bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time-Varying Effects of China’s Agricultural OFDI on the Sustainability of Bilateral Agricultural Trade Within RCEP Countries: Multiple Analyses Based on the Model of Trade Gravity and TVP-VAR
Authors: Mai Qiangsheng , Wang Xiaoyan
Published: December 2024

China’s agricultural OFDI has achieved a new promotion of regional opening to the RCEP agricultural field, and the bilateral agricultural trade cooperation has great potential. China’s agricultural OFDI has been steadily increasing in recent years. As significant trade partners for Chinese agricultural products, RCEP countries represent an important region for China’s agricultural OFDI initiatives. However, existing studies have paid little attention to the trade effect and dynamic impact of China’s agricultural OFDI on agricultural products of RCEP countries. Therefore, based on the panel data of agricultural trade between China and RCEP countries from 2004 to 2019, this paper uses the trade gravity model and TVP-VAR model to investigate the time-varying effects of China’s agricultural OFDI on agricultural trade of RCEP countries. The findings are as follows: (1) The impact of China’s agricultural OFDI on bilateral agricultural trade between China and RCEP countries has significant time-varying characteristics, and there are short-, medium-, and long-term positive impacts most of the time. (2) When the bilateral agricultural trade reaches a certain level, the role of China’s agricultural OFDI is limited, but the overall positive and significant impact remains, showing a strong trade effect. (3) The positive impact on China’s agricultural OFDI has a heterogeneous impact on RCEP countries with different income levels and geographical connections, but the overall positive externality effect is significant. The research conclusions expand the research perspective on the trade effect of agricultural OFDI to a certain extent and provide management and policy implications for agricultural enterprises to “move fast” and promote the sustainability of bilateral agricultural trade between China and RCEP countries through government efforts.
The Mechanism and Effects of the Digital Economy on Urban Resilience: An Empirical Test Based on 110 Cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt
Authors: Zhang Yuqing , Sun Zhimo , Chen Xiaolong
Published: December 2024

Cities encounter increasing risks and challenges under new development patterns, and digital economy (DE) can drive cities’ improved resilience to natural and social uncertainties. Based on data collected on the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2011 to 2021, the development situation of the regional DE and urban resilience (UR) was measured, and the impact mechanisms of the DE on UR were analysed theoretically and empirically using a benchmark regression model. The findings are as follows: The benchmark test revealed that the DE development contributed significantly to UR in the region. The mediating effect test revealed that the DE improved UR through two pathways: industrial structure upgradation and energy restructuring. The moderating effect test suggested that environmental pollutant emissions had a negative moderating effect between the impact mechanisms of the DE, industrial structure, and energy structure and between the effects of industrial structure, energy structure, and UR, whereas CO2 emissions had a positive moderating effect between the impact mechanisms of DE and industrial structure. Heterogeneity analysis indicated that the DE contributed positively to the UR except in the upstream region, where the coefficient of the DE was insignificant. Overall, this study highlights the crucial role of the DE in improving UR and elucidates the theoretical impact mechanisms of environmental pollution control and carbon reduction measures on UR.
A Sustainable and Inclusive University on the Paradigm of Student Learning Satisfaction, Teacher Leadership, and Professional Disposition: The Case of Mongolian Universities
Authors: Ravdansuren Chantsaldulam , Altangerel Altanzul , Ulzii Amgalan , Spulber Diana
Published: December 2024

The leadership of the university teacher has the most important role in the development of the educational institution and society. Universities are facing rapid societal changes and the need for innovative pedagogical approaches, including the potential for faculty members to emerge as leaders both within and beyond their classrooms, becomes increasingly salient. Teacher leadership in this context represents a collaborative ethos, where educators engage in shared decision making, curriculum development, and pedagogical innovation, thereby enhancing both academic and institutional outcomes. University teachers play a crucial role in achieving the 4th Sustainable Development Goal by leveraging their leadership skills to provide inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education. Teacher leadership and student satisfaction are considered to be interconnected but, in turn, teacher leadership is influenced by teacher disposition. The intricate interplay between professor leadership and student satisfaction within higher education institutions (HEIs) reveals significant implications for both faculty and student experiences. This study investigated two aspects: firstly, the effect of teacher dispositions, especially motivation, communication, conscientiousness, teacher efficacy and willingness to learn, teacher leadership, and secondly, how teacher leadership affects student learning satisfaction. A survey was developed using questionnaire structural equation analysis using SmartPLS 4.0. Three hundred eighty-nine students studying in public universities in Mongolia participated in the survey. The research results show that teacher dispositions such as motivation, communication, and conscientiousness positively affect teacher leadership. In addition, it was proven that teacher leadership positively affects student learning satisfaction.
Development of Mix Design Approach for Mixtures with Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement, RAP, Materials
Authors: Akhter Anjuman Ara , Goulias Dimitrios
Published: December 2024

The high demand for using recycled materials in roadways for sustainability has generated the need to develop new approaches to mix design in order to address and incorporate performance measures. In this regard, the mix design approach should identify methods to assess mixture performance, incorporating, for example, permanent deformation and fatigue cracking, to otherwise limiting volumetric analysis, as identified by the current Superpave approach used by many states. The objectives of this study were to develop such a methodology and identify threshold values for permanent deformation and fatigue cracking for the most common mixtures used in the state of Maryland. The performance testing results for fatigue cracking and permanent deformation are presented herein. Based on these results, initial threshold values were adopted. Furthermore, the experimentation included three distinct populations: plant mixtures; modified plant mixtures; and field mixtures (i.e., behind the paver). The results are presented herein along with relevant considerations about their potential use within quality assurance. The asphalt mixtures included in this study represent common or similar materials and mixtures often used in the northeast region. Thus, the suggested approach and overall testing results may be transferable elsewhere where similar materials and asphalt mixtures are used.
Double-Duty Caregiving, Burnout, Job Satisfaction, and the Sustainability of the Work–Life Balance Among Italian Healthcare Workers: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Urban Antonio , Agus Mirian , Aru Nicola , Corona Francesca , Cantone Elisa , Cortese Claudio Giovanni , Nonnis Marcello
Published: December 2024

The present study aimed to evaluate the multivariate relationships between variables related to burnout and job stress in healthcare workers, evaluating whether the relationships between these dimensions, the variables related to personal factors (age, seniority of service), and work–family balance factors (overwork related to unused vacation days and accumulated overtime hours) change when the worker is engaged in double-caregiving activities. Indeed, the twofold activities of home caregiving and caring at work might expose workers to challenging situations. To accomplish our aim, we carried out network analyses on data from 466 workers (77.90% females). Participants completed the Link Burnout Questionnaire (LBQ) and the Job Satisfaction Scale (OSI). Contrary to expectations, the variables related to work–life balance played a marginal role with respect to job satisfaction and burnout risk for the whole sample. In addition, no significant differences emerged between workers who reported dual-caregiving tasks compared with those who did not. However, some peculiar aspects of the relationship between burnout and job satisfaction emerged in the two subsamples. The results enable an understanding of the interactions among the assessed variables and allow hypothesizing interventions for the sustainability of the work–life balance in healthcare workers with dual-care tasks.
Sustainable Design for the Silver Society: Developing the Silver Model for Gerontechnology Product Innovation
Authors: Wei Yuxiang , Chen Jiang
Published: December 2024

In response to the challenges posed by an aging society, the field of gerontechnology has evolved, integrating technology with gerontology to enhance designs tailored for the elderly. Recent developments in the silver economy have underscored the substantial demand for these products, yet their development is frequently impeded by the absence of holistic design frameworks that encompass system design, technology, business strategy, and emotional considerations. To bridge this gap, our study employs a standardized Grounded Theory methodology to analyze product data and customer reviews from e-commerce platforms, supplemented by insights from interviews with four leading product designers in this sector. This analysis led to the creation of the ‘Silver Model’ for gerontechnology product design. This model integrates essential design aspects across eight domains, offering a comprehensive framework that harmonizes technological capabilities with the expectations of elderly users. This research advances the theoretical foundations of gerontechnology and furnishes a pragmatic blueprint for enhancing product design in the silver market, significantly contributing to the advancement of age-friendly technology and promoting both social and economic sustainability.
Bacillus subtilis as a Novel Biological Repair Technique for Alkali-Activated Slag Towards Sustainable Buildings
Authors: Hammad Nancy , El-Nemr Amr , Shaaban Ibrahim G.
Published: December 2024

Rebuilding using outdated methods and tearing down the buildings would have a negative impact on the environment without lowering carbon dioxide emissions or increasing sustainability. This study presents a novel approach to repair that considers environmental and sustainable factors. In contrast to conventional repair methods, the use of Bacillus subtilis as an external biological repair technique could offer a novel and sustainable solution, especially when used on alkali-activated slag (AAS) concrete. By breaking down urea into carbonate and ammonium, alkaliphile bacteria can precipitate calcium carbonate. In an environment rich in calcium, the bacteria’s opposing cell wall (CO32−) draws in positive calcium anions, which result in the formation of calcite crystals. The pores and crevices in the concrete are filled with these crystals. Incorporating bacteria into the fresh mixing of AAS ingredients is contrasted with using Bacillus subtilis culture in the water curing medium for pure AAS specimens. The effectiveness of both approaches was evaluated. Direct administration of Bacillus subtilis during mixing has a superior outcome regarding mechanical qualities rather than biological therapy, although their effective healing capability in closure of the crack width is similar. The enhancement in compressive and flexural strengths reached 51% and 128% over the control specimens. On the other hand, the healing rate reached nearly 100% for crack widths ranging from 400 to 950 µm. Furthermore, additional studies in this field led to some inferred correlations between the mechanical and durability aspects following healing.
Cross-National Findings of Factors Affecting the Acceptance of AI-Based Sustainable Fintech
Authors: Park Sujin , Yoon Sungjoon
Published: December 2024

This study utilized mixed (qualitative and quantitative) methods to discover the current research trends for AI in sustainable Fintech and to validate a research model through empirical analysis. The primary purpose of this research is to explore the factors influencing the acceptance of AI tools within the sustainable Fintech industry through a cross-national perspective, identifying key benefit and sacrifice dimensions, along with sustainability considerations, that affect users’ intentions to adopt AI tools. Drawing on a bibliometric keywords approach, we first conducted an overall review of academic literature using Web of Science and VOSviewer (version 1.6.17), covering areas related to AI applications in Fintech and sustainable Fintech practices. Additionally, for a cross-national study, this study built and validated a conceptual framework on the intention to use AI tools by selecting subjects from Republic of Korea and China. As core theoretical premises of the conceptual framework, the study drew on the Value-Based Adoption Model (VAM) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Furthermore, we extended the TAM to embrace sustainable dimensions (perceived responsibility and perceived transparency). Overall, the study concludes that AI not only improves Fintech efficiency but also significantly contributes to sustainable development, suggesting collaboration between experts in AI, finance, sustainability, and other relevant fields for more research on AI integration with sustainable Fintech management. This research contributes to existing literature by highlighting the synergistic benefits of combining AI and sustainable Fintech and offers practical insights for industry practitioners and policymakers.
The Importance of Lifecycle Refrigerant Management in Climate and Ozone Protection
Authors: Purohit Pallav , Chao Tilden , Cooke Rick , Dhont Hilde , Kaur Richie , Peixoto Roberto , Walter-Terrinoni Helen , Woodcock Ashley
Published: December 2024

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are widely used in refrigeration, air conditioning, heat pumps (RACHP), and various other applications such as aerosols, fire extinguishers, foams, and solvents. Initially, HFCs were adopted as the primary substitutes for ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) regulated under the Montreal Protocol. However, many HFCs are potent greenhouse gases, and as such subject to a global phasedown under the provisions of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. Managing the refrigerant bank of ODSs and HFCs throughout the equipment’s lifecycle—referred to as Lifecycle Refrigerant Management (LRM)—presents a significant challenge but also a significant climate action opportunity. LRM includes the leak prevention, recovery, recycling, reclamation, and destruction (RRRD) of refrigerants. This study employed the GAINS modeling framework to assess the ozone and climate benefits of LRM. The findings indicated that implementing robust LRM practices during the use and end-of-life stages of RACHP equipment could reduce ODS emissions by approximately 5 kt ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) between 2025 and 2040, and HFC and hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) emissions by about 39 Gt CO2e between 2025 and 2050. The implementation of robust LRM measures in conjunction with the ongoing phasedown of HFCs under the Kigali Amendment can yield substantial additional climate benefits beyond those anticipated from the HFC phasedown alone.
Study of Flax Shive Pellet Combustion in Cyclone-Bed Furnace with Bubbling Fluidised Bed
Authors: Tabet Fouzi , Milovanov Oleg , Klimov Dmitry , Ryzhenkov Artem , Grigoriev Sergey , Isemin Rafail , Mikhalev Alexander
Published: December 2024

Flax shive is a by-product of flax processing enterprises. It can be used as fuel in municipal and industrial energy enterprises along with other types of agricultural waste (straw, sunflower husk, rice husk, etc.). The use of agricultural waste as fuel is very important for the sustainable development of municipal and industrial energy in small towns and villages, as it allows for the recycling of waste, a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and the creation of new jobs in the production of pellets from waste. Flax shive has a low bulk density in its initial state. To achieve a significant reduction in transport and storage costs, flax shives should be produced as pellets. The pellets from flax shives can be combusted in a fluidised bed of inert material. To do this, an optimal hydrodynamic structure of the bed should be created, taking into account the rapid heating of pellets placed in the bed, as well as the efficient combustion of coke residue and volatile substances. Studies on a cold model showed that the hydrodynamic structure of the fluidised bed is influenced by the way the inlet air is distributed into the fluidised bed. Studies were carried out with flat inlet air distribution, with convex inlet air distribution (64% of the total amount of air for fluidisation is supplied under the central part of the air distribution grate) and with concave air distribution (80% of the air for fluidisation is supplied under the peripheral part of the air distribution grate). Concave air distribution creates optimum conditions for pellet combustion. Intensive particle circulation is noted in the lower part of the fluidised bed, which prevents the pellets entering the bed from settling on the air distribution grate. At the same time, in the upper part of the bed, conditions for uniform thermal destruction of pellets across the entire cross-section of the furnace are created. Experiments on a pilot furnace with vortex afterburning of volatile substances in the furnace’s disengaging space were carried out using a grid plate, forming a concave inlet air velocity profile. The combustion efficiency of pellets made of flax shive in such a furnace was 98.91–99.84%.
Prediction of China’s Carbon Price Based on the Genetic Algorithm–Particle Swarm Optimization–Back Propagation Neural Network Model
Authors: Wang Jining , Zhao Xuewei , Wang Lei
Published: December 2024

Traditional BP neural networks frequently encounter local optima during carbon price forecasts. This study adopts a hybrid approach, combining a genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization (GA-PSO) to improve the BP neural network, resulting in the creation of a GA-PSO-BP neural network model. Seven critical factors were identified affecting carbon prices, and we utilized data on carbon emission trading prices from China for the analysis. Compared to traditional BP neural network models, including GA-BP neural network models optimized solely with genetic algorithms and PSO-BP neural network models enhanced through particle swarm optimization, the findings reveal that the GA-PSO-BP neural network model demonstrates superior performance in terms of precision and robustness. Furthermore, it demonstrates advancements across various error evaluation metrics, thus delivering more accurate forecasts. Offering precise carbon price predictions, the enhanced GA-PSO-BP neural network model proves to be a valuable tool for analyzing the market and making decisions in the carbon pricing sector.
Integrated Approach to Understanding Perceived Importance and Changes in Watershed Ecosystem Services (WESs): Insights from Central Nepal
Authors: Dhungana Nabin , Lee Chun-Hung , Adhikari Samjhana , Rayamajhi Bishal Kumar , Aryal Udit Chandra , Ghimire Pramod
Published: December 2024

With environmental changes, sustaining watershed ecosystem services requires understanding community perceptions and preferences. Integrated approaches considering community perceptions, climate change, and land use cover change are crucial. We address a study gap by combining climate change and land use cover change data with an analysis of community perceptions to evaluate the watershed ecosystem services situation in Nepal’s Khageri Khola Watershed. Data from in-depth stakeholder interviews (n = 16), household perception surveys (n = 440), and participant observations (n = 5) were supplemented by meteorological and land use cover change data. Descriptive analysis, index value calculation, Spearman’s Rho correlation, and chi-square statistics were used to understand linkages between socio-demographics, climate change perceptions, watershed ecosystem services importance, and changes in watershed ecosystem services supply. The Mann–Kendall test, Sen’s slope calculation, and land use cover change analysis considered temperature, precipitation, and land use. Among watershed ecosystem services, communities prioritized drinking water as the most important and biodiversity support as the least important. Watershed ecosystem services exhibited decreasing trends, with soil fertility and productivity notably high (89%) and natural hazard control low (41%). Significant alignment existed between community perceptions and local climate indicators, unlike the incongruity found with land use cover changes, especially regarding water bodies. Socio-demographic factors influenced community perceptions. Policy recommendations include analyzing watershed-level community demand and preferences, integrating community perceptions with climate change and land use cover change data in decision making, engaging communities, equitable sharing of the benefits generated by watershed ecosystem services, and considering socio-demographic and topographic diversity in tailoring management strategies.
Exploring the Characteristics and Extent of Travel Influencers’ Impact on Generation Z Tourist Decisions
Authors: Băltescu Codruța Adina , Untaru Elena-Nicoleta
Published: December 2024

The social media phenomenon revolutionized the way people communicate and share information in all age groups. In the context of global expansion and its undeniable popularity, social media platforms have favored the emergence of a new concept, the social media influencer (SMI). SMIs are online celebrities, followed and copied by a large number of users. The paper’s goal is to investigate the capacity of travel SMIs to influence the tourist decisions of Generation Z members. Aiming to obtain insight results, an exploratory study was conducted using the qualitative focus group research method. The respondents are members of Generation Z, users of social media platforms for travel planning. The main results highlight the characteristics of travel SMIs’ activities and influences, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of following their recommendations in the travel planning process. Also, this study highlights the reduced influence of Romanian travel SMIs on Generation Z tourists, despite the fact that they are primary information consumers on this communication channel. The results could contribute to establishing general benchmarks of a future professional career for Generation Z members as travel SMIs, an important sustainable option for communication in tourism.
Dynamic Modeling Under Temperature Variations for Sustainable Air Quality Solutions: PM2.5 and Negative Ion Interactions
Authors: Ortiz-Grisales Paola M. , Gutiérrez-León Leidy , Duque-Grisales Eduardo , Zuluaga-Ríos Carlos D.
Published: December 2024

Air pollution caused by fine particles known as PM2.5 is a significant health concern worldwide, contributing to illnesses like asthma, heart disease, and lung cancer. To address this issue, this study focused on improving air purification systems using negative ions, which can attach to these harmful particles and help remove them from the air. This paper developed a novel mathematical model based on linear differential equations to study how PM2.5 particles interact with negative ions, making it easier to design more effective purification systems. The proposed model was validated in a small, controlled space, using common urban pollutants such as cigarette smoke, incense, coal, and gasoline. These tests were conducted at different temperatures and under two levels of ion generation. The results showed that the system could remove over 99% of PM2.5 particles in five minutes when temperatures were low or moderate. However, at higher temperatures, the system’s performance dropped significantly. This research goes beyond earlier studies by examining how temperature affects the process, which had not been fully explored before. Furthermore, this approach aligns with global sustainability goals by promoting public health, reducing healthcare costs, and providing scalable solutions for sustainable urban living.
RETRACTED: Parrilla-Almansa et al. Intraosteal Behavior of Porous Scaffolds: The mCT Raw-Data Analysis as a Tool for Better Understanding. Symmetry 2019, 11, 532
Authors: Parrilla-Almansa Andrés , González-Bermúdez Carlos Alberto , Sánchez-Sánchez Silvia , Meseguer-Olmo Luis , Martínez-Cáceres Carlos Manuel , Martínez-Martínez Francisco , Calvo-Guirado José Luis , Piñero de Armas Juan José , Aragoneses Juan Manuel , García-Carrillo Nuria , De Aza Piedad N.
Published: December 2024

The Symmetry Editorial Office retracts the article titled “Intraosteal Behavior of Porous Scaffolds: The mCT Raw-Data Analysis as a Tool for Better Understanding” [...]
Fair Spectral Clustering Based on Coordinate Descent
Authors: Feng Ruixin , Zhong Caiming , Pan Tiejun
Published: December 2024

Research on the fairness of spectral clustering has gradually increased attention. Normally, existing methods of fair spectral clustering add a fairness constraint to the original objective function so that fairness is guaranteed. However, similar to the solver of traditional spectral clustering, that of fairness spectral clustering has to relax a discrete value condition into an arbitrary one, which leads to the deterioration of both fairness and clustering quality. Moreover, the eigen-problem is inevitable in the solver, which takes O(n3) time complexity and is not available for large-scale data. In this paper, we propose a fair spectral clustering algorithm by employing the coordinate descent method to find the solution. As the relaxation of the discreteness condition is discarded, the fairness is improved. Furthermore, we refine the process of coordinate descent by avoiding redundant calculations, and as a result, the time complexity is reduced from O(n3) to O(n2). Additionally, the importance of clustering quality and fairness is symmetric; hence, we achieve a trade-off between them by adjusting the parameters. The experimental findings, obtained from both real-world and synthetic datasets, clearly illustrate that our proposal delivers superior fairness and clustering quality with the best BAL compared to other fair clustering methods. In addition, our method is more efficient than existing fair spectral clustering algorithms.
Fountain Coding Based Two-Way Relaying Cognitive Radio Networks Employing Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface and Energy Harvesting
Authors: Nguyen Hieu T. , Hau Nguyen-Thi , Toan Nguyen Van , Ty Vo Ta , Duy Tran Trung
Published: December 2024

This paper examines two-way relaying cognitive radio networks utilizing fountain coding (FC), reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), and radio frequency energy harvesting (EH). In the proposed schemes, two secondary sources attempt to exchange data with each other through the assistance of an RIS deployed in the network. Using FC, one source sends its encoded packets to the other source, which must collect enough packets for a successful data recovery. The transmit power of the two sources is adjusted according to an interference constraint given by a primary user and the energy harvested from a power station. In the conventional scheme, one source continuously transmits FC packets to the other, using the maximum number of transmissions allowed. In the modified scheme, as soon as one source collects a sufficient number of FC packets, it notifies the other source to stop transmission. We derive closed-form expressions of outage probability (OP) at each source, system outage probability (SOP), and average number of FC-packet transmissions for the successful data exchange of the considered schemes over Rayleigh fading channels. Simulation results are provided to validate our analysis, to compare the performance of the considered schemes, and to examine the impact of key parameters on performance.
Effects of Thermodynamics on the Concurrent Accretion and Migration of Gas Giants in Protoplanetary Disks
Authors: Wu Hening , Li Ya-Ping
Published: December 2024

Accretion and migration usually proceed concurrently for giant planet formation in the natal protoplanetary disks. Recent works indicate that the concurrent accretion onto a giant planet imposes significant impact on the planetary migration dynamics in the isothermal regime. In this work, we carry out a series of 2D global hydrodynamical simulations with Athena++ to explore the effect of thermodynamics on the concurrent accretion and migration processes of the planets in a self-consistent manner. The thermodynamics effect is modeled with a thermal relaxation timescale using a β-cooling prescription. Our results indicate that radiative cooling has a substantial effect on the accretion and migration processes of the planet. As cooling timescales increase, we observe a slight decrease in the planetary accretion rate, and a transition from the outward migrating into inward migration. This transition occurs approximately when the cooling timescale is comparable to the local dynamical timescale (β∼1), which is closely linked to the asymmetric structures from the circumplanetary disk (CPD) region. The asymmetric structures in the CPD region which appear with an efficient cooling provide a strong positive torque driving the planet migrate outward. However, such a positive torque is strongly suppressed, when the CPD structures tend to disappear with a relatively long cooling timescale (β≳10). Our findings may also be relevant to the dynamical evolution of accreting stellar-mass objects embedded in disks around active galactic nuclei.
Viral Hepatitis B and Its Implications for Public Health in DR Congo: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nimpa Marcellin Mengouo , Karemere Hermès , Ngandu Christian , Mboussou Franck-Fortune , Danovaro-Holliday M. Carolina , Nkamba Dalau , Fouda André Bita , Nguejio Bienvenu , Kakozi Sifa , Cikomola Aimé Mwana-Wabene , Mukendi Jean-Crispin , Mwamba Dieudonné , Yapi Moise Désiré , Riziki Richard Bahizire , Mwanga Cedric , Otomba John , Nikiema Jean Baptiste , Hama Sambo Boureima , Ishoso Daniel Katuashi
Published: December 2024

Background: The prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection remains high in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), constituting a public health problem in view of the fatal complications it causes, notably cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the situation of viral hepatitis B in the DRC and in particular its implications for public health. Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) group guidelines. Google Scholar, PubMed, and ResearchGate were used as databases. The review essentially analyzed the viral hepatitis B (HBV) vaccination status of study subjects, diagnostic means, HBV genotypes in DR Congo, seroprevalence of HBV infection, subjects’ level of knowledge and perceptions of HBV, co-infection/comorbidity with HBV infection, factors associated with HBV infection and public health issues raised by HBV infection. Results: The vast majority of studies (69%) were carried out to determine the seroprevalence of HBV infection. The Determine rapid test was the most widely used test (10 studies), sometimes combined with ELISA (3 studies) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (1 study, for genotyping). Some of the public health issues raised by hepatitis B virus infection were identified in the course of the included studies, in relation to co-infection, comorbidity, associated factors, and individuals’ level of knowledge and perceptions of HBV. Certain factors were identified as being closely associated with HBV, notably healthcare professions (e.g., doctor, laboratory technician) and having several sexual partners. In terms of perception of HBV, the hepatitis B virus is recognized as dangerous, and the majority of people questioned in the various studies were aware that vaccination remains the most effective means of prevention. Conclusions: Hepatitis B is a highly contagious infectious disease present in the DRC, with a higher prevalence among healthcare professionals, sex workers, patients with certain diseases including HIV, and people with a history of blood transfusion. The surveillance system within the national blood transfusion program needs to be strengthened. Raising public awareness of the seriousness of viral hepatitis B, offering vaccination to at-risk populations, and systematically screening pregnant women and blood donors for HBV infection could help reduce the prevalence of viral hepatitis B.
Development of Primer Panels for Whole-Genome Amplification and Sequencing of Human Seasonal Coronaviruses: hCoV-OC43, hCoV-HKU1, hCoV-229E, and hCoV-NL63
Authors: Musaeva Tamila , Fadeev Artem , Pisareva Maria , Eder Veronika , Ksenafontov Andrey , Korzhanova Margarita , Tsvetkov Valery , Perederiy Alexander , Kiseleva Irina , Danilenko Daria , Lioznov Dmitry , Komissarov Andrey
Published: December 2024

Human seasonal coronaviruses (hCoVs) are a group of viruses that affect the upper respiratory tract. While seasonal patterns and the annual variability of predominant hCoV species are well-documented, their genetic and species diversity in St. Petersburg and across Russia remains largely unexplored. In this study, we developed a two-pool, long-amplicon (900–1100 bp) PCR primer panel for the whole-genome sequencing of four seasonal hCoV species. The panel was validated using nasopharyngeal swab samples collected within the Global Influenza Hospital Surveillance Network (GIHSN) project. Over a period of six epidemiological seasons from 2017 to 2023, we retrospectively analyzed 14,704 nasopharyngeal swabs collected from patients hospitalized in St. Petersburg clinics. Of these samples, 5010 (34.07%) tested positive for respiratory viruses, with 424 (2.88% of all samples) identified as seasonal human coronaviruses. The assessment of species diversity showed that predominant hCoV species alternate between seasons. Whole-genome sequences for 85 seasonal human coronaviruses (hCoVs) with >70% genome coverage were obtained, including 23 hCoV-OC43, 6 hCoV-HKU1, 39 hCoV-229E, and 17 hCoV-NL63. These represent the first near-complete genomes of seasonal hCoVs from the Russian Federation, addressing a significant gap in the genomic epidemiology of these viruses. A detailed phylogenetic analysis of the sequenced genomes was conducted, highlighting the emergence of hCoV-229E subclades 7b.1 and 7b.2, which carry numerous substitutions in the Spike protein. Additionally, we sequenced a historical hCoV-229E isolate collected in the USSR in 1979, the oldest sequenced 229E virus from Eurasia, and demonstrated that it belongs to Genotype 2. The newly developed PCR-based sequencing protocol for seasonal hCoVs is straightforward and well-suited for genomic surveillance, providing a valuable tool to enhance our understanding of the genetic diversity of human seasonal coronaviruses.
AVP-GPT2: A Transformer-Powered Platform for De Novo Generation, Screening, and Explanation of Antiviral Peptides
Authors: Zhao Huajian , Song Gengshen
Published: December 2024

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remains a significant global health threat, particularly for vulnerable populations. Despite extensive research, effective antiviral therapies are still limited. To address this urgent need, we present AVP-GPT2, a deep-learning model that significantly outperforms its predecessor, AVP-GPT, in designing and screening antiviral peptides. Trained on a significantly expanded dataset, AVP-GPT2 employs a transformer-based architecture to generate diverse peptide sequences. A multi-modal screening approach, incorporating Star-Transformer and Vision Transformer, enables accurate prediction of antiviral activity and toxicity, leading to the identification of potent and safe candidates. SHAP analysis further enhances interpretability by explaining the underlying mechanisms of peptide activity. Our in vitro experiments confirmed the antiviral efficacy of peptides generated by AVP-GPT2, with some exhibiting EC50 values as low as 0.01 μM and CC50 values > 30 μM. This represents a substantial improvement over AVP-GPT and traditional methods. AVP-GPT2 has the potential to significantly impact antiviral drug discovery by accelerating the identification of novel therapeutic agents. Future research will explore its application to other viral targets and its integration into existing drug development pipelines.
Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV Vaccination Completion Rates Among Gay and Bisexual Men in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Mgopa Lucy R. , Mkonyi Ever , Kasubi Mabula , Nyitray Alan G. , Ross Michael W.
Published: December 2024

High-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmissible virus that causes cancer. Vaccination against HPV is available up to age 45. Gay and bisexual men (GBM) are at high risk for oropharyngeal and anal cancers caused by HPV. As part of a larger study of HPV prevention in GBM, we obtained anal swabs for HPV and offered HPV vaccination to GBM in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Participants were recruited by an outreach worker experienced with the GBM subculture using Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS) from seeds. Eighty-three of a possible one hundred participants (mean age 26) were enrolled, tested, and given a first vaccination dose. Anal swabs were tested for twenty-eight HPV genotypes, both high and low risk for carcinogenicity, and a median of seven different HPV genotypes was found in participants. A total of 87% of participants carried at least one HPV genotype, and 76% carried at least one high-risk genotype. As a result of harassment and unanticipated risk to participants and staff at the unmarked community-based site, this study was terminated before the sample size was reached. Since a full course of vaccine was the standard of care, participants were contacted using the contact method they had provided to arrange follow-up vaccination doses at an alternative clinical site. Twenty-nine percent received the additional vaccination. A further 6% made appointments but did not attend, and another 10% would have received the second vaccination if they were incentivized to attend. The rate of HPV in anal samples was significantly higher than in our study using the same recruitment method in the same city in 2011–2012. The HIV rate was 45%. Anal HPV rates, including high-risk HPV rates, were significantly higher than in a similar population of gay and bisexual men 12 years ago. It is possible to provide HPV vaccination to gay and bisexual men in Tanzania and have approximately 45% potentially re-attend for a second dose if they are incentivized. Great care must be used to situate vaccination to avoid stigma leading to harassment, especially where homosexuality is criminalized. We infer that the high-risk harassment faced by participants and lack of incentive for the second visit depressed the return rate for revaccination.
Improved Modelling Concept for Dewatering Planning in Velenje Coal Mine
Authors: Božič Darian , Janc Blaž , Supovec Ivan , Rošer Janez
Published: December 2024

The basis for the safe extraction of mineral resources underground is good knowledge of the local and surrounding geological conditions and the activity of the nearby aquifers. Hydrogeological modelling in combination with dewatering of the aquifers above the coal and monitoring of the groundwater level in piezometers is of particular importance for safe underground coal mining in the Velenje mine. This study shows the contribution of an improved hydrogeological conceptual model to the prediction of groundwater movement in the aquifers above the coal seam using a hydrodynamic six-layer model. The improved hydrogeological conceptual model is based on the determination of the groundwater age and a detailed geological classification of the layers. The groundwater ages, determined using the tritium detection method, were important to understand the recharge of the individual aquifers. As there is no direct recharge at the surface, the aquifers are only recharged by the slow leakage of groundwater from the upper to the lower aquifers. The hydrodynamic six-layer model, which is based on an improved hydrogeological conceptual model, now simulates groundwater more accurately than previous hydrodynamic models and helps with dewatering planning and the technical design of mining facilities near aquifers.
The role of neurotrophic factors and navigation molecules in the processes of brain development and the formation of predisposition to mental illness
Authors:   Medical Research and Education Institute, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russian Federation, Moscow, Bozov K. D. , Primak A. L. ,   Medical Research and Education Institute, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russian Federation, Moscow, Averina O. A. ,   The A. N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Permyakov O. A. ,   The A. N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Priymak A. V. ,   The A. N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Tkachuk V. A. ,   Medical Research and Education Institute, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russian Federation, Moscow, Karagyaur M. N. ,   Medical Research and Education Institute, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russian Federation, Moscow
Published: December 2024

Neurotrophic factors and guidance molecules are key regulators of the processes of brain
formation, growth and maturation. During early stages of embryogenesis, they stimulate proliferation and
differentiation of neural progenitors, direct their migration, and promote the establishment and maintenance
of interneuronal connections. Timely expression and correct functioning of multiple molecules, primarily
neurotrophic factors, guidance molecules and their receptorsprovide the high coordination of these
processes. And this makes it possible to form the brain as an integral structure and lay the basis for its
cognitive and mental activity during a short period of prenatal development. On the contrary, aberrant
activity or stoichiometry of such molecules, spatial or temporal impairment of their expression, can disrupt the formation of distinct brain structures or their adequate interaction and lay a redisposition to a number of psychiatric and neurological disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, epilepsy and others. This is confirmed by a number of clinical observations, animal studies and in vitro models. Despite the obvious contribution of
brain ontogenesis onto the development of psycho-cognitive features of personality and the formation of
predisposition to mental diseases, very little attention is paid to study ofbrain ontogenesis and molecules involved within this context. Apparently, it is difficult to identify the morphogenetic molecules and signaling cascades involved in due to the complexity of brain ontogenesis and the polygenic nature of mental disorders. All this restricts our understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of mental disorders and does not allow their timely diagnosis and prevention. The aim of this review is to summarize the known facts about the possible role of neurotrophic and guidance molecules in the processes of brain development and pathogenesis of a number of mental disorders, and to emphasize the need for more research in this area of molecular psychiatry.
Analysis of some personality characteristics and emotional state of patients with anorexia nervosa
Authors:   FSBEI HE Saratov State Medical University named after V. I. Razumovsky of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Saratov, Russia, Pakhomova S. A. , Chelyshkova A. K. ,   GUZ Saratov City Clinical Hospital No. 9, Saratov, Russia, Pakhomova E. V. ,   FSBEI HE Saratov State Medical University named after V. I. Razumovsky of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Saratov, Russia, Barylnik Yu. B. ,   FSBEI HE Saratov State Medical University named after V. I. Razumovsky of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Saratov, Russia
Published: December 2024

The article presents the results of a study of some personality characteristics and the emotional state
of patients with anorexia nervosa. 30 girls with anorexia ner vosa aged 12 to 23 (17,5±5,5) years took part in the experimental psychological research. The following methods were used in the work: «Scale for assessing eating behavior» (David M. Garner, 1983, adaptation by Ilchik O. A); «Toronto Alexithymic Scale», TAS-20‑R (Author: Graham Taylor et al. (1994) Adaptation: E. G. Starostina et al. (2010)); «New Questionnaire on Tolerance of Uncertainty » Author: T. V. Kornilova (2009); Hamilton Depression Rating Scale; HDRS, HAMD. Author: M. Hamilton (1960); Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS/Ham-A) Author: M. Hamilton (1959). It has revealed that patients with anorexia nervosa have a number of common features: increased alexithymia, polar thinking, high levels of anxiety and depression.
Accounting support for innovative solutions in medical institutions
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Russian Economic University named after G.V. Plekhanov”, Moscow, Russia, Tchaikovskaya L. A.
Published: December 2024

Intellectual property in medicine is the most important tool
for stimulating innovation and protecting scientific achievements. Patents,
copyrights and other forms of intellectual property contribute to
the development of medical science and technology and create incentives
for investment in research and development. This article is devoted
to topical issues that reveal the features of accounting for intellectual
property in healthcare institutions. The following methods were used
in the study: analysis and synthesis, comparison, logical and systems
approaches. As a result of the study, information was obtained on the
rapid development of medical technologies, pharmaceuticals and digital
solutions that significantly increase the role of intellectual property in
healthcare. Accounting as the most important management function,
along with regulation and planning, is inextricably linked with the protection
of intellectual assets and is important as a tool for increasing the
competitiveness of healthcare institutions, strengthening their financial
stability and stimulating innovation. It is concluded that the reflection
of intellectual property in the accounting system of medical institutions
plays a key role in management, and it must be constantly developed
and improved, taking into account modern challenges and technological
innovations. Prospects for improving intellectual property accounting
in healthcare are directly related to progress in digital technologies.
The results reflected in this article can be used in the educational process
of higher education institutions and in the practical work of accounting
departments of modern organizations (including healthcare).