bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-Term Fertilization with the Nitrogen-Fixing Bacterium (NFB) Kosakonia radicincitans GXGL-4A Agent Can Modify the Transcriptome Expression Profiling of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Root
Authors: Feng Baoyun , Wang Erxing , Zhang Yating , Xu Lurong , Xue Yanwen , Chen Yunpeng
Published: February 2025

The application of nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NFB) as a biofertilizer can greatly reduce or even avoid environmental pollution caused by the excessive use of chemical nitrogen fertilizers. To explore the effect of short-term fertilization of GXGL-4A on the expression of functional genes in the roots of the cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) cultivar “Xintaimici”, this study used transcriptome sequencing technology combined with fluorescent quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) verification to compare the gene transcription profiles of GXGL-4A-treated and control (sterile-water-treated) groups. A total of 418 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected. The transcription levels of genes Csa5G161290 and Csa3G027720, which encode nitrate transporters, showed significant up-regulation (3.04- and 2.27-fold, respectively) in roots inoculated with GXGL-4A. The genes CsaV3_5G006200, encoding cytokinin dehydrogenase involved in the biosynthesis of zeatin, CsaV3_1G011730, encoding a wound-responsive protein, and CsaV3_6G015610, encoding a heat stress transcription factor, were significantly up-regulated at the transcriptional level (p < 0.05). However, the transcription of nitrogen cycling functional genes CsaV3_3G036500, CsaV3_1g008910, and CsaV3_3G018610, which encode nitrate reductase, high-affinity nitrate transporter (NRT), and ferredoxin-nitrite reductase, respectively, showed significant down-regulation (p < 0.05). Only the KEGG pathway of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis reached a significant level (p < 0.05). This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the interaction between NFB and plants and provides theoretical guidance for the development of GXGL-4A as a mature biological agent for sustainable agricultural production under drought stress.
FEM Method Study of the Advanced ECAP Die Channel and Tool Design
Authors: Arbuz Alexandr , Lutchenko Nikita , Yordanova Rozina
Published: February 2025

Equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) is one of the most effective methods for obtaining ultrafine-grained structures in metals and alloys, significantly improving their mechanical properties. In this work, FEM modeling and development of a new design of the instrument for ECAP were carried out, followed by the production of real samples of working dies and casing. Four different designs of dies have been studied: with channel intersection angles of 90° and 45° and two schemes with the same angles and a spherical cavity to create back pressure. The main purpose of the study was to study the effect of dies geometry on the stress–strain state and pressing load, as well as to develop an optimal tool design that ensures the reliability and durability of the process. The simulation results showed that reducing the channel intersection angle to 45° increases the degree of accumulated deformation to 4.5 mm/mm but also increases the pressing load to 280 kN. The introduction of a spherical cavity contributes to a more uniform distribution of deformations, although the pressing load increases to 416 kN. Based on the data obtained, an improved tool design with a massive steel casing was developed and manufactured. The analysis and production of real samples confirmed its effectiveness and reliability, which will improve the ECAP process and obtain materials with improved characteristics while reducing operating costs.
The Preparation of Robust Gully-like Surface of Stainless Steel Fiber-Bonded TFPA–TTA–COF with Nano Pores for Solid-Phase Microextraction of Phenolic Compounds in Water
Authors: Wei Wanqian , Shi Yu , Zhang Keqing , Li Baohui
Published: February 2025

In this paper, a novel robust TFPA–TTA–COF coating with nano pores was grafted to the gully-like surface of stainless steel fibers (GS-SSF). The GS-SSF were prepared using a two-step electrochemical etching method, and the covalent organic framework (COF) TFPA–TTA–COF coating was chemically bonded to the gully-like surface via in situ growth. The prepared metal fibers were applied as the headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) fibers and combined with gas chromatography (GC) to develop a detection method for phenolic compounds (PCs) in water. The developed method gave the limits of detection (S/N = 3) from 0.07 µg·L−1 to 0.52 µg·L−1 with enrichment factors from 243 to 2405. The relative standard deviations for inter-day study (n = 5) and fiber-to-fiber were from 3.94% to 8.89% and 2.17% to 8.05%, respectively. The prepared fiber could stand at least 180 cycles without remarkable loss of extraction efficiency. The developed method was successfully employed for the determination of trace PCs in environmental water with recoveries from 84.76% to 124.84%.
Acerola-Derived Photorepair System for Eliminating Ultraviolet-Induced Pyrimidine Dimers in Human Cells
Authors: Yanagimachi Mamoru , Umezu Tomohiro , Takanashi Masakatsu , Murakami Yoshiki , Ochiya Takahiro , Kuroda Masahiko
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Ultraviolet B (UV-B) is a significant risk factor for skin damage, as it induces cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD), which suppress DNA replication and transcription. Photolyase (PHR) is a blue light-dependent enzyme that repairs DNA damage caused by UV irradiation. While it is absent in human, it plays a crucial role in repairing CPD in other organisms. Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC), a fruit with high antioxidant content, is widely consumed for health benefits. This study aimed to identify a novel PHR in acerola and evaluate its photorepair activity. Methods: Using RNA-seq data, we cloned the full-length sequence of the acerola PHR gene and constructed an expression vector. A stable transfected HEK293 cell line (HEK293/acPHR) was established. CPD repair activity was analyzed under blue light in these cells, as well as in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) supplemented with extracellular vesicles (EVs) from HEK293/acPHR cells and extracellular vesicle-like nanoparticles derived from acerola extract. Results: Blue light-dependent CPD reduction was observed in HEK293/acPHR cells compared to control cells following UV-B irradiation. Additionally, CPD repair activity was demonstrated in NHDFs and HEK293 cells treated with EVs from HEK293/acPHR cells and nanoparticles from acerola extract. Conclusions: Acerola-derived PHR exhibits the potential to repair UV-induced DNA damage in human cells. Furthermore, EV-mediated delivery of PHR provides a promising avenue for extending photorepair capabilities to other cells. These findings highlight the potential applications of acerola PHR in the prevention and treatment of UV-induced skin damage and related conditions.
Artesunate: A Review of Its Potential Therapeutic Effects and Mechanisms in Digestive Diseases
Authors: Shi Mengting , Ma Guanhua , Yang Xiulan
Published: February 2025

Artesunate (ART), an artemisinin-derived semi-synthetic sesquiterpene lactone distinguished by its unique endoperoxide group, has become a cornerstone of clinical antimalarial therapy. Recent research has demonstrated its broad pharmacological profile, including its potent antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, and anti-fibrotic properties. These discoveries have significantly broadened the therapeutic scope of ART and offer new perspectives for its potential use in treating gastrointestinal disorders. Mechanistically, ART exerts significant therapeutic effects against diverse gastrointestinal pathologies—such as gastric ulcers, ulcerative colitis (UC), hepatic fibrosis (HF), gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and colorectal cancer—via multimodal mechanisms, including cell cycle modulation, apoptosis induction, the suppression of tumor cell invasion and migration, proliferation inhibition, ferroptosis activation, and immune regulation. This review evaluates existing evidence on ART’s therapeutic applications and molecular mechanisms in digestive diseases, intending to elucidate its clinical translation potential. ART emerges as a promising multi-target agent with significant prospects for improving the management of gastrointestinal disorders.
RNA-Seq Analysis Reveals Potential Genes Involved in Plant Growth Regulator-Induced Ovary Development in Male Kiwifruit (Actinidia eriantha)
Authors: Fu Rong , Zhang Min , Wei Feng , Lin Miaomiao , Fang Jinbao , Wang Ran , Li Yukuo , Chen Jinyong , Sun Leiming , Qi Xiujuan
Published: February 2025

Kiwifruit is a dioecious woody liana fruit tree, and the non-fruitfulness of male plants leads to a great deal of blindness in the selection of male plants in crossbreeding. In this study, we induced the development of male plant ovary by externally applying plant growth regulators (PGRs) and performed histological observation, phytohormone content determination and transcriptome analysis on the abortive ovary of the male kiwifruit (Con), the ovary of the female kiwifruit (Fem) and the PGR-induced developing ovary of the male kiwifruit (PT). Histological analysis showed that the Con ovary was devoid of ovules and the carpels were atrophied, the Fem ovary had ovules and the PT ovary was devoid of ovules, but the carpels developed normally and were not atrophied. Endogenous phytohormone content measurements displayed higher levels of trans-zeatin (tZT) in PT and Fem than Con, and lower levels of gibberellin (GA3) and abscisic acid (ABA) than Con. Transcriptome analysis revealed significant differences in many key genes in the cytokinin and auxin pathways, which were consistent with the results of phytohormone content measurements. Meanwhile, the genes related to carpel development, SPT (DTZ79_04g03580) and SK41 (DTZ79_19g04340), were highly expressed in PT, suggesting that they may play a key role in PGR-induced development of the ovary in male kiwifruit. These results provide information for elucidating the potential regulatory network of PGR-induced ovary development in male flowers and contribute to further identification of valuable target genes.
Modeling Study on Optimizing Water and Nitrogen Management for Barley in Marginal Soils
Authors: Žydelis Renaldas , Chiarella Rafaella , Weihermüller Lutz , Herbst Michael , Loit-Harro Evelin , Szulc Wieslaw , Schröder Peter , Povilaitis Virmantas , Mench Michel , Rineau Francois , Bakšienė Eugenija , Volungevičius Jonas , Rutkowska Beata , Povilaitis Arvydas
Published: February 2025

Water and N availability are key factors limiting crop yield, particularly in marginal soils. This study evaluated the effects of water and N stress on barley grown in marginal soils using field trials and the AgroC model. Experiments from 2020 to 2022 in Lithuania with spring barley cv. KWS Fantex under two N fertilization treatments on sandy soil provided data for model parameterization. The AgroC model simulated barley growth to assess yield potential and yield gaps due to water and N stress. Potential grain yields (assuming no water or N stress) ranged from 4.8 to 6.02 t DW ha−1, with yield losses up to 54.4% assuming only N stress and 59.2% assuming only water stress, even with the N100 treatment (100 kg N ha−1 yr−1). A synthetic case study varying N fertilization from 0 to 200 kg N ha−1 yr−1 showed that increasing N still enhanced yield, but the optimal rate of 100–120 kg N ha−1 yr−1 depended on climatic conditions, leading to uncertainty in fertilization recommendations. This study underscores the importance of integrating advanced modeling techniques with sustainable agricultural practices to boost yield potential and resilience in marginal soils. Incorporating remote sensing data to capture soil and crop variability is recommended for improving simulation accuracy, contributing to sustainable agriculture strategies in the Baltic–Nordic region.
Electrically Driven Liquid Crystal Elastomer Self-Oscillators via Rheostat Feedback Mechanism
Authors: Li Kai , Li Zuhao , Zhou Lin
Published: February 2025

The reliance of feedback mechanisms in conventional light-fueled self-oscillating systems on spatially distributed light and intricately designed structures impedes their application and development in micro-robots, miniature actuators, and other small-scale devices. This paper presents a straightforward rheostat feedback mechanism to create an electrically driven liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) self-oscillator which comprises an LCE fiber, a rheostat, a spring, and a mass. Based on the electrothermally responsive LCE model, we first derive the governing equation for the system’s dynamics and subsequently formulate the asymptotic equation. Numerical calculations reveal two motion phases, i.e., static and self-oscillating, and elucidate the mechanism behind self-oscillation. By employing the multi-scale method, we identify the Hopf bifurcation and establish the analytical solutions for amplitude and frequency. The influence of various system parameters on the amplitude and frequency of self-oscillation was analyzed, with numerical solutions being validated against analytical results to ensure consistency. The proposed rheostat feedback mechanism can be extended to cases with rheostats that have more general resistance properties and offers advantages such as simple design, adjustable dimensions, and rapid operation. The findings are expected to inspire broader design concepts for applications in soft robotics, sensors, and adaptive structures.
Air Quality Assessment During the Initial Implementation Phase of a Traffic-Restricted Zone in an Urban Area: A Case Study Based on NO2 Levels in Seville, Spain
Authors: Pastor-Fernández Andrés , Lama-Ruiz Juan-Ramón , Otero-Mateo Manuel , Narváez Alberto Cerezo , Ramírez-Peña Magdalena , Alzola Alberto Sanchez
Published: February 2025

Traffic-related air pollution significantly affects air quality. Many cities have introduced low emission zones (LEZs) to restrict urban transport. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a dangerous pollutant associated with adverse health effects, such as respiratory diseases, cancer, and death. This research aimed to evaluate the impact of implementing an LEZ during an informative period in which no fines were imposed on vehicles. The methodology consisted of several phases. Firstly, the legal levels to guarantee compliance with air quality standards of the Directive 2008/50/EC were studied. Secondly, this study analyzed the temperature and wind speed patterns of the city under investigation. Finally, an in-depth statistical study evaluated the impact of the LEZ at each air quality monitoring station throughout the municipality. The case study focused on Seville, Spain, using data from 2022, 2023, and the first quarter of 2024, the latter corresponding to the reporting period without fines. The results reveal a wide dispersion and periodicity in NO2 concentrations at the monitoring stations. Seville complied with NO2 air quality regulations before the implementation of the LEZ, with similar seasonal patterns observed. A low overall impact was observed in the first three months after implementation. This methodology can be used universally.
Study on the Structure of a Novel CMS@C12H22O14Fe Suppressant and Its Mechanism of Inhibiting Coal Dust Deflagration
Authors: Zhang Yansong , Yang Yang , Han Jin , Dongye Shengjing , Wang Fei , Liu Wenjie , Wang Lei , Zhang Yang
Published: February 2025

Coal resources still occupy a dominant position in the energy consumption structure, and the prevention and control of coal dust explosion has become an important measure to ensure the safe production of coal. To this end, a new type of environmentally friendly, economical, and efficient composite powder explosion suppressant has been developed. CMS@C12H22O14Fe was prepared by an anti-solvent crystallization method using Chinese Maifan stone (CMS) as the carrier and ferrous gluconate (C12H22O14Fe) as the active component. The physicochemical properties of the explosion suppressant were analyzed using characterization techniques such as SEM and FT-IR. At the same time, the Hartmann tube experimental device was utilized to study the inhibition effect of the detonation suppressor on the coal powder flame, and to determine the optimal loading amount of the active component and the addition amount of the detonation suppressor. The results show that the composite powder synthesized by the anti-solvent crystallization method has a uniform particle size and good structure. The flame was almost completely suppressed when the active component loading was 50 wt.% and the additive amount of the detonation suppressant was 30 wt.%. Finally, a physicochemical synergistic inhibition mechanism of CMS@C12H22O14Fe for coal dust explosion is proposed.
High-Season Piety: An Ethnographic Account of Community, Commensality, and Ritual in Anafi Island’s Summertime Orthodox Christian Religious Practices
Authors: Mitralexis Sotiris
Published: February 2025

This paper explores the material culture of religious life on the Greek island of Anafi during the peak tourism season of summer 2023. Through ethnographic fieldwork, the paper examines the public celebration of a number of feasts coinciding with the summer high season: the Transfiguration of Christ, one of the Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church, celebrated on the sixth of August; the Dormition of the Theotokos (Mary the “Birthgiver of God”) on the fifteenth, with evening Supplications to the Theotokos in church on every August weekday leading up to the feast; the feast and commemoration of the immensely popular Saint Fanourios on the twenty-seventh of August, with the main celebration centering on the preceding day’s vespers; and, in September, the major feast of the island: the Nativity of the Theotokos (8 September), which unfolds into four-days-long festivities, due to the main shrine of the island being dedicated to the protectress of Anafi, Panayia Kalamiotissa. This paper focuses especially on the role of commensality and shared meals in maintaining kinship ties and social communion. Ritualized festive eating emerges as a way of consolidating the community of permanent island residents and diasporic islanders returning for summer. The continuity of these embodied practices provides insight into Anafiot identity and lived religion. Ultimately, this paper reflects on how contemporary Orthodox theologians have re-discovered the priority of materiality and the senses in ecclesial life.
The Crisis of Meaning: A Chestertonian Response
Authors: Reyburn Duncan
Published: February 2025

One of the main cultural achievements of modernity, according to Hartmut Rosa, is that it has nearly perfected “human beings’ ability to establish a certain distance from the world while at the same time bringing it within our manipulative reach”. Although this ‘achievement’ has ensured many remarkable scientific and technological developments, the consequences for culture have been more negative, often taking the form of what is often referred to as the malaise of modernity. Over time, this malaise has intensified to make way for what is now commonly known as the crisis of meaning, which pivots around the erosion of three orders of meaning, named and discussed by John Vervaeke: the nomological order, the narrative order, and the normative order. The work of G. K. Chesterton is consulted, in this article, to grapple with the deeper theological meaning of the modern malaise and the present crisis of meaning. In Chesterton’s work, it is better to interpret any cultural crisis, like the Edwardian cultural crisis he saw first-hand, as well as the current meaning crisis, through theology, and especially in relation to the doctrines of God’s goodness, the goodness of created order, and the doctrine of original sin, narrated as the fall of man. Through this, it becomes possible to better understand and articulate Chesterton’s theological mediation of culture as a more specific aspect of his larger hermeneutical awareness.
The Image Transformation and Literary Writing of Buddhist Temples in Northern Wei Luoyang
Authors: Gong Yan
Published: February 2025

This article examines the functional transformation of Buddhist temples from religious edifices to elements of the political landscape in Northern Wei Luoyang, in order to elucidate the grandiose portrayal of these temples in geographical records. The proliferation of Buddhism significantly altered the spatial configuration of the capital city, previously dominated by imperial architectural complexes. Buddhist temples emerged as emblematic structures of Luoyang, surpassing palaces in prominence due to their extensive occupation of urban space, enhancement of the empire’s international standing, and involvement in the political vicissitudes of Northern Wei. Yang Xuanzhi drew upon the literary techniques of Han fu 漢賦, particularly its elaborate descriptive style, to articulate the sentiments of the emperor’s subjects and extol the ruler’s virtue while subtly conveying criticism and advice. By shaping Buddhist temples into imperial landscapes, Yang Xuanzhi conferred on Luoyang a legitimacy comparable to that of the Han Dynasty. The evolving social functions and literary representations of Buddhist temples during the Northern Wei Dynasty reflect the profound integration of Buddhism, politics, and literature.
An Improved Satellite ISAL Imaging Vibration Phase Compensation Algorithm Based on Prior Information and Adaptive Windowing
Authors: Duan Chenxuan , Liu Hongyuan , Wu Xiaona , Tang Jian , Feng Zhejun , Cao Changqing
Published: February 2025

Spaceborne inverse synthetic aperture ladar (ISAL) can achieve high-resolution imaging of satellite targets. However, because the amplitudes of satellite microvibration are comparable to the ladar wavelength, the echoes will contain both space-variant and space-invariant phase errors. These errors will lead to azimuthal image defocus and impede target analysis and identification. In this paper, we establish a phase error estimation model based on satellite vibration characteristics. Based on this model, we propose a vibration phase error compensation algorithm using prior information and adaptive windowing. Compared to conventional algorithms, this algorithm utilizes prior information to improve estimation accuracy while significantly reducing computational complexity. Furthermore, high-accuracy phase function estimation can be achieved through maximum likelihood estimation and adaptive window filtering, thereby enabling the compensation of vibration phase errors. Both simulation and real imaging experiments validate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed algorithm.
Validation of Atmospheric Wind Fields from MIGHTI/ICON: A Comprehensively Comparative Analysis with Meteor Radars, FPI and TIMED/TIDI
Authors: Gong Dini , Gu Shengyang , Qin Yusong , Li Na , Chen Yiding , Yuan Wei , Wei Yafei
Published: February 2025

The Michelson interferometer for global high-resolution thermospheric imaging (MIGHTI) aboard the NASA ionospheric connection (ICON) satellite offers extensive atmospheric wind field data for mid-latitude regions and has recently released its version 5 (v05) data. We conducted a comprehensive comparison and validation of MIGHTI v05 level 2.2 data for the period from December 2019 to October 2022, covering all MIGHTI data in orbit. In a comparison of raw wind speeds, MIGHTI demonstrates good agreement with the ground-based Fabry–Pérot interferometer (FPI), meteor radars, and the space-borne instrument TIMED Doppler interferometer (TIDI). However, some differences still exist. Comparisons with meteor radars revealed differences attributable to observational altitude, day–night variations, and latitude distribution. Below 100 km, MIGHTI and meteor radar exhibit excellent consistency (r = 0.819 for zonal and r = 0.782 for meridional winds). Day–night differences are minimal, with closer amplitude values observed at night. MIGHTI shows stronger correlations with low-latitude meteor radar, with coefficients of 0.859 (zonal) and 0.891 (meridional) at Ledong. The meridional wind correlation is better in low-latitude regions, in contrast to mid-latitudes. Similar observations were made in a comparison with FPI, emphasizing the need for caution when considering the meridional wind component of MIGHTI at observational boundaries (~40 °N). In addition to comparing raw wind speed data, we analyzed the amplitude of fluctuations extracted by MIGHTI and TIDI by employing the least squares method to extract planetary waves. The results indicate that both TIDI and MIGHTI observe the same fluctuation events, but TIDI extracts larger fluctuation amplitudes than MIGHTI. Finally, we present, for the first time, the spatial structure of a five-day wave that occurred in March 2020.
Aboveground Biomass and Tree Mortality Revealed Through Multi-Scale LiDAR Analysis
Authors: Bueno Inacio T. , Silva Carlos A. , Anderson-Teixeira Kristina , Magee Lukas , Zheng Caiwang , Broadbent Eben N. , Zambrano Angélica M. Almeyda , Johnson Daniel J.
Published: February 2025

Accurately monitoring aboveground biomass (AGB) and tree mortality is crucial for understanding forest health and carbon dynamics. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) has emerged as a powerful tool for capturing forest structure across different spatial scales. However, the effectiveness of LiDAR for predicting AGB and tree mortality depends on the type of instrument, platform, and the resolution of the point cloud data. We evaluated the effectiveness of three distinct LiDAR-based approaches for predicting AGB and tree mortality in a 25.6 ha North American temperate forest. Specifically, we evaluated the following: GEDI-simulated waveforms from airborne laser scanning (ALS), grid-based structural metrics derived from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-borne lidar data, and individual tree detection (ITD) from ALS data. Our results demonstrate varying levels of performance in the approaches, with ITD emerging as the most accurate for AGB modeling with a median R2 value of 0.52, followed by UAV (0.38) and GEDI (0.11). Our findings underscore the strengths of the ITD approach for fine-scale analysis, while grid-based forest metrics used to analyze the GEDI and UAV LiDAR showed promise for broader-scale monitoring, if more uncertainty is acceptable. Moreover, the complementary strengths across scales of each LiDAR method may offer valuable insights for forest management and conservation efforts, particularly in monitoring forest dynamics and informing strategic interventions aimed at preserving forest health and mitigating climate change impacts.
Anomaly-Guided Double Autoencoders for Hyperspectral Unmixing
Authors: Liu Hongyi , Zhang Chenyang , Huang Jianing , Wei Zhihui
Published: February 2025

Deep learning has emerged as a prevalent approach for hyperspectral unmixing. However, most existing unmixing methods employ a single network, resulting in moderate estimation errors and less meaningful endmembers and abundances. To address this imitation, this paper proposes a novel double autoencoders-based unmixing method, consisting of an endmember extraction network and an abundance estimation network. In the endmember network, to improve the spectral discrimination, a logarithm spectral angle distance (SAD), integrated with anomaly-guided weight, is developed as the loss function. Specifically, the logarithm function is used to boost the reliability of a pixel based on its high SAD similarity to other pixels. Moreover, the anomaly-guided weight mitigates the influence of outliers. As for the abundance network, a spectral convolutional autoencoder combined with the channel attention module is employed to exploit the spectral features. Additionally, the decoder weight is shared between the two networks to reduce computational complexity. Extensive comparative experiments with state-of-the-art unmixing methods demonstrate that the proposed method achieves superior performance in both endmember extraction and abundance estimation.
Multi-Scale Kolmogorov-Arnold Network (KAN)-Based Linear Attention Network: Multi-Scale Feature Fusion with KAN and Deformable Convolution for Urban Scene Image Semantic Segmentation
Authors: Li Yuanhang , Liu Shuo , Wu Jie , Sun Weichao , Wen Qingke , Wu Yibiao , Qin Xiujuan , Qiao Yanyou
Published: February 2025

The introduction of an attention mechanism in remote sensing image segmentation improves the accuracy of the segmentation. In this paper, a novel multi-scale KAN-based linear attention (MKLA) segmentation network of MKLANet is developed to promote a better segmentation result. A hybrid global–local attention mechanism in a feature decoder is designed to enhance the ability of aggregating the global–local context and avoiding potential blocking artifacts for feature extraction and segmentation. The local attention channel adopts MKLA block by bringing the merits of KAN convolution in Mamba like the linear attention block to improve the ability of handling linear and nonlinear feature and complex function approximation with a few extra computations. The global attention channel uses long-range cascade encoder–decoder block, where it mainly employs the 7 × 7 depth-wise convolution token mixer and lightweight 7 × 7 dilated deep convolution to capture the long-distance spatial features field and retain key spatial information. In addition, to enrich the input of the attention block, a deformable convolution module is developed between the encoder output and corresponding scale decoder, which can improve the expression ability of the segmentation model without increasing the depth of the network. The experimental results of the Vaihingen dataset (83.68% in mIoU, 92.98 in OA, and 91.08 in mF1), the UAVid dataset (69.78% in mIoU, 96.51 in OA), the LoveDA dataset (51.53% in mIoU, 86.42% in OA, and 67.19% in mF1), and the Potsdam dataset (97.14% in mIoU, 92.64% in OA, and 93.8% in mF1) outperform other advanced attention-based approaches in terms of small targets and edges’ segmentation.
Somali/Somalilander Men in London Share Their Views on FGM—Towards a Male-Focused Continuum of Change
Authors: Bradley Tamsin , Abdulkadir Isha
Published: February 2025

This article is an attempt to go some way towards filling two critical gaps in understanding what works best to end FGM. Firstly, the views of men are still not commonly the focus of research, the assumption being, until relatively recently, that FGM is a practice conducted by women on girls. Secondly, research that does seek to capture a male perspective from so-called ‘cutting’ contexts has rarely focused on the views of men from the UK Somalia/Somaliland diaspora. This gap in knowledge is stark considering that Somalia and Somaliland have the highest prevalence of FGM globally. The views documented and analysed in this article come from men in the Somali/Somalilander diaspora in London. Multiple viewpoints are shared that reveal potentially critical shifts in mindsets towards FGM. Unsurprising, younger men in the research were more open to change than their older counterparts. This article articulates a cautionary note. Those men who are willing to act to end FGM are not necessarily motivated by gender equity. This article argues that a new carefully designed continuum of change is needed to specifically capture the different viewpoints of men. This continuum will then support more targeted activism focused on ending FGM through gender transformation.
Disability Inclusion in Rural Vietnam: A Case Study of Household Experiences in a WASH Intervention
Authors: Pham Lien
Published: February 2025

This paper examines a donor-funded development project in the rural mountainous districts of Vietnam aimed at improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services for vulnerable households, particularly those with disabilities. The study investigates the project’s impact on disability inclusion at the household and community levels and identifies factors that support or hinder progress towards inclusion for people with disabilities. Data from a survey of 600 households and interviews with household members and village chiefs provide insights into the perceptions and attitudes towards persons with disabilities (PWDs), and practices of disability-inclusive WASH. While progress has been made in changing attitudes towards the rights of PWDs, there is still room to improve practices, especially in engaging with PWDs, offering affordable disability-inclusive WASH services, and including them in WASH policy decisions. This paper highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that extends beyond household interventions and emphasizes a shift in mindset towards disability inclusion at all societal levels.
The Post-2021 Afghan Situation: Romanian Students’ Knowledge, Views and Cultural Receptiveness
Authors: Șimon Simona , Dragomir Gabriel-Mugurel , Fărcașiu Marcela Alina
Published: February 2025

In a world in which the political crisis is escalating, causing the emergence of war and conflict, even in unexpected regions, the post-2021 Afghan situation of the population in general, and of the women in particular, is a reminder of the atrocities caused by colliding political powers. This article aims to raise Romanian students’ awareness of post-2021 Afghanistan, a geographically and culturally distant country, to identify their perceptions of the Afghans’ lives under the current regime as well as to single out the respondents’ cultural receptiveness. To achieve these research objectives, an online survey was carried out at the beginning of 2024 among the students of Politehnica University of Timișoara (Romania), recording 420 responses. The study revealed that, although the majority of the surveyed population is well acquainted with the topic under discussion, there is a significant sample that is still unaware of it despite its media coverage. Furthermore, the subjects’ cultural responsiveness is illustrative of the cultural traits of the Romanians, pointing to the slowness of the cultural change in spite of the incontestable economic growth of the country.
Geopolitical Bottlenecks and Air Transport Connectivity Between China and the UAE: Implications for BRICS+ Cooperation and Sustainable Tourism
Authors: Chen Yueyang , Zreik Mohamad
Published: February 2025

This paper examines the geopolitical challenges and regulatory barriers affecting direct air transport connectivity between China and the UAE, with a focus on their implications for BRICS+ cooperation and sustainable tourism development. While both countries have established strong aviation ties, factors such as regional conflicts, airspace restrictions, and diplomatic issues have hindered seamless connectivity. This study utilizes policy analysis and geopolitical risk assessments to identify key bottlenecks in existing agreements and propose strategic recommendations to enhance air transport links. By exploring the intersection of aviation policy, geopolitics, and sustainable tourism, this paper contributes to understanding the broader implications of improving BRICS+ air transport for regional economic integration and the growth of tourism in the Global South. The findings underscore the potential of aviation as a driver for sustainable development in emerging economies, particularly in the context of China–UAE relations within the BRICS+ framework.
Bio-Hybrid Films from Chirich Tuber Starch: A Sustainable Approach with Machine Learning-Driven Optimization
Authors: Karaogul Eyyup , Sarıışık Gencay , Öğütlü Ahmet Sabri
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the potential of Chirich (Asphodelus aestivus) tuber, one of Turkey’s natural resources, for sustainable bio-hybrid film production. Bio-hybrid films developed from Chirich tuber starch in composite form with polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) were thoroughly examined for their physical, mechanical, and barrier properties. During the production process, twin-screw extrusion and hydraulic hot pressing methods were employed; the films’ optical, chemical, and barrier performances were analyzed through FT-IR spectroscopy, water vapor permeability, solubility, and mechanical tests. To evaluate the films’ durability against environmental factors and model their properties, advanced computational model algorithms such as Gradient Boosting Regression (GBR), Random Forest Regression (RFR), and AdaBoost Regression (ABR) were utilized. The results showed that the GBR algorithm achieved the highest accuracy with 99.92% R2 and presented the most robust model in terms of sensitivity to environmental factors. The results indicate that Chirich tuber-based bio-hybrid films exhibit significantly enhanced mechanical strength and barrier performance compared to conventional corn starch-based biodegradable polymers. These superior properties make them particularly suitable for industrial applications such as food packaging and medical materials, where durability, moisture resistance, and gas barrier characteristics are critical. Moreover, their biodegradability and potential for integration into circular economy frameworks underscore their environmental sustainability, offering a viable alternative to petroleum-derived plastics. The incorporation of ML-driven optimization not only facilitates precise property prediction but also enhances the scalability of bio-hybrid film production. By introducing an innovative, data-driven approach to sustainable material design, this study contributes to the advancement of bio-based polymers in industrial applications, supporting global efforts to mitigate plastic waste and promote environmentally responsible manufacturing practices.
Sustainable Waste Management in the Context of the Circular Economy
Authors: Um Namil
Published: February 2025

Changes in living patterns as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly impacted the type and characteristics of generated waste [...]
Alkylpolyglycosides—Based Formulations for Sustainable Remediation of Contaminated Aquifers: Lab-Scale Process Study for NAPL Solubilization Assessment
Authors: Barbati Berardino , Lorini Laura , Bellagamba Marco , Petrangeli Papini Marco
Published: February 2025

In the context of the surfactant-enhanced remediation of polluted sites, this work focuses on the development of non-ionic alkylpolyglucosidic (APG) surfactant formulations with different additives for the solubilization and mobilization of strongly adsorbed organic pollutants. The study involved three consecutive phases to evaluate the effect of the additives on surface behavior and the potential improvement in alkylpolyglycoside surfactant’s capability to solubilize toluene and perchloroethylene (PCE), selected as reference contaminants. After a chemical–physical characterization phase, the APG-based formulations were first used in a batch configuration test, in which the formulations’ solubilization ability was indirectly assessed by observing the effect on pollutants’ adsorption. Lastly, a continuous configuration column experiment was performed to simulate the flushing process of a synthetic matrix previously contaminated with strongly adsorbed toluene or PCE. The results showed that the presence of additives firstly reduced the ability of the surfactant to form micelles, increasing the CMC, but at the same time improved the ability to reduce surface tension. Moreover, the addition of the additives overall resulted in a significant improvement in adsorbed pollutant removal in a minimal volume of fed solution, reaching 96% and 99% efficiencies for toluene and PCE, respectively, compared with 76% and 92%, for toluene and PCE, respectively, in the presence of free-additive APG surfactant.
Research on the Path of Realizing the Value of Ecological Products—Taking the Sustainable Development of Rural Areas as the Goal
Authors: Wei Ruilu , Peng Ziran , Wang Chengdong , He Wenhui , Cai Qingjie , Li Zhuoxuan , He Peimin
Published: February 2025

The concept of sustainable development requires humanity to change their perception of the singular value of nature, enabling people to recognize the value of the natural world as a pathway to understanding. Currently, a key focus of research is how to promote rural sustainable development by realizing the value of ecological products. The pastoral complex is a significant carrier for realizing the value of ecological products, and the assessment and accounting of its ecological product value serve as essential foundations for realizing such value. However, existing research on the evaluation and accounting of ecological product value is mostly conducted on a larger scale, such as administrative divisions or natural ecosystems, with relatively fewer studies on small-scale economic entities. Therefore, this study intends to select the pastoral complex, a typical economic entity, as the research object, make clear the value types of ecological products of the pastoral complex through theoretical analysis and field research, and use the Delphi method and AHP to build an ecological product value evaluation system to carry out ecological product value accounting for the pastoral complex. The results showed that the Taihe Water Pastoral complex scored 7.045 points and was rated as excellent, while the Yinmin Fruit and Vegetable Pastoral complex only scored 4.579 points and was rated as excellent. Good ecological environment and high-quality ecological products have positive effects on the value evaluation of ecological products. The evaluation system constructed in this study can effectively reflect the ecological product value of pastoral complexes, and through in-depth comparison, present specific pathways for realizing this value. This provides a scientific reference for the sustainable development of rural areas, supports rural revitalization, and promotes equitable rural prosperity.
How Place Attachment in Different Landscapes Influences Resilience to Disasters: A Systematic Review
Authors: Carone Maria Teresa , Vennari Carmela , Antronico Loredana
Published: February 2025

Human species have colonized many different landscapes since their emergence on Earth, even the extreme ones, preferring landscapes with high biodiversity to look for different resources. This led to a strong connection between individuals and the landscapes in which they live. For landscapes prone to natural hazards leading to disasters, attachment is an essential non-structural aspect that should be considered when discussing community resilience. Thus, to develop efficient strategies for improving resilience to disasters, it is mandatory to understand how such an attachment can influence this process. Many scholars have addressed the role of attachment in the case of disasters; nevertheless, its influence on community resilience is still understudied. In this paper, to provide an insightful overview of the studies that address this specific aspect, a systematic literature review (SLR) using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology was carried out. Since the concept of attachment has declined in the literature in different dimensions, this SLR encompasses all these dimensions under the broader concept of place attachment (PA). The review highlights that the current literature recognizes a substantial role for attachment in influencing the resilience of disaster-prone communities, but there is no consensus on whether this role is either entirely positive or entirely negative. Given the nuances of the concept of landscape attachment, a better understanding of how to use this non-structural aspect for disaster adaptation measures represents a needed future direction in this field.
Ecological Perspective on Sustainable Human Well-Being
Authors: Duan Wenjie
Published: February 2025

In an era characterized by unprecedented environmental challenges, human behavior exerts an increasingly significant impact on the Earth’s ecosystems [...]
Industrial Robotics, Resource Efficiency, Energy Transition, and Environmental Quality: Designing a Sustainable Development Goals Framework for G7 Countries in the Presence of Geopolitical Risk
Authors: Xia Yuhan , Ahmad Mahmood
Published: February 2025

In recent years, the integration of industrial robotics has emerged as a powerful tool in reshaping industries by enhancing production efficiency, reducing waste generation, and optimizing resource utilization. However, industrial robotics, particularly in manufacturing and production, require significant energy that can potentially impact on environmental quality. Despite the growing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI)-based industrial robotics, there is a paucity of literature on the impact of industrial robotics on the ecological footprint (EF), particularly in the context of advanced economies. In this context, this study aims to investigate the impact of industrial robotics, resource efficiency, energy transition, and geopolitical risk EF in G7 countries from 1993 to 2021. The study employed advanced econometric techniques, including Kernel-based Regularized Least Squares (KRLS) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) machine learning methods. The results unveiled that industrial robotics significantly curtail environmental degradation by impeding the EF. Resource efficiency and energy transition posed a significant and negative impact on the EF. Geopolitical risks and economic growth exacerbate the EF. Based on the results, the study proposes important policy implications for achieving sustainable development.
Green Digital Strategies: Sustainability in Global and Greek Cultural Marketing
Authors: Avlonitou Charis , Papadaki Eirini , Kavoura Androniki
Published: February 2025

This study explores the growing global focus on sustainability in museums and cultural institutions, examining how digital marketing can support both sustainability and cultural identity. It provides insights into best practices, strategies, and challenges faced by cultural organizations, offering recommendations for improving sustainability and digital marketing in the Greek cultural sector. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, including a literature review to establish the international context, an observational analysis of global leaders mainly focusing on the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Metropolitan Opera (the Met), and primary research through a 30-question survey answered by 26 Greek cultural institutions. The findings reveal that leading global cultural organizations effectively use digital strategies to promote sustainability, enhancing cultural identity, brand, and economic resilience while advancing environmental stewardship and social justice. Greek cultural organizations, primarily facing financial and technical constraints, struggle with strategic integration and digital marketing, with few exceptions. The study concludes that the benefits of sustainable digital marketing outweigh the challenges, as it can significantly enhance cultural values and drive sustainability across environmental, economic, and social dimensions. By adopting a deeper understanding of sustainability and a more strategic, holistic approach, Greek organizations can amplify their impact, strengthen their presence, and contribute to long-term sustainability goals.