bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Capsicum oleoresin on the Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Meat Quality of Fattening Beef Cattle
Authors: Wang Zihua , You Wei , Hu Xin , Cheng Haijian , Song Enliang , Hu Zhiyong , Jiang Fugui
Published: January 2025

This study investigated the effects of Capsicum oleoresin (CAP) on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and meat quality of fattening beef cattle. A total of 48 Simmental crossbred cattle, selected based on body weight (484.7 ± 48.4 kg), were randomly assigned to four treatment groups (each with 12 animals) in a randomized complete block design. In each group, the basal diet was supplemented with 0 g/d CAP (control), 4 g/d, 8 g/d and 12 g/d. The results showed that adding CAP linearly increased the dry matter intake (DMI; p = 0.023), led to a quadratic increase in the average daily gain (ADG; p = 0.035) and linearly decreased the feed-to-gain ratio (F/G; p = 0.018). The apparent digestibility of CP also linearly increased with increasing CAP dosage (p = 0.023), while the apparent digestibility of ADF showed a decreasing trend (p = 0.054). Additionally, the slaughter performance index and nutritional composition of beef were not affected by the amount of CAP added (p > 0.05), while the pH value of beef decreased linearly with increasing CAP addition (p = 0.016). Among all groups, the 8 g/d one exhibited the highest DMI, ADG, F/G, apparent digestibility of CP and water-holding capacity, as well as the lowest cooking loss. In conclusion, CAP can be used as a potential novel feed additive in the diet of beef cattle to improve growth performance and nutrient digestibility. Under the conditions applied in this study, a CAP amount of 8 g/d per cattle was found to be optimum for fattening beef cattle.
Advanced Deep Learning Models for Melanoma Diagnosis in Computer-Aided Skin Cancer Detection
Authors: Kaur Ranpreet , GholamHosseini Hamid , Lindén Maria
Published: January 2025

The most deadly type of skin cancer is melanoma. A visual examination does not provide an accurate diagnosis of melanoma during its early to middle stages. Therefore, an automated model could be developed that assists with early skin cancer detection. It is possible to limit the severity of melanoma by detecting it early and treating it promptly. This study aims to develop efficient approaches for various phases of melanoma computer-aided diagnosis (CAD), such as preprocessing, segmentation, and classification. The first step of the CAD pipeline includes the proposed hybrid method, which uses morphological operations and context aggregation-based deep neural networks to remove hairlines and improve poor contrast in dermoscopic skin cancer images. An image segmentation network based on deep learning is then used to extract lesion regions for detailed analysis and calculate the optimized classification features. Lastly, a deep neural network is used to distinguish melanoma from benign lesions. The proposed approaches use a benchmark dataset named International Skin Imaging Collaboration (ISIC) 2020. In this work, two forms of evaluations are performed with the classification model. The first experiment involves the incorporation of the results from the preprocessing and segmentation stages into the classification model. The second experiment involves the evaluation of the classifier without employing these stages i.e., using raw images. From the study results, it can be concluded that a classification model using segmented and cleaned images contributes more to achieving an accurate classification rate of 93.40% with a 1.3 s test time on a single image.
Study on the Attribute Characteristics of Road Cracks Detected by Ground-Penetrating Radar
Authors: Guo Shili , Yu Mingyu , Xu Zhiwei , Yue Guanghua , Cai Wencai , Tian Pengfei
Published: January 2025

Cracks are a common form of road distress that can significantly impact pavement integrity. Accurate detection of the attribute characteristics of cracks, including the type, location (top and bottom), width, and orientation, is crucial for effective repair and treatment. This study combines numerical simulations with filed data to investigate how the amplitudes of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) early-time signals (ETSs) vary with changes in the crack top and width, as well as how variations in the crack bottom impact radar reflected wave amplitude. The results show that when GPR ETSs are mixed with diffracted waves from the crack top, the amplitude change percentage of the ETS at the crack top exhibits a pronounced ‘∨’-shaped dip, which provides a clearer indication of the crack top. Furthermore, a positive correlation exists between crack width and the amplitude change percentage, offering a theoretical basis for quantitatively estimating crack width. On the reflected wave originating from the interface between the semi-rigid base and the subgrade, a pronounced ‘∧’-shaped dip is observed in the trough amplitude change percentage of the reflected wave at the crack bottom. For cracks of the same width, the amplitude of the ‘∧’ vertex from reflective cracks is approximately three times greater than that from fatigue cracks. This discrepancy helps identify the crack bottom and quantitatively diagnose their types. The line connecting the vertices of the ‘∨’ and ‘∧’ shapes indicate the crack’s orientation. Accurate diagnosis of crack properties can guide precise, minimally invasive treatment methods, effectively repairing road cracks and extending the road’s service life.
Survey on Context-Aware Radio Frequency-Based Sensing
Authors: Casmin Eugene , Oliveira Rodolfo
Published: January 2025

Radio frequency (RF) spectrum sensing is critical for applications requiring precise object and posture detection and classification. This survey aims to provide a focused review of context-aware RF-based sensing, emphasizing its principles, advancements, and challenges. It specifically examines state-of-the-art techniques such as phased array radar, synthetic aperture radar, and passive RF sensing, highlighting their methodologies, data input domains, and spatial diversity strategies. The paper evaluates feature extraction methods and machine learning approaches used for detection and classification, presenting their accuracy metrics across various applications. Additionally, it investigates the integration of RF sensing with other modalities, such as inertial sensors, to enhance context awareness and improve performance. Challenges like environmental interference, scalability, and regulatory constraints are addressed, with insights into real-world mitigation strategies. The survey concludes by identifying emerging trends, practical applications, and future directions for advancing RF sensing technologies.
Network Flow Method Integrates Skeleton Information for Multiple C. elegans Tracking
Authors: Yu Taoyuan , Xu Xiping , Zhang Ning
Published: January 2025

In order to solve the issues arising from collisions, this paper proposes a network flow method combined with skeleton information for multiple C. elegans tracking. In the intra-track stage, non-colliding C. elegans are identified and associated as trajectory fragments based on their motion and positional information, and colliding C. elegans are then segmented based on an improved skeleton algorithm and matched as trajectory fragments. Subsequently, the trajectory fragments are employed as vertices to construct a network flow model. The minimum-cost method is then utilized to solve the model, thereby obtaining the optimal solution for the multiple C. elegans trajectories. The proposed method was evaluated using video data of the C. elegans population at three distinct ages: L4, young adult, and D1. The experimental results demonstrate that the method proposed in this paper exhibits a MOTA between 0.86 and 0.92, and an MOTP between 0.78 and 0.83, which indicates that the proposed method can be employed in multiple C. elegans tracking. It is our hope that this method will prove beneficial to C. elegans laboratories, offering a novel approach to multiple C. elegans tracking.
Research on EV Crawler-Type Soil Sample Robot Using GNSS Information
Authors: Yang Liangliang , Tomioka Chiaki , Hoshino Yohei , Kamata Sota , Kikuchi Shunsuke
Published: January 2025

In Japan, the decline in the number of agricultural workers and the aging of the workforce are problems, and there is a demand for more efficient and labor-saving work. Furthermore, in order to correct the rising price of fertilizer and the increasing burden on the environment caused by fertilizer, there is a demand for more efficient fertilization. Therefore, we aim to develop an electric soil sampling robot that can run autonomously using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) information. GNSS and the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) are used as navigation sensors. The work machine is a crawler type that reduces soil compaction. In addition, a route map was generated in advance using the coordinate values of the field, with soil sampling positions set at 10 m intervals. In the experiment, the robot traveled along the route map and stopped automatically. The standard deviation of the standard deviation of lateral error was about 0.032 m, and the standard deviation of the interval between soil sampling positions was also less than 0.05 m. Therefore, it can be said that the accuracy is sufficient for soil sampling. It can also be said that even higher density sampling is possible by setting the intervals for soil sampling at finer intervals.
Micro-Electromechanical System-Based Parasitic Patch Antenna on Quartz Substrate for High Gain
Authors: Zhao Haoran , Wang Qi , Du Jianyu , Chen Lang , Yue Wen , Wang Wei
Published: January 2025

This paper presents a novel Ku-band parasitic patch antenna based on MEMS technology. The antenna consists of two substrates that are bonded together. The lower substrate houses the main patch and the ground layer, while the upper substrate supports the parasitic patch. To minimize the dielectric loss, the parasitic patch is fabricated using a double-layer suspended film process, combining parylene C and Spin-on-glass (SOG) materials. The two substrates are also bonded using SOG. The proposed antenna achieves a measured bandwidth of 30% (11.1~15.01 GHz), a peak gain of 8.57 dBi, and a compact size of 0.87 × 0.87 × 0.09 λ03.
State-of-the-Art Design and Optimization of Strain Gauge-Type Load–Displacement Transducer for in In Situ Nanoindentation Systems
Authors: Lu Duhui , Liu Jianliang , Wang Mukai , Gu Sen
Published: January 2025

Force–displacement transducers are key components in in situ nanoindentation systems. The current existing capacitance-type transducers adopted in state-of-the-art commercial in situ nanoindentation systems are restricted by limited maximum ranges, and strain gauge-type transducers in the current in situ nanoindentation systems have the limitation of low resolution and high values of mass. In the paper, we propose a mechanical design and improvement of a low-mass strain gauge-type force–displacement transducer capable of performing high resolution in situ nanoindentation measurements. The transducer mainly consisted of a parallelogram-shaped flexure hinge and two strain gauges. Air resolution, in situ resolution, and mass experiments reported an air force resolution of 5 μN, an in situ force resolution of 5 μN inside a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and a mass of 6.53 g of such a strain gauge-type load–displacement transducer. Then, the transducer was assembled into a newly developed in situ nanoindentation–atomic force microscope (AFM) hybrid system and a newly developed in situ nanoindentation system. The proposed design successfully performed nanoindentation measurements inside SEM. Based on the results, the proposed strain gauge-type transducer shows great advantages compared to the current state-of-the-art transducers.
Green Preparation of ZnO Nanoparticles Using Citrus aurantium L. Extract for Dye Adsorption, Antibacterial, and Antioxidant Activities
Authors: Yang Xitao , Liu Liangliang , Chen Chenxiao , Liao Liping , Huang Siqi
Published: January 2025

In this study, ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized using a green method employing fresh Citrus aurantium L. aqueous extract (CA) as a reducing agent. After preparation, the ZnO NPs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and infrared spectroscopy (IR). The products displayed irregular particle shapes on a nanoscale. The adsorption ability of ZnO NPs was tested with amaranth red dye, and the result showed that it had a satisfied capacity for amaranth red. The adsorption data followed the pseudo-second-order model and the Langmuir model, which indicated the adsorption process was controlled by a chemical adsorption process and occurred homogeneously on the surface of absorbents. In addition, the prepared ZnO NPs also exhibited antibacterial abilities against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria; antioxidant activities were observed in 2-2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-di(3-ethylbenzthiazoline sulphonate) (ABTS) radicals scavenging assays and the ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, which were better than those of traditional ZnO NPs except in the FRAP assay. Based on these findings, the ZnO NPs fabricated with CA aqueous extract displayed promising abilities in the environmental remediation of dye wastewater.
Differences in Contractile Characteristics Among Various Muscle Groups in Youth Elite Female Team Handball Players Compared to a Control Group
Authors: Petronijević Milan , Ohnjec Katarina , Dopsaj Milivoj
Published: January 2025

Muscular strength and explosiveness are generally known as factors that affect physical performance. Physical ability modeling has a profound connection with long-term athlete development and talent identification. The purpose of the current study was to investigate differences in contractile characteristics (maximal isometric force and maximal rate of force development) among various muscle groups in youth elite female team handball players (n = 35, 16.6 ± 1.1 years) compared to a control group (n = 28, 16.7 ± 1.1 years). The following tests were performed: isometric non-dominant hand grip, isometric dominant hand grip, isometric deadlift, isometric standing leg extension, and isometric bilateral ankle extension. For each subject, the maximal isometric force and maximal rate of force development were derived from the isometric strength tests. The research analyzed a total of twenty-four variables, presented in both absolute and relative values. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences among all pairs of variables in the absolute values of maximal isometric force (Λ = 0.531, F = 10.07, p = 0.000) and maximal rate of force development (Λ = 0.692, F = 5.08, p = 0.001) between the two groups. The most significant difference was found in the grip of the dominant hand, where the impact of the difference was 43.6% and 37.0% for the absolute values of force and explosiveness. Conversely, no differences were observed between the pairs of variables representing the relative values across the two subject groups, except for the dominant hand grip relative force (p = 0.006). The results provide information about the contractile potentials of important muscle groups in the game of handball, which could help in adapting strength training according to the specifics of the strength and explosivity development of young female handball players.
Screening Dominant Species and Exploring Heavy Metals Repair Ability of Wild Vegetation for Phytoremediation in Copper Mine
Authors: Wang Xiaoli , Tao Caihong , An Lizhe
Published: January 2025

Phytoremediation, a sustainable approach, is a hot topic, particularly for harsh mining environments. The Baiyin copper mine, a typical example of massive sulfide deposits, retains value as a national park after closure. Our research on it aimed to explore phytoremediation. By studying the plant community’s phyto-sociological attributes, we found that plants maintained long-term stability, with restoration potential. And the top-level dominant species, Lycium chinense and Nitraria tangutorum, were selected as candidate repair plants based on importance value. Then, we assessed soil heavy metals using pollution indices and found that Pb, As, and Cd were the primary contributors, along with Cu and Zn, causing pollution. Next, we determined the repair ability of two candidate repair plants through their accumulation effect and transport efficiency, finding that both had strong tolerance to these heavy metals and accumulated similar amounts, except for Cu, which was slightly lower than expected; however, Lycium compensated for this with its higher Cu conversion rate, leading to its final recommendation. Lycium has an uncommon advantage: during extraction of active ingredients, it can remove heavy metals as impurities, preserving economic value. This discovery provides the idea, theoretical basis, and pioneer plant for the phytoremediation of sulfide deposits like the Baiyin copper mine, particularly in northwestern China’s mining regions.
The Impact of the Digital Economy on Urban Ecosystem Resilience in the Yellow River Basin
Authors: Wang Yu , Li Yupu
Published: January 2025

The digital economy is key to ecological security in the Yellow River Basin and to harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. This study uses data from 80 cities in the Yellow River Basin from 2010 to 2022 to examine how the digital economy affects urban ecological resilience. It uses three models to do this. The conclusion that the development of digital economy in the Yellow River Basin can significantly promote the enhancement of urban ecological environment resilience still holds after the robustness tests of phased regression, variable substitution and the introduction of instrumental variables. There is regional heterogeneity in the impact of digital economy on urban ecosystem resilience, showing the unbalanced spatial characteristics that the middle reaches are the highest, the upper reaches are the second highest, and the lower reaches are the lowest. The digital economy was shown to influence ecological resilience through a “double fixed-effects model” and a mediation effect model, via two intermediary pathways: “digital economy development → industrial structure upgrading → ecological resilience enhancement” and “digital economy development → resource allocation improvement → ecological resilience enhancement”. The digital economy was shown to transform and upgrade industrial structures and optimize capital and labor allocation, strengthening the ecological resilience of cities in the Yellow River Basin.
Binary Supplementary Cementitious Material from Expanded Clay Production Dust and Opoka
Authors: Kaminskas Rimvydas , Barauskas Irmantas , Uselis Skomantas , Savickaite Brigita
Published: January 2025

Global warming is a critical issue driven largely by the extensive release of greenhouse gases, with the cement industry being one of the biggest contributors to CO2 emissions. A sustainable solution involves the integration of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) into cement production, which can mitigate environmental impacts. This study focuses on the effects of binary SCMs, composed of calcined expanded clay kiln dust and opoka, on the hardening and hydration behavior of Portland cement. The analysis used methods such as X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, calorimetry, and compressive strength testing. The tested dust was thermally activated at 600 °C and the opoka was dried and milled to evaluate its combined influence on the cement properties. Portland cement was substituted with a combination of these two additives. The findings revealed that the two-component mixture exerts a multifaceted impact on the hydration process of Portland cement. The activated expanded clay kiln dust triggers a pozzolanic reaction because of its high reactivity, while the opoka component promotes the development of monocarboaluminates. This binary supplementary cementitious material, derived from opoka and expanded clay kiln dust, proves to be a highly effective substitute, allowing up to 25 wt.% replacement of Portland cement without reducing its compressive strength.
The Impact of User Behavior Based on Energy-Saving Potential of Refrigerators: A Combined Survey and Experimental Analysis with Reference to China
Authors: Qiao Lu , Liu Jialin , Shao Jiajia , Cheng Jianhong , Bai Yan , Bai Xue
Published: January 2025

Considering the challenges of increasing global energy scarcity and intensifying environmental problems, energy conservation in end-use energy-consuming products has become critical. In this study, we focused on household refrigerators and analyzed the individual characteristics, energy-saving awareness, and usage behaviors of Chinese refrigerator users; discussed the influence of individual characteristics and energy-saving awareness of users on refrigerator usage behavior; and evaluated the energy-saving potential with improved user behavior. The results showed that the energy-saving awareness or usage behavior of refrigerator users requires adjustment and improvement to avoid significant energy wastage. Additionally, a strong correlation was found between education, product energy efficiency level selection, age, and user behavior. Optimizing purchase choices among existing refrigerator energy efficiency grades would result in a national energy-saving potential of up to 9.31 × 1010 kW·h annually, whereas adjusting the door opening frequency and duration of some users could achieve annual energy savings of 6.14 × 1010 kW·h and 4.47 × 1010 kW·h, respectively. This study comprehensively evaluated the energy-saving potential of refrigerators from two aspects: market research and laboratory quantitative analysis. The results highlight that the government, enterprises, and individuals should pay attention to the energy-saving potential of refrigerators and actively take effective measures to promote the realization of the “dual carbon” goal.
Entrepreneurial Orientation in Social Entrepreneurship: A Systematic Literature Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Castillo-Villar Fernando Rey , Cavazos-Arroyo Judith , Castillo-Villar Krystel K.
Published: January 2025

This study aims to conduct a systematic literature review on entrepreneurial orientation (EO) in social entrepreneurship to clarify theoretical boundaries, integrate diverse findings, and identify research gaps. The “Theory–Context–Characteristics–Methodology” (TCCM) framework is adopted to analyze 81 articles on EO in social entrepreneurship. The review reveals that the field remains fragmented due to diverse theoretical and empirical contributions. The study highlights the need for future research to adapt theoretical perspectives to understand EO’s unique and hybrid aspects in social entrepreneurship, expand empirical research into under-represented geographical areas, conduct more longitudinal and qualitative studies to track changes in EO over time, and explore new variables that can further our understanding of EO in social entrepreneurship. The novelty of this study lies in the application of the TCCM framework to systematically analyze the literature on EO in social entrepreneurship. This framework facilitates the organization and evaluation of theoretical underpinnings, methodologies, contexts, and variables to identify relevant research gaps and future directions on the topic.
Financing Mechanisms and Preferences of Technology-Driven Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the Digitalization Context
Authors: Hu Jing , Huang Lianming , Li Weifu , Xu Hongyi
Published: January 2025

In the context of digitalization, this study investigated the financing mechanisms and preferences of technology-driven small and medium-sized enterprises (TDSMEs) listed on the National Equities Exchange and Quotations (NEEQ) in China. Its primary objective was to identify the factors influencing financing decisions and to elucidate how TDSMEs choose their financing options in a rapidly evolving digital environment. To achieve this goal, we constructed a panel regression model using financial data from 41 TDSMEs (2017–2023), identifying the key determinants of financing decisions while examining the impact of regional heterogeneity and validating the model’s robustness. The empirical findings indicated that various independent variables, including a firm’s capital structure, significantly influenced both internal and external financing. Additionally, six machine learning (ML) algorithms were employed to predict financing preferences. Among them, the random forest (RF) model achieved the best financing preferences performance, with an average F1 score of 0.814, indicating its robust predictive capability for TDSMEs’ financing preferences. To further validate the proposed models, we conducted a case study on a TDSME newly recognized in 2024 (named TS Pharmaceutical). Both the Lasso and RF models demonstrated outstanding predictive accuracy, confirming the practicality of the ML models. These results provide valuable insights into navigating the ever-changing digital financing landscape, offering recommendations for policymakers and financial institutions to better support TDSMEs. The key innovation of this study lies in its novel integration of conventional panel regression analysis and ML techniques, thereby bridging the gap between digital transformation and financing strategies while contributing both theoretically and practically to the field.
A Reference Architecture for Smart Car Parking Management Systems
Authors: Ozkaya Mert , Turunc Alper
Published: January 2025

Smart car parking management systems (SPMSs) have gained an ever-increasing popularity for the digital management of car parking processes. While various techniques and technologies have been proposed for SPMSs, the literature lacks in any generic software architecture design that can be reused systematically for the specifications of quality SPMS architectures. To bridge this gap, we propose a reference architecture (RA) for the SPMS product family after performing a comprehensive domain analysis. Our RA design offers a feature model that consists of the common and varying features for SPMSs. We offer multiple viewpoints for our RA, including context, module, component and connector, and allocation. The context viewpoint focuses on the stakeholders, the module viewpoint focuses on the software units, the component and connector viewpoint focuses on the layered architecture of SPMSs, and the allocation viewpoint focuses on mapping software units into the physical components. Each viewpoint can be re-used for specifying the application architecture of any SPMSs. We validated our RA with a real SPMS scenario specification and prototype development, where the former measures the reusability of RA and the latter measures the development performance. The RA design for SPMSs is expected to be useful for several stakeholders who research, develop, and sell SPMS solutions.
Immobilization of Cadmium by Fulvic Acid-Modified Palygorskite and Plant and Soil Metabolism Responses
Authors: Li Jianrui , Xu Yingming
Published: January 2025

This experiment was designed to investigate the immobilization effect of fulvic acid-modified palygorskite on cadmium (Cd) and evaluate metabolism responses in plants in terms of chlorophyll, proline, and soluble protein and in soils in terms of microorganism number and enzymatic activity. The characteristics of the specific surface area and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra of modified palygorskite were analyzed to obtain information on the clay structure. The infrared (IR) spectrum characteristics of modified palygorskite and Cd adsorption products were analyzed to study the Cd immobilization mechanism. The modified palygorskite was hydrated magnesia aluminum silicate clay with a surface area of 50.923 m2/g and dominant mesopore distribution. The silanol group (Si-OH) and carboxyl (-COOH) present in modified palygorskite can form a complex with Cd to induce a 12.8–60.3% reduction in available Cd in soil and a 17.9–76.8% reduction in plant Cd. A 7.0–22.9% rise in chlorophyll, a 19.2–64.1% increase in proline, and a 20.1% maximum increase in soluble protein in plants were observed. A 1.45-fold maximal increase in number of bacteria, a 56.7% maximal rise in number of fungi, a 64.8–206.2% rise in dehydrogenase activity, and a 22.9-fold maximal increase in cellulase activity in the soil were obtained. Fulvic acid-modified palygorskite is a recommended Cd inactivator based on the fact that clay application reduces the ecological risk of Cd entering the food chain and stimulates plant physiological metabolism and soil biochemical activity.
Anisotropic Compact Stars in General Relativity: An Exact Self-Bound Analytical Solution for Stellar Systems
Authors: Maurya Sunil Kumar , Mustafa Ghulam , Javed Faisal , Ray Saibal , Abd-Elmonem Assmaa , Alhubieshi Neissrien
Published: January 2025

In the present work, we investigate anisotropic compact stars under the general relativistic platform. Following a novel technique, we found an exact self-bound analytical stellar solution. The obtained solution was matched on the spherical surface of the boundary to the Schwarzschild metric in order to find the expressions of the constants involved in the neutral system. We conducted various critical investigations such as on the variations in pressures, density, energy conditions, pressure–density ratios, the velocity of sounds, and gravitational potentials within stellar objects. We also conducted a stability analysis of the models using the cracking concepts and the adiabatic index. The values of the constant parameters were taken corresponding to the secondary components of GW190814 to validate the physical viability of our solution. This study provides fruitful results that are physically viable and, hence, satisfactory.
NIAID Workshop Report: Systematic Approaches for ESKAPE Bacteria Antigen Discovery
Authors: Sastalla Inka , Kwon Keehwan , Huntley Clayton , Taylor Kimberly , Brown Liliana , Samuel Tamika , Zou Lanling
Published: January 2025

On 14–15 November 2023, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) organized a workshop entitled “Systematic Approaches for ESKAPE Bacteria Antigen Discovery”. The goal of the workshop was to engage scientists from diverse relevant backgrounds to explore novel technologies that can be harnessed to identify and address current roadblocks impeding advances in antigen and vaccine discoveries for the ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species). The workshop consisted of four sessions that addressed ESKAPE infections, antigen discovery and vaccine efforts, and new technologies including systems immunology and vaccinology approaches. Each session was followed by a panel discussion. In total, there were over 260 in-person and virtual attendees, with high levels of engagement. This report provides a summary of the event and highlights challenges and opportunities in the field of ESKAPE vaccine discovery.
Protective Efficacy of Decreasing Antigen Doses of a Chlamydia abortus Subcellular Vaccine Against Ovine Enzootic Abortion in a Pregnant Sheep Challenge Model
Authors: Livingstone Morag , Aitchison Kevin , Palarea-Albaladejo Javier , Ciampi Francesco , Underwood Clare , Paladino Antonia , Chianini Francesca , Entrican Gary , Wattegedera Sean Ranjan , Longbottom David
Published: January 2025

Background/Objective: Chlamydia abortus, the cause of ovine enzootic abortion, is a zoonotic bacterial pathogen and one of the most infectious causes of foetal death in sheep worldwide. Although the disease can be controlled using commercial inactivated and live whole-organism vaccines, there are issues with both, particularly concerning efficacy and safety. Recently, we have described the development of a new COMC (chlamydial outer membrane complex) vaccine based on a detergent-extracted outer membrane protein preparation of the pathogen, which can be delivered in a single inoculation and is both efficacious and safe. Methods: In this study, we have evaluated the COMC vaccine further in a dose–response titration of the chlamydial antigen content of the vaccine (from 20 to 2.5 µg in seven experimental groups) using an established pregnant sheep challenge model. Results: No obvious dose–response relationship was observed across the groups, with a single abortion event occurring in four of the groups and three in the lowest dose group (2.5 µg). No abortions occurred in the 15 and 10 µg groups. The abortion rates (0–14%) were significantly below that of the challenge control group (33%). A similar reduction in bacterial shedding of infectious organisms following parturition was observed in the vaccinated groups compared to the challenge control group, which is important in terms of reducing potential transmission to naive animals. Conclusions: The results show that a dose of 10 µg antigen in the vaccine will be optimal in terms of maximising efficacy, reducing shedding at parturition, and ensuring it is cost-effective to produce for commercial manufacture.
Antibody Responses to mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Among Healthcare Workers in Outpatient Clinics in Japan
Authors: Otoguro Teruhime , Wagatsuma Keita , Hino Toshiharu ,   The Society of Ambulatory and General Pediatrics of Japan, Ichikawa Yusuke , Purnama Tri Bayu , Sun Yuyang , Li Jiaming , Chon Irina , Watanabe Hisami , Saito Reiko
Published: January 2025

Background: This study aimed to assess the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines among healthcare workers (HCWs) from multiple outpatient clinics in Japan, examining the effects of baseline characteristics (e.g., sex, age, underlying condition, smoking history, occupation) and prior infections. Methods: A total of 101 HCWs provided serum at four time points between October 2020 and July 2023. HCWs received two to six doses of mRNA vaccine (BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273). Anti-nucleocapsid (N) and anti-spike (S) IgG antibodies against the ancestral Wuhan strain were measured using the Abbott Architect™ SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay. Univariate and regression analysis evaluated factors such as past infections, age, sex, smoking, underlying condition, and occupation. Results: After four to six doses, the median anti-S IgG titer in uninfected HCWs was 1807.30 BAU/mL, compared to 1899.89 BAU/mL in HCWs with prior infections. The median anti-N IgG titer was 0.10 index S/C in uninfected HCWs and 0.39 index S/C in infected HCWs. HCWs with prior infection had anti-S IgG titers 1.1 to 5.8 times higher than those without. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated infection and vaccination significantly increased anti-S and anti-N IgG titers. Age, sex, smoking history and occupation did not influence antibody titers while underlying conditions were associated with lower anti-N IgG titers. Conclusions: Infection and vaccination were strongly associated with an increase in anti-S and anti-N IgG titers; however, the impact of hybrid immunity appeared to be limited and varied depending on the timing of the sampling. These findings provide valuable insights for developing personalized vaccination strategies and future vaccine development.
Development, Current Status, and Remaining Challenges for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines
Authors: Anastassopoulou Cleo , Medić Snežana , Ferous Stefanos , Boufidou Fotini , Tsakris Athanasios
Published: January 2025

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes significant morbidity and mortality, especially in young children and the elderly. RSV vaccine development puzzled vaccinologists for years. Safety concerns of initial formulations, the lack of an absolute correlate of protection, and the need for selecting appropriate virus attenuation and antigen–adjuvant combinations contributed to delayed vaccine production. The recent stabilization of the RSV-F glycoprotein in the prefusion (preF) conformation that constitutes the primary target of RSV-neutralizing antibodies was key for efficient vaccine design. Two protein subunit vaccines (GSK’s Arexvy and Pfizer’s Abrysvo) and one mRNA RSV vaccine (Moderna’s mRESVIA) are now available. This article aims to provide a comparative overview of the safety and efficacy of novel RSV vaccines that are approved for the prevention of RSV-lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) in adults 60 years of age and older, with updated recommendations calling for the expansion of vaccination to all adults at increased risk for severe RSV disease. Abrysvo is the only vaccine indicated for use in pregnancy to prevent RSV-LRTD in infants from birth to 6 months of age. We provide a comparative assessment of the efficacy of approved RSV vaccines over a maximum of three seasons, summarizing currently available data. We conclude that despite the decreasing vaccine efficacy over time, which should be anticipated for a virus that is characterized by short-term immunity, efficacy was clinically meaningful over placebo. The increased risk of Guillain–Barré syndrome post vaccination with Abrysvo or Arexvy, which prompted the FDA to require the inclusion of such warnings in the prescribing information of these two RSV vaccines, should be prioritized and investigated thoroughly. Furthermore, ongoing vaccine surveillance and further evaluation, particularly among immunocompromised patients, frail elderly subjects, and young infants that were under- or not represented in pivotal clinical trials, are necessary. As in the success story of combined pediatric vaccines, combination vaccines, conferring protection against several respiratory illnesses in one dose, could help improve vaccine acceptance and coverage rates in older adults.
A Study on the Characteristics and Influencing Factors of the Global Grain Virtual Water Trade Network
Authors: Deng Guangyao , Di Keyu
Published: January 2025

With the deepening of international trade and the increasing strain on water resources, the importance of the virtual water trade of grain products on an international level has become increasingly prominent. Based on FAOSTAT and water value research reports, this study constructed the virtual water trade networks of wheat, rice, maize, and soybeans for 29 major grain trading countries in 2012 and 2022 and measured their network indicators and virtual water flow patterns. In addition, a QAP regression analysis was used to study the influencing factors of the virtual water trade network for grain products from the perspective of four dimensions: economic scale, geographical characteristics, resource endowment, and policy agreements. The results were as follows: Firstly, from 2012 to 2022, the virtual water trade of wheat and rice shifted from a state of net virtual water outflow to net virtual water inflow, and the overall net virtual water flows of maize and soybeans both showed a net virtual water inflow. Secondly, wheat’s virtual water trade network participants had reduced obvious “small-world” features, and KOR, the USA, TUR, and IND have long been at the center of that network. When the core nodes of the virtual water trade network of rice were reduced, the network tended to be decentralized. In that network, IND, NPL, the USA, and ZAF always occupied dominant positions. The overall connectivity of the maize virtual water trade network increased, with both the USA and JPN as the trade core. The number of core countries in the soybean virtual water trade network increased; significantly, CHN, the USA, and THA were in dominant positions. Lastly, the GDP at the economic scale was the biggest core driving factor of all virtual water trade networks of various grain products, followed by per capita arable land area in terms of resource endowment. In addition, the geographic characteristics and trade agreements of the virtual water trade networks of grain products also had a more significant negative impact. This paper argues that countries should make trade adjustments for their own developing disadvantaged grain products, vigorously develop their national economies, optimize the structure of the grain trade, and promote benign cooperation in international virtual water trade for grain products.
Behavioral Responses of Unio tumidus Freshwater Mussels to Neonicotinoid Pesticide Contamination
Authors: Szostak Marta , Szoszkiewicz Krzysztof , Achtenberg Krzysztof , Drożdżyński Dariusz
Published: January 2025

This investigation examined the behavioral responses of freshwater mussels to neonicotinoid pesticide exposure, a widely implemented agricultural crop protection agent. The study systematically evaluated the behavioral modifications of U. tumidus under controlled laboratory conditions, with particular emphasis on shell dynamics and activity patterns during both acute (2.5 h) and prolonged (20 h) exposure to imidacloprid at 50 µg/L concentration. The experimental findings revealed consistent and statistically significant behavioral alterations. Upon initial pesticide exposure, specimens exhibited an immediate reduction in shell aperture, followed by a sustained period of enhanced opening amplitude. Activity metrics demonstrated acute elevation immediately post-exposure, indicative of stress-induced responses, subsequently achieving homeostatic equilibrium before declining in later temporal phases. These behavioral modifications demonstrated statistical significance across all four experimental iterations, indicating a robust and reproducible stress response pattern. This study demonstrated that exposure to high concentrations of the neonicotinoid pesticide imidacloprid significantly affects the freshwater mussel causing significant, repeatable changes in mussel behavior: initial shell closure followed by prolonged opening and increased activity, indicating stress and subsequent toxic effects.
Mercury Fraction and Transformation in Sediment Cores of the Eutrophic Estuary in Northern Taiwan
Authors: Fang Tien-Hsi , Wu Xiang Lu
Published: January 2025

The Hg fractions in three sediment cores of the eutrophic estuary in northern Taiwan were determined by the Bloom sequential extraction method, which chemically divided the sedimentary Hg into five fractions: water-soluble (F1); human stomach acid (F2); organo-chelated (F3); elemental Hg (F4), and residual (F5). The pH, redox potential, and dissolved total Hg in sediment pore waters, grain size, and total organic carbon (TOC) in sediment cores were analyzed, and the results were interpreted. The three sediment cores were in an anoxic environment. The total Hg concentrations in the sediment cores ranged between 110 and 369 ng/g, and most values exceeded the guideline value (ERL, 150 ng/g) of the EPA, U.S.A. However, the total Hg concentrations were mainly dominated by the non-labile Hg fraction (the elemental and the residual fraction), accounting for an average of 60% of the total Hg pool. The organo-chelated fraction accounted for an average of 29% of the total Hg pool. The amounts of the labile fraction (F1 + F2) of Hg in sediment cores of the middle and lower estuary were generally <2% of the total Hg pool. However, the F2 fraction in the sediment core of the upper estuary exceeded 10% of the total Hg pool. This result implied that Hg still poses a potential risk to the benthic organisms in the DRE based on the risk assessment code method. The profile variations between the labile and non-labile Hg fractions exhibited a negatively well-linear correlation, suggesting the transformation of the labile and moderately labile Hg fraction into the non-labile Hg fraction in sediment cores during the sediment burial processes. In addition, the TOC content seemed to play an important role in controlling the sediment Hg fractions in sediment cores.
Numerical Simulation of Debris Flow Behavior over a Series of Groundsills
Authors: Jan Chyan-Deng , Zeng Yi-Chao , Dey Litan
Published: January 2025

Debris flows propagating in natural environments often encounter irregular terrain features, such as bottom roughness and man-made structures like groundsills, which significantly influence their behavior and dynamics. In practice, groundsills are commonly used as debris flow mitigation structures. This study examines the effects of a beam-type groundsill array on the flow behavior of sediment mixtures in an inclined channel using numerical simulations. The sediment mixtures, modeled as Bingham fluids, were tested as they flowed over groundsill arrays with varying densities, characterized by the spacing-to-height ratio (d/h) ranging from 2 to 10. The findings indicate that interaction with the groundsills produces a hydraulic jump-like flow, reaching a height approximately 2.2 times the approach flow depth across different array densities. High-density arrays (d/h≤4) substantially hindered flow propagation, reducing front velocities but leading to sediment buildup upstream of the groundsills. Conversely, low-density arrays (d/h>4) facilitated smoother flow with higher velocities. These insights into the relationship between array density, flow behavior, and sediment trapping provide valuable guidance for optimizing groundsill array designs to effectively reduce the mobility of gravity-driven flows of non-Newtonian fluids (such as snow avalanches, debris, lava, or mudflows) and mitigate the associated risks.
A Comparative Analysis of Lithium-Ion Batteries Using a Proposed Electrothermal Model Based on Numerical Simulation
Authors: Assi Mohammad , Amer Mohammed
Published: January 2025

It is necessary to maintain safe, efficient, and compatible energy storage systems to meet the high demand for electric vehicles (EVs). Lithium manganese nickel cobalt (NMC) and lithium ferro phosphate (LFP) batteries are the most commonly used lithium batteries in EVs. It is imperative to note that batteries are classified according to their electrochemical performance. A number of factors play a crucial role in determining how efficiently batteries can be used. These factors include the cell temperature, energy density, self-discharge, current limits, aging, and performance measurements. This paper offers a proposed electrothermal model for comparison between LFP and NMC batteries. This model demonstrates the different behaviors according to their application in EVs. This is carried out through studies of state of charge (SoC), state of health (SoH), thermal runaway, self-discharge, and remaining useful life (RUL) in EVs. According to numerical analysis, this paper examines how these different types of batteries behave in EVs to assist in the selection of the most suitable battery taking into account the operating temperature and discharge current using a helpful thermoelectric model reflecting battery safety and life span effectively. Using MATLAB Simulink, the data selected in the electrothermal model are combined from a number of references that are incorporated into lookup tables that affect the change in values in the electrothermal model. The cells are implemented in an EV system using a current test to examine the measured current that goes in and comes out of the battery cells during charging and discharging processes taking into account motoring and regenerative braking for a specified drive cycle time and a number of discharging cycles. It was found that LFP batteries have better stability for open circuit voltages of 3.34 volts over a wide range of conducted temperatures. NMC batteries, on the other hand, exhibit some open circuit voltage variation of 0.053 volts over the temperature range used. Furthermore, the self-discharging current of LFP batteries was about 12 times lower than that of NMC batteries. Compared to LFP batteries, NMC batteries have a higher energy density per unit of mass of 150%, which reflects their greater discharge range. As a result of temperature effects, it has been revealed that LFP batteries are about two times more stable during discharging than NMC batteries, particularly at higher temperatures, such as 45 degrees.