bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Different Stubble Tillage Technologies on Covered and Uncovered Surfaces
Authors: Kende Zoltán , Egri Norbert , Birkás Márta , Jolánkai Márton , Kunos Viola , Bozóki Boglárka , Tarnawa Ákos
Published: February 2025

This study evaluates the impact of ten stubble tillage methods, cultivators, and disk harrows, on clay loam soil under uncovered and mulched conditions during a wetter-than-average (+20% precipitation) summer in 2020. Key parameters such as soil moisture, penetration resistance, soil structure, surface coverage, and earthworm abundance were assessed. Shallow tillage with the Lemken Rubin 9 disk preserved the highest soil moisture (27.65% at 15–30 cm depth) while reducing compaction. Mulched conditions with the Bird cultivator yielded the highest earthworm abundance, while uncovered treatments, such as Carrier deep, outperformed covered alternatives in some cases. The study underscores the role of stubble tillage in soil conservation, particularly under climate change scenarios, and aligns with the European Green Deal’s emphasis on sustainable and resilient agricultural practices by contributing to the development of sustainable farming practices.
Exploring the Influence Mechanism of Government Assistance on Farmers’ Planting Willingness in the Context of Extreme Weather: An Empirical Study Based on the Grain Farmers in Jiangxi Province, China
Authors: Li Yanzhe , Hu Kai , Wu Liping
Published: February 2025

In recent years, with increasing global warming, extreme weather such as high temperatures and droughts has occurred more frequently, with serious impacts on grain production and farmers’ livelihoods. High temperatures and drought can lead to a range of production problems such as water shortages, increased irrigation costs, reduced land fertility, and reductions in grain yields. Ultimately, these problems can inhibit farmers’ willingness to grow grain and threaten regional food security. The government usually takes appropriate assistance measures to compensate for the loss of grain farmers, so as to stimulate the farmers’ incentive to grow grain. Therefore, the influence mechanism of government assistance on farmers’ willingness to grow grain in the context of extreme weather is an issue worth exploring. From the perspective of grain farmers, this paper takes the grain farmers in Jiangxi Province affected by high temperatures and drought in 2022 as the research sample and empirically analyzes the influence mechanism of government assistance on farmers’ willingness to grow grain. In addition, this paper also discusses the heterogeneity of the impact of government assistance on the planting willingness of farmers with different agricultural income ratios and literacy levels. The Ordered Logistic model and mediation effect model were applied in this study. The results of the study show that government assistance can effectively incentivize farmers’ willingness to grow grain, and risk preference has a mediating effect in the process. In addition, government assistance has a stronger incentive effect on the planting willingness of farmers with a high ratio of agricultural income and a high level of literacy. Finally, the paper puts forward corresponding countermeasure suggestions based on the conclusions to help the government formulate more complete risk response policies and establish a more effective risk prevention mechanism. This paper provides a theoretical reference for achieving sustainable development of grain production in the context of extreme weather, which helps to improve the resilience and sustainability of grain production.
Off-Design Analysis of a Small-Scale Axial Turbine in Organic Rankine Cycle
Authors: Lou Zeyu , He Weifeng , Yao Zhaohui , Wang Chen , Su Pengfei , Han Dong
Published: February 2025

Amidst the global energy crisis and progress in clean energy, this study aims to reduce design costs and improve the adaptability of turbines in small ORC systems. It seeks to offer enhanced renewable energy utilization methods for sustainable development. This paper focuses on the performance of an impulse single-stage turbine with partial admission and analyzes it through numerical simulations using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The study investigates critical parameters under design and off-design conditions by varying inlet total pressure and rotor speed. The results indicate that the turbine’s isentropic efficiency and power output at design conditions are 64% and 4.78 kW, respectively. The power output ranges from 4.65 kW to 6.81 kW, and the isentropic efficiency ranges from 57% to 62% under off-design conditions. Both experimental and simulation results show good agreement. Furthermore, the velocity triangles under these conditions conform to those of a pure impulse turbine. These findings demonstrate that the turbine could adapt to different conditions and facilitate the design of ORC systems.
Piranha Foraging Optimization Algorithm with Deep Learning Enabled Fault Detection in Blockchain-Assisted Sustainable IoT Environment
Authors: Assiri Haitham
Published: February 2025

As the acceptance of Internet of Things (IoT) systems quickens, guaranteeing their sustainability and reliability poses an important challenge. Faults in IoT systems can result in resource inefficiency, high energy consumption, reduced security, and operational downtime, obstructing sustainability goals. Thus, blockchain (BC) technology, known for its decentralized and distributed characteristics, can offer significant solutions in IoT networks. BC technology provides several benefits, such as traceability, immutability, confidentiality, tamper proofing, data integrity, and privacy, without utilizing a third party. Recently, several consensus algorithms, including ripple, proof of stake (PoS), proof of work (PoW), and practical Byzantine fault tolerance (PBFT), have been developed to enhance BC efficiency. Combining fault detection algorithms and BC technology can result in a more reliable and secure IoT environment. Thus, this study presents a sustainable BC-Driven Edge Verification with a Consensus Approach-enabled Optimal Deep Learning (BCEVCA-ODL) approach for fault recognition in sustainable IoT environments. The proposed BCEVCA-ODL technique incorporates the merits of the BC, IoT, and DL techniques to enhance IoT networks’ security, trustworthiness, and efficacy. IoT devices have a substantial level of decentralized decision-making capacity in BC technology to achieve a consensus on the accomplishment of intrablock transactions. A stacked sparse autoencoder (SSAE) model is employed to detect faults in IoT networks. Lastly, the Piranha Foraging Optimization Algorithm (PFOA) approach is used for optimum hyperparameter tuning of the SSAE approach, which assists in enhancing the fault recognition rate. A wide range of simulations was accomplished to highlight the efficacy of the BCEVCA-ODL technique. The BCEVCA-ODL technique achieved a superior FDA value of 100% at a fault probability of 0.00, outperforming the other evaluated methods. The proposed work highlights the significance of embedding sustainability into IoT systems, underlining how advanced fault detection can provide environmental and operational benefits. The experimental outcomes pave the way for greener IoT technologies that support global sustainability initiatives.
Synthesis of Granular Free-Binder ZSM-5 Zeolites Using Different Amorphous Aluminosilicates
Authors: Ishkildina Alina Kh. , Travkina Olga S. , Serebrennikov Dmitry V. , Zilberg Rufina A. , Malunov Artur I. , Filippova Nadezhda A. , Kutepov Boris I. , Agliullin Marat R.
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we discuss options for the synthesis of granular free-binder ZSM-5 zeolites using synthetic aluminosilicates prepared by sol-gel technology with organic and inorganic silicon sources. It has been shown that the properties of the amorphous aluminosilicate used to prepare the initial granules influence the crystallization conditions, as well as the morphology and size of the crystals formed from granular ZSM-5 zeolite. The granular free-binder Pt/ZSM-5 with a developed secondary porous structure showed higher activity in the hydrocracking of hexadecane than the granular binder Pt/ZSM-5. At a reaction temperature of 220 °C, the conversion of n-hexadecane in the granular free-binder sample was 59.1%. At the same time, the selectivity for hexadecane isomers was 15.7%.
Investigating the Symmetric Control of a Hydraulic System Based on Status Feedback
Authors: Wen Yuebing , Teng Shuhua , Li Qiang , Tan Jianping , Song Yuwei , Sun Shiyuan
Published: February 2025

Valve-controlled hydraulic systems are widely used in various hydraulic equipment, but their asymmetric characteristics are the most critical factor restricting further improvements in system performance. This paper takes large asymmetric complex hydraulic equipment as the industrial background, and proposes a state feedback-based symmetric switching control method to address the complex control strategy and difficult control accuracy caused by input–output asymmetry and the inconsistent response of asymmetric valve-controlled hydraulic systems. A system state space model is established, and the parameterized expression that satisfies the state space switching-based symmetric control law is solved. Feedback and feedforward links based on state space symmetric switching are designed to transform the asymmetric system into a state space symmetric system. And the research results will be applied to the experimental setup of the 300 MN forging hydraulic press control system. Through simulation verification, under asymmetric PID control conditions, due to the influence of the asymmetric characteristics of the system structure, load, and their coupling relationship, the forward response time is shorter than the unloaded response time, and the overshoot is larger than the unloaded response time. The reverse response time is longer than the unloaded response time, and the overshoot is smaller than the unloaded response time. After symmetric control, the forward and reverse dynamic system characteristic curves completely overlap, proving that the system has achieved symmetric transformation; through experimental verification, under asymmetric PID control conditions, when the proportional valve opening remains constant, changes in the load pressure will cause changes in the load speed. For every 1 MPa increase in the load pressure, the load speed will slow down by about 0.0033 m/s. The load speed of the system after symmetrical control replacement will be much less affected by changes in the load pressure. The simulation and experimental results have shown that this method is expected to solve the key problem of inconsistent dynamic characteristics of complex equipment hydraulic systems in both the forward and reverse directions due to asymmetry, and the inability to ensure control accuracy in both directions using symmetric control strategies. This paper has developed a set of control theories and methods applicable to hydraulic systems with complex asymmetry.
Analyzing the Impact of Information Asymmetry on Strategy Adaptation in Swarm Robotics: A Game-Theoretic Approach
Authors: Sun Yi , Han Ying
Published: February 2025

In dynamic environments characterized by information asymmetry, swarm robots encounter significant challenges in efficiently collaborating to complete tasks. This study investigates the effects of factors such as resource information, shared costs, transmission efficiency, and strategy-switching probabilities arising from uneven information sharing among robots from the perspective of information disparity. A payoff matrix is developed to model the selection between search and exploration strategies under conditions of information asymmetry. Utilizing evolutionary game theory and replicator dynamics, the study analyzes how robots adapt their strategies in response to variations in resource information and shared costs. The findings reveal that the system ultimately evolves toward one of two dominant strategies: search or exploration. Numerical simulations demonstrate that information disparity, shared costs, transmission efficiency, and strategy-switching probabilities collectively drive the transition of robots from a search strategy to an exploration strategy, enabling them to acquire unknown environmental information more effectively and expedite task completion. The results suggest that in environments with balanced information, the system predominantly favors the search strategy to optimize resource utilization. Conversely, in environments with pronounced information asymmetry, the system is more inclined to adopt the exploration strategy, enhancing adaptability to environmental changes and accelerating task completion.
Experimental Study on the Characteristics of Wind-Induced Snow Distribution on Structures with Openings
Authors: Jiang Xintong , Cui Hanbo , Mo Zongyun , Guo Shenghao
Published: February 2025

Under the action of wind, snow particles can accumulate unevenly on and around the surface of a structure, which can affect structural stability. In this study, cuboid-horizontal and cuboid-vertical structures were taken as research objects, and a wind tunnel test method was used to investigate the effect of the size and position (height) of an opening on snow distribution on and around the surface of a single-opening cuboid, as well as the effect of the relative position of a double-opening cuboid. A roughness coefficient (JRC) was used to describe the characteristics of snow cover around the cuboids. The snow distribution on and around the structure was symmetric along the wind direction. Therefore, the test points of Cs on the central axis of the surface and the Cs and JRC on the longitudinal axis were analyzed. The results indicate that the snow depth coefficient (Cs) and JRC of the cuboid-horizontal structure were somewhat negatively correlated with the size of the opening. The Cs and JRC of the cuboid-vertical structure were somewhat negatively correlated with the height of the opening. When the openings were at the windward and leeward sides, the particle depths at the edge of the side elevation and the leeward region were greater and the particle distribution was uneven. The combination of the Cs and JRC can more comprehensively describe the snow distribution characteristics and reflect the symmetric relationship, which provides a theoretical basis for the prediction of snow cover evolution characteristics.
Efficient Parallel Design for Self-Play in Two-Player Zero-Sum Games
Authors: Tang Hongsong , Chen Bo , Liu Yingzhuo , Han Kuoye , Liu Jingqian , Qu Zhaowei
Published: February 2025

Self-play methods have achieved remarkable success in two-player zero-sum games, attaining superhuman performance in many complex game domains. Parallelizing learners is a feasible approach to handle complex games. However, parallelizing learners often leads to the suboptimal exploitation of computational resources, resulting in inefficiencies. This paper introduces the Mixed Hierarchical Oracle (MHO), which is designed to enhance training efficiency and performance in complex two-player zero-sum games. MHO efficiently leverages interaction data among parallelized solvers during the Parallelized Oracle (PO) process, while employing Model Soups (MS) to consolidate fragmented computational resources and Hierarchical Exploration (HE) to balance exploration and exploitation. These carefully designed enhancements for parallelized systems significantly improve the training performance of self-play. Additionally, MiniStar is introduced as an open source environment focused on small-scale combat scenarios, developed to facilitate research in self-play algorithms. The MHO is evaluated on both the AlphaStar888 matrix game and MiniStar environment, and ablation studies further demonstrates its effectiveness in improving the agent’s decision-making capabilities. This work highlight the potential of the MHO to optimize compute resource utilization and improve performance in self-play methods.
Scheduling Optimization of Emergency Resources to Chemical Industrial Parks Based on Improved Bacterial Foraging Optimization
Authors: Yan Xiaohui , Zhang Yukang , Luo Junwei , Zhang Zhicong , Zhang Liangwei , Zhang Zhengmin , Cheng Shi
Published: February 2025

Emergency resource scheduling is a critical facet of disaster management, particularly within the complex environments of chemical parks. A model with multiple disaster sites, multiple rescue sites, and multiple emergency resources was constructed considering the problem of resource scheduling in chemical parks during disasters. The optimization objectives include minimizing the emergency rescuing time and the total scheduling expense. An improved bacterial foraging optimization (IBFO) algorithm was proposed to satisfy these two objectives simultaneously. This algorithm leverages the symmetry inherent in the structure of resource scheduling problems, particularly in balancing the trade-off between local exploitation and global search. The loop structure was enhanced, information interaction between bacteria was incorporated to provide better guidance in the chemotaxis operator, and the migration operator was reconstructed to strengthen the local exploitation in potential optima areas while maintaining global searching capability. The symmetrical nature of the problem allows for more efficient optimization by better exploiting patterns within the solution space. The experimental results show that the IBFO algorithm demonstrates improved convergence accuracy and faster convergence speed compared with the original bacterial foraging optimization, particle swarm optimization, and genetic algorithm. These findings confirm that the IBFO algorithm effectively solves the emergency resource scheduling problem in chemical industry parks by utilizing symmetries to enhance performance.
Spontaneous Brane Formation
Authors: Popov Arkadiy A. , Rubin Sergey G.
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a study of brane formation in six-dimensional space. There is no a priori assumption of the existence of brane(s). However, an analysis of the generalized Einstein equations shows that there is a set of metrics describing two static branes even in the absence of matter fields. At the same time, no one-brane configurations were found. The trapping of massive particles on branes is a consequence of the metric structure, which prevents these particles from moving between branes. It is shown that communication between charged particles on different branes is provided by photons. Such positron–electron annihilation could be studied experimentally at the LHC collider. The Higgs field is distributed between the branes in such a way that it can serve as a Higgs portal connecting two worlds located on different branes. The values of the 4D physical parameters depend on the extra metric structure near the branes. We also found a non-trivial effect of the decompactification of extra space during the Hubble parameter variation.
Thermodynamic Model of a Gas Turbine Considering Atmospheric Conditions and Position of the IGVs
Authors: Boushaki Tarik , Mansouri Kacem
Published: February 2025

Gas turbines are widely used in power generation due to their efficiency, flexibility, and low environmental impact. Modeling, especially in thermodynamics, is crucial for the designer and operator of a gas turbine. An advanced and rigorous thermodynamic model is essential to accurately predict the performance of a gas turbine under on-design operating conditions, off-design or failure. Such models not only improve understanding of internal processes but also optimize performance and reliability in a wide variety of operational scenarios. This article presents the development of a thermodynamic model simulating the off-design performance of a gas turbine. The mathematical relationships established in this model allow for quick calculations while requiring a limited amount of data. Only nominal data are required, and some additional data are needed to calibrate the model on the turbine under study. A key feature of this model is the development of an innovative relationship that allows direct calculation of the mass flow of air entering the turbine and, thus, the performances of the turbine according to atmospheric conditions (such as pressure, temperature, and relative humidity) and the position of the compressor inlet guide vanes (IGV). The results of the simulations, obtained using code implemented in MATLAB (R2014a), demonstrate the efficiency of the model compared to experimental data. Indeed, the model relationships exhibit high determination coefficients (R2 > 0.95) and low root mean square errors (RMSE). Specifically, the simulation results for the air mass flow rate demonstrate a very high determination coefficient (R2 = 0.9796) and a low root mean square error (RMSE = 0.0213).
Development and Characterization of Innovative Nifurtimox Formulations as Therapeutic Alternative for Chagas Disease
Authors: Mazzeti Ana Lia , Gonçalves Karolina Ribeiro , Boasquivis Patrícia Ferreira , Bahia Maria Terezinha , Mosqueira Vanessa Carla Furtado
Published: February 2025

Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, remains a neglected tropical disease with limited and often suboptimal chemotherapeutic treatment options. The WHO recommends nifurtimox (NFX) for treating Chagas disease, which, although it is effective in the early stages of infection, has variable efficacy in the chronic phase and induces adverse effects that frequently compromise the continuity of the treatment. This study focused on the development and characterization of innovative lipid-based self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDSs) and poly(ε-caprolactone) implants containing NFX. The SEDDS formulations modified the NFX release extent and rate. The implant characterization included thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, thermo-optical analysis, and scanning electron microscopy, confirming the low interaction between NFX and the polymer. In vitro assays demonstrated the enhanced anti-T. cruzi activity of the NFX-SEDDS, with minimal cytotoxicity in mammalian cells. In vivo studies using T. cruzi-infected mice revealed that both formulations effectively suppressed parasitemia, achieving cure rates comparable to those of the standard oral NFX treatment. Additionally, the implants showed improved tolerability and sustained efficacy, delivering a prolonged effect equivalent to 40 oral doses. These findings highlight the potential of these innovative NFX formulations as promising alternatives for treating Chagas disease, particularly in the chronic phase, offering improved adherence and comparable efficacy to the existing therapies.
Emerging Arboviral Diseases in Pakistan: Epidemiology and Public Health Implications
Authors: Ammar Muhammad , Moaaz Muhammad , Yue Chaoxiong , Fang Yaohui , Zhang Yanfang , Shen Shu , Deng Fei
Published: February 2025

Arboviruses pose significant public health challenges globally, particularly in Pakistan, where deforestation, climate change, urbanization, inadequate sanitation, and natural disasters have all contributed to the spread of mosquito-borne flavivirus diseases like dengue fever. The lack of a thorough national surveillance system has made it difficult to determine the extent and distribution of these diseases. Concern has been raised by recent outbreaks of West Nile virus (WNV) and chikungunya (CHIKV) epidemics, which may lead to Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreaks in the future. Additionally, hospital-based surveillance has detected the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) in the region. Evidence also points to the presence of additional arboviruses in healthy populations, such as the Karshi virus (KSV), Tamdy virus (TAMV), Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), and severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV). This review aims to address the risk factors linked to these diseases, provide specific policy recommendations for efficient disease prevention and control, and describe the epidemiological trends of these diseases in Pakistan while emphasizing the critical need for improved surveillance and thorough epidemiological investigations.
P23-Specific IgY Significantly Reduces Diarrhea and Oocyst Shedding in Calves Experimentally Infected with Cryptosporidium parvum
Authors: Mira Anabela , Garro Carlos Javier , de Alba Paloma , Monti Demian , Lang Maria Cecilia , Vivas Alejandro , Medina Esteban , Franco Juan Cruz , Gutierrez Álvaro , Schnittger Leonhard , Wigdorovitz Andrés , Parreño Viviana , Bok Marina
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Cryptosporidium parvum is a zoonotic enteroparasite causing severe diarrhea in newborn calves, leading to significant economic losses in dairy and beef farming. This study aimed to evaluate whether C. parvum p23-specific IgY antibodies could control neonatal calf diarrhea caused by C. parvum. Methods: A recombinant immunogen comprising the p23 protein fused to the antigen-presenting cell homing (APCH) molecule was expressed using the baculovirus system. Hens were immunized with the APCH-p23 immunogen, and the resulting IgY was spray-dried for treatment use. Eight newborn calves were included in the study and received commercial colostrum within the first 12 h of life. Four calves were treated with 20 g of powdered egg containing IgY (p23-specific IgY titer of 256 in milk) twice daily for 7 days. The remaining four calves received regular non-supplemented milk. All calves were orally infected with 6 million oocysts and monitored for 21 days. Results: Calves treated with p23-specific IgY exhibited significantly reduced diarrhea duration (3.5 vs. 7.5 days; p = 0.0397) and oocyst shedding duration (6.50 vs. 12 days; p = 0.0089). In addition, the total number of excreted oocysts, as measured by the change of the area under the curve (AUC), was significantly reduced in the treated group (14.25 vs. 33.45; p = 0.0117). Although the onset of diarrhea was delayed (3.5 to 6.5 days post-infection; p = 0.1840), and diarrhea severity was reduced (24.25 to 17 AUC; p = 0.1236), both parameters were not statistically significant. Conclusions: P23-specific IgY antibodies effectively reduced the C. parvum-induced duration of diarrhea in experimentally infected calves. These findings highlight the potential of this passive treatment as a promising strategy for controlling neonatal calf diarrhea.
Promoters and Detractors Identify Virtual Care as “Worlds Better than Nothing”: A Qualitative Study of Participating Veterinarians’ Perception of Virtual Care as a Tool for Providing Access
Authors: Fortin-Choquette Rosalie , Coe Jason B. , Bauman Cathy A. , Teller Lori M.
Published: February 2025

(1) Background: Veterinary virtual care holds the potential to alleviate some barriers to accessing care, yet concerns within the profession exist. Understanding veterinarians’ perspectives and identifying the potential opportunities and challenges that virtual care poses for access to veterinary care are thus needed. (2) Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted virtually with 22 companion-animal veterinarians practicing across Canada and the United States. Interviews were accompanied by an electronic survey, with which a Net Promoter Score (NPS) was calculated for each participant. Using their NPS, participants were categorized as a “promoter” or “detractor”, with respect to their perspective on veterinary virtual care. A thematic analysis was conducted on verbatim transcripts of the interviews. (3) Results: A total of 11 detractors and 11 promoters were interviewed. Four subthemes were identified, including the following: (1) there are limitations to virtual care, (2) virtual care plays a role in access to care, (3) “virtual care is better than no care” and (4) virtual care offers specific value in supplementing in-person care. (4) Conclusion: When no other option for care delivery exists, virtual care was viewed as a way to increase access to veterinary care.
Feline Calicivirus Infection Manipulates Central Carbon Metabolism
Authors: Zhao Guangrong , Zhu Hongwei , Xue Xiu , Zhao Chenpei , Yu Xin , Jiang Linlin , Cong Jingxian , Liu Yang , He Yuanlong , Zhang Jianlong , Zhang Xingxiao
Published: February 2025

Viruses can manipulate the host metabolism to achieve optimal replication conditions, and central carbon metabolism (CCM) pathways are often crucial in determining viral infections. Feline calicivirus (FCV), a diminutive RNA viral agent, induces upper respiratory tract infections in feline hosts, with highly pathogenic strains capable of precipitating systemic infections and subsequent host cell necrosis, thereby presenting a formidable challenge to feline survival and protection. However, the relationship between FCV and host cell central carbon metabolism (CCM) remains unclear, and the precise pathogenic mechanisms of FCV are yet to be elucidated. Upon FCV infection of Crandell-Rees Feline Kidney (CRFK) cells, an enhanced cellular uptake of glucose and glutamine was observed. Metabolomics analyses disclosed pronounced alterations in the central carbon metabolism of the infected cells. FCV infection was found to augment glycolytic activity while sustaining the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle flux, with cellular ATP levels remaining invariant. Concurrently, both glutamine metabolism and the flux of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) were noted to be intensified. The application of various inhibitory agents targeting glycolysis, glutamine metabolism, and the PPP resulted in a significant suppression of FCV proliferation. Experiments involving glucose and glutamine deprivation demonstrated that the absence of either nutrient markedly curtailed FCV replication. Collectively, these findings suggest a critical interplay between central carbon metabolism and FCV proliferation. FCV infection stimulates CRFK cells to augment glucose and glutamine uptake, thereby supplying the necessary metabolic substrates and energy for viral replication. During the infection, glutamine emerges as the primary energy substrate, ensuring ATP production and energy homeostasis, while glucose is predominantly channeled into the pentose phosphate pathway to facilitate nucleotide synthesis.
Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Omega-3 PUFA Enriched Fish Oil During Late-Pregnancy and Lactation on Reproductive Performance, Immune Activity and Fecal Microbiota Composition in Postpartum Sows
Authors: Ge Zihao , An Yalong , Lan Wei , Li Xiao
Published: February 2025

Delayed or failed postpartum estrus can impede the reproductive performance of rebreeding dams. Our study aimed to test whether dietary fish oil can promote estrus return and improve fecal microbiota in multiparous sows. Forty-five sows were randomly allocated into three treatments: a basal diet, or a basal diet plus 30 or 60 g/day of fish oil from gestation day 90 to lactation day 21. Results showed that dietary fish oil significantly elevated circulating DHA in sows, without significant changes in litter size, litter weight, or backfat loss. Supplementation of fish oil (30 or 60 g/day) shortened the interval from weaning to estrus by 1.8 days and 1.67 days, respectively, associated with a significant boost of estradiol. Increases in prolactin and IgA were only significant in the high-dosage group. In addition, plasma MDA and antioxidant activities were up-regulated by fish oil, combined with elevated serum IL-1β and IL-6. Moreover, dietary fish oil significantly reduced serum zonulin, improved the Simpson index of fecal microbiota, and increased the abundance of Lactobacillus and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 genera. In conclusion, dietary omega-3 PUFA-enriched fish oil provides a promising approach to aiding estrus return and reshaping fecal microbiota in post-weaning sows.
The Impact of Short-Term Treated Wastewater Irrigation on Olive Development and Microbial and Chemical Contamination
Authors: Al-Karablieh Nehaya , Al-Elaumi Lina , Al-Karablieh Emad , Tabieh Mohammad , Al-Jaghbir Madi , Jamrah Ahmad , Bubba Massimo Del
Published: February 2025

The use of treated wastewater (TWW) in agriculture is an important technological alternative for decreasing freshwater consumption and improving soil physicochemical and biological properties. The aim of this study was to investigate how the quality of soil and olive plants was affected by irrigation with TWW, surface water (SW), and blended water (BW), using tap water as the control. Several plant growth, chemical, and microbial parameters, namely plant height, trunk diameter, chlorophyll content, pH, total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), metals, salinity, and microbial population were selected for this purpose. The short-term irrigation of olive plants for 3 years with TWW, BW, and SW increased the electrical conductivity, TOC, TN, phosphorus, and potassium in the soil. There were notable differences in plant height and chlorophyll content observed in the third year of the experiment, with the greatest values found for the TWW-irrigated plants. These differences were attributed to the rise in the TOC and TN in the soil, which promoted rapid plant growth. The reduction in microbial contamination during the cold seasons may indicate the natural control of these harmful pathogens. Accordingly, it can be concluded that the blending of TWW with SW can reduce the negative effects of TWW resulting from the accumulation of TOC, TN, and metals.
Hydrodynamic Optimization of Non-Pressurized Tunnel Intersection of Pumped Storage Power Station
Authors: Tian Jing , Xu Peng , Hu Hao , Liang Dongfang , Wang Yu , Shang Yizi
Published: February 2025

The geometry of non-pressurized tunnel intersections governs the hydraulic behavior of the confluence flows, which are critical to the safe operation of pumped storage power stations. To address the issue of water surface levels exceeding the permissible height of the vertical walls at the intersection of the sediment discharge and emptying tunnels close to the lower reservoir of a pumped storage power station, a hydraulic model with a scale of 1:45 was constructed to optimize the intersection design. The optimization process included replacing the straight connection with an arc connection, incorporating an energy dissipation basin into the emptying tunnel, reducing the intersection angle, and increasing the arc radius. During the optimization, the hydraulic behavior of the confluence flow was thoroughly analyzed. This study determined that an arc connection with a 21° intersection angle represented the optimal design. Using the RNG k-ε turbulence model and the volume-of-fluid (VOF) method, a three-dimensional (3D) numerical model was developed to further evaluate the flow patterns, velocity fields, and bottom pressure distributions under both the optimized-design and model-verification conditions. The numerical simulation results, validated against experimental data, exhibited close agreement. The findings demonstrate that the optimized design ensures compliance with specifications, as the maximum water depth no longer exceeds the height of the straight walls. This study offers valuable insights for optimizing tunnel intersections of high-elevation-difference non-pressurized tunnels in pumped storage power stations.
Caracterización y mapeo del ruido ambiental en el casco urbano de Pebas, Loreto, Perú
Authors: Flores Flores Luis Antonio , Seclén Medina Arturo , Bardales Grández Kosseth Marianella , Flores Flores Miguel Ángel , Alva Chirinos Maria Enith
Published: February 2025

La contaminación acústica es un tema de creciente interés en la comunidad científica debido a sus efectos adversos en la salud humana. Se define como cualquier señal sonora no deseada que resulta molesta y cuya exposición prolongada puede afectar el bienestar de las personas, convirtiéndose en un contaminante ambiental. Este estudio se centró como objetivo caracterizar los niveles de ruido y elaborar un mapa del ruido ambiental en el distrito de Pebas, Perú. La investigación adoptó un enfoque cuantitativo, longitudinal y descriptivo, utilizando modelamiento por muestreo para evaluar la contaminación acústica en diferentes áreas urbanas. Los resultados mostraron diferencias significativas en los niveles de ruido: la Zona de Protección Especial registró un promedio de 58.28 dB, mientras que la Zona Residencial tuvo 54.58 dB, y la Zona Comercial alcanzó el nivel más alto con 66.67 dB. Estos niveles superan los límites recomendados por normativas ambientales, lo que plantea preocupaciones serias sobre la salud pública, siendo el tráfico vehicular la principal fuente de ruido identificado.
Biocida macertado de tabaco Nicotiana tabacum, control de pulguiilla epitrix spp. En cultivo de papa
Authors: Tucto Ortega Flor Yenny , Mena Osorio Favio Máximo , Arias Arzapalo Tito Marcial , Sánchez Baldeón Iris , Miranda Anticona Gabriela Rosenda
Published: February 2025

El trabajo de investigación tuvo como objetivo evaluar el efecto del macerado de tabaco en el control de la pulguilla de la papa, la muestra fueron número de pulguillas existentes en el área neta experimental (3.2 m2). Se utilizó el diseño experimental de Bloques Completamente al Azar (DBCA) con 3 repeticiones, 4 tratamientos con 12 unidades experimentales. Las observaciones realizadas fueron: número de pulguilla, porcentaje de daño, grado de daño y peso de tubérculos en kilogramos por área neta experimental que posteriormente se transformó a hectárea. resultados indican el menor número de poblaciones de Epitrix spp. se obtuvieron con el tratamiento T1 con dosis de 4 litros del macerado de tabaco por 20 litros de agua, a 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 y 90 días diferencias estadísticas significativas con el testigo con promedios de 1,63 a 4,17. Testigo de 5,75 a 14,31 pulguillas por planta; el daño a foliolos en promedios fue 4,16 a 18,74% y testigo 10,42 a 59,37. El daño al follaje fueron 1 a 1,87 y testigo de 1,64 a 3,12. el rendimiento por hectárea fueron 32,781.25 kg/ha, conclusions. El mayor promedio de peso de tubérculos y rendimiento estimado por hectárea, fueron de 32,781.25 kg/ha obtenidos con el tratamiento T1 con la dosis de 4 Litros de macerado de tabaco por 20 litros de agua.
Diversidad e inventario de orquídeas de los bosques de neblina: Carpish y La Divisoria, Perú
Authors: Pérez Tarazona Fernando , Guerra Lu José Kalión , Flores Flores Leiwer
Published: February 2025

Los bosques de neblina son ecosistemas únicos que se caracterizan por estar cubiertos de neblina durante gran parte del año, lo que favorece la adaptación de diversas especies, incluyendo una notable cantidad de orquídeas. En particular, las áreas de Carpish y La Divisoria, ubicadas en los ramales de la Cordillera Azul, son especialmente ricas en biodiversidad, aunque su atractivo para la agricultura ha llevado a la fragmentación de estos ecosistemas y a la pérdida de especies. Para evaluar la diversidad biológica en estas zonas, se utilizó una metodología adaptada de Gentry, que consistió en transeptos (cinco parcelas continuas de 2 X 100 m) continuos en diferentes rangos altitudinales. Los resultados mostraron que Carpish tiene un índice de diversidad media según el Índice de Shannon y Weaver, mientras que La Divisoria presenta una diversidad media en varios rangos, pero alta en otros. En total, se registraron 73 especies, siendo Epidendrum sp y Maxillaria sp las más representativas. Estos hallazgos subrayan la importancia de promover medidas de conservación para proteger estas orquídeas.
Produção in vitro de princesas da espécie Plebeia droryana
Authors: Melo Amanda Fonseca de , Arboitte Miguelangelo Ziegler , Andersson Fabiana da Silva , Sartori Ivar Antonio , Duarte Maisa Benedete , Bernhardt Pedro Henrique Peterle
Published: February 2025

Este trabalho tem por objetivo produzir princesas de abelhas da espécie Mirim-droryana (Plebeia droryana Friese 1900) in vitro, para possibilitar maior número de divisões. Os tratamentos foram compostos por doses de alimento larval na quantidade de 2,5; 3; 3,5 e 4 vezes superiores aos observados em células de abelhas operárias. Cada tratamento alimentar foi alocado em 24 células das placas de teste de ELISA, sendo ofertado às larvas de Mirim-droryana, totalizando 96 amostras. As placas com os tratamentos foram mantidas em B.O.D., com umidade e temperatura controladas, até a emergência das abelhas. Após o nascimento, as abelhas foram pesadas, contabilizando-se o número de abelhas nascidas por tratamento. Nasceram 4 abelhas, sendo 3 princesas e 1 zangão, com as massas de 0,0094g, 0,0052g, 0,0050g e 0,0090g, resultando em baixo índice de emergência comparada a técnica aplicada a outras espécies.
Digital Therapy: The Psychological Impact and Potential of Technology in Modern Mental Health Care
Authors: Dhana Sekar C , Parameswari S , Dhanakodieswaravishakan SMP
Published: February 2025

The advent of digital tools in mental health care has revolutionized the way psychological support is delivered.This paper discusses the psychological impact and potential of technology in modern mental care and if CBT, positive psychology, and MBSR can be integrated into digital platforms. Mobile applications, AI-driven chatbots, and teletherapy services bring mental health help closer, more personal, and scalable. They widen the reach of therapeutic treatment in some aspects, make care accessible and democratized, improving self-efficacy and fostering behavior change, but there are challenges in this regard, such as how to maintain the therapeutic alliance in digital contexts, ethical considerations, and limitations on the reach of digital interactions when it comes to in-person therapy. This review shall throw light on the benefits and possible drawbacks of digital mental health solutions, their theoretical underpinnings, clinical applications, and future directions in hybrid care models. Evidence and wisdom garnered from it stipulate the practice to be maintained in evidence-based practice, psychologically managing, and bringing to life the very world in ethics, complexities, and integration into mental health care.
Do trade openness and foreign direct investment affect CO2 emissions in the MENA region? New evidence from a panel ARDL regression
Authors: Mebrek Nacer , Louail Bilal , Riache Siham
Published: February 2025

This study explores the impact of trade openness and foreign direct investment on CO2 emissions in the MENA region, providing new insights through the Panel ARDL regression. It aids policymakers in balancing economic growth and environmental sustainability. The study employs a Panel ARDL regression model to analyse the dynamic relationship between trade openness, FDI, and CO2 emissions. The study finds robust long-run relationships between Trade Openness, FDI, electricity uses and CO2 emissions, while trade openness reduces emissions. Short-run coefficients vary, with electricity use and growth significantly increasing emissions. The Error Correction Term confirms equilibrium restoration, with 23% of deviations corrected annually. FDI-driven industrial activities and fossil fuel reliance are key contributors to emissions, highlighting the need for cleaner energy sources and stricter environmental policies to mitigate climate impact. The findings guide policymakers in balancing economic growth and environmental sustainability, emphasising the need for cleaner industries, stricter regulations, and investment in renewable energy to reduce CO2 emissions in the MENA region. This study adds value by providing new empirical evidence on the dynamic impact of FDI, trade openness, and economic factors on CO2 emissions in the MENA region using the robust Panel ARDL model.
A Validity Study of the Korean version of the Compassion Scale
Authors:   Catholic Institute of Bioethics, Cho Su Jung , Lee Jun Yeon , Park Mi Hyun
Published: February 2025

This study is a methodological study to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Korean version of Compassion Scale. The original Compassion Scale questionnaire consisted of a total of 16 items. This study was conducted with 326 seminarians enrolled in six seminaries. Construct validity was verified through confirmatory factor analysis. Hypotheses testing for construct validity was confirmed through convergent validity, discriminant validity and known group validity. Reliability was verified through internal consistency. In confirmatory factor analysis, two items with low SMC values were deleted. The result of the confirmatory factor analysis of the Korean version of the Compassion Scale provides that the model fit was appropriate. Convergent validity and discriminant validity for Construct validity were confirmed to be at an acceptable level. The Korean version of the Compassion Scale established construct validity for hypothesis testing through the correlation with ethical sensitivity and bioethical awareness. The Compassion Scale had known-group validity. Internal consistency was reliable.
The Korean version of Compassion Scale was confirmed to be a useful and reliable scale for assessing the level of compassion in a general population and is expected to be applicable to various groups. However, as this study's sample consisted only of male participants, further research with an expanded and more diverse sample is recommended.
Kyung Shik Sunwoo as a Practitioner of Spirituality : Focusing on the Spirituality of Charles de Foucauld
Authors:   Catholic Institute of Bioethics, Won Chu Young , Kim Pyeong Man
Published: February 2025

St. Joseph Clinic, established in 1987, set its goal as caring for the poor and destitute in the love of Christ and helping them achieve self-reliance to lead a normal social life. The clinic continues to uphold this mission in the love of Christ. Its sustained commitment to providing medical care for 'the poor' since its inception is closely tied to the life of Sunwoo Kyung Shik as a Practitioner of Spirituality. If spirituality is understood as the comprehensive spirit and way of life of Christ, Sunwoo Kyung Shik particularly followed the spirituality embraced by Charles de Foucauld (1858-1916). This study highlights Sunwoo Kyung Shik's pursuit of Foucauldian spirituality as a way to understand his life. Specifically, it explores how he encountered the spirituality of Charles de Foucauld and examines his embodiment of that spirituality, drawing upon his personal records, interviews with related individuals, and publications by St. Joseph Clinic.
Patient and Public Involvement Model in Healthcare AI Ethics: Based
on Scoping Review and Methodological Reflections
Authors: Kim Junhewk
Published: February 2025

To apply healthcare AI ethics in clinical and research settings, self-regulatory
frameworks emphasize the necessity of external validation. Building on
theoretical discussions that justify patients and the public as key actors in
this validation process, this article conducts a scoping review on patient and
public involvement (PPI) in healthcare AI and proposes a model for their
engagement. A search was conducted in academic databases using the keywords “AI”
and “patient and public involvement.” Out of the 114 studies that were
identified, 16 were selected for review; the selected studies consisted of four
scoping reviews, eight empirical studies, and four theoretical papers. The
review confirmed ongoing discussions on PPI in healthcare AI, but highlighted
the lack of detailed implementation strategies. This article suggests
participatory design, healthcare AI literacy, and citizen science models as
potential approaches for engagement, discussing their possibilities and
limitations.
Substantive and Procedural Methods to Regulate the Risks and Side
Effects of Healthcare AI
Authors: Jang Wook
Published: February 2025

As advances in artificial intelligence (AI) research and development edge closer
to achieving Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), concerns about the risks and
side effects of healthcare AI are growing. In response to these concerns, this
study reviews the regulatory measures proposed in the lead article for this
volume, which are categorized into substantive and procedural approaches to AI
regulation. Special attention is given to the verification entities described in
the procedural approach to critically assess their role in mitigating the risks
or unintended consequences of healthcare AI.