bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory Processes: Key Mediators of Oncogenesis and Progression in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC)
Authors: Yang Liu , Qiao Shuangying , Zhang Ge , Lu Aiping , Li Fangfei
Published: October 2024

Associations between inflammation and cancer were first discovered approximately 160 years ago by Rudolf Virchow, who observed that tumors were infiltrated with inflammatory cells, and defined inflammation as a pathological condition. Inflammation has now emerged as one of the key mediators in oncogenesis and tumor progression, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the role of inflammatory processes in cancers is complicated and controversial, and the detailed regulatory mechanisms are still unclear. This review elucidates the dynamic interplay between inflammation and immune regulation, microenvironment alteration, metabolic reprogramming, and microbiome risk factors in PDAC, committing to exploring a deeper understanding of the role of crucial inflammatory pathways and molecules for providing insights into therapeutic strategies.
The Association and Prognostic Implications of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Major Psychiatric Disorders, Alzheimer’s Diseases and Parkinson’s Diseases: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zhu Lin , Guo Meng , Li Ke , Guo Chuang , He Kuanjun
Published: October 2024

The prevalence of psychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative diseases is steadily increasing, placing a significant burden on both society and individuals. Given the intricate and multifaceted nature of these diseases, the precise underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Consequently, there is an increasing imperative to investigate the mechanisms, identify specific target sites for effective treatment, and provide for accurate diagnosis of patients with these diseases. Numerous studies have revealed significant alterations in the expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in psychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting their potential to increase the probability of these diseases. Moreover, these findings propose that lncRNAs could be used as highly valuable biomarkers in diagnosing and treating these diseases, thereby offering novel insights for future clinical interventions. The review presents a comprehensive summary of the origin, biological functions, and action mechanisms of lncRNAs, while exploring their implications in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative diseases and their potential utility as biomarkers.
Molecular Landscape of Bladder Cancer: Key Genes, Transcription Factors, and Drug Interactions
Authors: Danishuddin  , Haque Md Azizul , Khan Shawez , Kim Jong-Joo , Ahmad Khurshid
Published: October 2024

Bladder cancer is among the most prevalent tumors in the urinary system and is known for its high malignancy. Although traditional diagnostic and treatment methods are established, recent research has focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying bladder cancer. The primary objective of this study is to identify novel diagnostic markers and discover more effective targeted therapies for bladder cancer. This study identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between bladder cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were conducted to explore the functional roles of these genes. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was also constructed to identify and analyze hub genes within this network. Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) was conducted to investigate the involvement of these genes in various biological processes and pathways. Ten key genes were found to be significantly associated with bladder cancer: IL6, CCNA2, CCNB1, CDK1, PLK1, TOP2A, AURKA, AURKB, FOXM1, and CALML5. GSVA analyses revealed that these genes are involved in a variety of biological processes and signaling pathways, including coagulation, UV-response-down, apoptosis, Notch signaling, and Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. The diagnostic relevance of these genes was validated through ROC curve analysis. Additionally, potential therapeutic drug interactions with these key genes were identified. This study provides valuable insights into key genes and their roles in bladder cancer. The identified genes and their interactions with therapeutic drugs could serve as potential biomarkers, presenting new opportunities for enhancing the diagnosis and prognosis of bladder cancer.
Distribution Patterns of tfdI and tfdII Gene Clusters and New Insights into the Formation of the Architecture of pJP4, a Canonical 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid (2,4-D) Degradation Plasmid
Authors: Iasakov Timur
Published: October 2024

Currently, pJP4 is one of the best-known plasmids for the biodegradation of xenobiotics that mediate the degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), which is associated with serious health and environmental risks. Although the sequencing and proposed theory of pJP4 formation occurred almost 20 years ago (2004), pJP4 is still the model object of many studies focused on the biodegradation of 2,4-D. The uniqueness of this plasmid is due to the presence of two evolutionarily distinct gene clusters, tfdI and tfdII, controlling the degradation of 2,4-D. Recent advances in plasmid biology, especially those concerning the characterization of new IncP-1 plasmids and the systematization of tfd gene cluster findings, serve as a basis for proposing new insights into the formation of the clusters’ architecture of the canonical plasmid, pJP4, and their distribution among other plasmids. In the present work, a comparative genomic and phylogenetic in silico study of plasmids with tfdI and tfdII clusters was carried out. The possible initial distribution patterns of tfdI clusters among plasmids of different incompatibility groups (non-IncP-1) and tfdII clusters among IncP-1 plasmids using the IS1071-based composite transposon were revealed. A new theory on the formation of the architecture of the tfdI and tfdII clusters of pJP4 through sequential internal rearrangements, recombination, and ISJP4 insertion, is proposed. In addition, small gene clusters resulting from internal rearrangements of pJP4 (tfdIISA and ORF31/32) served as fingerprints for exploring the distribution of tfdI and tfdII clusters. The revealed patterns and formulated theory extend the frontiers of plasmid biology and will be beneficial for understanding the role of plasmids in bacterial adaptation to xenobiotic-contaminated environments.
Multi-Protective Effects of Petunidin-3-O-(trans-p-coumaroylrutinoside)-5-O-glucoside on D-Gal-Induced Aging Mice
Authors: Wang Ruinan , Ren Lichengcheng , Wang Yue , Hu Na , Tie Fangfang , Dong Qi , Wang Honglun
Published: October 2024

Petunidin-3-O-(trans-p-coumaroylrutinoside)-5-O-glucoside (PtCG), the primary anthocyanin ingredient in Lycium ruthenicum Murr., possesses a range of biological activities, including antioxidative properties and melanin inhibition. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of PtCG on D-galactose (D-gal)-induced aging in female mice and elucidate the underlying molecular pathways. Behavioral experiments, including the MWW and Y-maze tests, revealed that PtCG significantly ameliorated cognitive decline and enhanced learning and memory abilities in aging mice. Regarding biochemical indicators, PtCG considerably improved superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) activity while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) levels in the hippocampus and serum. Furthermore, PtCG ingestion alleviated liver injury by decreasing alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) levels, and attenuated renal damage by reducing blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and uric acid (UA) levels. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results demonstrated that PtCG restored the function and quantity of synapses in the hippocampus. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson’s trichrome, and Nissl staining revealed that PtCG significantly improved the relevant pathological characteristics of liver and hippocampal tissues in aging mice. The molecular mechanism investigation showed that PtCG downregulated the protein expression of microglial marker ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1), astrocytic marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), β-secretase 1 (BACE-1), and amyloid-beta1–42 (Aβ1–42) in the hippocampus of aging mice. The protein expression of inflammatory pathway components, including nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), was also suppressed. These findings suggest that PtCG may possess anti-aging properties, with its mechanism of action potentially linked to the attenuation of neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and liver and kidney damage. PtCG may have future applications as a functional food for the treatment of aging-related disorders.
Effects of Diet and Supplements on Parameters of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Antioxidant Mechanisms in Patients with Chronic Renal Failure Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Bogacka Anna , Olszewska Maria , Ciechanowski Kazimierz
Published: October 2024

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) worldwide increases as the population ages. The progression of the disease increases the risk of complications and death and leads to end-stage renal failure, requiring renal replacement therapy. Despite the positive effect of hemodialysis (HD), patients are at risk of developing malnutrition, inflammation, oxidative stress, or cardiovascular disease, which worsens quality of life and can lead to organ dysfunction. The occurrence of the mentioned disorders depends largely on the diet, so changes in diet composition are an important part of the treatment of kidney disease. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a balanced diet on some parameters of oxidative stress, immune response, and nutritional status in patients. This study included 57 HD patients (19 women and 38 men). In all of them, nutritional status and diet were initially determined, and then, they were divided into six groups, which received different diets and supplements. Serum levels of albumin, total protein, MDA, and the cytokines Il-1, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and IL-10 were determined, and the activity of the enzymes such as CAT, SOD, and GSH-Px were determined in erythrocytes by spectrophotometry. Based on the results of BMI, albumin, and total protein, it can be concluded that a well-balanced diet can reduce weight loss. This study shows that a well-balanced diet can reduce the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and ensure the normal activity of antioxidative enzymes in the blood of HD patients.
Heyde Syndrome Unveiled: A Case Report with Current Literature Review and Molecular Insights
Authors: Maksić Mladen , Corović Irfan , Stanisavljević Isidora , Radojević Dušan , Veljković Tijana , Todorović Željko , Jovanović Marina , Zdravković Nataša , Stojanović Bojan , Marković Bojana Simović , Jovanović Ivan
Published: October 2024

Heyde syndrome, marked by aortic stenosis, gastrointestinal bleeding from angiodysplasia, and acquired von Willebrand syndrome, is often underreported. Shear stress from a narrowed aortic valve degrades von Willebrand factor multimers, leading to angiodysplasia formation and von Willebrand factor deficiency. This case report aims to raise clinician awareness of Heyde syndrome, its complexity, and the need for a multidisciplinary approach. We present a 75-year-old man with aortic stenosis, gastrointestinal bleeding from angiodysplasia, and acquired von Willebrand syndrome type 2A. The patient was successfully treated with argon plasma coagulation and blood transfusions. He declined further treatment for aortic stenosis but was in good overall health with improved laboratory results during follow-up. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive review of the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of this syndrome, discuss current diagnostic and treatment approaches, and offer future perspectives for further research on this topic.
FGFR4 Is Required for Concentric Growth of Cardiac Myocytes during Physiologic Cardiac Hypertrophy
Authors: Campos Isaac , Richter Beatrice , Thomas Sarah Madison , Czaya Brian , Yanucil Christopher , Kentrup Dominik , Fajol Abul , Li Qing , Secor Stephen M. , Faul Christian
Published: October 2024

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 23 is a bone-derived hormone that promotes renal phosphate excretion. Serum FGF23 is increased in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and contributes to pathologic cardiac hypertrophy by activating FGF receptor (FGFR) 4 on cardiac myocytes, which might lead to the high cardiovascular mortality in CKD patients. Increases in serum FGF23 levels have also been observed following endurance exercise and in pregnancy, which are scenarios of physiologic cardiac hypertrophy as an adaptive response of the heart to increased demand. To determine whether FGF23/FGFR4 contributes to physiologic cardiac hypertrophy, we studied FGFR4 knockout mice (FGFR4−/−) during late pregnancy. In comparison to virgin littermates, pregnant wild-type and FGFR4−/− mice showed increases in serum FGF23 levels and heart weight; however, the elevation in myocyte area observed in pregnant wild-type mice was abrogated in pregnant FGFR4−/− mice. This outcome was supported by treatments of cultured cardiac myocytes with serum from fed Burmese pythons, another model of physiologic hypertrophy, where the co-treatment with an FGFR4-specific inhibitor abrogated the serum-induced increase in cell area. Interestingly, we found that in pregnant mice, the heart, and not the bone, shows elevated FGF23 expression, and that increases in serum FGF23 are not accompanied by changes in phosphate metabolism. Our study suggests that in physiologic cardiac hypertrophy, the heart produces FGF23 that contributes to hypertrophic growth of cardiac myocytes in a paracrine and FGFR4-dependent manner, and that the kidney does not respond to heart-derived FGF23.
Relevance of Anatomical Significance of AV Nodal Structures within Koch’s Triangle and Pyramid
Authors: Matteucci Andrea , Pandozi Claudio , Russo Maurizio , Galeazzi Marco , Schiaffini Giammarco , Mariani Marco Valerio , Lavalle Carlo , Colivicchi Furio
Published: October 2024

The exploration of the cardiac conduction system evolved over a century, marked by groundbreaking discoveries in atrioventricular (AV) nodal physiology. Atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia (AVNRT), the most prevalent regular tachycardia in humans, remains enigmatic despite extensive research. Detailed examinations of AV nodal anatomy and histology reveal variations in location and shape, influencing electrophysiological properties. Variability in AV nodal extensions and their embryological origins contribute to the complexity of the conduction system. Physiologically, the AV node plays a crucial role in modulating AV conduction, introducing delays for ventricular filling and filtering atrial impulses. Dual-pathway physiology involving fast and slow pathways further complicates AVNRT circuitry. Integrated approaches combining pre-procedural imaging with electroanatomical mapping enhance our understanding of AV nodal structures and high-definition mapping improves precision in identifying ablation targets. Electrophysiological–anatomical correlations may unveil the specific roles of conduction axis components, aiding in the optimization of ablation strategies. This review traces the historical journey from Tawara’s pioneering work to recent integrated approaches aimed at unraveling the intricacies of AV nodal structures while emphasizing the importance of a multidimensional approach, incorporating technological advancements, anatomical understanding, and clinical validation in human mapping studies.
Patterns and Challenges in Help-Seeking for Addiction among Men: A Systematic Review
Authors: Camacho-Ruiz Julio A. , Galvez-Sánchez Carmen M. , Galli Federica , Limiñana Gras Rosa M.
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Addictive and substance-related disorders represent a substantial public health challenge, marked by rising incidence and prevalence rates. Men and women exhibit different patterns of help-seeking for health and social issues including addictions. This research aimed to analyze the help-seeking process among men with addiction to improve understanding and develop more effective, person-centered treatments. Methods: This systematic review was performed based on the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines and reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The protocol of the revision was registered in advance in PROSPERO. Searches were conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (WOS) databases. Results: Based on the literature search, 16 studies were included in the current systematic review. The analyzed studies included seven on substance-use disorders, three on gambling disorder, two on tobacco-use disorder, two addressing substance-related disorders in general, one on opioid-use disorder, and one focused on marijuana use. Gender differences influenced help-seeking behavior, with women generally exhibiting a higher propensity to seek assistance for addiction-related issues than men. Seeking help for addiction—whether substance use or gambling—can be hindered by several barriers, particularly public stigma and discrimination, which tend to be more pronounced for alcohol and gambling compared to tobacco. Additional barriers in the help-seeking process include negative beliefs and attitudes toward seeking help, often associated with traditional male gender roles. Each substance-use disorder was analyzed in depth to gain a better understanding of the barriers faced by this population. Conclusions: Integrating a gender perspective into the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of addiction is essential. As addiction patterns vary between men and women, approaches must be tailored accordingly. Recognizing men as a distinct group in research and clinical practice is also crucial for developing more effective and personalized treatments.
Screening for Systemic Diseases Associated with Dental Self-Care in Japanese Adolescents
Authors: Abe Masanobu , Mitani Akihisa , Hoshi Kazuto , Yanagimoto Shintaro
Published: October 2024

Background: Toothbrushing is important for maintaining oral health and preventing periodontal disease. However, the association between toothbrushing and systemic diseases remains unclear in adolescence. In this study, the association between dental self-care (frequency and duration of toothbrushing) and systemic diseases/disorders in adolescents was examined. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of mandatory medical questionnaires administered during legally mandated freshman medical checkups between 2017 and 2019 at the University of Tokyo, Japan. Out of 9376 total responses, 9098 cases involving individuals under the age of 20 were included in the analysis. Respondents were classified into three groups based on their daily toothbrushing frequency: “1 time or less”, “twice”, and “3 times or more”. For the duration of each toothbrushing session, they were classified into three groups: “1 min or less”, “2–3 min”, and “4 min or more”. A statistical analysis was performed by Pearson’s χ2 test and multinomial logistic regression analysis. Results: Regarding frequency of daily toothbrushing: The χ2 test showed no significant relationship between frequency of toothbrushing and 17 systemic diseases/disorders. A multivariate analysis found that gingival bleeding and sex were independent factors. The risk of gingival bleeding decreased dramatically with increased frequency of toothbrushing (odds ratio (OR): 0.428; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.366–0.501; p < 0.001). Regarding the amount of time spent on toothbrushing: The χ2 test showed atopic dermatitis and arrhythmia were significantly associated with the duration of toothbrushing (p = 0.032 and p = 0.016, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, atopic dermatitis, gingival bleeding, and sex were independent factors regarding the duration of toothbrushing; longer brushing time was associated with a lower risk of atopic dermatitis (OR: 0.731, 95% CI: 0.578–0.924, p = 0.009) and a lower risk of gingival bleeding (OR: 0.643, 95% CI: 0.567–0.729, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Dental self-care was most strongly associated with gingival bleeding, while the risk of atopic dermatitis was found to increase with shorter toothbrushing times. The results suggest that dental self-care during adolescence is important not only for oral health but also for general health.
The Self-Reported Quality of Sleep and Its Relationship with the Development of Arterial Hypertension: Perspectives from the Tlalpan 2020 Cohort
Authors: Amezcua-Guerra Luis M. , Velázquez-Espinosa Kelly P. , Piña-Soto Lizbeth A. , Gutiérrez-Esparza Guadalupe O. , Martínez-García Mireya , Brianza-Padilla Malinalli
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: A well-established association exists between the development of hypertension and sleep quality. The connection between self-reported sleep quality and the onset of hypertension is particularly significant in populations with metabolic deterioration, such as in Mexico. Methods: The Tlalpan 2020 Cohort was analyzed to explore this association. Clinical and anthropometric characteristics, along with the Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale (MOS-SS), were compared between participants who developed hypertension and those who did not over a follow-up period of 30.8 months. The potential role of poor sleep quality in the development of hypertension was assessed. Results: Among 1520 participants, 12% developed hypertension. These individuals had higher anthropometric and laboratory values and reported poorer sleep quality. An elevated sleep problems index was associated with a 50% higher relative risk of developing hypertension (OR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.087 to 2.069). Additionally, self-reported snoring was associated with hypertension onset (36.3 vs. 43.3; p = 0.019). Conclusions: Poor sleep quality and respiratory disturbances during sleep increase the risk of developing hypertension. Furthermore, hypertension was associated with snoring, highlighting the importance of early interventions to improve sleep quality.
Virtual Reality-Assisted Informed Consent for Anesthesia: A Prospective and Randomized Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Simon Sebastian , Opfermann Philipp , Hofstaetter Jochen G. , Marhofer Peter
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Informed consent for anesthesia poses both legal challenges and problems of understandable communication. Fulfilling all the requirements through anesthesiologists directly interacting with patients is a time- and staff-consuming strategy. Given today’s smart technologies, notably including virtual reality (VR), we explored in a prospective randomized study whether ‘VR-assisted informed consent’ could improve this situation. Methods: Fifty patients scheduled for orthopedic surgery were randomized. In the control group, informed consent was obtained via patient–specialist dialogs only. The patients in the study group, wearing a head-mounted display, watched an 8 min immersive 3D movie with the standard explanations of general anesthesia, followed by a patient–specialist dialog to address open questions. The time spent on the dialogs in both groups was evaluated as the primary outcome variable. As secondary variables, we analyzed both a three-item Likert scale on patient satisfaction with the VR experience and cost differences between both groups. Results: Patient–specialist dialogs were carried on for median (IQR) durations of 93 (20–182) seconds in the study group versus 665 (261–829) seconds in the control group (p < 0.001). All the patients exposed to VR rated this experience as favorable (87.5%) or neutral (12.5%). Based on anesthesiologists’ incomes in the US and UK, our approach would reduce the staff expenditure for each patient–specialist dialog by median amounts of USD ≈40 or ≈11, respectively (2 × p < 0.001). Conclusions: ‘VR-assisted informed consent’ for anesthesia is well accepted by patients and reduces the time requirements for patient–specialist dialogs, thus pointing out a potential avenue towards increasing the work-time efficiency of anesthesiologists.
Sustainable Polyamide Composites Reinforced with Nanocellulose via Melt Mixing Process
Authors: Ansar Ellana Nabilah Nur Averina , Biutty Merreta Noorenza , Kim Ki-Se , Yoo Seongwoo , Huh PilHo , Yoo Seong Il
Published: October 2024

Introduction of biomass-based nanofillers into the polyamide matrix may represent a sustainable approach for the development of high-performance engineering plastics. From this standpoint, nanocellulose, derived from various cellulosic sources, has attracted a great deal of attention because of is exceptional mechanical properties, lightweight nature, and biodegradability, which presents significant advantages over conventional inorganic fillers. However, a technical challenge arises in the industrially favorable melt processing of polyamides and nanocellulose. This challenge is associated with the thermal degradation of nanocellulose at high processing temperatures, as well as the strong tendency of nanocellulose to aggregate within the polymer matrix. This review examines recent developments to address these issues. Key approaches based on the surface treatment of nanocellulose as well as optimization of processing conditions are discussed in detail, which can provide insights on the development of nanocellulose-reinforced polyamide composites.
Antimicrobial Activity of Amino-Modified Cellulose Nanofibrils Decorated with Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Lazić Vesna , Nedeljković Jovan M. , Kokol Vanja
Published: October 2024

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) conjugated with amino-functionalized cellulose nanofibrils (NH2−CNFs) were in situ-prepared by reducing silver ions with free amino groups from NH2−CNFs. The spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy measurements confirmed the presence of non-agglomerated nanometer-in-size Ag NPs within micrometer-large NH2−CNFs of high (20 wt.-%) content. Although the consumption of amino groups during the formation of Ag NPs lowers the ζ-potential and surface charge of prepared inorganic–organic hybrids (from +31.3 to +19.9 mV and from 2.4 to 1.0 mmol/g at pH 7, respectively), their values are sufficiently positive to ensure electrostatic interaction with negatively charged cell walls of pathogens in acidic and slightly (up to pH ~8.5) alkaline solutions. The antimicrobial activity of hybrid microparticles against various pathogens (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans) is comparable with pristine NH2−CNFs. However, a long-timescale use of hybrids ensures the slow and controlled release of Ag+ ions to surrounding media (less than 1.0 wt.-% for one month).
Role of Niobium on the Passivation Mechanisms of TiHfZrNb High-Entropy Alloys in Hanks’ Simulated Body Fluid
Authors: Tanji Ayoub , Fan Xuesong , Sakidja Ridwan , Liaw Peter K. , Hermawan Hendra
Published: October 2024

A family of TiHfZrNb high-entropy alloys has been considered novel biomaterials for high-performance, small-sized implants. The present work evaluates the role of niobium on passivation kinetics and electrochemical characteristics of passive film on TiHfZrNb alloys formed in Hanks’ simulated body fluid by analyzing electrochemical data with three analytical models. Results confirm that higher niobium content in the alloys reinforces the compactness of the passive film by favoring the dominance of film formation and thickening mechanism over the dissolution mechanism. Higher niobium content enhances the passivation kinetics to rapidly form the first layer, and total surface coverage reinforces the capacitive-resistant behavior of the film by enrichment with niobium oxides and reduces the point defect density and their mobility across the film, lowering pitting initiation susceptibility. With the high resistance to dissolution and rapid repassivation ability in the aggressive Hanks’ simulated body fluid, the TiHfZrNb alloys confirm their great potential as new materials for biomedical implants and warrant further biocompatibility testing.
A Comparative Study of Non-Destructive Testing Techniques: Active Thermography versus Shearography for 3D-Printed Thermoplastic Composites Reinforced with Continuous Carbon Fiber
Authors: Ochana Imi , Ducobu François , Homrani Mohamed Khalil , Notebaert Arnaud , Demarbaix Anthonin
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the feasibility and effectiveness of two non-destructive testing methods, active thermography and shearography, on 3D-printed thermoplastic (TP) composites reinforced with continuous carbon fiber. Artificial defects were introduced into the composite plate to benchmark the detection capabilities of these non-destructive testing techniques (NDT). Active thermography produced a thermogram that highlighted defects through variations in surface temperature. Although effective for identifying defects ranging from 3 to 10 mm in size at four different depths, specifically 1 mm, 1.25 mm, 1.5 mm, and 1.75 mm, through the thickness of a 2.8 mm plate, the method encountered some limitations. It faced challenges in detecting deeper defects and accurately determining their shapes. Shearography, which utilizes fringe pattern distortions to detect surface displacement anomalies, successfully identified near-surface defects within the same size range. However, it required more expertise for accurate interpretation and struggled with detecting smaller and deeper defects. The complementary strengths and limitations of these methods suggest that employing both could offer a more comprehensive solution for defect detection in 3D-printed TP composites.
Geological and Engineering Integration Fracturing Design and Optimization Study of Liushagang Formation in Weixinan Sag
Authors: Shen Yinghao , Liu Bing , Jiang Hongfeng , Mao Hong , Li Mingrui , Yang Zhicheng
Published: October 2024

The Weixinan Sag in the Beibuwan Basin is rich in shale oil resources. However, the reservoirs exhibit rapid phase changes, strong compartmentalization, thin individual layers, and high-frequency vertical variations in the thin interbedded sandstone and mudstone. These factors can restrict the height of hydraulic fracture propagation. Additionally, the low-porosity and low-permeability shale oil reservoirs face challenges such as low production rates and rapid decline. To address these issues, the Plannar3D full 3D fracturing model was used to simulate hydraulic fracture propagation and to study the main controlling factors for fracture propagation in the second member of the Liushagang Formation. Based on the concept of geological–engineering integration, a sweet spot evaluation was conducted to identify reservoirs with relatively better brittleness, reservoir properties, and oil content as the fracturing targets for horizontal wells. The UFM model was then applied to optimize fracturing parameters. This study indicates that the matrix-type oil shale has a high clay mineral content, resulting in a low Young’s modulus and poor brittleness. This makes hydraulic fracture propagation difficult and leads to less effective reservoir stimulation. In contrast, hydraulic fractures propagate more easily in high-brittleness interlayer-type oil shale. Therefore, it is recommended to prioritize the extraction of shale oil from interlayer-type oil shale reservoirs. The difference in interlayer stress is identified as the primary controlling factor for cross-layer fracture propagation in the study area. Based on the concept of geological–engineering integration, a sweet spot evaluation standard was established for the second member of the Liushagang Formation, considering both reservoir quality and engineering quality. Four sweet spot zones of interlayer-type oil shale reservoirs were identified according to this evaluation standard. To achieve uniform fracture initiation, a differentiated segment and cluster design was implemented for certain high-angle sections of well WZ11-6-5d. Interlayer-type oil shale was selected as the fracturing target, and the UFM was used for hydraulic fracture propagation simulation. Fracturing parameters were optimized with a focus on hydraulic fracture characteristics and the estimated ultimate recovery (EUR). The optimization results were as follows: a single-stage length of 50 m, cluster spacing of 15 m, pump injection rate of 10 m3/min, fluid intensity of 25 m3/m, and proppant intensity of 3.5 t/m. The application of these optimized fracturing parameters in field operations resulted in successful fracturing and the achievement of industrial oil flow.
A Fuzzy Fusion Method for Multi-Ship Collision Avoidance Decision-Making with Merchant and Fishing Vessels
Authors: Gai Xudong , Zhang Qiang , Hu Yancai , Wang Gang
Published: October 2024

In multi-vessel collision avoidance decision-making, the collision between merchant and fishing vessels is a significant challenge. This paper proposes a fuzzy fusion method for making avoidance decisions under the influence of the navigation environment. First, C-means clustering was used to collect and analyze Automatic Identification System (AIS) data from fishing vessels. On this basis, the environment collision risk was determined using fuzzy reasoning. Second, the basic collision risk is obtained by calculating the DCPA and TCPA, and the integrated Collision Risk Index (CRI) is concluded by fuzzy logic through basic collision risk and the environment collision risk. The similar cases are extracted from the fuzzy case database, and collision avoidance decisions for merchant vessels are formulated following fuzzy adjustments. Finally, to validate the method, data from Chengshantou coastal waters is employed for verification. The results show that it can provide theoretical guidance and practical value for merchant vessels in making collision avoidance decisions.
B-FLOWS: Biofouling Focused Learning and Observation for Wide-Area Surveillance in Tidal Stream Turbines
Authors: Rashid Haroon , Habbouche Houssem , Amirat Yassine , Mamoune Abdeslam , Titah-Benbouzid Hosna , Benbouzid Mohamed
Published: October 2024

Biofouling, the accumulation of marine organisms on submerged surfaces, presents significant operational challenges across various marine industries. Traditional detection methods are labor intensive and costly, necessitating the development of automated systems for efficient monitoring. The study presented in this paper focuses on detecting biofouling on tidal stream turbine blades using camera-based monitoring. The process begins with dividing the video into a series of images, which are then annotated to identify and select the bounding boxes containing objects to be detected. These annotated images are used to train YOLO version 8 to detect biofouled and clean blades in the images. The proposed approach is evaluated using metrics that demonstrate the superiority of this YOLO version compared to previous ones. To address the issue of misdetection, a data augmentation approach is proposed and tested across different YOLO versions, showing its effectiveness in improving detection quality and robustness.
Regional Mean Sea Level Variability Due to Tropical Cyclones: Insights from August Typhoons
Authors: Han MyeongHee , Nam SungHyun , Lim Hak-Soo
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the interannual variations in regional mean sea levels (MSLs) of the northeast Asian marginal seas (NEAMS) during August, focusing on the role of typhoon activity from 1993 to 2019. The NEAMS are connected to the Pacific through the East China Sea (ECS) and narrow, shallow straits in the east, where inflow from the southern boundary (ECS), unless balanced by eastern outflow, leads to significant convergence or divergence, as well as subsequent changes in regional MSLs. Satellite altimetry and tide-gauge data reveal that typhoon-induced Ekman transport plays a key role in MSL variability, with increased inflow raising MSLs during active typhoon seasons. In contrast, weak typhoon activity reduces inflow, resulting in lower MSLs. This study’s findings have significant implications for coastal management, as the projected changes in tropical cyclone frequency and intensity due to climate change could exacerbate sea level rise and flooding risks. Coastal communities in the NEAMS region will need to prioritize enhanced flood defenses, early warning systems, and adaptive land use strategies to mitigate these risks. This is the first study to link typhoon frequency directly to NEAMS MSL variability, highlighting the critical role of wind-driven processes in regional sea level changes.
A Balanced Path-Following Approach to Course Change and Original Course Convergence for Autonomous Vessels
Authors: Choi Won-Jin , Lee Jeong-Seok
Published: October 2024

This paper proposes a novel path-following method for autonomous ships that optimizes overall performance by balancing course changes and convergence to the original route. The proposed method extends the line-of-sight (LOS) guidance law by dynamically adjusting key parameters based on the ship’s cross-track error (XTE) and the distance of new course considering maneuvering characteristics. By incorporating these maneuvering characteristics, the method enables more precise adjustments during course changes, improving overall path-following performance. Simulation results showed that the proposed method outperformed three existing methods, including the traditional LOS guidance law, by minimizing overshoot and maintaining reasonable XTE during larger course changes. It achieved the lowest mean absolute cross-track error (MAE) while also significantly reducing the total time required to follow the path, highlighting its superior accuracy and efficiency in path following. These outcomes highlight the method’s potential to enhance significantly the path-following capabilities of autonomous vessels, contributing to greater efficiency and accuracy in pre-determined route navigation.
Sustainable Ship Design and Digital Twin Yard
Authors: Pérez Fernández Rodrigo
Published: October 2024

In an era where technological advancement and environmental consciousness are inextricably linked, the shipbuilding industry stands at a pivotal juncture [...]
Differences in Urban Vibrancy Enhancement among Different Mixed Land Use Types: Evidence from Shenzhen, China
Authors: Yang Hanbing , Wang Li , Tang Feng , Fu Meichen , Xiong Yuqing
Published: October 2024

Mixed land use has the advantages of promoting the economic and intensive utilization of land and improving the efficiency of land use, which can help alleviate the current urban problems and promote the sustainable development of cities. Existing studies have usually used quantitative indicators to reflect complex and diverse mixed land use situations, and the conclusions obtained usually cannot provide a basis for functional selection in mixed land use practices. Therefore, this study took Shenzhen as the study area to explore whether there are differences in the urban vibrancy enhancement among different mixed land use types. First, the block-scale mixed land use dataset of the study area was constructed. Second, the spatial distribution characteristics of the main functional types and urban vibrancy in the study area were explored. Finally, the impact of mixed land use types on urban vibrancy was explored by using a multiple linear regression model and setting land use type as the dummy variable. The results show that the number of mixed-function blocks in Shenzhen is relatively small, and the mixed land use degree still needs to be improved. Among the 12 main land use types in the study area, those containing industrial land are usually clustered in the northern industrial area of Shenzhen, those containing public or commercial service land are usually clustered in the city center, and those containing residential land are widely distributed in the study area. From the perspective of urban vibrancy, there is a phenomenon of “jobs–housing mismatch” in Shenzhen, as well as a problem of low urban vibrancy in the peripheral areas of the city. In addition, the urban vibrancy intensity of mixed land use types including residential or commercial land is higher, such as “administration+residential”, “residential+commercial”, “industrial+residential+commercial”, and “administration+residential+commercial” land, which includes residential or commercial land, is stronger, while. However, the urban vibrancy stability of mixed land use types including industrial land is higher, such as “industrial+residential” and “industrial+administration” land. The results of this study can provide a basis for future mixed land use practices in terms of land use type selection. For the urban central areas and subcenters in urban peripheral areas, mixed land use types such as “administration+residential”, “residential+commercial”, and “administration+residential+commercial” can be selected to enhance the urban vibrancy stability of the area. For industrial parks in urban peripheral areas, mixed land use types such as “industrial+residential”, “industrial+commercial”, “industrial+administration+residential”, and “administration+residential+commercial” can be selected to enhance the urban vibrancy intensity of the area.
Machine Learning Models for the Spatial Prediction of Gully Erosion Susceptibility in the Piraí Drainage Basin, Paraíba Do Sul Middle Valley, Southeast Brazil
Authors: Filho Jorge da Paixão Marques , Guerra Antônio José Teixeira , Cruz Carla Bernadete Madureira , Jorge Maria do Carmo Oliveira , Booth Colin A.
Published: October 2024

Soil erosion is a global issue—with gully erosion recognized as one of the most important forms of land degradation. The purpose of this study is to compare and contrast the outcomes of four machine learning models, Classification and Regression (CART), eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Random Forest (RF), and Support Vector Machine (SVM), used for mapping susceptibility to soil gully erosion. The controlling factors of gully erosion in the Piraí Drainage Basin, Paraíba do Sul Middle Valley were analysed by image interpretation in Google Earth and gully erosion samples (n = 159) were used for modelling and spatial prediction. The XGBoost and RF models achieved identical results for the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC = 88.50%), followed by the SVM and CART models, respectively (AUROC = 86.17%; AUROC = 85.11%). In all models analysed, the importance of the main controlling factors predominated among Lineaments, Land Use and Cover, Slope, Elevation and Rainfall, highlighting the need to understand the landscape. The XGBoost model, considering a smaller number of false negatives in spatial prediction, was considered the most appropriate, compared to the Random Forest model. It is noteworthy that the XGBoost model made it possible to validate the hypothesis of the study area, for susceptibility to gully erosion and identifying that 9.47% of the Piraí Drainage Basin is susceptible to gully erosion. Furthermore, replicable methodologies are evidenced by their rapid applicability at different scales.
Research on the Coupling and Coordination of Land Ecological Security and High-Quality Agricultural Development in the Han River Basin
Authors: Su Yuelong , Liu Yucheng , Zhou Yong , Liu Jiakang
Published: October 2024

This study aims to investigate the coupling and harmonization between land ecological security (LES) and high-quality agricultural development (HAD) in the Han River Basin (HRB), China, with the objective of promoting harmonious coexistence between agriculture and ecosystems. Using 17 cities in the HRB as the research objects, an evaluation index system of two systems, LES and HAD, was constructed, analyzed, and evaluated via projective tracer modeling for multiple intelligent genetic algorithms (MIGA-PTM). The degree of coupling coordination (DCC) was used to quantitatively evaluate the coupling coordination development status of the two systems, the obstacle model (OM) was used to identify the main influencing factors, and the gray predictive model first-order univariate model (GM (1, 1)) was used to predict the DCC of the LES and HAD from 2025 to 2040. The results show the following: (1) the LES and HAD levels of the 17 cities in the HRB tended to increase during the study period, and there was a large gap between cities; (2) the spatial distributions of the DCCs of the LES and HAD in the HRB were uneven, with high values in the southern and low values in the central and northern parts, and the overall degree of coupling tended to fluctuate. The overall DCC showed a fluctuating upward trend; (3) the degree of obstacles, per capita water resources, greening coverage, and rate of return on financial expenditure are the main influencing factors; and (4) the prediction results of GM (1, 1) indicate that the LES and HAD of the HRB will be close to reaching the intermediate stage of coupling in 2035. This research offers critical insights into sustainable development practices that facilitate the alignment of agricultural growth with ecological preservation.
Towards Sustainable Rural Development: Assessment Spatio-Temporal Evolution of Rural Ecosystem Health through Integrating Ecosystem Integrity and SDGs
Authors: Yang Chun , Tan Shaohua , Zhou Hantao , Zeng Wei
Published: October 2024

Rural ecosystem health (REH) serves as an effective metric for assessing the damage degree and stability state within rural systems and their components. It reflects the interaction and the balance among rural subsystems, emphasizing the harmonious development of resources, agriculture, environment, economy, and society that are fundamental to sustainable rural development. Most regional-scale ecosystem health assessments primarily focus on either the natural state of the ecosystem or external disturbances affecting it, often neglecting human ecological systems characterized by economic and social dimensions. Taking Chongqing as an example, we established an improved REH assessment framework by integrating ecological integrity from the perspective of a social-economy-natural compound ecosystem. Furthermore, we innovatively incorporated the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the formulation of the REH indicator system to quantitatively elucidate the spatiotemporal characteristics. The results indicated that: (1) The REH in Chongqing exhibited an evolutionary pattern characterized by a subsequent rise, maintaining values between 0.363–0.872 from 2000 to 2018. This trend reflected a distinct two-stage development characteristic, with the rural socio-economic subsystem contributing the most at 33.36%, followed closely by the rural environmental subsystem at 27.84%; (2) In 2018, the REH across the 36 districts and counties in Chongqing displayed spatial differentiation patterns described as “collapse in the west, high levels in the northeast, and localized surges”. The areas ranked from smallest to largest REH were metropolitan, western, southeastern, and northeastern areas; (3) Four levels (e.g., disease, single health, compound health, and comprehensive health) and twelve sub-levels of REH were defined using a dominant factors method. Finally, we analyzed the driving factors from four aspects of urbanization development: policy regulation, urban-rural factors flow, and regional differences. We also proposed differentiated planning and policies for sustainable rural development in Chongqing.