bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Susceptibility of Urban Flooding Using GIS with an Analytical Hierarchy Process in Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Hong Ngoc , Fukuda Hiroatsu , Nguyen Minh Nguyet
Published: May 2024

The incidence of floods is rapidly increasing globally, causing significant property damage and human losses. Moreover, Vietnam ranks as one of the top five countries most severely affected by climate change, with 1/3 of residents facing flood risks. This study presents a model to identify flood susceptibility using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) in the GIS environment for Hanoi, Vietnam. Nine flood-conditioning factors were selected and used as initial data. The AHP analysis was utilized to determine the priority levels of these factors concerning flood susceptibility and to assess the consistency of the obtained results to develop a flood-susceptibility map. The performance of the model was found to be significant based on the AUC value for the obtained receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The flood-susceptibility map has five levels of flood susceptibility: the area with a very high susceptibility to flooding accounts for less than 1% of the map, high- susceptibility areas for nearly 11%, moderate-susceptibility areas for more than 65%, low- susceptibility areas for about 22%, and very low-susceptibility areas for 2%. Most of Hanoi has a moderate level of flood susceptibility, which is expected to increase with urban expansion due to the impacts of urbanization. Our findings will be valuable for future research involving urban planners, and disaster management authorities and will enable them to make informed decisions aimed at reducing the impact of urban flooding and enhancing the resilience of urban communities.
Comprehensive Evaluation of Resilience for Qinling Tunnel Group Operation Safety System Based on Combined Weighting and Cloud Model
Authors: Liu Haiyang , He Yiyang
Published: May 2024

An extensive network of tunnels has recently been constructed in the Qinling Mountains. Characterized by high and steep terrain, this network has led to frequent traffic accidents. To address this issue, this paper introduces the theory of resilience into the evaluation system of safety systems during the operation period of highway tunnel groups. Based on this, this paper establishes a resilience evaluation index system for the operation safety system of highway tunnel groups, including a human system, vehicle system, and road system. To address both qualitative and quantitative issues concerning the indicators, this paper employs the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and entropy weight method to combine and assign weights to the resilience evaluation indicators. Subsequently, the cloud model method is utilized to quantify the level of resilience of the highway tunnel group safety system during the operation period. The study results unveiled the patterns of traffic accidents within the Qinling Tunnel Group from the perspectives of vehicle, road, and human factors. The final weight allocation reveals that the road system has the highest proportion, exerting the greatest influence as a primary level index. Moreover, by taking the Qinling Tunnel Group on the Xihan Expressway as an engineering example, the resilience level of the case project was analyzed and obtained. Proposals for enhancing resilience were put forth, taking into account the project’s unique attributes, encompassing adaptability, resistance, and recovery. Overall, this study validates the feasibility and reliability of the proposed method for assessing the resilience of highway networks, offering empirical support for transportation administrators in the implementation of resilience-enhancing strategies.
Spatial Characteristics of Aeolian Sand Transport Affected by Surface Vegetation along the Oshang Railway
Authors: Huang Ning , Song Yanhong , Li Xuanmin , Han Bin , Xu Lihang , Zhang Jie
Published: May 2024

Blown sand transport plays a pivotal role in determining the optimal placement of sand protection facilities along railways in sandy areas. Surface vegetation cover significantly influences blowing sand activities along the Oshang Railway (from Otog Front Banner to Shanghai-Temple Town). In this study, the spatial characteristics of aeolian sand transport along the railway were derived from field observations conducted at five different locations, each with varying fractional vegetation cover (FVC). The results indicate that sand-transport intensity does not fully correlate with the wind energy environment, primarily due to differences in surface vegetation cover among the observation sites. We utilize the dimensionless ratio Q·g·f/(0.136 × DP·ρa) to represent the sand transport rate (Q), the sand-moving wind frequency (f) and drift potential (DP), exhibiting a negative exponential trend with FVC. Sand transport is effectively restrained when FVC is greater than or equal to 20%. Conversely, when FVC is less than 20%, sand transport intensity exponentially increases with decreasing fractional vegetation cover. After careful analysis, we propose a simple empirical expression that incorporates the influence of both the wind field and fractional vegetation cover to assess sand transport on a flat surface. The study offers valuable insights for designing wind-blown sand protection measures along railways and evaluating wind-blown sand movement on a flat surface affected by vegetation.
The Carbon Emission Reduction Effects of the Quality and Quantity of R&D Activities: Evidence from Chinese Provinces
Authors: Li Aimin , Hu Qiang
Published: May 2024

Research and Development (R&D) have significant impacts on carbon emissions, yet the specific data on R&D capital stock and carbon emissions have not been released by Chinese officials, hindering in-depth analysis. In light of this, this study calculates the R&D capital stock of Chinese provinces based on the SNA2008 framework and the BEA method, and estimates the carbon emissions from energy consumption and cement production using the carbon emission factor method. It then examines the carbon emission reduction effects of the quality and quantity of R&D activities at the provincial level. We find that the quality of R&D activities has a significant carbon emission reduction effect, which is stronger in regions with high levels of economic growth and marketization, and this effect strengthens over time. Moreover, mechanism analysis shows that both the quality and quantity of R&D activities reduce carbon emissions by promoting industrial structure upgrading. This paper expands the analytical approach and framework for the carbon reduction effects of R&D activities and offers significant policy and practical implications.
How Does Low-Carbon Financial Policy Affect Corporate Green Innovation?—Re-Examination of Institutional Characteristics, Influence Mechanisms, and Local Government Behavior
Authors: Yao Hailin , Wan Zeyi , Zeng Huixiang , Wu Qingfang
Published: May 2024

This paper employs a propensity score matching approach to construct a control group and estimate the impact of the CETS pilot policy, a low-carbon financial policy, on corporate green innovation and its impact mechanism in a difference-in-difference manner. The results show that the CETS pilot policy has a significantly positive effect on corporate green innovation. The higher the penalty degree and the carbon price, the more obvious the promotion of the green innovation of pilot enterprises. The mechanism test shows that the improvement of corporate green innovation is mainly due to the incentive effect rather than the anti-driving effect of the CETS pilot policy, that is, the policy promotes corporate green innovation by providing innovation resources and enhancing the willingness to innovate. Further analysis shows that only in regions where local governments have less competitive pressure can the CETS pilot policy effectively promote enterprise innovation resources and that a close and clean government–business relationship can help strengthen the promotion effect of the CETS pilot policy on the willingness of enterprises to innovate. Furthermore, this paper introduces its theoretical framework as a strategic tripod to explore the friction in the process of the CETS pilot policy affecting corporate green innovation from the perspective of the industry environment and corporate resources. This research shows that a lack of industry green technology and corporate human capital may hinder the positive impact of the CETS pilot policy on corporate green innovation. Finally, this study found that the CETS pilot policy has no significant impact on the quality of corporate green innovation, and the lack of industry green technology and corporate human capital may hinder the CETS pilot policy from improving the quality of corporate green innovation.
Research on the Activation Path of Employees’ Openness to Digital Transformation: A New Impetus to Realize Enterprises’ Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development
Authors: Zhou Yanhua , Li Zilong
Published: May 2024

Digital transformation is an important strategic decision for the sustainable development ofenterprises, which helps enterprises achieve sustainable performance, sustainable management, andeven sustainable business models. While there have been a number of useful studies discussing theimpetus of digital transformation, most of them have neglected the role from employees, especiallytheir attitudes and perceptions towards transformation. Focusing on employees’ openness to digitaltransformation, we selected six antecedents to construct a configuration model, using fsQCA andNCA methods to explore the complex causal relationship between each antecedent and openness todigital transformation. This aims to derive the activation paths for employees’ openness to digitaltransformation, so as to help the enterprises’ digital transformation and further achieve sustainabledevelopment. Through the data analysis of 462 employees of Chinese enterprises, the followingconclusions are drawn: firstly, single antecedents are not necessary conditions for high/non-highdigital transformation openness activation; secondly, there are three configurations associated withthe high openness activation of digital transformation: a comprehensive collaboration type underinternal environment dominance (S1a + S1b), the consideration of both an internal and externalenvironment type under mindfulness characteristics’ dominance (S2), and a mindful substitutiontype under internal environment dominance (S3); and finally, there are four configurations associatedwith non-high digital transformation openness activation and an asymmetric relationship exists withthe high digital transformation openness activation path.
Evaluation of Ergonomic Risks for Construction Workers Based on Multicriteria Decision Framework with the Integration of Spherical Fuzzy Set and Alternative Queuing Method
Authors: Tao Yu , Hu Hao , Xue Jie , Zhang Zhipeng , Xu Feng
Published: May 2024

Ergonomic risks critically impact workers’ occupational health, safety, and productivity, and thereby the sustainability of a workforce. In the construction industry, the physical demands and dynamic environment exposes workers to various ergonomic hazards. While previous research has mainly focused on postural risks, there is a need to broaden the scope to include more relevant factors and assess them systematically. This study introduces a multi-criteria decision framework integrating the Spherical Fuzzy Sets (SFSs) and Alternative Queuing Method (AQM) to evaluate and prioritize ergonomic hazards. First, SFSs are employed to quantify the linguistic expressions of experts, addressing the inherent vagueness and uncertainty. Then, an entropy-based objective weighting method is adopted to determine the criteria weights. Finally, AQM is utilized to generate the risk priority. The proposed method has been implemented in a real-life construction project, where “overexertion due to unreasonable task organization”, “hypertension and heart diseases”, and “existing WMSD record” are identified as the top three ergonomic hazards. Then, a thorough discussion of intervention strategies regarding different risk categories is presented to facilitate ergonomic interventions. This proposed decision support system can promote effective ergonomic risk management, benefiting workers’ health and well-being and contributing to the sustainable workforce development of the construction industry.
Non-Local Cosmology: From Theory to Observations
Authors: Bajardi Francesco , Capozziello Salvatore
Published: May 2024

We examine the key aspects of gravitational theories that incorporate non-local terms, particularly in the context of cosmology and spherical symmetry. We thus explore various extensions of General Relativity, including non-local effects in the action through the function F(R,□−1R), where R denotes the Ricci curvature scalar and the operator □−1 introduces non-locality. By selecting the functional forms using Noether Symmetries, we identify exact solutions within a cosmological framework. We can thus reduce the dynamics of these chosen models and obtain analytical solutions for the equations of motion. Therefore, we study the capability of the selected models in matching cosmological observations by evaluating the phase space and the fixed points; this allows one to further constrain the non-local model selected by symmetry considerations. Furthermore, we also investigate gravitational non-local effects on astrophysical scales. In this context, we seek symmetries within the framework of f(R,□−1R) gravity and place constraints on the free parameters. Specifically, we analyze the impact of non-locality on the orbits of the S2 star orbiting SgrA*.
Comparative Analysis of Bilinear Time Series Models with Time-Varying and Symmetric GARCH Coefficients: Estimation and Simulation
Authors: Abu Hammad Ma’mon , Alkhateeb Rami , Laiche Nabil , Ouannas Adel , Alshorm Shameseddin
Published: May 2024

This paper makes a significant contribution by focusing on estimating the coefficients of a sample of non-linear time series, a subject well-established in the statistical literature, using bilinear time series. Specifically, this study delves into a subset of bilinear models where Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedastic (GARCH) models serve as the white noise component. The methodology involves applying the Klimko–Nilsen theorem, which plays a crucial role in extracting the asymptotic behavior of the estimators. In this context, the Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedastic model of order (1,1) noted that the GARCH (1,1) model is defined as the white noise for the coefficients of the example models. Notably, this GARCH model satisfies the condition of having time-varying coefficients. This study meticulously outlines the essential stationarity conditions required for these models. The estimation of coefficients is accomplished by applying the least squares method. One of the key contributions lies in utilizing the fundamental theorem of Klimko and Nilsen, to prove the asymptotic behavior of the estimators, particularly how they vary with changes in the sample size. This paper illuminates the impact of estimators and their approximations based on varying sample sizes. Extending our study to include the estimation of bilinear models alongside GARCH and GARCH symmetric coefficients adds depth to our analysis and provides valuable insights into modeling financial time series data. Furthermore, this study sheds light on the influence of the GARCH white noise trace on the estimation of model coefficients. The results establish a clear connection between the model characteristics and the nature of the white noise, contributing to a more profound understanding of the relationship between these elements.
Symmetric Collaborative Fault-Tolerant Control of Multi-Intelligence under Long-Range Transmission in Air–Ground Integrated Wireless High-Mobility Self-Organizing Networks
Authors: Wang Zhifang , Shao Mingzhe , Xu Wenke , Huang Xuewei , Bai Yang , Huang Quanzhen , Yu Jianguo
Published: May 2024

With the continuous development and progress of wireless self-organizing network communication technology, how to carry out long-distance cooperative control of multiple intelligences under the framework of an air–ground integrated wireless high-mobility self-organizing network has become a hot and difficult topic that needs to be solved urgently. This paper takes the air–ground integrated wireless high-mobility self-organizing network system as the basic framework and focuses on solving the long-distance cooperative fault-tolerant control of multi-intelligent bodies and the topological stability of a wireless mobile self-organizing network. To solve the above problems, a direct neural network with a robust adaptive fault-tolerant controller is designed in this paper. By constructing a symmetric population neural network model and combining it with the Lyapunov stabilization criterion, the system feedback matrix K has the ability of autonomous adaptive learning, and symmetrically distorts, rotates, or scales the training data to instantly adjust the system’s fault-tolerant corrections and adaptive adjusting factors to resist the unknown disturbances and faults, to achieve the goals of multi-intelligent body stable control and the stable operation of a wireless high-mobility self-organizing network topology. Simulation results show that with the feedback adjustment of the multi-system under the designed controller, the multi-system as a whole has good fault-tolerant performance and autonomous learning approximation performance, and the tracking error asymptotically converges to zero. The experimental results show that the multi-flight subsystems fly stably, the air–ground integrated wireless high-mobility self-organizing network topology has good stability performance, and the maximum relative improvement of the topology stability performance is 50%.
The Male Reproductive Toxicity Caused by 2-Naphthylamine Was Related to Testicular Immunity Disorders
Authors: Dai Pengyuan , Ding Mengqian , Yu Jingyan , Gao Yuan , Wang Miaomiao , Ling Jie , Dong Shijue , Zhang Xiaoning , Zeng Xuhui , Sun Xiaoli
Published: May 2024

2-naphthylamine (NAP) was classified as a group I carcinogen associated with bladder cancer. The daily exposure is mostly from cigarette and E-cigarette smoke. NAP can lead to testicular atrophy and interstitial tissue hyperplasia; however, the outcomes of NAP treatment on spermatogenesis and the associated mechanisms have not been reported. The study aimed to investigate the effect of NAP on spermatogenesis and sperm physiologic functions after being persistently exposed to NAP at 5, 20, and 40 mg/kg for 35 days. We found that sperm motility, progressive motility, sperm average path velocity, and straight-line velocity declined remarkably in the NAP (40 mg/kg) treated group, and the sperm deformation rate rose upon NAP administration. The testis immunity- and lipid metabolism-associated processes were enriched from RNA-sequence profiling. Plvap, Ccr7, Foxn1, Trim29, Sirpb1c, Cfd, and Lpar4 involved in testis immunity and Pnliprp1 that inhibit triglyceride and cholesterol absorption were confirmed to rise dramatically in the NAP-exposed group. The increased total cholesterol and CD68 levels were observed in the testis from the NAP-exposed group. Gpx5, serving as an antioxidant in sperm plasma, and Semg1, which contributes to sperm progressive motility, were both down-regulated. We concluded that the short-term exposure to NAP caused reproductive toxicity, primarily due to the inflammatory abnormality in the testis.
Whole Genome Sequence-Based Analysis of Bovine Gammaherpesvirus 4 Isolated from Bovine Abortions
Authors: Romeo Florencia , Spetter Maximiliano Joaquín , Pereyra Susana Beatriz , Morán Pedro Edgardo , González Altamiranda Erika Analía , Louge Uriarte Enrique Leopoldo , Odeón Anselmo Carlos , Pérez Sandra Elizabeth , Verna Andrea Elizabeth
Published: May 2024

Bovine gammaherpesvirus 4 (BoGHV4) is a member of the Gammaherspivirinae subfamily, Rhadinovirus genus. Its natural host is the bovine, and it is prevalent among the global cattle population. Although the complete genome of BoGHV4 has been successfully sequenced, the functions of most of its genes remain unknown. Currently, only six strains of BoGHV4, all belonging to Genotype 1, have been sequenced. This is the first report of the nearly complete genome of Argentinean BoGHV4 strains isolated from clinical cases of abortion, representing the first BoGHV4 Genotype 2 and 3 genomes described in the literature. Both Argentinean isolates presented the highest nt p-distance values, indicating a greater level of divergence. Overall, the considerable diversity observed in the complete genomes and open reading frames underscores the distinctiveness of both Argentinean isolates compared to the existing BoGHV4 genomes. These findings support previous studies that categorized the Argentinean BoGHV4 strains 07-435 and 10-154 as Genotypes 3 and 2, respectively. The inclusion of these sequences represents a significant expansion to the currently limited pool of BoGHV4 genomes while providing an important basis to increase the knowledge of local isolates.
Correction: Wang et al. Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Alpha6 Contributes to Antiviral Immunity via IMD Pathway in Drosophila melanogaster. Viruses 2024, 16, 562
Authors: Wang Zhiying , Lin Xiaoju , Shi Wangpeng , Cao Chuan
Published: May 2024

In the original publication [...]
Phage–Bacterial Interaction Alters Phenotypes Associated with Virulence in Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Oyejobi Greater Kayode , Zhang Xiaoxu , Xiong Dongyan , Xue Heng , Shi Mengjuan , Yang Hang , Wei Hongping
Published: May 2024

Bacteriophages exert strong selection on their bacterial hosts to evolve resistance. At the same time, the fitness costs on bacteria following phage resistance may change their virulence, which may affect the therapeutic outcomes of phage therapy. In this study, we set out to assess the costs of phage resistance on the in vitro virulence of priority 1 nosocomial pathogenic bacterium, Acinetobacter baumannii. By subjecting phage-resistant variant Ev5-WHG of A. baumannii WHG40004 to several in vitro virulence profiles, we found that its resistance to phage is associated with reduced fitness in host microenvironments. Also, the mutant exhibited impaired adhesion and invasion to mammalian cells, as well as increased susceptibility to macrophage phagocytosis. Furthermore, the whole-genome sequencing of the mutant revealed that there exist multiple mutations which may play a role in phage resistance and altered virulence. Altogether, this study demonstrates that resistance to phage can significantly alter phenotypes associated with virulence in Acinetobacter baumannii.
Further Evaluation of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli Gold Nanoparticle Vaccines Utilizing Citrobacter rodentium as the Model Organism
Authors: Bowser Sarah , Melton-Celsa Angela , Chapartegui-González Itziar , Torres Alfredo G.
Published: May 2024

Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) is a group of pathogenic bacteria that is associated with worldwide human foodborne diarrheal illnesses and the development of hemolytic uremic syndrome, a potentially deadly condition associated with Shiga toxins (Stxs). Currently, approved vaccines for human prophylaxis against infection do not exist, and one barrier preventing the successful creation of EHEC vaccines is the absence of dependable animal models, including mice, which are naturally resistant to EHEC infection and do not manifest the characteristic signs of the illness. Our lab previously developed gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-based EHEC vaccines, and assessed their efficacy using Citrobacter rodentium, which is the mouse pathogen counterpart of EHEC, along with an Stx2d-producing strain that leads to more consistent disease kinetics in mice, including lethality. The purpose of this study was to continue evaluating these vaccines to increase protection. Here, we demonstrated that subcutaneous immunization of mice with AuNPs linked to the EHEC antigens EscC and intimin (Eae), either alone or simultaneously, elicits functional robust systemic humoral responses. Additionally, vaccination with both antigens together showed some efficacy against Stx2d-producing C. rodentium while AuNP-EscC successfully limited infection with non-Stx2d-producing C. rodentium. Overall, the collected results indicate that our AuNP vaccines have promising potential for preventing disease with EHEC, and that evaluation of novel vaccines using an appropriate animal model, like C. rodentium described here, could be the key to finally developing an effective EHEC vaccine that can progress into human clinical trials.
Effect of an HPV Vaccination Multi-Level, Multi-Component Program on HPV Vaccination Initiation and Completion in a Pediatric Clinic Network
Authors: Savas Lara S. , Shegog Ross , Frost Erica L. , Healy C. Mary , Mantey Dale S. , Coan Sharon P. , Shay L. Aubree , Teague Travis A. , Ferreris Juan J. , Preston Sharice M. , Vernon Sally W.
Published: May 2024

Despite clear evidence of the public health benefits of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in preventing HPV-related cancers and genital warts, underutilization of HPV vaccination in the United States persists. Interventions targeting multi-level determinants of vaccination behavior are crucial for improving HPV vaccination rates. The study’s purpose was to implement and evaluate the adapted Adolescent Vaccination Program (AVP), a clinic-based, multi-level, multi-component intervention aimed at increasing HPV vaccine initiation and completion rates in a five-clinic pediatric network in Bexar County, Texas. The adaptation process was guided by established frameworks and involved formative work with clinic stakeholders. The study utilized a quasi-experimental single group pre- and post- study design, with an external comparison data using the National Immunization Survey-Teen (NIS-Teen) datasets for the same time period to examine the AVP’s effect on HPV vaccination initiation and completion. A series of interrupted time series analyses (ITSA) compared the clinic system patient outcomes (HPV vaccination initiation and completion rates) in the post-intervention to the general adolescent population (NIS-Teen). Of the 6438 patients (11–17 years) with clinic visits during the 3-year study period, HPV vaccination initiation rates increased from 64.7% to 80.2% (p < 0.05) and completion rates increased from 43.2% to 60.2% (p < 0.05). The AVP was effective across various demographic and economic subgroups, demonstrating its generalizability. ITSA findings indicated the AVP improved HPV vaccination initiation and completion rates in clinic settings and that AVP strategies facilitated resilience during the pandemic. The minimal adaptation required for implementation in a new clinic system underscores its feasibility and potential for widespread adoption.
A Chymotrypsin-Dependent Live-Attenuated Influenza Vaccine Provides Protective Immunity against Homologous and Heterologous Viruses
Authors: He Peiqing , Gui Mengxuan , Chen Tian , Zeng Yue , Chen Congjie , Lu Zhen , Xia Ningshao , Wang Guosong , Chen Yixin
Published: May 2024

Influenza virus is one of the main pathogens causing respiratory diseases in humans. Vaccines are the most effective ways to prevent viral diseases. However, the limited protective efficacy of current influenza vaccines highlights the importance of novel, safe, and effective universal influenza vaccines. With the progress of the COVID-19 pandemic, live-attenuated vaccines delivered through respiratory mucosa have shown robustly protective efficacy. How to obtain a safe and effective live-attenuated vaccine has become a major challenge. Herein, using the influenza virus as a model, we have established a strategy to quickly obtain a live-attenuated vaccine by mutating the cleavage site of the influenza virus. This mutated influenza virus can be specifically cleaved by chymotrypsin. It has similar biological characteristics to the original strain in vitro, but the safety is improved by at least 100 times in mice. It can effectively protect against lethal doses of both homologous H1N1 and heterologous H5N1 viruses post mucosal administration, confirming that the vaccine generated by this strategy has good safety and broad-spectrum protective activities. Therefore, this study can provide valuable insights for the development of attenuated vaccines for respiratory viruses or other viruses with cleavage sites.
Host miR-146a-3p Facilitates Replication of Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus by Targeting WNT3a and CCND1
Authors: Huang Jingwen , Zheng Shihao , Li Qiuji , Zhao Hongying , Zhou Xinyue , Yang Yutong , Zhang Wenlong , Cao Yongsheng
Published: May 2024

Infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) is a serious pathogen that causes great economic loss to the salmon and trout industry. Previous studies showed that IHNV alters the expression patterns of splenic microRNAs (miRNAs) in rainbow trout. Among the differentially expressed miRNAs, miRNA146a-3p was upregulated by IHNV. However, it is unclear how IHNV utilizes miRNA146a-3p to escape the immune response or promote viral replication. The present study suggested that one multiplicity of infection (MOI) of IHNV induced the most significant miR-146a-3p expression at 1 day post infection (dpi). The upregulation of miR-146a-3p by IHNV was due to viral N, P, M, and G proteins and relied on the interferon (IFN) signaling pathway. Further investigation revealed that Wingless-type MMTV integration site family 3a (WNT3a) and G1/S-specific cyclin-D1-like (CCND1) are the target genes of miRNA-146a-3p. The regulation of IHNV infection by miRNA-146a-3p is dependent on WNT3a and CCND1. MiRNA-146a-3p was required for the downregulation of WNT3a and CCND1 by IHNV. Moreover, we also found that WNT3a and CCND1 are novel proteins that induce the type-I IFN response in RTG-2 cells, and both of them could inhibit the replication of IHNV. Therefore, IHNV-induced upregulation of miRNA-146a-3p promotes early viral replication by suppressing the type-I IFN response by targeting WNT3a and CCND1. This work not only reveals the molecular mechanism of miRNA-146a-3p during IHNV infection but also provides new antiviral targets for IHNV.
A Morphometric Study of the Pars Plana of the Ciliary Body in Human Cadaver Eyes
Authors: Guedes Jaime , Fernandes Bruno F. , Mora-Paez Denisse J. , Brazuna Rodrigo , da Costa Neto Alexandre Batista , Amaral Dillan Cunha , Faneli Adriano Cypriano , Oliveira Ricardo Danilo Chagas , de Alencar Costa Filho Adroaldo , Dantas Adalmir Morterá
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to determine the pars plana length in postmortem human eyes using advanced morphometric techniques and correlate demographics to ocular metrics such as age, sex, ethnicity, and axial length. Between February and July 2005, we conducted a cross-sectional observational study on 46 human cadaver eyes deemed unsuitable for transplant by the SBO Eye Bank. The morphometric analysis was performed on projected images using a surgical microscope and a video-microscopy system with a 20.5:1 correction factor. The pars plana length was measured three times per quadrant, with the final value being the mean of these measurements. Of the 46 eyes collected, 9 were unsuitable for the study due to technical constraints in conducting intraocular measurements. Overall, the average axial length was 25.20 mm. The average pars plana length was 3.8 mm in all quadrants, with no measurements below 2.8 mm or above 4.9 mm. There were no statistically significant variations across quadrants or with age, sex, axial length, or laterality. Accurately defining the pars plana dimensions is crucial for safely accessing the posterior segment of the eye and minimizing complications during intraocular procedures, such as intravitreal injections and vitreoretinal surgeries.
Rapid Formation and Performance of Aerobic Granular Sludge Driven by a Sodium Alginate Nucleus under Different Organic Loading Rates and C/N Ratios
Authors: Gan Chunjuan , Cheng Qiming , Chen Renyu , Chen Xi , Chen Ying , Wu Yizhou , Li Cong , Xu Shanchuan , Chen Yao
Published: May 2024

The use of aerobic granular sludge (AGS) for wastewater treatment has emerged as a promising biotechnology. A sodium alginate nucleus (SAN) incorporated into the AGS system can enhance aerobic granulation. Two important parameters influencing AGS formation and stability are the organic loading rate (OLR) and C/N ratio. In this study, AGS containing the SAN was cultivated under different OLR and C/N ratios. Through morphological analysis, physicochemical properties, and water quality analysis, the effects of the OLR and C/N ratio on the rapid formation and performance of AGS containing the SAN were investigated. The results showed that the most suitable OLR and C/N ratio in the SAN system were 1.4–2.4 kg/(m3∙d) and 10–15, respectively. A recovery experiment of sodium alginate (SA) showed that the group that formed AGS generally had a higher recovery efficiency compared with the group that did not form granular sludge. This work explored the suitable granulation conditions of AGS containing the SAN, and the results provide a theoretical basis for future practical applications. The recycling of SA as presented in this study may broaden the application prospects of SA.
Spatial Differentiation and Influencing Factors Analysis of Drought Characteristics Based on the Standardized Precipitation Index: A Case Study of the Yellow River Basin
Authors: Liu Qi , Huo Aidi , Zhao Zhixin , Zhao Xuantao , Rebouh Nazih Yacer , Luo Chenxu
Published: May 2024

It is crucial to identify drought characteristics and determine drought severity in response to climate change. Aiming at the increasingly serious drought situation in the Yellow River Basin, this study firstly selected the standardized precipitation index (SPI) and streamflow drought index (SDI) to analyze the characteristics of drought seasons, then identified the frequency, duration, and intensity of drought based on the run theory, and finally recognized the abrupt changing and driving factors of major drought events in specific years by the Mann–Kendall trend test. The conclusions showed the following: (1) The drought in the downstream of the Yellow River Basin was more severe than that in the upstream. The drought characteristics showed significant regional differentiation and deterioration. (2) The drought intensity and duration had an obvious spatial correlation. Compared with the other seasons, the drought duration and severity in spring and autumn were the most serious, and in winter, they showed an aggravating trend. (3) According to a time series analysis of drought conditions in the Yellow River Basin, the worst drought occurred in 1997–2001 with the least rainfall on record and a sudden rise in temperatures. This study could provide a scientific reference for agricultural drought disaster prevention and mitigation.
Temporal Phosphorus Dynamics in Shallow Eutrophic Lake Suwa, Japan
Authors: Ichikawa Yutaka , Kunito Takashi , Miyabara Yuichi
Published: May 2024

It can be difficult to decrease the water phosphorus (P) concentration in eutrophic shallow lakes, even if the external P loading is reduced, owing to a high level of internal P loading to surface water from sediment. However, in shallow Lake Suwa, Japan, lake water P concentration has largely decreased in recent years owing to low levels of internal P loading, as well as declining external P loading. We measured water/sediment P and iron (Fe) concentrations and the P release rate from sediment in Lake Suwa, and then compared it with data from the 1970s. In the 1970s, the P concentration throughout the lake water was high during the hypoxic period. Recently, however, the P concentration has increased only in the hypolimnion during the hypoxic period. This suggests that internal P loading from sediment to surface water has largely been suppressed during the hypoxic period in recent years. This may be due to (i) stronger water stratification from global warming, (ii) a greater decrease in the P release rate from the sediment owing to a decline in sediment P concentration from the 1970s to 2020, and (iii) stronger formation of the Fe–P cycle in Lake Suwa recently, compared with that in the 1970s. Our results indicated the need to reduce both external P loading, and internal P loading from sediment to water, for effective water quality improvement in shallow lakes.
Mg–Fe Layered Double Hydroxides/Polyacrylonitrile Nanofibers for Solar-Light Induced Peroxymonosulfate Elimination of Tetracycline Hydrochloride
Authors: Peng Hao , Ye Beilei , Luo Meiying , Zheng Xiaogang
Published: May 2024

The photo-induced peroxymonosulfate (photo-PMS) reaction is a promising route to eliminate antibiotics from waste water. To achieve excellent photo-PMS activity in Mg–Fe layered double hydroxides (LDHs) for tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) degradation under simulative solar-light irradiation, Mg–Fe LDHs-loaded polyacrylonitrile (Mg–Fe/PAN) nanofibers were in-situ prepared via the hydrothermal route. For comparison to the photocatalysis and photo-PMS process, the Mg–Fe/PAN-assisted photo-PMS process exhibited a better elimination activity for TCH elimination. In addition, the photo-PMS activities of Mg–Fe/PAN composites were greatly affected by Mg–Fe LDHs content, TCH concentration, pH, and inorganic salts. Among these Mg–Fe/PAN composites, the optimal MgFe2/PAN with a Mg/Fe molar ratio of 1:2 and a nominal Mg–Fe LDHs content of 2.0 wt. % removed 81.31% TCH solution of 80 mg L−1 TCH within 120 min. This enhanced photo-PMS capacity of MgFe2/PAN was ascribed to the abundant active sites formed by functional groups and oxygen defects for efficient TCH species adsorption and photon capturing, and the tight interface between Mg–Fe LDHs nanoparticles and PAN nanofibers for the rapid separation and transfer of photoinduced e−/h+ pairs. SO4•− and •O2− radicals were vital for the MgFe2/PAN-assisted photo-PMS reaction.
Online Fault Detection of Open-Circuit Faults in a DTP-PMSM Using Double DQ Current Prediction
Authors: Geng Qiang , Du Wenhao , Jin Xuefeng , Zhang Guozheng , Zhou Zhanqing
Published: May 2024

This research proposes a strategy to diagnose open-phase faults (OPF) and open-switching faults (OSF) in dual three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor (DTP-PMSM) inverters. The method is based on the dual d–q predictive current model and involves establishing a mathematical model and utilizing the finite control set model predictive current extraction technique to predict the motor current. It then analyzes the characteristics of the switching-tube current under both normal and fault conditions. Finally, a fault predictive current model is introduced and the residual is calculated based on the predicted fault current value and the actual measured current value to diagnose the inverter fault. The proposed method effectively overcomes misjudgment issues encountered in traditional open-circuit fault diagnosis of inverters. It enhances the system’s response speed during dynamic processes and strengthens the robustness of diagnosis algorithm parameters. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can rapidly, effectively, and accurately diagnose open-circuit faults presented in this paper fastest within one-fifth of a current cycle. It achieves a diagnostic accuracy rate of 97% in the dual three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor drive system.
Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Carbon Storage in Urban Areas After Wildfires: The Case of Marmaris Fire
Authors: Uçar Zennure
Published: May 2024

Cities and urban areas are the primary source of CO2 worldwide by using around 70% of global energy and emitting more than 71% of CO2. Urban vegetation, referring to all trees and shrubs, are important components of urban environments. They provide many ecosystem services to human beings both directly and indirectly. Especially, they play a key role in reducing carbon emissions in urban areas by storing and capturing the carbon. However, recently, an increase in the number and intensity of wildfires that occur within urban areas has been observed. It resulted in losing stored carbon, releasing GHG to the atmosphere. Hence, quantifying above-ground carbon stored by urban trees and its distribution is essential to better understanding urban vegetation's role in urban environments and to better urban vegetation management. This study aimed to examine how forest fire affects the amount and distribution of stored carbon in the urban environment for the case of the Marmaris fire in the Summer of 2021 in Türkiye. For the study, urban forest carbon storage maps were generated before and after the Marmaris forest fire using remote sensing-based methodology with freely available remote sensing (RS) data. The results indicated that using the existing methodology could be rapid and cost-effective in monitoring the carbon storage change after an anthropogenic and natural disaster. However, for precise and reliable estimation of total carbon storage and the change in total urban carbon storage, the methodology needs to be developed at a local scale using field sampling along with RS data.
Digital transformation of accounting of agricultural industrial enterprises
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «Udmurt State Agrarian University», Izhevsk, Russia, Murina E. V. , Ostaev G. Ya. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «Udmurt State Agrarian University», Izhevsk, Russia, Alborov G. R. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «Udmurt State Agrarian University», Izhevsk, Russia, Sefectiyarov E. Y. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «Udmurt State Agrarian University», Izhevsk, Russia
Published: May 2024

This article outlines the role of digitalization at the state level, provides a review of current tools for digitalization of enterprises, in particular industrial agricultural enterprises, and the author proposes a vector for further automation and digitalization of enterprises, namely: the introduction of neural networks and artificial intelligence into the management and accounting system. The introduction of artificial intelligence in agriculture will increase the efficiency of agricultural enterprises, improve the monitoring and control system for the condition of crops and animals, as well as the financial condition of the enterprise as a whole, reduce the cost of producing agricultural products by optimizing the use of resources, and improve the quality of work at the enterprise.
Economic and statistical analysis of inflation in the food market (on the example of the Kaluga region)
Authors:   Kaluga branch of the Russian State Agrarian University — Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Kaluga, Russia, Brylev A. A. , Turchaeva I. N. ,   Kaluga branch of the Russian State Agrarian University — Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Kaluga, Russia
Published: May 2024

The obvious and widely discussed rise in food prices raises the need to find answers to numerous questions: about the nature and sources of inflation in this sector of the economy; forms of its manifestation for various subjects of market relations; a system of indicators that adequately reflect the essence of inflation processes and socio-economic consequences for the country’s population. The article makes an attempt to assess the modern information base for an objective and comprehensive description of the level and dynamics of inflation, the degree of its influence on achieving the target indicators of the Food Security Doctrine of the Russian Federation.
Imperfections for the calculation of steel structures by the finite element method. Part 1
Authors: Nadolski V. V.
Published: May 2024

It is well known that imperfections are always present in structural elements. Imperfections can significantly affect the behavior and bearing capacity of steel structures, especially in the case of stability-related tasks. Therefore, inconsistencies must be taken into account in the loadbearing capacity model and their correct application (setting the shape and value) is a key point in the numerical analysis process. In recent decades, much attention has been paid in the domestic scientific space to updating imperfection models for use in numerical models, including taking into account modern more accurate manufacturing and installation technologies for steel structures. The purpose of this study is an analytical review and analysis of scientific research and technical literature, followed by synthesis and elaboration of recommendations on imperfections in relation to the calculation of steel structures using computer modeling technology, including the finite element method. The results of the study contain instructions on how to set the shapes and values of imperfections for different groups of imperfections. The article consists of two parts. The first part is devoted to the study of geometric imperfections, residual stresses and rules for the combination of imperfections, the second part of the article is devoted to equivalent imperfections.
The effect of the pitch of the boards in the transverse layer on the deformability and stress distribution in a threelayer CLT panel rigidly clamped on both sides
Authors: Troshin M. Yu. , Turkov A. V. , Zaev A. V.
Published: May 2024

CLT panels are made by gluing several layers of boards crosswise, which provides them with high load-bearing capacity and bending resistance. In addition to the number of layers in the panel, the deformability and bearing capacity are influenced by the geometric parameters of the plate, the way the layers are attached to each other, the way the structure is supported, etc. Due to the fact that the material has recently been used in construction, many issues remain poorly understood, and therefore there is an opportunity and need to optimize some aspects both in the CLT panels themselves and in the way they interact with other building structures.

In this article, the influence of the pitch of boards in the transverse layer on the deformability and stress distribution in a three-layer CLT panel rigidly pinched on both sides was studied. Numerical studies of the finite element method (FEM) were carried out using the computing complex SCAD+. The computational model of the plate in this study is a composite orthotropic plate with rigid connections between the layers. The result of the study is numerical data reflecting the dependence of the distribution of normal stresses OX and OY and the transverse deformation of the plate on the pitch of the lamellae (boards) in the bottom layer. Projections of the computational model with normal stress isofields on the stretched and compressed plate layer are also obtained. This makes it possible to identify general patterns of stress distribution and deformation changes with variations in geometric parameters for this type of support for their use in the design of building structures using CLT panels as well as in the optimization of the structure in order to increase the cost efficiency of resources.