bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Irisin: A Multifaceted Hormone Bridging Exercise and Disease Pathophysiology
Authors: Paoletti Ilaria , Coccurello Roberto
Published: December 2024

The fibronectin domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5), or irisin, is an adipo-myokine hormone produced during exercise, which shows therapeutic potential for conditions like metabolic disorders, osteoporosis, sarcopenia, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This review explores its potential across various pathophysiological processes that are often considered independent. Elevated in healthy states but reduced in diseases, irisin improves muscle–adipose communication, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic balance by enhancing mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress. It promotes osteogenesis and mitigates bone loss in osteoporosis and sarcopenia. Irisin exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting NF-κB signaling and countering insulin resistance. In the brain, it reduces amyloid-β toxicity, inflammation, and oxidative stress, enhancing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling, which improves cognition and synaptic health in AD models. It also regulates dopamine pathways, potentially alleviating neuropsychiatric symptoms like depression and apathy. By linking physical activity to systemic health, irisin emphasizes its role in the muscle–bone–brain axis. Its multifaceted benefits highlight its potential as a therapeutic target for AD and related disorders, with applications in prevention, in treatment, and as a complement to exercise strategies.
Molecular Insights into Structural Dynamics and Binding Interactions of Selected Inhibitors Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Zhou Yulin , Khan Faez Iqbal
Published: December 2024

The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro, also known as 3CLpro) is a key target for antiviral therapy due to its critical role in viral replication and maturation. This study investigated the inhibitory effects of Bofutrelvir, Nirmatrelvir, and Selinexor on 3CLpro through molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and free energy calculations. Nirmatrelvir exhibited the strongest binding affinity across docking tools (AutoDock Vina: −8.3 kcal/mol; DiffDock: −7.75 kcal/mol; DynamicBound: 7.59 to 7.89 kcal/mol), outperforming Selinexor and Bofutrelvir. Triplicate 300 ns MD simulations revealed that the Nirmatrelvir-3CLpro complex displayed high conformational stability, reduced root mean square deviation (RMSD), and a modest decrease in solvent-accessible surface area (SASA), indicating enhanced structural rigidity. Gibbs free energy analysis highlighted greater flexibility in unbound 3CLpro, stabilized by Nirmatrelvir binding, supported by stable hydrogen bonds. MolProphet prediction tools, targeting the Cys145 residue, confirmed that Nirmatrelvir exhibited the strongest binding, forming multiple hydrophobic, hydrogen, and π-stacking interactions with key residues, and had the lowest predicted IC50/EC50 (9.18 × 10−8 mol/L), indicating its superior potency. Bofutrelvir and Selinexor showed weaker interactions and higher IC50/EC50 values. MM/PBSA analysis calculated a binding free energy of −100.664 ± 0.691 kJ/mol for the Nirmatrelvir-3CLpro complex, further supporting its stability and binding potency. These results underscore Nirmatrelvir’s potential as a promising therapeutic agent for SARS-CoV-2 and provide novel insights into dynamic stabilizing interactions through AI-based docking and long-term MD simulations.
Causal Relationship Between Physical Activity and Thymic Tumors Mediated by Circulating Cytokines: A Mendelian Randomization Mediation Analysis
Authors: Sun Yulin , Hao Shuaipeng
Published: December 2024

Physical activity reduces chronic disease risk and enhances immune function, but its causal relationship with thymic tumors—rare neoplasms of the anterior mediastinum—remains unclear. This study investigated whether physical activity reduces thymic tumor risk and whether circulating cytokines mediate this effect. We performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using genetic variants as instrumental variables for physical activity and cytokines. Data were obtained from large genome-wide association studies of Europeans, and included the following: physical activity (91,084 individuals), thymic tumors (473,681 individuals with 58 benign and 93 malignant cases), and cytokines (14,824 individuals). The inverse-variance weighted method served as the primary analysis. Genetically predicted physical activity was associated with reduced risks of benign (odds ratio [OR] = 0.381; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.158 to 0.921; p = 0.032) and malignant thymic tumors (OR = 0.312; 95% CI: 0.155 to 0.628; p = 0.001). Mediation analysis identified interleukin-10 receptor subunit β (IL10RB) as a partial mediator, accounting for 5.95% of the protective effect on benign tumors. Sensitivity analyses indicated no pleiotropy or heterogeneity. In conclusion, physical activity causally reduces the risk of thymic tumors, partially mediated by IL10RB, highlighting its potential role in cancer prevention through immunomodulation.
A 3D Printed Air-Tight Cell Adaptable for Far-Infrared Reflectance, Optical Photothermal Infrared Spectroscopy, and Raman Spectroscopy Measurements
Authors: Paolone Annalisa , Celeste Arcangelo , Di Pea Maria , Brutti Sergio , Borondics Ferenc , Capitani Francesco
Published: December 2024

Material characterization and investigation are the basis for improving the performance of electrochemical devices. However, many compounds with electrochemical applications are sensitive to atmospheric gases and moisture; therefore, even their characterization should be performed in a controlled atmosphere. In some cases, it is impossible to execute such investigations in a glove box, and, therefore, in the present work, an air-tight 3D printed cell was developed that preserves samples in a controlled atmosphere while allowing spectroscopic measurements in reflectance geometry. Equipped with a cheap 1 mm thick CaF2 optical window or a more expensive 0.5 mm thick ZnS window, the cell was used for both optical photothermal infrared and Raman spectroscopy measures; imaging of the samples was also possible. The far-infrared range reflectance measurements were performed with a cell equipped with a diamond window.
Prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorders in Adult Women with Endometriosis
Authors: Marciniak Tomasz , Walewska Natalia , Skoworodko Agata , Bobowik Patrycja , Kruk-Majtyka Weronika
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: The prevalence of endometriosis varies between 10% and 18%, while temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) concern between 29 and 34% of the general population. Both conditions share similar etiological factors and symptoms such as widespread, chronic pain. Therefore, both are qualified as Chronic Overlapping Pain Conditions. Even though TMDs and endometriosis appear to be comorbidities, up until now, no research has examined how the incidence rates compare between them. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the prevalence of TMD symptoms in women with endometriosis in the Polish population. Methods: 163 adult women with endometriosis, aged 32.41 ± 6.76 years, completed an anonymous online survey regarding their medical history and TMD symptoms. The participants were screened for TMD symptoms using two questionnaires—3Q/TMD and TMD Pain Screener (part of the DC/TMD protocol). The history mainly consisted of a chronology of symptoms’ appearance, medical consultations, and final confirmation of the diagnosis, to establish delay time. Results: The analysis revealed that 77.3% of women with endometriosis showed TMD symptoms, and 49.08% of the whole studied population showed important pain levels. Then, the sample was divided into two groups according to the 3Q/TMD questionnaire—a TMD and an nTMD group. The results showed significantly higher pain levels in the TMD group (r = 0.721) compared to non-symptomatic subjects. The mean patients’ delay time (T1) was 2.81 ± 4.40 years, and the mean doctors’ delay (T2) was 5.32 ± 5.65 years. Conclusions: The results provide a new insight into the relationship between endometriosis and TMD. The prevalence of the latter condition was found to be high, creating a strong recommendation for the use of TMD screening tools in this particular population.
Gout and Hyperuricemia: A Narrative Review of Their Comorbidities and Clinical Implications
Authors: Timsans Janis , Palomäki Antti , Kauppi Markku
Published: December 2024

Gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis, caused by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in the joints due to elevated serum uric acid levels. Its prevalence and associated healthcare burden have been rising in recent decades, a trend expected to continue. It is crucial to recognize that gout and hyperuricemia are not merely causes of painful joint flares, but systemic metabolic disorders linked to a broad spectrum of comorbidities such as cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, insulin resistance, steatotic liver disease, osteoarthritis, and respiratory and eye diseases. Numerous risk factors for gout and hyperuricemia have been identified, with recent research uncovering further associations with other conditions. To optimize patient outcomes, gout and hyperuricemia must be addressed through a holistic approach that accounts for these risk factors while providing comprehensive management of related comorbidities affecting various organ systems. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the risk factors, comorbidities, and clinical implications of gout and hyperuricemia. Future research should focus on improving patient outcomes by tailoring treatments individually and addressing the underlying metabolic comorbidities of gout with multimodal treatment.
Diagnostic Impact of Subcutaneous Edema in Gouty Feet Detected by Dual-Energy Computed Tomography and Ultrasound
Authors: Held Julia , Strolz Christoph , Reijnierse Monique , Taljanovic Mihra , Lacaita Pietro G. , Ouaret Miar , Gizewski Elke R. , Weiss Günter , Klauser Andrea S.
Published: December 2024

Background: The objective of our study was to evaluate the association and frequency of subcutaneous lymphedema in patients with gout primarily affecting the feet. Methods: In 79 patients with acute gout, ultrasound (US) and dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) were performed to assess the presence of subcutaneous edema and extra- and intra-articular gouty deposits. In addition, the diagnostic utility of two post-processing DECT protocols were evaluated, comprising different minimum attenuation thresholds of 150 HU (DECT 150 protocol) and 120 HU (DECT 120 protocol), with the same maximum attenuation threshold (500 HU) and constant kilovoltage setting of tubes A and B at 80 and 140 kVp. Results: Subcutaneous lymphedema was present in 58.2% of patients, with a significant association with extra-articular monosodium urate (MSU) deposits (p < 0.001). Specifically, 97.8% of patients with lymphedema had extra-articular MSU deposits in DECT or US examination, while no cases of lymphedema were found in patients with exclusively intra-articular deposits. The DECT 120 protocol was significantly more sensitive for detecting peripheral MSU deposits (81%) compared to the DECT 150 protocol (34.2%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that the presence of lymphedema in patients with gout is frequently associated with extra-articular manifestations of the disease.
Comparing the Efficacy of CT, MRI, PET-CT, and US in the Detection of Cervical Lymph Node Metastases in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Clinically Negative Neck Lymph Node: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Alsibani Ahmed , Alqahtani Abdulwahed , Almohammadi Roaa , Islam Tahera , Alessa Mohammed , Aldhahri Saleh F. , Al-Qahtani Khalid Hussain
Published: December 2024

Background: Traditional imaging techniques have limited efficacy in detecting occult cervical lymph node (LN) metastases in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET-CT) has demonstrated potential for assessing HNSCC, but the literature on its efficacy for detecting cervical LN metastases is scarce and exhibits varied outcomes, hindering comparisons. Aim: To compare the efficacy of CT, MRI, PET-CT, and US for detecting LN metastasis in HNSCC with clinically negative neck lymph nodes. Methods: A systematic search was performed using Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Studies comparing CT, MRI, PET-CT, or US to detect cervical metastases in HNSCC were identified. The quality of the studies was assessed using the QUADAS-2 instrument. The positive likelihood ratios (+LR) and negative likelihood ratios (−LR), sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), with 95% confidence intervals (C.I.), were calculated. Analysis was stratified according to lymph node and patient basis. Results: Fifty-seven studies yielded 3791 patients. At the patient level, PET-CT exhibited the highest diagnostic performance, with a SEN of 74.5% (95% C.I.: 65.4–81.8%) and SPE of 83.6% (95% C.I.: 77.2–88.5%). PET-CT also demonstrated the highest +LR of 4.303 (95% C.I.: 3.082–6.008) and the lowest −LR of 0.249 (95% C.I.: 0.168–0.370), resulting in the highest DOR of 15.487 (95% C.I.: 8.973–26.730). In the evaluation of diagnostic parameters for various imaging modalities on node-based analysis results, MRI exhibited the highest SEN at 77.4%, and PET demonstrated the highest SPE at 96.6% (95% C.I.: 94.4–98%). PET-CT achieved the highest DOR at 24.353 (95% C.I.: 10.949–54.166). Conclusions: PET-CT outperformed other imaging modalities across the majority of studied metrics concerning LN metastasis detection in HNSCC.
Phase Field Modelling of Failure in Thermoset Composites Under Cure-Induced Residual Stress
Authors: Balaji Aravind , Dumas David , Pierard Olivier
Published: December 2024

This study examines the residual stress induced by manufacturing and its effect on failure in thermosetting unidirectional composites under quasi-static loading, using Finite Element-based computational models. During the curing process, the composite material develops residual stress fields due to various phenomena. These stress fields are predicted using a constitutive viscoelastic model and subsequently initialized within a damage-driven Phase Field model. Structural tensors are used to modify the stress-based failure criteria to account for inherent transverse isotropy. This influence is incorporated into the crack phase field evolution equation, enabling a modular framework that retains all residual stress information through a heat-transfer analogy. The proposed coupled computational model is validated through a representative numerical case study involving L-shaped composite parts. The findings reveal that cure-induced residual stresses, in conjunction with discontinuities, play a critical role in matrix cracking and significantly affect the structural load-carrying capacity. The proposed coupled numerical approach provides an initial estimation of the influence of manufacturing defects and streamlines the optimization of cure profiles to enhance manufacturing quality. Among the investigated curing strategies, the three-dwell cure cycle emerged as the most effective solution.
Application of Advanced Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chmielewski Marek , Pilloni Andrea , Adamska Paulina
Published: December 2024

Background: Advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF) is produced by centrifuging the patient’s blood in vacuum tubes for 14 min at 1500 rpm. The most important component of A-PRF is the platelets, which release growth factors from their ⍺-granules during the clotting process. This process is believed to be the main source of growth factors. The aim of this paper was to systematically review the literature and to summarize the role of A-PRF in oral and maxillo-facial surgery. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was carried out, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD42024584161). Results: Thirty-eight articles published before 11 November 2024 were included in the systematic review. The largest study group consisted of 102 patients, and the smallest study group consisted of 10 patients. A-PRF was most often analyzed compared to leukocyte-PRF (L-PRF) or blood cloth. A-PRF was correlated with lower postoperative pain. Also, A-PRF was highlighted to have a positive effect on grafting material integration. A-PRF protected areas after free gingival graft very well, promoted more efficient epithelialization of donor sites and enhanced wound healing. Conclusions: Due to its biological properties, A-PRF could be considered a reliable addition to the surgical protocols, both alone and as an additive to bio-materials, with the advantages of healing improvement, pain relief, soft tissue management and bone preservation, as well as graft integration. However, to determine the long-term clinical implications and recommendations for clinical practice, more well-designed randomized clinical trials are needed in each application, especially those with larger patient cohorts, as well as additional blinding of personnel and long follow-up periods.
Exploiting 2D Neural Network Frameworks for 3D Segmentation Through Depth Map Analytics of Harvested Wild Blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.)
Authors: Mullins Connor C. , Esau Travis J. , Zaman Qamar U. , Al-Mallahi Ahmad A. , Farooque Aitazaz A.
Published: December 2024

This study introduced a novel approach to 3D image segmentation utilizing a neural network framework applied to 2D depth map imagery, with Z axis values visualized through color gradation. This research involved comprehensive data collection from mechanically harvested wild blueberries to populate 3D and red–green–blue (RGB) images of filled totes through time-of-flight and RGB cameras, respectively. Advanced neural network models from the YOLOv8 and Detectron2 frameworks were assessed for their segmentation capabilities. Notably, the YOLOv8 models, particularly YOLOv8n-seg, demonstrated superior processing efficiency, with an average time of 18.10 ms, significantly faster than the Detectron2 models, which exceeded 57 ms, while maintaining high performance with a mean intersection over union (IoU) of 0.944 and a Matthew’s correlation coefficient (MCC) of 0.957. A qualitative comparison of segmentation masks indicated that the YOLO models produced smoother and more accurate object boundaries, whereas Detectron2 showed jagged edges and under-segmentation. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD test (α = 0.05), confirmed the superior segmentation performance of models on depth maps over RGB images (p < 0.001). This study concludes by recommending the YOLOv8n-seg model for real-time 3D segmentation in precision agriculture, providing insights that can enhance volume estimation, yield prediction, and resource management practices.
The Relationship Between Game-Related Assessment and Traditional Measures of Cognitive Ability—A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bipp Tanja , Wee Serena , Walczok Marvin , Hansal Laura
Published: December 2024

Technological advances have introduced new methods for assessing psychological constructs, moving beyond traditional paper-pencil tests. Game-related assessments (GRAs) offer several advantages for research and practice, though questions about their construct validity persist. This meta-analysis investigated the relationship between indicators derived from computer-based games and traditional cognitive ability measures, examining whether measurement scope (single vs. multiple indicators) or measurement medium of cognitive ability (computer-based vs. paper-pencil) influences this relationship. We identified 52 eligible samples stemming from 44 papers, including data from over 6100 adult participants. The results from three-stage mixed-effects meta-analyses showed an overall observed correlation of r = 0.30 (p < 0.001; corrected r = 0.45) between GRA indicators and traditional cognitive ability measures with substantial heterogeneity in effect sizes. Stronger relationships were found when cognitive ability was measured by multiple indicators, but no differences emerged based on the measurement medium of cognitive ability. Furthermore, GRAs intended to assess cognitive ability did not show stronger relationships with traditional measures of cognitive ability than GRAs not specifically used to measure cognitive ability. Overall, our findings suggest that GRAs are related to traditional cognitive ability measures. However, the overall effect size raises questions about whether GRAs and traditional measures capture the same aspects of cognitive ability or if GRAs also measure other constructs beyond cognitive ability.
In-Situ Experimental Study of Closed-Diaphragm Wall Foundations for Cross-Sea Suspension Bridges
Authors: Li Wenshuai , Tao Qiyu , Li Chao , Wang Xin , Gong Weiming , Dai Guoliang
Published: December 2024

This study examines the in-situ lateral static load behavior of a closed-diaphragm wall foundation, aiming to better understand its load–displacement response, structural behavior, and soil interaction under horizontal loading. An in-situ static load test was conducted with a maximum applied load of 70 MN, revealing that the diaphragm wall initially exhibits a linear load–displacement response, which becomes increasingly nonlinear as the load increases. The horizontal displacement of the lateral walls is nearly identical to the overall displacement of the diaphragm wall, making it a reliable indicator of the wall’s load state, particularly when it is challenging to measure total displacement. The wall behaves as a rigid body with minimal relative displacement between sections, and overturning failure is identified as the primary failure mode. Earth pressure distribution varies around the wall: passive earth pressure is observed at the front edge, while active and passive pressures alternate at the rear edge. These findings provide valuable insights into the design of diaphragm wall foundations, emphasizing the importance of lateral displacements.
Dynamic Accident Network Model for Predicting Marine Accidents in Narrow Waterways Under Variable Conditions: A Case Study of the Istanbul Strait
Authors: Yıldız Serdar , Uğurlu Özkan , Wang Xinjian , Loughney Sean , Wang Jin
Published: December 2024

Accident analysis models are crucial tools for understanding and preventing accidents in the maritime industry. Despite the advances in ship technology and regulatory frameworks, human factors remain a leading cause of marine accidents. The complexity of human behavior, influenced by social, technical, and psychological aspects, makes accident analysis challenging. Various methods are used to analyze accidents, but no single approach is universally chosen for use as the most effective. Traditional methods often emphasize human errors, technical failures, and mechanical breakdowns. However, hybrid models, which combine different approaches, are increasingly recognized for providing more accurate predictions by addressing multiple causal factors. In this study, a dynamic hybrid model based on the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) and Bayesian Networks is proposed to predict and estimate accident risks in narrow waterways. The model utilizes past accident data and expert judgment to assess the potential risks ships encounter when navigating these confined areas. Uniquely, this approach enables the prediction of accident probabilities under varying operational conditions, offering practical applications such as real-time risk estimation for vessels before entering the Istanbul Strait. By offering real-time insights, the proposed model supports traffic operators in implementing preventive measures before ships enter high-risk zones. The results of this study can serve as a decision-support system not only for VTS operators, shipmasters, and company representatives but also for national and international stakeholders in the maritime industry, aiding in both accident probability prediction and the development of preventive measures.
Mechanical Behavior of Marine Soft Soil with Different Water Contents Under Cyclic Loading
Authors: Liu Yajun , Zhang Heng , Sun Yindong , Wu Ke , Xiao Wenbin
Published: December 2024

This study integrates macroscopic dynamic triaxial tests with microscopic discrete element simulations to comprehensively examine the dynamic deformation characteristics of marine soft soils under cyclic loading. Unlike previous research that typically focuses solely on experimental or numerical methods, this approach combines both techniques to enable a holistic analysis of soil behavior. The dynamic triaxial tests assessed macroscopic responses, including strain evolution and energy dissipation, under varying dynamic stress ratios, confining pressures, and water contents. Concurrently, discrete element simulations uncovered the microscopic mechanisms driving these behaviors, such as particle rearrangement, porosity variations, and shear zone development. The results show that (1) The strain range of marine soft soils increases significantly with higher dynamic stress ratios, confining pressures, and water contents; (2) Cumulative dynamic strain and particle displacement intensify at water contents of 50% and 55%. However, at a water content of 60%, the samples exhibit significant damage characterized by the formation of shear bands throughout the entire specimen; (3) As water content increases, energy dissipation in marine soft soils accelerates under lower confining pressures but increases more gradually under higher confining pressures. This behavior is attributed to enhanced particle packing and reduced pore space at elevated confining pressures. This integrated methodology not only enhances analytical capabilities but also provides valuable engineering insights into the dynamic response of marine soft soils. The findings offer essential guidance for the design and stabilization of marine soft soil infrastructure in coastal urban areas.
An Optimized GWO-BPNN Model for Predicting Corrosion Fatigue Performance of Stay Cables in Coastal Environments
Authors: Zhou Liping , Yao Guowen
Published: December 2024

Corrosion and fatigue damage of high-strength steel wires in cable-stayed bridges in coastal environments can seriously affect the reliability of bridges. Previous studies have focused on isolated factors such as corrosion rates or stress ratios, failing to capture the complex interactions between multiple variables. In response to the critical need for accurate fatigue life prediction of high-strength steel wires under corrosive conditions, this study proposes an innovative prediction model that combines Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) with a Backpropagation Neural Network (BPNN). The optimized GWO-BPNN model significantly enhances prediction accuracy, stability, generalization, and convergence speed. By leveraging GWO for efficient hyperparameter optimization, the model effectively reduces overfitting and strengthens robustness under varying conditions. The test results demonstrate the model’s high performance, achieving an R2 value of 0.95 and an RMSE of 140.45 on the test set, underscoring its predictive reliability and practical applicability. The GWO-BPNN model excels in capturing complex, non-linear dependencies within fatigue data, outperforming conventional prediction methods. Sensitivity analysis identifies stress range, average stress, and mass loss as primary determinants of fatigue life, highlighting the dominant influence of corrosion and stress factors on structural degradation. These results confirm the model’s interpretability and practical utility in pinpointing key factors that impact fatigue life. Overall, this study establishes the GWO-BPNN model as a highly accurate and adaptable tool, offering substantial support for advancing predictive maintenance strategies and enhancing material resilience in corrosive environments.
A Laser-Based SLAM Algorithm of the Unmanned Surface Vehicle for Accurate Localization and Mapping in an Inland Waterway Scenario
Authors: Wang Yang , Liu Chao , Liu Jiahe , Wang Jinzhe , Liu Jianbin , Zheng Kai , Zheng Rencheng
Published: December 2024

It is important to improve the localization accuracy of the unmanned surface vehicle (USV) for ensuring safe navigation in an inland waterway scenario. However, the localization accuracy of the USV is affected by the limited availability of global navigation satellite system signals, the sparsity of feature points, and the high scene similarity in inland waterway scenarios. Therefore, this paper proposes a laser-based simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) algorithm for accurate localization and mapping in inland waterway scenarios. Inertial measurement unit (IMU) data are integrated with lidar data to address motion distortion caused by the frequent motion of the USV. Subsequently, a generalized iterative closest point (GICP) algorithm incorporating rejection sampling is integrated to enhance the accuracy of point cloud matching, involving a two-phase filtering process to select key feature points for matching. Additionally, a mixed global descriptor is constructed by combining point cloud intensity and distance information to improve the accuracy of loop closure detection. Experiments are conducted on the USV-Inland datasets to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm generates accurate mapping and significantly improves localization accuracy by 25.6%, 18.5%, and 23.6% compared to A-LOAM, LeGO-LOAM, and ISC-LOAM, respectively. These results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm achieves accurate localization and mapping in an inland waterway scenario.
The Impact of Shipping Connectivity on Environmental Quality, Financial Development, and Economic Growth in Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Countries
Authors: Bekteshi Xhelil , Alshiqi Sevdie , Jóźwik Bartosz , Altin Fatma Gul , Dogan Mesut , Petrossyants Tatyana
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the relationship between shipping connectivity, environmental quality, financial development, and economic growth among 14 countries in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) from 2006 to 2019. Using panel-corrected standard error, Dynamic Seemingly Unrelated Regression, and Driscoll–Kraay estimation methods, the analysis reveals that shipping connectivity significantly contributes to financial development and economic growth, while also exerting a negative impact on environmental quality. These findings suggest that the maritime sector can have significant impacts not only on economic growth and financial development but also on environmental sustainability. In countries where maritime shipping has increased, particularly with the growth of trade, positive outcomes are observed in terms of financial development and economic growth, while negative impacts on environmental quality are also evident. This study provides insights for policymakers to develop strategies that maximize economic benefits while reducing environmental harm in order to achieve sustainable development in the maritime sector.
Decoding Land Use Conflicts: Spatiotemporal Analysis and Constraint Diagnosis from the Perspectives of Production–Living–Ecological Functions
Authors: Liu Yong , Xu Rui , Yang Jixin , Xie Xinpeng , Cui Xufeng
Published: December 2024

Exploring the intensity and constraint factors of land use conflicts provides essential insights for efficient land use planning. Currently, China’s spatial development is gradually transitioning towards the coordinated development of production, living, and ecological functions (PLEFs). Previous studies have typically focused on land use conflicts from a micro perspective, examining conflicts between production, living, and ecological land uses at a fine scale. There is limited research from a macro perspective that conducts a theoretical analysis based on the production, living, and ecological functions of land use conflicts themselves. In addition, existing studies primarily analyze the influencing factors of land use conflicts, with limited literature directly addressing the constraint factors of land use conflicts. This study focuses on 12 prefecture-level cities in Hubei Province, China, using data from 2010 to 2020. It categorizes land use conflicts at the macro level into production perspective, living perspective, and ecological perspective conflicts. For each of these conflict perspectives, different pressure, state, and response indicators are introduced. This approach leads to the development of a theoretical framework for analyzing land use conflicts at the macro level. On this basis, a spatiotemporal evolution analysis of land use conflicts was conducted. Additionally, using a constraint factor diagnosis model, the study analyzed the constraint factors of land use conflicts at the macro level across cities, leading to the following research conclusions: (1) the land use conflicts from the production and living perspectives in the 12 prefecture-level cities of Hubei showed an upward trend from 2010 to 2020, while the land use conflicts from the ecological perspective exhibited a downward trend; (2) during the study period, Wuhan exhibited the highest intensity of land use conflicts from both the production and living perspectives, while Ezhou experienced the highest intensity of land use conflicts from the ecological perspective for most of the study period; (3) the main constraining factors of land use conflicts from the production perspective in the 12 prefecture-level cities of Hubei are population density, average land GDP, and effective irrigation rate. The primary constraining factors of land use conflicts from the living perspective are population density, urbanization rate, and average land real estate development investment. The main constraining factors of land use conflicts from the ecological perspective are population density, average land fertilizer input, and effective irrigation rate. This study constructs a new theoretical framework for land use conflict assessment at the macro level, providing a novel approach for studying land use conflicts at the macro scale.
What Brings People to Riverfronts? Revealing Key Factors from Mobility Patterns Using De Facto Population Data
Authors: Kang Mingu , Kwon Youngsang
Published: December 2024

Blue spaces, water-based open spaces, are becoming focal points for urban vitalization. While previous studies have explored waterfronts’ various effects, little research has focused on their influence on actual visitation and vitality. This study addresses this gap by analyzing the effect of riverfronts on mobility using de facto population data, which tracks citizen activity by location through mobile information. The study focuses on two major rivers in northwestern Seoul, covering nine major riverfront facilities. Population Vitality (PV) and Vitality Index (VI), two novel measures derived from the de facto population data, were calculated for 266 tracts and used as a new indicator of spatial activation. Explanatory variables include regional and riverfront factors, such as the density of facilities, riverfront spaces’ specifications, and vitalization patterns. The findings show that higher densities of park-green spaces and commercial activities significantly enhance vitality, aligning with previous research on open spaces. Compact riversides with higher densities of riverfront facilities also exhibit greater vitality. The VI has demonstrated feasibility as a dynamic metric for assessing spatial activation, effectively capturing temporal fluctuations. By utilizing population big data and novel indices, this study empirically demonstrates the magnetic effects of riverfronts, providing deeper insights into effective riverfront planning.
Impacts of Policies on Tourism-Oriented Rural Spaces: A Case Study of Minority Villages in Yanbian Prefecture
Authors: Zhang Yu , Xiong Wenxin , Dong Li
Published: December 2024

In 2005, the Fifth Plenary Session of the 16th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China introduced a strategic plan to advance the construction of a new socialist countryside, thereby providing a policy foundation for the robust development of rural tourism. Against this policy backdrop, the present study investigates the impact of rural tourism policies on the spatial evolution of ethnic minority villages in Yanbian Prefecture, utilizing data from the period 2004–2023. As a representative region in China where ethnic minorities coexist, Yanbian Prefecture exhibits distinctive cultural and spatial features in its Korean villages, making it a key pilot area for rural tourism development. This study utilizes the PMC index model, the coupled coordination degree model, and the vector autoregressive model to analyze the implementation effects of rural tourism policies and to establish an index system for rural spatial construction. By examining the spatial evolution of representative ethnic minority villages in Yanbian Prefecture, the research explores the dynamic interactions between tourism policies and rural construction, as well as the underlying causal mechanisms. The findings indicate that: (1) in ethnic minority villages, geographic characteristics and various constraints contribute to delayed initial policy effects, with negative fluctuations observed, highlighting a distinct lag effect in the policy implementation process; and (2) a significant Granger causality exists between tourism policies and rural spatial construction, with varying effects observed across different dimensions. The study centers on ethnic minority settlements, systematically analyzing the dynamic effects of tourism policies in the context of their spatial evolution characteristics. It offers sustainable development policy recommendations tailored to the unique attributes of ethnic minority villages. lt is suggested that the actual needs of village construction and long-term development goals should be fully considered when formulating and implementing policies to promote the sustainable development of ethnic minority areas.
Waterbirds of Sardinia (Italy): How Space and Time Shape a Threatened Metacommunity During the Critical Summer Period
Authors: Ferrarini Alessandro , Gustin Marco , Celada Claudio
Published: December 2024

The wetlands of Sardinia (Italy) supply food and shelter for many waterbird species that migrate along the central–eastern Mediterranean bird flyway. Despite many different policies and laws (the Birds and Habitats Directives, the European Water Framework Directive, and the Ramsar Convention), the Sardinian wetlands are seriously threatened by human activities and climate change, which in turn menace the associated avifauna. In this study, we (a) inventoried (four sampling dates) the avian metacommunity of the largest coastal wetlands in Sardinia during the crucial period of the year for the avifauna (August–September), (b) explored the spatiotemporal dynamics in bird species assemblage, and (c) used results to refine planning for bird habitat management and bird diversity conservation. We recorded 60 bird species, of which 54 were migratory and 21 belonged to Annex I of the Birds Directive. During August–September, (a) α, β, and γ avian diversity showed no significant temporal trends, (b) the contributions of space (wetlands) and time (dates of sampling) in determining the presence/absence of the waterbird species were comparable, (c) wetlands formed three statistically significant clusters with regard to the species richness, (d) a significant increase in the number of the species belonging to the “mixed” migration guild, and “divers from the surface” foraging guild, occurred, (e) there was a statistically significant chronological succession of the occurrence of waterbird species, (f) twenty-five species made use of the Sardinian wetlands all summer long, while ten further species were present in three sampling dates out of four, (g) the spatial distributions of the waterbird species in the Sardinian wetlands were significantly different between the sampling dates, (h) the Little Egret, the Grey Heron, and the Greater Flamingo were primarily responsible for the observed difference in the spatial distributions of species between the sampling dates, (i) Is Brebeis, Pilo, and S. Giovanni were the wetlands that changed their species composition the most during the studied period, (j) twenty-two waterbird species resulted at high priority for conservation, and thirteen species at medium priority. Based on these results, we have proposed new strategies for the conservation of the waterbird species of the Sardinian wetlands during the post-breeding migration period.
How Bike-Sharing Affects the Accessibility Equity of Public Transit Systems—Evidence from Nanjing
Authors: Cheng Jianke , Hu Liyang , Lei Da , Bi Hui
Published: December 2024

This study examines how Free-Floating Bike-Sharing (FFBS) affects the accessibility equity of public transit sytems by serving as a first-mile feeder. To evaluate accessibility improvements for various opportunities within a 30-min travel time, we construct a complete travel chain approach based on multi-source, real-world data from Nanjing, China. The results indicate that FFBS significantly enhances accessibility, particularly for job opportunities and green spaces, with improvements of up to 180.02% and 155.82%, respectively. This integration also enhances the accessibility equity of public transit systems, particularly in green spaces, with a Gini coefficient improvement of 0.0336. Additionally, we find that areas with low housing prices exhibit greater accessibility inequality, while those with moderate housing prices benefit more from FFBS integration. These findings can potentially support transport planners in optimizing and managing FFBS and public transit systems to facilitate sustainable and inclusive transportation networks.
Potential Regulation of the Long Non-Coding RNA Metastasis-Associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript1 by Estrogen in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Adel Eman , Nicolas Maya
Published: December 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second-leading cause of death among neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease (AD), affecting around 2% of the population. It is expected that the incidence of PD will exceed 12 million by 2040. Meanwhile, there is a recognized difference in the phenotypical expression of the disease and response to treatment between men and women. Men have twice the incidence of PD compared to women, who have a late onset and worse prognosis that is usually associated with menopause. In addition, the incidence of PD in women is associated with the cumulative estrogen levels in their bodies. These differences are suggested to be due to the protective effect of estrogen on the brain, which cannot be given in clinical practice to improve the symptoms of the disease because of its peripheral side effects, causing cancer in both males and females in addition to the feminizing effect it has on males. As PD pathophysiology involves alteration in the expression levels of multiple LncRNAs, including metastatic-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), and as estrogen has been illustrated to control the expression of MALAT1 in multiple conditions, it is worth investigating the estrogen–MALAT1 interaction in Parkinson’s disease to mimic its protective effect on the brain while avoiding its peripheral side effects. The following literature review suggests the potential regulation of MALAT1 by estrogen in PD, which would enhance our understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease, improving the development of more tailored and effective treatments.
Inhibitor of DNA Binding Protein 2 (ID2) Mediates the Anti-Proliferative and Pro-Differentiation Effects of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1)
Authors: Ssengonzi Rebecca , Wang Yuye , Zhou Jiayi , Kayashima Yukako , Townley-Tilson W. H. Davin , Rao Balaji , Ma Qing , Maeda-Smithies Nobuyo , Li Feng
Published: December 2024

In preeclampsia (PE), impaired trophoblast proliferation and differentiation are thought to cause abnormal placentation and subsequent clinical manifestations of the disease, i.e., hypertension, proteinuria, and end-organ damage. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) influences trophoblast cell function; however, the mechanism of IGF-1’s action on trophoblasts is not understood well. Inhibitor of DNA binding protein 2 (ID2) is involved in trophoblast differentiation and implicated in many processes disrupted in PE, including placental development, vascular differentiation, and angiogenesis. We hypothesized that IGF-1 regulates trophoblast proliferation and differentiation via ID2. Immortalized human first trimester trophoblast cells (HTR-8/SVneo) were treated with IGF-1 for 24 h after serum starvation. ID2 mRNA and protein were measured, as well as trophoblast cell viability, proliferation, tube formation, and migration. IGF-1 decreased ID2 expression in a dose-dependent manner. IGF-1 decreased trophoblast proliferation but increased cell viability, differentiation, and migration. ID2 overexpression mitigated the effects of IGF-1 on trophoblast cells. These data suggest that IGF-1 could regulate trophoblast proliferation and differentiation through ID2. The dysregulation of ID2-mediated IGF-1 signaling in trophoblast cells could be involved in the pathogenesis of pregnancy disorders like uterine growth restriction and PE.
Carbon Nanotubes Decorated with Nickel or Copper as Anti-Wear and Extreme-Pressure Additives for Greases
Authors: Skrzypek Magdalena , Wojciechowski Łukasz , Kałużny Jarosław , Boncel Sławomir , Marek Adam A. , Runka Tomasz , Nowicki Marek , Jędrysiak Rafał , Ruczka Szymon , Błaszkiewicz Paulina
Published: December 2024

To increase the anti-wear (AW) and anti-scuffing possibilities of commercially available lithium grease, this paper proposed enriching the original composition with functionalised carbon nanotubes (CNTs) at a concentration of 0.1% (w/w). The CNTs were modified by decorating them with nanoparticles of two metals with established tribological potential: copper and nickel. The AW and extreme-pressure properties were determined using the customised ISO-20623 test on a four-ball apparatus. The AW properties were determined using the standardised parameter MWSD (mean wear scar diameter) and the anti-scuffing properties using the last non-seizing load. The greases enriched with nanoadditives showed better AW properties compared to the reference grease at higher loads (1–1.2 kN). Particularly favourable results were observed for grease with the addition of Cu-decorated CNTs, for which the MWSD values were more than 50% lower than the reference. Optical microscopy, SEM and TEM microscopy with EDS analysis, and Raman spectroscopy were used to identify the wear mechanisms and characterise the role of nanoadditives in the lubrication process.