bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NaOH-Enhanced Wet Air Oxidation of Municipal Sludge for High-Quality Carbon Source Production
Authors: Fang Kaiyu , Tong Yang , Yao Guodong , Zhu Ningzheng , Jin Limin , Zhou Yangyuan , Zhao Jianfu
Published: January 2025

Many volatile fatty acids (VFAs) are produced after wet air oxidation, which could be a potential carbon source. In this study, we investigated the impact of NaOH on the removal of hazardous organics and the changes in the produced carbon source. The total and soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) removal rates decreased to 47.9% and 55.3% with 51.6% NaOH addition. The removal rates of total suspended solids (82–85%) and volatile suspended solids (97–99%) remained stable under all conditions. Additionally, the concentrations of acetic acid and isovaleric acid increased with a high pH value. Fluorescent substances closely related to aromatic protein and fulvic acid-like substances were identified and degraded significantly with the addition of NaOH. Moreover, 41.3% NaOH addition (initial pH 13.0) could yield a VFAs/SCOD ratio of 30.5%, demonstrating the good biocompatibility of the carbon source. The effect of the nitrogen element was also considered, with the ratio of the 5-day biological oxygen demand to the total nitrogen being 7.2, indicating that the oxidation solution could provide an abundant carbon source. Thus, the sludge-derived carbon source is suitable to supply biological treatment units for municipal wastewater.
Machine Learning-Based Model for Prediction of Elastic Modulus of Calcium Hydroxide in Oil Well Cement Under High-Temperature High-Pressure Conditions
Authors: Zhang Ziwei , Huang Sheng , Li Zaoyuan , Wang Li , Shi Yue , Luo Qianmei
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between the key factors and the output results, and to determine the feasible prediction method of the elastic modulus of calcium hydroxide in oil well cement. Combining the first-principles calculation method with machine learning, Material Studio (MS) was used to simulate calcium hydroxide at different temperatures and pressures, obtain the microstructure parameters of the mechanical properties of calcium hydroxide, and construct the initial data set. At the same time, the random forest feature importance analysis method is used to screen the input parameters, remove the weak correlation variables, and reduce the complexity of the prediction model. On this basis, three prediction models, the BP neural network (BP), radial product function neural network (RBF), and random forest model (RF), are constructed. The hidden layer of the prediction model was adjusted by orthogonal test. The results of different performance evaluation methods are compared, the regression ability of each model is evaluated comprehensively, and the optimal algorithm model is selected. The results show that the determination coefficient of the RBF model is 0.9988, the root mean square error is 0.04331, the average absolute error is 0.02995, the mean square error is 0.01876, and the prediction ability is the best. This method can be used to predict the elastic modulus of calcium hydroxide and provide a reliable method for predicting the elastic modulus of each phase of oil well cement.
Compensating the Symptomatic Increase in Plantarflexion Torque and Mechanical Work for Dorsiflexion in Patients with Spastic Paresis Using the “Hermes” Ankle–Foot Orthosis
Authors: Hernandez Karen E. Rodriguez , de Groot Jurriaan H. , Grootendorst-Heemskerk Eveline R. M. , Baas Frank , Stijntjes Marjon , Schiemanck Sven K. , van der Helm Frans C. T. , van der Kooij Herman , Mugge Winfred
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: “Hermes” is an ankle–foot orthosis (AFO) with negative stiffness designed to mechanically compensate the symptomatic increase in plantarflexion (PF) torque (i.e., ankle joint torque resistance to dorsiflexion, DF) in patients with spastic paresis. Methods: The effectiveness of “Hermes” was evaluated in twelve patients with chronic unilateral spastic paresis after stroke. Using a robotic ankle manipulator, stiffness at the ankle joint was assessed across three conditions: ankle without Hermes (A), ankle with Hermes applying no torque compensation (A+H0%), and ankle with Hermes tuned to compensate 100% of the patients’ ankle joint stiffness (A+H100%). Results: A significant reduction in PF torque was found with Hermes applying compensation (A+H100%) compared to the conditions without Hermes (A) and with Hermes applying no compensation (A+H0%). Furthermore, a significant reduction in positive dorsiflexion work was found with Hermes applying compensation (A+H100%) compared to the condition with Hermes applying no compensation (A+H0%). Hermes did not significantly contribute to additional PF torque or positive work when applying no compensation (A+H0%). Conclusions: The reductions in PF torque achieved with Hermes are comparable to those seen with repeated ankle stretching programs and ankle robot training. Thus, Hermes is expected to assist voluntary dorsiflexion and improve walking in patients with spastic paresis.
RST-DeepLabv3+: Multi-Scale Attention for Tailings Pond Identification with DeepLab
Authors: Feng Xiangrui , Wei Caiyong , Xue Xiaojing , Zhang Qian , Liu Xiangnan
Published: January 2025

Tailing ponds are used to store tailings or industrial waste discharged after beneficiation. Identifying these ponds in advance can help prevent pollution incidents and reduce their harmful impacts on ecosystems. Tailing ponds are traditionally identified via manual inspection, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Therefore, tailing pond identification based on computer vision is of practical significance for environmental protection and safety. In the context of identifying tailings ponds in remote sensing, a significant challenge arises due to high-resolution images, which capture extensive feature details—such as shape, location, and texture—complicated by the mixing of tailings with other waste materials. This results in substantial intra-class variance and limited inter-class variance, making accurate recognition more difficult. Therefore, to monitor tailing ponds, this study utilized an improved version of DeepLabv3+, which is a widely recognized deep learning model for semantic segmentation. We introduced the multi-scale attention modules, ResNeSt and SENet, into the DeepLabv3+ encoder. The split-attention module in ResNeSt captures multi-scale information when processing multiple sets of feature maps, while the SENet module focuses on channel attention, improving the model’s ability to distinguish tailings ponds from other materials in images. Additionally, the tailing pond semantic segmentation dataset NX-TPSet was established based on the Gauge-Fractional-6 image. The ablation experiments show that the recognition accuracy (intersection and integration ratio, IOU) of the RST-DeepLabV3+ model was improved by 1.19% to 93.48% over DeepLabV3+.The multi-attention module enables the model to integrate multi-scale features more effectively, which not only improves segmentation accuracy but also directly contributes to more reliable and efficient monitoring of tailings ponds. The proposed approach achieves top performance on two benchmark datasets, NX-TPSet and TPSet, demonstrating its effectiveness as a practical and superior method for real-world tailing pond identification.
Challenges and Opportunities in Remote Sensing-Based Fuel Load Estimation for Wildfire Behavior and Management: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Abdollahi Arnick , Yebra Marta
Published: January 2025

Fuel load is a crucial input in wildfire behavior models and a key parameter for the assessment of fire severity, fire flame length, and fuel consumption. Therefore, wildfire managers will benefit from accurate predictions of the spatiotemporal distribution of fuel load to inform strategic approaches to mitigate or prevent large-scale wildfires and respond to such incidents. Field surveys for fuel load assessment are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and as such, cannot be repeated frequently across large territories. On the contrary, remote-sensing sensors quantify fuel load in near-real time and at not only local but also regional or global scales. We reviewed the literature of the applications of remote sensing in fuel load estimation over a 12-year period, highlighting the capabilities and limitations of different remote-sensing sensors and technologies. While inherent technological constraints currently hinder optimal fuel load mapping using remote sensing, recent and anticipated developments in remote-sensing technology promise to enhance these capabilities significantly. The integration of remote-sensing technologies, along with derived products and advanced machine-learning algorithms, shows potential for enhancing fuel load predictions. Also, upcoming research initiatives aim to advance current methodologies by combining photogrammetry and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) to accurately map fuel loads at sub-meter scales. However, challenges persist in securing data for algorithm calibration and validation and in achieving the desired accuracies for surface fuels.
Spatial and Temporal Variations in Soil Organic Carbon in Northwestern China via Comparisons of Different Methods
Authors: Li Jinlin , Hu Ning , Qi Yuxin , Zhao Wenzhi , Dong Qiqi
Published: January 2025

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a crucial component for investigating carbon cycling and global climate change. Accurate data exhibiting the temporal and spatial distributions of SOC are very important for determining the soil carbon sequestration potential and formulating climate strategies. An important scheme of mapping SOC is to establish a link between environmental factors and SOC via different methods. The Shiyang River Basin is the third largest inland river basin in the Hexi Corridor, which has closed geographical conditions and a relatively independent carbon cycle system, making it an ideal area for carbon cycle research in arid areas. In this study, 65 SOC samples were collected and 21 environmental factors were assessed from 2011 to 2021 in the Shiyang River Basin. The linear regression (LR) method and two machine learning methods, i.e., support vector machine regression (SVR) and random forest (RF), are applied to estimate the spatial distribution of SOC. RF is slightly better than SVR because of its advantages in the comparison of classification. When latitude, slope, and the normalized vegetation index (NDVI) are used as predictor variables, the best SOC performance is shown. Compared with the Harmonized World Soil Database (HWSD), the optimal scheme improved the accuracy of the SOC significantly. Finally, the spatial distribution of SOC tended to increase, with a total increase of 135.94 g/kg across the whole basin. The northwestern part of the middle basin decreased by 2.82% because of industrial activities. The SOC in Minqin County increased by approximately 62.77% from 2011 to 2021. Thus, the variability of the spatial SOC increased. This study provides a theoretical basis for the spatial and temporal distributions of SOC in inland river basins. In addition, this study can also provide effective and scientific suggestions for carbon projects, offer a key scientific basis for understanding the carbon cycle, and support global climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Impact of Solar Wind Dynamic Pressure on Polar Electrojets and Large- and Small-Scale Field-Aligned Currents
Authors: Wang Hui , Leng Zhiyue
Published: January 2025

This study examines the impact of the solar wind dynamic pressure (Pd) on the peak current density and latitude of polar electrojets (PEJs), large-scale field-aligned currents (LSFACs), and small-scale FACs (SSFACs) in various local times, seasons, and hemispheres, using Swarm observations during 2014 to 2020. The different Pd effects with enhanced solar wind mass density (Nsw effect) or with enhanced solar wind velocity (Vsw effect) are differentiated. LSFACs and PEJs show pronounced hemispheric and seasonal differences around noontime, where summer variations are more pronounced than winter, due to higher solar EUV conductivity. Increased Pd typically enhances LSFACs, except at midnight when opposing effects from Nsw and Vsw exert on poleward-side FACs. The impact of Vsw on FACp surpasses that of Nsw mostly except for midnight. In contrast, the Nsw impacts on equatorward-side FACs and SSFACs are mostly stronger than the Vsw effect except for the noontime. PEJs strengthen with increasing Vsw effects more efficiently than with increasing Nsw effects. Additionally, a higher Pd shifts PEJs and SSFACs equatorward, with Vsw effects being more prominent than Nsw effects, except for midnight SSFACs.
Sinonasal Mass in the Setting of Prior Maxillofacial Surgery and Solid Organ Malignancy
Authors: Qu Yihuai , Mecham Jeffrey C. , Marino Michael J.
Published: January 2025

Fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS) can be classified into invasive and non-invasive forms, with the fungal ball (FB) representing a common non-invasive type with generally favorable outcomes post-operatively. The clinical presentation of FB can vary and be non-specific, and it is important to consider a wide differential diagnosis for sinonasal masses, including malignancy. We present the case of a 74-year-old female presenting with a two-year history of nasal obstruction and drainage. She has a history of breast cancer and prior maxillomandibular surgery, and imaging showed a poorly defined mass in the right maxillary sinus with possible hemorrhagic and/or proteinaceous content. Rigid nasal endoscopy revealed a friable mass, and endoscopic sinus surgery findings were consistent with FB. This case exemplifies the need to consider a broad set of differential diagnoses when evaluating sinonasal masses, especially if the patient has a prior malignancy or maxillomandibular surgical history, including FB and metastases to the paranasal sinuses. Given the presence of non-specific symptoms, it is important to consider early imaging for patients with distorted anatomy and a history of malignancy. Endoscopic sinus surgery, with high success rates, is the gold-standard treatment for FB.
Surveying Community Environmental Justice: Urban Runoff Patterns in Eastern Tijuana, México
Authors: Prado Carolina , Douglass-Jaimes Guillermo , Colectivo Salud y Justicia Ambiental Colectivo Salud y Justicia Ambiental
Published: January 2025

In an urban region of eastern Tijuana, there are long-standing water runoff sites which community members have identified as having an impact on residents, including contributing to flooding. This community-based participatory research (CBPR) project in collaboration with the Colectivo Salud y Justicia Ambiental (CSJA) used the geospatial surveying tool Survey 123 to conduct community-based monitoring of five runoff sites. Results from 170 completed surveys showed that water runoff was present at these sites on forty-five percent of the days surveyed, although there was no significant relationship between the temporal factors studied and the water quality characteristics surveyed. These findings contribute to the field of border environmental justice by focusing on the understudied issues of runoff and urban flooding as environmental exposures that some communities experience disproportionately. Moreover, while there was a significant relationship between water runoff volume and precipitation events at the water runoff sites, there were sixty-five surveys collected that showed water present when there had been no precipitation event at the site. This finding supports the CSJA members’ assertions that the runoff experienced in the study area is not always connected to precipitation events or pluvial flooding. This project’s results contribute to policy advocacy by countering the policy narrative that this issue is simply a stormwater issue, and by identifying the specific runoff sites to be prioritized in this region.
In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory and Wound Healing Activity of Extracts and Micro-Aerogels of Bursera microphylla A. Gray
Authors: Cañez-Orozco Juan Ramón , Acevedo-Fernández Juan José , López-Romero Julio César , Reyna-Urrutia Victor Alonso , Robles-Zepeda Ramón Enrique , Torres-Moreno Heriberto
Published: January 2025

Chitosan micro-aerogels (CsM) are an innovative strategy for the controlled release of healing and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Although Bursera microphylla has anti-inflammatory activity in vitro, its in vivo effect is unknown. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects of extracts and micro-aerogels of B. microphylla. Chitosan micro-aerogels loaded with 0.5% (CsMBT-0.5) and 1% (CsMBT-1) B. microphylla ethanol extract were characterized by SEM, FTIR, TGA, and moisture absorption. Cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assay, and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro were evaluated by NO quantification. Anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects in vivo were tested in CD1 mice. The microparticles measured 135–180 μm. FTIR showed that the extract’s compounds remained unchanged during synthesis. TGA indicated degradation of the micro-aerogels between 250–350 °C and reduced moisture absorption when loaded with the extract. The extract inhibited NO release by 36% at 6.25 μg/mL and CsMBT-1 by 46% at 100 μg/mL (p < 0.05). The extract and CsMBT-0.5 in mice reduced ear swelling by 70% at 30 mg/mL (p < 0.0001). The extract reduced wound size by day 9, while CsMBT-0.5 accelerated wound closure from day 1 (p < 0.05), indicating that chitosan micro-aerogels were a promising anti-inflammatory and wound-healing treatment option.
Analysis of Innovative Electromobility Development and the Advancement of Eco-Friendly Transport Infrastructure
Authors: Koval Viktor , Shmygol Nadiia , Đurović Sandra , Pavićević Đorđije , Honcharova Iryna
Published: January 2025

Fuel combustion products cause considerable damage to the environment and human health. Therefore, it is necessary to switch to environmentally friendly vehicles. This study analyzed the dynamics of the number of cars and trucks with electric and hybrid engines, predicted their number at the current rate of change in their number, and the degree of provision and potential need for charging points in European countries. According to the results obtained, 73% of the territory of the European Union has a provision of charging points below the average level. This emphasizes the need to change the approach to structuring infrastructure upgrades by systematizing the process of creating new charging points. A mathematical model was created using the least-squares method to predict the number of vehicles with environmentally friendly engines over the next three years. The predicted number of such cars in the EU in 2026 is 12.5 million, which requires an increase in the number of charging points by 2.7 times compared to the existing ones. Under such conditions, it will be possible to reduce atmospheric emissions by 120 million tons by 2024, 160 million tons by 2025, and more than 200 million tons annually by 2026. The rapid growth of charging stations will lead to an increase in the electricity demand, which, in turn, will become an impetus for a sharp increase in electricity production by alternative sources. With the timely adaptation of infrastructure to the growing needs associated with environmentally friendly transport, achieving the maximum positive effect from these innovations is possible.
Long-Term Effects of Crop Treatments and Fertilization on Soil Stability and Nutrient Dynamics in the Loess Plateau: Implications for Soil Health and Productivity
Authors: Ullah Khan Farhat , Zaman Faisal , Qu Yuanyuan , Wang Junfeng , Darmorakhtievich Ojimamdov Habib , Wu Qinxuan , Fahad Shah , Du Feng , Xu Xuexuan
Published: January 2025

Soil degradation and erosion pose significant threats to agricultural sustainability in fragile ecosystems, such as the Loess Plateau in northern China. This study examines the long-term impacts of fertilization regimes and land-use systems on soil health, focusing on soil aggregate stability, fertility, and crop productivity. Six treatment combinations were evaluated in our study, including three continuous alfalfa fields (AL-CK, AL-P, and AL-NPM) and three continuous wheat fields (WH-NPM, WH-NP, and WH-P), each representing a combination of land use and three fertilization treatments: (1) no fertilization (CK), (2) inorganic fertilization (120 kg ha−1 N, 60 kg ha−1 P-NP), and (3) a combination of organic and inorganic fertilization (75 t ha−1 cow manure-NPM). Soil samples were collected from three depths (0–10 cm, 10–20 cm, and 20–30 cm) to assess physical and chemical properties. We evaluated the long-term effects of different fertilization treatments on soil stability, fertility, and crop yield to explore the interactions among soil’s physical and chemical properties under two land-use types and to assess the effectiveness of combined organic and inorganic fertilization strategies in improving soil health and mitigating erosion in vulnerable landscapes. The study revealed significant depth-specific variations with surface layers (0–10 cm) showing the greatest improvement under NPM treatments, particularly in continuous alfalfa fields, which exhibited higher soil fertility, improved soil structure, and crop yield. In contrast, continuous wheat fields with minimal fertilization demonstrated significantly lower soil quality and productivity. Using the combination of mineral fertilizers and organic amendments, such as cow manure, proved to be the most effective strategy for significantly enhancing nutrient availability and overall soil health. Partial Least Squares Modeling (PLS-M) and Mantel analysis highlighted the critical role of fertilization management in maintaining soil quality, boosting crop productivity, and mitigating erosion in high-risk areas. This study emphasizes the importance of integrated nutrient management for sustainable land use and soil conservation in erosion-prone regions.
Deposit–Refund System as a Strategy to Drive Sustainable Energy Transition on the Example of Poland
Authors: Borucka Anna , Grzelak Małgorzata
Published: January 2025

This article discusses key aspects of deposit–refund system design in Poland, highlighting the importance of energy-sustainable collection logistics. The main role in this system is played by the operator responsible for collecting and transporting packaging to metering centers and recycling plants. The research focused on the optimal placement of logistics facilities to minimize energy expenditures, using the balanced center of gravity method. It took into account the distribution of collection points and the intensity of material flows to develop an efficient and environmentally friendly reverse logistics model. The most important results of the research are the development of a model for the layout of logistics facilities that minimizes energy consumption, the identification of key factors such as the location of collection points and material flows, the development of a methodology for green logistics, and practical recommendations for system designers. The proposed solutions, although innovative in Poland, are universal in nature and can be applied in other countries. The article makes an important contribution to the development of sustainable bail logistics and promotes a balanced energy transition.
Comprehensive Analysis of Rural Tourism Development: Historical Evolution, Current Trends, and Future Prospects
Authors: Soták-Benedeková Lenka , Rybárová Jana , Tometzová Dana , Seňová Andrea , Rybár Radim
Published: January 2025

Rural tourism, traditionally a niche sector, has gained significance due to changes in societal conditions, emerging as one of the most resilient forms of tourism. This article uses bibliometric analysis to explore the development and current trends in rural tourism research. Data were sourced from the Web of Science, yielding 1675 articles published between 1967 and 2023. Results reveal an average annual significant growth between 2008 and 2015, when 54.4% of all articles were published. Notable peaks include 142 publications in 2014 and a record 1230 citations in 2023, averaging 20.42 citations per article. Key contributions include identifying highly cited works, prolific authors, and leading institutions. Influential researchers such as Hall C. Michael, with 602 publications and an h-index of 67, and Carvalho Celia, a prominent European author, have shaped the field. The Universidad de Extremadura and the Chinese Academy of Sciences are among the top institutions, while journals like Sustainability and Tourism Management stand out for their influence. Six core research themes emerged: (a) the impact of rural tourism on agriculture and the environment, (b) the role of nature conservation and ecotourism in sustainable development, (c) ecological and sustainable approaches in biodiversity conservation, (d) biotechnological innovations in rural tourism, (e) demographic and social factors shaping outdoor recreation, and (f) the impact of rural tourism on sustainable development and community life. The study highlights the need for ongoing innovation to support sustainability goals and emphasizes the importance of understanding historical development and long-term trends in rural tourism research while offering insights into future research directions and practical applications.
Desalination for Food Security in Tunisia: Harnessing Renewable Energy to Address Water Scarcity and Climate Change by Using ARDL Approach and VECM Technical
Authors: Derouez Faten , Ifa Adel
Published: January 2025

This study employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to investigate the short-term and long-term effects of independent variables, including Agricultural output (A), Renewable energy consumption (REC), Non-renewable energy consumption (NREC), CO2E emissions, Climate change (CC) and Financial (FD), on food security (FS) in Tunisia during the 1990–2023 period. After confirming the stationarity of the variables and the existence of long-run cointegration, the ARDL model was employed. The short-term ARDL estimates revealed mixed results. While some variables had positive effects, others exhibited negative influences on FS. For instance, A positively impacted FS, while REC, NREC, CO2E, CC, and FD had negative effects. The long-term ARDL analysis indicates that A, NREC, CC, and FD have significant effects on FS. A and NREC positively influence FS, while CC and FD have negative impacts. REC’s effect on FS is uncertain due to its marginal significance, and CO2E shows no significant relationship with FS in the long run. This study provides valuable insights into the short-term and long-term relationships between FS and its influencing factors. The findings can inform policy decisions and future research in this area.
The Intertwined Threads of Blue Economy, Inclusive Growth, and Environmental Sustainability in Transition Economies
Authors: Han Shengmiao , Kamaruddin Badrul Hisham Bin , Shi Xing
Published: January 2025

This research creates the critical relationship between the blue economy, inclusive growth, and environmental sustainability in 17 transitional economies from 2000 to 2022. Using panel-corrected standard errors (PCSEs) and the Driscoll–Kraay standard error regression approach, we examine how inclusive growth significantly decreases the ecological footprint while the blue economy increases these effects through sustainable marine resource utilization and clean technologies. Focusing on countries such as Argentina, Brazil, China, India, Iran, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Pakistan, Singapore, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Sri Lanka, this study advances the understanding of how the blue economy fosters sustainability amidst rising consumption pressures. The findings underscore the potential of technology transfer, capacity building, regional collaboration and green finance mechanisms to unlock the blue economy’s full potential for inclusive and sustainable development, offering actionable insights for policymakers and future research directions in developing and transitional economies.
Gauge-Invariant Perturbation Theory on the Schwarzschild Background Spacetime Part II: Even-Mode Perturbations
Authors: Nakamura Kouji
Published: January 2025

This is the Part II paper of our series of papers on a gauge-invariant perturbation theory on the Schwarzschild background spacetime. After reviewing our general framework of the gauge-invariant perturbation theory and the proposal of gauge-invariant treatments for l=0,1-mode perturbations on the Schwarzschild background spacetime in the Part I paper, we examine the linearized Einstein equations for even-mode perturbations. We discuss the strategy to solve the linearized Einstein equations for these even-mode perturbations including l=0,1 modes. Furthermore, we explicitly derive the l=0,1-mode solutions to the linearized Einstein equations in both the vacuum and the non-vacuum cases. We show that the solutions for l=0-mode perturbations includes the additional Schwarzschild mass parameter perturbation, which is physically reasonable. Then, we conclude that our proposal of the resolution of the l=0,1-mode problem is physically reasonable due to the realization of the additional Schwarzschild mass parameter perturbation and the Kerr parameter perturbation in the Part I paper.
Hepatitis C Virus Resistance-Associated Substitutions in Mexico
Authors: Jose-Abrego Alexis , Laguna-Meraz Saul , Roman Sonia , Mariscal-Martinez Irene M. , Panduro Arturo
Published: January 2025

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is susceptible to resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) in the NS3, NS5A, and NS5B nonstructural genes, key targets of the direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). This study aimed to assess the prevalence and distribution of RASs across different HCV subtypes in Mexico. A Genbank dataset of 566 HCV sequences was analyzed. Most sequences were from Mexico City (49.1%, 278/566) and Jalisco (39.4%, 223/566). The NS5B region was the most sequenced (59.7%, 338/566). The most frequent HCV subtypes were 1a (44.0%, 249/566), 1b (28.6%, 162/566), 2b (9.5%, 54/566), and 3a (6.2%, 35/566). Subtypes 1a (57.4%, 128/223) and 3a (12.6%, 28/223) were significantly higher in Jalisco than in Mexico City (34.2%, 95/278 and 2.5%, 7/278), whereas subtype 1b was higher in Mexico City (34.5%, 96/278 vs. 14.8%, 33/223). Subtype 1a increased from 2019 to 2024, representing 49.4% (123/249) of all reported cases. RASs were detected in NS3 (6.7%, 1/15), NS5A (2.9%, 3/102), and NS5B (0.3%, 1/349), with the most frequent mutations being Q80K, Y93H, and S282T, respectively, and detected in subtypes 1b (n = 3), 1a (n = 1), and 2a (n = 1). In conclusion, Mexico’s HCV sequencing-based surveillance is limited. Subtype 1a predominated, but frequencies varied across states. The prevalence of RASs varied by gene from 0.3% to 6.7%. Establishing regional sequencing centers for NS3, NS5A, and NS5B is crucial to monitoring Mexico’s DAA-resistant mutations and HCV subtype genetic diversity.
Understanding HPV Vaccine Initiation and Intention Among Central American Immigrant Parents in the United States: The Role of Vaccine Literacy and Healthcare Provider Recommendations
Authors: Lucero Doris , Moreno Virginia A. , Delgado Denisse , Nieto Axel Hernandez , Rodriguez-Cruz Nachalie , Le Qun , Lindsay Ana Cristina
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: The HPV vaccine is key to preventing HPV-related cancers, yet vaccination rates are low, particularly among immigrant and ethnic minority groups. This study explored factors influencing HPV vaccine uptake and intention among Central American immigrant parents in the U.S. Methods: A cross-sectional study with parents of children aged 11 to 17 years. Results: Among the 168 parents (53.8% mothers, 46.2% fathers) in this study, 20% reported that their children had initiated the HPV vaccine and 23% of unvaccinated children intended to vaccinate within the next 12 months. Sociodemographic factors, including the parent’s gender and length of U.S. residence, were significant predictors of HPV vaccine initiation and intention. Higher vaccine literacy was also a key factor, with more literate parents being more likely to initiate vaccination and express intent to vaccinate. HCP communication strongly predicted both vaccine initiation and intention, yet fewer than 30% of parents received HPV vaccine information, and less than 28% received a recommendation from a HCP. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, receiving HPV vaccine information from a HCP was the strongest predictor of vaccine initiation (AOR = 93.23, 95% CI = 14.50–599.63, p < 0.001), adjusting for other variables. For vaccination intention, significant predictors included the length of U.S. residence (AOR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.75–0.95, p < 0.01), having a U.S.-born child (AOR = 10.47, 95% CI = 1.51–72.68, p < 0.05), and receiving a HCP recommendation (AOR = 14.73, 95% CI = 1.77–122.32, p < 0.05). Conclusions: To improve vaccination rates, interventions should enhance HCP training, strengthen provider–patient communication, and address vaccine literacy, through culturally tailored strategies and community engagement.
Assessment of Road Vehicle Accident Approaches—A Review
Authors: Duma Irina , Burnete Nicolae , Todoruț Adrian , Cordoș Nicolae , Danci Cosmin-Constantin , Terec Alexandru
Published: January 2025

Given the complexity of the crashes and the increasing interest in public policies related to the reduction in both accidents and fatalities from road crashes, the proposed review of the specialty literature may serve as a starting point for individuals interested in developing studies related to road vehicle accidents, reconstruction methodologies, assessment of vehicles crashworthiness, as well as evaluation of occupants’ behavior in different collision scenarios. Therefore, the present paper aims to offer a comprehensive overview of the specialty literature approaches in terms of road vehicle accidents through an analysis of the reconstruction methods used in the cases of vehicle-to-vehicle or vehicle-to-object crashes, as well as ways in which the crashworthiness of road vehicles is assessed by specialized organizations or individual experts. The addressed topics were summarized from a range of European and global strategies in the field of transportation, reports, testing protocols, as well as scientific research papers published in international databases. The main purpose of the present paper is to serve as a foundational resource for researchers and practitioners seeking to contextualize their work within a global framework.
Impacts of Reclaimed Water Irrigation on Soil Salinity, Nutrient Cycling, and Landscape Plant Growth in a Coastal Monsoon Environment
Authors: Li Yikun , Xiao Jin , Lei Yu , Qin Dan , Cai Wanqiang , Chen Xiangqiang , Ma Cong , Zhu Xiaoyu , Zhang Shenghua , Sun Qian
Published: January 2025

This study investigated the impacts of reclaimed water (RW) irrigation on soil properties and landscape plant growth in a coastal monsoon city over a 13-month period. Soil properties in plots irrigated with RW and tap water (TW) were monitored monthly, including electrical conductivity, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, soil organic matter, and overall variations of soil enzyme activities. The results show that RW irrigation led to increased fluctuations in soil salinity indicators, with higher peaks during periods of low rainfall. Rainfall can efficiently mitigate the salinity increase associated with RW irrigation, highlighting the influence of monsoon climate variability on salinity dynamics. RW application increased soil total nitrogen and organic matter and decreased soil total phosphorus. This suggests that RW irrigation induces complex nutrient interactions within the soil–plant system. Furthermore, RW irrigation promoted the activities of soil enzymes related to carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycling, indicating potential alterations in nutrient bioavailability. Plant growth responses varied among species, with Nephrolepis cordifolia and Cordyline fruticose exhibiting signs of salt stress, especially in the initial months of planting in RW plot. Other species demonstrated greater tolerance to RW irrigation, suggesting the importance of species selection for sustainable landscape management with RW. This study demonstrates the challenges and opportunities associated with RW utilization for urban greening.
Characteristic Wavelength Selection and Surrogate Monitoring for UV–Vis Absorption Spectroscopy-Based Water Quality Sensing
Authors: Chen Chenyu , Luo Meiyu , Wang Wenyu , Ping Yang , Li Hongming , Chen Siyuan , Liang Qian
Published: January 2025

Ultraviolet-visible (UV–Vis) absorption spectroscopy for in situ water quality sensing has garnered increasing attention. However, the selection of the characteristic wavelengths for water quality indicators has been underexplored in existing studies, resulting in surrogate monitoring models with low accuracy and high complexity. This research used field data from the Maozhou River in Shenzhen. The accuracy of the surrogate model based on the wavelength selection method is 134.8%, 52.5%, and 13.5% improvement in accuracy compared to the single wavelength method, the PCA method, and the full spectrum method, respectively. We investigate seven characteristic wavelength optimisation algorithms and five machine learning models for surrogate monitoring of five water quality indicators: TOC, BOD5, COD, TN, and NO3-N. The results indicate that the competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) method for wavelength selection, combined with ridge regression as a surrogate monitoring model, achieved the best performance in this study. The determination coefficient (R2) of the five water quality indicators were 0.80, 0.64, 0.82, 0.97, and 0.96, respectively. The study shows that for watersheds with relatively stable water chemical components, there is no need to use overly complex nonlinear models, and the regression model with characteristic wavelength selection can achieve good prediction results. This study provides detailed technical information on river water quality spectral surrogate monitoring, offering an important practice reference.
Integrating Hydrological Models for Improved Flash Flood Risk Assessment and Mitigation Strategies in Northeastern Thailand
Authors: Suwannachai Lakkana , Phumiphan Anujit , Kuntiyawichai Kittiwet , Supakosol Jirawat , Sriworamas Krit , Sivanpheng Ounla , Kangrang Anongrit
Published: January 2025

This study focuses on assessing flash flood risks in Northeastern Thailand, particularly within the Lam Saphung, Phrom, and Chern River Basins, which are highly susceptible to flash floods and debris flows. Using the HEC-RAS hydraulic model integrated with GIS tools, the research analyzes historical and scenario-based flood events to evaluate the impact of land use changes and hydrological dynamics. The model was calibrated and validated with statistical metrics such as R2 values ranging from 0.745 to 0.994 and NSE values between 0.653 and 0.893, indicating strong agreement with the observed data. This study also identified high-risk areas, with up to 5.49% and 5.50% increases in flood-prone areas in the Phrom and Chern River Basins, respectively, from 2006 to 2019. Key findings highlight the critical role of proactive risk management and targeted mitigation strategies in enhancing community resilience. The integration of advanced hydraulic modeling with detailed datasets enables precise flood hazard mapping, including flood depths exceeding 1.5 m in certain areas and high-risk zones covering up to 105.2 km2 during severe flood events. These results provide actionable insights for emergency response and land use planning. This research significantly contributes to hydrological risk assessments by advancing modeling techniques and delivering practical recommendations for sustainable flood management. The outcomes are particularly relevant for stakeholders, including urban planners, emergency management officials, and policymakers, who aim to strengthen resilience in vulnerable regions. By addressing the complexities of flash flood risk assessments with robust quantitative evidence, this study not only enhances the understanding of flood dynamics, but also lays the groundwork for developing adaptive strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts of flash floods, safeguarding both communities and infrastructure in the region.
Ground-Based Green Façade for Enhanced Greywater Treatment and Sustainable Water Management
Authors: Obeidat Nisreen , Abu Awwad Ahmad , Al-Salaymeh Ahmed , Bresciani Riccardo , Masi Fabio , Rizzo Anacleto , AlBtoosh Jomanah , Zoubi Mutaz M.
Published: January 2025

Urban areas face challenges with water scarcity, and the use of non-conventional water resources for uses not requiring potable quality is being promoted more and more by governments and international agencies. However, non-conventional water resources, such as rainwater and greywater, need to be treated before use to avoid health risks and possible nuisance (smell, bacteria and algae proliferation in storage tanks, etc.). This study is aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of a system reusing treated greywater for toilet flushing, relying on a nature-based treatment technology—ground-based green façades—with limited maintenance requirements which is therefore easily replicable for decentralized treatment systems, like those of greywater reuse at building scales. The demonstrative system has been installed at the University of Jordan’s Al-Zahra dormitory in Amman and uses a degreaser as the primary treatment followed by ground-based green façade technology as a secondary treatment mechanism. The effluent is stored in an underground tank and directed to a tertiary treatment mechanism with UV lamps to remove pathogens before being reused for lawn irrigation and toilet flushing. Samples from influent and effluent were analyzed for various physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics. The degreaser significantly reduced turbidity, TSS, total BOD5, and total COD levels in greywater. When combined with the green wall façades, the system demonstrated high removal efficiencies, particularly for turbidity, TSS, total COD, and total BOD5. The treated effluent met irrigation reuse standards for all the parameters, including total coliform and E. coli concentrations. The UV disinfection unit proved to be an effective post-treatment step, ensuring that water quality standards for reuse were met. The system’s overall performance highlights its ability to manage low- to medium-strength greywater. Results suggest the applied green wall system has significant potential for wider adoption in urban settings.
Geospatial Assessment of Stormwater Harvesting Potential in Uganda’s Cattle Corridor
Authors: Ssekyanzi Geoffrey , Ahmad Mirza Junaid , Choi Kyung-Sook
Published: January 2025

Freshwater scarcity remains a pressing global issue, exacerbated by inefficiencies in stormwater management during rainy seasons. Strategic stormwater harvesting offers a sustainable solution through runoff utilization for irrigation and livestock support. However, challenges such as limited farmer knowledge, difficult terrain, financial constraints, unpredictable weather, and scarce meteorological data hinder the accuracy of optimum stormwater harvesting sites. This study employs a GIS-based SCS-CN hydrological approach to address these issues, identifying suitable stormwater harvesting locations, estimating runoff volumes, and recommending site-specific storage structures. Using spatial datasets of daily rainfall (20 years), land use/land cover (LULC), digital elevation models (DEM), and soil data, the study evaluated 80 watersheds in Uganda’s cattle corridor. Annual runoff estimates within watersheds ranged from 62 million to 557 million m3, with 56 watersheds (70%) identified for multiple interventions such as farm ponds, check dams, and gully plugs. These structures are designed to enhance stormwater harvesting and utilization, improving water availability for livestock and crop production in a region characterized by water scarcity and erratic rainfall. The findings provide practical solutions for sustainable water management in drought-prone areas with limited meteorological data. This approach can be scaled to similar regions to enhance resilience in water-scarce landscapes. By offering actionable insights, this research supports farmers and water authorities in effectively allocating stormwater resources and implementing tailored harvesting strategies to bolster agriculture and livestock production in Uganda’s cattle corridor.
The Role of Household Heterogeneity on Unplanned Water Demand Shifts
Authors: Balado-Naves Roberto , García-Valiñas María Á.
Published: January 2025

In this study, we investigate whether differences in sociodemographic and housing characteristics may lead to heterogenous reactions on water demand across households in the event of an unexpected shock. In this sense, we estimate a switching regression model for residential water usage in Gijón, Spain, between 2017 and 2021, exploiting the exogenous impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and various movement restriction phases. A rich dataset that integrates real data on water consumption and pricing, alongside reported household and housing characteristics, allows us to effectively control the heterogeneity of water consumers and test changes in marginal effects over time. Our findings reveal a significant increase in average water consumption coinciding with the onset of the pandemic. This increase in water usage was particularly pronounced among households with more members and those residing in older houses that also owned outdoor amenities such as gardens or swimming pools, among other socioeconomic and housing characteristics. Additionally, our study indicates that the price elasticity of water demand did not significantly differ from zero during the periods of the State of Alarm and the New Normal. This suggests that the implementation of movement restrictions and teleworking may have amplified households’ preferences and dependence on water, thus fostering increased water consumption. Furthermore, our results point towards unchanged residential information or knowledge of the expense of water services despite the time spent at home.
The need to monitor occupational diseases of health workers in the Republic of Dagestan (Review)
Authors:   Dagestan State Medical Universit y of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Makhachkala, Russia, Surkhayeva Z.Z. , Ibnumaskhudova P.M. ,   Dagestan State Medical Universit y of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Makhachkala, Russia, Magomedova U.A. ,   Dagestan State Medical Universit y of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Makhachkala, Russia, Razhbudinova N.S. ,   Dagestan State Medical Universit y of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Makhachkala, Russia, Abakarova B.M. ,   Dagestan State Medical Universit y of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Makhachkala, Russia, Ibragimov R.Sh. ,   Dagestan State Medical Universit y of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Makhachkala, Russia
Published: January 2025

The article discusses the problems of occupational morbidity of medical workers in
Russia and, in particular, in the Republic of Dagestan. The resource-saving strategy for medical
personnel makes the issue of occupational morbidity relevant, leading to a decrease in
work productivity and even withdrawal from the profession of doctors and nurses. There is a
significant shortage of medical personnel in the Republic of Dagestan, and this requires great
efforts to retain existing specialists in the workplace. Monitoring the occupational morbidity of
doctors in Dagestan could be the first step in preventing morbidity and improving the situation
with medical personnel in the Republic.