bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-Time Runway Detection Using Dual-Modal Fusion of Visible and Infrared Data
Authors: Yang Lichun , Wu Jianghao , Li Hongguang , Liu Chunlei , Wei Shize
Published: February 2025

Advancements in aviation technology have made intelligent navigation systems essential for improving flight safety and efficiency, particularly in low-visibility conditions. Radar and GPS systems face limitations in bad weather, making visible–infrared sensor fusion a promising alternative. This study proposes a salient object detection (SOD) method that integrates visible and infrared sensors for robust airport runway detection in complex environments. We introduce a large-scale visible–infrared runway dataset (RDD5000) and develop a SOD algorithm capable of detecting salient targets from unaligned visible and infrared images. To enable real-time processing, we design a lightweight dual-modal fusion network (DCFNet) with an independent–shared encoder and a cross-layer attention mechanism to enhance feature extraction and fusion. Experimental results show that the MobileNetV2-based lightweight version achieves 155 FPS on a single GPU, significantly outperforming previous methods such as DCNet (4.878 FPS) and SACNet (27 FPS), making it suitable for real-time deployment on airborne systems. This work offers a novel and efficient solution for intelligent navigation in aviation.
Integration of UAS and Backpack-LiDAR to Estimate Aboveground Biomass of Picea crassifolia Forest in Eastern Qinghai, China
Authors: Ali Junejo Sikandar , Chen Long , Liao Bingzhi , Wang Chongshan , Zhang Fen , Bhutto Yasir Ali , Junejo Shafique A. , Nian Yanyun
Published: February 2025

Precise aboveground biomass (AGB) estimation of forests is crucial for sustainable carbon management and ecological monitoring. Traditional methods, such as destructive sampling, field measurements of Diameter at Breast Height with height (DBH and H), and optical remote sensing imagery, often fall short in capturing detailed spatial heterogeneity in AGB estimation and are labor-intensive. Recent advancements in remote sensing technologies, predominantly Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), offer potential improvements in accurate AGB estimation and ecological monitoring. Nonetheless, there is limited research on the combined use of UAS (Uncrewed Aerial System) and Backpack-LiDAR technologies for detailed forest biomass. Thus, our study aimed to estimate AGB at the plot level for Picea crassifolia forests in eastern Qinghai, China, by integrating UAS-LiDAR and Backpack-LiDAR data. The Comparative Shortest Path (CSP) algorithm was employed to segment the point clouds from the Backpack-LiDAR, detect seed points and calculate the DBH of individual trees. After that, using these initial seed point files, we segmented the individual trees from the UAS-LiDAR data by employing the Point Cloud Segmentation (PCS) method and measured individual tree heights, which enabled the calculation of the observed/measured AGB across three specific areas. Furthermore, advanced regression models, such as Random Forest (RF), Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), and Support Vector Regression (SVR), are used to estimate AGB using integrated data from both sources (UAS and Backpack-LiDAR). Our results show that: (1) Backpack-LiDAR extracted DBH compared to field extracted DBH shows about (R2 = 0.88, RMSE = 0.04 m) whereas UAS-LiDAR extracted height achieved the accuracy (R2 = 0.91, RMSE = 1.68 m), which verifies the reliability of the abstracted DBH and height obtained from the LiDAR data. (2) Individual Tree Segmentation (ITS) using a seed file of X and Y coordinates from Backpack to UAS-LiDAR, attaining a total accuracy F-score of 0.96. (3) Using the allometric equation, we obtained AGB ranges from 9.95–409 (Mg/ha). (4) The RF model demonstrated superior accuracy with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 89%, a relative Root Mean Square Error (rRMSE) of 29.34%, and a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 33.92 Mg/ha compared to the MLR and SVR models in AGB prediction. (5) The combination of Backpack-LiDAR and UAS-LiDAR enhanced the ITS accuracy for the AGB estimation of forests. This work highlights the potential of integrating LiDAR technologies to advance ecological monitoring, which can be very important for climate change mitigation and sustainable environmental management in forest monitoring practices.
LoRaBB: An Algorithm for Parameter Selection in LoRa-Based Communication for the Amazon Rainforest
Authors: Moreira Diogo Soares , Santos Gilmara , Yanai Angela Emi , Souza Pedro Barreto de , Melo Paulo Victor Fernandes de , Mota Edjair
Published: February 2025

The interference of human activities in water bodies has contributed to a deterioration in water quality. With the advancement of the Internet of Things (IoT), aided by transmission technologies such as LoRa (Long Range), low-cost solutions have emerged for long-distance environment monitoring scenarios. One key challenge in such IoT-based systems is selecting LoRa transmission parameters to ensure efficient data exchange among nodes, adapting to varying network conditions. Well-known strategies adapt transmission parameters according to network context through information exchange among nodes and LoRa gateway(s). In this work, we introduce a novel LoRa parameter selection algorithm by incorporating three major LoRa metrics (RSSI, SNR, and PDR) and conducting a comprehensive characterization and validation in the forest environment to build a set of reference values of transmission quality, which are employed in a binary search methodology, utilizing the R-array, representing the transmission quality according to LoRa parameters. The experimental results indicate that the proposed algorithm achieves a 16.20% reduction in Time on Air (ToA). Furthermore, our algorithm optimized the transmission power (TP) selection, achieving at least 38% lower energy consumption than ADR TP parameters. These results highlight that our proposed algorithm can enhance the transmissions in a rainforest environment.
Are Perceived Effort Scales (OMNI-RES) Appropriate for Defining and Controlling Strength Training Intensity?
Authors: Maté-Muñoz José Luis , Maicas-Pérez Luis , Aparicio-García Iñigo , Hernández-Lougedo Juan , De Sousa-De Sousa Luis , Hontoria-Galán Mónica , Hermosilla-Perona Francisco , Barba-Ruiz Manuel , García-Fernández Pablo , Heredia-Elvar Juan Ramón
Published: February 2025

Background: One of the most significant challenges for exercise professionals in designing strength training programs is determining the intensity or effort level of each set performed. One of the most studied methodologies has been the use of Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scales. This study aims to analyze the application of the OMNI-RES scale for monitoring training intensity across different relative loads and fatigue levels in various training protocols. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, participants completed nine exercise sessions, with one week separating each session. The first session involved a one-repetition maximum (1RM) test in the bench press (BP) to identify the load–velocity relationship. Subsequently, each participant randomly performed two maximum repetition (MNR) protocols at 60% and 90% of 1RM, and two protocols with a 30% velocity loss (VL) at 60% of 1RM and a 10% VL at 90% of 1RM. These sessions were repeated one week later. Results: significant differences were found between the four bench press protocols regarding the number of repetitions and the percentage of velocity loss per set (p < 0.001). However, the RPE of the MNR protocol at 60% of 1RM was significantly higher than the other protocols. Moreover, the RPE for the protocol at 60% of 1RM with a 30% VL was similar to that at 90% of 1RM with a 10% VL (p = 1.000). Post-exercise blood lactate concentrations, percentage VL at 1 m·s−1, and the effort index were significantly higher in the MNR protocol at 60% of 1RM compared to all other protocols (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The most important finding of this study is that the OMNI-RES scale may not be a reliable indicator of exercise intensity. This is because the highest values on the scale were observed at the lowest relative intensity (60% 1RM) during the maximum number of repetitions (MNR) protocol, corresponding to the maximum volume.
An Analysis of BTEX Occurrence in Stored Rainwater and Rainwater Runoff in Urban Environment
Authors: Bąk Joanna , Bielski Andrzej , Meland Sondre , Pala Katarzyna , Wassilkowska Anna
Published: February 2025

Climate change and its effects, for instance drought, drive the search for alternative water sources. One of these sources is rainwater, especially the runoff from various roof surfaces in cities. In turn, its use in the city for the production of food as part of hydroponic and aquaponic systems requires knowledge of possible pollutants and their varied concentrations. In this article, the concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) in rainwater collected in cities from various surfaces and stored in various types of tanks (open and closed) are analysed. Tests were carried out on extracted specimens using gas chromatography with a flame ionisation detector (FID). BTEX compounds were determined using a chromatograph with a FID sensor and a capillary column. Organic substances were extracted from the water with dichloromethane. The possibility of occurrence of BTEX compounds in rainwater flowing down from various roof surfaces in the city was confirmed. The obtained results suggest future research directions for mitigating BTEX rainwater pollution in order to expand the scope of its subsequent use. Preliminary guidelines for its treatment based on the literature were proposed. The possibility of using urban rainwater for hydroponic and aquaponic systems was assessed in terms of BTEX content.
Exploring the Factors Affecting the Injury Severity of Crashes on Mountainous Freeways with High Proportions of Heavy Vehicles Considering Their Heterogeneous and Interactive Effects
Authors: Sun Keqiang , Li Yongquan , Zeng Qiang , Wang Xiaofei
Published: February 2025

Freeway transportation safety issues have attracted public concern in China for decades. This study aims to identify the factors influencing the injury severity of freeway crashes and to quantify their effects on the likelihood of various crash severity levels, with consideration of heterogeneity and interactions. The empirical analysis is based on three years of crash data from two mountainous freeways in Guangdong, China, covering the years of 2021 to 2023. A random parameters logit model with interaction terms is developed for the analysis. Goodness-of-fit indicators reveal that accommodating the interactive effects can significantly improve model fit performance. The estimation results of the parameters and marginal effects indicate that the factors related to vehicle type, time of day, crash season and cause, 3D curvature, and traffic volume have significant effects on crash severity. Notably, interactive effects are revealed between spring and evening, autumn and fixed objects, and non-local vehicles and improper driving. According to the findings, some countermeasures on safety education, traffic management, and freeway design are provided for preventing freeway crash injury, which is helpful for the development of sustainable transportation systems.
Strengthening Environmental Conservation: The Role of Connectedness to Nature and Place Attachment in Intentions to Protect Urban Wetlands in Punta Arenas, Chilean Patagonia
Authors: Sapiains Rodolfo , Elgueta Herman , Ríos Pía Francisca , Miño Marcelo
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the psychological factors influencing intentions to protect urban wetlands in Punta Arenas, Chile. It examines residents’ perceptions and valuations of urban wetlands, exploring relationships between wetland-specific variables and broader environmental and place-based factors. A theoretical model is tested, incorporating place attachment, connectedness with nature, and previous pro-environmental behaviors. The study utilizes a survey with 297 participants and employs structural equation modeling to analyze the data. The results reveal a complex interplay between place-based identities, general environmental orientations, and wetland-specific cognitions in shaping conservation intentions. Connectedness to nature emerges as a central factor influencing both attitudinal and behavioral intention pathways toward wetland protection. The study’s findings have implications for targeted interventions and policy decisions aimed at promoting wetland conservation in urban areas.
Interpretation and Comprehensive Evaluation of Regional Water–Land–Energy Coupling System Carrying Capacity
Authors: Yin Ligao , Li Heng , Liu Dong , Zhang Liangliang , Wang Chunqing , Li Mo , Faiz Muhammad Abrar , Li Tianxiao , Cui Song
Published: February 2025

Previous studies on carrying capacity have primarily focused on measuring agricultural production conditions while neglecting the coupling effects among production conditions, production materials, and the external environment (the coupling effects of agricultural water, soil, energy, and the external environment). Therefore, this paper introduces the concept of the carrying capacity of a regional agricultural water–land–energy coupling system (WLECS); develops an evaluation framework comprising 27 indicators from the perspectives of stability, collaboration, and resilience and constructs an improved random forest model based on the red-billed blue magpie optimizer (RBMO). Finally, it is applied to the evaluation of WLECS carrying capacity in China’s main grain producing area (Heilongjiang Province). The results demonstrate that the constructed RBMO-RF model exhibits stability and reasonableness with high fitting accuracy. The collaboration weight accounts for the highest proportion (0.438), indicating that the collaboration within the subsystem has the greatest impact on the carrying capacity. In terms of time scale, the WLECS carrying capacity in Heilongjiang Province shows an upward trend, characterized by three stages: a “low-level fluctuation period”, a “growth period”, and a “rapid growth period”. In terms of spatial scale, the overall spatial pattern is low in the West and high in the East, and stable in the North and South. The key driving factors are the effective irrigation index, indirect water footprint, and agricultural water-land matching degree. The research results demonstrate the carrying capacity of the WLE coupling system holds significant implications for formulating regional agricultural resource optimization allocation plans and promoting agricultural sustainable development.
Symmetry-Inspired Prediction of Nitrous Oxide Emissions in Wastewater Treatment Using Deep Learning and Explainable Analysis
Authors: Huang Zhengze , Bai Yuqi , Liu Hengyu
Published: February 2025

Nitrous oxide produced during wastewater treatment is a major greenhouse gas, and accurate prediction and control of N2O emissions are crucial for achieving carbon neutrality. In this study, aiming to address the complex issues of N2O emission prediction in wastewater treatment, large-scale multidimensional data from the Altenrhein wastewater treatment plant was used to build a sample database. The role of symmetry in model architecture and data analysis was discussed, and six intelligent prediction models for N2O emissions were proposed based on deep learning technology. The results showed that the PLO-CNN-BiLSTM-Attention model achieved the best performance, with an R2 of 0.99 on the test set. Engineering validation using 48 subsequent datasets confirmed the model’s strong generalization ability and robustness. Feature importance analysis based on SHAP revealed that water temperature was the most critical factor influencing N2O emissions, while dissolved oxygen concentration and inlet flow rate also had impacts but showed a certain symmetrical change between summer and winter. This study provides efficient and reliable technical support for monitoring and predicting N2O emissions in urban wastewater treatment plants and offers a scientific basis for developing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Modeling and Research on Multi-Speed Heterogeneous Crowd Evacuation with Asymmetric Competitiveness
Authors: Ding Yuanchun , Liu Binwen
Published: February 2025

In order to investigate the influence of factors such as pheromones and avoidance behavior on the evacuation of heterogeneous crowds, a multi-speed cellular automata evacuation model based on asymmetric competitiveness is proposed for the evacuation of the complex groups in a single-exit room. By optimizing the crowd density and pedestrian speed equations, multi-speed heterogeneous crowds can be obtained in the model. In order to achieve the description of a multi-dimensional asymmetric competitiveness heterogeneous population, the evacuation competitiveness is considered in the pedestrians with different speed, age, gender, etc., and by considering the avoidance character existing among pedestrians, the avoidance behavior is also discussed in this model. It is well known that the information received by different pedestrians is different. In order to consider the asymmetry of information, the pheromones are introduced into the evacuation model to discuss the effect of information differences on evacuation. The evacuation results show that the asymmetry of information has a facilitating effect on the evacuation speed of pedestrians, and the best evacuation effect is obtained when the radius of the pheromone is about 3 m. Moreover, evacuation time is weakly correlated with pedestrians’ gender but strongly correlated with pedestrians’ age. The avoidance behavior plays a positive role in evacuation, and the evacuation time reaches the minimum value when the avoidance probability is about 0.5. The slope of the reduction in evacuation time is greatest when the avoidance threshold is 0.4 to 0.8. The findings can support evacuation capacity assessment, emergency planning, and decision making.
Study of Change-Point Detection and Applications Based on Several Statistical Methods
Authors: Tian Fenglin , Qi Yue , Wang Yong , Tian Boping
Published: February 2025

In the current global context of economic integration, unexpected events have an important influence in the financial field. In 2020, the “COVID-19” outbreak triggered financial turmoil throughout the whole country and even in the global market. In the wake of this era, how to sum up past developments and predict future development through change-point detection is particularly important. In this paper, four methods for detecting change-points are presented: the likelihood ratio method, least squares method, CUSUM method, and local comparison method. Considering that Bernstein polynomials have worked well in density function approximation, the multi-dimensional Bernstein polynomials are presented. The study applies multiple change-point detection methods to determine the most suitable degree of freedom mj for multi-dimensional Bernstein models, after which various rewriting expressions can be obtained. Next, “COVID-19” data and money supply data are used for change-point detection with good results. Then, we focus on conducting change-point testing on the S&P 500 index and SSE 50 index, indicating strong symmetry when major crisis events occur. All analyses indicate that change-point detection plays an important role in identifying major crisis events and financial shocks.
Understanding the Drivers of Business Formation Process in Latin America: An Integrated Model Applied to the Analysis of Alumni’s Ventures from an Ecuadorian University
Authors: Vallejo-Imbaquingo Roberto , Robalino-López Andrés
Published: February 2025

Recognizing the factors that influence business formation in developing contexts is critical for promoting economic growth. This study examines the drivers of entrepreneurship among university alumni in Ecuador, addressing gaps in the literature regarding the roles of individual, organizational, and institutional factors in business creation. Drawing on established theories such as the Theory of Planned Behavior and Resource-Based Theory, a multilevel causal model was developed and tested using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Data were collected from 550 alumni through a structured questionnaire, complemented by semi-structured interviews. The model integrates micro-level (entrepreneurial attitudes and funding experience), meso-level (entrepreneurial knowledge acquired from working experience), and macro-level determinants (opportunity cost). Results indicate that while individual traits play a role, organizational knowledge and institutional context have more pronounced impacts on entrepreneurial actions. In particular, opportunity costs have a negative impact on the business formation process, reflecting the challenges of entrepreneurship in unfavorable environments. The findings highlight the importance of fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems within universities, emphasizing education and support mechanisms tailored to overcoming institutional barriers. This study contributes to the understanding of entrepreneurship in Latin America, offering insights for policymakers and academic institutions aiming to enhance entrepreneurial activity and economic development.
Visitor Perceptions Toward Sustainable and Resilient Tourism Destination: A Quantitative Assessment
Authors: Karsokiene Rima , Giedraitis Algirdas , Stasys Rimantas
Published: February 2025

This study explores visitor perceptions and behaviors regarding sustainable tourism in Brighton, focusing on the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of sustainability across key tourism sectors, including Destination Management Organizations (DMOs), Tour Operators (TOs) and Travel Agencies (TAs), and accommodation and transportation sectors. Using the Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism this study identifies critical areas for improvement and proposes a comprehensive model to enhance the sustainability and resilience of the city’s tourism supply chain. The findings reveal that certain stakeholders in the tourism supply chain are highly regarded for their community engagement and sustainability efforts, while others are seen as needing more focus on social responsibility and community engagement. Some areas show significant gaps in environmental sustainability, while others excel in economic performance but lack integration of environmental and social considerations. The final model integrates targeted approaches to address sustainability gaps across Statistical Framework for Measuring Sustainability of Tourism (SF-MST) scales. It emphasizes the need for community-focused initiatives and effective visitor management to enhance social and environmental sustainability. Economic aspects are addressed through partnerships aimed at promoting sustainable transport and implementing green certification practices. Additionally, the model highlights the importance of inclusive economic programs and transparency to strengthen the social and economic dimensions of sustainability. The integrated model advocates for a holistic, optimized tourism supply chain management approach, ensuring sustainable practices across all sectors. This research contributes actionable insights for policy and destination management, promoting a balanced approach to economic growth, environmental preservation, and community well-being in Brighton’s tourism landscape
Assessing the Impact of Air Quality and Socioeconomic Conditions on Respiratory Disease Incidence
Authors: Alkhanani Mustfa Faisal
Published: February 2025

Background and Objective: Air pollution poses significant risks to global public health and has well-established links to respiratory diseases. This study investigates the associations between air pollution markers—Air Quality Index (AQI), ambient ozone, and nitrogen dioxide (NO2)—and the incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and tuberculosis. It also examines how socioeconomic factors such as gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, tobacco prevalence, and healthcare expenditure influence these relationships. This study includes data from 27 countries, thereby offering a global perspective to inform public health interventions and policy reforms. Methods: Data on average air pollution levels, respiratory disease incidence, and socioeconomic factors were collected from publicly available sources spanning four years. The 27 countries included in the study were selected to represent a broad range of pollution levels, income brackets, and geographical regions. Statistical analyses were performed using Python 3.12.0 to explore the relationships between these variables. Key Findings: AQI and NO2 levels were significantly associated with increased incidences of COPD and tuberculosis, with rates rising especially during periods of heightened pollution. Conversely, ambient ozone exhibited inconsistent relationships with respiratory diseases, heavily influenced by socioeconomic factors. Higher GDP per capita and healthcare expenditure were linked to improved management of infectious diseases like tuberculosis, though they also corresponded with higher reporting of chronic conditions such as COPD. Tobacco smoking emerged as a critical risk factor for COPD across all regions. Conclusions: This study underscores the strong associations between air pollutants and respiratory diseases, particularly tuberculosis and COPD, with socioeconomic factors significantly influencing these relationships. Reducing air pollution and improving healthcare systems, particularly in low-income regions, are essential to mitigating the global burden of respiratory diseases.
Issues in the Investigations of the Dark Matter Phenomenon in Galaxies: Parcere Personis, Dicere de Vitiis
Authors: Salucci Paolo
Published: February 2025

It is always more evident that the kinematics of galaxies provide us with unique information on the Nature of the dark particles and on the properties of the galaxy Dark Matter (DM) halos. However, in investigating this topic, we have to be very careful about certain issues related to the assumptions that we take or to the practices that we follow. Here, we critically discuss such issues, that, today, result of fundamental importance, in that we have realized that the Nature of the DM will be not provided by “The Theory” but, has to be inferred by reverse engineering the observational scenario.
Public Transport Accessibility and Its Effect on Mode Choice
Authors: Kühnel Fabian , Schrömbges Michael , Braun Nora , Kuhnimhof Tobias
Published: February 2025

The relationship between the service of public transport (PT) and its use is complex but can be simplified through the use of indicators. These indicators should be able to accurately reflect PT use so that improvements in the indicators lead to increases in PT use. Although researchers and planners use similar indicators to describe the access of PT stops, the indicators used to assess the accessibility of destinations differ. Researchers use specific location-based methods to analyze accessibility to spatially dispersed destinations, while practitioners often focus on connectivity to central (business) districts. This raises the question of which approach better reflects the use of PT. By combining the German National Household Travel Survey with nationwide timetable data, we examine the relationship between PT use and two indicators of PT service: (1) travel time to the nearest central district and (2) cumulative opportunity accessibility, both calculated as the ratio of PT to car travel. The results of our binary logit models indicate that the travel time ratio does not have a relevant influence on the choice of motorized transport mode, but the accessibility ratio does. Therefore, we suggest that practitioners should use location-based accessibility methods such as the cumulative opportunity ratio to evaluate and improve PT service planning.
The Impact and Evolution of COVID-19 on Liver Transplant Recipients Throughout the Pandemic “Waves” in a Single Center
Authors: Fernández Clara Fernández , Torrón Blanca Otero , de Quirós Fernández Mercedes Bernaldo , Garrido Rafael San Juan , Arroba Cristina Martín-Arriscado , Alonso Iago Justo , Quinto Alberto Alejandro Marcacuzco , Maestro Óscar Caso , Molero Félix Cambra , Nutu Oana Anisa , Calvo Pulido Jorge , Manrique Municio Alejandro , García-Sesma Pérez-Fuentes Álvaro , Loinaz Segurola Carmelo
Published: February 2025

Liver transplant recipients (LTRs) have been considered a population group that is vulnerable to COVID-19 as they are chronically immunosuppressed patients with frequent comorbidities. This study describes the course of the SARS-CoV-2 disease from February 2020 to December 2023 along seven pandemic “waves”. We carried out an observational study on 307 COVID-19 cases in a cohort of LTRs with the aim of evaluating the changes in the disease characteristics over time and determining the risk factors for severe COVID-19. An older age and serum creatinine level ≥ 2 mg/dL were found to be risk factors for hospital admission and respiratory failure. The use of calcineurin inhibitors was a protective factor for death, hospitalization, and respiratory failure from COVID-19. One hundred percent of patients who died (N = 12) were on mycophenolate mofetil, which was a determinant for respiratory failure. Azathioprine was associated with admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and with invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Vaccination was a protective factor for hospitalization, respiratory failure, and mortality. The severe COVID-19 rate was higher during the first five waves, with a peak of 57.14%, and the highest mortality rate (21.43%) occurred in the fourth wave. The IMV and ICU admission rates did not show significant differences across the periods studied.
Analysis of Hepatic Lentiviral Vector Transduction: Implications for Preclinical Studies and Clinical Gene Therapy Protocols
Authors: Hu Peirong , Hao Yajing , Tang Wei , Diering Graham H. , Zou Fei , Kafri Tal
Published: February 2025

Lentiviral vector-transduced T cells were approved by the FDA as gene therapy anti-cancer medications. Little is known about the effects of host genetic variation on the safety and efficacy of the lentiviral vector gene delivery system. To narrow this knowledge gap, we characterized hepatic gene delivery by lentiviral vectors across the Collaborative Cross (CC) mouse genetic reference population. For 24 weeks, we periodically measured hepatic luciferase expression from lentiviral vectors in 41 CC mouse strains. Hepatic and splenic vector copy numbers were determined. We report that the CC mouse strains showed highly diverse outcomes following lentiviral gene delivery. For the first time, a moderate correlation between mouse-strain-specific sleeping patterns and transduction efficiency was observed. We associated two quantitative trait loci (QTLs) with intrastrain variations in transduction phenotypes, which mechanistically relates to the phenomenon of metastable epialleles. An additional QTL was associated with the kinetics of hepatic transgene expression. Genes found in the above QTLs are potential targets for personalized gene therapy protocols. Importantly, we identified two mouse strains that open new directions for characterizing continuous viral vector silencing and HIV latency. Our findings suggest that wide-range patient-specific outcomes of viral vector-based gene therapy should be expected. Thus, novel clinical protocols should be considered for non-fatal diseases.
Significant Association Between Increased Abundance of Selected Bacterial Lipopolysaccharides and Norovirus Diarrhea Among South African Infants
Authors: Kgosana Lerato P. , Seheri Mapaseka L. , Magwira Cliff A.
Published: February 2025

Bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) have been shown to promote enteric viral infections. This study assessed whether possessing elevated levels of LPS was associated with norovirus infection. Fecal samples from diarrheic norovirus-positive (DNP) (n = 26), non-diarrheal norovirus-negative (NDNN) (n = 26), asymptomatic norovirus-positive (ANP) (n = 15), and diarrheic norovirus-negative (DNN) (n =15) infants were assayed for selected bacterial LPS by quantitative PCR. The mean levels of selected LPS gene targets were significantly high in DNP infants (6.17 ± 2.14 CFU/g) versus NDNN infants (4.13 ± 2.25 CFU/g), p = 0.003. So too was the abundance between DNP and DNN infants (p = 0.0023). The levels of selected LPS gene targets were high regardless of whether the infection was symptomatic or asymptomatic, p = 0.3808. The average expression of genes coding for selected LPS and their signalling molecule, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), increased 7- and 2.5-fold, respectively, in DNP versus NDNN children. Infants possessing elevated levels of selected LPS-rich bacteria were 1.51 times more likely to develop norovirus diarrhea (95% CI: 1.14–2.01, p = 0.004). In conclusion, norovirus infection was associated with abundance of selected bacterial LPS, suggesting a possible role of bacterial LPS in norovirus infection.
Frequency-Range-Specific Hand–Arm Vibration Exposure and the Risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Upper Extremities: The German Hand–Arm Vibration Study
Authors: Sun Yi , Bochmann Frank , Eckert Winfried , Nigmann Uwe , van den Berg Christian , Kaulbars Uwe , Raffler Nastaran
Published: February 2025

To quantify the effect of frequency-range-specific hand–arm vibration (FRS-HAV) exposure on the risk of musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb (UMSDs), we performed an analysis among the study sample of the German Hand–Arm Vibration Study. In total, 206 cases and 609 controls were included in this analysis. Cases were new patients with UMSDs. Controls were a random sample of people with compensable occupational injuries. Standardized personal interviews were performed among cases and controls. In addition to leisure activities and comorbidities, detailed work histories were obtained from all participants. To quantify FRS-HAV exposures, a database of vibration measurements of over 700 power tools was used. This database allows detailed quantification of vibration exposure over long periods of time. A dose–response relationship between FRS-HAV exposure and UMSDs was quantified using conditional logistic regression analyses. After adjustment for relevant confounders, consistent and statistically significant exposure–response relationships were observed between cumulative vibration exposure and UMSDs. The effect of vibration exposure on the risk of UMSDs is mainly concentrated in the frequency range ≤ 50 Hz. This suggests that the current ISO frequency-weighting curve for quantifying hand–arm vibration exposure is reasonable and can be used for vibration-related risk assessment, especially for musculoskeletal disorders.
Degradation of Antibiotics in Aquaculture Seawater: A Treatment Based on Ozone Assisted with Hydrodynamic Cavitation
Authors: Huang Xiaodian , Yang Dong , Song Liang , Jiang Yongcan
Published: February 2025

Antibiotics in aquaculture pose significant environmental risks due to their widespread distribution in water, impacting ecosystem health. To address this hot issue, an ozone-assisted hydrodynamic cavitation (OAHC) system was developed for the efficient treatment of aquaculture seawater contaminated with antibiotics. The system demonstrated remarkable efficiency, achieving complete degradation of eight antibiotics within a reaction time of 20 s. At the same time, water quality parameters, such as dissolved oxygen (increased from 9.79 mg/L to 13.19 mg/L) and nitrite nitrogen (reduced from 0.14 mg/L to 0.01 mg/L), significantly improved post-treatment. The OAHC-based system minimized harmful by-products, ensuring compliance with Chinese water quality standards. As a supplementary study, a laboratory-based simulated experiment was conducted with FLO as the target antibiotic. The investigation of kinetics and mechanisms indicated that •OH plays a predominant role in the OAHC-based aquaculture seawater treatment system. As global regulations tighten on antibiotic discharge, OAHC-based technology is poised to become a cornerstone of next-generation water treatment solutions. Future research should prioritize field-scale validation and real-time monitoring to accelerate industrial adoption.
Green Innovation and Environmental Performance: The Moderating Roles of Governance and Policy
Authors: Batool Fatima , Mohsin Muhammad , Alwadi Belal Mahmoud
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the impact of green innovation (GI) on corporate environmental performance (CEP), while examining the moderating roles of corporate governance practices (CGPs) and environmental policy pressure (EPP). This study uses advanced statistical methods to ensure the reliability of the results. These include techniques such as propensity score matching (PSM), difference-in-differences (DID) analysis with China’s National Green Development Fund (2020) as the policy intervention, and the generalized method of moments (GMM), and this study examines how internal governance mechanisms and external regulatory pressures influence the GI-CEP relationship. The results show that GI significantly increases CEP, and that this effect is amplified by robust CGPs and EPP. By analyzing data from 4026 firm-year observations of A-share listed Chinese companies (2017–2022), the findings highlight the importance of innovation, governance, and policy in achieving sustainable environmental outcomes. This study provides valuable insights for firms and policymakers to foster green innovation and align corporate strategies with global sustainability goals.
Influence of housing methods on reproductive traits of cows
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Penza State Agrarian University”, Russia, Penza, Livchikov A. S. , Shishkina Т. V. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Penza State Agrarian University”, Russia, Penza
Published: February 2025

At present, it is extremely important to improve the reproductive functions of cows, striving
to bring them to a level corresponding to the inherent genetic potential, so that promising animals could fully realize it. The purpose of the research was to determine the influence of the housing method on the
reproductive traits of dairy cows, taking into account their genealogical lines. The objects of the research were cows of two genealogical lines Reflection Sovereign 198998 and Wes Back Ideal 1013415 under the conditions of ZAO Konstantinovo and the OSP Educational and Experimental Farm Ramsay of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education Penza State Agrarian University. During the
research were studied the following indexes: age at fi rst calving, live calf yield, number of calving, frequency of insemination, duration of open days and calving interval. It was established as a result of the carried out work that when cows free-stall housing method there were better indicators for age at the
fi rst calving, frequency of insemination, duration of open days and calving interval, as well as reproductive capacity coefficients and fertility index, while the difference was statistically significant. When cows were on a tie-up housing method the best indicators were established for the yield of live calves and the number of calving. When assessing the different genealogic lines of cows depending on the method of
their housing it was revealed that with the free-stall housing method the best were following indexes the yield of live calves, frequency of insemination, duration of open days and calving interval. An advantage
in these indicators was noted in cows of the line Wes Back Ideal 1013415. With tie-up housing method the
line Reflection Sovereign 198998 was better in the yield of live calves, duration of open days and calving interval, fertility index.
Economic characteristics of cows of Holstein breed of different levels of milk productivity
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Northern Trans-Ural State Agricultural University”, Russia, Tyumen, Chasovshchikova M. A. , Kostomakhin N. M. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy”, Russia, Moscow
Published: February 2025

Under the current conditions of livestock farming development in Russia, the issue of reducing
dependence on imports and rational use of domestic resources is acute. Highly productive animals are
undoubtedly a potentially valuable genetic resource. They are of the greatest interest for selection and
breeding work. The purpose of the research was to comparatively analyze some economic characteristics
of cows of Holstein breed of diff erent productivity levels under the conditions of the South of the Tyumen region. The population of cows under research was divided into three groups according to the rule of normal distribution of variants, while the milk yield for 305 days of the highest lactation was taken as the classification feature. The group of highly productive cows included cows with a milk yield in the range
from X to X  1 (n=232), the group of very highly productive cows with record yields included animals
from more than X  1 (n=118), the production group of cows the entire remaining livestock (n=364).
The controlled herd achieved a high level of milk productivity, and cows with record milk yields were
reared with a suffi cient level of feeding and live weight gain. Cows with high and record milk yields when properly reared, reached the optimal live weight for the fi rst insemination 0.4 – 0.8 months (p < 0.001) earlier than the cows of the production group. Despite the comparatively shorter period of use, the cows with record milk yields had a significant advantage in lifetime milk yield, which averaged 31,899 kg of milk, which was 13,264 kg more than in the production group. The efficiency of using of cows with record milk yields was higher, which followed from the statistically significant advantage in the amount of milk obtained per 1 day of lactation and economic use.
Comparative analysis of genetic diversity of natural populations of roe deer in some regions of Russia and Belarus
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy”, Russia, Moscow, Kaledin A. P. , Beketov S. V. ,   Federal State Budgetary Institution of Science “N. I. Vavilov Institute of General Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, Moscow, Russia, Golubeva O. N. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy”, Russia, Moscow, Stolpovsky Yu. A. ,   Federal State Budgetary Institution of Science “N. I. Vavilov Institute of General Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, Moscow, Russia, Makeeva V. M. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia, Smurov A. V. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia, Konorov E. A. ,   Federal State Budgetary Institution of Science “N. I. Vavilov Institute of General Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, Moscow, Russia
Published: February 2025

The European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) is the most numerous species (over 6 million
individuals) of the deer family (Сervidae) and is found throughout the European continent. In addition,
the European roe deer is one of the most common species in the European part of the Russian Federation.
Despite the fact that the range of the European roe deer covers an area of 7.2 million km2, it is quite fragmented.
At the same time, the decisive role in the formation of the gene pool of the European roe deer
was played by glaciers, which contributed to the geographical isolation of populations, postglacial recolonization, and in recent times it was anthropogenic impact. Thus, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries,
as a result of hunting and human activity, there was a signifi cant reduction in the number of roe deer, but later there was an artificial resettlement of the European roe deer to its former habitats with a partial reintroduction of a closely related species as the Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus). In the presented work microsatellite analysis was used and we attempted to provide a population-genetic characteristic of three
subpopulations of the European roe deer: the Kaliningrad and Bryansk regions of the Russian Federation,
and the Minsk region of the Republic of Belarus, and to determine their relationships. It was established according to the results of a comparative analysis of the genetic diversity of natural populations of roe deer from the Kaliningrad, Bryansk regions of Russia, and the Minsk region of the Republic of Belarus that
the considered subpopulations of the European roe deer are characterized by close genetic similarity, an
insignificant level of allelic and genetic diversity, a slight deficit of heterozygotes and a decrease in the level of genetic variability in the direction from East to West relative to their geographic localization.
Relação entre o antímero facial de preferência e potenciais assimetrias auto identificadas
Authors: Moura Júlia Martins Ribeiro , Júnior Roberto Bernardino
Published: February 2025

Influenciadas pela mídia social e seus padrões de beleza impostos, a busca pelo rosto perfeito aumentou. Como consequência, as pessoas estão se tornando mais rigorosas com sua estética facial, tentando encontrar uma simetria perfeita que nem sempre é o que gerará uma face bela, já que um rosto perfeitamente simétrico pode não ser sinônimo de beleza, ainda tendo a considerar a harmonia entre os terços faciais como importante fator. Diante disso, objetivou-se neste trabalho identificar quais as assimetrias mais relatadas, sua efetiva existência e a possível correlação entre a assimetria citada e o antímero escolhido para apresentação facial. Para tal, realizou-se a coleta de dados por meio de um questionário apresentado aos voluntários, e em seguida foram obtidas duas fotografias frontais, sendo uma com os lábios serrados (sem sorrir) e uma sorrindo, as quais foram analisadas e medidas por meio do programa Image J. Após a coleta verificou-se que a maior parte dos voluntários sabiam o motivo pelo qual preferiam um lado de apresentação e mais da metade relataram motivos métricos, principalmente em mandíbula, nariz, olho e bochecha. Após as medições, foram encontradas assimetrias milimétricas, com médias próximas de 2,5mm tanto na imagem sorrindo como na séria, sendo que a assimetria relatada pelo voluntário muitas vezes não correspondeu com a mensuração. Assim, conclui-se que é de suma importância a análise correta com atenção, não apenas pautada nos relatos do paciente, mas também com a obtenção e análise de medidas por parte do profissional ao realizar o planejamento para procedimentos estéticos.