bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Interactions Between Plants and Aphids: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives
Authors: Kumaraswamy Sunil , Huang Yinghua
Published: November 2024

Aphids are small, notorious insect pests that negatively impact plant health and agricultural productivity through direct damage, such as sap-sucking, and indirectly as vectors of plant viruses. Plants respond to aphid feeding with a variety of molecular mechanisms to mitigate damage. These responses are diverse and highly dynamic, functioning either independently or in combination. Understanding plant–aphid interactions is crucial for revealing the full range of plant defenses against aphids. When aphids infest, plants detect the damage via specific receptor proteins, initiating a signaling cascade that activates defense mechanisms. These defenses include a complex interaction of phytohormones that trigger defense pathways, secondary metabolites that deter aphid feeding and reproduction, lectins and protease inhibitors that disrupt aphid physiology, and elicitors that activate further defense responses. Meanwhile, aphids counteract plant defenses with salivary effectors and proteins that suppress plant defenses, aiding in their successful colonization. This review offers a detailed overview of the molecular mechanisms involved in plant–aphid interactions, emphasizing both established and emerging plant defense strategies. Its uniqueness lies in synthesizing the recent progress made in plant defense responses to aphids, along with aphids’ countermeasures to evade such defenses. By consolidating current knowledge, this review provides key insights for developing sustainable strategies to achieve crop protection and minimize dependence on chemical pesticides.
RNAi of Neuropeptide CCHamide-1 and Its Receptor Indicates Role in Feeding Behavior in the Pea Aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum
Authors: Shahid Sohaib , Amir Muhammad Bilal , Ding Tian-Bo , Liu Tong-Xian , Smagghe Guy , Shi Yan
Published: November 2024

Neuropeptide CCHamide-1 (abbreviated as CCHa1) is a recently discovered peptide that is present in many arthropods and is the ligand of the CCHa1R, a member of the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) superfamily, which plays a regulatory role in diverse physiological processes such as feeding, circadian rhythm, insulin production, lipid metabolism, growth, and reproduction. However, the function of this gene in aphids is still unknown. Here, we characterized and determined the potential role of CCHa1/CCHa1R signaling in the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum, which is a notorious pest in agriculture. The docking analysis revealed that the CCHa1 peptide binds to its receptor CCHa1R through specific amino acid residues, which are critical for maintaining the structural and functional integrity of the peptide–receptor complex. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed the expression levels of CCHa1/CCHa1R transcripts in different development stages and different tissues, indicating that the CCHa1 expression was high in the first nymphal instar compared to the upcoming nymphal instars and adults, and was predominantly high in the brain. The CCHa1/CCHa1R transcript levels were significantly upregulated in starved aphids compared to fed aphids. Moreover, RNAi knockdown by the injection of dsRNA-CCHa1 and dsRNA-CCHa1R significantly reduced the corresponding expression of the target gene and reduced their food intake in adult aphids, as revealed by the electrical penetration graph results. CCHa1/CCHa1R-silencing also reduced the reproduction, but not the survival, in A. pisum. Our data demonstrated that CCHa1/CCHa1R play a role in the regulation of feeding in A. pisum, suggesting a role of the CCHa1 signaling pathway in the aphids relating to their nutritional status.
Hemorrhage in Pelvic Ring Fractures After Low-Energy Trauma: A Systematic Review
Authors: Roßler Alina , Lukhaup Lara , Seidelmann Max , Gaeth Catharina , Dietz Sven-Oliver , Audretsch Christof , Grützner Paul , Windolf Joachim , Neubert Anne
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: The aim was to investigate diagnostic, treatment and preventive options to establish an overview of the existing evidence on hemorrhage in pelvic fractures in older adults. Methods: A systematic review was conducted. Due to the rarity of this complication, only case reports and series with individuals older than 55 years with a pelvic ring fracture that is caused by a low-energy trauma or no apparent trauma, along with hemorrhage, were eligible. A search was performed on four databases. The CARE checklist was used to investigate the reporting integrity of the included studies. Analysis was performed narratively, and this study was registered on the Open Science Framework. Results: 21 patients from 19 studies were included (17 females and 4 males) with an average age of 82.1 years. The 21 patients suffered a total of 29 fractures. Pubic ramus fractures were present in 48.3% of all fractures. In 42.9%, an active hemorrhage was reported. Arterial vessels were injured in direct anatomical relationship to the fracture. Abdominal pain and hemorrhagic instability were the main red flag symptoms reported. Active arterial hemorrhage was diagnosed by CT with angiogram and treated by embolization with or without additional surgery. Conclusions: Clinically relevant hemorrhage in pelvic fractures due to low-energy trauma is rare. However, these fractures, combined with clinically relevant hemorrhage, account for an increased mortality and morbidity in elderly people. This systematic review was able to create a clinical decision tree for hemorrhage in ramus pubic fractures.
Clinical Insights into Sickle Cell Disease: A Comprehensive Multicenter Retrospective Analysis of Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes Across Different Age Groups
Authors: Almarghalani Daniyah A. , Alotaibi Renad A. , Alzlami Teef T. , Alhumaidi Ozouf F. , Alharthi Najla M. , Alboqami Fatimah M. , Almehmadi Khulood A. , Miski Samar F. , Alshahrani Ali , Alamri Faisal F. , Alsolami Khadeejah , Doman Suhaib Mamduh , Alhamdi Maha T. , Zubaid Areej , Aloufi Wasan S.
Published: November 2024

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic hematological disorder associated with significant mortality and a range of complex complications that manifest differently across various age groups. Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of SCD patients in Taif City, Saudi Arabia, with a focus on variations among children, adolescents, adults, and middle-aged individuals. A multicenter retrospective cohort study included 129 patients with confirmed diagnosis of SCD between January 2018 to October 2023 and divided into 4 cohorts. The analysis compared hospital stay durations, admission rates, SCD complications, and medication usage. Results: Among the participants, 35 were children (27%), 18 adolescents (14%), 63 adults (49%), and 13 middle-aged individuals (10%). Clinical complications as splenic disease in children (34.3%) were more frequent compared to adolescents (5.6%) and adults (4.8%). Additionally, chronic kidney disease was more prevalent in middle-aged patients (15.4%). Pain was reported in 65.1% of patients, with vascular occlusive crises occurring in 41.1%. Treatment adherence varied, with children showing higher penicillin use (74.3%), while opioid usage was greater in middle-aged patients (76.9%). Conclusions: The findings underscore the necessity for age-specific management strategies in SCD. Further research with larger populations is suggested to enhance the understanding of disease progression and treatment efficacy across different age groups.
Racial and Gender Disparities for Glaucoma Treatment Rates in Upstate New York
Authors: Allison Karen , Hodges Brittany , Shahid Mohammed Mehdi , Feng Changyong
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness around the world. Black individuals are two times more likely to be diagnosed with glaucoma compared to White individuals. In 2019, the prevalence of glaucoma in Monroe County was highest amongst older individuals aged 85 and non-Hispanic Blacks. This study seeks to explore differences in glaucoma treatment rates that may be exacerbating disease severity and prognosis for individuals most acutely affected by glaucoma in Monroe County, NY. Methods: We used data from the Center for Disease Control’s National Vision and Eye Health Surveillance System (VEHSS) to assess the rates of glaucoma treatment for different racial, gender, and age demographic groups in Monroe County, NY. The source data were from individuals enrolled in Medicare who filed a claim. We stratified the data based on the glaucoma treatment type: laser glaucoma surgery, glaucoma drainage devices, other glaucoma surgery, or glaucoma prescription drugs. The main outcome variable was the prevalence rate of various types of glaucoma treatment in Monroe County, NY. The data were analyzed by potential risk covariates such as race/ethnicity, age, and gender. A descriptive data analysis was performed to assess for demographic trends. Results: The most common form of glaucoma treatment in Monroe County, NY was prescription drug therapy (36.82%), which was predominant across all racial, gender, and age groups. This was followed by laser surgery (3.26%), glaucoma drain (1.47%), and other forms of glaucoma surgery (0.58%). Women displayed a higher incidence of laser surgery, glaucoma drainage, and other glaucoma surgeries (3.58%, 1.77%, and 0.69%, respectively) with a lower incidence of prescription drug usage (36.14%) compared to men. Black non-Hispanic patients had a higher incidence of laser surgery and prescription drug usage (3.39% and 47.20%, respectively), but a lower incidence of glaucoma drainage and other glaucoma surgeries (1% and 0%, respectively) compared to other racial groups. Conclusions: This study elucidates the differences in glaucoma treatment types across different racial, gender, and age groups in Monroe County, NY. The results underscore the disparities in treatment rates for Medicare patients diagnosed with glaucoma in Monroe County. The results justify the need for increased interventions to increase access to a variety of glaucoma treatment options to mitigate disparities in glaucoma outcomes.
The Impact of Corneal Oedema on UV Light Transmission: An Experimental Study in Porcine Eyes
Authors: Briceno-Lopez Celeste , García-Domene Mª Carmen , Peris-Martínez Cristina , Luque-Cobija Mª Jose , Díez-Ajenjo Mª Amparo , Burguera-Giménez Neus
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Corneal oedema is known for changing the cornea’s optical properties, particularly its ability to transmit ultraviolet (UV) light, which is crucial for visual clarity and eye health. This study explores how changes in corneal thickness in oedematous states affect UV light transmission. Methods: This study included 107 porcine eyes with artificially induced corneal oedema. Corneal thickness (CCT) was measured histologically, UV transmittance was assessed using a UV/VIS spectrometer, and endothelial cell parameters were evaluated with specular microscopy. Statistical analyses included the Kruskal–Wallis test, Mann–Whitney U test, and Spearman’s correlation. Results: The findings indicated a significant increase in CCT in oedematous corneas at 24 and 48 h post extraction compared to controls, with median CCT values of 816.59 ± 139.71 μm for controls, 1022.40 ± 234.48 μm at 24 h, and 1074.21 ± 220.83 μm at 48 h (p < 0.001). UV transmittance (395–280 nm) decreased substantially, dropping from 50.79 ± 7.65% in controls to 43.24 ± 5.35% at 24 h and 39.66 ± 6.51% at 48 h (p < 0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between CCT and UV transmittance (ρ = −0.346, p < 0.001). Endothelial parameters showed notable changes: maximum cell area (AreaMAX) decreased at 24 and 48 h, while endothelial cell density (ECD) increased at 24 h. Conclusions: Our study found a substantial inverse link between CCT and UV light transmission in oedematous corneas, highlighting the importance of UV protection, especially in individuals who are prone to recurrent oedema. Changes in CCT and endothelial measures, such as AreaMAX and ECD, are useful signs of corneal integrity. However, the study’s small sample size and potential tissue modifications during processing need more research with bigger, in vivo samples to corroborate these findings and improve therapeutic use.
Clinical Advancements in Skull Vibration-Induced Nystagmus (SVIN) over the Last Two Years: A Literature Review
Authors: Alonso Susana Marcos , Caletrío Ángel Batuecas
Published: November 2024

Introduction and Objectives: Skull vibration-induced nystagmus (SVIN) has become a validated tool for evaluating the vestibular function. The presence of SVIN is a useful indicator of the asymmetry of vestibular function between the two ears. In unilateral vestibular loss, a 100 Hz bone-conducted vibration given to either mastoid immediately causes a primarily horizontal nystagmus. The aim of this study is to review the usefulness of this tool in different clinical situations according to the results published. Methods: We performed an electronic search using PubMed and BVS. Eleven studies were discussed. Results: A progressive linear relationship has been identified between the slow-phase velocity (SPV) of SVIN determined using a 100 Hz skull vibrator and the gain difference (healthy ear/affected ear) measured by video head impulse test (vHIT). The SPV of SVIN may be more sensitive than vHIT in identifying the recovery of vestibular function following intratympanic gentamicin (ITG) administration. A link between a reduction in SPV and the likelihood of vertigo episodes in patients with MD who have been treated with intraympanic gentamicin (ITG) has been illustrated. SVIN in superior canal dehiscence (SCD) patients has greater sensitivity than the air-conducted Tullio phenomenon (ACTP) or the Hennebert sign. SVIN can be combined with vHIT to reveal vestibular asymmetry in nonprogressive vestibular schwannomas. An upbeating SVIN may reveal superior branch vestibular neuritis. Vibration-induced downbeat nystagmus should be added to the list of central vestibular signs and is likely due to cerebellar dysfunction. Conclusions: SVIN has become an interesting screening tool for diagnosing or during the follow-up of many different vestibular pathologies.
Endocrinologic Abnormalities Observed Among Total Joint Arthroplasty Patients Using “Artri King” and Related Over-the-Counter Supplements: A Cautionary Tale from a Safety Net Hospital
Authors: Culler McKenzie , Mayfield Cory K. , Aron Arjun , Del Val Laura , Longjohn Donald , Heckmann Nathanael D.
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Artri King is an over-the-counter supplement previously marketed to treat joint pain and arthritis. In 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a product warning after it discovered Artri King contained hidden ingredients including dexamethasone, diclofenac, and methocarbamol. Given the risk of adrenal insufficiency in the context of long-term dexamethasone use, we sought to report on adverse endocrinologic outcomes observed among patients endorsing the use of these supplements who presented to an orthopedic surgery clinic at a county safety net hospital. Methods: Preoperative patients presenting from November 2023 to June 2024 were screened for supplement use. Data were collected including patient demographics and comorbidities. Serum cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were obtained to assess adrenal function. Recommendations from Endocrinology regarding perioperative stress dose corticosteroids were also recorded. Standard descriptive statistics were employed to report our results. Results: In total, 13 patients (6 female and 7 male) were identified with a mean age of 62.8 years (range of 47–79 years) and an average BMI of 32.03 kg/m2 (range of 22.93–45.81 kg/m2). The average duration of use was 10.2 months (range of 1–36 months). One patient developed new-onset diabetes mellitus while taking supplements. Nine patients had low cortisol levels (<6.7 mcg/dL), necessitating referral to Endocrinology, and two were found to have concomitantly low ACTH levels (<5 pg/mL). Endocrinology recommended perioperative stress dose corticosteroids for all nine patients with low cortisol. Conclusions: Artri King and similar supplements may lead to severe endocrinological consequences. We recommend routine screening and continued management of patients who endorse supplement use.
Rurality and COVID-19 Outcomes: Unraveling the Impact of Nursing Home Residency Using Bayesian Analysis
Authors: Martínez-Redondo Javier , Crespo Pons Montserrat , Mateu Llevadot Alicia , Pujol Salud Jesús , Comas Carles
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives: Many studies have analyzed the impact of rurality on the incidence and consequences of COVID-19 infection. However, these studies have not considered the impact of different numbers of nursing homes in rural, semi-urban, or urban areas. Our objective was to analyze the effect of the factor of rurality on the incidence and mortality of COVID-19 while accounting for the impact of the variable of nursing home residency. In addition, we performed a comparative analysis of the infected population in semi-urban and rural areas. Methods: We first analyzed COVID-19 infection in all populations in the Balaguer Primary Health Care Area before examining the impact of rurality using Bayesian logistic regression analysis, specifically excluding the population living in nursing homes. We also performed an epidemiological and clinical analysis comparing rural and semi-urban areas. Results: We found higher incidence of and higher relative and absolute mortality from COVID-19 infection in semi-urban areas than in rural areas. After excluding nursing home residents from our sample, the Bayesian analysis indicated that rurality was not protective against COVID-19 infection or mortality. The incidence rates, specific mortality rates, and case fatality rates were similar in semi-urban and rural areas. All comorbidities, except chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, were associated with higher mortality, while no symptoms were associated with higher mortality. Conclusions: Excluding the population residing in nursing homes from the analysis, we found that rurality was not a protective factor against either infection or mortality during the first COVID-19 wave. Our Bayesian model analysis confirmed that rurality alone did not enhance survival among residents of rural areas.
Concept for Predictive Quality in Carbon Fibre Manufacturing
Authors: Gellrich Sebastian , Groetsch Thomas , Maghe Maxime , Creighton Claudia , Varley Russell , Wilde Anna-Sophia , Herrmann Christoph
Published: November 2024

Remarkable mechanical properties make carbon fibres attractive for many industrial applications. However, up to today, carbon fibres come with a significant environmental backpack, undermining their advantages in light of a strong demand for absolute sustainability of new industrial products. Consequently, there is considerable demand for high-quality carbon fibre manufacturing, low waste production, or alternative precursor systems allowing minimization of environmental impacts. Therefore, this paper investigates the capabilities of data analytics with a special emphasis on predictive quality in order to advance the quality management of carbon fibre manufacturing. Although existing research supports the applicability of machine learning in carbon fibre production, there is a notable scarcity of case studies and a lack of a structured repetitive data analytics concept. To address this gap, the study proposes a holistic framework for predictive quality in carbon fibre manufacturing that outlines specific data analytics requirements based on the process properties of carbon fibre production. Additionally, it introduces a systematic method for processing trend data. Finally, a case study of polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based carbon fibre manufacturing exemplifies the concept, giving indications on feature importance and sensitivity related to the expected fibre properties. Future research can build on the comprehensive overview of predictive quality potentials and its implementation concept by extending the underlying data set and investigating the transfer to alternative precursors.
Numerical Study of the Hydrodynamic Performance of a Dual-Chamber Oscillating Water Column Wave Energy Converter Device
Authors: Tang Peng , Xu Qing , Jiang Shengchao , Zhu Junlin , Zhang Hongsheng
Published: November 2024

We investigated the hydrodynamic characteristics of a dual-chamber oscillating water column (OWC) wave energy converter (WEC) using the OpenFOAM-v1912 open-source platform and waves2Foam solver. The numerical simulations were conducted using incompressible viscous fluid theory, applying the two-dimensional Stokes equation to describe fluid motion. The displacement of the free surface was accurately captured using the volume of fluid (VOF) methodology, and the governing equations were solved using the finite volume method (FVM). The dependability of the computational method was shown by validating the numerical model, which was based on a 2D representation, against experimental data. Within the resonance zone, the energy conversion efficiency of a dual-chamber OWC was approximately 25% greater than that of a single-chamber OWC. Moreover, the dual-chamber design displayed a broader resonance bandwidth, owing to the presence of multiple resonant frequencies, which enhance the stability and energy conversion over a wider range of wave conditions. The dual-chamber OWC generated stronger internal wave dynamics and higher chamber pressures, enabling superior energy capture compared to the single-chamber variant. Additionally, the formation and persistence of vortices within the chamber are key in sustaining efficient energy conversion by promoting continuous airflow. These results offer valuable information for constructing and optimizing dual-chamber OWC systems for more efficient wave energy collecting.
Lightweight Multi-Scales Feature Diffusion for Image Inpainting Towards Underwater Fish Monitoring
Authors: Wang Zhuowei , Jiang Xiaoqi , Chen Chong , Li Yanxi
Published: November 2024

In the process of gradually upgrading aquaculture to the information and intelligence industries, it is usually necessary to collect images of underwater fish. In practical work, the quality of underwater images is often affected by water clarity and light refraction, resulting in most fish images not fully displaying the entire fish body. Image inpainting helps infer the occluded fish image information based on known images, thereby better identifying and analyzing fish populations. When using existing image inpainting methods for underwater fish images, limited by the small datasets available for training, the results were not satisfactory. Lightweight Multi-scales Feature Diffusion (LMF-Diffusion) is proposed to achieve results closer to real images when dealing with image inpainting tasks from small datasets. LMF-Diffusion is based on guided diffusion and flexibly extracts features from images at different scales, effectively capturing remote dependencies among pixels, and it is more lightweight, making it more suitable for practical deployment. Experimental results show that our architecture uses only 48.7% of the parameter of the guided diffusion model and produces inpainting results closer to real images in our dataset. Experimental results show that LMF-Diffusion enables the Repaint method to exhibit better performance in underwater fish image inpainting. Underwater fish image inpainting results obtained using our LMF-Diffusion model outperform those produced by current popular image inpainting methods.
The Impact of Increasing Seawater Temperatures over the Last 30 Years on the Reproductive Cycle of the Pearl Oyster Pinctada radiata (Leach, 1814) in the Arabian Gulf
Authors: Khalifa Razan , Hamadou Radhouane Ben , Giraldes Bruno Welter , Joaquim Sandra , Hizam Zainab , Hamza Shafeeq , Bassères Anne , Massabuau Jean-Charles , Leitão Alexandra
Published: November 2024

The pearl oyster Pinctada radiata (Leach, 1814), a crucial ecosystem builder in the Arabian Gulf, has experienced a significant decline, mainly attributed to anthropogenic pressures. This study aimed to characterize the reproductive cycle of P. radiata in Qatar and compare the current data with historical records in the region obtained between 1992 and 1993. From May 2020 to April 2022, we found a well-defined seasonal reproductive pattern, with a narrow peak spawning period in April. This observation stands out strongly from the previous recordings of 1992–1993 for the region, where spawning extended from May to August. The observed shift in the reproductive cycle coincides with a notable increase in the maximum sea surface temperature (SST), rising from 34 °C in August (1992–1993) to 37 °C in July (2020–2022), while the minimum SST remained stable at 15–16 °C in January during both periods. Furthermore, a contraction in the duration of the main spawning period was observed, with spawning now confined to an earlier and shorter timeframe. We propose that climate change, in addition to other environmental stressors, must have played a key role in modifying the reproductive cycle of the pearl oyster P. radiata in the Arabian Gulf. These findings highlight the importance of further monitoring reproductive dynamics in the context of climate change.
Virtual Reality Fusion Testing-Based Autonomous Collision Avoidance of Ships in Open Water: Methods and Practices
Authors: Zhou Haiming , Zheng Mao , Chu Xiumin , Yu Chengqiang , Lei Jinyu , Lin Bowen , Zhang Kehao , Hua Wubin
Published: November 2024

With the rapid development of autonomous collision avoidance algorithms on ships, the technical demand for the testing and verification of autonomous collision avoidance algorithms is increasing; however, the current testing of autonomous collision avoidance algorithms is mainly based on the virtual simulation of the computer. To realize the testing and verification of the autonomous collision avoidance algorithm in the real ship scene, a method of virtual reality fusion testing in open water is proposed and real ship testing is carried out. Firstly, an autonomous ship collision avoidance test and evaluation system is established to research the test method of ship encounters in open water. Starting from the convention on the international regulations for preventing collisions at sea (COLREG), the main scenario elements of ship collision avoidance are analyzed. Based on the parametric modeling method of ship collision avoidance scenarios, a standard test scenario library for ship collision avoidance in open waters is established. Then, based on the demand for a ship collision avoidance function test, the evaluation index system of ship collision avoidance is constructed. Subsequently, for the uncertainty of the initial state of the real ship test at sea, the virtual–real space mapping method to realize the correspondence of the standard scenario in the real world is proposed. A standardized testing process to improve testing efficiency is established. Finally, the method of conducting virtual simulation and virtual reality fusion tests for various scenarios are verified, respectively. The test results show that the test method can effectively support the testing of autonomous collision avoidance algorithms for ships in open waters and provide a practical basis for improving the pertinence and practicability of ship collision avoidance testing.
Ghost Discrimination Method for Broadband Direct Position Determination Based on Frequency Coloring Technology
Authors: Yu Mengling , Yang Long , Yang Yixin , Liu Xionghou , Wang Lu
Published: November 2024

Recently proposed direct position determination (DPD) methods have garnered considerable interest in passive localization due to their excellent positioning accuracy. However, in multiple-target environments, error locations generated by wrong associations between different targets and arrays, called ghosts, may lead to incorrect estimations of the targets, reducing positioning accuracy. To address this, we propose a ghost discrimination method for broadband DPD that exploits the frequency structure differences between various targets. In the frequency coloring strategy proposed in this study, different RGB values are assigned to the spatial spectrum of different frequencies. Then, an RGB color spatial spectrum reflecting the different frequency structures of the signals is formed, which effectively distinguishes between real targets and ghosts visually and enhances multi-target localization accuracy. The probability of correctly distinguishing between targets and ghosts in the proposed method is evaluated using simulation results. It can effectively distinguish multiple targets even at a low SNR level, a significant improvement compared with the original DPD. Furthermore, the SwellEx-96 shallow-water experimental data set is utilized to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
An Exploratory Study on Spatial Governance Toward Urban–Rural Integration: Theoretical Analysis with Case Demonstration
Authors: Tan Lin , Cui Qinyu , Chen Lan , Wang Lan
Published: November 2024

Establishing a territorial space governance system that supports URI is essential for modernizing national governance capacity and systems. It also serves as a critical strategic measure to promote sustainable development in both urban and rural areas. The current research has not adequately explored the theoretical mechanisms and pathways of territorial spatial governance, resulting in challenges in providing the necessary theoretical foundations and practical guidance for advancing URI. The methods used in this study include theoretical analysis, logical deduction, and field research. The findings are as follows: (1) The key characteristics of TSG are the synergy of governance entities, the comprehensiveness of governance objects, the diversification of governance methods, and the systematization of governance content. Territorial spatial governance, driven by multiple stakeholders, influences the structure and functional arrangement of urban and rural territorial systems through means such as spatial planning, rights allocation, and top-level institutional design. (2) The essential process and core driving path to promote URI involve the interaction of urban and rural elements, the complementarity of their functions, and the reciprocity of their values, all guided by territorial space governance. (3) In the case study area, TSG facilitates the construction of an orderly element circulation channel, coordinating land circulation and capitalization, promoting local urbanization, and aligning residential with industrial development. This results in a complementary urban–rural functional structure, multifunctional rural development, and an urban–-rural model characterized by stable interest relationships and balanced service facility layouts.
Construction and Optimization of Ecological Network in Guanzhong Region of Shaanxi Province Based on PLUS-InVEST-Linkage Mapper
Authors: Zhuge Mingming , Hu Yuandong
Published: November 2024

Rapid urbanization poses a serious threat to China’s ecological security. However, the current single-spatio-temporal-scenario ecological network constructed based on the current situation of natural resources and land use ignores the dynamic changes in network and urban development, and its stability and connectivity lack verification feedback. On the basis of constructing the existing ecological network, the paper forecasts the expansion of future urban land use and optimizes the overall ecological network of the study area from three aspects: ecological source areas, corridors, and ecological nodes. The results showed the following: (1) From 1990 to 2020, a large amount of forest land in the Guanzhong region was converted into cultivated land, while a large amount of cultivated land was converted into urban land, and the same applies to 2020–2050. From 1990 to 2050, the overall habitat quality in the Guanzhong region shows a downward trend, exhibiting a gradual decrease from the center towards the edges. (2) The ecological source area in the Guanzhong region decreases by 775.38 km2, and the number of potential ecological corridors increases, but their length decreases by 1.75 km. The overall connectivity of the ecological network during the two periods is not high, and the degree of network closure is relatively low. (3) Comparative analysis before and after optimization shows that the optimized ecological network has greater ecological stability and landscape connectivity. In other words, the optimized ecological network can supplement and improve the original ecological network, thereby making it more sustainable and in line with the regional characteristics of the study area.
Adolescent Heritage Speakers: Morphosyntactic Divergence in Estonian Youth Language Usage in Sweden
Authors: Korkus Mari-Liis , Vihman Virve-Anneli
Published: November 2024

Heritage language (HL) research has investigated adults and children, while adolescents have garnered far less attention, despite adolescence being a crucial time in the development of idiolects and identities, and, hence, also for language maintenance. This study describes HL usage among Estonian-Swedish bilingual teenagers. Data were collected from 21 first- and second-generation Estonian heritage speakers (aged 12–17). Non-standard usage occurred in our corpus at low rates but was found across most speakers in certain areas of morphosyntax. We describe which factors drive such non-standard usage based on the example of two structures with more frequent non-standard occurrence: (1) object marking and (2) experiencer constructions with the verb meeldima ‘to like/please’. Around 6% of objects were marked in divergent ways. Speakers employed two strategies for marking non-standard objects: case omission (i.e., using nominative and/or unmarked forms) and substitution (i.e., using non-target-like marking). Non-standard forms occurred in 11% of experiencer constructions. Speakers diverged more with marking the nominative Stimulus than the dative-like Experiencer, although both occurred in standard and non-standard forms. The reported usage patterns can be explained through the combined effect of cross-linguistic influence, simplification, and input frequency. We also tested the relation between non-standard usage and the speaker’s sociolinguistic background, with mixed results. Considering the limited size and scope of the corpus, overall, the reported divergent usage patterns evidence the role of linguistic input and cross-linguistic effects.
Influence and Optimization of Nozzle Position on Lubricant Distribution in an Angular Contact Ball Bearing Cavity
Authors: Wen Baogang , Li Yuanyuan , Li Yemin , Wang Meiling , Zhai Jingyu
Published: November 2024

In this paper, the lubrication flow field model for an angular contact ball bearing considering the characteristics of the nozzle position was constructed with CFD methods, and the simulation results were compared and validated with the test results. The research was carried out on the lubricant distribution characteristics in the bearing cavity under different nozzle angles and heights, and the nozzle position was optimized with the response surface methodology. The results show that the lubrication distribution characteristics in the bearing cavity are closely related to the nozzle angle and height. The weighted average of the oil phase volume fraction on the cage guiding surface decreases first and then increases with the increase of the nozzle height and decreases with the increase of the nozzle angle on the ball surface. The optimal nozzle position was determined by finding the maximum value of the regression function in the specified area.
Antibacterial Properties and Biocompatibility of Multicomponent Titanium Oxides: A Review
Authors: Straumal Boris B. , Kurkin Evgenii N. , Balihin Igor L. , Klyatskina Elisaveta , Straumal Peter B. , Anisimova Natalia Yu. , Kiselevskiy Mikhail V.
Published: November 2024

The simple oxides like titania, zirconia, and ZnO are famous with their antibacterial (or even antimicrobial) properties as well as their biocompatibility. They are broadly used for air and water filtering, in food packaging, in medicine (for implants, prostheses, and scaffolds), etc. However, these application fields can be broadened by switching to the composite multicomponent compounds (for example, titanates) containing in their unit cell, together with oxygen, several different metallic ions. This review begins with a description of the synthesis methods, starting from wet chemical conversion through the manufacturing of oxide (nano)powders toward mechanosynthesis methods. The morphology of these multicomponent oxides can also be very different (like thin films, complicated multilayers, or porous scaffolds). Further, we discuss in vitro tests. The antimicrobial properties are investigated with Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria (like Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus) or fungi. The cytotoxicity can be studied, for example, using mouse mesenchymal stem cells, MSCs (C3H10T1/2), or human osteoblast-like cells (MG63). Other human osteoblast-like cells (SaOS-2) can be used to characterize the cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation in vitro. The in vitro tests with individual microbial or cell cultures are rather far away from the real conditions in the human or animal body. Therefore, they have to be followed by in vivo tests, which permit the estimation of the real applicability of novel materials. Further, we discuss the physical, chemical, and biological mechanisms determining the antimicrobial properties and biocompatibility. The possible directions of future developments and novel application areas are described in the concluding section of the review.
Structural Damping Analysis of a Vehicle Front Hood: Experimental Modal Parameters Extraction and Simulation Correlation
Authors: Pinzaru Valerian , Bujoreanu Carmen , Barat Olivier
Published: November 2024

Structural damping is a type of energy dissipation that occurs within the structure of a mechanical system. Unlike other forms of damping that rely on external devices or materials, structural damping is intrinsic to the construction and assembly of the structure itself. This study focuses on the experimental determination of the structural damping ratios for a vehicle front hood fabricated from steel, with the main objective being to accurately identify these damping characteristics. To achieve this, the modal parameter extraction process utilized both the Least Squares Complex Exponential (LSCE) and PolyMAX methods, providing a robust and comprehensive approach to identifying dynamic properties of a hood structure. The hood was subjected to free vibration decay in a free-free condition, with dynamic properties—such as natural frequencies, mode shapes, and damping coefficients—extracted. Additionally, a correlation study was performed between numerical and experimental results, evaluating the Modal Assurance Criterion (MAC) and frequency differences to validate the numerical model’s accuracy. The findings underscore the damping capacity of a standard steel front hood structure and highlight the relationship between damping coefficients and mode shapes, resulting in a well-correlated model for frequency response functions that can be used in transient response calculations.
Event-Triggered Cruise Control of Connected Automated Vehicle Platoon Subject to Input Limitations
Authors: Zhou Chaobin , Gong Jian , Ling Qing , Liang Jinhao
Published: November 2024

This article proposes event-triggered cruise control in platoons of connected automated vehicles (CAVs) with heterogeneous input limitations. A distributed control protocol is developed to ensure the stability and performance of the platoon, explicitly addressing varying levels of input saturation among vehicles. To further enhance communication efficiency, a centralized event-triggered mechanism is introduced, activating control updates only when necessary, effectively preventing Zeno behaviors through a predefined threshold. The proposed approach not only achieves global asymptotic stability but also significantly reduces communication demands, making it suitable for real-world driving conditions characterized by input constraints. Simulation results validate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed control strategy, demonstrating its potential for practical implementation in intelligent transportation systems.
Improved Hille-Type and Ohriska-Type Criteria for Half-Linear Third-Order Dynamic Equations
Authors: Hassan Taher S. , Kachout Mnaouer , El-Matary Bassant M. , Iambor Loredana Florentina , Odinaev Ismoil , Ali Akbar
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we examine the oscillatory behavior of solutions to a class of half-linear third-order dynamic equations with deviating arguments α2(η)ϕδ2α1ηϕδ1uΔ(η)ΔΔ+p(η)ϕδu(g(η))=0, on an arbitrary unbounded-above time scale T, where η∈[η0,∞)T:=[η0,∞)∩T, η0≥0, η0∈T and ϕζ(w):=wζsgnw, ζ>0. Using the integral mean approach and the known Riccati transform methodology, several improved Hille-type and Ohriska-type oscillation criteria have been derived that do not require some restrictive assumptions in the relevant results. Illustrative examples and conclusions show that these criteria are sharp for all third-order dynamic equations compared to the previous results in the literature.
RecessionRisk+: A Novel Recession Risk Model with Applications to the Solvency II Framework and Recession Crises Forecasting
Authors: Giacomelli Jacopo , Passalacqua Luca
Published: November 2024

The Solvency II regulatory framework requires European insurance companies to guarantee their solvability and stability by retaining enough Own Funds to cover future unexpected losses at a given confidence level. A Standard Formula approach is provided to estimate the capital requirement needed. Still, Solvency II allows internal methodologies to quantify the capital absorption arising from specific risk types or even to replace the Standard Formula with a full internal model. This work proposes a new internal model approach to measure the Catastrophe Recession Risk. The Recession Risk implies a mandatory capital absorption component for the insurance companies operating in the credit and suretyship business. The proposed model is based on the CreditRisk+ model and designed to behave countercyclically, aligning with the original intent of the European supervisory authority when first introducing this risk into the Solvency II risks’ taxonomy. Additionally, the model is applied to define an index for monitoring future recession crises based on the time series of past default rates.
Bifurcation Branch in a Spatial Heterogeneous Predator–Prey Model with a Nonlinear Growth Rate for the Predator
Authors: Kong Lei
Published: November 2024

A strongly coupled predator–prey model in a spatially heterogeneous environment with a Holling type-II functional response and a nonlinear growth rate for the predator is considered. Using bifurcation theory and the Lyapunov–Schmidt reduction, we derived a bounded smooth curve formed by the positive solutions and obtained the structure of the bifurcation branches. We also proved that the bounded curve is monotone S-shaped or fish-hook-shaped (⊂-shaped), as the values of the parameters of the model vary; in the latter case, the model has multiple positive steady-state solutions caused by the spatial heterogeneity of the environment.
FLARE: A Backdoor Attack to Federated Learning with Refined Evasion
Authors: Wang Qingya , Wu Yi , Xuan Haojun , Wu Huishu
Published: November 2024

Federated Learning (FL) is vulnerable to backdoor attacks in which attackers inject malicious behaviors into the global model. To counter these attacks, existing works mainly introduce sophisticated defenses by analyzing model parameters and utilizing robust aggregation strategies. However, we find that FL systems can still be attacked by exploiting their inherent complexity. In this paper, we propose a novel three-stage backdoor attack strategy named FLARE: A Backdoor Attack to Federated Learning with Refined Evasion, which is designed to operate under the radar of conventional defense strategies. Our proposal begins with a trigger inspection stage to leverage the initial susceptibilities of FL systems, followed by a trigger insertion stage where the synthesized trigger is stealthily embedded at a low poisoning rate. Finally, the trigger is amplified to increase the attack’s success rate during the backdoor activation stage. Experiments on the effectiveness of FLARE show significant enhancements in both the stealthiness and success rate of backdoor attacks across multiple federated learning environments. In particular, the success rate of our backdoor attack can be improved by up to 45× compared to existing methods.
Mineralogy of Deep-Sea Manganese Nodules and Advances in Extraction Technology of Valuable Elements from Manganese Nodules
Authors: Wang Xu , Qin Wenqing , Li Maolin , Liu Xueduan , Cheng Yangrui , Chen Shiping , Yang Congren
Published: November 2024

The vast seabed holds tremendous resource potential that can provide necessary materials for future human societal development. This study focuses on the mineralogy of seafloor manganese nodules off the coast of China in the Western Pacific and the primary techniques for extracting valuable metal elements from manganese nodules. The research indicates that the main valuable metal elements in the manganese nodules from this region include Cu, Co, Ni, Mn, Fe, etc. The key to extracting these valuable metals lies in reducing Mn(IV) to Mn(II) to disrupt the structure of the nodules, thereby releasing the valuable elements. The extraction processes for the main valuable metal elements of manganese nodules are mainly divided into two categories: pyrometallurgical–hydrometallurgical and solely hydrometallurgical. In order to cope with the challenges of environmental change and improve utilization efficiency, bioleaching, hydrogen metallurgy, and co-extraction are gaining increasing attention. For promoting commercialization, the future development of manganese nodule resources can refer to the technical route of efficient short-process extraction technology, the comprehensive recovery of associated resources, and tail-free utilization.