bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vascular Reconstruction of Multiple Renal Arteries—A Risk Factor for Transplant Renal Artery Stenosis: Insight From a Matched Case-Control Study
Authors: Choudhary Devprakash , Vijayvergiya Rajesh , Kishore Kamal , Subramani Vanji Nathan , Banoth Mohan , Reddy Perugu Sai Praneeth , Mandwar Milind , Bamaniya Bharat , Panjathia Arun , Gupta Parul , Patil Shiva Kumar S. , Sethi Jasmine , Gorsi Ujjwal , Singh Sarbpreet , Kenwar Deepesh , Sharma Ashish
Published: November 2024

Transplant Renal Artery Stenosis (TRAS) is the leading vascular complication following kidney transplantation (KT), causing premature allograft loss and increased post-KT mortality. While risk factors for TRAS, such as prolonged cold ischemia time and delayed graft function, are well-documented in deceased donor-KT, the risk factors remain less clearly defined in living donor-KT. This matched case-control study, conducted at a leading national transplant center predominantly performing living donor-KT, evaluated risk factors and long-term outcomes of clinical TRAS (cTRAS). cTRAS cases diagnosed from January 2009 to December 2022 were matched with four control kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) in a study powered to assess whether ex-vivo arterial vascular reconstruction of multiple renal arteries (VR-MRA) increases the risk of cTRAS. Among 2,454 KTs, 28 KTRs (1.14%) were diagnosed with cTRAS around 3.62 ± 1.04 months post-KT, with renal allograft dysfunction (92.86%) as the most common presenting feature. Notably, 27 cTRAS cases were successfully treated with endovascular intervention, yielding favorable outcomes over a 6–180 months follow-up period. The study identified ex-vivo VR-MRA as an independent risk factor for cTRAS (P < 0.001). cTRAS cases receiving timely treatment exhibited long-term outcomes in graft and patient survival similar to control KTRs. Early screening and timely intervention for cTRAS post-KT may improve graft and patient outcomes.
Bus Network Adjustment Pre-Evaluation Based on Biometric Recognition and Travel Spatio-Temporal Deduction
Authors: Wei Qingbo , Zhang Nanfeng , Gao Yuan , Chen Cheng , Wang Li , Yang Jingfeng
Published: November 2024

A critical component of bus network adjustment is the accurate prediction of potential risks, such as the likelihood of complaints from passengers. Traditional simulation methods, however, face limitations in identifying passengers and understanding how their travel patterns may change. To address this issue, a pre-evaluation method has been developed, leveraging the spatial distribution of bus networks and the spatio-temporal behavior of passengers. The method includes stage of travel demand analysis, accessible path set calculation, passenger assignment, and evaluation of key indicators. First, we explore the actual passengers’ origin and destination (OD) stop from bus card (or passenger Code) payment data and biometric recognition data, with the OD as one of the main input parameters. Second, a digital bus network model is constructed to represent the logical and spatial relationships between routes and stops. Upon inputting bus line adjustment parameters, these relationships allow for the precise and automatic identification of the affected areas, as well as the calculation of accessible paths of each OD pair. Third, the factors influencing passengers’ path selection are analyzed, and a predictive model is built to estimate post-adjustment path choices. A genetic algorithm is employed to optimize the model’s weights. Finally, various metrics, such as changes in travel routes and ride times, are analyzed by integrating passenger profiles. The proposed method was tested on the case of the Guangzhou 543 route adjustment. Results show that the accuracy of the number of predicted trips after adjustment is 89.6%, and the predicted flow of each associated bus line is also consistent with the actual situation. The main reason for the error is that the path selection has a certain level of irrationality, which stems from the fact that the proportion of passengers who choose the minimum cost path for direct travel is about 65%, while the proportion of one-transfer passengers is only about 50%. Overall, the proposed algorithm can quantitatively analyze the impact of rigid travel groups, occasional travel groups, elderly groups, and other groups that are prone to making complaints in response to bus line adjustment.
Water Infiltration and Evaporation Process with ATP Addition in Newly Reclaimed Soil
Authors: Kong Linjie , Fan Xiaoman , Li Xinyue , Zhai Biyu , Tian Zhangjie , Hong Yangkai , Jiang Pengbo , Zhang Jiaxin , Wang Juan
Published: November 2024

The newly reclaimed soil is an important reserve land resource, while it faces challenges such as poor water retention and low fertility. Therefore, it requires improvement through the use of soil amendments. Attapulgite (ATP) is abundant in northwest China with excellent properties and can be used as an amendment for newly reclaimed soil. The effects of ATP and its addition rate on infiltration and evaporation characteristics in newly reclaimed soil were studied by experiments and model simulation. Three addition gradients (2%, 4%, and 6%) were set in this study, and no ATP addition was used as a control (CK). The results show that ATP treatment prolonged the infiltration duration, reduced the wetting front migration distance, and reduced the accumulated evaporation. Both the Philip model and the Kostiakov model can accurately describe the infiltration process of newly reclaimed soil with ATP addition; the soil evaporation process can be fitted well with the Rose model. In this study, ATP addition affected both sorptivity and the stable infiltration rate of the reclaimed soil. During the evaporation, the soil evaporation effect was inversely proportional to the addition rates of ATP, and the ATP addition rate at 2% had the best effect on reducing soil evaporation. In summary, the ATP addition was beneficial top soil infiltration and evaporation, thus improving the poor water retention of newly reclaimed land and is a reasonable choice for efficient construction of new reclaimed land.
An Analysis of How Smart Home Product Attributes Influence Older Adults’ Avoidance Psychology: The Sequential Mediation Role of Product Identity and Trust
Authors: Huang Yarong , Li Xinxiang , Ling Shuai , Zheng Can
Published: November 2024

As an effective method of improving the quality of life of older adults, smart home products have seen significant development and increased popularity in recent years. However, studies on the anti-consumption behaviors of older adults regarding these products remain relatively limited. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the avoidance behavior of older adults toward smart home products by investigating product attributes. The study proposes a theoretical model, “product attributes-product Identity-trust-avoidance behavior”, to explore the underlying mechanisms of avoidance behavior from both the psychological and the behavioral perspectives. Based on data from 506 valid questionnaires, the findings reveal that product attributes, product identity, and trust can significantly and negatively impact the avoidance behavior toward smart home products. In addition, product identity and trust play significant mediating and serial mediating roles between product attributes and smart home product avoidance behaviors. These findings provide valuable insights for smart home product manufacturers seeking to understand the avoidance behavior of older adults concerning their products. They also offer valuable guidance on design concepts, marketing strategies, and market formulation, providing new theoretical and practical recommendations for expanding the smart home market for older adults.
Understanding Park Golf Participation Among Older Adults: The Role of Social Support in Health Behavior Through the Lens of the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Kim Dohun , Jeong Yunduk
Published: November 2024

Addressing gaps in the existing research, this study investigates how event image affects attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control (PBC); how attitudes, subjective norms, and PBC impact behavioral intention, applying the theory of planned behavior (TPB) framework; and how social support moderates these variables among older participants in park golf. We gathered data from senior park golf tournament participants and utilized confirmatory factor analysis to validate the measurement scale, assessing factor loadings, average variance extracted (AVE), and construct reliability (CR), while our analysis of Cronbach’s alpha ensured scale reliability. We also employed structural equation modeling with maximum likelihood estimation to analyze the positive relationships and conducted a moderation analysis using Jamovi software. The results indicate the significant effect of event image on attitudes, subjective norms, and PBC, as well as the significant effect of attitudes, subjective norms, and PBC on behavioral intention. Moreover, social support moderates the relationship between subjective norms and behavioral intention.
SWOT-AHP Analysis of BIM Technology Utilization in the Japanese Construction Industry
Authors: Rui Sucheng , Makanae Koji , Fujiu Makoto , Morisaki Yuma
Published: November 2024

Due to its advantages, Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology has been widely accepted and developed globally. BIM is transforming traditional construction methods and enabling the resolution of issues such as labor shortages, overwork, and rising costs, which the Japanese construction industry faces. In Japan, there is an active push to promote the application of BIM technology; however, its widespread adoption is encountering numerous challenges and barriers. Although BIM technology has been applied and developed globally, there is still a lack of systematic analysis on the specific challenges and strategies of its implementation in the Japanese construction industry. This study reviews the literature on the application of BIM worldwide and surveys stakeholders in the Japanese construction industry, examining strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. By integrating Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and SWOT analysis, this research prioritizes these factors, assesses their impact on the diffusion of BIM technology, and provides in-depth analysis and insights for the promotion and development of BIM technology in Japan.
Thermal Performance Analysis and Design Evolution of Ventilated Stone Facades: A Case Study of the Praski Student House (Akademik Praski) in Warsaw
Authors: Sobieraj Janusz , Metelski Dominik , Rosłon Jerzy
Published: November 2024

The rationale for this work arose from the urgency of improving the energy efficiency of buildings at the design stage, given the changing requirements of energy efficiency standards such as the Polish Technical Conditions (WT 2014 and WT 2020). This research is novel as there is currently limited information available on the improvement of the thermal performance of ventilated stone facade systems, although they are now widely used due to their practical and aesthetic advantages. The first objective of this work is to evaluate the thermal performance of the ventilated facades of the Praski Student House (Akademik Praski) and to assess how certain design variations can help achieve a lower level of energy consumption. Using a comprehensive case study approach, this study provides accurate thermal calculations of the facade to assess its global thermal insulation coefficient (Rt) and thermal transmittance (Uc). The improvement in the actual U-value from the original design is as follows: the U-value is reduced from 0.33 originally to 0.228 for WT 2014 and to 0.198 for WT 2020, showing a reduction of about 30.9% and 13.2%, respectively. These results indicate the energy efficiency of increased insulation thickness and optimally oriented air gap dimensions. The practical contributions of this research are valuable for architects, engineers, and contractors involved in the design and construction process of buildings aiming to achieve near-zero energy buildings (nZEBs), including concrete suggestions on how to improve current construction practices as well as material recommendations. There is a need for durability studies, for example to assess the performance of such facades under different climatic conditions, as part of future work to support these findings.
HDAC6 as a Prognostic Factor and Druggable Target in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Cortesi Michela , Bravaccini Sara , Ravaioli Sara , Petracci Elisabetta , Angeli Davide , Tumedei Maria Maddalena , Balzi William , Pirini Francesca , Zanoni Michele , Possanzini Paola , Rocca Andrea , Palleschi Michela , Ulivi Paola , Martinelli Giovanni , Maltoni Roberta
Published: November 2024

Background: Adjuvant trastuzumab is the standard of care for HER2+ breast cancer (BC) patients. However, >50% of patients become resistant. This study aimed at the identification of the molecular factors associated with disease relapse and their further investigation as therapeutically exploitable targets. Methods: Analyses were conducted on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues of the primary tumors of relapsed (cases) and not relapsed (controls) HER2+ BC patients treated with adjuvant trastuzumab. The nCounter Human Breast Cancer Panel 360 was used. Logistic regression and partitioning around medoids were employed to identify the genes associated with disease recurrence. Cytotoxicity experiments using trastuzumab-resistant cell lines and a network pharmacology approach were carried out to investigate drug efficacy. Results: A total of 52 patients (26 relapsed and 26 not relapsed) were analyzed. We found that a higher expression of HDAC6 was significantly associated with an increased risk of recurrence, with an adjusted OR of 3.20 (95% CI 1.38–9.91, p = 0.016). Then, we investigated the cytotoxic activity of the selective HDAC6 inhibitor Nexturastat A (NextA) on HER2+ cell lines, which were both sensitive and trastuzumab-resistant. A sub-cytotoxic concentration of NextA, combined with trastuzumab, showed a synergistic effect on BC cell lines. Finally, using a network pharmacology approach, we identified HSP90AA1 as the putative molecular candidate responsible for the synergism observed in vitro. Conclusions: Our findings encourage the exploration of the role of HDAC6 as a prognostic factor and the combinatorial use of HDAC6 selective inhibitors combined with trastuzumab in HER2+ BC, in particular for those patients experiencing drug resistance.
Sox17 and Other SoxF-Family Proteins Play Key Roles in the Hematopoiesis of Mouse Embryos
Authors: Nobuhisa Ikuo , Melig Gerel , Taga Tetsuya
Published: November 2024

During mouse development, hematopoietic cells first form in the extraembryonic tissue yolk sac. Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which retain their ability to differentiate into hematopoietic cells for a long time, form intra-aortic hematopoietic cell clusters (IAHCs) in the dorsal aorta at midgestation. These IAHCs emerge from the hemogenic endothelium, which is the common progenitor of hematopoietic cells and endothelial cells. HSCs expand in the fetal liver, and finally migrate to the bone marrow (BM) during the peripartum period. IAHCs are absent in the dorsal aorta in mice deficient in transcription factors such as Runx-1, GATA2, and c-Myb that are essential for definitive hematopoiesis. In this review, we focus on the transcription factor Sry-related high mobility group (HMG)-box (Sox) F family of proteins that is known to regulate hematopoiesis in the hemogenic endothelium and IAHCs. The SoxF family is composed of Sox7, Sox17, and Sox18, and they all have the HMG box, which has a DNA-binding ability, and a transcriptional activation domain. Here, we describe the functional and phenotypic properties of SoxF family members, with a particular emphasis on Sox17, which is the most involved in hematopoiesis in the fetal stages considering that enhanced expression of Sox17 in hemogenic endothelial cells and IAHCs leads to the production and maintenance of HSCs. We also discuss SoxF-inducing signaling pathways.
Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Inhibitor Olaparib-Resistant BRCA1-Mutant Ovarian Cancer Cells Demonstrate Differential Sensitivity to PARP Inhibitor Rechallenge
Authors: Shih Chi-Ting , Huang Tzu-Ting , Nair Jayakumar R. , Ibanez Kristen R. , Lee Jung-Min
Published: November 2024

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPis) show cytotoxicity in homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) seen in BRCA-mutant ovarian cancer (OvCa). Despite initial responses, resistance often develops. The reintroduction of different PARPis, such as niraparib or rucaparib, has shown some clinical activity in BRCA mutation-associated OvCa patients with prior olaparib treatment, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To investigate the differential sensitivity to different PARPis, we established an olaparib-resistant BRCA1-mutant OvCa cell line (UWB-OlaJR) by exposing UWB1.289 cells to gradually increasing concentrations of olaparib. UWB-OlaJR exhibited restored HR capability without BRCA1 reversion mutation or increased drug efflux. We examined cell viability, DNA damage, and DNA replication fork dynamics in UWB-OlaJR treated with various PARPis. UWB-OlaJR exhibits varying sensitivity to PARPis, showing cross-resistance to veliparib and talazoparib, and sensitivity with increased cytotoxicity to niraparib and rucaparib. Indeed, DNA fiber assay reveals that niraparib and rucaparib cause higher replication stress than the others. Moreover, S1 nuclease fiber assay shows that niraparib and rucaparib induce greater DNA single-strand gaps than other PARPis, leading to increased DNA damage and cell death. Our study provides novel insights into differential PARPi sensitivity in olaparib-resistant BRCA-mutant OvCa, which requires further investigation of inter-agent differences in large prospective studies.
Simulation Analysis of the Influence of Operating Parameters on the Pressure Profile in the Coating Bead
Authors: Pan Shaofei , Chen Jianneng , Wei Yikun , Wu Chuanyu , Jia Jiangming , Yao Kun
Published: November 2024

In-depth analysis of the pressure profile of coating beads of slot die coating is helpful to better understand the behavior of the flow field in a coating bead and to better obtain a stable coating bead. In this study, ANSYS Fluent 19.2 was used to simulate slot die coating. The simulation results clearly show the influence of various operating parameters on the state of the coating bead and the pressure profile in the coating bead. The results show that the pressure profile can be clearly changed by changing the flow rate, substrate speed, and downstream die lip length. Simultaneously increasing the substrate speed from 0.08 to 0.12 m/s and the average inlet velocity from 0.02672 to 0.04 m/s results in an increase in maximum pressure from 298 to 538 Pa. Increasing only the substrate speed, from 0.12 to 0.16 m/s, causes the maximum pressure to decrease from 538 to 195 Pa. Increasing only the average inlet flow velocity, from 0.027 to 0.04 m/s, leads to an increase in maximum pressure from 167 to 745 Pa. Extending the downstream die lip length from 0.4 mm to 1 mm results in an increase in maximum pressure from 189 to 471 Pa. Reducing the upstream coating gap from 0.3 to 0.1 mm results in significant changes in the pressure profile in the upstream direction. Changing the contact angle can affect the pressure profile in the coating bead, but this is not clear. Changing the coating liquid density at a Reynolds number less than 1.733 has less effect on the pressure profile.
Infill Well Placement Optimization for Polymer Flooding in Offshore Oil Reservoirs via an Improved Archimedes Optimization Algorithm with a Halton Sequence
Authors: Tang Engao , Zhang Jian , Xia Anlong , Jin Yi , Li Lezhong , Chen Jinju , Hu Biqin , Sun Xiaofei
Published: November 2024

Infill drilling is one of the most effective methods of improving the performance of polymer flooding. The difficulties related to infill drilling are determining the optimal numbers and placements of infill wells. In this study, an improved Archimedes optimization algorithm with a Halton sequence (HS-AOA) was proposed to overcome the aforementioned difficulties. First, to optimize infill well placement for polymer flooding, an objective function that considers the economic influence of infill drilling was developed. The novel optimization algorithm (HS-AOA) for infill well placement was subsequently developed by combining the AOA with the Halton sequence. The codes were developed in MATLAB 2023a and connected to a commercial reservoir simulator, Computer Modeling Group (CMG) STARS, Calgary, AB, Canada to carry out infill well placement optimization. Finally, the HS-AOA was compared to the basic AOA to confirm its reliability and then used to optimize the infill well placements for polymer flooding in a typical offshore oil reservoir. The results showed that the introduction of the Halton sequence into the AOA effectively increased the diversity of the initial objects in the AOA and prevented the HS-AOA from becoming trapped in the local optimal solutions. The HS-AOA outperformed the AOA. This approach was effective for optimizing the infill well placement for polymer flooding processes. In addition, infill drilling could effectively and economically improve the polymer flooding performance in offshore oil reservoirs. The net present value (NPV) of the polymer flooding case with infill wells determined by HS-AOA reached USD 3.5 × 108, which was an increase of 7% over that of the polymer flooding case. This study presents an effective method for optimizing infill well placement for polymer flooding processes. It can also serve as a valuable reference for other optimization problems in the petroleum industry, such as joint optimization of well control and placement.
Battery Control for Node Capacity Increase for Electric Vehicle Charging Support
Authors: Ahmad Md Wakil , Lucas Alexandre , Carvalhosa Salvador Moreira Paes
Published: November 2024

The integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into the power grid poses significant challenges and opportunities for energy management systems. This is especially concerning for parking lots or private building condominiums in which refurbishing is not possible or is costly. This paper presents a real-time monitoring approach to EV charging dynamics with battery storage support over a 24 h period. By simulating EV demand, state of charge (SOC), and charging and discharging events, we provide insights into the operational strategies for energy storage systems to ensure maximum charging simultaneity factor through internal power enhancement. The study uses a time-series analysis of EV demand, contrasting it with the battery’s SOC, to dynamically adjust charging and discharging actions within the constraints of the upstream infrastructure capacity. The model incorporates parameters such as maximum power capacity, energy storage capacity, and charging efficiencies, to reflect realistic conditions. Results indicate that real-time SOC monitoring, coupled with adaptive charging strategies, can mitigate peak demands and enhance the system’s responsiveness to fluctuating loads. This paper emphasizes the critical role of real-time data analysis in the effective management of energy resources in existing parking lots and lays the groundwork for developing intelligent grid-supportive frameworks in the context of growing EV adoption.
Installation and Management of Regulation Systems of a Hydroelectric Power Plant with Doubly Fed Induction Generator and Results of a Case Study
Authors: Balbás Francisco Javier , Aranda José Ramón , Rodríguez Cristina
Published: November 2024

Climate change has had an impact on the reduction in river flows in many places, affecting the hydroelectric production of several power plants, and this, together with the reduction in the economic retribution for this type of generation in several countries, has meant a substantial reduction in the income of companies. To offset these economic losses, the aim is to improve production efficiency in hydroelectric power plants. Therefore, it is proposed to innovate, firstly, by using doubly fed asynchronous electrical machines, DFIG; secondly, by using new construction criteria in the power plants; and lastly, by proposing new control and regulation variables. This improves the performance of low-flow water turbines and increases their efficiency. As a practical example, a particular study is presented for the Arenas de Iguña hydroelectric power plant (Hidroiguña) located in Cantabria, Spain, which allows a technical evaluation of the proposed action to be carried out in order to draw the corresponding conclusions.
Operation Data Analysis and Performance Optimization of the Air-Cooled System in a Coal-Fired Power Plant Based on Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Xie Angjun , Xu Gang , Nie Chunming , Chen Heng , Tuerhong Tailaiti
Published: November 2024

Air-cooling technology has been widely used for its water-saving advantage, and the performance of air-cooled condensers (ACC) has an important impact on the operation status of the unit. In this paper, the performance of ACC in a typical coal-fired power plant is optimized by using machine learning (ML) algorithms. Based on the real operation data of the unit, this paper establishes a back pressure optimization model by using back propagation neural network (BPNN), random forest (RF), and genetic algorithm back propagation (GA-BP) methods, respectively, and conducts a comparative analysis of performance optimization and power-saving effect of the three algorithms. The results show that three algorithms offer significant power savings in the low-load section and smaller power savings in the high-load section. Moreover, when the ambient temperature is lower than 10 °C, the power-saving effect of the three algorithms after optimization is not much different; when the ambient temperature is greater than 10 °C, the power-saving effect of the performance optimization of BPNN and RF is significantly better than that of GA-BP. The optimization method has a good effect on improving the performance of ACC.
Spatial Layout and Driving Factors of Forest Therapy Bases in Fujian Province, Southern China
Authors: Wang Ziwei , Chen Bo , Li Changshun , Liu Jinfu , Liu Jurong , Zhuo Qiuping , Huang Peisen , Huang Chaofa , He Zhongsheng
Published: November 2024

In recent years, as civilization and human society have progressed, the potential and innovative capacity of various sectors of forest therapy have increasingly been recognized. However, the landscape of forest therapy is characterized by significant disparities in its distribution and uneven development patterns. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis of the factors influencing the distribution of forest therapy bases is crucial for optimizing the organization and allocation of resources within this industry, thereby promoting the growth of the forest therapy bases. This research delves into the spatial arrangement of forest therapy bases within Fujian Province, southern China. This study employs the nearest neighbor index, geographic concentration index, kernel density index, scale index, spatial autocorrelation analysis, and redundancy analysis to identify the primary factors influencing the geographical distribution of the bases. The study reveals three key findings about the spatial distribution of forest therapy bases in Fujian Province: (1) Centers are predominantly located in Nanping and Sanming, with a development pattern moving eastward and southward from Jianning and Taining in Sanming. (2) An imbalance is evident in the distribution, where areas with higher center concentrations exhibit a stronger spatial autocorrelation, characterized by high-density clusters. (3) Economic and environmental variables substantially affect center placement. At the municipal level, GDP, number of tourists, and forest coverage are significant. Conversely, at the district or county level, determinants include forest coverage, number of primary and secondary school students, forest land area, and GDP. Thus, it is suggested that the selection of bases for future forest therapy and the development of related industries should take into account local economic, environmental, and social factors. It aims to offer a scientific basis for planning forest therapy, potentially spreading its benefits to more areas.
Biomass Production and Nutritional Sustainability in Different Species of African Mahogany
Authors: Gomes Gabriel Soares Lopes , Caldeira Marcos Vinicius Winckler , Gomes Robert , Duarte Victor Braga Rodrigues , Momolli Dione Richer , Faria Júlio Cézar Tannure , Godinho Tiago de Oliveira , Trazzi Paulo André , Sobrinho Laio Silva , Oliveira Neto Silvio Nolasco de , Schumacher Mauro Valdir
Published: November 2024

Wood from reforestation gains market value due to its sustainable and legal origin. Planted forests in Brazil play a crucial role in economic, social and environmental aspects, with Eucalyptus and Pinus dominating the timber sector. However, non-majority species, such as those of the Khaya genus, have attracted great commercial interest due to the quality of their wood, being seen as an alternative to Brazilian mahogany. This study aimed to evaluate the biomass production of Khaya spp. stands and the nutrient uptake impacts in different harvesting scenarios. The research area is in Reserva Natural Vale (RNV) in Sooretama, Espírito Santo state, Brazil. The study was conducted 9.5 years after the planting of the Khaya spp. monoculture at a spacing of five m × five m, and the base fertilization consisted of 150 g of yoorin thermophosphate and 15 g of FTE BR 12 per seedling. The seedlings were of seminal origin, coming from different regions of Brazil and corresponding to three species: Kkaya grandifoliola C.DC (Belém-PA), Khaya ivorensis A. Chev. (Linhares-ES) and Khaya senegalensis A. Juss. (Poranguatu-GO). K. senegalensis exhibited the highest percentage of bark, while K. ivorensis was found to have the highest percentage of leaves. The biomass of the stems and branches did not vary by species. The relative biomass proportions had the following order: branches > stems > bark > leaves. The stocks of Ca and Mg were higher for K. grandifoliola, exceeding those for K. senegalensis (22.1%) for Ca and for K. ivorensis (42.3%) for Mg. The lowest nutrient uptake occurred in the scenario in which only the stem was removed, with averages of 44.17, 10.43, 21.93, 52.59 and 9.97 kg ha−1 for N, P, K, Ca and Mg, respectively. Compared to total biomass harvesting, this represents a reduction in export levels by 91.34% for N, 79.31% for P, 94.66% for K, 94.29% for Ca and 93.28% for Mg. The nutrient uptake assessment demonstrated that more conservative harvest scenarios resulted in lower nutrient losses, indicating the importance of forest management practices that prioritize soil and nutrient conservation. In summary, the findings of this study provide a solid basis for the sustainable management of Khaya spp., highlighting implications for productivity and nutrient dynamics on a small or medium scale.
Optimizing Forest Canopy Height Estimation Through Varied Photon-Counting Characteristic Parameter Analysis, Window Size, and Forest Cover
Authors: Huang Jiapeng , Thilini Madushani Jathun Arachchige , Xia Tingting , Gan Xinran
Published: November 2024

Forests are an important component of the Earth’s ecosystems. Forest canopy height is an important fundamental indicator for quantifying forest ecosystems. The current spaceborne photon-counting Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technique has photon cloud characteristic parameters to estimate forest canopy height, and factors such as the sampling window size have not been quantitatively studied. To better understand the precision for estimating canopy height using spaceborne photon-counting LiDAR ICESat-2/ATLAS (Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite-2/Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System), this study quantified the impact of photon-counting characteristic parameters, sampling window size, and forest cover. Estimation accuracy was evaluated across nine study areas in North America. The findings revealed that when the photon-counting characteristic parameter was set to H70 (70% of canopy height) and the sampling window length was 20 m, the estimation results aligned more closely with the airborne validation data, yielding superior accuracy evaluation indicators with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 4.13 m. Under forest cover of 81%–100%, our algorithms exhibited high estimation accuracy. These study results offer novel perspectives for the application of spaceborne photon-counting LiDAR ICESat-2/ATLAS in forestry.
Litter and Root Removal Modulates Soil Organic Carbon and Labile Carbon Dynamics in Larch Plantation Ecosystems
Authors: Hao Zhenzhen , Li Ping , Le Qilang , He Jiaxin , Ma Junyong
Published: November 2024

Plant detritus plays a crucial role in regulating belowground biogeochemical processes in forest ecosystems, particularly influencing labile carbon (C) dynamics and overall soil C storage. However, the specific mechanisms by which litter and roots affect soil organic carbon (SOC) and its components in plantations remain insufficiently understood. To investigate this, we conducted a detritus input and removal treatment (DIRT) experiment in a Larix principis-rupprechtii Mayr plantation in the Taiyue Mountains, China, in July 2014. The experiment comprised three treatments: root and litter retention (CK), litter removal (LR), and root and litter removal (RLR). Soil samples were collected from depths of 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm during June, August, and October 2015 to evaluate changes in soil pH, water content (SW), SOC, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), readily oxidizable organic carbon (ROC), and microbial biomass carbon (MBC). The removal of litter and roots significantly increased soil pH (p < 0.05), with pH values being 8.84% and 8.55% higher in the LR and RLR treatments, respectively, compared to CK treatment. SOC levels were significantly reduced by 26.10% and 12.47% in the LR and RLR treatments, respectively (p < 0.05). Similarly, DOC and MBC concentrations decreased following litter and root removal, with DOC content in August being 2.5 times lower than in June. Across all treatments and sampling seasons, SOC content was consistently higher in the 0–10 cm depth, exhibiting increases of 35.15% to 39.44% compared to the 10–20 cm depth (p < 0.001). Significant negative correlations were observed between SOC and the ratios of ROC/SOC, pH, DOC/SOC, and MBC/SOC (R = −0.54 to −0.37; p < 0.05). Path analysis indicated that soil pH had a significant direct negative effect on SOC (p < 0.05), with a standardized path coefficient (β) of −0.36, while ROC had a significant direct positive effect on SOC (β = 0.66, p < 0.05). Additionally, pH indirectly affected SOC by significantly influencing ROC (β = −0.69), thereby impacting SOC indirectly. Random forest analysis also confirmed that the ROC/SOC ratio plays a critical role in SOC regulation. This study reveals the complex interactions between litter and root removal and soil C dynamics in larch plantations, identifying soil pH and ROC as crucial regulator of SOC content. However, the short-term duration and focus on shallow soil depths limit our understanding of long-term impacts and deeper soil C storage. Future research should explore these aspects and consider varying climate conditions to enhance the applicability of our findings. These insights provide a scientific foundation for developing effective forest management strategies and forecasting changes in soil C storage in the context of climate change.
Evaluation of Two-Dimensional DBH Estimation Algorithms Using TLS
Authors: Compeán-Aguirre Jorge Luis , López-Serrano Pablito Marcelo , Silván-Cárdenas José Luis , Martínez-García-Moreno Ciro Andrés , Vega-Nieva Daniel José , Corral-Rivas José Javier , Pompa-García Marín
Published: November 2024

Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) has become a vital tool in forestry for accurately measuring tree parameters, such as diameter at breast height (DBH). However, its application in Mexican forests remains underexplored. This study evaluates the performance of five two-dimensional DBH estimation algorithms (Nelder–Mead, least squares, Hough transform, RANSAC, and convex hull) within a temperate Mexican forest and explores their broader applicability across diverse ecosystems, using published point cloud data from various scanning devices. Results indicate that algorithm accuracy is influenced by local factors like point cloud density, occlusion, vegetation, and tree structure. In the Mexican study area, the Nelder–Mead algorithm achieved the highest accuracy (R² = 0.98, RMSE = 1.59 cm, MAPE = 6.12%), closely followed by least squares (R² = 0.98, RMSE = 1.67 cm, MAPE = 6.42%), with different outcomes in other sites. These findings advance DBH estimation methods by highlighting the importance of tailored algorithm selection and environmental considerations, thereby contributing to more accurate and efficient forest management across various landscapes.
Seasonal Long Memory in Retail Sales in the G7 Countries
Authors: Gil-Alana Luis Alberiko , Poza Carlos
Published: November 2024

This article examines the seasonal patterns of retail sales in the G7 nations, a key component of private consumption. Using seasonal fractional integration, we assess whether shocks present a lasting or temporary effect on retail sales trends, considering the high seasonal component. We observe mean reversion in France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the UK, and permanent effects in the cases of Canada and USA. However, these outcomes vary based on the error term model applied. These results offer valuable information for policymakers seeking to boost consumption depending on the seasonal long memory property of the G7 countries.
Insights into Mitochondrial Rearrangements and Selection in Accipitrid Mitogenomes, with New Data on Haliastur indus and Accipiter badius poliopsis
Authors: Sonongbua Jumaporn , Thong Thanyapat , Panthum Thitipong , Budi Trifan , Singchat Worapong , Kraichak Ekaphan , Chaiyes Aingorn , Muangmai Narongrit , Duengkae Prateep , Sitdhibutr Ratiwan , Kasorndorkbua Chaiyan , Srikulnath Kornsorn
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Accipitridae mitogenomes exhibit unique structural variations, including duplicated control regions (CRs) that undergo gradual degeneration into pseudo-CRs, revealing a complex evolutionary landscape. However, annotation of this characteristic in a subset of accipitrid genomes is lacking. Due to the taxonomic diversity of Accipitridae and the presence of understudied species, comprehensive mitogenomic studies are essential. This study sought to expand and investigate the evolutionary characteristics of Accipitridae mitogenomes. Methods: A comparative analysis was conducted using the newly acquired complete mitogenomes of Haliastur indus and Accipiter badius poliopsis along with 22 available accipitrid mitogenomes. Codon usage, selective pressure, phylogenetic relationships, and structural variations were comparatively analyzed. Results: Accipitrid mitogenomes showed a strong AT bias with adenine preference. Most protein-coding genes (PCGs) were under purifying selection except for ND3, which underwent positive selection. The ATP8 gene exhibited relaxed purifying selection on codon usage patterns and showed high genetic variation. Selection for ATP8 and ND3 genes was specific to certain clades of accipitrids. Gene order re-examination revealed both non-degenerate CRs and highly degenerate CR2 fragments in the Accipitridae family. Non-degenerate CRs were found in early diverging species, such as Elanus caeruleus and Pernis ptilorhynchus orientalis, while more recent lineages had highly degenerate CR2 fragments with missing conserved element. Repeat motifs and sequence variations were observed in the functional CR. Conclusions: These findings suggest that ATP8 and ND3 genes reflect metabolic adaptations, while CRs indicate potential diversification of these accipitrid species. This study provides valuable insights into mitochondrial genome evolution within the Accipitridae family.
Identification of SNPs Associated with Drought Resistance in Hybrid Populations of Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.–P. obovata (Ledeb.)
Authors: Vasileva Yulia , Zhulanov Andrei , Chertov Nikita , Sboeva Yana , Boronnikova Svetlana , Pechenkina Victoria , Nechaeva Yulia , Kalendar Ruslan
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: The spruces of the Picea abies–P. obovata complex have a total range that is the most extensive in the world flora of woody conifers. Hybridization between the nominative species has led to the formation of a wide introgression zone, which probably increases the adaptive potential of the entire species complex. This study aimed to search the genes associated with drought resistance, develop primers for the informative loci of these genes, identify and analyze SNPs, and establish the parameters of nucleotide diversity in the studied populations. Methods: The objects of this study were eight natural populations of the spruce complex in the Urals. Nucleotide sequences related to drought resistance spruce genes with pronounced single-nucleotide substitutions were selected, based on which 16 pairs of primers to their loci were developed and tested. Results: Based on the developed primers, six pairs of primers were chosen to identify SNPs and assess the nucleotide diversity of the studied populations. All selected loci were highly polymorphic (6 to 27 SNPs per locus). It was found that the Pic01 locus is the most variable (Hd = 0.947; π = 0.011) and selectively neutral, and the Pic06 locus is the most conservative (Hd = 0.516; π = 0.002) and has the most significant adaptive value. Conclusions: The nucleotide diversity data for the studied populations reveal similar values among the populations and are consistent with the literature data. The discovered SNPs can be used to identify adaptive genetic changes in spruce populations, which is essential for predicting the effects of climate change.
Looks Can Be Deceiving: Diagnostic Power of Exome Sequencing in Debunking 15q11.2 Copy Number Variations
Authors: Meossi Camilla , Carrer Alessia , Ciaccio Claudia , Pezzoli Laura , Pezzani Lidia , Silipigni Rosa Maria , Sciacca Francesca L. , Tenconi Romano , Esposito Silvia , De Laurentiis Arianna , Pantaleoni Chiara , Marchisio Paola , Natacci Federica , D’Arrigo Stefano , Iascone Maria , Milani Donatella
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: The pathogenetic role of 15q11.2 Copy Number Variations (CNVs) remains contentious in the scientific community, as microdeletions and microduplications in this region are linked to neurodevelopmental disorders with variable expressivity. This study aims to explore the diagnostic utility of Exome Sequencing (ES) in a cohort of pediatric patients with 15q11.2 CNVs. Methods: We enrolled 35 probands with 15q11.2 microdeletions or microduplications from two genetic centers between January 2021 and January 2023. Chromosomal Microarray Analysis (CMA) and ES were performed with written consent obtained from all parents. Pathogenic variants were classified according to ACMG guidelines. Results: CMA identified additional pathogenic CNVs in 3 of 35 children (9%). Subsequent ES revealed likely pathogenic or pathogenic variants in 11 of 32 children (34%). Notably, a higher percentage of isolated autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses was observed in patients without other CNVs or point mutations (p = 0.019). Conclusions: The ES analysis provided a diagnostic yield of 34% in this pediatric cohort with 15q11.2 CNVs. While the study does not dismiss the contribution of the CNV to the clinical phenotype, the findings suggest that ES may uncover the underlying causes of neurodevelopmental disorders. Continuous monitoring and further genetic testing are recommended for all 15q11.2 CNV carriers to optimize clinical management and familial counseling.
Economic and Cultural Assessment of the DASH Eating Plan for Low-Income African Americans: An Integrative Review
Authors: White Brandi M. , OoNorasak Kendra , Sesay Nadia A. , Haskins Deidra , Robinson Cayla M.
Published: November 2024

Diet is one modifiable risk factor for hypertension. The low-sodium DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. However, there is a lack of available health information on the economic feasibility and cultural acceptability of DASH for low-income African American (AA) populations who are at the most risk for hypertension. An integrative review was conducted to summarize empirical literature on the economic feasibility and cultural acceptability of the DASH plan for low-income AAs using these databases: PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL Complete, AGRICOLA, Web of Science Core Collection, ProQuest’s Dissertations, Theses Citation Index, and Google Scholar. Study elements from articles in the final analysis were extracted. Eleven (11) published works met the study’s inclusion criteria. Major themes were the availability and access of healthy foods, economic impact of obtaining healthy foods, material resources for cooking, food literacy, and the cultural acceptability of the DASH plan. These findings suggest that cost and cultural familiarity inhibit low-income AAs from benefiting from the DASH plan. Additional research is needed to develop and pilot test low-cost, culturally sensitive DASH eating plans for low-income AAs.
Hands-On Gardening in Childcare Centers to Advance Preschool-Age Children’s Fruit and Vegetable Liking in Semi-Arid Climate Zone
Authors: Monsur Muntazar , Mansur Mohaimen , Trina Nazia Afrin , Cosco Nilda
Published: November 2024

Hands-on gardening is linked with healthy eating behaviors, increased outdoor activities, and overall well-being, all contributing factors to preventing obesity. Although these positive associations are widely established for adults and school-aged children, little evidence can be found on how such relationships may extend to early childhood, especially in the preschool years (3–5 years). One recent study conducted in North Carolina (NC) showed that participating in hands-on gardening significantly increased preschoolers’ accurate identification of fruits and vegetables (FV) and FV consumption compared to children who did not participate in hands-on gardening, but no association was found between participation in hands-on gardening and the children’s liking (eating preferences) of FV. FV identification and liking during the early years may lead to lifelong healthy eating behaviors and preferences, making hands-on gardening a critical health intervention in early childhood environments, especially in childcare centers where a majority of the 13 million children in the United States between the ages of 0 and 5 spend most of their waking hours. This research aimed to investigate how hands-on gardening in childcare centers may impact preschoolers’ (3–5 years old) FV knowledge (identification) and liking in a semi-arid climate zone with a high concentration of Hispanic families by conducting experimental research with eight childcare centers and one hundred forty-nine children (n = 149) in Lubbock County, located in West Texas. The findings showed changes in average liking scores are generally positive in the experimental group of children who participated in hands-on gardening (compared to the control non-gardening group), implying an improved liking. The findings indicate that the benefits of hands-on gardening in childcare centers for enhancing healthy eating preferences are evident even in a semi-arid climate zone, where high temperatures and limited rainfall present significant gardening challenges. This research underscores the importance of integrating hands-on gardening into childcare programs, highlighting its potential as an effective obesity prevention strategy not only within the US but also in other regions with similar environmental constraints.