bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Crystal Structure and Luminescence Behavior of Self-Activated Halotungstates Ba3WO5Cl2 for W-LEDs Applications
Authors: Zhang Liuyang , Zhou Shijin , Meng Jiani , Zhang Yuxin , Zhang Jiarui , Ma Qinlan , Qin Lin , Luo Man
Published: February 2025

The self-activated halotungstate Ba3WO5Cl2 was successfully synthesized using a high-temperature solid-state method. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) confirmed the formation of a single-phase compound with a monoclinic crystal structure, ensuring the material’s purity and structural integrity. The luminescence properties of Ba3WO5Cl2 were thoroughly investigated using both optical and laser-excitation spectroscopy. The photoluminescent excitation (PLE) and emission (PL) spectra, together with the corresponding decay curves, were recorded across a broad temperature range, from 10 K to 480 K. The charge transfer band (CTB) of the [WO5Cl] octahedron was clearly identified in both the PL and the PLE spectra under ultraviolet light excitation, indicating efficient energy transfer within the material’s structure. A strong blue emission could be detected around 450 nm, which is characteristic of the material’s luminescent properties. However, this emission exhibited thermal quenching as the temperature increased, a common phenomenon where the luminescence intensity diminishes due to thermal effects. To better understand the thermal quenching behavior, variations in luminescence intensity and decay time were analyzed using a straightforward thermal quenching model. This comprehensive study of Ba3WO5Cl2 luminescent properties not only deepens the understanding of its photophysical behavior but also contributes to the development of novel materials with tailored optical properties for specific technological applications.
Evaluating the Impact of Minimized GnRH and PGF2α Analogues-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles on Ovarian Activity and Fertility of Heat-Stressed Dairy Cows
Authors: Omar Mohammed E. A. , Hassanein Eman M. , Shehabeldin Ahmed M. , Szenci Ottó , El-Shereif Abdelghany A.
Published: February 2025

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of gonadotropin-releasing hormone-loaded chitosan–TPP nanoparticles (GnRH-CNPs) and prostaglandin F2α-loaded chitosan–TPP nanoparticles (PGF2α-CNPs) within the Ovsynch protocol for enhancing reproductive performance in heat-stressed dairy cows. Methods: Thirty-six cyclic purebred Friesian cows not detected in standing heat for more than 90 days postpartum were randomly allocated to three treatment groups. The control group (OVS, n = 12) followed the standard Ovsynch protocol with conventional doses. The ½ OVS group (n = 12) received 5 µg GnRH-CNPs on days 0 and 9, along with 250 µg PGF2α-CNPs on day 7. While the ¼ OVS group (n = 12) was administered 2.5 µg GnRH-CNPs on days 0 and 9, with 125 µg PGF2α-CNPs on day 7. Ovarian follicular dynamics and corpus luteum (CL) development were monitored on days 0, 4, 7, and 9 of the protocol. Serum progesterone (P4) concentrations were measured throughout the synchronization period and on days 15 and 30 post-AI. Pregnancy was diagnosed on day 30 post-AI. Results: The ¼ OVS protocol achieved a significantly greater follicular response (p < 0.05) than other protocols. On day 4, following the first GnRH administration, the OVS group exhibited a higher number of subordinate follicles (p < 0.05) and a greater diameter of the dominant follicles (DFs), whereas the ¼ OVS group showed a greater subordinate follicle diameter (p < 0.05) and a higher number of DFs. On day 9, after PGF2α administration, the ¼ OVS group maintained an elevated number of subordinate follicles, while larger subordinate follicle diameters were observed in the ½ OVS and OVS groups. No significant differences in DF numbers and diameters were observed among groups. P4 concentrations remained similar across groups during treatments. Compared to control, a significantly higher value of P4 concentration (p < 0.05) was recorded on day 15 post-AI in the ½ OVS group and on day 30 post-AI in the ¼ OVS group. These findings correlated with a higher pregnancy rate in the ¼ OVS group (65%) compared to the ½ OVS and OVS groups (40% in each). Conclusions: Nanofabrication reduced GnRH and PGF2α dosage by 50% and 75% without impairing ovarian response and pregnancy rates. The ¼ OVS protocol notably enhanced the ovarian activity and fertility, highlighting the use of GnRH-CNPs and PGF2α-CNPs as promising and practical approaches to enhance the fertility in dairy cattle under heat stress (HS).
Mixed Ammonium-Nitrate Nutrition Regulates Enzymes, Gene Expression, and Metabolic Pathways to Improve Nitrogen Uptake, Partitioning, and Utilization Efficiency in Rice
Authors: Fan Xianting , Lu Chusheng , Khan Zaid , Li Zhiming , Duan Songpo , Shen Hong , Fu Youqiang
Published: February 2025

Ammonium and nitrate nitrogen are the two main forms of inorganic nitrogen (N) available to crops. However, it is not clear how mixtures of ammonium and nitrate N affect N uptake and partitioning in major rice cultivars in southern China. This study investigated the effects of different ammonium nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen mixture treatments (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100) on the growth, photosynthetic characteristics, nitrogen uptake, gene expression, and yield of different rice cultivars (Mei Xiang Zhan NO. 2: MXZ2; Nan Jing Xiang Zhan: NJXZ). Rice root biomass, tiller number, and yield were increased by 69.5%, 42.5%, and 46.8%, respectively, in the 75:25 ammonium-nitrate mixed treatment compared to the 100:0 ammonium-nitrate mixed treatment. The nitrogen content in rice roots, stems, leaves, and grains increased by 69.5%, 64.0%, 65.5%, and 17.5%, respectively. In addition, compared with MXZ2, NJXZ had a greater proportion of N allocated to leaves and grains. Analysis of root enzyme activities revealed that the 75:25 ammonium-nitrate mixed nutrient treatment increased rice root glutamine synthetase activity by an average of 35.0% and glutamate synthetase activity by an average of 52.0%. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the 75:25 mixed ammonium-nitrate nutrient treatment upregulated the expression of genes related to the nitrogen metabolism transporter pathway. Weighted correlation network analysis revealed that some differentially expressed genes (HISX and RPAB5) regulated the activities of nitrogen-metabolizing enzymes in rice and some (SAT2, CYSKP, SYIM, CHI1, and XIP1) modulated amino acid synthesis; greater expression of these genes was detected in the 75:25 ammonium-nitrate mixed nutrient treatment. The expression characteristics of the above genes were further confirmed by RT‒qPCR. Interestingly, the expression levels of the above genes were significantly correlated with the glutamate synthase activity, photosynthetic rate, and root volume. It is noteworthy that increasing the expression of the aforementioned genes coupled with nitrogen uptake was observed in the three main rice cultivars. These results suggest that the 75:25 ammonium-nitrate mixture may have increased nitrogen-metabolizing enzyme activities and promoted nitrogen uptake through the upregulated expression of nitrogen metabolism-related genes, thereby increasing tiller number and improving rice yield.
From Phenotypes to Genotypes: Enhancing the Identification of Cymbidium Species with DNA Barcoding
Authors: Peng Yaonan , Chen Yao , Ding Hongfan , Liu Xiangdong , Cao Fuxiang , Xu Lu
Published: February 2025

The genus Cymbidium, with its intricate floral elements, pronounced endemicity, and patchy distribution, evolves a rich diversity of morphological forms and a wide variety of species while causing an indistinctness in the classification of its species. To elucidate the phylogenetic relationships among Cymbidium species and enhance their taxonomic classification by DNA barcoding, this study conducted amplification and sequence results of nuclear (ITS) and chloroplast genes (matK, rbcL, trnL-F, psbA-trnH) with phenotypic genetic diversity analysis, genetic distance analysis, and phylogenetic analysis from 48 samples of Cymbidium species. The comparison of genetic distance variations showed that psbA-trnH, ITS + psbA-trnH, and ITS + matK + psbA-trnH exhibit minimal overlap and significant genetic variation within Cymbidium species. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that the combination, ITS + matK + psbA-trnH, has the highest identification rate. Notably, both the phylogenetic analysis and the genetic diversity analysis of phenotypic traits consistently indicated a clear divergence between epiphytic and terrestrial orchids, with epiphytic orchids forming a distinct clade. This provides reference evidence for studying the ecological adaptations and evolutionary differences between epiphytic and terrestrial orchids, as well as a scientific basis for the classification and identification, germplasm conservation, resource utilization, and phylogenetic evolution of orchids.
Abatement of Electrochemical Desalination for Resource Utilization of Phenolic Residues
Authors: Fu Xiangxue , Wang Ciduo , Lin Nan , Lin Haibo
Published: February 2025

As a typical phenolic residue and pollutant, 2,4-D wastewater has a complex composition and high salt content, which makes it difficult for a single wastewater treatment method to meet the discharge standard. To address this challenge, this study explores an integrated electrochemical treatment approach that specifically targets 2,4-D high-salt organic wastewater with the aim of achieving the resource utilization of the wastewater and optimizing the operating parameters of each treatment unit. The results show that under the best experimental conditions, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) is significantly reduced to 200 mg/L, and the COD removal efficiency is as high as 99.67%. In addition, the recovery efficiency of phenolic substances 2,4-dichlorophenol, glycolic acid, and sodium chloride in wastewater reached 99.70%, 99.99%, 96.89%, and 80%, respectively. Phenols are used as raw materials for 2,4-D production, glycolic acid is widely used as a cleaning agent in industry, and the purity of recycled sodium chloride is as high as 99.08%, which can be reused as industrial salt. According to the treatment cost estimate, the benefit of recycling can offset the cost of wastewater treatment and may generate a certain economic surplus. This method is of great significance for the treatment of furfural wastewater and the realization of zero discharge of wastewater, which not only contributes to environmental protection but also promotes the sustainable utilization of resources.
Quantum Oncology
Authors: Matarèse Bruno F. E. , Purushotham Arnie
Published: February 2025

Quantum core technologies (computing, sensing, imaging, communication) hold immense promise for revolutionizing cancer care. This paper explores their distinct capabilities in early-stage cancer diagnosis, improved clinical workflows, drug discovery, and personalized treatment. By overcoming challenges such as infrastructure and ethical considerations, these processes can unlock faster diagnoses, optimize therapies, and enhance patient outcomes.
Liturgical Hebrew as Quasilect; Liturgical English as Sociolect
Authors: Grabiner Sarah
Published: February 2025

This paper considers a corpus of translations of blessings in bilingual Hebrew–English prayer books from 1940 to the present day, spanning the breadth of religious and sociocultural outlooks. I show how this little-studied body of Jewish text belies the special nature of liturgical language, and how this register of Hebrew–English language combination, so ubiquitous in Jewish communal life, conveys meaning in a particular manner. I explore how liturgical Hebrew constitutes a quasilect in anglophone Jewish communities and how the language of liturgical translation should be considered a special variety of Jewish English. In light of these theoretical frameworks in the fields of Hebrew and Jewish languages, there is much to learn about the linguistic environment of anglophone Jewish communities from the study of the Hebrew and English varieties contained within bilingual prayer books.
Advances in Deep Learning Applications for Plant Disease and Pest Detection: A Review
Authors: Wang Shaohua , Xu Dachuan , Liang Haojian , Bai Yongqing , Li Xiao , Zhou Junyuan , Su Cheng , Wei Wenyu
Published: February 2025

Traditional methods for detecting plant diseases and pests are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and require specialized skills and resources, making them insufficient to meet the demands of modern agricultural development. To address these challenges, deep learning technologies have emerged as a promising solution for the accurate and timely identification of plant diseases and pests, thereby reducing crop losses and optimizing agricultural resource allocation. By leveraging its advantages in image processing, deep learning technology has significantly enhanced the accuracy of plant disease and pest detection and identification. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in applying deep learning algorithms to plant disease and pest detection. It begins by outlining the limitations of traditional methods in this domain, followed by a systematic discussion of the latest developments in applying various deep learning techniques—including image classification, object detection, semantic segmentation, and change detection—to plant disease and pest identification. Additionally, this study highlights the role of large-scale pre-trained models and transfer learning in improving detection accuracy and scalability across diverse crop types and environmental conditions. Key challenges, such as enhancing model generalization, addressing small lesion detection, and ensuring the availability of high-quality, diverse training datasets, are critically examined. Emerging opportunities for optimizing pest and disease monitoring through advanced algorithms are also emphasized. Deep learning technology, with its powerful capabilities in data processing and pattern recognition, has become a pivotal tool for promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing productivity, and advancing precision agriculture.
Electrically Tunable Metasurface for Multi-Polarized Reflection
Authors: Li Bing , Wang Yunhan , Wang Chunan , Liu Shiqi
Published: February 2025

Most electromagnetic metasurfaces only control a single property of electromagnetic waves, such as the phase, amplitude, polarization or frequency, leading to a shortage in capacity and security in communication and a decrease in radar imaging efficiency. By switching the states of four PIN diodes soldered between adjacent resonant arms, cross-polarization and co-polarization reflected waves both with a 1-bit phase can be implemented. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed metasurface operates within a frequency band of 5.7 GHz to 5.88 GHz, covering ISM 5.8 GHz. Within its operational frequency range, in the cross-polarization reflection case, the losses of the 1-bit phase reflected wave are from 1 dB to 1.5 dB, with a high polarization conversion rate exceeding 91% and even reaching 99%. For the co-polarization reflection case, the losses of the 1-bit reflected wave are from 0.3 dB to 2 dB, and the polarization conversion is almost 100%. The phase difference of the reflected wave in both cases can be realized as about 180°, which satisfies the 1-bit phase requirement for building a good property of beam steering. Upon constructing a 10 × 10 small array, the cross-polarized reflection beam can be steered within the range of elevation angle from 0° to 45° and the elevation angle from 0° to 30° in the co-polarized reflection case.
Improving the Sensitivity of a Dark-Resonance Atomic Magnetometer
Authors: Zhai Hao , Li Wei , Jin Guangxiang
Published: February 2025

The combination of unmanned aerial vehicles and atomic magnetometers can be used for detection applications such as mineral resource exploration, environmental protection, and earthquake monitoring, as well as the detection of sunken ships and unexploded ordnance. A dark-resonance atomic magnetometer offers the significant advantages of a fully optical probe and omnidirectional measurement with no dead zones, making it an ideal choice for airborne applications on unmanned aerial vehicles. Enhancing the sensitivity of such atomic magnetometers is an essential task. In this study, we sought to enhance the sensitivity of a dark-state resonance atomic magnetometer. Initially, through theoretical analysis, we compared the excitation effects of coherent population trapping (CPT) resonance on the D1 and D2 transitions of 133Cs thermal vapor. The results indicate that excitation via the D1 line yields an increase in resonance contrast and a reduction in linewidth when compared with excitation through the D2 line, aligning with theoretical predictions. Subsequently, considering the impact of various quantum system parameters on sensitivity, as well as their interdependent characteristics, two experimental setups were developed for empirical investigation. One setup focused on parameter optimization experiments, where we compared the linewidth and contrast of CPT resonances excited by both D1 and D2 transitions; this led to an optimization of atomic cell size, buffer gas pressure, and operating temperature, resulting in an ideal parameter range. The second setup was employed to validate these optimized parameters using a coupled dark-state atom magnetometer experiment, achieving approximately a 10-fold improvement in sensitivity.
B2B: Five Practice-Changing Advances on the Horizon Summary
Authors: Black Peter C. , Mumtaz Faiz , Tanguay Simon
Published: February 2025

The 6th Bench-to-Bedside Uro-Oncology: GU Cancers Triad Meeting, organized in conjunction with the 44th Annual Congress of the Société Internationale d’Urologie, was held on 25 October 2024, in New Delhi, India, and transmitted live on the SIU@U Congress platform [...]
Impact of Information and Communication Technologies on Democratic Processes and Citizen Participation
Authors: Asimakopoulos George , Antonopoulou Hera , Giotopoulos Konstantinos , Halkiopoulos Constantinos
Published: February 2025

Background: This systematic review will address the influence of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on democratic processes and citizens’ participation, which is enabled by such tools as social media, e-voting systems, e-government initiatives, and e-participation platforms. Methods: Based on an in-depth analysis of 46 peer-reviewed articles published between 1999 and 2024, this review emphasizes how ICTs have improved democratic engagement quality, efficiency, and transparency, but highlights key challenges and research gaps. Results: From this angle, ICT tools have great potential to nurture civic engagement and good governance through transparency. Challenges persist with the ethical and social implications of surveillance technologies, security concerns about digital voting systems, and the widening digital divide disproportionately affecting marginalized populations. The current regulatory framework dealing with privacy and misinformation issues is relatively weak, and there is also a lack of understanding about ICTs’ long-term effects on democratic governance. Conclusions: This review underlines the duality of the roles played by ICT as both an enabler and a challenge to democratic processes. It calls for regulatory measures to protect privacy, fight disinformation, and reduce the digital divide. Future research in this area should focus on the long-term effects of ICTs and how they can be equitably and efficiently integrated into democratic systems, with strategies aimed at maximizing benefits while minimizing risks.
The Voter and the Propagandistic Content on Facebook: Analysis of the Content and Perception of the Ecuadorian Voter
Authors: Godoy-Guevara Gandhy , Basantes-Andrade Andrea , Naranjo-Toro Miguel , Ortiz-Dávila David
Published: February 2025

This research seeks to elucidate the influence of Facebook advertising content on voting decisions and public perceptions of candidates during the 2023 Imbabura elections, exploring both how citizens perceive such content and how it affects their voting behavior. A case study approach was employed, integrating content analysis through Atlas.ti and the application of factor analysis to survey interpretation. The findings revealed that specific content, such as memes, exerts a notable influence on the younger electorate. This influence is reinforced by communication strategies that emphasize the frequency and repetition of this content, although no direct correlation with key demographic variables was found. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that a communication strategy devoid of value content reduces social networks to mere information channels, akin to open television. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the necessity of digital communication strategies that prioritize the creation of valuable content for audiences, with the aim of fostering a more discerning and engaged electorate.
Child-Centered Versus Work-Centered Fathers’ Leave: Changing Fatherhood Ideals Versus Persisting Workplace Dynamics
Authors: Halrynjo Sigtona , Kitterød Ragni Hege
Published: February 2025

Fathers’ parental leave use has often been explained by differing fatherhood ideals among low vs. highly educated fathers. However, recent research reveals that 75% of the educational-level impact stems from workplace differences. Therefore, a deeper understanding of how workplace dynamics interact with both fathers’ ideals and actual leave practices is needed. Drawing on in-depth interviews with Norwegian fathers with and without higher education, we explore how different workplace dynamics, especially the degree of individual competition, interact with fatherhood ideals and fathers’ actual leave practices. We find strong adherence to the idea of ‘involved fatherhood’ and fathers’ quota across educational levels and workplace dynamics but large variation in practices. Our analyses show how childcare responsibility and absence from work responsibility do not necessarily correspond and how formal leave uptake and actual leave practices may differ. Our findings indicate that non-transferable fathers’ leave may dissolve former attitude-based divisions, as fathers across educational levels in collectively organized jobs support and practice child-centered leave. Still, fathers in competitive jobs may continue to practice ‘work-centered fatherhood’ despite their strong gender-egalitarian beliefs and formal leave uptake. Hence, workplace dynamics—especially the degree of individualized competition and the fear of becoming replaceable—may be more relevant than fatherhood ideals to understand and enhance fathers’ actual leave use and involved fatherhood practices.
Farmers’ Perceptions of Environmental Risks and Barriers to Agricultural Plastic Waste Management in Al-Kharj Governorate, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Muddassir Muhammad , Alotaibi Bader Alhafi , S-Aljohani Emad
Published: February 2025

In the agricultural sector, plastic is widely used for enhancing crop production and farm incomes. Fruit and vegetable production under greenhouses and tunnels makes abundant use of plastic which mostly turns into agricultural plastic waste. Understanding perceived barriers to recycling plastic and farmers’ perception of environmental risk associated with plastic is crucial in the formulation and implementation of effective agricultural interventions for promoting the recycling of agricultural plastic waste to sustain the natural environment. Therefore, a study was conducted to assess farmers’ perceived barriers to recycling agricultural plastic waste and their perceptions of environmental risks associated with plastic. Data were collected from fruit and vegetable growers situated in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia, using a simple random sampling approach with the help of a pre-tested paper-based questionnaire. The farmers’ education level, age, farm size, and contact with extension offices significantly influenced their perceptions of the lack of recycling facilities as a barrier to recycling agricultural waste. Moreover, education and farm size significantly influenced their perceptions of high cost as a barrier to recycling agricultural plastic waste. In addition, age and farm size significantly influenced their perceptions of environmental risks associated with agricultural plastic waste. The study recommends that recycling programs through the active involvement of agricultural extension and environmental agencies should be implemented to promote the recycling of agricultural plastic waste to reduce environmental risks. The government should provide recycling facilities in the study area, enhancing their availability and affordability to farmers.
Machine Learning-Based Framework to Predict the Combined Effects of Climate Change and Floating Photovoltaic Systems Installation on Water Quality of Open-Water Lakes
Authors: Ravichandran Nagavinothini , Paneerselvam Balamurugan
Published: February 2025

Floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems represent a promising advancement in renewable energy technology; however, a comprehensive understanding of their environmental impacts is essential. The effects of FPV installation on lake water temperature remain unclear, potentially hindering the development of the technology due to associated negative implications for aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, the rise in water temperature associated with climate change poses additional threats to open-water bodies. In this context, the current study endeavors to develop a machine learning (ML)-based framework to assess the combined impact of climate change and the installation of FPV systems on the water quality of open-water lakes. This framework involves the creation of three predictive models and a forecasting model utilizing various ML algorithms, concentrating on temperature and water quality predictions. The framework was applied to a case study assessing the impact of installing three distinct FPV systems on the water quality of Oostvoornse Lake in the Netherlands, employing water quality data available in the literature. The findings indicate a temporal increase in both air and water temperatures at the site, underscoring the ramifications of climate change. Additionally, the results suggest that FPV installations can influence lake thermal dynamics, leading to variations in water temperature and dissolved oxygen concentration, which presents both opportunities and challenges in addressing the impacts of climate change. The proposed framework will be an effective tool for evaluating the effects of FPV systems on water quality throughout their operational lifespan while addressing significant climate change issues.
A Small Piece of a Complicated Puzzle: The Resurrection of Randia tomatillo Loes. from the Randia aculeata L. Complex (Rubiaceae)
Authors: Torres-Montúfar Alejandro , Jiménez Noriega Mayte Stefany
Published: February 2025

Within the Rubiaceae family, the genus Randia comprises approximately 90 species, with significant morphological diversity in growth forms, leaf shapes, and floral sexuality. In particular, Randia aculeata is a taxonomically challenging species distributed from the southern United States to South America and the Antilles that exhibits high morphological variability and ecological adaptability. One of its synonyms is Randia tomatillo, originally described from coastal dunes in Veracruz, Mexico, and it has been inconsistently described in the taxonomic literature either as a distinct species or as a synonym for R. aculeata. This study aimed to resolve the taxonomic identity of R. tomatillo through morphological observations from herbarium specimens, and transverse sections from mature leaves were observed using SEM microscopy to explore crystal types. Morphological traits, such as lifeform, twig pubescence, stipule persistence, fruit size, and pericarp texture, are critical in distinguishing R. tomatillo from morphologically related species, such as R. aculeata and Randia thurberi. Anatomical features, particularly the presence of prisms in the leaf mesophyll and epidermis, are unique to R. tomatillo, suggesting their diagnostic value. Ecological adaptations, such as scandent growth and spongy pericarps for hydrochorous fruit dispersal, further support its distinction as a species adapted to coastal environments. These findings highlight the need for a comprehensive taxonomic reassessment of Randia, integrating morphological, anatomical, and ecological evidence.
Attenuation of Chikungunya Virus by a Single Amino Acid Substitution in the nsP1 Component of a Non-Structural Polyprotein
Authors: Chamberlain John , Dowall Stuart D. , Smith Jack , Pearson Geoff , Graham Victoria , Raynes John , Hewson Roger
Published: February 2025

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-transmitted alphavirus that, since its re-emergence in 2004, has become recognised as a major public health concern throughout many tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Amongst the insights gained from studies on other alphaviruses, several key determinants of virulence have been identified, including one present at the P3 position in the nsP1/nsP2 cleavage domain of the S.A.AR86 Sindbis (SINV) strain. This strain is associated with neurovirulence in adult mice; however, when a threonine-to-isoleucine substitution is engineered at this P3 position, an attenuated phenotype results. A reverse genetics system was developed to evaluate the phenotype that resulted from the substitution of alanine, present at the P3 position in the wild-type CHIKV clone, with valine. The A533V-mutant CHIKV induced milder disease symptoms in the C57BL/6 mouse model than the wild-type virus, in terms of severity of inflammation, length of viraemic period, and histological changes. Furthermore, the induction of type I IFN occurred more rapidly in both CHIKV-infected cell cultures and the mouse model with the mutant CHIKV.
Berberine, a Natural Compound That Demonstrates Antiviral Effects Against Ostreid Herpesvirus 1 Infection in Anadara broughtonii
Authors: Kang Hui-Gang , Wei Mao-Le , Wang Jing-Li , Ma Cui-Ping , Zhang Xiang , Huang Bo-Wen , Xin Lu-Sheng , Bai Chang-Ming
Published: February 2025

Ostreid herpesvirus 1 (OsHV-1) infection is the primary viral disease responsible for large-scale mortality in bivalve mollusks worldwide, and effective strategies to control the outbreaks of this disease are still lacking. Berberine (BBR), a plant-derived alkaloid, has demonstrated antiviral activity against various vertebrate viruses, while its potential antiviral effects on molluscan herpesviruses remain to be fully elucidated. Therefore, the present study sought to investigate the potential of berberine hydrochloride (BBH) against OsHV-1 infection in blood clams (Anadara broughtonii). The most optimal BBH concentration was figured out according to virus replication and mortality rates during in vivo experimental infection. Quantitative PCR and reverse transcription quantitative PCR were utilized to monitor the OsHV-1 genomic copy numbers and viral gene transcription levels during the development of OsHV-1 infection in the BBH-treated and control groups. The results demonstrated that a 3 mg/L BBH bath immersion significantly suppressed OsHV-1 replication in blood clams. During the early stage of infection (24 h), BBH treatment significantly reduced the expression of OsHV-1 open reading frames (ORFs) related to early enzymes, putative membrane proteins, and nucleocapsid proteins. At 96 h post-infection, all untreated blood clams died, whereas the survival rate of BBH-treated individuals increased to 46.67%. This study provides preliminary evidence for the inhibitory effects of BBH on OsHV-1, paving the way for the development of pharmacological control technologies for OsHV-1 infections.
The Deletion of the MGF360-10L/505-7R Genes of African Swine Fever Virus Results in High Attenuation but No Protection Against Homologous Challenge in Pigs
Authors: Zheng Linlin , Yan Zilong , Qi Xiaolan , Ren Jingjing , Ma Zhao , Liu Huanan , Zhang Zhao , Li Dan , Pei Jingjing , Xiao Shuqi , Feng Tao , Wang Xinglong , Zheng Haixue
Published: February 2025

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is the causative agent of African swine fever (ASF), a severe hemorrhagic disease with a mortality rate reaching 100%. Despite extensive research on ASFV mechanisms, no safe and effective vaccines or antiviral treatments have been developed. Live attenuated vaccines generated via gene deletion are considered to be highly promising. We developed a novel recombinant ASFV strain by deleting MGF360-10L and MGF505-7R, significantly reducing virulence in pigs. In the inoculation experiment, pigs were infected with 104 50% hemadsorption doses (HAD50) of the mutant strain. All the animals survived the observation period without showing ASF-related clinical signs. Importantly, no significant viral infections were detected in the cohabitating pigs. In the virus challenge experiment, all pigs succumbed after being challenged with the parent strain. RNA-seq analysis showed that the recombinant virus induced slightly higher expression of natural immune factors than the parent ASFV; however, this level was insufficient to provide immune protection. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that deleting MGF360-10L and MGF505-7R from ASFV CN/GS/2018 significantly reduces virulence but fails to provide protection against the parent strain.
Assessing the Vulnerability of Splenectomized Patients to Severe COVID-19 Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bianchi Francesco Paolo , Giotta Massimo , Martinelli Andrea , Giurgola Maria Grazia , Del Matto Giulia , Mastrovito Elita , Fedele Maria Tina , Manca Giuseppe , Minniti Salvatore , De Nuccio Maurizio , Gigantelli Vincenzo , Tafuri Silvio , Termite Stefano
Published: February 2025

Background: Splenectomized/asplenic individuals are at a heightened risk for severe infections due to compromised immune function. However, the impact of splenectomy/asplenia on COVID-19 outcomes remains underexplored. This study aims to systematically review and meta-analyze the association between splenectomy/asplenia and severe COVID-19 outcomes. Methods: Following the PRISMA guidelines, databases including Scopus, MEDLINE/PubMed, and Web of Knowledge were searched for relevant articles published between January 2020 and June 2024. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated for severe COVID-19 outcomes, with a random-effects model being used to account for heterogeneity. Out of 749 identified studies, 4 met the inclusion criteria. Results: The meta-analysis revealed a significant association between splenectomy/asplenia and overall severe COVID-19 outcomes (OR = 1.92; 95% CI = 1.06–3.47). Specifically, splenectomy/asplenia was significantly associated with increased COVID-19-related hospitalization (OR = 2.06; 95% CI = 1.21–3.49), while the association with COVID-19-related death was not statistically significant (OR = 1.52; 95% CI = 0.78–2.99). COVID-19 vaccination is strongly recommended for these patients. Conclusions: Splenectomy/asplenia significantly increases the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes, particularly hospitalization. The findings underscore the need for vigilant clinical management and targeted interventions for this vulnerable population. Further research is warranted to fully understand the risks and to develop effective guidelines for the protection of splenectomized individuals against COVID-19.
Mineralogical and Chemical Characteristics of Sediments in the Lhasa River Basin: Implications for Weathering and Sediment Transport
Authors: Zhang Heyulu , Li Tianning , Mao Changping , Song Zhengjin , Rao Wenbo
Published: February 2025

The Lhasa River, as one of the major rivers on the Tibetan Plateau, is of great value for the study of climate and environmental changes on the Tibetan Plateau. In this paper, the grain size and the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of the sediments from the Lhasa River were investigated. The results show the following: (1) The average grain size of the Lhasa River sediments is coarse (65.5% sand, 23.6% silt), and the sorting is overall poor; the skewness is mostly positive, and the kurtosis is wide, which reflects the obvious characteristics of river sand deposition. (2) The mineral composition of the Lhasa River sediments is dominated by quartz (38.4%), feldspar, and plagioclase feldspar, followed by clay minerals, and the content of carbonate minerals is relatively low; the content of clay minerals in the illite content is as high as 83.3%, while the chlorite content is slightly higher than kaolinite, and smectite content is very low. The chemical index of illite is less than 0.4, indicating that illite is mainly iron-rich magnesium illite. (3) The value of the chemical weathering index (CIA) of the sediments is low, implying that the sediments are in a weak–moderate chemical weathering state and dominated by physical weathering. Comprehensive analyses further revealed that the weathering process of the sediments in the Lhasa River was influenced by both climate and lithology, i.e., sediment composition is influenced not only by chemical weathering in a dry, cold climate but also by physical weathering of granites exposed over large areas. The results of this study can provide scientific references for further in-depth research on the environmental and climatic effects of the Tibetan Plateau.
Trends in Compliance Monitoring Devices (CMDs) in Ships’ Ballast Water Treatment Systems
Authors: Ndlovu Fikile Portia
Published: February 2025

The International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention) in 2024, gives us at least 7 years of data to analyze accounting for technology samples in marine and ships’ ballast water monitoring and forecasting. Marine technology played a crucial role in closing the gap between the adoption of the Convention and its coming into force, a 13-year gap that involved world-wide experimentation and investment in marine technologies which had to be approved for compliance by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as well as Port States. Compliance Monitoring Devices (CMDs) with rapid results have been generally used in providing marine environmental invasion controls and have been used by Port States to enforce compliance in ballast water management. Qualitative, regulatory and quantitative data have been synthesized in this study from select experiments to test for compliance monitoring success. Going forward, rapid result devices will remain ideal in ship and port time management, particularly with a move towards electronic ballast water record books which also serve as an important forecasting tool for compliance as such data can be pre-delivered to the electronic records of the Port State for reaction prior to ship arrival, that way major issues can be dealt with while the ship is en voyage, for pre-emptive national security measures.
Destination Image and Travel Motivation as Predictors of Revisit Intention: A Study of Domestic Tourists in Alor Island
Authors: Awang Mesak Yamres , Maruli Elia
Published: February 2025

Objective: This study analyzes the effect of destination image interaction and domestic tourists' travel motivation in predicting the intention to revisit Alor Island. This study places travel motivation as a link between the interaction of a general tourist destination image and tourists' intention to revisit Alor Island. Research Design & Methods: The approach used in this study is a quantitative method, using a questionnaire distributed to 230 domestic tourists visiting Alor Island. The sample determination in this study follows the sample size guidelines for SEM-PLS analysis with a maximum likelihood estimation approach with a range between 100 and 250. Data analysis uses a structural equation approach with SPSS and SEM PLS to test the interaction of research variables and their indicators and explain the relationship between variable constructs. Findings: The results of the investigation found that destination image has an indirect impact on tourists' intention to revisit. In addition, travel motivation also directly affects the intention to revisit. It was also found that travel motivation mediates the effect of destination image on the intention to revisit. Implications and Recommendations: This study shows that building a positive destination image through promotion, facilities, and cultural uniqueness can motivate tourists to return. Therefore, the tourism industry must provide quality services, develop authentic and sustainable tourism experiences, and utilize technology and market segmentation. Contribution & Value Added: Travel motivation fully mediates the impact of destination image and tourists' intention to revisit the Alor Island tourist destination. Culture, history, entertainment, social interaction, and access to information can increase tourists' intention to revisit.
Zero Trust Architecture for Security and Protection System in 5G Intelligent Healthcare
Authors: Jin Wenzhong , Wu Shanjun , Feng Yu , Wang Huijing , Fu Chunyu
Published: February 2025

The fundamental attributes of the 5G network, namely its high bandwidth and concurrency, reduced latency, and ability to handle high-mobility big data platforms, render it valuable in tackling forthcoming healthcare challenges and emerging health demands like as the COVID-19 pandemic. The enforcement of the security component within a 5G-based Intelligent Healthcare System (IHS), which encompasses critical information and facilities, is more imperative and significant. In the context of deploying a healthcare system in a distributed manner, the effectiveness of passive security measures, such as information encryption and isolation, employed on traditional health platforms is insufficient to address the requirements for information and facility interchange across “cloud-edge-terminals” in the era of 5G. This study proposes a security solution for an intelligent health platform based on the Zero-Trust Model (ZTM) in the context of 5G technology. This study presents fundamental principles like the real-time monitoring of network asset security, risk evaluation of individual access requests, and access permission and decision-making through the use of a dynamic trust algorithm. The 5G IHS encompasses four primary dimensions, namely “theme” which includes people, terminals, and applications, “item” which encompasses information, platforms, and facilities, “behavior,” and “environment”. With the highest accuracy (98.9), precision (95.9), recall (98), and F1-score (95.5) among the several approaches, the suggested ZTM method better the others consistently. These overall numerical results for accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score across methodologies are shown. A lower but more variable performance was shown by other approaches, including RNN, KNN, Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Dynamic Equilibrium Optimized Gated Recurrent Unit (DEO-GRU) across all measures. The proposed security system has been subjected to thorough testing and implementation at an industrial level, showcasing its ability to fulfill the criteria for dynamic shield and end-to-end safety execution of information, users, and facilities present in an Intelligent Healthcare (IH) scheme based on 5G technology
Mechanisms and Applications of Manganese-Based Nanomaterials in Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Ma Xiaowen , He Chuan , Wang Yang , Cao Xingrui , Jin Zikai , Ge Yi , Cao Zhipeng , An Mingxin , Hao Liang
Published: February 2025

Tumors are the second most common cause of mortality globally, ranking just below heart disease. With continuous advances in diagnostic technology and treatment approaches, the survival rates of some cancers have increased. Nevertheless, due to the complexity of the mechanisms underlying tumors, cancer remains a serious public health issue that threatens the health of the population globally. Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace element for the human body. Its regulatory role in tumor biology has received much attention in recent years. Developments in nanotechnology have led to the emergence of Mn-based nanoparticles that have great potential for use in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers. Mn-based nanomaterials can be integrated with conventional techniques, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and gene therapy, to augment their therapeutic effectiveness. Further, Mn-based nanomaterials can play a synergistic role in emerging treatment strategies for tumors, such as immunotherapy, photothermal and photodynamic therapy, electromagnetic hyperthermia, sonodynamic therapy, chemodynamic therapy, and intervention therapy. Moreover, Mn-based nanomaterials can enhance both the precision of tumor diagnostics and the capability for combined diagnosis and treatment. This article examines the roles and associated mechanisms of Mn in the field of physiology and tumor biology, with a focus on the application prospects of Mn-based nanomaterials in tumor diagnosis and treatment.
Money Matters: A Mixed-Methods Needs Assessment of US Young Adults' Financial Needs
Authors: Bradford Brittany Caitlin , Basu Mallick Debshila , Baraniuk Richard
Published: February 2025

Decades of research have shown that many college-educated young adults lack the necessary skills to design and follow a sustainable budget, responsibly manage debt, and plan for their future spending needs. In an era of increasing complexity of financial products and consequent risks, further research is needed to determine where today’s young adults’ financial health could most benefit from interventions, and where future financial literacy interventions could be targeted to increase effective financial behaviors. This research addresses two key questions regarding the financial literacy of young adults. First, what critical knowledge and skills gaps do young adults have in their financial literacy? Second, what critical barriers do young adults face in acting on their financial literacy? To address these questions and guide subsequent remediation, we used a mixed methods approach across five studies informed by young adult students and financial education experts with direct experience advising young adult students. We leveraged Open Education Resources (OER) as well as a new large-scale digital learning research infrastructure as means of data collection. Our needs assessment findings converged around two primary categories of knowledge and skills gaps (income management and debt management) comprising five sub-categories, and three categories of behavioral barriers (psychological, beliefs and perceptions, and situational or environmental) comprising seven subcategories. We recommend that future interventions focus on social-cognitive theory based motivational interventions and thoughtful course content design, to have the strongest positive impact on financial literacy and remove barriers to financial behaviors of young adults attending colleges and universities.