bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Association of Anti-Sm with Osteopontin Related to Cognitive Impairment in a Pristane-Induced Lupus BALB/c Mice Model
Authors: González-Inostroz Daniel , Sandoval-García Flavio , Corona-Meraz Fernanda-Isadora , Vázquez Del Mercado Mónica , Guzmán-Muñiz Jorge , Guzmán-Ornelas Milton Omar , Castañeda-Arellano Rolando , Bañuelos-Pineda Jacinto , Peña-Nava Miguel , Martín-Márquez Beatriz-Teresita
Published: December 2024

The BALB/c model of pristane-induced lupus (PIL) exhibits cognitive impairment features resembling neuropsychiatric lupus (NPLSE). Osteopontin (OPN) is associated with disease activity in SLE; however, its involvement in NPLSE is not yet entirely determined. Our study aims to elucidate the contribution of full-length OPN (OPN-FL) plasma expression, OPN N-half, and Spp1 to cognitive impairment in the PIL mice model. A total of 76 female BALB/c mice were divided into pristane (P), pristane plus lipopolysaccharide (P plus LPS) and control (C) groups. In behavioral tests, the P group showed cognitive and visuospatial memory impairment. Elevated plasma OPN FL levels were found in P compared to C groups (177.7 ± 90.1 vs. 105.9 ± 56.8 ng/mL, p = 0.009) and OPN N-half was different between P and C groups (673.5 ± 144.6 vs. 624.5 ± 377.7 ng/mL, p = 0.028) and P plus LPS and C groups (624.5 ± 377.7 vs. 381.4 ± 205.0 ng/mL, p = 0.001). Anti-Sm correlated with OPN-FL (r = 0.269, p = 0.0150). The relative expression of Spp1 in the brain was 2.5 and 2.7-fold higher in P and P plus LPS groups, respectively. The evidence suggests that OPN is related to cognitive impairment in PIL mice and might play a relevant role in the detrimental neurological conditions of NPSLE.
Melatonin-Mediated Modulation of Grapevine Resistance Physiology, Endogenous Hormonal Dynamics, and Fruit Quality Under Varying Irrigation Amounts
Authors: Chen Yajuan , Yang Jiangshan , Shao Zhang , Dai Zibo , Li Dou
Published: December 2024

Grapevine, as a globally significant economic fruit tree, is highly sensitive to water stress, which not only damages its growth but also affects the formation of fruit quality. Melatonin (MT), acting as a signaling molecule, plays a crucial role in plant stress responses. However, the regulatory mechanisms of MT on grape leaf physiological characteristics and fruit quality under different irrigation amounts have not been fully elucidated. In this experiment, grape leaves were treated with a 150 μmol·L−1 MT solution at 0, 30, 60, and 90 days after flowering under different irrigation amounts (360, 300, 240, and 180 mm). It was found that MT significantly increased the contents of osmotic adjustment substances in leaves, reduced the level of reactive oxygen species, enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and promoted the metabolism of the ascorbic acid–glutathione cycle, thereby improving the antioxidant capacity of grapes and effectively alleviating the damage caused by a water deficit. At the same time, MT also maintains the dynamic balance of endogenous hormones by upregulating and downregulating the expression levels of related genes, thereby improving fruit quality. In summary, this study reveals the potential application value of MT in enhancing the drought resistance and fruit quality of grapes.
Neuroprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Dimethyl Fumarate, Monomethyl Fumarate, and Cannabidiol in Neurons and Microglia
Authors: Sánchez-Sanz Alicia , Coronado-Albi María José , Muñoz-Viana Rafael , García-Merino Antonio , Sánchez-López Antonio J.
Published: December 2024

Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is an immunomodulatory treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) that can cross the blood–brain barrier, presenting neuroprotective potential. Its mechanism of action is not fully understood, and there is a need to characterize whether DMF or its bioactive metabolite monomethyl fumarate (MMF) exerts neuroprotective properties. Moreover, the combination of adjuvant agents such as cannabidiol (CBD) could be relevant to enhance neuroprotection. The aim of this study was to compare the neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects of DMF, MMF, and CBD in neurons and microglia in vitro. We found that DMF and CBD, but not MMF, activated the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway in neurons. Similarly, only DMF and CBD, but not MMF, prevented the LPS-induced activation of the inflammatory pathway NF-kB in microglia. Additionally, the three drugs inhibited the production of nitric oxide in microglia and protected neurons against apoptosis. Transcriptomically, DMF modulated a greater number of inflammatory and Nrf2-related genes compared to MMF and CBD in both neurons and microglia. Our results show that DMF and MMF, despite being structurally related, present differences in their mechanisms of action that could be relevant for the achievement of neuroprotection in MS patients. Additionally, CBD shows potential as a neuroprotective agent.
Plasma Cells as the Key Players of IVF Failure? Unlocking the Enigma of Infertility and In Vitro Fertilization Failure in the Light of Uterine Inflammation
Authors: Dwojak Ewa , Mroczek Magdalena , Dworacki Grzegorz , Dobosz Paula , Ślubowska Antonina , Stępień Maria , Borowczyk Martyna , Filipczyńska Izabela , Tomaszewska Agata , Ałtyn Rafał , Chowaniec Hanna
Published: December 2024

There is an interplay between plasma cells, endometritis, and infertility, particularly in the context of in vitro fertilization (IVF) failure. This narrative literature review explains the pathophysiology of endometritis, detailing the involvement of various immune cells, cytokines, and chemokines in the regulation of inflammatory responses within the uterine endometrium. Here, we discuss the physiological role of plasma cells in immunity and their detection as markers of chronic endometritis, a disease associated with reproductive disorders. Our study also highlights the importance of CD138 immunohistochemical staining in the diagnosis of chronic endometritis, emphasizing the presence of plasma cells in endometrial tissue and its association with infertility and recurrent implantation failure. Of particular interest are the proposed diagnostic criteria for chronic endometritis based on the presence of plasma cells and studies that suggest a threshold for diagnosing this condition. We highlight the importance of examining the regenerative potential of endometrial stem cells in the treatment of infertility related to endometrial disorders.
Genome–Wide Transcriptional Profiling and Functional Analysis Reveal That OsPHT4;4 Is Critical for the Growth and Development of Rice
Authors: Li Siyuan , Xu Ruiyao , Qiao Yaru , Zhong Yanglin , He Xu , Zhang Zhe , Tian Shiqi , Yang Xue , Wu Lei , Lu Tiancheng
Published: December 2024

Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient required for various vital processes in crop growth and development, including signal transduction, CO2 fixation, and photosynthetic phosphorylation. Phosphate transporters (PHTs) in plants play critical roles in the uptake, distribution, and internal transport of Phosphate (Pi). Among these transporters, the PHT4 family is widely distributed across plant species; however, the specific functions of many members within this family remain to be fully elucidated. This study focuses on unraveling the function of OsPHT4;4 in Pi utilization and photoprotection. The findings demonstrate that OsPHT4;4 acts as a low-affinity Pi transporter localized to the chloroplast membrane and reveal predominant expression of OsPHT4;4 in leaves, with peak expression during tillering and clear induction by light, exhibiting circadian rhythmicity. The ospht4;4 mutants display stunted growth. Transcriptomic analysis comparing ospht4;4 mutants and wild-types (WT) identified 1482 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 729 upregulated genes and 753 downregulated genes. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis reveals enrichment DEGs related to photosynthesis–antenna proteins, carbohydrate metabolism, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. These findings suggest that OsPHT4;4 plays crucial roles not only in photosynthesis but also in plant defense as an integral component involved in Pi metabolism.
Advancing Author Gender Identification in Modern Standard Arabic with Innovative Deep Learning and Textual Feature Techniques
Authors: Himdi Hanen , Shaalan Khaled
Published: December 2024

Author Gender Identification (AGI) is an extensively studied subject owing to its significance in several domains, such as security and marketing. Recognizing an author’s gender may assist marketers in segmenting consumers more effectively and crafting tailored content that aligns with a gender’s preferences. Also, in cybersecurity, identifying an author’s gender might aid in detecting phishing attempts where hackers could imitate individuals of a specific gender. Although studies in Arabic have mostly concentrated on written dialects, such as tweets, there is a paucity of studies addressing Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) in journalistic genres. To address the AGI issue, this work combines the beneficial properties of natural language processing with cutting-edge deep learning methods. Firstly, we propose a large 8k MSA article dataset composed of various columns sourced from news platforms, labeled with each author’s gender. Moreover, we extract and analyze textual features that may be beneficial in identifying gender-related cues through their writings, focusing on semantics and syntax linguistics. Furthermore, we probe several innovative deep learning models, namely, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), LSTM, Bidirectional LSTM (BiLSTM), and Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT). Beyond that, a novel enhanced BERT model is proposed by incorporating gender-specific textual features. Through various experiments, the results underscore the potential of both BERT and the textual features, resulting in a 91% accuracy for the enhanced BERT model and a range of accuracy from 80% to 90% accuracy for deep learning models. We also employ these features for AGI in informal, dialectal text, with the enhanced BERT model reaching 68.7% accuracy. This demonstrates that these gender-specific textual features are conducive to AGI across MSA and dialectal texts.
Impact of Robot Size and Number on Human–Robot Persuasion
Authors: Alam Abeer , Lwin Michael , Khan Aila , Mubin Omar
Published: December 2024

Technological progress has seamlessly integrated digital assistants into our everyday lives, sparking an interest in social robots that communicate through both verbal and non-verbal means. The potential of these robots to influence human behaviour and attitudes holds significant implications for fields such as healthcare, marketing, and promoting sustainability. This study investigates how the design and behavioural aspects of social robots affect their ability to persuade, drawing on principles from human interaction to enhance the quality of human–robot interactions. Conducted in three stages, the experiments involved 73 participants, offering a comprehensive view of human responses to robotic persuasion. Surprisingly, the findings reveal that individuals tend to be more receptive to a single robot than to groups of robots. Nao was identified as more effective and capable of persuasion than Pepper. This study shows that successful persuasion by robots depends on social influence, the robot’s appearance, and people’s past experiences with technology.
Dynamic Alterations of the Intestinal Microbiota of Fifth-Instar Silkworms (Bombyx mori) Fed an Artificial Diet or Mulberry Leaves
Authors: Chen Chuanjie , Li Meng , Li Feng , Liang Xiaoyan , Zhang Haiyang , Gu Yinyu , Guo Guang
Published: December 2024

Intestinal microbes are known to impact the growth and development of insects. However, there are few reports on the intestinal microbiota of silkworms (Bombyx mori). The present study used Illumina 16S rRNA gene sequencing to investigate the changes over time in the intestinal bacteriome of fifth-instar silkworms fed mulberry leaf (MB) or artificial diet (AD). The results showed that the intestinal microbiota richness was significantly higher, before the 4th day of the fifth instar, in the silkworms fed AD rather than MB, while the richness was consistent between the AD and MB groups directly before cocooning. Proteobacteria was the most dominant phylum in MBs, AD, and the silkworm intestinal bacteriome, regardless of sex, feed type, or date, except that Firmicutes was the most dominant phylum for females on the 6th day of the fifth instar. Acinetobacter was the dominant genus in silkworms fed MB, while Enterococcus was the dominant genus in silkworms fed AD. Only 3.62% of the intestinal microbiota of silkworms fed MB was derived from MB, while 13.71% of the intestinal microbiota of silkworms fed AD was derived from AD. Thus, both bacterial communities were dominated by bacteria of unknown origin (non-feed sources). In the correlation network analysis, the silkworms fed AD appeared to have more complex interactions than the silkworms fed MB. Proteobacteria was the phylum most closely related to silkworm cocoon quality and feeding efficiency. Pantoea was the genera most closely related to cocoon quality and silkworm feeding efficiency in silkworms fed MB. AD had a significant impact on the predicted functions of the intestinal microbiota. There were significant differences in all six KEGG level 1 functions and all BugBase (except for Gram_Positive) phenotypes between silkworms fed AD or MB. The BugBase “Aerobic” phenotype was significantly higher in females compared to males, in both the AD and MB groups, while the “Oxidative_Stress_Tolerant” phenotype was the opposite. Overall, the findings suggest that the diversity, community structure, and predicted functions of intestinal bacteria in silkworms were significantly influenced by feed type. The study provides insights into the complex silkworm intestinal bacterial diversity and a foundation for probiotic screening.
Assessing Key Factors Influencing Successful Resuscitation Outcomes in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA)
Authors: Ichim Cristian , Pavel Vlad , Mester Patricia , Schmid Stephan , Todor Samuel Bogdan , Stoia Oana , Anderco Paula , Kandulski Arne , Müller Martina , Heumann Philipp , Boicean Adrian
Published: December 2024

Background: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a critical health issue with survival influenced by multiple factors. This study analyzed resuscitation outcomes at the County Clinical Emergency Hospital of Sibiu, Romania, during pre-COVID-19 and pandemic periods. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 508 OHCA patients (2017–2020) assessed the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) as the primary endpoint. Statistical methods included decision tree analysis, logistic regression and ROC curve analysis to evaluate the predictive value of adrenaline dose and patient factors. Results: The mortality rate was 68.7%, with non-shockable rhythms predominant among fatalities. Rural patients, though younger, had lower ROSC rates than urban counterparts. Logistic regression showed that lower adrenaline doses (≤4 mg, OR 11.835 [95% CI: 6.726–20.27]; 4–6 mg, OR 2.990 [95% CI: 1.773–5.042]) were associated with better ROSC outcomes. Conclusions: A multivariable model (AUC = 0.773) incorporating demographics and pandemic status outperformed adrenaline dose alone (AUC = 0.711).
The Prevalence of Comorbidities in Individuals with Periodontitis in a Private Periodontal Referral Practice
Authors: Beukers Nicky G. F. M. , Loos Bruno G. , van der Heijden Geert J. M. G. , Stamatelou Elena , Angelakis Athanasios , Su Naichuan
Published: December 2024

Objectives: Periodontitis (PD) patients frequently suffer from comorbidities, necessitating increased attention to disease management and monitoring. The aim of this study is to describe the prevalence and patterns of comorbidities among patients with PD in a private periodontal referral practice. Methods: This study involved 3171 adults with PD. Data on demographics, lifestyle, number of teeth, pockets of size ≥ 6 mm, bleeding on probing, periodontal inflammatory surface area, and comorbidities were extracted from electronic patient records. Descriptive and statistical analyses, including t-tests, chi-square tests, cluster analysis, binomial logistic regression analysis, and hypergraph network analysis, were performed. Results: Among this PD population, 47% had a comorbidity, and 20% had multimorbidity (≥2 diseases). Based on the disease patterns, two distinct clusters emerged: Cluster 1 was dominated by respiratory tract conditions (asthma, lung disease, and allergic rhinitis), allergies, and hypothyroidism, while Cluster 2 primarily included cardiometabolic diseases (angina pectoris, hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), and hyperthyroidism). The hypergraph network analysis for those with multimorbidity identified two main groups: (i) pulmonary conditions (lung disease, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and allergies) and (ii) cardiometabolic disorders (hypertension, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular disease, and DM). Hypertension, allergies, and allergic rhinitis showed high centrality, serving as central nodes frequently co-occurring with other diseases. Conclusions: Nearly half of the PD patients in a private periodontal referral practice were found to have comorbidities, primarily clustering into cardiometabolic and respiratory tract diseases. These findings, based on real-world data, should encourage dental professionals to integrate systemic conditions into their care strategies. They could also guide policymakers and practitioners in developing evidence-based approaches to mitigate the reciprocal negative effects of PD and comorbidities.
Combinatorial Effects of Terpene, Chenodeoxycholic Acid, and Ursodeoxycholic Acid on Common Bile Duct Stone Recurrence and Gallbladder Stone Dissolution
Authors: Sung Min Je , Han Sung Yong , Lee Jong Hyun , Kim Tae In , Kim Dong Uk , Kwon Chang-Il , Cho Jae Hee , Choe Jung Wan , Hyun Jong Jin , Yang Jae Kook , Lee Tae Hoon , Lee Jungnam , Jang Sung Ill , Jeong Seok
Published: December 2024

Background: Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) plus UDCA (C&U), and terpene are widely administered to prevent common bile duct (CBD) stone recurrence and dissolve gallbladder (GB) stones. We evaluated and compared the combined effects of these agents on CBD stone recurrence and GB stone resolution. Methods: This study included patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) at six referral centers, retrospectively. A total of 940 patients who underwent cholecystectomy before or after CBD stone removal by ERCP were evaluated to assess CBD stone recurrence (the CBD recurrence cohort), and 98 patients with GB stones were assessed by abdominal or endoscopic ultrasonography before and 6 months after ERCP to evaluate GB stone resolution (GB cohort). Patients were divided into no-medication, single-agent treatment (UDCA, C&U, or terpene), or dual-agent treatment (terpene plus UDCA or C&U) groups for the analysis. Results: In the CBD recurrence cohort, baseline characteristics were similar in the three groups. CBD stone recurrence rates were 41.5%, 12.7%, and 9.8% in the no-medication, single-agent, and dual-agent groups, respectively (p < 0.001), and the recurrence rate was significantly lower for those administered C&U plus terpene (5.2% vs. 13.2%, p = 0.002). In the GB cohort, baseline characteristics were also similar in the groups. GB stone resolution rates of >30% were observed in 5.3%, 14.3%, and 34.8% of patients in the no-medication, single-agent, and dual-agent groups, respectively (p = 0.028). Conclusions: C&U plus terpene was significantly more effective for preventing CBD stone recurrence and achieving GB stone resolution than no medication or single agents.
Low Prostaglandin E2 but High Prostaglandin D2, a Paradoxical Dissociation in Arachidonic Acid Metabolism in Aspirin-Exacerbated Airway Disease: Role of Airway Epithelium
Authors: Picado César , Machado-Carvalho Liliana , Roca-Ferrer Jordi
Published: December 2024

In patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), there is disparate regulation of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin D2 (PGD2). Both prostanoids are synthesised by cyclooxygenase 1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). However, while the basal synthesis of PGE2 tends to decrease, that of PGD2 increases in patients with AERD. Furthermore, both behave differently in response to the inhibitory action of NSAIDs on COX-1: PGE2 levels decrease while PGD2 increases. Increased PGD2 release correlates with nasal, bronchial, and extra-pulmonary symptoms caused by aspirin in AERD. The proposed hypothesis establishes that the answer to this paradoxical dissociation can be found in the airway epithelium. This is based on the observation that reduced COX-2 mRNA and/or protein expression is associated with reduced PGE2 synthesis in cultured fibroblast and epithelial cells from AERD compared to patients with asthma who are aspirin-tolerant and healthy subjects. The low production of PGE2 by the airway epithelium in AERD results in an excessive release of alarmins (TSLP, IL-33), which in turn contributes to activating group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) and PGD2 synthesis by mast cells and eosinophils. Aspirin, by further increasing the diminished PGE2 regulation capacity in AERD, leads to respiratory reactions associated with the surge in PGD2 from mast cells and eosinophils. In summary, the downregulation of COX-2 and the subsequent low production of PGE2 by airway cells account for the apparently paradoxical increased production of PGD2 by mast cells and eosinophils at the baseline and after aspirin provocation in patients with AERD. A better understanding of the role of the airway epithelium would contribute to elucidating the mechanism of AERD.
The Impact of Offshore Wind Farm Construction on Maritime Traffic Complexity: An Empirical Analysis of the Yangtze River Estuary
Authors: Liu Jian , Yu Wenbo , Sui Zhongyi , Zhou Chunhui
Published: December 2024

The rapid growth of offshore wind farms (OWFs) as renewable energy sources has heightened concerns about maritime traffic safety and management in high-density traffic zones. These areas, characterized by complex interactions among diverse ship types and spatial constraints, require advanced situational awareness to prevent collisions and ensure efficient operations. Traditional maritime traffic systems often lack the granularity to assess the multifaceted risks around OWFs. Existing research has explored local traffic patterns and collision risks but lacks comprehensive frameworks for evaluating traffic complexity at both micro and macro levels. This study proposes a new complexity assessment model tailored to OWF areas, integrating micro-level ship interactions and macro-level traffic flow conditions to capture a holistic view of traffic dynamics. Using extensive historical AIS data from the Yangtze River Estuary, the model evaluates the impact of the proposed OWF on existing traffic complexity. The results demonstrate that OWFs increase navigational complexity, particularly in route congestion, course adjustments, and encounter rates between ships. Different ship types and sizes were also found to experience varying levels of impact, with larger ships and tankers facing greater challenges. By providing a quantitative framework for assessing traffic complexity, this research advances the field’s ability to understand and manage the risks associated with OWFs. The findings offer actionable insights for maritime authorities and OWF operators, supporting more effective traffic management strategies that prioritize safety and operational efficiency in high-density maritime areas.
Analysis of Thiodiphenol in Rat Urine as a Biomarker of Exposure to Temephos
Authors: Shih Miao-Ling , López-González Ma. de Lourdes , Uribe-Ramírez Marisela , Rojas-García Aurora Elizabeth , Verdín-Betancourt Francisco Alberto , Sierra-Santoyo Adolfo
Published: December 2024

Temephos is an organophosphorus pesticide widely used as a larvicide in public health campaigns to control vector-borne diseases. Data on the urinary elimination of temephos metabolites are limited, and there is no validated biomarker of exposure for its evaluation. This study aimed to determine the urinary excretion kinetics of temephos and its metabolites in adult male rats. Hence, adult male Wistar rats were administered orally with a single dose of temephos (300 mg/kg). Urine samples were collected at different time intervals after dosing and enzymatically hydrolyzed using β-glucuronidase/sulfatase from H. pomatia. The metabolites were extracted and analyzed by HPLC-DAD. The metabolites detected were 4,4′-thiodiphenol (TDP), 4,4′-sulfinyldiphenol (SIDP), 4,4′-sulfonyldiphenol (SODP), or bisphenol S (BPS), a non-identified metabolite, and only traces of the parent compound. The mean urine concentrations of metabolites were used for kinetic analysis. Urinary levels of TDP were fitted to a two-compartmental model, and its half-lives (t1/2 Elim-U) were 27.8 and 272.1 h for the first and second phases, respectively. The t1/2 Elim-U of BPS was 17.7 h. TDP, the main metabolite of temephos, was eliminated by urine and is specific and stable. Therefore, it may be used as a biomarker of temephos exposure.
How Key Opinion Leaders’ Expertise and Renown Shape Consumer Behavior in Social Commerce: An Analysis Using a Comprehensive Model
Authors: Chen Yu-Heng , Lin I-Kai , Huang Ching-I , Chen Han-Shen
Published: December 2024

The advent of social commerce platforms fueled by the growing commercialization of social media and networking sites represents a significant evolution in e-commerce dynamics. This study investigates the pivotal role of key opinion leaders (KOLs), particularly YouTubers, in shaping consumer purchasing behavior. Recognizing the powerful influence exerted by KOLs, we examined their ability to promote product diffusion through credibility, specialized knowledge, and strategic word-of-mouth campaigns. This study employs a robust theoretical framework that foregrounds the influence of KOLs while integrating critical constructs, such as perceived value and risk, into a comprehensive model. Our empirical analysis, based on data from 411 valid responses, yields the following insights: the expertise and renown of KOLs exert a profound effect on consumer purchase intentions; consumer perceptions of value positively correlate with trust, whereas perceived risk negatively affects it; and trust mediates the relationship between KOL characteristics (popularity and professionalism) and consumers’ relationship strength with purchase intentions. The findings advocate leveraging KOLs’ renown and expertise while mitigating perceived risks to amplify consumer purchase intentions, thus providing actionable strategies for marketers in the burgeoning social commerce landscape.
Current Cadastral Trends—A Literature Review of the Last Decade
Authors: Uşak Burak , Çağdaş Volkan , Kara Abdullah
Published: December 2024

Today, population growth, high urbanization rates, and global agenda issues have led to the intensive use of land and air and water spaces, and cadastral systems that manage the people–land relationship have evolved into a multi-purpose form that supports various land-based activities. This situation has necessitated the modernization of traditional land administration and cadastral systems to manage the people–land relationship effectively. This study conducts a literature review on current cadastral trends emerging from the perspective of modern land administration systems (LASs). A total of 367 studies published in the Web of Science (WoS) database in the last decade on 3D cadastre, technical infrastructure cadastre, maritime cadastre, public law restriction (PLR) cadastre, fit-for-purpose land management, and disaster-sensitive cadastral trends are analyzed. The study aims to analyze the interest of the land administration community in current cadastral trends and present the results. The analysis results show that the most researched trend is 3D cadastre, and the least researched trends are PLRs cadastre and disaster-responsive cadastre. LADM stands out as a widely used framework across the studies.
The Spatial Network Characteristics of the Coupling Coordination Degree Between Pollution and Carbon Reduction and High-Quality Development in the Yangtze River Economic Belt
Authors: Fan Mengjiao , Wang Ying , Ye Sheng , Wei Chao , Xue Zhibin
Published: December 2024

Under the requirements of the “double carbon” goal and the new development concept of high-quality development, the coordinated promotion of pollution, carbon reduction, and high-quality development is significant in promoting the social economy’s comprehensive green transformation. The coupling and coordination degree between pollution, carbon reduction, and high-quality development of 110 cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2010 to 2021 was measured, and the modified gravity model and social network analysis were then employed to assess the spatial network characteristics, patterns, and structure evolution. The results indicated that the coupling and coordination of urban clusters in the Yangtze River Economic Belt showed an increasing pattern, and the spatial arrangement shifted from dispersed to centralized. The spatial linkage strength and potential increased, while the spatial linkage pattern was steady. The direction of spatial connectivity remained consistent, with significant central city orientation and geographical proximity. The overall network structure was characterized by increased network density and an increased number of network links within each urban cluster, while network effectiveness fluctuated and decreased. The predominance of central or developed cities characterized individual network characteristics. This study is of great significance for exploring the coordinated development of pollution reduction, carbon reduction, and high-quality development, providing a theoretical basis for implementing ecological civilization, promoting carbon neutrality, promoting regional coordinated development, and achieving green, low-carbon, and sustainable development.
The Spatiotemporal Organizational Order of Living Circle Units Based on the Law of Walking Time-Distance Distributions
Authors: Zhang Jianming , Cai Jun , Zhang Xinhai , Zhang Wansong
Published: December 2024

The unclear time-distance decay law between supply and demand, which makes it difficult to coordinate their fairness, is a key factor in the disordered spatiotemporal development of supply and demand. In order to advance the standardized renewal of living circles with a people-oriented approach, this paper clarifies the time-distance decay law between supply and demand embedded in residents’ walking time-distance distributions and explores the spatiotemporal organizational order of supply and demand in living circle units aligned with this law. First, 24 sets of walking time-distance distribution data, each showing significant distribution differences, were standardized using a mean-based transformation relative to their own time-distance means, resulting in an observable law of relative time-distance distribution. Subsequently, an explanatory mechanism for the relative time-distance distribution was constructed based on the generation and decay effects of the relative time-distance between standard supply and demand. A functional model was fitted and verified, indicating that the decay law of the relative time-distance follows a negative exponential function with a parameter value of 2.08, and the time-distance threshold has a stable twofold relationship with the time-distance mean. Finally, by drawing an analogy between living circle units and the relative time-distance distribution and taking their standards as the mean time-distance, the study explored the layout relationships among living circle units. The spatiotemporal organizational order for same-level units was characterized by “one form where the time-distance mean and threshold serve as the service radius and influence radius, and another where supply and demand are placed at 0.5 times the time-distance mean inside and outside, respectively”. For different-level units, the order featured “one form where the center of the upper-level spatiotemporal unit is located at the four corners of the lower-level units, with a service radius twice that of the lower-level unit. Another form ensures coordination of service radius differences between upper and lower units through a twofold speed relationship in travel modes, guaranteeing relative fairness in travel time consumption for the same type of supply across different levels”. Additionally, an ideal layout pattern for living circle units was proposed, featuring a “snowflake-shaped” facility layout and a “twice-speed” transfer method. The findings suggest that the 15, 10, and 5 min living circle planning is not merely about the availability of services within their time-distance standards, but about ensuring multifaceted accessibility fairness for residents within these standards.
Establishment of Real-Time PCR Method to Differentiate Phlebotomus sichuanensis (Diptera, Psychodidae) from P. chinensis s.s. Based on Whole Mitochondrial Genome Analysis
Authors: Dong Haowei , Shan Wenqi , Yuan Hao , Zhou Qiuming , Zhong Wenbing , Wumaier Maimaitijiang , Wang Kang , Yang Anjie , Rui Bing , Shi Hua , Chen Huiying , Li Xiangyu , Ma Yajun , Peng Heng
Published: December 2024

Phlebotomus sichuanensis, considered a potential vector for visceral leishmaniasis (VL), is distributed in the southern Gansu and northern Sichuan regions in China. However, the high similarity in the morphology of P. sichuanensis and P. chinensis s.s. poses unresolved taxonomic challenges. In this study, phlebotomine sand flies were collected from three locations in the southern Gansu and northern Sichuan regions (SCB group) and three locations that are the dominant distribution areas of P. chinensis s.s. (ZHB group). Their whole mitochondrial genomes were sequenced and analyzed. The differential analysis revealed that there were 339 fixed differential sites in the mitochondrial genome-coding region of P. chinensis s.s. and P. sichuanensis, among which the COI gene had the most differential sites (57), followed by ND5 (46), ND4 (38), and CYTB (37), while ATP8 had the least differential sites (4). The molecular genetic p-distance was calculated based on 13 protein-coding regions, and the genetic distance ranged from 0.001 to 0.018 in the ZHB group and from 0.001 to 0.006 in the SCB group, while the interspecies molecular genetic distance was 0.464–0.466 between the two groups. A phylogenetic maximum likelihood tree was constructed from 16 samples via tandem sequence of 13 protein-coding regions, and the topology showed that the ZHB and SCB groups formed separate clusters. A real-time PCR method was established based on the differences in the COI fragment, which can identify P. sichuanensis from P. chinensis s.s. effectively. This study presents objective evidence of the genetic differentiation between P. sichuanensis and P. chinensis s.s., and provides a method for identifying these two morphologically highly similar VL-transmitting sandflies.
Impact of Diaphragm-Strengthening Core Training on Postural Stability in High-Intensity Squats
Authors: Seo Hyun , Jeong Guyeol , Chun Buongo
Published: December 2024

This study analyzed the effects of an 8-week diaphragmatic core training program on postural stability during high-intensity squats and examined its efficacy in injury prevention and performance enhancement. Thirty-seven male participants were randomly assigned to three groups: diaphragmatic core training group (DCTG, n = 12), core training group (CTG, n = 13), and control group (CG, n = 12). Outcome measurements included diaphragm thickness, respiratory function (mean and maximal respiratory pressures), and squat postural stability (distance between the sacral and upper body center points, peak trunk extension moment, peak knee flexion moment, and dynamic postural stability index). Compared to both CTG and CG, DCTG demonstrated significantly greater improvements in diaphragm thickness (DCTG: 34.62% increase vs. CTG: 1.36% and CG: 3.62%, p < 0.001), mean respiratory pressure (DCTG: 18.88% vs. CTG: 1.31% and CG: 0.02%, p < 0.001), and maximal respiratory pressure (DCTG: 18.62% vs. CTG: 0.72% and CG: 1.90%, p < 0.001). DCTG also showed superior improvements in postural stability measures, including reductions in the distance between sacral and upper body center points (DCTG: −6.19% vs. CTG: −3.26% and CG: +4.55%, p < 0.05), peak trunk extension moment (DCTG: −15.22% vs. CTG: −5.29% and CG: +19.31%, p < 0.001), and dynamic postural stability index (DCTG: −28.13% vs. CTG: −21.43% and CG: no change, p < 0.001). No significant between-group differences were observed in peak knee flexion moment. Core training incorporating diaphragmatic strengthening was more effective than conventional training in improving postural stability during high-intensity squats. Core training programs, including diaphragmatic strengthening exercises, may contribute to injury prevention and performance enhancement in exercises requiring lumbar stability, such as squats.
Levitation Performance of Radial Film Riding Seals for Gas Turbine Engines
Authors: Mehdi Syed Muntazir , Kim Young Cheol , Kim Eojin
Published: December 2024

Turbomachinery in gas turbines uses seals to control the leakage between regions of high and low pressure, consequently enhancing engine efficiency and performance. A film riding seal hybridizes the advantages of contact and non-contact seals, i.e., low leakage and low friction and wear. The literature focuses on the leakage performance of these seals; however, one of their fundamental characteristics, i.e., the gap between the rotor and seal surface, is scarcely presented. The seal pad levitates due to the deflection of the springs at its back under the influence of hydrodynamic forces. This study develops a test rig to measure the levitation of film riding seals. A high-speed motor rotates the rotor and gap sensors measure the levitation of the seal pads. Measurements are also compared with the predictions from a Reynolds equation-based theoretical model. Tests performed for the increasing rotor speed indicated that, initially, until a certain rotor speed, the pads adjust their position, then rub against the rotor until another rotor speed is reached, before finally starting levitating with further increased rotor speeds. Moreover, both the measured and predicted results show that pads levitated the most when located 90° clockwise from the positive horizontal axis (bottom of seal housing) compared to other circumferential positions.
Microwave Heating and Self-Healing Performance of Asphalt Mixtures Containing Metallic Fibres from Recycled Tyres
Authors: Norambuena-Contreras Jose , Concha Jose L. , Varela María J. , Trigos Laura , Poulikakos Lily , González Alvaro , Arraigada Martín
Published: December 2024

This study investigates how recycled metal fibres from End-of-Life Tyres (ELTs) affect both microwave heating efficiency and crack healing properties in dense asphalt mixtures. The aim is to improve tyre recyclability by using their fibres in asphalt and exploring their self-healing potential with microwave heating. To achieve this, four dense asphalt mixture designs were studied in the laboratory. Each mixture used the same aggregate gradation and bitumen content, but with three different percentages of metallic fibres by binder volume (i.e., 1.5%, 2.5%, and 3.5%), along with an asphalt mixture without fibres serving as a reference material. The microwave heating properties of the asphalt mixtures and their individual components (i.e., aggregates and bitumen) were measured at six different heating times, ranging from 10 to 60 s. Based on the microwave heating results, the cracking and subsequent self-healing properties of the mixtures were evaluated by exposing them to microwave radiation at three heating times: 30, 40, and 50 s. The main results indicated that adding metallic fibres to facilitate microwave heating of the asphalt mixture is unnecessary because healing can be triggered predominately through the aggregates used. Unlike previous studies, it was observed that the healing level of asphalt mixtures, both with and without metallic fibres, increases with the accumulation of crack-healing cycles. Finally, it was determined that the advised microwave heating time for laboratory-sized mixtures, with or without fibres, is 40 s.
Study on the Microstructure and Corrosion Behavior of Dissimilar Aluminum Alloy Welded Joints Formed Using Laser Welding
Authors: Zhang Suojun , Liu Xiaozhen , Cui Shuwan , Li Hongchen , Mo Ganli , Li Hao , Cai Hongfeng
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the evolution mechanisms and electrochemical corrosion behavior of laser-welded joints (WJs) between 6063 and 6082 dissimilar aluminum alloys under varying welding powers. The analysis focused on the microstructure of the weld metal zone (WMZ), its grain boundary (GB) features, and its electrochemical corrosion properties. Data from the experiments indicate that a higher laser power (LP) leads to an increase in grain size within the WMZ. At an LP of 1750 W, the weld surface exhibits the poorest corrosion resistance, while other parameters show a relatively better resistance. Additionally, electron backscatter diffraction tests indicate that the high-angle GB fraction on the 6063-T6 side of the heat-affected zone exhibits a substantially reduced measurement compared to the 6082-T6 side. The corrosion form in the WMZ is intergranular, with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) scans revealing that the poor corrosion resistance is primarily due to the presence of a large amount of Mg2Si phase.
Multi-Objective Optimization Design of Dual-Spindle Component Based on Coupled Thermal–Mechanical–Vibration Collaborative Analysis
Authors: Lin Xiaoliang , Xie Yiming , Deng Xiaolei , Tian Jing , Han Yue , Wang Peng
Published: December 2024

To comprehensively improve the thermal, static and dynamic characteristics and achieve lightweighting for CNC machine tools, this paper proposes a multi-objective joint optimization method based on coupled thermal–mechanical–vibration collaborative analysis. The dual-spindle component of a CNC machine tool is taken as the parameterized model. According to the theories of thermal characteristics, statics, and dynamics, the solution of thermal-mechanical coupling deformation and the solution of vibration characteristics under prestress are repeatedly conducted, that are working collaboratively with each process of parameters sensitivity computing, selection of design variables, central composite design, and multi-objective joint optimization. The response surfaces of the objective functions are established. The optimal parameter combination for improving CNC machine tool performance is effectively obtained. And the multiple objectives of improving the thermal, static and dynamic characteristics, as well as lightweighting, are achieved. The results show that the mass of the optimized component is reduced by 10.1%; the first-order natural frequency is increased by 3.9%; the coupling deformation of the end face of the left spindle seat is reduced by 5.3%; and the coupling deformation of the end face of the right left spindle seat is reduced by 9.0%, while the temperature of the component hardly increases. This indicates that this method can comprehensively improve the performance of CNC machine tool components and provide a reference for the multi-objective joint optimization design of CNC machine tools.
Coordinated Motion Control of Mobile Self-Reconfigurable Robots in Virtual Rigid Framework
Authors: Wei Ruopeng , Liu Yubin , Dong Huijuan , Zhu Yanhe , Zhao Jie
Published: December 2024

This paper presents a control method for the coordinated motion of a mobile self-reconfigurable robotic system. By utilizing a virtual rigid framework, the system ensures that its configuration remains stable and intact, while enabling modular units to collaboratively track the required trajectory and velocity for mobile tasks. The proposed method generates a virtual rigid structure with a specific configuration and introduces an optimized controller with dynamic look-ahead distance and adaptive steering angle. This controller calculates the necessary control parameters for the virtual rigid structure to follow the desired trajectory and speed, providing a unified reference framework for the coordinated movement of the module units. A coordination controller, based on kinematics and adaptive sliding mode control, is developed to enable each module to track the motion of the virtual rigid structure, ensuring the entire robotic system follows the target path while maintaining an accurate configuration. Extensive simulations and experiments under various configurations, robot numbers, and environmental conditions demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method. This approach shows strong potential for applications in smart factories, particularly in material transport and assembly line supply.
Recent Advances in Creep Modelling Using the θ Projection Method
Authors: Harrison William
Published: December 2024

The theta projection method has been used to predict uniaxial creep curve shapes for a wide range of materials. However, one of the criticisms of the existing method is that the multilinear approach, commonly used to correlate theta parameters to applied test conditions, does not extrapolate well over a full range of creep conditions, due to not accounting for changes in creep mechanisms. This is particularly important for evaluating the creep behaviour of structural engineering components that operate in an environment in which a wide range of stress and/or temperatures exist during their service life. This study uses the theta projection method to evaluate creep curves for the nickel-based superalloy, Waspaloy, over a range of test conditions, considering changes in observed dominant creep mechanisms. A clear break in the trend of θ3 and θ4 with respect to stress is observed, indicating that a change in mechanism is important for tertiary creep. Using a power law approach along with optimisation algorithms, the residual error between predicted and experimentally observed creep curves is reduced. With more accurate prediction of creep curves, creep rates throughout the duration of creep can be more accurately calculated, providing the basis of more accurate computational creep models.