bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Utility of Induced Sputum and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Cultures in Diagnosing Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Licata Maria Angela , Mencarini Paola , Mastrobattista Annelisa , Carli Serena Maria , Cerva Carlotta , Mosti Silvia , Libertone Raffaella , Zolezzi Alberto , Vittozzi Pietro , Nisii Carla , Mazzarelli Antonio , Cannas Angela , Navarra Assunta , Ianniello Stefania , Trisolini Rocco , Goletti Delia , Palmieri Fabrizio , Gualano Gina
Published: December 2024

Diagnosing non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) in patients unable to produce sputum spontaneously requires invasive procedures to obtain valid respiratory specimens. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the results of microbiological tests performed on respiratory samples of 132 patients affected by NTM-PD. In the diagnostic workout, 98 patients performed both induced sputum (IS) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and were enrolled in our study. A total of 93 out of 98 BAL samples (95%) were culture-positive for mycobacteria, whereas only 67/153 (44%) induced sputum cultures were positive for NTM (p < 0.001). Molecular identification of NTM with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was positive in 48/64 BAL (75%) and in 47/139 (34%) IS samples (p < 0.001). Patients affected by nodular-bronchiectatic form were 65/98 (66%): BAL culture was positive in 95% of cases (62/65 BAL), while only 30/99 IS cultures were positive (30%; p < 0.001). PCR was positive in 76% of BAL samples examined (26/34) and in 26% of the IS samples (24 out of 91) (p < 0.001). Among 33 patients with a fibro-cavitary radiological pattern, 65% of IS (35/54) were culture-positive for NTM, whereas 94% of cases (31/33) had a positive culture for NTM from BAL (p = 0.002). PCR was positive in 73% of BAL samples tested (22/30) and 48% of IS samples tested (23/48) (p = 0.031). Our results confirm BAL mycobacterial culture as the gold standard for the diagnosis of pulmonary mycobacteriosis. FBS with BAL should be performed in every patient with a strong suspicion of NTM-PD, if other respiratory samples are repeatedly negative. Sputum induction is a useful technique to obtain valid respiratory samples when patients are unable to produce spontaneous sputum, especially in the outpatient setting. However, during the diagnostic workup of NTM-PD, we should not forget that PCR and mycobacterial culture of induced sputum have a lower yield than when performed on BAL, especially in the nodular-bronchiectatic form of the disease.
Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Reveal Biosynthetic Pathways and Regulatory Mechanisms of Phenylpropanes in Different Ploidy of Capsicum frutescens
Authors: Yang Yinxin , Cai Qihang , Yang Yanbo , Wang Xuan , Li Liping , Sun Zhenghai , Li Weiwei
Published: December 2024

Pepper is a significant cash crop, and Capsicum frutescens is an exemplary variety of pepper cultivated for its distinctive flavor and substantial nutritional value. Polyploidization of plants often leads to an increase in their biomass and improved stress tolerance, and thus has important applications in plant breeding and improvement. In this study, germplasm innovation was carried out by polyploidy induction of C. frutescens by colchicine. To investigate the effects of polyploidization on C. frutescens, we conducted transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of diploids and homotetraploids of C. frutescens to gain insights into the mechanisms of metabolite composition and molecular regulation of C. frutescens by polyploidization. Based on the analysis of metabolomics and transcriptomics data, a total of 551 differential metabolites were identified in the leaves of C. frutescens of different ploidy and 634 genes were significantly differentially expressed. In comparison, 241 differential metabolites and 454 genes were significantly differentially expressed in the mature fruits of C. frutescens of different ploidy. Analysis of KEGG enrichment of differentially expressed genes and differential metabolites revealed that both differential metabolites and differentially expressed genes were highly enriched in the phenylalanine metabolic pathway. It is worth noting that phenylpropanoids are highly correlated with capsaicin synthesis and also have an effect on fruit development. Therefore, we comprehensively analyzed the phenylalanine metabolic pathway and found that chromosome doubling significantly down-regulated the expression of genes upstream of phenylalanine (PAL, 4CL), which promoted lignin accumulation, and we suggested that this might have led to the enlargement of polyploid C. frutescens fruits. This study provides some references for further research on the phenotypic traits of different ploidy of C. frutescens, cloning of key regulatory genes, and using genetic engineering techniques in C. frutescens breeding for germplasm improvement.
Virus-Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) in Hydrangea macrophylla and Functional Analysis of HmF3′5′H
Authors: Yang Qiyu , Fan Youwei , Luo Shuwen , Liu Chun , Yuan Suxia
Published: December 2024

Hydrangea macrophylla, renowned for its large inflorescences and a diverse range of colors, highlights a significant limitation in current gene function research, which is the lack of effective molecular genetic tools. This study utilized a tobacco rattle virus (TRV)-based virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) system to investigate gene function through posttranscriptional gene silencing in H. macrophylla for the first time. The ortholog of phytoene desaturase (PDS) in H. macrophylla, termed HmPDS, was identified. Infection of tissue-cultured seedlings with TRV-HmPDS led to photobleaching of the leaves. Additionally, infection with TRV containing the HmCHS1 fragment in the flowers resulted in decreased anthocyanin production in sepals and a lightening of sepal coloration in the infected flowers. The phenomena and RT-qPCR results proved that the PDS and CHS genes of hydrangea were successfully silenced via the vacuum infiltration method. Furthermore, the introduction of TRV-HmF3′5′H revealed a decrease in delphinidin-3-glucoside content in sepals and caused a color change in the sepals from blue to pink. This study demonstrated that the TRV-VIGS system was successfully established in H. macrophylla and effectively applied to the function analysis of HmF3′5′H.
The Effect of Chemical Composition on the Morphology of Pb/Zn-Containing Dust
Authors: Tang Wendan , Li Qian , Huang Na , Wang Shuoran
Published: December 2024

Dust containing lead and zinc is a harmful contaminant, which causes serious harm to the natural environment and human health. At present, it is believed that the microscopic morphology of lead-zinc dust is intimately related to its biological toxicity. Chemical composition serves as a pivotal factor influencing the structural characteristics of dust. However, research on the impact of chemical composition variations on the microscopic morphology of dust containing lead and zinc remains inadequate. The particle size analysis reveals that as PbO content increases and ZnO content decreases, the particle size of the dust diminishes, but some samples exhibit a larger agglomeration structure. Combined with the results of the box number method, it is evident that at lower magnifications, an increase in PbO content leads to a decrease in image complexity and a loosening of aggregated structures. The similarity in pile shapes amplifies this trend, resulting in a decline in the box-counting dimension (D value) within the PbO/ZnO ratio range of 26.45 to 138, accompanied by an inverse change in the corresponding goodness of fit R-sq value. At the observation multiple of 30,000 times (30 K), smaller particles within the sample become visible, and the presence of relatively larger particles and complex sizes enhances the fractal characteristics of the sample, leading to a higher D value. Within the PbO/ZnO ratio range of 90/10 to 99/1, a coupling relationship exists between the chemical composition of the sample and the morphology of the dust. Specifically, the PbO/ZnO ratio exhibits a positive correlation with the D value. Conversely, the diversity of corresponding fractal features is negatively correlated with the D value. When the PbO content surpasses 99%, this correlation weakens, and the diversity of graphical representations displays an alternating pattern of growth and decrease. Notably, the D value and the goodness of fit (R-sq) of the D value are negatively correlated, indicating that as the complexity of the graph increases, the goodness of fit decreases.
Damage Mechanism of Deep Coalbed Methane Reservoir and Novel Anti-Waterblocking Protection Technology
Authors: Wang Wei , Jin Jiafeng , Xin Jiang , Lv Kaihe , Ren Kang , Xu Jie , Cao Zhenyi , Zhuo Ran
Published: December 2024

Coalbed Methane (CBM) accounts for about 5% of China’s domestic gas supply, which has been regarded as one of the most promising energies for alleviating the energy supply–demand imbalance. Deep CBM reservoirs have the characteristics of low permeability, low porosity, and low water saturation, which easily experience reservoir damage during the drilling process, further affecting the gas productivity. Based on the analysis of coal mineral composition, pore structure distribution, and the surface micromorphology change in coal surface before and after hydration, a possible mechanism for CBM formation damage was revealed. It was found that the damage caused by drilling fluid intrusion can be divided into three stages: stripping, migration, and plugging. Based on the water-sensitive, acid-sensitive, and stress-sensitive evaluation tests, a novel anti-waterblocking agent with both wettability alteration and surface tension reduction was developed; then a reservoir protection drilling fluid for deep coal formation in Daning-Jixian block was constructed; then the reservoir protection performance of drilling fluid was evaluated. The results show that as the concentration of the anti-waterblocking agent FSS increases from 0% to 1%, the surface tension of the water phase is significantly reduced from 72.15 mN/m to 26.58 mN/m, while the maximum contact angle of water on the surface reaches 117°. This enhancement in wettability leads to an improvement in the permeability recovery rate from 56.6% to 80.0%, indicating a substantial reduction in waterblocking effects and better fluid mobility within the reservoir. These findings highlight the efficacy of FSS in mitigating formation damage and optimizing gas production in coalbed methane reservoirs. The drilling fluid has good wettability alteration, inhibition, and sealing performance, which is of great significance for protecting gas well productivity.
Synthesis of Polymeric Nanoparticles Using Fungal Biosurfactant as Stabilizer
Authors: Soares Angélica Ribeiro , Andrade Juliano Camurça de , Lacerda Caroline Dutra , Azevedo Sidney Gomes , Pérez Maria Tereza Martins , Manzato Lizandro , Duvoisin Junior Sergio , Albuquerque Patrícia Melchionna
Published: December 2024

Polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) are highly valuable across various industries due to their advantageous properties, including biocompatibility and enhanced release control, which are particularly important for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. Fungi, through secondary metabolism, are capable of producing biosurfactants (BSs)—amphiphilic molecules that reduce surface tension and can therefore substitute synthetic surfactants in PNP stabilization. In this study, we investigated the production of biosurfactants by the endophytic fungus Aspergillus welwitschiae CG2-16, isolated from the Amazon region, as well as its use as a PNP stabilizer. The fungus exhibited a 36% reduction in the surface tension of the culture medium during growth, indicative of BS production. The partially purified biosurfactant demonstrated an emulsification of 24%, a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of 280 mg/L, and an FTIR spectrum suggesting a lipopeptide composition. The biosurfactant was employed in the synthesis of poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles via nanoprecipitation and emulsion/diffusion methods. Nanoprecipitation yielded spherical nanoparticles with a low polydispersity index (0.14 ± 0.04) and a high zeta potential (−29.10 ± 8.70 mV), indicating suspension stability. These findings highlight the significant role of biosurfactants in polymeric nanoparticle formation and stabilization, emphasizing their potential for diverse applications in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and other industrial sectors.
Experimental Study of a Bionic Porous Media Evaporative Radiator Inspired by Leaf Transpiration: Exploring Energy Change Processes
Authors: Qian Zuoqin , Wang Xinyu , Ren Jie , Wang Qiang , Zhao Lumei
Published: December 2024

The performance of photovoltaic (PV) cells is significantly influenced by their operating temperature. While conventional active cooling methods are limited by economic feasibility, passive cooling strategies often face challenges related to insufficient heat dissipation capacity. This study presents a bio-inspired evaporative heat sink, modeled on the transpiration and water transport mechanisms of plant leaves, which leverages porous media flow and heat transfer. The device uses capillary pressure, generated through the evaporation of the cooling medium under sunlight, to maintain continuous coolant flow, thereby achieving effective cooling. An experimental setup was developed to validate the device’s performance under a heat flux density of 1200 W/m2, resulting in a maximum temperature reduction of 5 °C. This study also investigated the effects of porous medium thickness and porosity on thermal performance. The results showed that increasing the thickness of the porous medium reduces cooling efficiency due to reduced fluid flow. In contrast, the effect of porosity was temperature-dependent: at evaporation temperatures below 67 °C, a porosity of 0.4 provided better cooling, while at higher temperatures, a porosity of 0.6 was more effective. These findings confirm the feasibility of the proposed device and provide valuable insights into optimizing porous media properties to enhance the passive cooling of photovoltaic cells.
A Review on the Water Invasion Mechanism and Enhanced Gas Recovery Methods in Carbonate Bottom-Water Gas Reservoirs
Authors: Peng Xian , Hu Yuhan , Zhang Fei , Zhang Ruihan , Zhao Hongli
Published: December 2024

Carbonate gas reservoirs are crucial in gas field development, with carbonate bottom-water gas reservoirs being a significant subset. However, the development of these reservoirs often faces challenges such as water invasion, leading to a low gas recovery rate. Enhancing gas recovery is a primary goal for researchers in this field. This study provides a systematic review of the mechanisms, identification, and dynamic prediction of water invasion in these gas reservoirs. The technical adaptability and application range of different enhanced recovery methods are summarized, and their application effects are evaluated. The results indicate that carbonate gas reservoirs have diverse types of storage and permeability spaces, with a wide distribution of pore size scales, leading to various types of enclosed gas caused by water invasion. The prediction accuracy of water invasion models for bottom-water gas reservoirs with fractures and vugs is relatively low. Therefore, numerical simulation research on the basis of fine reservoir characterization is the key technology. The control of bottom-water invasion and the rescue measures after the bottom-water invasion are the keys to improving gas recovery, which can be divided into four types: drainage gas recovery, water control production, active drainage, and injection medium. Gas production by drainage is the main technology for improving gas recovery, among which foam drainage is the most widespread. The optimization of development parameters in production by water control has a good effect in the early stages of development. The active drainage technology on the water invasion channel is the bottom-up technology for the effective development of strong water-flooded gas reservoirs. CO2 injection may have great potential to improve the recovery of bottom-water gas reservoirs, which is one of the important research directions under the background of “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality”. The research provides theoretical and technical reference significance for enhanced recovery of carbonate bottom-water gas reservoirs.
A Comprehensive Review of Mixed Convective Heat Transfer in Tubes and Ducts: Effects of Prandtl Number, Geometry, and Orientation
Authors: Amran Mohd Farid , Sultan Sakhr M. , Tso C. P.
Published: December 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive review of mixed convective heat transfer phenomena involving fluids with varying Prandtl numbers, specifically focusing on their behavior in different geometries and orientations. This study systematically explores heat transfer characteristics for fluids with low, medium, and high Prandtl numbers across a range of tube geometries, including circular, rectangular, triangular, and elliptical cross-sections, and examines their effects in both horizontal and vertical tube orientations. By consolidating existing research findings and analyzing various experimental and numerical studies, this review elucidates the complex interactions between fluid properties, tube geometry, and flow orientation that influence mixed convection heat transfer. Key insights are provided into the mechanisms driving heat transfer enhancements or degradations in different scenarios. In view of the findings from this paper, more than 84% of studies were conducted in a horizontal orientation and circular cross-section with a tendency to use medium-to-high Prandtl numbers as the working fluid for the past 10 years. This paper also identifies critical gaps in current knowledge and suggests future research directions to advance the understanding and application of mixed convective heat transfer in diverse engineering systems. Furthermore, apart from having different geometries applied in industrial applications, there is still room for improvement through the addition of passive methods to the heat transfer system, including helical coils, corrugations, swirl generators, and ribs. Overall, from the literature review, it is found that there are few relevant numerical simulations and experimental studies concentrating on middle Prandtl number fluids. Hence, it is recommended to perform more research on medium Prandtl number fluids that can be used as energy storage systems (ESS) in concentrating solar power plants, nuclear reactors, and geothermal systems.
When Policy Meets Practice: Evaluating Breaking Five-Only Policy Through Academic Production in China
Authors: Gao Yang , Wang Xiaochen
Published: December 2024

Tensions between policies and practices have long been studied. When the Breaking Five-Only Policy was issued in October 2020 in China, it was a cause for controversy and debate among scholars and educators. Take the publications-only or S/SCI paper supremacy policy, for example; the proposed policy encourages scholars and educators to publish their papers in domestic journals instead of international or S/SCI-indexed journals. However, scholars and educators have reported that it is even more challenging to publish in domestic journals for various reasons. We thus examined this dilemma by comparing journal metrics of 12 Chinese journals and 12 English ones in the same field. Specifically, we studied how academic publications had been measured in terms of statistics and parameters, including the title ranks, funds, and university ranks of the authors, typically in the Chinese context. We set up different hypotheses, analyzed the data, reported the quantitative findings, and tested the proposed hypotheses. Then, we discussed our results and argued that coercive and authoritarian accountability, quantity over quality, and ever-increased involution are major forces that drive the audit culture with regard to academic performance in the Chinese context. We concluded the paper with hidden tensions between the policy and reality and advocated for continued efforts for policy implementation and reform.
Late Holocene Vegetation Dynamics and Sea Level Fluctuations: A High-Resolution Record from Southeast India
Authors: Srivastava Jyoti , Samal Pujarini , Manoj M. C.
Published: December 2024

A detailed high-resolution study of climate and vegetation changes in two sedimentary profiles from the Godavari delta in India was conducted to understand extreme climate variability over the last 3000 years. These historical climate records are vital for predicting future climate changes influenced by increased human activity. Pollen records reveal several climatic periods: (1) an initial warm/humid phase (2260–1560 cal yr BP) with mangrove and tropical tree pollen and maximum pollen accumulation rate (PARmax), (2) a gradual shift to drier conditions with reduced mangrove and arboreal pollen, coinciding with to the Dark Ages Cold Period (1580–1070 cal yr BP), (3) a Medieval Warm Period (1090–580 cal yr BP) marked by a stronger summer monsoon, rejuvenation of mangroves and tree pollen, (4) a relatively cool and dry phase with abundant dry deciduous and non-arboreal pollen possibly linked to the Little Ice Age (580–80 cal yr BP), showing a weakened monsoon, and (5) recent warming since 80 cal yr BP. A semi-quantitative aridity, temperature, and moisture index based on pollen concentration variations have also been used to identify centennial-scale climatic cycles in the pollen record.
Effective Removal of Sr2+ Ions by K2SbPO6/Polyacrylonitrile Composite Microspheres
Authors: Li Shuangjiang , He Jianghai , Guo Yanling , Yang Lu , Sun Haiyan , Feng Meiling , Huang Xiaoying
Published: December 2024

90Sr is one of the highly radioactive and hazardous nuclides in nuclear waste liquids. The high water solubility and mobility of 90Sr2+ ions make it difficult to effectively remove 90Sr from the complex aqueous environment. Herein, K2SbPO6, a phosphatoantimonate ion exchange material with an excellent removal ability for Sr2+ ions, has been organically granulated with polyacrylonitrile (PAN) by an automated method to form K2SbPO6/PAN composite microspheres. The K2SbPO6/PAN microspheres with radiation resistance exhibit a high maximum adsorption capacity (qmSr) of 131.15 mg g−1 for Sr2+ ions and retain the high removal rate (RSr) in a wide pH range (pH = 3–12). It is important that K2SbPO6/PAN microspheres could efficiently treat Sr2+ ions solutions in a dynamic adsorption manner even at 970 bed volumes (RSr > 81%). This work paves the way for the preparation of low-cost ion exchange materials with the advantages of regular shape and easy operation by a simple and fast method and the practical application of powdered ion exchange materials.
Unveiling Hidden Histories: Disability in Ancient Egypt and Its Impact on Today’s Society—How Can Disability Representation in Museums Challenge Societal Prejudice?
Authors: Zakaria Nevine Nizar
Published: December 2024

The representation of disabled individuals in museum spaces worldwide has sparked substantial debate in recent decades. It has become increasingly evident that disabled people’s lives and experiences have been overlooked, under/misrepresented in museum narratives, or as museum professionals and academics have highlighted, ‘buried in the footnotes’ of history. Museums can either challenge or continue such exclusion through their actions. This marginalization of disabled people from our present museums narratives contributes to the perpetuation of prejudice and systematic biases that reinforce their exclusion in contemporary society. Nevertheless, the call for change has never been more pressing. Museums, as ‘agents of social change’, are required to not only address the absence of disabled people in their narratives but to combat prejudicial ideas about disability and drive societal changes to support social inclusion. This paper intends to use the recent movement of disability representation to envisage how national museums in Egypt can challenge societal prejudice by representing disability narratives from ancient Egypt in their exhibitions. The historical perspective of disability in ancient Egypt is a compelling example for illustrating social acceptance and the level of inclusion for disabled individuals in contrast to the negative stereotypes prevalent in contemporary Egyptian society. By adopting the new emergent approach of ‘Representing Disability’. Egyptian museums can stimulate discussions on disability issues and advocate for social change while connecting disabled individuals with a history that acknowledges their contributions and existence. The paper employed qualitative research methods to answer the following research question: what impact do representations of disability from ancient Egypt have on the way national museums engage with societal discourses about disability? Please note the article includes images of human remains.
Workplace Health Hazards Faced by Migrant Domestic Workers in Spain
Authors: Parella Sònia , Soriano Rosa , Tavernelli Romina , Morillas Iseo
Published: December 2024

The recent enhancement of working conditions and social security for domestic service workers in Spain has enabled the integration of this group of female workers into the same legal framework as other employees. Despite the progress already made and the optimistic forecast that the ratification of Convention 189 in 2022 has opened, domestic workers continue to be one of the groups that suffer the most precariousness in Spain. Added to the laxity of the implementation of legislation is the strong presence of the underground economy and a care management model that facilitates the expansion of the deregulated market and the recruitment of irregular migrant women to occupy these precarious labor niches (live-in domestic workers). This article aims to identify the impact of psychosocial working conditions on the physical and mental health of female migrants who are live-in domestic workers in Madrid and Barcelona, Spain. The research employs semi-structured, in-depth interviews to understand the representations and experiences in migrant women’s health, by unveiling the meanings of their experiences through a thematic content analysis. The study concludes with a reflection on which psychosocial, legislative, and policy-level interventions are needed to improve the health and well-being of this population of migrant women.
A Bibliometric Study on the Evolution of Women’s Football and Determinants Behind Its Growth over the Last 30 Years
Authors: Ventaja-Cruz Javier , Cuevas Rincón Jesús M. , Tejada-Medina Virginia , Martín-Moya Ricardo
Published: December 2024

Background: The evolution of women’s football over the past three decades has been remarkable in terms of development, visibility, and acceptance, transforming into a discipline with growing popularity and professionalization. Significant advancements in gender equality and global visibility have occurred, and the combination of emerging talent, increasing commercial interest, and institutional support will continue to drive the growth and consolidation of women’s football worldwide. Methods: The purpose of this study was to present a bibliometric analysis of articles on the evolution of women’s football in terms of scientific production as well as its causes and motivations over the past 30 years (1992–2024). A total of 128 documents indexed in the Web of Science database were reviewed. Outcome measures were analyzed using RStudio version 4.3.1 (Viena, Austria) software and the Bibliometrix data package to evaluate productivity indicators including the number of articles published per year, most productive authors, institutions, countries, and journals as well as identify the most cited articles and common topics. Results: Scientific production on women’s football has shown sustained growth, particularly since 2010. Key research areas have focused on injury prevention, physical performance, psychosocial factors, motivation, and leadership. The United States, the United Kingdom, and Spain have emerged as the most productive countries in this field, with strong international collaboration reflected in co-authorship networks. Conclusions: The study revealed a clear correlation between the evolution of women’s football and the increase in scientific production, providing a strong foundation for future research on emerging topics such as the importance of psychological factors, sport motivation and emotional well-being on performance, gender differences at the physiological and biomechanical levels, or misogyny in social networks, thus promoting comprehensive development in this sport modality.
Integrating Community Engagement in Zero Leprosy Efforts: A Pathway to Sustainable Early Detection, Control and Elimination
Authors: Fastenau Anil , Willis Matthew , Vettel Constanze , Stuetzle Sophie C. W. , Penna Srilekha , Chahal Priyanka , Schlumberger Fabian , Mow Mowmita Basak , Ekeke Ngozi , Chukwu Joseph Ngozi , Deps Patricia D.
Published: December 2024

Community engagement has emerged as a critical component in the effective control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), particularly in regions with persistent stigma and limited healthcare access. Drawing on case studies from Brazil, India, and Nigeria, this opinion piece explores how community-driven initiatives have successfully improved leprosy awareness, reduced stigma, and fostered early case detection and treatment adherence. The importance of culturally sensitive, inclusive approaches in health education and stigma reduction campaigns is highlighted, emphasizing the potential for community engagement to enhance national leprosy programs and contribute to the World Health Organization’s Zero Leprosy Strategy. By examining these examples, this article illustrates how integrating community participation into leprosy control and elimination programs can drive sustainable outcomes for achieving Zero Leprosy, even in resource-limited settings.
Primordial Black Holes: Formation, Spin and Type II
Authors: Harada Tomohiro
Published: December 2024

Primordial black holes (PBHs) may have formed through the gravitational collapse of cosmological perturbations that were generated and stretched during the inflationary era, later entering the cosmological horizon during the decelerating phase, if their amplitudes were sufficiently large. In this review paper, we will briefly introduce the basic concept of PBHs and review the formation dynamics through this mechanism, the estimation of the initial spins of PBHs and the time evolution of type II fluctuations, with a focus on the radiation-dominated and (early) matter-dominated phases.
CESE Schemes for Solar Wind Plasma MHD Dynamics
Authors: Yang Yun , Li Huichao
Published: December 2024

Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) numerical simulation has emerged as a pivotal tool in space physics research, witnessing significant advancements. This methodology offers invaluable insights into diverse space physical phenomena based on solving the fundamental MHD equations. Various numerical methods are utilized to approximate the MHD equations. Among these, the space–time conservation element and solution element (CESE) method stands out as an effective computational approach. Unlike traditional numerical schemes, the CESE method significantly enhances accuracy, even at the same base point. The concurrent discretization of space and time for conserved variables inherently achieves higher-order accuracy in both dimensions, without the need for intricate higher-order time discretization processes, which are often challenging in other methods. Additionally, this scheme can be readily extended to multidimensional cases, without relying on operator splitting or direction alternation. This paper primarily delves into the remarkable progress of CESE MHD models and their applications in studying solar wind, solar eruption activities, and the Earth’s magnetosphere. We aim to illuminate potential avenues for future solar–interplanetary CESE MHD models and their applications. Furthermore, we hope that the discussions presented in this review will spark new research endeavors in this dynamic field.
High-Energy Spectra of Black Hole and Neutron Star Low-Mass X-Ray Binaries
Authors: Pszota Gábor
Published: December 2024

In the case of low-mass X-ray binaries, the companion star is often too faint for detection; therefore, there is no chance for dynamical studies to independently determine the mass of the compact object. In the absence of a mass estimate, one cannot make a distinction as to whether the binary hosts a black hole or neutron star. Therefore, the question arises whether this distinction can be made based on the X-ray data alone, even when there are no bursts or pulsations. These would automatically imply a neutron star, but they are not always present. Black hole systems are known to emit radiation with an unbroken power–law shape up to several hundred keV energies in their high/soft states. If the non-thermal Comptonization processes that are responsible for this are somehow related to the lack of a solid surface, and to the fact that more gravitational potential energy can be released for a black hole, then there would be a definite method to reliably distinguish between the two sources. This work intends to review the available observations and studies to compare how these two populations behave during their different spectral states. A conclusion can be made that high/soft-state spectra are really different for black holes and neutron stars, for the low/hard state; however, the same conclusion cannot be safely made.
Study of the Normal Crested Porcupine (Hystrix cristata) Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinuses by Cross-Sectional Anatomy and Computed Tomography
Authors: Morales Bordon Daniel , Suárez-Cabrera Francisco , Ramírez Gregorio , Paz-Oliva Pablo , Morales-Espino Alejandro , Arencibia Alberto , Encinoso Mario , Ventura Myriam R. , Jaber José Raduan
Published: December 2024

This study utilized CT imaging to investigate the rostral part of the head of the crested porcupine’s head. By combining CT images with anatomical cross-sections, we have provided a detailed description of the structures in this area. This information could be useful for diagnosing disorders and improving their treatment in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses of crested porcupines.
Comparative Analysis of Cryotherapy Modalities Using Muscle Tissue Temperature Measurement: Cold Pack, Cold Compression, and Hyperbaric Gaseous Cryotherapy
Authors: Baek Jinyeob , Cheon Jaeeon , Lim Hyeonseo , Yu Yong , Heo Suyoung
Published: December 2024

Cryotherapy is widely used in veterinary medicine to manage pain and swelling, yet optimal methods for specific tissue depths remain unclear. Cryotherapy modalities, including cold packs (CPs), cold compression (CC), and hyperbaric gaseous cryotherapy (HGC), were applied to nine beagle dogs under general anaesthesia. A custom 3D-printed guide facilitated consistent and accurate measurements of tissue temperatures at depths of 1 and 3 cm. After a 20 min application, all modalities significantly reduced the muscular tissue temperatures at both measured depths. HGC exhibited the most effective rapid temperature reduction, whereas CC displayed the most extended sustained cooling effect. In comparison, CPs showed a lower temperature reduction. The effectiveness of cryotherapy varies with tissue depth, and selecting the appropriate method can improve therapeutic outcome.
A Review of Research on Longitudinal Control of Intelligent Vehicles Based on Drive/Brake by Wire
Authors: Shi Peicheng , Qian Xinyu , Chadia Chakir , Sun Yu , Liang Taonian , Yang Aixi
Published: December 2024

In recent years, with the rapid innovation of science and technology, wire control technology, as a key technology, has achieved the transmission control of vehicles through the form of “electrical signals”, which has become an important foundation for realizing the high degree of intelligence of vehicles. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the wire control technology, its application and longitudinal control strategy, and focuses on the longitudinal control technology of intelligent vehicles based on drive/brake by wire. The specific content includes five parts: first, the principles and characteristics of wire control technology and its application in intelligent vehicles are introduced; then, two commonly used longitudinal control strategies are described; then, the application of classical control technologies (such as PID, MPC, and sliding-mode control) in the longitudinal control of intelligent vehicles is discussed, including their working principles, characteristics and related research; subsequently, the AI control technology (deep reinforcement learning) is presented in the longitudinal control of intelligent vehicles, discussing its theoretical basis, the current status of algorithm research, control methods, and practical applications, etc.; finally, the paper summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of the classical control technology and AI control technology, and looks forward to the application and development prospects of these two control technologies in the control of intelligent vehicles.
Tightly Coupled SLAM Algorithm Based on Similarity Detection Using LiDAR-IMU Sensor Fusion for Autonomous Navigation
Authors: Zheng Jiahui , Wang Yi , Men Yadong
Published: December 2024

In recent years, the rise of unmanned technology has made Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) algorithms a focal point of research in the field of robotics. SLAM algorithms are primarily categorized into visual SLAM and laser SLAM, based on the type of external sensors employed. Laser SLAM algorithms have become essential in robotics and autonomous driving due to their insensitivity to lighting conditions, precise distance measurements, and ease of generating navigation maps. Throughout the development of SLAM technology, numerous effective algorithms have been introduced. However, existing algorithms still encounter challenges, such as localization errors and suboptimal utilization of sensor data. To address these issues, this paper proposes a tightly coupled SLAM algorithm based on similarity detection. The algorithm integrates Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and LiDAR odometry modules, employs a tightly coupled processing approach for sensor data, and utilizes curvature feature optimization extraction methods to enhance the accuracy and robustness of inter-frame matching. Additionally, the algorithm incorporates a local keyframe sliding window method and introduces a similarity detection mechanism, which reduces the real-time computational load and improves efficiency. Experimental results demonstrate that the algorithm achieves superior performance, with reduced positioning errors and enhanced global consistency, in tests conducted on the KITTI dataset. The accuracy of the real trajectory data compared to the ground truth is evaluated using metrics such as ATE (absolute trajectory error) and RMSE (root mean square error).
Determinants of Consumers’ Intention to Use Autonomous Delivery Vehicles (ADVs): A Fuzzy-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis Approach
Authors: Wang Shuo , Lin Liwei
Published: December 2024

While numerous studies have investigated the factors associated with autonomous delivery vehicles (ADVs), there remains a paucity of research concerning consumers’ intentions to utilize these technologies. Prior research has predominantly concentrated on the effects of individual variables on outcomes, often neglecting the synergistic influence of various factors on consumer intention. This study seeks to examine the collective impact of pro-environmental motives (including awareness of consequences and ascription of responsibility), normative motives (such as subjective norms and personal norms), risk factors (COVID-19 risk and delivery risk), and individual characteristics (including trust in technology and innovation) on consumers’ intentions to adopt ADVs. Employing a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), this research analyzed data from 561 Chinese consumers collected via an online platform. The results yielded six distinct solutions, indicating that multiple combinations of antecedent factors could lead to a higher intention to adopt compared to any singular factor. These findings offer significant theoretical and practical implications for the effective implementation of ADVs in the last-mile delivery sector.
Analysis of the dynamics and structure of foreign trade in products of the agro-industrial complex of the Russian Federation
Authors:   Russian Timiryazev State Agrarian University, Moscow, Russia, Anokhin I. A.
Published: December 2024

The paper is devoted to the study of the peculiarities of the development of
foreign trade activities of the Russian Federation in the period from 1995 to 2022, with
special attention paid to the export and import of agricultural products, as strategically
important for ensuring the country’s food independence and growth of export potential.
The use of methods of analysis and analytical alignment of the time series by the least
squares method made it possible to identify increasing trends in the volumes of exports
of food and agricultural raw materials and a significant decrease in the growth rate of
imports, which ensured the excess of export volumes over imports since 2021, while the
role of the agricultural sector in the formation of export potential increased to 28.1 %. The
calculation of the rank correlation coefficient showed the presence of minor changes in
the product structure of exports and imports. The construction of country ratings based
on structural series data on the volumes of exports to Russia and imports from Russia
made it possible to determine the composition of the top 3 countries, its change due to the
formation of new geopolitical and economic relations, as well as to identify the directions
of development of foreign trade relations with interested countries.
Diseño y usabilidad en una App de realidad aumentada (R-A) para la difusión de piezas cerámicas de cultura PURUHÁ
Authors: Bravo Cedeño Tatiana Janeth , Miguez Gordillo Edison Amador , Isín Vilema Manuel David , Peñafiel Barros Geonatan Octavio
Published: December 2024

Este artículo de investigación examina el diseño y la usabilidad de una aplicación móvil de Realidad Aumentada (AR) para promover la cultura cerámica Puruhá. Subraya la importancia de integrar principios de diseño centrado en el usuario (UCD) para asegurar que las aplicaciones de AR sean no solo visualmente atractivas, sino también funcionales y accesibles. Se emplea el marco de usabilidad de Nielsen (1993) para evaluar la efectividad, eficiencia y satisfacción que proporciona la aplicación. El estudio incorpora elementos multimedia y gamificación, como sugieren Hirsh-Pasek et al. (2015), para mejorar el compromiso educativo. La base teórica incluye la teoría de la carga cognitiva (Sweller, 1988) y la importancia del diseño intuitivo (Norman, 1988) en las herramientas educativas. La investigación sigue una metodología descriptivo-cuantiativa, utilizando encuestas post-prueba para evaluar la usabilidad de la aplicación entre 40 estudiantes universitarios. Los hallazgos revelan una alta usabilidad, una entrega educativa efectiva y una experiencia de usuario positiva, con recomendaciones para mejorar la accesibilidad y las funciones de sonido. El estudio destaca el potencial de la AR para enriquecer la educación cultural y preservar el patrimonio.
Türkiye’deki Kahramanmaraş Deprem Felaketinden Sonra Hemşirelik Öğrencilerinin Başa Çıkma Öz-Yeterliği ve Motivasyon Düzeyleri
Authors: Demirbağ Selin , Ergin Dilek
Published: December 2024

Giriş ve Amaç: Kahramanmaraş depremi insan ve toplum sağlığını etkilemenin yanında eğitimi de etkilemiştir. Bu çalışma depremden sonra hemşirelik öğrencilerinin başa çıkma öz-yeterliği ve motivasyon düzeylerini ve arasındaki ilişkiyi belirlemek amacıyla yapıldı.
Gereç ve Yöntem: Araştırma analitik-kesitsel tipte olup, Nisan-Mayıs 2023 tarihleri arasında Türkiye’nin batısında bulunan bir üniversitede 442 hemşirelik öğrencisi ile yüz-yüze görüşme tekniği ile gerçekleştirildi. Veri toplama araçları “Öğrenci Sosyo-Demografik Form”, “Başa Çıkma Öz-Yeterliği Ölçeği” ve “Güdülenme Kaynakları ve Sorunları Ölçeği”dir.
Bulgular: Hemşirelik öğrencilerinin yaş ortalaması 20,99±2,11’dır. Öğrencilerin %76,5’i kadın, %28,3’ü 2. sınıftır. Öğrencilerinin başa çıkma öz-yeterliğinin düşük, motivasyonlarının orta düzeyde olduğu bulundu. Kahramanmaraş depreminde can ve mal kaybı yaşama durumu ve Başa Çıkma Öz-Yeterliği Ölçeği’nin aileden ve arkadaştan sosyal destek almaya yönelik alt boyutu puan ortalaması arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark olduğu bulundu (p
Kadın Doğum Acil Kliniğine Başvuran Gebelerin Genital Hijyen Davranışlarının Belirlenmesi
Authors: Çalık Hatice , Kocatürk Asiye
Published: December 2024

Bu araştırma, kadın doğum acil kliniğine başvuran gebelerin genital hijyen davranışlarının belirlenmesi amacıyla 5 Ocak 2021-5 Nisan 2021 tarihleri arasında kesitsel ve tanımlayıcı türde yapılmıştır. Araştırmanın örneklemini İstanbul’da bir eğitim araştırma hastanesinin kadın doğum acil servisine başvuran, çalışmaya katılmaya gönüllü ve araştırma kriterlerini karşılayan 330 gebe oluşturmuştur. Veriler, etik kurul ile kurum onayı alındıktan sonra araştırmacı tarafından oluşturulan sosyodemografik, obstetrik özellikleri, genital hijyen davranışlarını etkileyen faktörlere ilişkin bilgileri içeren anket formu ve “Genital Hijyen Davranışları Ölçeği’’ yüzü yüze görüşülerek toplanmıştır. Verilerin analizinde SPSS paket programı kullanılmıştır. Araştırmaya katılan gebelerin yaş ortalaması 27,83 olup % 34,2’si ortaokul mezunu, % 86,1’i gelir getirici bir işte çalışmaktadır. Araştırmamızda evlenme yaşı ortalaması 21,98’dir. Literatüre ek olarak evlenme yaşının düşmesi Genital Hijyen Davranışları Ölçeği’ den alınan puanı olumsuz etkilediği belirlenmiştir. Katılımcı gebelerin Genital Hijyen Davranışları Ölçeği skor ortalaması 95,49 olup yeterli hijyen davranışı olarak yorumlanmış, buna karşın katılımcıların % 64,2’sinin gebeliği süresince vajinal enfeksiyon geçirdiği, %68,2’si cinsel ilişki sonrası vajinal duş uyguladığı belirlenmiştir. Sonuç olarak; çalışmamıza katılan gebelerin genital hijyene ilişkin bilgi düzeylerinin beklenilenden daha iyi olduğu belirlenmiş, ancak genital hijyen davranışlarının yeterli düzeyde olmadığı tespit edilmiştir. Ebeler başta olmak üzere tüm sağlık profesyonellerinin kadınlara üreme çağı boyunca ve tüm yaşam boyu hijyen konulu uygulamalı sağlık eğitimleri vermeleri önerilebilir.
Zihinsel Engelli Çocuğu olan Ebeveynlerin Aile Yükü ile Hayatta Amaç, Anlam ve Yaşam Yönelimi Arasındaki İlişki
Authors: Çifçi Nebahat , Batmaz Makbule , Kendirkıran Gülcan
Published: December 2024

Giriş ve Amaç: Bu çalışma, zihinsel engelli çocuğa sahip ebeveynlerin aile yükü ile hayatta amaç, anlam ve yaşam yönelimi arasındaki ilişkiyi incelemek amacıyla kesitsel ve tanımlayıcı tasarımda yapılmıştır.
Gereç ve Yöntemler: Araştırmanın örneklemini Aralık 2019-Şubat 2020 tarihleri arasında İstanbul ili Avrupa yakasında bulunan özel bir eğitim merkezinde çalışmaya katılmaya gönüllü 100 ebeveyn oluşturdu. Çalışmanın verileri, Kişisel Bilgi formu, Aile Yükü Ölçeği, “Hayatta Amaç Ölçeği, Hayatta Anlam Anketi ve Yaşam Yönelimi Testi kullanılarak yüz yüze toplandı.
Bulgular: Annelerin yetersizlik algısı, duygusal yükü ve zaman gereksinimi erkeklere göre anlamlı derecede daha yüksek bulunmuştur (p