bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Nb/B addition on the flow behavior and mechanical properties of low-carbon steel using compact strip production
Authors: Refaee Ahmed , El-Shenawy Eman , Domiaty Aly El , Abdalla Abdalla M. , Reda Reham 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThis work examines the effects of Nb and Nb-B additives on the high-temperature flow behavior and mechanical properties of low-carbon steel. The base, 0.015% Nb-bearing (15Nb alloy), and 0.015% Nb-30 ppm B-bearing (15Nb30B alloy) low-carbon steels were manufactured at Al Ezz Dekheila Steel Company using the compact strip production line (CSP). The mean flow stress log data from the CSP line was utilized to determine the no-recrystallization temperature. The microstructure and high-temperature flow behavior were studied using thermomechanical controlled processing at different deformation temperatures with a 40% reduction using the Gleeble physical simulator. The phase evolution and precipitation state at various temperatures were studied15Nb30B alloy reveals lower flow stress at high processing temperature in comparison with 15Nb alloy. This is attributed to the early precipitation of BN, which led to restricted Nb-based precipitates. The addition of B to Nb-bearing steel slightly refines the grain size of the as-rolled alloy, which in turn has a beneficial effect on its strength. The research results highlight the industrial benefit of adding boron to Nb-bearing low C-steel in terms of reducing the rolling load and reducing the finishing rolling temperature while maintaining the mechanical properties of the as-rolled strips.
Key features and guidelines for the application of microbial alpha diversity metrics
Authors: Cassol Ignacio , Ibañez Mauro , Bustamante Juan Pablo 
Published: January 2025

AbstractStudies of microbial communities vary widely in terms of analysis methods. In this growing field, the wide variety of diversity measures and lack of consistency make it harder to compare different studies. Most existing alpha diversity metrics are inherited from other disciplines and their assumptions are not always directly meaningful or true for microbiome data. Many existing microbiome studies apply one or some alpha diversity metrics with no fundamentals but also an unclear results interpretation. This work focuses on a theoretical, empirical, and comparative analysis of 19 frequently and less-frequently used microbial alpha diversity metrics grouped into 4 proposed categories, including key features of every analyzed metric with their mathematical assumptions, to provide a deeper understanding of the existing metrics and a practical implementation guide for future studies. Key metrics that should be required in microbiome analysis include richness, phylogenetic diversity, entropy, dominance of a few microbes over others, and an estimate of unobserved microbes. Collectively, these metrics contribute to a comprehensive set of analyses characterizing samples, allowing the determination of key aspects that might be otherwise obscured by partial or biased information. These guidelines enable further detailed analysis by each author according to their specific interests and clinical trials. Several practical examples are provided to illustrate how these recommendations improve the quality and depth of information obtained, facilitating better interpretation when working with microbiome data. These guidelines can be applied to both existing and future research studies, enhancing the standardization, consistency, and robustness of the analyses conducted. This approach aims to improve the capture of biological diversity, leading to better interpretations and insights.
Projected changes in climate extremes over Tanzania
Authors: Luhunga Philbert Modest 
Published: January 2025

AbstractUnderstanding projected changes in climate extremes at local and regional scales is critical for reducing society’s vulnerability to such extremes, as it helps to devise informed adaptation strategies and contributes to informed decision-making processes. In this paper, we analysed projected changes in climate extremes across regions in Tanzania using outputs of high-resolution regional climate models from the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment program (CORDEX-Africa). The indices analysed here are those recommended by the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI) to characterise climate extremes over different regions. The results revealed that Tanzania would experience an increased number of warm days and nights during the present (2011–2040), mid (2041–2070), and end centuries under the RCP4.5 emission scenarios. Further, projections reveal that in future climate conditions, heavy, very heavy and exceptionally heavy rainfall events would dominate over regions along coast, central regions, northwestern parts and southwestern and northeastern highland.The number of consecutive wet days (CWDs) are likely to increase across large areas of Tanzania and more rapidily over coastal regions than that in other regions for all seasons. However, many regions in Tanzania are likely to experience an unchanged to decreasing number of consecutive dry days (CDDs). Areas along coastal regions would experience increased intensity and frequency of extreme rainfall events in the present, mid, and end centuries under the RCP4.5 emission scenario. These increases in extreme climate events are likely to pose significant damage to property, destruction of infrastructure, and other socioeconomic livelihoods for people in many regions of Tanzania. It is therefore recommended that appropriate policies are put in place to help different sectors and communities at large adapt the impacts of climate change in the future climate under RCP 4.5 scenario.
Serum miRNA-101 expression signature as non-invasive diagnostic biomarker for Hepatitis C virus—associated hepatocellular carcinoma in Egyptian patients
Authors: Sharafeldin Mostafa A. , Suef Reda A. , Mousa Adel A. , Ziada Dina H. , Farag Mohamed M. S. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality globally due to HCC late diagnosis and limited treatment options. MiRNAs (miRNAs) emerged as potential biomarkers for various diseases, including HCC. However, the value of miRNA-101 as a serum biomarker for HCV-induced HCC has not been fully investigated. Our study aims to investigate the miRNA-101 differential expression in Egyptian HCV-induced HCC patients’ serum versus HCV liver cirrhosis (LC) as prospective diagnostic biomarkers compared to alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). Blood samples were collected for clinical chemistry profile, liver function, and serum AFP investigations. The serum miR-101 expression levels were evaluated using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) in 100 Egyptian subjects: 40 HCV-induced HCC, 40 HCV-induced cirrhosis, and 20 healthy controls. HCC patients showed significantly higher TB, DB, and AFP levels than those cirrhosis and control groups, whereas ALB and Total Protein exhibited significantly reduced levels. AFP sensitivity and specificity in differentiating HCC reported 60 and 67%, respectively, at the cut-off values of 7ng/dl. miR-101 shows fold change upregulation in HCC patients (P < 0.0001) compared to LC and control groups. ROC curve demonstrated miR-101 (AUC) of 0.9556, sensitivity 92.5%, and specificity 97.5%, highlighting the miR-101 diagnostic potential as a biomarker for HCC detection. Elevated miR-101 levels in HCC are significantly correlated with a higher number and larger size of focal lesions, advanced BCLC staging, and Child–Pugh score. These findings highlight the utility of miR-101 as a predictive and diagnostic non-invasive biomarker for HCV-related HCC from cirrhotic populations. More research is warranted to validate the clinical validity of miR-101 and explore underlying mechanisms in HCV-HCC progression.
Collision detection method for anchor digging machine water drilling rig
Authors: Liu Zhi-xiang , Yan Shu-tong , Zou Kang , Xie Miao 
Published: January 2025

AbstractLoading water drilling rig on the anchor digging machine can effectively increase the tunneling efficiency. In order to avoid the interference between the water drilling rig and the anchor machine in the working process, it is necessary to calculate the joint variables of the drilling rig accurately. Using the robot kinematics analysis method, the kinematics model of the system is established. At the same time, combined with bounding box collision detection technology, the key parts of the equipment are mathematically modeled. A method for collision detection of onboard water exploration and drainage drilling rig of anchor digging machine is proposed. The simulation results show : The designed collision detection method can be used to guide the attitude adjustment of the equipment during the drilling operation of the equipment, and can accurately analyze the interference characteristics and collision detection of the equipment. It provides a theoretical basis for the automatic excavation of the research object and the automatic control of drilling. The azimuth adjustment range of the water drilling rig for the experiment is : ± 15°, and the pitch angle adjustment range is : + 5° to -10°.
Design and synthesis of antiproliferative 2-oxoindolin-3-ylidenes incorporating urea function with potential VEGFR-2 inhibitory properties
Authors: Aboshouk Dalia R. , Youssef M. Adel , Panda Siva S. , Kariuki Benson M. , Bekheit Mohamed S. , Hamed Ahmed R. , Fayad Walid , Soliman Ahmed A. F. , Girgis Adel S. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractTargeted therapy is preferable over other therapeutics due to its limitation of drawbacks and better pharmaceutical outcomes. VEGF and its receptors have been observed to be hyper-activated in many cancer types and are considered promising targets for assigning anticancer agents. The current study is directed towards synthesis of novel antiproliferative 2-oxoindolin-3-ylidenes incorporating urea function with VEGFR-2 properties. The targeted agents were obtained through a two-step reaction. Addition of the appropriate 1-(acetylphenyl)-3-phenylurea 9a,b to the corresponding isatin 10a–f in ethanol containing a quantitative amount of Et2NH followed by acidic dehydration (AcOH/HCl) afforded the targeted agents 12a–j. Promising antiproliferation properties (MTT assay) were observed for most of the synthesized agents against HCT116 (colon), MCF7 (breast) and PaCa2 (pancreatic) cancer cell lines relative to sunitinib. VEGFR-2 inhibitory properties are consistent with the antiproliferation properties exhibited against the tested cell lines. Compound 12b (R = 4-NHCONHPh, R′ = H; % inhibition = 87.2) is the most promising/potent anti-VEGFR-2 agent synthesized with activity close to that of sunitinib (% inhibition = 89.4) at 10 μM. Molecular docking studies (PDB: 3WZE and 3AGD) support the antiproliferation effects against cancer cell lines tested with VEGFR-2 inhibitory properties. The results are consistent with collaboration of the pharmacophores considered (2-oxoindolyl heterocycle and urea) in improving the bio-properties.
Investigating skyrmion stability and core polarity reversal in NdMn2Ge2
Authors: Treves Samuel K. , Ukleev Victor , Apseros Andreas , Massey Jamie Robert , Wagner Kai , Lehmann Paul , Kitaori Aki , Kanazawa Naoya , Brock Jeffrey A. , Finizio Simone , Reuteler Joakim , Tokura Yoshinori , Maletinsky Patrick , Scagnoli Valerio 
Published: January 2025

AbstractWe present a study on nanoscale skyrmionic spin textures in $$\hbox {NdMn}_{{2}}\hbox {Ge}_{{2}}$$, a rare-earth complex noncollinear ferromagnet. We confirm, using X-ray microscopy, that $$\hbox {NdMn}_{{2}}\hbox {Ge}_{{2}}$$ can host lattices of metastable skyrmion bubbles at room temperature in the absence of a magnetic field, after applying a suitable field cooling protocol. The skyrmion bubbles are robust against temperature changes from room temperature to 330 K. Furthermore, the skyrmion bubbles can be distorted, deformed, and recovered by varying strength and orientation of the applied magnetic field. We have used nitrogen-vacancy nanoscale magnetic imaging to estimate and map the magnetic stray fields originating from our $$\hbox {NdMn}_{{2}}\hbox {Ge}_{{2}}$$ lamella samples and find stray field magnitudes on the order of a few mT near the sample surface. Micromagnetic simulations show an overall agreement with the observed behaviour of the sample under different magnetic field protocols. We also find that the presence of the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction is not required to reproduce our experimental results. Its inclusion in the simulation leads to a reversal of the skyrmionic object core polarity, which is not experimentally observed. Our results further corroborate the stability and robustness of the skyrmion bubbles formed in $${\hbox {NdMn}_2\hbox {Ge}_2}$$ and their potential for future spintronic applications.
Better than expected performance effect depends on the spatial location of visual stimulus
Authors: Majidpour Soodeh , Sanayei Mehdi , Ebrahimpour Reza , Zabbah Sajjad 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe process of perceptual decision-making in the real world involves the aggregation of pieces of evidence into a final choice. Visual evidence is usually presented in different pieces, distributed across time and space. We wondered whether adding variation in the location of the received information would lead to differences in how subjects integrated visual information. Seven participants viewed two pulses of random dot motion stimulus, separated by time gaps and presented at different locations within the visual field. Our findings suggest that subjects accumulate discontinuous information (over space or time) differently than when it is presented continuously, in the same location or with no gaps between them. These findings indicate that the discontinuity of evidence impacts the process of evidence integration in a manner more nuanced than that presumed by the theory positing perfect integration of evidence.
Silver nanoparticles immobilized on crosslinked vinyl polymer for catalytic reduction of nitrophenol: experimental and computational studies
Authors: Elbayoumy Elsayed , El-Bindary Ashraf A. , Nakano Tamaki , Aboelnga Mohamed M. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe removal of toxic nitrophenols from the industrial wastewater is urgently needed from health, environmental and economic aspects. The present study deals with the synthesis of crosslinked vinyl polymer Poly(divinylbenzene) (poly(DVB)) through free radical polymerization technique using AIBN as initiator and acetonitrile as solvent. The prepared polymer was used as a support for silver nanoparticles via chemical reduction of silver nitrate on the polymer network. The prepared poly(DVB) and Ag/poly(DVB) composite were characterized by different techniques including Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Brunauer Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. The results exhibit that silver metal was well distributed on the surface of poly(DVB) without any aggregation as a nanocrystals with an average size 13 nm. Also, BET analysis confirm that Ag/poly(DVB) composite is a meso porous material with a surface area 127.428 m²/g. This composite was also applied as a heterogenous catalyst for the reduction of toxic nitrophenol in the industrial wastewater into a less toxic aminophenol with the aid of NaBH4 as reductant. In addition, Ag/poly(DVB) catalyst regards as one of the most active catalyst that exhibits an advantage over the other catalysts showing similar activities in the aspects that it can be more readily prepared than the competitors and that it works at the lowest concentration of NaBH4. Interestingly, DFT calculations were conducted to provide atomistic insights into the reduction mechanism and a detailed catalytic pathway have been proposed. Furthermore, the reusability experiment confirm that Ag/poly(DVB) was stable and can be removed from the reaction mixture by centrifuge and reused for four successive cycles with a slight decrease in their catalytic activity.
Multiobjective distribution system operation with demand response to optimize solar hosting capacity, voltage deviation index and network loss
Authors: Loji Kabulo , Sharma Sachin , Sharma Gulshan , Rawat Tanuj 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIn this research, demand response impact on the hosting capacity of solar photovoltaic for distribution system is investigated. The suggested solution model is formulated and presented as a tri-objective optimization that consider maximization of solar PV hosting capacity (HC), minimization of network losses (Loss) and maintaining node voltage deviation (VDev) within acceptable limits. These crucial objectives are optimized simultaneously as well as individually. To assess the efficacy of the solution, different multi-objective case studies are scrutinised based on the combinations of (i) HC and Loss, (ii) HC and VDev, (iii) Loss and VDev, (iv) HC Loss and VDev simultaneously with the effect of demand response. The multi-objective research problem is formulated as non-linear and non-convex programming approach. To solve this complex problem, the modified crow search optimization (MCSO) is proposed. The MCSO achieved the 0.0714 MW of network loss with the optimal integration of distributed generation and is comparable to the well-established optimization algorithms available in literature. From the simulation results, it is found that HC is 3322.31 kW, VDev is 0.4982 p.u and system losses is 1314.86 kWh with demand response program when all the objectives are simultaneously optimized. The simulation outcomes highlight the superiority of the MCSO over others. The application results show the benefits and the beauty of proposed research work.
Microwave-induced degradation of Congo red dye in the presence of 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene as a catalyst
Authors: El-Mas Salma M. , Hassaan Mohamed A. , El-Subruiti Gehan M. , Eltaweil Abdelazeem S. , El Nemr Ahmed 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIn this research, the degradation of Congo red (CR) dye, as an organic pollutant in water, was investigated using microwave-induced reaction technology. This technology requires a microwave-absorbing catalyst and the 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene was synthesized for that purpose. The synthesized catalyst was characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, BET, and XPS techniques. Results showed that the prepared 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene with a dosage of 50 mg degraded CR dye with an initial concentration of 25 ppm in an aqueous solution with a degradation percentage of approximately 99% in only 6 min. The parameters studied were catalyst dosage and initial CR dye concentration, which were found to have significant impacts on the degradation rate. When the catalyst dosage was increased significantly, the degradation rate increased significantly. On the other hand, when increasing the initial CR dye concentration, the degradation rate decreased. The degradation kinetics were studied, and the reaction followed the pseudo-first-order model. The rate constants obtained ranged from 0.04 to 0.83 min−1, varying according to the used catalyst dosage and initial CR dye concentration. The catalyst was stable and could be reused for up to five catalytic cycles without losing its degradation efficiency. The active species participating in the degradation process were determined using scavengers such as benzoquinone, Na-EDTA, and isopropyl alcohol. Optimization of the degradation parameters using a response surface methodology study concluded that a maximum degradation percentage could be reached when employing 35.30 mg of 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene and 29.07 ppm of CR dye solution.
Design of anomalous reflecting metasurface for communication systems
Authors: Zamel Hany M. , Eldesouki Eman M. , Attiya Ahmed M. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThis paper presents a novel design approach for an anomalous reflector metasurface for communication systems operating at 8 GHz band. The main contribution of this work is the development of a general analytical method that accurately calculates the electromagnetic response of realistic metasurfaces with periodic impedance profiles. The modulated surface impedance is achieved by incorporating appropriately sized conductive patches on a grounded dielectric substrate. The proposed design utilizes a genetic algorithm (GA) optimization technique to optimize the surface impedance that achieving efficient reflection of incident waves towards a specific angle of 45˚. The optimization process targets a specific impedance profile derived from the analytical model, leading to the desired anomalous reflection behavior. Then by using periodic boundary conditions, dimensions of an elliptical unit cells can be obtained. To evaluate the anomalous reflection performance, the bistatic radar cross section (BRCS) are simulated at different frequencies. A reflector metasurface sheet is fabricated and measured for verification. The proposed approach provides a foundation for implementing intelligent metasurfaces in various communication applications.
Real-world evaluation of an evidence-based telemental health program for PTSD symptoms
Authors: Owusu Jocelynn T. , Wang Lu , Chen Shih-Yin , Wickham Robert E. , Michael Scott T. , Bahrassa Nazneen F. , Varra Alethea , Lee Jennifer L. , Chen Connie , Lungu Anita 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBlended care therapy (BCT), which augments live, video-based psychotherapy sessions with asynchronous digital tools, has the potential to increase access to evidence-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, its effectiveness in diverse, real-world settings is not well-understood. This evaluation aimed to assess clinical outcomes of a BCT program for PTSD symptoms. A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted of 199 adults who received an employer-offered BCT program for PTSD symptoms that delivered either cognitive processing therapy or prolonged exposure. PTSD symptom severity was regularly assessed using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Growth curve models were used to evaluate the trajectory of PTSD symptoms over the course of care, and an interaction term was added to assess outcomes by baseline PTSD symptom severity (i.e., PCL-5 ≥ 31 versus PCL-5 < 31). End-of-care reliable improvement and recovery were evaluated. On average, participants with baseline PCL-5 < 31 exhibited statistically significant declines in PTSD symptoms during care, while participants with baseline PCL-5 ≥ 31 showed statistically significantly steeper initial declines in PTSD symptoms that became less pronounced over time. Overall, 82.91% of participants demonstrated either reliable improvement or recovery in PTSD symptoms. This evaluation suggests BCT for PTSD symptoms can be beneficial in real-world settings. Future research should perform large-scale evaluations.