bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lipocalin-2 promotes breast cancer brain metastasis by enhancing tumor invasion and modulating brain microenvironment
Authors: Zhao Yang , Tang Xiaogen , Lei Tingting , Fu Dongwei , Zhang Hongyi
Published: August 2024

Breast cancer is the leading cancer diagnosed in women globally, with brain metastasis emerging as a major cause of death, particularly in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive and triple-negative breast cancer subtypes. Comprehensive understanding of the molecular foundations of central nervous system metastases is imperative for the evolution of efficacious treatment strategies. Lipocalin-2 (LCN2), a secreted iron transport protein with multiple functions, has been linked to the progression of breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM). In primary tumors, LCN2 promotes the proliferation and angiogenesis of breast cancer cells, triggers the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, interacts with matrix metalloproteinase-9, thereby facilitating the reorganization of the extracellular matrix and enhancing cancer cell invasion and migration. In brain microenvironment, LCN2 undermines the blood-brain barrier and facilitates tumor seeding in the brain by modulating the behavior of key cellular components. In summary, this review meticulously examines the fuel role of LCN2 in BCBM cascade, and investigates the potential mechanisms involved. It highlights the potential of LCN2 as both a therapeutic target and biomarker, indicating that interventions targeting LCN2 may offer improved outcomes for patients afflicted with BCBM.
Association between acetaminophen administration and outcomes in critically ill patients with gout and hypertension
Authors: Yi Xiao-Qing , Xie Bo , Hu Yuan , Gong Tian-Jiao , Chen Min , Cui Xiao-Jiao
Published: August 2024

Background

Acetaminophen is a commonly used medication, yet its recommendation for patients with comorbid conditions of gout and hypertension is contradictory, and the impact of its usage on clinical outcomes in real-world practical settings remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between acetaminophen administration and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with gout and hypertension, utilizing real-world data.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted based on the MIMIC-IV (Medical Information Mart in Intensive Care-IV) database. Adult critically ill patients with gout and hypertension were included in the analysis. The exposure was acetaminophen use during ICU stay. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. The secondary endpoints were frequent hospitalization, 30-day, and 60-day all-cause mortality, and incidence of hypertensive emergencies. Propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted at a 1:1 ratio. Multivariable analyses were used to adjust for confounders.

Results

The pre-matched and propensity score-matched cohorts included 2448 and 1012 patients, respectively. In the PSM analysis, in-hospital mortality was 9.7% (49/506) in the acetaminophen use group and 12.1% (61/506) in the no use group. Acetaminophen use was associated with a decrease in-hospital mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 0.62; 95% CI, 0.41–0.92; P = 0.018). In terms of secondary endpoints, after PSM, there was no statistically significant difference for both 30-day and 60-day all-cause mortality reductions in the acetaminophen use group, and HRs were 0.78 (95% CI 0.55–1.11; P = 0.175), and 0.75 (95% CI 0.55–1.02; P = 0.069), respectively. According to the analysis of dosage and treatment group, the use of APAP within the dosage range of 2–4 g and within 3–5 days of treatment significantly reduced the mortality rate of the entire cohort and PSM cohort, with statistical differences. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that lower in-hospital mortality was consistent across different baselines (age, gender, BMI, liver disease, and renal disease), with no interactions in all subgroups (interaction p-values >0.05), thereby affirming the robustness and reliability of the findings.

Conclusion

Acetaminophen use was associated with lower in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients with gout and hypertension. Prospective studies are needed to verify this finding.
Osteoporosis treatment: current drugs and future developments
Authors: Chen Ya-jing , Jia Li-hua , Han Tao-hong , Zhao Zhi-hui , Yang Jian , Xiao Jun-ping , Yang Hong-Jun , Yang Ke
Published: August 2024

Osteoporosis is a common systemic metabolic disease characterized by a decrease in bone density and bone mass, destruction of bone tissue microstructure, and increased bone fragility leading to fracture susceptibility. Pharmacological treatment of osteoporosis is the focus of current research, and anti-osteoporosis drugs usually play a role in inhibiting bone resorption, promoting bone formation, and having a dual role. However, most of the drugs have the disadvantages of single target and high toxic and side effects. There are many types of traditional Chinese medicines (TCM), from a wide range of sources and mostly plants. Herbal plants have unique advantages in regulating the relationship between osteoporosis and the immune system, acupuncture therapy has significant therapeutic effects in combination with medicine for osteoporosis. The target cells and specific molecular mechanisms of TCM in preventing and treating osteoporosis have not been fully elucidated. At present, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of the pathological mechanism of the disease. Therefore, a better understanding of the pathological signaling pathways and key molecules involved in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis is crucial for the design of therapeutic targets and drug development. In this paper, we review the development and current status of anti-osteoporosis drugs currently in clinical application and under development to provide relevant basis and reference for drug prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, with the aim of promoting pharmacological research and new drug development.
Unfolding experimental distortions in beta spectrometry
Authors: Craveiro Gaël , Leblond Sylvain , Mougeot Xavier , Vivier Matthieu
Published: August 2024

The distortions of measured beta spectra are addressed by means of unfolding algorithms. Two different approaches, the Maximum-Likelihood Expectation-Maximization and the Tikhonov regularization, are tested on various simulated spectra, for which the initial spectrum to retrieve is known, and on a 99Tc spectrum measured with our dedicated setup. Statistical uncertainties of distorted measured spectra are propagated by determining the covariance matrices. Both algorithms provide satisfactory results but Tikhonov performs overall better for most of the studied radionuclides. Highlight is made on the necessity to employ at least two independent methods to ensure the accuracy of the unfolded spectra and to estimate the internal bias of each algorithm.
Blood flow restriction combined with resistance training on muscle strength and thickness improvement in young adults: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression
Authors: Ma Feier , He Jianghua , Wang Yan
Published: August 2024

Background

High-intensity resistance training is known to be the most effective method for enhancing muscle strength and thickness, but it carries potential injury risks. Blood flow restriction (BFR) combined with resistance training has been proposed as a safer alternative method for improving muscle strength and thickness.

Methods

A meta-analysis was conducted, including 20 studies from five databases that met the inclusion criteria, to assess the efficacy of BFR combined with resistance training compared to traditional resistance training (NOBFR). The analysis focused on changes in muscle strength and thickness. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed to explore the effects of tourniquet width and pressure.

Results

The findings showed that BFR combined with resistance training is comparable to traditional resistance training in enhancing muscle strength [0.11, 95%CI: (−0.08 to 0.29), I2 = 0%] and muscle thickness [−0.07, 95% CI: (−0.25 to 0.12), I2 = 0%]. Subgroup analysis indicated no significant differences in muscle strength (P = 0.66) and thickness (P = 0.87) between low-intensity BFR training and other intensity levels. Meta-regression suggested that tourniquet width and pressure might affect intervention outcomes, although the effects were not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

BFR combined with resistance training offers a viable alternative to high-intensity resistance training with reduced injury risks. We recommend interventions of 2-3 sessions per week at 20%–40% of 1 RM, using a wider cuff and applying an arterial occlusion pressure of 50%–80% to potentially enhance muscle strength and thickness. It is also recommended to release tourniquet pressure during rest intervals to alleviate discomfort. This protocol effectively improves muscle strength with minimal cardiac workload and reduced risk of adverse events.

Systematic Review Registration:

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023495465], identifier [CRD42023495465].
QTL mapping for pod quality and yield traits in snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Njau Serah Nyawira , Parker Travis A. , Duitama Jorge , Gepts Paul , Arunga Edith Esther
Published: August 2024

Pod quality and yield traits in snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) influence consumer preferences, crop adoption by farmers, and the ability of the product to be commercially competitive locally and globally. The objective of the study was to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTL) for pod quality and yield traits in a snap × dry bean recombinant inbred line (RIL) population. A total of 184 F6 RILs derived from a cross between Vanilla (snap bean) and MCM5001 (dry bean) were grown in three field sites in Kenya and one greenhouse environment in Davis, CA, USA. They were genotyped at 5,951 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and composite interval mapping was conducted to identify QTL for 16 pod quality and yield traits, including pod wall fiber, pod string, pod size, and harvest metrics. A combined total of 44 QTL were identified in field and greenhouse trials. The QTL for pod quality were identified on chromosomes Pv01, Pv02, Pv03, Pv04, Pv06, and Pv07, and for pod yield were identified on Pv08. Co-localization of QTL was observed for pod quality and yield traits. Some identified QTL overlapped with previously mapped QTL for pod quality and yield traits, with several others identified as novel. The identified QTL can be used in future marker-assisted selection in snap bean.
Do patients prefer a human doctor, artificial intelligence, or a blend, and is this preference dependent on medical discipline? Empirical evidence and implications for medical practice
Authors: Riedl René , Hogeterp Svea A. , Reuter Martin
Published: August 2024

Today the doctor-patient relationship typically takes place in a face-to-face setting. However, with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) systems, two further interaction scenarios are possible: an AI system supports the doctor’s decision regarding diagnosis and/or treatment while interacting with the patient, or an AI system could even substitute the doctor and hence a patient interacts with a chatbot (i.e., a machine) alone. Against this background, we report on an online experiment in which we analyzed data from N = 1,183 people. The data was collected in German-speaking countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). The participants were asked to imagine they had been suffering from medical conditions of unknown origin for some time and that they were therefore visiting a health center to seek advice from a doctor. We developed descriptions of patient-doctor interactions (referred to as vignettes), thereby manipulating the patient’s interaction partner: (i) human doctor, (ii) human doctor with an AI system, and (iii) an AI system only (i.e., chatbot). Furthermore, we manipulated medical discipline: (i) cardiology, (ii) orthopedics, (iii) dermatology, and (iv) psychiatry. Based on this 3 × 4 experimental within-subjects design, our results indicate that people prefer a human doctor, followed by a human doctor with an AI system, and an AI system alone came in last place. Specifically, based on these 12 hypothetical interaction situations, we found a significant main effect of a patient’s interaction partner on trust, distrust, perceived privacy invasion, information disclosure, treatment adherence, and satisfaction. Moreover, perceptions of trust, distrust, and privacy invasion predicted information disclosure, treatment adherence, and satisfaction as a function of interaction partner and medical discipline. We found that the situation in psychiatry is different from the other three disciplines. Specifically, the six outcome variables differed strongly between psychiatry and the three other disciplines in the “human doctor with an AI system” condition, while this effect was not that strong in the other conditions (human doctor, chatbot). These findings have important implications for the use of AI in medical care and in the interaction between patients and their doctors.
Assessing metarepresentational abilities in adolescence: an exploratory study on relationships between definitional competence and theory of mind
Authors: Cornaggia Alessia , Bianco Federica , Castelli Ilaria , Belacchi Carmen
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Several developmental changes occur in adolescence, particularly in the metarepresentational domain, which allows and promotes adaptive sociality. We explored the possible relationships between theory of mind (ToM) and definitional competence, both metarepresentational, beyond age and gender effects.

Methods

To reach our goals, we involved 75 adolescents (age range 14–19 years, M = 15.7, and SD = 1.36). ToM was measured through “The Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test” (RMET), and definitional competence was assessed through a new instrument, namely, the “Co.De. Scale”. Attention was paid to check whether results were different when considering mental states vs. non-mental states of the scale and emotional words vs. non-emotional words.

Results

T-tests showed that older adolescents (third grade of high school) performed better than younger ones (first grade of high school) in both tasks. Only in the male group, there were no school grade differences in the ToM task. Regression analyses showed that RMET performance predicted the score of non-emotional mental states definitions and, even if marginally, of ToM word definitions. However, RMET was not a predictor of the general performance of the definitional task or emotion definitions.

Discussion

Connections with global adolescents’ development and possible educational implications are discussed.
Evaluating the effects of safety incentives on worker safety behavior control through image-based activity classification
Authors: Lee Bogyeong , Kim Hyunsoo
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Construction worker safety remains a major concern even as task automation increases. Although safety incentives have been introduced to encourage safety compliance, it is still difficult to accurately measure the effectiveness of these measures. A simple count of accident rates and lower numbers do not necessarily mean that workers are properly complying with safety regulations. To address this problem, this study proposes an image-based approach to monitor moment-by-moment worker safety behavior and evaluate the effects of different safety incentive scenarios.

Methods

By capturing workers’ safety behaviors using a model integrated with OpenPose and spatiotemporal graph convolutional network, this study evaluated the effects of safety-incentive scenarios on workers’ compliance with rules while on the job. The safety incentive scenarios in this study were designed as 1) varying the type (i.e., providing rewards and penalties) of incentives and 2) varying the frequency of feedback about ones’ own compliance status during tasks. The effects of the scenarios were compared to the average compliance rates of three safety regulations (i.e., personal protective equipment self-monitoring hazard avoidance, and arranging the safety hook) for each scenario.

Results

The results show that 1) rewarding a good-compliance is more effective when there is no feedback on compliance status, and 2) penalizing non-compliance is more effective when there are three feedbacks during the tasks.

Discussion

This study provides a more accurate assessment of safety incentives and their effectiveness by focusing on safe behaviors to promote safety compliance among construction workers.
Shaping the future of healthcare: improving quality and safety through integrating simulation into Public Health education
Authors: Baldovin Tatjana , Bassan Francesco , Bertoncello Chiara , Buja Alessandra , Cocchio Silvia , Fonzo Marco , Baldo Vincenzo
Published: August 2024

This perspective focuses on the role of healthcare simulation in training and implementing processes aimed at improving the quality of care and patient safety. Evidence of the effectiveness of simulation in improving clinical performance, reducing healthcare costs and raising professional education standards is presented. In light of this evidence, we propose to consider simulation-based education as an integrative training modality in the preparation of health professionals in the field of Public Health. A pilot project is presented with the aim of training professionals capable of further contributing to improving the quality and safety of patients through an interdisciplinary and innovative approach.
Variability of winter cooling affects intensity of phytoplankton spring blooms – how resilient is the ciliate assemblage composition to changes in food availability?
Authors: Schalch-Schuler Martina , Wüest Alfred , Dirren-Pitsch Gianna , Niedermann Rafael , Bassin Barbara , Köster Oliver , Pernthaler Jakob , Posch Thomas
Published: August 2024

After years of partial winter mixing in Lake Zurich (Switzerland), a complete turnover of the water column reoccurred during winter/spring 2021. It was favored by a cold, windy winter and a small difference of water temperatures between the surface zone and a hypolimnion (deep water zone) that had gradually warmed during the previous years. The trend of declining phytoplankton spring blooms due to incomplete winter mixing was interrupted by mass development of algae due to the upwelling of nutrients accumulated in the hypolimnion. The effects of this singular deep mixing on the microbial food web during spring were studied in a high-frequency sampling campaign and compared with data from two years of partial winter mixing (2020 and 2022). A particular focus was put on the quantitative composition of the ciliate assemblage. Our results showed that not all organisms reacted equally to the nutrient (phosphorus) boost in the surface zone. Centric diatoms and cryptophytes profited most directly from the deep mixing, outcompeting the otherwise dominant cyanobacterium Planktothrix rubescens. Heterotrophic bacteria and their top predators, the ‘heterotrophic nanoflagellates’ trophic guild, were less affected by the nutrient supply and showed only short-lived increases of maximal biomass. The assemblage composition of ciliate morphotypes was highly resilient over the three years, presumably due to the range of acceptable food items of the predominant omnivorous species. However, numerous ciliate morphotypes showed brief mass development in 2021, and Balanion planctonicum, small Urotricha species and tintinnids were significantly more frequent than in 2020/2022. Small interception-feeding morphotypes apparently profited from the rich supply of their cryptomonad food, and tintinnid morphotypes additionally benefited from the availability of building material (e.g., centric diatom shells) for their loricae. In summary, we show that effects of lake warming in deep stratifying lakes are not as unidirectional as previously presumed, and we reveal resilience of the pelagic ciliate morphotype assemblage to lake warming related interannual variability in Lake Zurich.
Quantum computers, quantum computing, and quantum thermodynamics
Authors: Cleri Fabrizio
Published: August 2024

Quantum thermodynamics aims to extend standard thermodynamics and non-equilibrium statistical physics to systems with sizes well below the thermodynamic limit. It is a rapidly evolving research field that promises to change our understanding of the foundations of physics, while enabling the discovery of novel thermodynamic techniques and applications at the nanoscale. Thermal management has turned into a major obstacle in pushing the limits of conventional digital computers and could also represent a crucial issue for quantum computers. The practical realization of quantum computers with superconducting loops requires working at cryogenic temperatures to eliminate thermal noise, and ion-trap qubits also need low temperatures to minimize collisional noise. In both cases, the sub-nanometric sizes also bring about the thermal broadening of the quantum states; and even room-temperature photonic computers eventually require cryogenic detectors. A number of thermal and thermodynamic questions, therefore, take center stage, such as quantum re-definitions of work and heat, thermalization and randomization of quantum states, the overlap of quantum and thermal fluctuations, and many others, even including a proper definition of temperature for the small open systems constantly out of equilibrium that are the qubits. This overview provides an introductory perspective on a selection of current trends in quantum thermodynamics and their impact on quantum computers and quantum computing, with language that is accessible to postgraduate students and researchers from different fields.
Fate of emerging contaminants in the soil-plant system: a study on durum wheat irrigated with treated municipal wastewater
Authors: Denora Michele , Mehmeti Andi , Candido Vincenzo , Brunetti Gennaro , De Mastro Francesco , Murgolo Sapia , De Ceglie Cristina , Gatta Giuseppe , Giuliani Marcella Michela , Fiorentino Costanza , Perniola Michele
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Emerging contaminants in irrigation wastewater can cause bioaccumulation in crops, posing health risks to humans and other living organisms. The extent to which different emerging contaminants (ECs) are taken up by plants varies depending on the physicochemical properties of the contaminants and the type of crops grown.

Methods

This study investigated the fate of emerging contaminants (ECs), particularly pharmaceuticals, in durum wheat grown on soils irrigated with treated wastewater in southern Italy. The experiment was conducted in lysimeters irrigated with wastewater during previous crop cycles, assessing the presence and distribution of ECs in both soil and plant tissues. Three different levels of exposure to ECs were compared: freshwater irrigation (FW), wastewater treated to European average contaminant levels (TWWx1), and a triple dose of contaminants (TWWx3).

Results

The behavior of 12 different ECs in the plant-soil complex was analyzed and found variable. Fluconazole and carbamazepine were found to have higher uptake concentrations in the plant, with accumulation observed in the plant and grain, especially in the TWWx3 treatment. However, some ECs (such as Sulfamethoxazole, Trimethoprim, Ketoprofen, Diclofenac, Metoprolol, and Naproxen) showed high uncertainties in their fate, probably due to degradation in soil and influential crop parameters.

Discussion

The results of this study contribute to the argument that the reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation, if properly monitored, can be a safe approach in agriculture and can support policymakers in developing future legislative frameworks for sustainable water management.
A five domains assessment of sow welfare in a novel free farrowing system
Authors: Plush Kate , Lines David , Staveley Lauren , D’Souza Darryl , van Barneveld Robert
Published: August 2024

The Maternity Ring was developed as a free farrowing alternative to crates that preserved space whilst providing the sow with unrestricted movement. This experiment aimed to apply the Five Domains model to assess sow welfare in the Maternity Ring in comparison with the farrowing crate. Eighty-eight sows were housed in a farrowing crate (FC) and 83 in a Maternity Ring (MR), and measures collected focussed on nutrition, environment, health, behaviour, and mental state outcomes. MR sows consumed less feed than FC sows (total feed intake: 93.8 ± 3.06 kg vs. 111.2 ± 3.13 kg; p < 0.001) but had reduced P2 backfat loss during lactation (0.0 ± 0.11 vs. 1.2 ± 0.11, p < 0.001). Fewer frustrated and pain-related behaviours during farrowing were observed in MR sows (bar biting: FC 3.3 ± 2.12 vs. MR 0.5 ± 0.29 events, p = 0.038, and back leg forward: FC 227 ± 50.7 vs. MR 127 ± 26.4 events, p = 0.019), and a decreased proportion of MR sows had facial injuries after farrowing (10% CI [5, 20] vs. 67% CI [47, 95], p < 0.001). More FC sows had udder damage at weaning (70% CI [48, 97] vs. 10% CI [6, 24], p < 0.001), and their piglets were medicated more frequently when compared to those in MR (51% CI [40, 61] vs. 30% [21, 41], p = 0.008). MR sows tended to have a higher reaction score to piglet processing (MR 2.0 ± 0.38 vs. FC 1.2 ± 0.27, p = 0.094) and had more contact with piglets once the procedure was complete than FC sows (13.5 ± 2.55 vs. 6.9 ± 1.26 events, respectively, p = 0.016). Whilst there was no difference in anticipation of a feeding event (p > 0.05), MR sows displayed a reduced startle response to an aversive noise stimulus at day 18 (FC 2.8 ± 0.35, MR 0.7 ± 0.16, p < 0.001). Using the Five Domains framework, sows housed in the MR during farrowing and lactation have improved welfare than those in FC and can be thought of as being in a positive affective state.
Quantitative proteomic analysis and replacement therapy identifies haptoglobin as a therapeutic target in a murine model of SLE-associated diffuse alveolar hemorrhage
Authors: Yan Ninghui , Shao Chenyi , Zhen Yan , Zhang Xueliang , Xia Nana , Guo Qiang
Published: August 2024

Background

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a catastrophic clinical syndrome and one of the manifestations of pulmonary involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which is characterized by hemoptysis, diffuse pulmonary infiltrates, and respiratory failure. However, the treatment options for DAH remain limited, and DAH-related studies are needed to explore more effective therapeutic directions for better disease management and improved prognosis.

Methods

This study utilized the pristane-induced DAH murine model to mimic the pathological process of DAH in patients with SLE. Proteomic analysis was conducted to detect differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the plasma of surviving and non-surviving mice, followed by an analysis of biological functions and pathways. The most significant DEP was then confirmed in the plasma of SLE patients with or without DAH and DAH murine model with or without fatal outcomes. Finally, the therapeutic value of haptoglobin (Hp) replacement was validated in a DAH murine model through lung histopathology, RT-qPCR, and survival analysis.

Results

This study identified 178 DEPs, with 118 upregulated and 60 downregulated DEPs in the non-survival group. Within a set of notable Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, complement and coagulation cascades emerged as the most prominent pathway associated with the process of DAH. Later, the most significant DEP, haptoglobin (Hp), was confirmed to exhibit a significant decrease in the plasma of individuals with SLE-DAH and DAH murine model with poor outcomes by the ELISA test. Finally, compared with the control group, the severity of DAH in the Hp treatment group was alleviated significantly, as manifested by the decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α), increased levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β), and decreased mortality.

Conclusion

A reduction in plasma Hp levels was observed in SLE-DAH, and the replacement therapy with Hp could alleviate pulmonary hemorrhage and reduce mortality in DAH mice. This study identified Hp as a potential biomarker for its clinical diagnosis and a direction for treatment.
Creative Tourism: Two Decades of Conceptual Evolution and Characterization
Authors: Benhaida Soufiane , Safaa Larbi , Perkumienė Dalia , Labanauskas Gintautas
Published: August 2024

The concept of “creative tourism”, emerging at the century’s start, responds to the “creative turn” in tourist destinations, aligning with the evolving creative class, clusters, and cities. This study employs a bibliometric analysis to examine the evolution and academic focus on creative tourism over the past two decades. Using databases like Scopus and Web of Science, we analyzed key trends, thematic developments, and the impact of creative industries on tourism. Our study reveals significant growth in creative tourism research, emphasizing creativity’s role in enhancing tourism experiences and formulating sustainable, culturally rich models. It underscores the importance of integrating creative industries into tourism and the positive impact on local economies and community development. This analysis not only maps the academic trajectory of creative tourism but also highlights its practical implications for future tourism management and sustainable community development.
Sustainable Fashion Choices: Exploring European Consumer Motivations behind Second-Hand Clothing Purchases
Authors: Halicki Daniel , Zaborek Piotr , Meylan Grégoire
Published: August 2024

The second-hand clothing (SHC) market has seen dynamic expansion, driven by shifts in consumer attitudes. However, motivations underlying customer engagement in this market remain largely unexplored. Accordingly, this study investigates factors driving consumer sentiment towards buying used clothing. Data were collected in 2023 from a sample of 254 European consumers. The results show that positive attitudes towards SHC are associated with high levels of economic, hedonic (treasure hunting) and ethical motivations, while strong fashion interest and materialism seem to coincide with more negative evaluations of SHC. Interestingly, treasure hunting motivation emerged as the strongest driver of SHC attitudes, surpassing both economic and ethical motivations, which were similar in strength. However, mediation analysis revealed complex interaction patterns among the attitudinal variables, with the potential of reversing the direction of average regression weights for individuals as well as subgroups of customers. This study offers a more nuanced understanding of consumer behavior in the SHC market. It provides practical recommendations for the marketing strategies of SHC vendors, and lays the groundwork for future research in this area.
A Novel Aircraft Trajectory Generation Method Embedded with Data Mining
Authors: Gui Xuhao , Zhang Junfeng , Tang Xinmin , Delahaye Daniel , Bao Jie
Published: August 2024

Data mining has achieved great success in air traffic management as a technology for learning knowledge from historical data that benefits people. However, data mining can rarely be embedded into the trajectory optimization process since regular optimization algorithms cannot utilize the functional and implicit knowledge extracted from historical data in a general paradigm. To tackle this issue, this research proposes a novel data mining-based trajectory generation method that is compatible with existing optimization algorithms. Firstly, the proposed method generates trajectories by combining various maneuvers learned from operation data instead of reconstructing trajectories with generative models. In such a manner, data mining-based trajectory optimization can be achieved by solving a combinatorial optimization problem. Secondly, the proposed method introduces a majorization–minimization-based adversarial training paradigm to train the generation model with more general loss functions, including non-differentiable flight performance constraints. A case study on Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport was conducted to validate the proposed method. The results illustrate that the trajectory generation model can generate trajectories with high fidelity, diversity, and flyability.
Modified Zweifel Coefficient and Lift Coefficient Definition Considering Compressible Effect
Authors: Ni Ming , Wei Zuojun , Deng Weimin , Ren Guangming , Gan Xiaohua
Published: August 2024

The accurate prediction of blade loading is crucial to designing efficient turbomachinery, but traditional methods often neglect the impact of compressibility, leading to inaccuracies at high speeds. This study investigates the effect of compressibility on the blade loading parameters, particularly the Zweifel coefficient (Zw) and lift coefficient (CL), in turbine cascades. A novel intermediate method (IM), with averaged flow properties derived from both inlet and outlet conditions, is proposed to enhance the accuracy of Zw and CL calculations in compressible flow regimes. This method is based on the extended Kutta–Joukowski theorem for compressible flow and incorporates the Mach number directly into the modified definitions of Zw and CL. The analysis reveals that the averaged flow angle (αm), calculated by using a velocity-weighted approach, serves as a crucial parameter for blade similarity studies. The proposed correction method is applied and validated based on CFD simulations of the VKI-RG turbine cascade. The IM and modified definitions provide a robust framework for accurately predicting blade loading at high speeds, enabling improved design and analysis of turbomachinery.
An Intelligent Bait Delivery Control Method for Flight Vehicle Evasion Based on Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Xue Shuai , Wang Zhaolei , Bai Hongyang , Yu Chunmei , Deng Tianyu , Sun Ruisheng
Published: August 2024

During aerial combat, when an aircraft is facing an infrared air-to-air missile strike, infrared baiting technology is an important means of penetration, and the strategy of effective delivery of infrared bait is critical. To address this issue, this study proposes an improved deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) algorithm-based intelligent bait-dropping control method. Firstly, by modeling the relative motion between aircraft, bait, and incoming missiles, the Markov decision process of aircraft-bait-missile infrared effect was constructed with visual distance and line of sight angle as states. Then, the DDPG algorithm was improved by means of pre-training and classification sampling. Significantly, the infrared bait-dropping decision network was trained through interaction with the environment and iterative learning, which led to the development of the bait-dropping strategy. Finally, the corresponding environment was transferred to the Nvidia Jetson TX2 embedded platform for comparative testing. The simulation results showed that the convergence speed of this method was 46.3% faster than the traditional DDPG algorithm. More importantly, it was able to generate an effective bait-throwing strategy, enabling the aircraft to successfully evade the attack of the incoming missile. The strategy instruction generation time is only about 2.5 ms, giving it the ability to make online decisions.
An Improved Comprehensive Atomization Model for Pressure Swirl Atomizers
Authors: Qian Weijia , Wang Jinduo , Hui Xin , Yang Siheng , Cheng Ruyue , Wang Ping
Published: August 2024

This study presents an improved comprehensive atomization model for a pressure swirl atomizer. The model integrates internal flow predictions, linear instability analysis of a swirling annular liquid sheet, primary atomization sub-model, and droplet velocity sub-model. Measurement data combined with the inviscid theory model predict the internal flow, providing liquid sheet velocity and thickness at the atomizer outlet. The dispersion relation of surface disturbances is obtained through linear instability analysis. A primary breakup predictive model for particle size distribution is constructed based on the wavelength and growth rate within the full unstable wavenumber range of the dispersion relation. Assuming uniform circumferential distribution and a normal distribution of spray angles, the droplet velocity is assigned according to the liquid sheet velocity. The model is implemented into Eulerian–Lagrangian simulations as initial conditions for discrete phase droplets to simulate the spray field. Results show the model can accurately predict the Sauter mean diameter with an error of less than 6% and effectively predicts the spray structure and spray cone angle. The dependency of the model on its parameters is also studied, determining that the values of the ligament constant and dispersion angle have an obvious impact on the prediction of Sauter mean diameter and spray structure.
Direct Closed-Loop Control Structure for the Three-Axis Satcom-on-the-Move Antenna
Authors: Ren Jiao , Ji Xiaoxiang , Han Lei , Li Jianghong , Song Shubiao , Wu Yafeng
Published: August 2024

The traditional Satcom-on-the-Move (SOTM) mechanical structure consists of a dual-axis configuration with an azimuth axis and a pitch axis. In this structure, when the pitch angle is 90 degrees, the rotation of the azimuth axis cannot change the antenna’s direction. To solve this issue, a three-axis SOTM mechanical structure has been developed. The traditional three-axis SOTM servo control system adopts a closed-loop control scheme. In this scheme, due to the difficulty in directly obtaining the antenna’s rotation angle, the angles of rotation for each axis are typically selected to represent the antenna’s rotation angle. The closed-loop feedback includes the angles and angular velocities of the axes, which cannot completely capture the antenna’s motion state, essentially constituting an indirect closed-loop control. Addressing the shortcomings of this indirect closed-loop control, this paper first establishes the kinematic relations between the axes of the three-axis SOTM antenna using the Denavit–Hartenberg (DH) method. Subsequently, the relationship between antenna pointing and the rotational states of the three axes was derived using the Jacobian operator. Building upon this foundation, a direct closed-loop control structure for a three-axis SOTM antenna was designed. To enable the control system to achieve rapid convergence with minimal overshoot, an Active Disturbance Rejection Control (ADRC) algorithm based on smooth continuous functions is introduced as the inner and outer loop controller algorithms within the direct closed-loop control structure. To address the nonlinearity in the design scheme, a piecewise linearization method is proposed to reduce the demands on the microprocessor’s performance and enhance the engineering feasibility of the solution. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed approach is validated through experiments. The experimental results demonstrate that compared to traditional indirect closed-loop control methods, utilizing the direct closed-loop control method for the three-axis SOTM antenna presented in this paper can lead to higher precision in pointing the antenna towards satellites and enhance communication effectiveness.
Size-Dependent Finite Element Analysis of Functionally Graded Flexoelectric Shell Structures Based on Consistent Couple Stress Theory
Authors: Deng Zhuo , Shang Yan
Published: August 2024

The functionally graded (FG) flexoelectric material is a potential material to determine the structural morphing of aircrafts. This work proposes the penalty 20-node element based on the consistent couple stress theory for analyzing the FG flexoelectric plate and shell structures with complex geometric shapes and loading conditions. Several numerical examples are examined and prove that the new element can predict the size-dependent behaviors of FG flexoelectric plate and shell structures effectively, showing good convergence and robustness. Moreover, the numerical results reveal that FG flexoelectric material exhibits better bending performance and higher flexoelectric effect compared to homogeneous materials. Moreover, the increase in the material length scale parameter leads to a gradual increase in the natural frequencies of the out-of-plane modes of FG flexoelectric plate/shell, while the natural frequencies of the in-plane modes change minimally, resulting in the occurrence of mode-switching phenomena.
Abiotic Stresses, Biostimulants and Plant Activity—Series II
Authors: Regni Luca , Del Buono Daniele , Proietti Primo
Published: August 2024

Agricultural practices often mainly focus on maximizing productivity [...]
Three-Dimensional Obstacle Avoidance Harvesting Path Planning Method for Apple-Harvesting Robot Based on Improved Ant Colony Algorithm
Authors: Yan Bin , Quan Jianglin , Yan Wenhui
Published: August 2024

The cultivation model for spindle-shaped apple trees is widely used in modern standard apple orchards worldwide and represents the direction of modern apple industry development. However, without an effective obstacle avoidance path, the robotic arm is prone to collision with obstacles such as fruit tree branches during the picking process, which may damage fruits and branches and even affect the healthy growth of fruit trees. To address the above issues, a three-dimensional path -planning algorithm for full-field fruit obstacle avoidance harvesting for spindle-shaped fruit trees, which are widely planted in modern apple orchards, is proposed in this study. Firstly, based on three typical tree structures of spindle-shaped apple trees (free spindle, high spindle, and slender spindle), a three-dimensional spatial model of fruit tree branches was established. Secondly, based on the grid environment representation method, an obstacle map of the apple tree model was established. Then, the initial pheromones were improved by non-uniform distribution on the basis of the original ant colony algorithm. Furthermore, the updating rules of pheromones were improved, and a biomimetic optimization mechanism was integrated with the beetle antenna algorithm to improve the speed and stability of path searching. Finally, the planned path was smoothed using a cubic B-spline curve to make the path smoother and avoid unnecessary pauses or turns during the harvesting process of the robotic arm. Based on the proposed improved ACO algorithm (ant colony optimization algorithm), obstacle avoidance 3D path planning simulation experiments were conducted for three types of spindle-shaped apple trees. The results showed that the success rates of obstacle avoidance path planning were higher than 96%, 86%, and 92% for free-spindle-shaped, high-spindle-shaped, and slender-spindle-shaped trees, respectively. Compared with traditional ant colony algorithms, the average planning time was decreased by 49.38%, 46.33%, and 51.03%, respectively. The proposed improved algorithm can effectively achieve three-dimensional path planning for obstacle avoidance picking, thereby providing technical support for the development of intelligent apple picking robots.
Solid-State Fermentation for Phenolic Compounds Recovery from Mexican Oregano (Lippia graveolens Kunth) Residual Leaves Applying a Lactic Acid Bacteria (Leuconostoc mesenteroides)
Authors: Bautista-Hernández Israel , Gómez-García Ricardo , Aguilar Cristóbal N. , Martínez-Ávila Guillermo C. G. , Torres-León Cristian , Chávez-González Mónica L.
Published: August 2024

The Mexican oregano by-products are a source of bioactive molecules (polyphenols) that could be extracted using solid-state fermentation (SSF). This study fermented the by-products via SSF (120 h) with a lactic acid bacteria (LAB) Leuconostoc mesenteroides. Sequentially, a bioactive and chemical determination was made according to the phenolic content, antioxidant activity (DPPH●/FRAP), bioactive properties (α-amylase inhibition and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli), and chemical composition (HPLC-MS). The results showed that the total phenolics and flavonoid content, as well as the antioxidant activity, increased (0.60, 2.55, and 3.01 times, respectively) during the SSF process compared with unfermented material. Also, the extracts showed antimicrobial activity against E. coli and α-amylase inhibition. These inhibitory results could be attributed to bioactive compounds identified via HPLC, such as gardenin B, trachelogenin, ferulic acid, and resveratrol 3-O-glucoside. Therefore, the application of L. mesenteroides under SSF on oregano by-products comprises an eco-friendly strategy for their valorization as raw materials for the recovery of phenolic compounds that could be natural alternatives against synthetic antioxidant and antimicrobial agents, promoting a more circular and sustainable supply system within the oregano industry.
Biochar Improves Wax Gourd (Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn.) Yield and Quality by Regulating the Chemical Properties of Acidic Soil and Promoting Nutrient Uptake
Authors: Li Zhen , Hao Yongzhou , Li Hongzhao , Fu Tianhong , Li Jing , Peng Yutao , Chang Jingjing , Chen Lei , Xie Dasen , Chen Xiao , Gu Wenjie , Song Zhao , Zhang Baige
Published: August 2024

Biochar is widely used to maintain crop yields and the sustainability of agroecosystems due to its characteristics. However, its effect on vegetable yield and quality in southern acidic soils has not been fully elucidated. The effects of two kinds of biochar application rates (3 t ha−1 and 12 t ha−1) on the nutrient availability, nutrient absorption, yield, and fruit quality of sandy acid oxide soil in South China were studied in a 2-year field experiment using two varieties of wax gourd (Tiezhu No. 2 and Dadao). The results showed that optimized fertilization (OPT, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were reduced by 20.0%, 20.6%, and 21.1%, respectively) did not reduce the yield of the different varieties of wax gourd compared to FP (farmer practice). On the basis of the OPT treatment, the application of biochar increased the yield of Tiezhu No. 2 and Dadao wax gourd by 16.0–27.3% and 7.7–13.3%, respectively. The increase in yield was attributed to the improvement in soil organic carbon content which increased by 4.5–19.7%, nutrient effectiveness (NO3−-N and Olsen-P content enhanced by 23.7–27.0% and 15.3–23.4% in Tiezhu No. 2), and nutrient uptake (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg accumulation increased significantly by 21.1%, 46.1%, 36.8%, 25.7%, and 31.9%, respectively) by the plant after the biochar application. Different types of biochar also have some differences in these three aspects. Specifically, under the same dosage, rice biochar has a more significant effect on increasing the yield of winter melon, and has a better effect on the improvement of soil physical and chemical properties, while sawdust biochar has a more significant effect on nutrient absorption. In addition, the commercial quality, namely hardness and glossiness, and the nutritional quality, namely soluble sugar, soluble protein, VC content, and sugar–acid ratio of wax gourd fruits, were significantly improved after the biochar application. In summary, biochar application on acidic soils in South China could achieve a win–win situation in terms of increasing soil nutrient effectiveness to improve vegetable yield and quality while reducing chemical fertilizer.