bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Dual-Channel and Frequency-Aware Approach for Lightweight Video Instance Segmentation
Authors: Liu Mingzhu , Zhang Wei , Wei Haoran
Published: January 2025

Video instance segmentation, a key technology for intelligent sensing in visual perception, plays a key role in automated surveillance, robotics, and smart cities. These scenarios rely on real-time and efficient target-tracking capabilities for accurate perception and intelligent analysis of dynamic environments. However, traditional video instance segmentation methods face complex models, high computational overheads, and slow segmentation speeds in time-series feature extraction, especially in resource-constrained environments. To address these challenges, a Dual-Channel and Frequency-Aware Approach for Lightweight Video Instance Segmentation (DCFA-LVIS) is proposed in this paper. In feature extraction, a DCEResNet backbone network structure based on a dual-channel feature enhancement mechanism is designed to improve the model’s accuracy by enhancing the feature extraction and representation capabilities. In instance tracking, a dual-frequency perceptual enhancement network structure is constructed, which uses an independent instance query mechanism to capture temporal information and combines with a frequency-aware attention mechanism to capture instance features on different attention layers of high and low frequencies, respectively, to effectively reduce the complexity of the model, decrease the number of parameters, and improve the segmentation efficiency. Experiments show that the model proposed in this paper achieves state-of-the-art segmentation performance with few parameters on the YouTube-VIS dataset, demonstrating its efficiency and practicality. This method significantly enhances the application efficiency and adaptability of visual perception intelligent sensing technology in video data acquisition and processing, providing strong support for its widespread deployment.
Exploring Emergency Decision-Making: A Bibliometric Review of Existing Literature
Authors: D’Alessio Ivan , Aitella Umberto Livio , Giannini Anna Maria , Burrai Jessica
Published: January 2025

In recent years, we have witnessed an increase in emergency and catastrophic events. It is now crucial for professionals involved in emergency management to stay updated on issues and statistics related to decision-making in emergency situations. Emergency Decision-Making (EDM) has emerged as a strategic field of study, guiding the training and education of those responsible for managing and responding to emergencies, making it a critical area for national security. This original work advances the study of EDM by offering key insights into research trends over the years, the geographical distribution of scientific output, the methodologies employed, yearly statistics, and the spread of key terms and the most-explored topics. The main findings of this study on EDM literature from 1977 to 2023 highlight the dominant role of China and the USA in scientific productivity in the field. Moreover, a significant absolute increase in scientific productivity has been observed from 2020 to the present.
Neuromuscular Control in Incline and Decline Treadmill Running: Insights into Movement Synergies for Training and Rehabilitation
Authors: Promsri Arunee
Published: January 2025

Treadmill running simulates various conditions, including flat, uphill, and downhill gradients, making it useful for training and rehabilitation. This study aimed to examine how incline and decline treadmill running affect local dynamic stability of individual running movement components that cooperatively contribute to achieving the running tasks. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to decompose movement components, termed principal movements (PMs), from kinematic marker data collected from 19 healthy recreational runners (9 females and 10 males, 23.6 ± 3.7 years) during treadmill running at 10 km/h across different gradients (−6, −3, 0, +3, +6 degrees). The largest Lyapunov exponent (LyE) of individual PM positions (higher LyE = greater instability) was analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA to assess treadmill gradient effects across PMs. The results showed that the effects of treadmill gradient appear in PM3, which corresponds to the mid-stance phase of the gait cycle. Specifically, decline treadmill running significantly decreased local dynamic stability (greater LyE) compared to equivalent incline conditions (p ≤ 0.005). These findings suggest that decline treadmill running should be used cautiously in rehabilitation settings due to its potential to reduce an ability to control and respond to small perturbations, thereby increasing the risk of instability during the weight-bearing support phase of gait.
Implementation of Peer-Led Seeking Safety for Women in Jail
Authors: Nowotny Kathryn M. M. , Estes Danielle Lee , Culbertson Krystle Nicole ,   Ladies Empowerment and Action Program
Published: January 2025

Women are the fastest-growing segment of the incarcerated population and experience high rates of cumulative trauma exposure, mental illness, and PTSD. The aim of this study is to assess the implementation of a peer-led Seeking Safety (an evidence-based intervention for addressing trauma and addiction) pilot program for women in jail. Guided by principles from community-based participatory research and cooperative inquiry, participant surveys were analyzed (secondary data) using descriptive methods (n = 60), and qualitative interviews with program facilitators were conducted and analyzed using a general inductive approach (n = 7). Peer-led Seeking Safety is feasible, acceptable, and appropriate for women in jail, with high levels of participant satisfaction. We describe several “lessons learned” related to the jail context, including structure and security processes and vicarious and retraumatization experiences among facilitators. Preventing facilitator burnout is necessary for the sustainability of the program. Future implementations of Seeking Safety in jails should consider the lessons learned in this study.
Plans, Progression and Post-Compulsory Education: Measuring the Success of a School–University Widening Participation Programme in Ireland
Authors: Ní Chorcora Eilís , Banks Joanne , Bray Aibhín
Published: January 2025

It is widely recognised that addressing inequality in tertiary education is a complex and multifaceted issue. Studies involving students from lower socio-economic backgrounds consistently show that educational disparities exist at the post-secondary education level, with these students’ encountering obstacles in both accessing and completing tertiary education compared to their wealthier counterparts. Understanding how widening participation interventions may influence young people’s post-compulsory education is an important part of addressing the participation gap. This paper investigates longitudinal data from 227 students in Dublin, Ireland, who were attending post-primary schools located in areas that have low progression to tertiary education. The paper examines the extent to which students’ post-secondary plans, formulated in their final year of secondary school, are realised six months after graduation. The paper continues to examine the influence of external interventions provided by an Irish university’s widening participation (WP) programme on secondary school students’ progression to post-compulsory education. Taking into account contextual factors (e.g., gender, ethnicity, school type, parental education, parental support), this paper examines how WP programmes in secondary school impact post-school progression. Programme engagement (guidance outreach activities) was associated with 4.91-greater odds of post-secondary education once other contextual factors had been controlled for. Participating in mentoring programmes did not have a significant influence on post-secondary progression. Findings in relation to these are discussed, and recommendations for how practitioners and policy makers can approach widening participation outreach programmes with secondary school students are highlighted.
Independent State, Federal State, or Unitary State? Age, Gender, and Regional Differences Among Anglophone Cameroonians
Authors: Nshom Elvis
Published: January 2025

For the past 8 years, Cameroon has been witnessing a deadly conflict between anglophone separatist fighters and the Cameroon military over the form of governance. This study seeks to highlight anglophone attitudes and preferences towards forms of governance, as well as the differences between men and women and between northwesterners and southwesterners, i.e., the inhabitants of the two English-speaking regions in Cameroon, with respect to this question. In addition, it explores the relationship between age and attitudes toward the form of state. In a sample of 314 participants, the results show that men were more supportive of an independent state than women, but women were more supportive of a federal state than men. On the other hand, support for a unitary state, the current form of state, was extremely low, and there was no significant difference between men and women. Also, this study shows that there is no significant difference between anglophones from the northwest region and anglophones from the southwest region in terms of their support for an independent state, a federal state, and a unitary state. Lastly, the results indicate that there is a significant positive correlation between age and support for an independent state, a significant negative correlation between age and support for a federal state, and a nonsignificant negative correlation between age and support for a unitary state. The implications, limitations, and recommendations of this study are discussed as well.
Trends in the Application of Phosphate-Solubilizing Microbes as Biofertilizers: Implications for Soil Improvement
Authors: Ughamba Kingsley T. , Ndukwe Johnson K. , Lidbury Ian D. E. A. , Nnaji Nnabueze D. , Eze Chijioke N. , Aduba Chiugo C. , Groenhof Sophie , Chukwu Kenechi O. , Anyanwu Chukwudi U. , Nwaiwu Ogueri , Anumudu Christian K.
Published: January 2025

The application of phosphate-solubilizing microbes (PSMs) as biofertilizers in agricultural systems has not satisfactorily solved the problem of reducing our reliance on chemical phosphorus (P) fertilizers. Ongoing efforts are continually trying to translate promising laboratory results to successful deployment under field conditions, which are typically met with failure. In this review, we summarize the state-of-the-art research on PSMs and their role in the terrestrial P cycle, including previously overlooked molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning phosphate solubilization. PSMs capable of transforming either organic or complexed inorganic P compounds are discussed. By providing environmentally secure and environmentally friendly ways to increase the accessibility of phosphate, these bacteria effectively transform insoluble phosphate molecules into forms that plants can utilize, encouraging crop growth and increasing nutrient usage effectiveness. The use of PSMs in agriculture sustainably improves crop productivity and has enormous potential for tackling issues with global food security, reducing environmental damage, and promoting sustainable and resilient agricultural systems. Furthermore, due to resource shortages, the changing global climate and need to reduce environmental risks associated with the overuse of chemical phosphate fertilizer, PSMs have the potential to be sustainable biofertilizer alternatives in the agricultural sector. Phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms constitute a cutting-edge field in agriculture and environmental science. In addition, this paper elaborates on the groups and diversity of microbes hitherto identified in phosphate solubilization. Also, factors that had hitherto hindered the reproducibility of lab results in field settings are succinctly highlighted. Furthermore, this paper outlines some biofertilizer formulations and current techniques of inoculation according to the test crop/strain. Finally, laboratory, greenhouse, and field results are presented to acquaint us with the current status of the use of PSM-based biofertilizers.
Effects of Pickleball Intervention on the Self-Esteem and Symptoms of Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Chien Tsai-Chieh , Chen Chao-Chien
Published: January 2025

Background: Schizophrenia is classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the top ten diseases contributing to the global medical economic burden. Some studies have pointed out that exercise is effective for physical and mental health, as well as cognition. We hypothesized that participation in pickleball intervention would lead to improved self-esteem and reduced psychiatric symptoms in schizophrenia patients. Method: We recruited participants with schizophrenia from a long-term care facility and a regional hospital, dividing them into two groups based on the institutions. The experimental group underwent a nine-week pickleball exercise intervention, with sessions three times a week, each lasting 90 min, and a Dink ball test was conducted weekly. Questionnaires on self-esteem and the short-form health survey were collected both before and after the intervention. Result: This trial included 30 patients, divided equally into the experimental group (n = 15) and the control group (n = 15). After the nine-week pickleball intervention, there were no significant differences between the experimental and control groups in the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) (p = 0.153) or the Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS-5) (p = 0.289). However, the Dink test scores in the experimental group showed significant improvements in physical activity capabilities and attention over time, with average hit counts increasing from 5.3 ± 1.5 to 10.7 ± 2.3 (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Although the pickleball intervention did not yield significant differences in self-esteem and symptom measures between groups, the improvements observed in physical performance and attention in the experimental group suggest that exercise remains a feasible complementary approach for managing schizophrenia symptoms. Further research with larger sample sizes is recommended.
A Contactless Multi-Modal Sensing Approach for Material Assessment and Recovery in Building Deconstruction
Authors: Cabral Sophia , Klimenka Mikita , Bademosi Fopefoluwa , Lau Damon , Pender Stefanie , Villaggi Lorenzo , Stoddart James , Donnelly James , Storey Peter , Benjamin David
Published: January 2025

As material scarcity and environmental concerns grow, material reuse and waste reduction are gaining attention based on their potential to reduce carbon emissions and promote net-zero buildings. This study develops an innovative approach that combines multi-modal sensing technologies with machine learning to enable contactless assessment of in situ building materials for reuse potential. By integrating thermal imaging, red, green, and blue (RGB) cameras, as well as depth sensors, the system analyzes material conditions and reveals hidden geometries within existing buildings. This approach enhances material understanding by analyzing existing materials, including their compositions, histories, and assemblies. A case study on drywall deconstruction demonstrates that these technologies can effectively guide the deconstruction process, potentially reducing material costs and carbon emissions significantly. The findings highlight feasible scenarios for drywall reuse and offer insights into improving existing deconstruction techniques through automated feedback and visualization of cut lines and fastener positions. This research indicates that contactless assessment and automated deconstruction methods are technically viable, economically advantageous, and environmentally beneficial. Serving as an initial step toward novel methods to view and classify existing building materials, this study lays a foundation for future research, promoting sustainable construction practices that optimize material reuse and reduce negative environmental impact.
UK Public Attitudes and Perceptions of Seafood Sustainability: A Case Study of the Marine Conservation Society’s Good Fish Guide
Authors: Clarke Bernadette M. , McKinley Emma , Ballinger Rhoda C.
Published: January 2025

Globally, the ocean faces growing pressures from various human activities, not just those related to overfishing and other fisheries related issues. In response to these pressures over the last few decades, seafood guides were developed to influence seafood purchasing behaviour and in turn increase the sustainability of the fisheries sector. However, to date there has been limited evaluation of the use and impact of these guides, and little assessment of public perceptions and attitudes to seafood sustainability. Using a public questionnaire (n = 2409) and the Marine Conservation Society’s (MCS’s) Good Fish Guide (GFG) as a case study, this study explored UK public attitudes and perceptions toward seafood sustainability and examined the role of the GFG in encouraging sustainable seafood purchasing habits. Motivational drivers and barriers to using the MCS GFG were also investigated. A positive attitude towards the guide and knowledge, including understanding of the importance of sustainability, were found to be important motivators of use. The main barrier was found as lack of awareness of the guide for 69% of participants. This study also revealed that the perception of seafood as healthy, and a more environmentally friendly animal protein than land-based alternatives is an important driver for its consumption. MCS GFG users were found to purchase significantly more (60%) seafood compared to non-users with a slight majority (53%) reporting that guide use influences their purchasing behaviour. These findings have practical implications for using guides to increase seafood consumption in line with UK government dietary guidelines whilst simultaneously meeting global sustainability goals. The study makes a unique contribution to understanding how the use of seafood guides can influence public purchasing behaviour both in the UK and globally and thus their potential for impacting the sustainability of seafood supply chains more generally.
Research on the Green Investment of Traditional Energy Enterprises and Its Effectiveness Under Environmental Regulation
Authors: Wang Lu , Zhang Bo
Published: January 2025

Using data from 188 traditional energy companies listed on China’s A-share market from 2012 to 2023, this study adopts the double-difference method to assess the changes in the green investment of traditional energy companies before and after the implementation of environmental regulation policies in depth and further explores the actual effects and potential risks of green investment on the green transformation of traditional energy companies. This study shows that the environmental regulation policies significantly increased the green investment of traditional energy enterprises, but this increase did not effectively promote the overall green transformation of the enterprises; rather, they became more focused on meeting the current compliance requirements while ignoring the fundamental green technological innovation and production mode change. Further analysis reveals that, as environmental standards continue to rise, the increasing green investment expenditure of traditional energy companies for meeting the standards will continue to outpace the growth in capital inflows of traditional energy companies, resulting in a threat to the financial soundness of the companies in the short term and a significant increase in financial pressure. In the long run, the lack of sustained and stable external financial support for a long period of time will not only constrain the green transformation process of enterprises but may also pose a serious threat to the survival foundation of enterprises and even lead to the elimination of enterprises in fierce market competition.
Seashell Powder as a Sustainable Alternative in Cement-Based Materials: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Silva Alison Lopes da , Kohlman Rabbani Emilia Rahnemay , Shakouri Mahmoud
Published: January 2025

Seashells have been explored as a partial replacement for cement in cementitious matrices to promote sustainable waste management and decrease the carbon footprint associated with cement production. As research in this area expands, it is essential to synthesize current findings and practices to guide future studies on the feasibility of using seashells as a filler. This study analyzed existing research on using seashells as a partial cement replacement in cementitious composites through a systematic literature review conducted across six scientific databases, yielding 44 studies for data analysis and synthesis. Key findings identified the shell processing methods, established typical ranges for shell powder’s physical–chemical properties and dosage, and quantified the impact on mechanical properties in binary mixtures. The reported effects on mechanical properties varied among studies, potentially due to differences in processing techniques and the origins of the shells. Most improvements in composite properties were observed with 5% to 15% cement replacement in binary mixtures. Overall, incorporating shell powder reduces the carbon emissions of the produced composites. Further detailed investigations into shell processing variables and dosages are recommended to better understand how these factors influence the properties of the composites produced.
A Comprehensive Approach to CO2 Emissions Analysis in High-Human-Development-Index Countries Using Statistical and Time Series Approaches
Authors: Khosravi Hamed , Raihan Ahmed Shoyeb , Islam Farzana , Nimbarte Ashish , Ahmed Imtiaz
Published: January 2025

Reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is vital at both global and national levels, given their significant role in exacerbating climate change. CO2 emissions, stemming from a variety of industrial and economic activities, are major contributors to the greenhouse effect and global warming, posing substantial obstacles in addressing climate issues. It is imperative to forecast CO2 emissions trends and classify countries based on their emission patterns to effectively mitigate worldwide carbon emissions. This paper presents an in-depth comparative study on the determinants of CO2 emissions in twenty countries with high Human Development Index (HDI), exploring factors related to economy, environment, energy use, and renewable resources over a span of 25 years. The study unfolds in two distinct phases: initially, statistical techniques such as Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), fixed effects, and random effects models are applied to pinpoint significant determinants of CO2 emissions. Following this, the study leverages supervised and unsupervised time series approaches to further scrutinize and understand the factors influencing CO2 emissions. Seasonal AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average with eXogenous variables (SARIMAX), a statistical time series forecasting model, is first used to predict emission trends from historical data, offering practical insights for policy formulation. Subsequently, Dynamic Time Warping (DTW), an unsupervised time series clustering approach, is used to group countries by similar emission patterns. The dual-phase approach utilized in this study significantly improves the accuracy of CO2 emissions predictions while also providing a deeper insight into global emission trends. By adopting this thorough analytical framework, nations can develop more focused and effective carbon reduction policies, playing a vital role in the global initiative to combat climate change.
Sustainable Campus Operations in Higher Education Institutions: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Oliveira Miguel Carvalho , Proença João
Published: January 2025

This paper presents a systematic literature review (SLR) to provide a comprehensive understanding of higher education literature focusing on the implementation of sustainable campus operations. The implementation of on-campus sustainable operations represents a pivotal path for promoting sustainability in the higher education context. Nonetheless, only a scarce number of studies provide a comprehensive assessment of the existing literature on the topic of sustainable campus operations in higher education institutions (HEIs). Accordingly, our research intends to fill this gap. Our review identified 130 focal articles that were predominantly published in high-impact journals. Key themes identified in the literature include carbon neutrality, energy use, waste management, environmental management, and circular economy, with a notable emphasis on the interconnectedness of these topics. The review also highlights the critical role of institutional leadership, governance structures, stakeholder engagement, and technological innovation in driving sustainability on campuses. Despite the growing body of literature, research gaps were identified, including the need for more comparative studies, exploration of funding mechanisms, and improvements in data collection and reporting practices. This study underscores the importance of adopting a structured, holistic approach to campus sustainability in HEIs, which can inform policy development, enhance decision-making, and pave the way for more effective sustainability strategies.
Analysis of Regional Characteristics of Climate Change Factors Affecting Water Distribution Pipe Leakage
Authors: Park Joohee , Kang Seulgi , Byeon Seongjoon
Published: January 2025

Understanding the factors behind urban water leakage is crucial for developing a sustainable climate and protecting civil infrastructure. Water leaks not only waste essential resources but also increase urban vulnerabilities to climate-induced disasters. This study investigates the teleconnection between leakage incidents and climate change indices to establish predictive insight for water management. It focuses on climate phenomena such as El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), which significantly influence global climate dynamics, affecting temperature and precipitation in South Korea. Using Pearson correlation analysis and Granger causality tests, this research examines climate indices and leakage data across South Korea’s inland regions from 2009 to 2022. The results indicate that ENSO indices exhibit a lead time of 6 to 30 months, with significant correlations in coastal areas, particularly Chungnam (west coast) and Gyeongnam (east coast). Inland regions such as Gimcheon and Chuncheon also showed notable correlations influenced by topographical factors. The findings highlight the importance of integrating climate teleconnection indices into risk management strategies. This approach allows for targeted monitoring and predictive modeling, enabling proactive responses to water leakage risks and contributing to sustainable urban development.
Identifying Key Nodes and Enhancing Resilience in Grain Supply Chains Under Drought Conditions
Authors: Zhang Shuiwang , Zhou Chuansheng
Published: January 2025

Grain supply chains remain stable in the face of natural disasters, and the resilience of the grain supply chain plays an important role. In a complex scenario of exposure to shocks, it is significant to identify the critical nodes of the grain supply chain and propose countermeasures accordingly to enhance the resilience of the grain supply chain. In this paper’s study, firstly, a triangular model of contradictory events is used to describe complex scenarios and obtain Bayesian network nodes. Secondly, the fragmentation of the scenario is based on the description of the scene, the scene stream is constructed, the event network is obtained, and the Bayesian network structure is built on the basis. Then, combining expert knowledge and D–S evidence theory, the Bayesian network parameters are determined, and the Bayesian network model is built. Finally, the key nodes of the grain supply chain are identified in the context of the 2022 drought data in the Yangtze River Basin in China, and, accordingly, a strategy for improving the resilience of the grain supply chain is proposed in stages. This study provides a new research perspective on issues related to grain supply-chain resilience and enriches the theoretical foundation of research related to supply-chain resilience.
Whole Genome Sequence-Based Classification of Nonomuraea marmarensis sp. nov., Isolated from Island Soil
Authors: Topkara Ahmet Ridvan , Saygin Hayrettin , Saricaoglu Salih , Veyisoglu Aysel , Tokatli Ali , Guven Kiymet , Cetin Demet , Isik Kamil
Published: January 2025

Actinomycetes are known to produce a vast array of bioactive secondary metabolites with potential therapeutic applications, including antimicrobials, anticancer agents, and enzyme inhibitors. Among these, members of the genus Nonomuraea have received much attention due to their broad ecological importance in nutrient cycling in soil and their ability to produce new bioactive compounds. A novel actinomycetes, designated strain M3C6T, was isolated from soil samples collected on Marmara Island, located in the Istanbul province, aiming to explore the microbial diversity of unexplored habitats, and characterized using a polyphasic approach. The isolate showed chemotaxonomic and morphological features consistent with members of the genus Nonomuraea. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain M3C6T shared the highest similarity, at 98.7% sequence identity, to Nonomuraea basaltis 160415T and Nonomuraea turkmeniaca DSM 43926T. However, the ANI and dDDH values between strain M3C6T and these reference strains were fairly low, ranging from 84.0 to 84.6% and 31.8 to 33.7%, respectively, below the generally accepted cutoffs for ANI and DDH that delineate different prokaryotic species. Genomic analysis of strain M3C6T showed that it had a genome size of 10.38 Mbp and a DNA G+C content of 69.5 mol%. Based on these chemotaxonomic, phenotypic, and genomic data, strain M3C6T is classified as a novel species within the genus Nonomuraea, for which the name Nonomuraea marmarensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is M3C6T (= KCTC 49983T = CGMCC 4.8035T). Genomic analyses confirmed the high potential of M3C6T to produce specialized secondary metabolites.
Association Between Urinary Metal Levels and Chronic Kidney Dysfunction in Rural China: A Study on Sex-Specific Differences
Authors: Teng Kaisheng , Guan Qinyi , Liu Qiumei , Mo Xiaoting , Luo Lei , Rong Jiahui , Zhang Tiantian , Jin Wenjia , Zhao Linhai , Wu Songju , Zhang Zhiyong , Qin Jian
Published: January 2025

Background: While current epidemiological studies have documented associations between environmental metals and renal dysfunction, the majority have concentrated on plasma metal levels. The relationship between urinary metal exposure and chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains contentious, particularly within specific demographic groups. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 2919 rural Chinese adults recruited between 2018 and 2019. Urine metals were measured by ICP-MS. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was employed to identify metals significantly associated with CKD. Then, we used binary logistic regression, along with restricted cubic spline (RCS) models, to assess the individual exposure effects of specific metals on CKD. Quantile g-computation, weighted quantile sum regression, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models were applied to evaluate combined effects of metal exposures on CKD. Gender-stratified analyses were also conducted to explore these associations. Results: LASSO identified seven metals (V, Cu, Rb, Sr, Ba, W, Pb) with significant impacts on CKD. In single-metal models, Cu and W exhibited a positive correlation with CKD, whereas V, Rb, Sr, Ba, and Pb showed significant negative correlations (all p < 0.05). RCS analysis revealed nonlinear associations between V, Cu, Ba, Pb, and CKD (all p-nonlinear < 0.05). In the multi-metal model, quantile-based g-computation demonstrated a collective negative association with CKD risk for the seven mixed urinary metal exposures (OR (95% CI) = −0.430 (−0.656, −0.204); p < 0.001), with V, Rb, Sr, Ba, and Pb contributing to this effect. The WQS model analysis further confirmed this joint negative association (OR (95% CI): −0.885 (−1.083, −0.899); p < 0.001), with V as the main contributor. BKMR model analysis indicated an overall negative impact of the metal mixture on CKD risk. Interactions may exist between V and Cu, as well as Cu and Sr and Pb. The female subgroup in the BKMR model demonstrated consistency with the overall association. Conclusions: Our study findings demonstrate a negative association between the urinary metal mixture and CKD risk, particularly notable in females. Joint exposure to multiple urinary metals may involve synergistic or antagonistic interactions influencing renal function. Further research is needed to validate these observations and elucidate underlying mechanisms.
Venoms and Extracellular Vesicles: A New Frontier in Venom Biology
Authors: Bala Auwal A. , Oukkache Naoual , Sanchez Elda E. , Suntravat Montamas , Galan Jacob A.
Published: January 2025

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoparticle-sized vesicles secreted by nearly all cell types under normal physiological conditions. In toxicological research, EVs have emerged as a crucial link between public health and multi-omics approaches, offering insights into cellular responses to disease-causing injury agents such as environmental and biological toxins, contaminants, and drugs. Notably, EVs present a unique opportunity to deepen our understanding of the pathophysiology of envenomation by natural toxins. Recent advancements in isolating and purifying EV cargo, mass spectrometry techniques, and bioinformatics have positioned EVs as potential biomarkers that could elucidate biological signaling pathways and provide valuable information on the relationship between venomous toxins, their mechanisms of action, and the effectiveness of antivenoms. Additionally, EVs hold promise as proxies for various aspects of envenomation, including the toxin dosage, biological characterization, injury progression, and prognosis during therapeutic interventions. These aspects can be explored through multi-omics technology applied to EV contents from the plasma, saliva, or urine samples of envenomated individuals, offering a comprehensive integrative approach to understanding and managing envenomation cases.
Massive Clusters and OB Associations as Output of Massive Star Formation in Gaia Era
Authors: Negueruela Ignacio
Published: January 2025

Over the past two decades, our understanding of star formation has undergone a major shift, driven by a wealth of data from infrared, submillimeter and radio surveys. The emerging view depicts star formation as a hierarchical process, which predominantly occurs along filamentary structures in the interstellar medium. These structures span a wide range of spatial scales, ultimately leading to the birth of young stars, which distribute in small groups, clusters and OB associations. Given the inherently complex and dynamic nature of star formation, a comprehensive understanding of these processes can only be achieved by examining their end products—namely, the distribution and properties of young stellar populations. In the Gaia era, the nearby OB associations are now characterised with unprecedented detail, allowing for a robust understanding of their formation histories. Nevertheless, to fully grasp the mechanisms of star formation and its typical scale, it is essential to study the much larger associations, which constitute the backbones of spiral arms. The large catalogues of young open clusters that have emerged from Gaia DR3 offer a valuable resource for investigating star formation on larger spatial scales. While the cluster parameters listed in these catalogues are still subject to many uncertainties and systematic errors, ongoing improvements in data analysis and upcoming Gaia releases promise to enhance the accuracy and reliability of these measurements. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of recent advancements and a critical assessment of the datasets available.
Recent Advances in Our Understanding of Human Inflammatory Dendritic Cells in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection
Authors: Warner van Dijk Freja A. , Bertram Kirstie M. , O’Neil Thomas R. , Li Yuchen , Buffa Daniel J. , Harman Andrew N. , Cunningham Anthony L. , Nasr Najla
Published: January 2025

Anogenital inflammation is a critical risk factor for HIV acquisition. The primary preventative HIV intervention, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), is ineffective in blocking transmission in anogenital inflammation. Pre-existing sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) and anogenital microbiota dysbiosis are the leading causes of inflammation, where inflammation is extensive and often asymptomatic and undiagnosed. Dendritic cells (DCs), as potent antigen-presenting cells, are among the first to capture HIV upon its entry into the mucosa, and they subsequently transport the virus to CD4 T cells, the primary HIV target cells. This increased HIV susceptibility in inflamed tissue likely stems from a disrupted epithelial barrier integrity, phenotypic changes in resident DCs and an influx of inflammatory HIV target cells, including DCs and CD4 T cells. Gaining insight into how HIV interacts with specific inflammatory DC subsets could inform the development of new therapeutic strategies to block HIV transmission. However, little is known about the early stages of HIV capture and transmission in inflammatory environments. Here, we review the currently characterised inflammatory-tissue DCs and their interactions with HIV.
Characterization of the First Marine Pestivirus, Phocoena Pestivirus (PhoPeV)
Authors: Söder Lars , Meyer Denise , Isken Olaf , Tautz Norbert , König Matthias , Postel Alexander , Becher Paul
Published: January 2025

The first marine pestivirus, Phocoena pestivirus (PhoPeV), isolated from harbor porpoise, has been recently described. To further characterize this unique pestivirus, its host cell tropism and growth kinetics were determined in different cell lines. In addition, the interaction of PhoPeV with innate immunity in porcine epithelial cells and the role of selected cellular factors involved in the viral entry and RNA replication of PhoPeV were investigated in comparison to closely and distantly related pestiviruses. While Bungowannah pestivirus (BuPV), a unique porcine pestivirus closely related to PhoPeV, exhibits a broad cell tropism, PhoPeV only infects cells from pigs, cattle, sheep, and cats, as has been described for classical swine fever virus (CSFV). Viral titers correlate with the amount of intracellular PhoPeV-specific RNA detected in the tested cell lines. PhoPeV replicates most efficiently in the porcine kidney cell line SK6. Pestiviruses generally counteract the cellular innate immune response by degradation of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) mediated by the viral N-terminal protease (Npro). No degradation of IRF3 and an increased expression of the type 1 interferon-stimulated antiviral protein Mx1 was observed in porcine cells infected with PhoPeV whose genome lacks the Npro encoding region. Infection of a CD46-deficient porcine cell line suggested that CD46, which is implicated in the viral entry of several pestiviruses, is not a major factor for the viral entry of PhoPeV. Moreover, the results of this study confirmed that the cellular factor DNAJC14 plays a crucial role in viral RNA replication of non-cytopathic pestiviruses, including PhoPeV.
Biological Characteristics and Whole-Genome Analysis of a Porcine E. coli Phage
Authors: Wan Shenghui , Li Nana , Habib Sajid , Zheng Pei , Li Yanfang , Liang Yan , Qu Yonggang
Published: January 2025

(1) Background: In recent years, the increasing emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens in pig farms has begun to pose a severe threat to animal welfare and, by extension, public health. In this study, we aimed to explore the biological characteristics and genomic features of bacteriophages that are capable of lysing porcine multidrug-resistant E. coli, which was isolated from sewage. In doing so, we provided a reference for phage therapies that can be used to treat multidrug-resistant strains. (2) Method: Using the multidrug-resistant E. coli isolate sq-1 as the host bacterium, bacteriophages were isolated and purified from fecal samples using a double-layer agar plate method. The morphology was observed using a transmission electron microscope, and its host range, optimal multiplicity of infection (MOI), one-step growth curve, thermal stability, acid–base tolerance, and in vitro antibacterial ability were tested. Genomic features were analyzed using whole-genome sequencing. (3) Results: A lytic phage named vB_EcoS_Psq-1 (abbreviated as Psq-1) was successfully isolated. Electron microscopy revealed that Psq-1 belongs to the family of long-tailed phages, possessing clear and transparent plaques of approximately 1 mm in diameter. Psq-1 only lyses the host bacterium and does not affect other E. coli strains or other species of bacteria. The optimal MOI for phage Psq-1 was 0.1, with a latent period of 25 min, an exponential growth period of 25 min, and a lysis yield of 44.21 PFU/cell. Its activity remains stable at temperatures between 40 °C and 60 °C and from pH 4.0 to pH 13.0. Psq-1 exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on E. coli in liquid culture medium. The nucleic acid type of phage Psq-1 was dsDNA, with a total genome length of 44,183 bp and a GC content of 52.16%. No known resistance, lysogenic, or virulence-related genes were detected. The whole genome contains 55 open reading frames (ORFs). (4) Conclusions: This study isolated a bacteriophage that is capable of lysing multidrug-resistant E. coli. Characterized by a narrow E. coli lysis range, a long latent period, limited lytic ability, and stable biological properties, this bacteriophage can serve as a reference isolate for E. coli phages and can provide biological materials and data to support research on bacteriophages that are effective against multidrug-resistant porcine E. coli.
Orienting Gaze Toward a Visual Target: Neurophysiological Synthesis with Epistemological Considerations
Authors: Goffart Laurent
Published: January 2025

The appearance of an object triggers an orienting gaze movement toward its location. The movement consists of a rapid rotation of the eyes, the saccade, which is accompanied by a head rotation if the target eccentricity exceeds the oculomotor range and by a slow eye movement if the target moves. Completing a previous report, we explain the numerous points that lead to questioning the validity of a one-to-one correspondence relation between measured physical values of gaze or head orientation and neuronal activity. Comparing the sole kinematic (or dynamic) numerical values with neurophysiological recordings carries the risk of believing that the activity of central neurons directly encodes gaze or head physical orientation rather than mediating changes in extraocular and neck muscle contraction, not to mention possible changes happening elsewhere (in posture, in the autonomous nervous system and more centrally). Rather than reducing mismatches between extrinsic physical parameters (such as position or velocity errors), eye and head movements are behavioral expressions of intrinsic processes that restore a poly-equilibrium, i.e., balances of activities opposing antagonistic visuomotor channels. Past results obtained in cats and monkeys left a treasure of data allowing a synthesis, which illustrates the formidable complexity underlying the small changes in the orientations of the eyes and head. The aim of this synthesis is to serve as a new guide for further investigations or for comparison with other species.
Impact of Deep-Rooted Vegetation on Deep Soil Water Recharge in the Gully Region of the Loess Plateau
Authors: Jin Jingjing , Ding Xiaoyun , Li Fengshi , Jia Zichen , Wei Haoyan , Li Junchao , Li Min
Published: January 2025

To investigate the impacts of vegetation change on deep soil water recharge, it is essential to identify the sources of deep soil water and deep drainage. The combination of stable and radioactive water isotopes is an effective method for studying deep vadose zones, though it has been rarely applied in complex gully areas. In this study, we measured δ2H, δ18O, and 3H in soil water under long-term natural grassland and C. korshinskii on the same slope. Both natural grassland and C. korshinskii plots received deep soil water from rainfall during the rainy season; however, the replenishment thresholds for soil water at depths of 2–10.4 m differed between the two vegetation types, corresponding to rainfall intensities of ≥20 mm and ≥50 mm, respectively. Following the conversion of natural grassland to C. korshinskii vegetation, the rate of soil water storage deficit increased by 46.4 mm yr−1, and deep drainage shifted from 39.6 mm yr−1 to 0 mm yr−1. Deep-rooted vegetation significantly depletes soil water to meet transpiration demands, thus hindering rainfall recharge. These findings have important implications for water and land resource management, especially in areas undergoing significant vegetation changes.
Static Output-Feedback Path-Tracking Controller Tolerant to Steering Actuator Faults for Distributed Driven Electric Vehicles
Authors: Meléndez-Useros Miguel , Viadero-Monasterio Fernando , Jiménez-Salas Manuel , López-Boada María Jesús
Published: January 2025

The steering system plays a critical role in the vehicle’s handling and directly influences its lateral dynamics. Faults or abnormal behavior in this system can affect performance, cause vehicle instability, and even lead to accidents. Therefore, considering these potential events is essential for designing robust controllers for autonomous vehicles. For this reason, in this work, a fault-tolerant path-tracking Static Output-Feedback controller is designed to handle steering actuator faults in autonomous vehicle steering systems. The controller adopts a Linear Parameter Varying approach to effectively handle nonlinearities associated with varying vehicle speeds and tire behavior. Furthermore, it only uses information from sensors, avoiding estimation stages. This controller can operate in two modes: a no-fault mode where only the steering is controlled to follow the reference path and a fault mode where the controller manages both the steering and torque vectoring. In fault mode, torque vectoring compensates for faults in the steering actuator. The design of the controller is completed considering gain faults in the steering system. The simulation results show that the proposed controller successfully maintains vehicle stability and significantly reduces tracking errors during high-risk maneuvers, achieving reductions of up to 50.65% in lateral error and 47.26% in heading error under worst-case fault scenarios.