechanisms underlying spinal cord tissue compensation. It was revealed that exercise facilitated sensorimotor function recovery, elevated the expression levels of key neuroplasticity markers, mitigated neuronal damage, and increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression level post-stroke induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R). Subsequent investigations unveiled significant upregulation of the expression levels of neuroplasticity markers and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the spinal cord following ischemic stroke, which were further augmented after exercise. Exercise also downregulated tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression level and upregulated interleukin-10 (IL-10) expression level in both the brain and spinal cord of rats. However, these exercise-induced effects were eliminated following spinal cord injury. The mechanism could be linked to the augmentation of neuroplasticity and the compensatory function of the spinal cord.
Health Expenditures, Remittances, And Climate Vulnerability: Evidence From Bangladesh
Authors: Hassan Gazi Mainul 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

While overseas remittances flows help finance health expenditures in developing countries, climate vulnerabilities can render the financing of healthcare costs through remittances unsustainable even if households receive regular and sizable flows. Using a natural experiment of rainfall-driven remittances, I provide an experimental measure for remittances' effect on health expenditure among rural households in southern Bangladesh. Health expenditure and remittances are jointly related; therefore, I use the instrumental variable approach. The treatment of remittances is randomly assigned utilising a natural shock enabling the instrument, exogenous variation in rainfall interacted with cyclone-affected migrant households' distance to the local weather stations, to identify the treatment group's average treatment effect. I find that while remittances cause household health expenditures to increase, the marginal impact of remittances is heterogeneous and negatively conditional on the household's exposure to the level of vulnerability proxied by the household's distance to cyclone shelter. In other words, the health expenditure-remittances nexus gets weaker with the adverse effect of climate change. Specifically, I find that an increase in remittances by a Taka increases health expenditure by 0.24 Taka (24 Paisa) in the absence of any climate hazard but reduces health expenditure by 0.10 Taka (or 10 Paisa) if the measure of climate vulnerability increases by one standard deviation from its mean value. For countries like Bangladesh, which is exceptionally vulnerable to natural hazards, financing health care costs through remittances will likely not be sustainable even if households receive regular and sizable flows unless the adverse effects of climate vulnerabilities are mitigated.
Evaluation and Projection of CMIP6 Simulations of Climate Variables in the Rift Valley Lakes Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Woldemariam Yonas Ademe , Woldesenbet Tekalegn Ayele , Alamirew Tena 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of twenty-eight bias-corrected GCMs and project changes in climate variables using CMIP6 from the reference period (1985–2014), and the two future periods (2035–2064 and 2065–2094) under three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5). Comprehensive rating metric (CRM) based on seven statistical metrics was used to evaluate the performance of GCMs. The multi-model mean ensemble (MMME) of four carefully selected best performing CMIP6-GCMs for each climate variables were used for projection. Considering respective MMMEs, the projected mean precipitation, maximum temperature (Tmax), minimum temperature (Tmin), and relative humidity (hurs), will increase, but solar radiation (rsds) will decline, under all SSPs in both periods as response to global warming. The projected precipitation increase may augment water availability in the Rift valley Lakes Basin (RVLB). However, more intense and frequent heavy precipitation with short-duration may lead to flash floods and landslides to damage crops and infrastructures. In addition, raise on Tmax, Tmin and windspeed may lead to high evapotranspiration demand, recurrent drought, and water insecurity. To properly comprehend and respond appropriately, more research is needed to determine how these changes in climate variables affect sustainable water resources management and water security in RVLB.
Women and Household carbon Emissions: An empirical study based on input-output method and Machine Learning in China (2005-2019)
Authors: Hu Lang , Wang Yuanping , Sun Changhui , He Yu , Fan Yueyue , Su Shaotong , Hou Lingchun , Zheng Yingheng , Chen Juntao 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The international community is increasingly recognizing the importance and urgency of gender issues in the field of climate change and paying particular attention to the important role of women in this field. This study calculates household carbon emissions (HCE) in China from 2005 to 2019 using the input-output method and explores the relationship between women and HCE from the perspective of statistics and machine learning based on the SHAP algorithm. The study found that in the consumption categories such as housing, transportation, and clothing, every 1% increase in the proportion of women reduced indirect carbon emissions by 0.441–10.001%, but this inhibitory effect weakened with the increase in income. Stochastic forest nonlinear regression shows that there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between women, R&D investment, energy structure, and HCE. In addition, a small number of single women showed a role in promoting high carbon emissions, while women with lower education had a more significant inhibiting effect on HCE. The study also analyzed regional differences between 2005 and 2019. This study enriches women's research in HCE and provides a novel research method, which has important reference value for promoting gender equality and climate change research.
National Resilience and Mental Well-being among Filipino Emerging Adults at Risk for Depression: The Parallel Mediating Role of Peace of Mind and Life Satisfaction
Authors: Cleofas Jerome Visperas 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
National-level social contexts can shape individual mental health outcomes throughout the life course. Emerging adulthood is a critical developmental stage characterized by identity exploration, experimentation, and instability, which can increase susceptibility to psychological distress conditions, such as depression.
Aim
Anchored on the psychosocial pathway model, this study examined the relationship between national resilience and mental well-being among Filipino emerging adults at risk for depression (EAARFDs) and the mediating roles of peace of mind and life satisfaction in this relationship.
Method
This study employed a cross-sectional design, utilizing an online survey method. A total of 920 EAAFRDs were included in the analysis. Parallel mediation analysis was conducted using the GLM Mediation Model module in JAMOVI, with bias-corrected bootstrapping (N = 5000).
Results
National resilience positively predicted mental well-being, and both peace of mind and life satisfaction significantly mediated this relationship. Peace of mind (54.08%) exerted a stronger mediating effect than life satisfaction (5.70%). The full model explains 43.8% of the variance in mental well-being (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Findings signify the promotive role of national resilience on mental well-being among EAAFRDs and highlight peace of mind and life satisfaction as psychosocial pathways that link them. These insights underscore the salience of mental health initiatives that aim to enhance societal resilience and individual psychological assets during emerging adulthood.
Increase in antibody titers from H5N1 vaccine confers cross-protection against highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus
Authors: Zhao Chenyan , Huang Xiande , Yu Dan , Pan Ling , Wu Xi , Li Jun , Huang Weijin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

H5N1 is a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus that has exhibited a significant capacity for adaptation and transmission among diverse mammalian species, thereby raising concerns regarding its pandemic potential. Vaccination constitutes a crucial strategy for controlling the spread of HPAI, rendering the development of effective vaccines and treatments for H5N1 a paramount public health priority. In 2005, Sinovac Biotech Ltd., China, developed an inactivated H5N1 vaccine with an aluminum hydroxide adjuvant, employing the A/Vietnam/1194/2004 (clade 1) strain for potential influenza pandemics or emergencies. However, the neutralizing efficacy of this vaccine against currently circulating H5N1 strains, especially those of clade 2.3.4.4b, remains uncertain. In the present study, a pseudovirus platform and clinical human immune sera from H5N1 vaccine recipients were utilized to assess the neutralizing antibody responses to globally circulating H5N1 strains, focusing on the antigenic match between the vaccine strain and circulating strains. The results indicate that sera from participants who received two doses of the H5N1 vaccine with aluminum hydroxide adjuvant manifested broad-spectrum protective effects against H5N1 strains only when high antibody titers were attained. By analyzing the correlation between pseudovirus-based neutralizing assay (PBNA) titers and seroconversion rates (SCR) against H5N1 strains, it was estimated that a PBNA titer of at least 1:980 is required to achieve a cross-protection rate above 60%. The findings suggest that with increased antibody titers, China’s H5N1 vaccine is capable of generatingcross neutralizing antibodies against H5N1 strains. Until new H5N1 vaccines are developed, measures such as using a more efficacious adjuvant, increasing the number of doses, or adjusting the dosage could enhance antibody titers, enabling this vaccine to function as a bridging measure to prevent further outbreaks of HPAI.