bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Dynamic Relationship Between Industrial Structure Upgrading and Carbon Emissions: New Evidence from Chinese Provincial Data
Authors: Zheng Yuelin , Wang Mingquan , Ma Xiaohua , Zhu Chunhua , Gao Qibing
Published: November 2024

Industrial structure upgrading (ISU) plays a critical role in reducing carbon emissions (CO2 emissions); however, the existing literature lacks dynamic research on the relationship between the two. Based on provincial panel data from China between 2002 and 2021, this paper establishes a time-varying coefficient two-way fixed-effects model to empirically explore the dynamic effects of ISU on CO2 emissions. The findings indicate that the overall impact of China’s ISU on CO2 emissions demonstrates a dynamic tendency of initially promoting and subsequently inhibiting such emissions and, since 2016, ISU has had the ability to significantly reduce CO2 emissions. This time-varying trend is highly related to the evolving direction and stage of the ISU. During the initial stage of ISU, dominated by industrialization, the promotional effect is dominant in terms of CO2 emissions, but with the development of tertiary and emerging industries, its inhibitory effect is continuously enhanced and, eventually, ISU can significantly suppress CO2 emissions. Further, regional heterogeneity analysis shows that in the eastern and western regions of China, ISU has always inhibited CO2 emissions, while in the central and northeastern regions, ISU first promotes and then inhibits CO2 emissions, which is similar to the overall pattern in China. Based on these findings, relevant policy suggestions are provided to promote sustainable economic and environmental development.
What Drives Vegetation Evolution in the Middle Reaches of the Yellow River Basin, Climate Change or Human Activities?
Authors: Gao Mengmeng , Yang Nan , Liu Qiong
Published: November 2024

The middle reaches of the Yellow River Basin (MYRB) are known for their significant soil erosion and fragile ecological environment, where vegetation growth is important. However, the vegetation’s reaction to climate change (CC) and human activity (HA), and the potential driving mechanisms underlying such changes in the MYRB, have not yet been clarified. Thus, based on remote sensing data, combined with trend analysis and the Hurst method and supplemented by the structural equation model (SEM) and residual analysis method, we aimed to conduct an analysis of the spatio-temporal evolution of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in the MYRB from 2000 to 2020. Additionally, we explored how climate and human factors together affect the NDVI and quantified the proportion of their respective contributions to NDVI change. The NDVI exhibited a fluctuating upward trend in the MYRB. Moreover, approximately 97.7% of the area showed an improving trend, with nearly 50% of the area continuing to maintain an improving trend. Precipitation and temperature had positive effects on the NDVI, while vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and land use intensity (LUI) had negative effects. HA played a pivotal role in the vegetation improvement area with a contribution rate of 67.53%. The study revealed NDVI variations and emphasized the influence of HA on the NDVI in the MYRB. The findings are vital in comprehending the response mechanism of ecosystems and guiding reasonable environmental protection policies, which is beneficial for the sustainable development of the region.
Does Microplastic Pollution in the Epikarst Environment Coincide with Rainfall Flushes and Copepod Population Dynamics?
Authors: Valentić Lara , Pipan Tanja , Ravbar Nataša
Published: November 2024

Karst areas are characteristic landscapes formed by the dissolution of soluble rocks, whose hydrology is largely influenced by rapid infiltration through the karst massif. These areas are often hotspots of biodiversity, especially for epikarst and cave fauna. The epikarst, the uppermost layer of the unsaturated zone, plays a crucial role in regulating water flow in karst aquifers. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent of microplastic (MP) pollution, its relationship with precipitation and its correlation with copepod populations in karst areas. The study was conducted between April 2021 and October 2022 in the Postojna–Planina karst area in SW Slovenia at surface and underground sampling sites to determine the pathways of MP pollution from the surface to the depth of the karst massif. The results indicate that heavier rainfall flushes out more MP contaminants from the surface and epikarst environment. The transport dynamics of MP pollution are similar to the dynamics of copepods, which are the baseline organisms for the food chain in caves. One MP sample contained only polyamide particles, which could indicate clothing as a possible source of pollution, but the results are inconclusive. With this study, we provide the first insight into the transport of MP pollution from the surface environment to deeper karst massifs.
Improving Procedures for Maintaining Existing Railway Station Infrastructure in Poland as an Element of the Sustainable European Ecological Transformation
Authors: Nowotarski Piotr , Gajzler Marcin
Published: November 2024

Railways play a key role in sustainable development, being one of the most ecological means of transport. The article discusses the challenges and opportunities related to the maintenance of the railway station infrastructure in Poland, in the context of modern predictive technologies. The Eurail FP3 project, implemented under a European Union grant, focuses on the development of the modern solutions for the maintenance of railway infrastructure, including the possibility of using a modern approach to monitoring the technical condition of buildings in real time, which allows for the prediction of faults and the optimization of the maintenance work. The authors of the article analyze the data obtained from the main manager of the railway infrastructure in Poland regarding the station maintenance procedures and present a new approach for a maintenance procedure, which assumes the inclusion of predictive technologies. Thanks to this, it is possible to optimize the maintenance processes of the station infrastructure, which in the long term will affect the possibility of the current access to data on the condition of buildings in real time and will affect the operating costs related to the maintenance of the station facilities, as well as limiting the negative impact on the environment. The analysis carried out as part of the completed works has also revealed the threats and difficulties related to the costs and technological limitations related to the implementation of the maintenance policy, while indicating the directions of further works to ensure the proper efficiency of the railway infrastructure.
Study on Green Transformation Evolution of Construction Enterprises Based on Dissemination and Complex Network Game
Authors: Yang Yaohong , Yang Shuwen , Yang Yang , Yun Xiaodan , Wang Yonghao
Published: November 2024

The green transformation of construction enterprises (GTCEs) is an important way to develop green buildings and realize the goal of “double carbon”. The GTCEs is not only influenced by the internal characteristics of the group but also influenced by the governmental orientation and the pull of the consumer groups. This paper simultaneously considers the heterogeneity of consumer groups and construction enterprise groups, coupling the improved SIR dissemination model, complex network model, and evolutionary game model to describe the dynamic interaction process between construction enterprise groups, government, and consumer groups and to explore the evolution law of GTCEs. The results show that (1) Appropriately increase in green R&D investment by construction enterprises for higher returns, the government’s subsidy and penalty policies and a higher carbon trading price have a positive effect on the GTCEs; (2) a positive social climate, along with the government’s publicity and education, the higher technology level of construction enterprises, and the higher green cognition and lower risk perception level of consumers will strongly promote the GTCEs; and (3) a steady development of the GTCEs is guaranteed by the enterprises’ own inputs and the government’s joint measures on both the supply and demand sides. The conclusions of this study can be used as a reference for the government to formulate policies and for the green transformation and development of construction enterprises.
Can Tourists’ Preferences Determine the Direction of Sustainable Development in Mountain Landscapes?
Authors: Malec Magdalena Maria , Ziernicka-Wojtaszek Agnieszka , Kędzior Renata
Published: November 2024

Tourism and recreation development in naturally valuable mountain areas is a complex issue. On the one hand, it has a positive impact on the physical and mental health of modern society, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. It also contributes to the economic growth of local communities, for which financial revenues from tourism are important sources of income. However, exceeding the limits of tourist absorption and improper trail management can lead to natural environment and landscape degradation. The Carpathians are marked by a dense and diverse network of tourist trails that can have an impact on biodiversity, which is often unique in this European region. The aim of the study was to determine tourists’ preferences in terms of the attractiveness and development of the mountain trails of the Carpathian region. The research was conducted using a survey on 10 main hiking trails in the Beskids. The results were compared with the inventory carried out in the field based on tourist values. The results highlight the possibility of achieving a balance between the use of tourist trails and the protection of the natural and cultural environment. Our results can be useful for the sustainable tourist management of mountain landscapes, linking nature conservation and recreation requirements.
Local Government Environmental Policy Innovation: Emerging Regulation of GHG Emissions in the Transportation-for-Hire Industry
Authors: Zwick Austin , Young Mischa , Spicer Zachary , Freeland Karina
Published: November 2024

Given that most environmental regulation is performed on the international and national scale and that municipal powers are often limited, what are the necessary conditions for local government to take on leadership and policy innovation in this space? The transportation-for-hire industry provides an interesting case study as municipalities around the world recently updated their local regulatory frameworks because of the disruption caused by the advent of ridehailing. Over time, policy learning resulted in policy convergence of major components, including license requirements, vehicle standards, and rate standardization, across the industry. However, overlooked from these initial regulations, but now gaining traction is the regulation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of ridehailing vehicles and the transportation-for-hire industry more generally. Because of how many transportation-for-hire vehicles are in use, activists argue that environmental fleet standards ought to be tougher than that for personal-use vehicles. This paper investigates the emerging regulatory frameworks for GHG emissions by examining four case studies of the first-mover cities (London, Amsterdam, Mexico City, and New York City) in this emerging policy space, untangling the complex web of multi-level regulatory governance to tease our policy learning outcomes. Through the innovative lens of examining multi-level governance for policy learning, we conclude that GHG emissions in the transportation industry at the local level only occurred after international and national frameworks were set, giving “permission” to local leaders to demonstrate innovation and leadership on how to achieve targets set by higher-order governments. Cities, assisted with policy-learning transfer through international not-for-profit organizations, acted via local government powers to fill in the gaps of international and national frameworks with policies implemented at higher orders of government in other places. These local environmental transportation-for-hire bylaws took a three-pronged form: (a) vehicle permit standards; (b) regulations of public space and infrastructure; and (c) public–private partnerships to assist in the transition to electric vehicles.
Promoting Sustainable Urban Mobility: Factors Influencing E-Bike Adoption in Henan Province, China
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Lim Ee Shiang , Chen Maowei
Published: November 2024

This study examines the key factors influencing e-bike adoption and explores how advancing e-bike usage in Henan Province, China, can foster sustainable urban transportation and contribute to urban environmental preservation. Utilizing data from an online survey, binary logistic regression analyzes the impact of socio-demographic characteristics, perceived advantages, neighborhood environmental attributes, and vehicle ownership on e-bike usage. The findings indicate that socio-demographic factors, such as family size and occupation, significantly influence adoption, with workmen more likely than office workers to choose e-bikes. Cost savings emerged as the primary motivator for e-bike use, overshadowing environmental concerns, which unexpectedly negatively affected usage patterns. However, the presence of supportive infrastructure—particularly charging stations and dedicated lanes—proves crucial for promoting e-bike usage, highlighting the importance of accessible, environmentally supportive urban design. Vehicle ownership characteristics further illuminate how access to e-bikes correlates with regular usage. These findings suggest that, beyond cost efficiency, targeted awareness campaigns and strategic infrastructure improvements are essential for embedding e-bikes into sustainable urban transport systems. By fostering adoption and supporting e-bike infrastructure, cities can significantly reduce urban pollution, improve air quality, and advance toward sustainable mobility goals in Henan Province and beyond.
Two-Dimensional MoS2-Based Photodetectors
Authors: Ye Leilei , Gan Xiaorong , Schirhagl Romana
Published: November 2024

Nanomaterials can significantly improve the analytical performance of optical sensors for environmental pollutants. Two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) exhibits some unique physicochemical properties, such as strong light–matter interactions, bandgap tunability, and high carrier mobility, which are beneficial for constructing flexible optoelectronic devices. In this review, the principle and classification of 2D MoS2-based photodetectors (PDs) are introduced, followed by a discussion about the physicochemical properties of 2D MoS2, as well as the structure–property relationships of 2D MoS2-based photoactive materials for PDs to understand the modulation strategies for enhancing the photodetection performance. Furthermore, we discuss significant advances in the surface modification and functionalization of 2D MoS2 for developing high-performance PDs, particularly focusing on synthesis pathways, modification strategies, and underlying physiochemical mechanisms for enhanced photodetection capabilities. Finally, conclusions and research perspectives on resolving significant bottlenecks or remaining challenges are offered based on recent developments in 2D MoS2-based PDs.
Possibilities of Implementing Sustainable Production of Chicken Meat by Applying an Innovative Device for Poultry Electric Stunning
Authors: Banach Joanna Katarzyna , Żywica Ryszard , Grzywińska-Rąpca Małgorzata , Pietrzak-Fiećko Renata
Published: November 2024

The aim of this research was to determine the feasibility of sustainable chicken meat production, using good- and low-quality raw material and two different devices (own construction—OC, and a Dutch company’s—DC) for electrical stunning at the slaughter stage. A statistical analysis was also performed to indicate which of the analyzed courses of action is the most important for the company to maintain a balance between the quality of produced meat (pH, number of hemorrhages—small and large, defectiveness, and color on the external and internal surfaces of the fillet and tenderloin), and environmental and economic aspects. It has been shown that the use of device OC for stunning poultry compared to the device DC has a positive effect on: (1) reducing the number of hemorrhages on the outer surface and inside of the fillet—mainly large hemorrhages, (2) increasing by ~50% the share of production of fillets without hemorrhages, and (3) brightening and unifying the color of the external and internal surfaces of the fillet and tenderloin. Taking the above into account, it was concluded that the goals of sustainable chicken meat production depend mainly on the type of stunning device used; therefore, it is recommended to replace the Dutch device (DC) currently used in the plant with an innovative device (OC). It is also recommended to use financial tools when concluding contracts with poultry breeders so that meat producers can implement the goals of the sustainable management policy already at the raw material stage.
Green Finance, Economic Policy Uncertainty, and Corporate ESG Performance
Authors: Liu Chuanhao , Cui Peng , Zhao Hongxia , Zhang Zhanzhen , Zhu Yanshuo , Liu Huijiao
Published: November 2024

Given the increasing prevalence of global warming and the frequent occurrence of extreme weather events and other challenges, countries are increasingly recognizing the importance of green and sustainable development. This paper uses the multi-period double difference and PSM-DID method to test the impact of green finance policies on the ESG performance of Chinese listed companies. Research has shown that implementing pilot zone policies can improve corporate ESG performance, especially for enterprises with low business reputations, fierce industry competition, severe information asymmetry, and state-owned attributes. The GFPZ policy drives companies to improve their ESG performance through two paths: promoting environmental innovation and strengthening restrictions on corporate financing. In addition, the increase in economic policy uncertainty hinders the positive impact of GFPZ policies on improving corporate ESG performance. This study enriches the existing micro-research on green finance policies from the perspective of enterprises. It provides empirical evidence and research insights to support the further improvement of pilot zone policies, the promotion of green sustainable development, and the improvement of corporate ESG performance.
Numerical Investigation of Effects of Obstacles in Flow Channels and Depth of Flow Channels for PEMFCs
Authors: Jung Do Yeong , Song Dong Kun , Kim Jung Soo , Lee Seung Heon , Min Gyeong Won , Son Jong Hyun , Cho Gu Young
Published: November 2024

The channel is a crucial component of the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Since the channel can change the reactant transfer capability, water removal capability, and distribution of the reactant, it affects the performance and durability of PEMFCs. This study investigated the effects of obstacles in the serpentine-type flow channel on the performance of PEMFCs by computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The height of the obstacles was varied to analyze the electrochemical performances of the fuel cells. In addition, the depth of the flow channel was varied to compare the performances of the PEMFCs. To better represent the real-world tendency, the agglomerate model and the Forchheimer inertial effect were used. The results showed that changes in the channel depth caused greater performance improvements compared to the installation of obstacles, due to the enhanced mass transfer and improved water removal. However, the results for the installation of obstacles showed the lower non-uniformity of the current density and a reduced pressure drop compared to the changes in the channel depth, offering advantages in terms of flooding, the fuel cell life, and the operating cost.
A Simulation-Assisted Field Investigation on Control System Upgrades for a Sustainable Heat Pump Heating
Authors: Qv Dehu , Wang Jijin , Wang Luyang , Kosonen Risto
Published: November 2024

Heat pump-based renewable energy and waste heat recycling have become a mainstay of sustainable heating. Still, configuring an effective control system for these purposes remains a worthwhile research topic. In this study, a Smith-predictor-based fractional-order PID cascade control system was fitted into an actual clean heating renovation project and an advanced fireworks algorithm was used to tune the structural parameters of the controllers adaptively. Specifically, three improvements in the fireworks algorithm, including the Cauchy mutation strategy, the adaptive explosion radius, and the elite random selection strategy, contributed to the effectiveness of the tuning process. Simulation and field investigation results demonstrated that the fitted control system counters the adverse effects of time lag, reduces overshoot, and shortens the settling time. Further, benefiting from a delicate balance between heating demand and supply, the heating system with upgraded management increases the average exergetic efficiency by 11.4% and decreases the complaint rate by 76.5%. It is worth noting that the advanced fireworks algorithm mitigates the adverse effect of capacity lag and simultaneously accelerates the optimizing and converging processes, exhibiting its comprehensive competitiveness among this study’s three intelligent optimization algorithms. Meanwhile, the forecast and regulation of the return water temperature of the heating system are independent of each other. In the future, an investigation into the implications of such independence on the control strategy and overall efficiency of the heating system, as well as how an integral predictive control structure might address this limitation, will be worthwhile.
Numerical Analysis of Grouting Reinforcement Effects on Deep Foundation Pits Adjacent to Elevated Railways
Authors: Zhu Guofei , Wu Xianlong , Li Xuhui , Chang Le , Li Yongjie , Lv Chuang , Wang Rui , Li Yingpeng
Published: November 2024

To mitigate the impact of foundation pit construction on adjacent existing structures, grouting reinforcement techniques are often employed to enhance the deformation strength of the soil. This study focuses on the expansion project of the Dayun Comprehensive Hub in Shenzhen, conducting full-scale numerical simulations of the excavation of deep foundation pits adjacent to existing elevated railways and examining the effects of different grouting reinforcement schemes. The results indicate that the single-row and double-row grouting schemes increased the bearing capacity of the foundation piles by 23.7% and 31.9%, respectively, significantly enhancing the structural bearing performance. After reinforcement, the maximum deformation position of the elevated bridge foundation piles shifted upward, and the settlement distribution of the cap beam became more concentrated, indicating that grouting reinforcement effectively controlled the ground settlement and the deformation of the foundation piles. Furthermore, compared to controlling the deformation of the retaining structures, grouting reinforcement was more effective in controlling ground settlement and pile deformation, highlighting its advantages in complex environments. Although the double-row grouting scheme demonstrated superior technical performance, the single-row scheme remains the preferred option considering reinforcement efficiency and economic factors.
Does the Innovative City Pilot Policy Improve Urban Resilience? Evidence from China
Authors: Tian Mandi , Sun Zuoren
Published: November 2024

The assessment of the relationship between the innovative city pilot policy (ICPP) and urban resilience is crucial for enhancing cities’ ability to foresee, endure, and recover from various disruptive events. Despite the widespread implementation of the ICPP in China, it remains uncertain if this strategy will contribute to the development of urban resilience. Starting with data collected from 245 prefecture-level cities in China from 2004 to 2020, this paper initially evaluates the causal effect of the policy intervention using the difference-in-differences (DID) model and the propensity score matching-difference-in-differences (PSM-DID) method. A multi-dimensional urban resilience measurement index and a mediating effect model were constructed. The empirical results show that (1) the ICPP has a significant effect on urban resilience, which remains in force after a series of robustness tests, such as a placebo test and difference-in-differences machine learning (DML) approach; (2) regional R&D investment, technological talent attraction, green innovation capability enhancement, and information infrastructure development are identified as the mediating variable for the ICPP’s impact on urban resilience dimensions; and (3) heterogeneity study results show that the ICPP has a significantly greater impact on medium-sized cities, attributed to their capacity to enhance the resilience of cities with more growing space. Furthermore, cities with lower economic agglomeration saw a greater increase in urban resilience due to the ICPP. Accordingly, it is recommended to prioritize the allocation of innovative resources to non-coastal regions, cities with low economic agglomeration, and medium-sized cities. This study provides crucial recommendations for the enlargement of the ICPP’s scale and coordinated progress of China’s urban resilience.
Evaluation of Road Safety Hazard Factors in Egypt Using Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution Process
Authors: Gamal Yasser A. S. , Mamdouh ElHassan , Wahaballa Amr M. , Elshaer Raafat , Hemdan Seham
Published: November 2024

To address road accident losses, there is a need to prioritize safety factors, especially in high-risk locations on the road network, toward assuring a sustainable transport system. This paper proposes an approach for quantitative risk assessments of safety factors in hazardous road locations and involves the integration of the Fuzzy logic model, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). This new innovative method offers a way to prioritize and select safety factors associated with hazardous locations using a hierarchical structure. To demonstrate the applicability of this method, a case study was conducted in Egypt. The assessment process involved active participation by professionals through multiple expert meetings. This collaborative approach ensures that the assessment incorporates valuable real-world knowledge and experiences. It analyzed road safety hazardous conditions across various sections, including intersections, non-intersection sections, narrow bridge sections, and curve sections. The application of FAHP-TOPSIS enables the determination of weights for safety factors within each section, facilitating the evaluation of safety indices between them and ranking the safety hazard sections. The achieved analysis revealed that the hazard safety factor index is comparatively higher in curved sections compared to other types of sections. Light utility poles and road barriers significantly affected the hazard index. By utilizing this approach, governments may make informed decisions regarding the allocation of resources and the implementation of safety measures at hazardous road locations.
Efficient Public Underground Pedestrian Space in a Cold-Climate City: A Case Study of Sapporo, Japan
Authors: Krivorotko Margarita , Setoguchi Tsuyoshi , Watanabe Norihiro
Published: November 2024

This study examines the impact of changes in temperature and seasonal climate across a 4-year period (2019–2022) and the impact of the existing design on pedestrian activity in the ChiKaHo underground public space in Sapporo, Japan. Using statistical and regression analyses, the study identified boundary temperature ranges for each analyzed point in this space and presented an assumption of the design- and function-related factors influencing the period of use of the ChiKaHo. Each observation point exhibited a unique temperature range of change in pedestrian behavior, from −2 °C (points J1 and J3 near the main transportation station gate and in the corridor, respectively) to +6.8–13.2 °C for points J2 and J4, near open spaces. This research revealed the temperature ranges affecting pedestrian use of underground spaces and that a varying climate has different influences on a particular location. In the future, this can be used as a basis for local design improvements and seasonal adaptation policies to provide a sustainable public underground space in ChiKaHo.
Assessing Rainwater Risks and Rainwater Harvesting Opportunities for the New Capital City of Indonesia
Authors: de Vries Walter Timo , Shi Jialan
Published: November 2024

In the context of planning and construction of the new capital city of Indonesia, referred to as Ibu Kota Negara (IKN), this article addresses the spatial risks and opportunities of rainwater resources in the area where IKN is planned. The article relies on an inventory of various physical data, which were used to derive a flood susceptibility map, as well as rainfall data derived from public and open sources. The geospatial study drew on geospatial software (ArcGIS Pro, 2.1.) and the Google Earth Engine platform (GEE). After this analysis, we followed a management design, which took IPCC climate change scenarios into account. The results demonstrated that the southern coast has higher precipitation than the northern coast in the IKN area. To enhance the efficacy of rainwater management planning, a grid is proposed to mitigate the flood risk and to harvest rainwater. Although rainwater varies throughout the IKN area, and may vary even more with different climate change predictions, it is possible to capture rainwater and create a system to reduce reliance on traditional water sources, alleviate stormwater runoff and mitigate the impact of urban flooding. While IKN will be developed by both regulated planning and other population-driven developments, monitoring and reflecting on existing plans will still be necessary to make IKN sufficiently resilient and sustainable.
Development of a Blockchain-Based Food Safety System for Shared Kitchens
Authors: Jang Hyejin , Lee Daye , Yoon Byungun
Published: November 2024

With the recent growth of the sharing economy, businesses offering shared-kitchen services are expanding rapidly. Due to the communal nature of these kitchens, there is a heightened need for systematic food safety management. However, existing research on blockchain applications has largely overlooked shared kitchens, a complex setting with numerous stakeholders and sensitivity to real-time kitchen conditions. This study addresses this gap by proposing a blockchain-based food safety management system for shared kitchens. The system’s functional requirements were meticulously outlined based on guidelines from South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Key participants were identified as system users, and use cases were crafted in alignment with their responsibilities and roles to ensure effective safety management. Additionally, the blockchain system’s mechanisms for enhancing safety in shared kitchens were substantiated through specific use cases and detailed data structures, addressing issues related to forgery, alteration, and management challenges. This study also offers practical insights that can facilitate more structured safety management in shared-kitchen environments.
Tumor Morphology for Prediction of Poor Responses Early in Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Li Wen , Le Nu N. , Nadkarni Rohan , Onishi Natsuko , Wilmes Lisa J. , Gibbs Jessica E. , Price Elissa R. , Joe Bonnie N. , Mukhtar Rita A. , Gennatas Efstathios D. , Kornak John , Magbanua Mark Jesus M. , van’t Veer Laura J. , LeStage Barbara , Esserman Laura J. , Hylton Nola M.
Published: November 2024

Background: This multicenter and retrospective study investigated the additive value of tumor morphologic features derived from the functional tumor volume (FTV) tumor mask at pre-treatment (T0) and the early treatment time point (T1) in the prediction of pathologic outcomes for breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Methods: A total of 910 patients enrolled in the multicenter I-SPY 2 trial were included. FTV and tumor morphologic features were calculated from the dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI. A poor response was defined as a residual cancer burden (RCB) class III (RCB-III) at surgical excision. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the predictive performance. The analysis was performed in the full cohort and in individual sub-cohorts stratified by hormone receptor (HR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status. Results: In the full cohort, the AUCs for the use of the FTV ratio and clinicopathologic data were 0.64 ± 0.03 (mean ± SD [standard deviation]). With morphologic features, the AUC increased significantly to 0.76 ± 0.04 (p < 0.001). The ratio of the surface area to volume ratio between T0 and T1 was found to be the most contributing feature. All top contributing features were from T1. An improvement was also observed in the HR+/HER2- and triple-negative sub-cohorts. The AUC increased significantly from 0.56 ± 0.05 to 0.70 ± 0.06 (p < 0.001) and from 0.65 ± 0.06 to 0.73 ± 0.06 (p < 0.001), respectively, when adding morphologic features. Conclusion: Tumor morphologic features can improve the prediction of RCB-III compared to using FTV only at the early treatment time point.
The Role of Metal Tolerance Proteins (MTPs) Associated with the Homeostasis of Divalent Mineral Elements in Ga-Treated Rice Plants
Authors: Zhan Hao , Li Cheng-Zhi , Kang Yi , Yu Xiao-Zhang
Published: November 2024

Mineral elements typically act as transported substrates for metal tolerance proteins (MTPs). The chelation of MTPs with heavy metal ions is a suggestive detoxification pathway in plants; therefore, the trade-off between transporting mineral elements and chelating excess toxic metal ions is inevitable. Gallium (Ga) is an emerging pollutant associated with high-tech industries. This study investigated the impact of Ga stress on MTPs, subsequently altering the transport and distribution of mineral elements. Gallium exposure reduced rice seedling biomass, with roots accumulating more Ga than shoots. Ga stress also changed the rice plants’ subcellular mineral element distribution. PCR assays showed that Ga stress negatively affected all genes belonging to the Mn group, except OsMTP9. While Mn accumulation in the rice cellular compartments did not respond positively to Ga stress, OsMTP8, OsMTP8.1, OsMTP11, and OsMTP11.1 were found to be intimately connected to Mn transport and repressed by increased Ga accumulation in roots. Mg and Cu accumulated in the cytosol and organelles of Ga-treated rice plants, while OsMTP9 expression increased, demonstrating its importance in transporting Mg and Cu. A positive link between Ga stress and Zn accumulation in the cytosol and organelles was found, and OsMTP7 and OsMTP12 expression was positive, suggesting that Ga stress did not impair their Zn transport. Notably, Ga exposure down-regulated Fe-transporting OsMTP1 and OsMTP6, wherein the subcellular concentrations of Fe showed negative responses to Ga accumulation. These findings provide valuable insights into elucidating the roles of OsMTPs in Ga tolerance and the transport of these mineral elements.
Mycotoxin Prevalence and Microbiological Characteristics of Locally Produced Elected Freekeh Products
Authors: Mudalal Samer
Published: November 2024

Freekeh is produced from roasted, immature wheat grains. It is very popular in Middle Eastern and North African nations. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of different types of mycotoxins, physical impurities, and microbiological contamination in local freekeh products. Lateral flow competitive immunochromatographic assay was used to evaluate the occurrence of mycotoxins. It was found that physical impurities for some tested products exceeded the permitted limit (>2% of straw and foreign grains). Moreover, our findings showed that total aerobic bacterial and fungal counts in Freekeh products varied from 1 to 4 logs and from 1.39 to 4.3 logs, respectively. The incidence ranges of aflatoxins and ochratoxin were 3.17–3.33 ppb and 4.63–8.17 ppb, respectively. The levels of deoxynivalenol (DON) and T2/HT2 (trichothecene T2 and deacetylated form HT2) were less than the limit of detection. More than 78% of Freekeh samples tested had aflatoxin and ochratoxin contents higher than the limit permitted by the European Commission (4 and 5 ppb). In conclusion, gaining knowledge about the quality, safety, and labeling of freekeh products can help increase their commercial potential. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the factors affecting contamination levels within the freekeh supply chain.
Botulinum Toxin Type A for Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Comprehensive Literature Review
Authors: Tereshko Yan , Dal Bello Simone , Lettieri Christian , Belgrado Enrico , Gigli Gian Luigi , Merlino Giovanni , Valente Mariarosaria
Published: November 2024

Trigeminal neuralgia is a neuropathic pain syndrome responsive to botulinum toxin type A therapy. This review had the goal of analyzing the different studies published from 2002 to January 2024 to better define the techniques and the types of botulinum toxin type A used, the doses, the injection routes, and the different populations of trigeminal neuralgia patients treated. We considered only articles in which the therapy was administered to humans to treat trigeminal neuralgia. Case reports, case series, open-label, retrospective, and RCT studies were considered. The research was conducted on MEDLINE and the keywords included (trigeminal neuralgia) and (botulinum). Thirty-five articles were considered suitable for this review. Botulinum toxin type A was shown to be an effective therapy for TN pain in all the articles analyzed, albeit there is a lack of standardization in methods and outcomes. The techniques, the doses, and the injection approaches were very heterogeneous among the studies. Only two botulinum toxin type A formulations have been used in this setting: onabotulinumtoxinA and lanbotulinumtoxinA. There were 300 patients treated with onabotulinumtoxinA and 760 treated with lanbotulinumtoxinA overall (in 42 patients, the formulation was not specified). The distinction between etiological and clinical types of TN has been made by only a small portion of the studies. The main adverse event was transient facial asymmetry. Botulinum toxin type A is indeed a promising therapy that is clearly effective for trigeminal neuralgia. OnabotulinumtoxinA is the most common formulation used in Western countries; however, the meager sample of TN patients treated, and the lack of standardization are not sufficient for this therapy to be approved by the FDA or EMA. Indeed, more studies with standardized methods and larger samples are needed for this purpose.
The Properties of an Edge-On Low Surface Brightness Galaxies Sample
Authors: Cao Tian-Wen , Li Zi-Jian , Chen Pei-Bin , Kalari Venu M. , Cheng Cheng , Galaz Gaspar , Wu Hong , Wang Junfeng
Published: November 2024

We analyzed the properties of a sample of edge-on low-surface brightness galaxies, which are referred to as Cao23 ELSBGs. Cao23 ELSBGs exhibit a wide range of luminosities (−22 < Mr < −13) with a mean scale length of 3.19 ± 1.48 kpc. Compared to HI-rich dwarf ELSBGs, Cao23 ELSBGs display more extended disk structures and redder (g-r) colors. They are also, on average, more massive than HI-rich dwarf ELSBGs. Star formation rates (SFRs) were calculated using WISE 12 μm luminosity conversions and spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting methods, respectively. Cao23 ELSBGs fall below the main sequence with specific star formation rates (sSFRs) primarily in the range of 0.01–0.1 Gyr−1. More massive Cao23 LSBGs tend to have lower sSFRs. Additionally, we derived the non-parametric star formation histories (SFHs) of Cao23 ELSBGs by SED fitting, dividing the SFHs into seven look back time bins with constant SFRs assumed for each bin. Our analysis indicates that high-mass (M∗ > 109.0M⊙) Cao23 ELSBGs assembled their mass earlier than their lower-mass counterparts, supporting a downsizing trend for LSBGs.
Study on Impact Mechanisms of Resident Adaptability in Old Communities Based on Complex Adaptive System Theory: Theoretical Construction and Empirical Analysis of Xuzhou City Center
Authors: Luo Pingjia , Chen Shuang , Huang Xin , Liu Haodong
Published: November 2024

Confronted with both internal environmental degradation and external economic transformation, the internal environment of old residential communities has become increasingly complex. Enhancing resident adaptability is crucial for communities to address multiple urban crises and align with community development and evolution. Complex Adaptive System (CAS) theory provides an excellent analytical framework for this study, emphasizing that the adaptability of agents contributes to system complexity. The complex adaptability issues faced by old residential communities essentially involve mismatches among resident adaptive capacities, pathways, and objectives amid changing environmental and socioeconomic conditions. This study focuses on residents of 15 old residential communities in the central urban area of Xuzhou. Utilizing CAS theory, a structural equation model is constructed to explore the mechanisms influencing resident adaptability. The results indicate that the following: ① The perceived built environment and social environment have significant positive impacts on resident adaptability. ② Mediation analysis reveals that the perceived built environment plays a positive mediating role in the relationship between the objective built environment and resident adaptability, as well as between the social environment and resident adaptability. The objective built environment also serves as a positive mediator when the social environment affects resident adaptability. ③ Among the control variables examined, income, family structure, and housing tenure significantly impact resident adaptability. This study not only deepens the theoretical understanding of adaptability issues in old residential communities, providing a more nuanced perspective for understanding residents’ adaptive behaviors in complex environments, but also offers specific strategic recommendations for community renewal and enhancing resident adaptability, thus holding significant theoretical and practical value.
Unveiling the Role of TMPRSS2 in the Proteolytic Activation of Pandemic and Zoonotic Influenza Viruses and Coronaviruses in Human Airway Cells
Authors: Schwerdtner Marie , Schmacke Luna C. , Nave Julia , Limburg Hannah , Steinmetzer Torsten , Stein David A. , Moulton Hong M. , Böttcher-Friebertshäuser Eva
Published: November 2024

The zoonotic transmission of influenza A viruses (IAVs) and coronaviruses (CoVs) may result in severe disease. Cleavage of the surface glycoproteins hemagglutinin (HA) and spike protein (S), respectively, is essential for viral infectivity. The transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) is crucial for cleaving IAV HAs containing monobasic cleavage sites and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2 S in human airway cells. Here, we analysed and compared the TMPRSS2-dependency of SARS-CoV, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)-CoV, the 1918 pandemic H1N1 IAV and IAV H12, H13 and H17 subtypes in human airway cells. We used the peptide-conjugated morpholino oligomer (PPMO) T-ex5 to knockdown the expression of active TMPRSS2 and determine the impact on virus activation and replication in Calu-3 cells. The activation of H1N1/1918 and H13 relied on TMPRSS2, whereas recombinant IAVs carrying H12 or H17 were not affected by TMPRSS2 knockdown. MERS-CoV replication was strongly suppressed in T-ex5 treated cells, while SARS-CoV was less dependent on TMPRSS2. Our data underline the importance of TMPRSS2 for certain (potentially) pandemic respiratory viruses, including H1N1/1918 and MERS-CoV, in human airways, further suggesting a promising drug target. However, our findings also highlight that IAVs and CoVs differ in TMPRSS2 dependency and that other proteases are involved in virus activation.
Investigation of Polymorphisms Induced by the Solo Long Terminal Repeats (Solo-LTRs) in Porcine Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs)
Authors: Chen Cai , Du Zhanyu , Zheng Yao , Chen Hong , Saleh Ahmed A. , Yang Naisu , Wang Mengli , Azele Phiri , Wang Xiaoyan , Song Chengyi
Published: November 2024

Homologous recombination events take place between the 5′ and 3′ long terminal repeats (LTRs) of ERVs, resulting in the generation of solo-LTR, which can cause solo-LTR-associated polymorphism across different genomes. In the current study, specific criteria were established for the filtration of solo-LTRs, resulting in an average of 5630 solo-LTRs being identified in 21 genomes. Subsequently, a protocol was developed for detecting solo-LTR polymorphisms in the pig genomes, resulting in the discovery of 927 predicted solo-LTR polymorphic sites. Following verification and filtration processes, 603 highly reliable solo-LTR polymorphic sites were retained, involving 446 solo-LTR presence sites (solo-LTR+) and 157 solo-LTR absence sites (solo-LTR−) relative to the reference genome. Intersection analysis with gene/functional regions revealed that 248 solo-LTR− sites and 23 solo-LTR+ sites overlapped with genes or were in the vicinity of genes or functional regions, impacting a diverse range of gene structures. Moreover, through the utilization of 156 solo-LTR polymorphic sites for population genetic analysis, it was observed that these solo-LTR loci effectively clustered various breeds together, aligning with expectations and underscoring their practical utility. This study successfully established a methodology for detecting solo-LTR polymorphic sites. By applying these methods, a total of 603 high-reliability solo-LTR polymorphic sites were pinpointed, with nearly half of them being linked to genes or functional regions.
Childhood Mandatory Vaccinations: Current Situation in European Countries and Changes Occurred from 2014 to 2024
Authors: Farina Sara , Maio Alessandra , Gualano Maria Rosaria , Ricciardi Walter , Villani Leonardo
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Vaccination is one of the most effective public health interventions, preventing millions of deaths globally each year. However, vaccine hesitancy, driven by misinformation and reduced disease risk perception, has led to declining vaccination rates and the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) in Europe. In response to this, countries have implemented various strategies, including mandatory and recommended vaccination programs. The objective of this study is to map the current European landscape of pediatric vaccination policies, and the variations that have occurred in the last decade. Methods: This rapid review was conducted on PubMed, Google, and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control website, to collect all vaccination schedules in EU/EEA countries in 2024 and all documents focusing on the introduction of mandatory vaccines during the last decade. Results: As of 2024, 13 countries had at least one mandatory pediatric vaccination, with France, Hungary, and Latvia requiring all but one vaccine. In contrast, 17 countries had no mandatory vaccinations, relying only on recommendations. Between 2014 and 2024, six countries (Croatia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, and Poland) introduced or extended mandatory vaccinations. Conclusions: European vaccination policies show significant variation. Effective programs depend on robust healthcare systems, public trust, and adaptable strategies to address vaccine hesitancy and the resurgence of VPDs.