bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevention of Cardiometabolic Syndrome in Children and Adolescents Using Machine Learning and Noninvasive Factors: The CASPIAN-V Study
Authors: Marateb Hamid Reza , Mansourian Mahsa , Koochekian Amirhossein , Shirzadi Mehdi , Zamani Shadi , Mansourian Marjan , Mañanas Miquel Angel , Kelishadi Roya
Published: September 2024

Cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS) is a growing concern in children and adolescents, marked by obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. This study aimed to predict CMS using machine learning based on data from the CASPIAN-V study, which involved 14,226 participants aged 7–18 years, with a CMS prevalence of 82.9%. We applied the XGBoost algorithm to analyze key noninvasive variables, including self-rated health, sunlight exposure, screen time, consanguinity, healthy and unhealthy dietary habits, discretionary salt and sugar consumption, birthweight, and birth order, father and mother education, oral hygiene behavior, and family history of dyslipidemia, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes using five-fold cross-validation. The model achieved high sensitivity (94.7% ± 4.8) and specificity (78.8% ± 13.7), with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.867 ± 0.087, indicating strong predictive performance and significantly outperformed triponderal mass index (TMI) (adjusted paired t-test; p < 0.05). The most critical selected modifiable factors were sunlight exposure, screen time, consanguinity, healthy and unhealthy diet, dietary fat type, and discretionary salt consumption. This study emphasizes the clinical importance of early identification of at-risk individuals to implement timely interventions. It offers a promising tool for CMS risk screening. These findings support using predictive analytics in clinical settings to address the rising CMS epidemic in children and adolescents.
Recent Advances in Biological and Catalytic Applications of Metal Complexes
Authors: Mendez-Arriaga Jose Manuel
Published: September 2024

The use of metals in biological [...]
Distribution and Biology of Protaetia fieberi (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae)—Is Protection Status Required?
Authors: Egorov Leonid V. , Ruchin Alexander B. , Khapugin Anatoliy A.
Published: September 2024

Studies on saproxylic species of Coleoptera have garnered significant attention due to the rarity of some of them. To investigate the distribution and biology of Protaetia fieberi (Kraatz, 1880) (Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) in European Russia, we analyzed data from 16 regions collected between 2018 and 2024. This species has been reliably recorded in 26 regions. We describe the species’ distribution area boundaries and discuss limiting factors that inhibit its spread to the north, south, and southeast of European Russia. The primary limiting factor is the lack of suitable biotopes. Within its distribution, Protaetia fieberi prefers deciduous and mixed forests of various types. These habitats include both old-growth forest ecosystems and secondary forests that have regenerated following logging. The species also inhabits man-made forest ecosystems, such as field protection forest belts, old parks, and gardens. In forest ecosystems, Protaetia fieberi tends to occupy the upper levels and is rarely found on the ground layer. Conversely, in open areas such as glades, the species is more commonly found at ground level. This distribution pattern is linked to the adults’ feeding preferences, which include consuming sap on tree trunks in forests and feeding on flowering plants in open ecosystems. The seasonal activity of Protaetia fieberi peaks from the third decade of June to the second decade of July. It is hypothesized that the perceived rarity of Protaetia fieberi in research samples is due to the specific baiting methods used, with beer traps being the most effective. The status of the species is re-evaluated in light of new data, suggesting that Protaetia fieberi is common rather than rare in European Russia.
Nearly Monochromatic Bremsstrahlung of High Intensity via Microparticle Targets: A Novel Concept
Authors: Behling Rolf , Hulme Christopher , Tolias Panagiotis , Danielsson Mats
Published: September 2024

As an alternative to rigid anodes, a novel concept of X-ray targets consisting of a stream or a multitude of streams of fast tungsten microparticles has recently been proposed. Low-density microparticle streams resemble thin targets with nearly constant intensity distribution over a wide range of photon energies, abruptly terminating at the Duane–Hunt limit of maximum photon energy instead of falling off smoothly. According to our simulations, fast microparticles outperform classical rigid targets and enable extremely high electronic input power density and X-ray output. This opens new possibilities for generating high-intensity, nearly monochromatic X-rays. Such keV-type X-ray sources could replace expensive electron synchrotrons in appropriate applications. Furthermore, for sufficiently thin microparticle streams, the output X-ray spectra are functions of particle size, allowing modulation of the mean photon energy. We simulated the spectral response of tungsten microparticles using Monte Carlo methods and confirmed the validity of our new concept to generate near-monochrome spectra and high intensity with microparticle-based X-ray sources, outperforming classical X-ray tubes. Furthermore, we confirm a weak size dependence of the mean energies of filtered X-rays. We complement previous results highlighting the advantages of microparticle-based X-ray targets and aim at the implementation of the new concept in the future.
Design of a Fiber Temperature and Strain Sensor Model Using a Fiber Bragg Grating to Monitor Road Surface Conditions
Authors: Kashaganova Gulzhan , Kozbakova Ainur , Kartbayev Timur , Togzhanova Kulzhan , Alimseitova Zhuldyz , Sergazin Gani
Published: September 2024

In this paper, the types and principles of operation of fiber sensors based on fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) are investigated. The influence of strain and temperature on the characteristics of FBGs is considered, and a method for the simultaneous measurement of these parameters is presented. Laboratory studies were carried out in the temperature range from +18 °C to +135 °C with an incremental step of 5 °C, with the actual temperature not deviating by more than ±0.5 °C. From the data obtained, the Bragg wavelength–temperature relationships were plotted, which showed a linear increase in wavelength with increasing temperature. This study shows that the use of two FBGs with a different sensitivity to temperature and strain allowed for the simultaneous measurement of both parameters. Numerical models created in the MATLAB R2022b environment confirmed the high accuracy and precision of the measurements. The FBG-based sensors demonstrated a robust performance in harsh environments, withstanding temperatures of up to 160 °C and high humidity, making them applicable in various industries and sciences. This work confirms that FBGs are a promising tool for accurate temperature and strain measurements, providing reliable results in harsh environments.
Overcoming Access Challenges to Treat Arrhythmias in Patients with Congenital Heart Disease Using Robotic Magnetic-Guided Catheter Ablation
Authors: Khairy Paul , Dyrda Katia , Mondésert Blandine , Aguilar Martin , Dubuc Marc , Cadrin-Tourigny Julia , Guerra Peter G. , Raymond-Paquin Alexandre , Rivard Léna , Tadros Rafik , Talajic Mario , Thibault Bernard , Macle Laurent , Roy Denis
Published: September 2024

The prevalence of congenital heart disease (CHD) has surged in recent decades, owing to a substantial reduction in mortality. As individuals with CHD age, they become increasingly susceptible to late complications including arrhythmias. These arrhythmias often arise decades after surgical intervention and significantly impact quality of life, hospitalizations, and mortality. Catheter ablation has gained widespread acceptance as a critical intervention for managing arrhythmias in patients with CHD. However, anatomical and physiological features unique to this population pose challenges to standard manual ablation procedures, potentially impacting safety and efficacy. Robotic magnetic-guided navigation (RMN) has emerged as a technological solution to address these challenges. By utilizing soft and flexible catheters equipped with magnets at their tips, RMN enables robotic steering and orientation of catheters in three-dimensional space. This technology overcomes obstacles such as distorted vascular pathways and complex post-surgical reconstructions to facilitate access to target chambers and improve maneuverability within the heart. In this review, we present an overview of the safety and efficacy evidence for RMN-guided catheter ablation in CHD patients and highlight potential advantages. Additionally, we provide a detailed case presentation illustrating the practical application of RMN technology in this population. Although the literature on RMN-guided ablation in patients with CHD remains limited, it has shown promise in achieving successful outcomes, particularly in cases where manual ablation failed or was deemed non-feasible. Further validation through large-scale prospective studies is necessary to fully ascertain the benefits of RMN technology in this patient population.
Heart Rate Variability and Global Longitudinal Strain for Prognostic Evaluation and Recovery Assessment in Conservatively Managed Post-Myocardial Infarction Patients
Authors: Bogdan Carina , Apostol Adrian , Ivan Viviana Mihaela , Sandu Oana Elena , Petre Ion , Suciu Oana , Marc Luciana-Elena , Maralescu Felix-Mihai , Lighezan Daniel Florin
Published: September 2024

Background: Heart rate variability (HRV) is the fluctuation in the time intervals between adjacent heartbeats. HRV is a measure of neurocardiac function that is produced by dynamic autonomic nervous system (ANS) processes and is a simple measure that estimates cardiac autonomic modulation. Methods: The study included 108 patients admitted to the Coronary Intensive Care Unit with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who did not undergo primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or systemic thrombolysis and followed conservative management. All patients underwent detailed clinical, biological, and paraclinical assessments, including evaluation of HRV parameters and echocardiographic measurements. The analysis of RR variability in both time and frequency domains indicates that the negative prognosis of patients with AMI is associated with an overall imbalance in the neuro-vegetative system. The HRV parameters were acquired using continuous 24 h electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring at a baseline, after 1 month, and 6 months. Results: Our analysis reveals correlations between alterations in HRV parameters and the increased risk of adverse events and mortality after AMI. The study found a significant improvement in HRV parameters over time, indicating better autonomic regulation post-AMI. The standard deviation of all RR intervals (SDNN) increased significantly from baseline (median 75.3 ms, IQR 48.2–100) to 1 month (median 87 ms, IQR 55.7–111) and further to 6 months (median 94.2 ms, IQR 67.6–118) (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). The root mean square of successive difference of RR (RMSSD) also showed significant increases at each time point, from baseline (median 27 ms, IQR 22–33) to 1 month (median 30.5 ms, IQR 27–38) and from 1 month to 6 months (median 35 ms, IQR 30–42) (p < 0.001 for all comparisons), indicating enhanced parasympathetic activity. Moreover, changes in HRV parameters have been associated with impaired left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) and global longitudinal strain (GLS), indicating a relationship between autonomic dysfunction and myocardial deformation. GLS values improved from a baseline median of −11% (IQR 5%) to −13% (IQR 4%) at 6 months (p < 0.001), reflecting better myocardial function. Conclusions: HRV parameters and cardiac performance analysis, especially using GLS, offer a solid framework for evaluating recovery and predicting adverse outcomes post-MI.
Meta-Research in Geriatric Surgery: Improving the Quality of Surgical Evidence for Older Persons in a Multidimensional-Scale Research Field
Authors: Lozada-Martinez Ivan David , Hernandez-Paez David A. , Palacios Velasco Isabela , Martinez Guevara Darly , Liscano Yamil
Published: September 2024

The world is facing a significant demographic transition, with a substantial increase in the proportion of older persons, as well as long-lived persons (especially nonagenarians and centenarians). One of the popular beliefs is that old age is synonymous with disease and disability. However, the successful aging hypothesis suggests that those older persons with advanced chronological age who maintain their functional capacity derive from it a delay in biological aging, enhancing the quality of organic aging and regulation. Therefore, regardless of chronological age, even in cases of extreme longevity, those older adults with a successful aging phenotype and favorable functional capacity would be expected to have satisfactory post-surgical recovery with a low risk of morbidity and mortality. Currently, there is a significant gap between the availability of high-certainty surgical evidence that allows for evidence-based interventions applicable to the long-lived population—taking into account the actual conditioning factors of the health phenotype in older persons—and, above all, predictors of satisfactory post-surgical evolution. The application of meta-research to geriatric surgery emerges as a fundamental tool to address this knowledge gap and reveals opportunities and limitations that need to be resolved in the near future to establish evidence-based surgical care for older persons. The aim of this manuscript was to present a real and globally relevant scenario related to surgical care, addressing the longevity, the availability, and the quality of surgical evidence applicable to this population, and also to present variables to consider in analysis and future perspectives in research and meta-research in geriatric surgery.
The Effect of Blood Flow Restriction during Low-Load Resistance Training Unit on Knee Flexor Muscle Fatigue in Recreational Athletes: A Randomized Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Królikowska Aleksandra , Daszkiewicz Maciej , Kocel Julia , Avram George Mihai , Oleksy Łukasz , Prill Robert , Witkowski Jarosław , Korolczuk Krzysztof , Kołcz Anna , Reichert Paweł
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: Despite the growing popularity of training with a controlled form of vascular occlusion, known as blood flow restriction (BFR) training, in the rehabilitation of orthopedic patients and sports medicine, there remains ample space for understanding the basis of its mechanism. The pilot study assessed the effect of BFR during a low-load resistance training unit on knee flexor muscle fatigue, intending to decide whether a larger trial is needed and feasible. Methods: The study used a prospective, randomized, parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Fifteen male healthy recreational athletes were randomly assigned to three equal groups: BFR Group, Placebo Group, and Control Group. The primary outcome was the change in the surface electromyography-based (sEMG-based) muscle fatigue index, which was determined by comparing the results obtained before and after the intervention. The intervention was the application of BFR during low-load resistance training for knee flexors. The occurrence of any adverse events was documented. Results: In all groups, the sEMG-based fatigue index for semitendinosus and biceps femoris muscles decreased after low-load resistance training, with the largest decrease in the BFR group. Although not statistically significant, BFR showed moderate and large effect sizes for the fatigue index of semitendinosus and biceps femoris, respectively. No adverse events were noted. Conclusions: The pilot study suggested that BFR during a low-load resistance training unit might affect knee flexor muscle fatigue, supporting the development of a larger randomized clinical trial.
Different Antigen-Specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-Cell Response against HCMV Proteins in Pregnant Women with Primary Infection and in Control Subjects with Remote Infection
Authors: Zavaglio Federica , d’Angelo Piera , Fornara Chiara , Zelini Paola , Comolli Giuditta , Furione Milena , Arossa Alessia , Spinillo Arsenio , Lilleri Daniele , Baldanti Fausto
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most frequent cause of congenital infections. The HCMV-specific T-cell response in primary infection may help define reliable correlates of immune protection in pregnancy. In this study, the antigen-specific T-cell response against different HCMV proteins (IE-1, pp65, gB, gHgLpUL128L) was investigated in pregnant women with primary infection and in control subjects with remote infection to identify possible components of a vaccine. Methods: Blood samples from 35 pregnant women with HCMV primary infection and 30 HCMV-seropositive healthy adult subjects with remote infection were tested. The antigen-specific T-cell response was measured using cytokine intracellular staining after stimulation with IE-1, pp65, gB and gHgLpUL128L peptides pool. Results: The pp65-specific CD4+ T-cell response was higher in pregnant women with HCMV primary infection at the late time point and in control subjects with remote infection, while the pregnant women at the early time point showed a higher gB-specific CD8+ T-cell response. Regarding the CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell phenotypes, we observed that HCMV-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressing CD45RA+ remained constant in pregnant women with primary infection at the early and late time points and in subjects with remote infection, while HCMV-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressing IL-7R+ or producing IL-2 were higher in control subjects with remote infection than in pregnant women with HCMV primary infection. Conclusions: The T-cell response was higher against gB in the early phase of infection and against pp65 in the late phase. Therefore, these proteins should be taken into consideration as candidates for a vaccine.
Hollow Concrete Block Based on High-Strength Concrete as a Tool for Reducing the Carbon Footprint in Construction
Authors: Elistratkin Mikhail , Salnikova Alena , Alfimova Nataliya , Kozhukhova Natalia , Pospelova Elena
Published: September 2024

The production and servicing of cement-based building materials is a source of large amounts of carbon dioxide emissions globally. One of the ways to reduce its negative impact, is to reduce concrete consumption per cubic meter of building structure through the introduction of hollow concrete products. At the same time, to maintain the load-bearing capacity of the building structure, it is necessary to significantly increase the strength of the concrete used. However, an increase in strength should be achieved not by increasing cement consumption, but by increasing the efficiency of its use. This research is focused on the development of technology for the production of thin-walled hollow concrete blocks based on high-strength, self-compacting, dispersed, micro-reinforced, fine-grained concrete. The use of this concrete provides 2–2.5 times higher strength in the amount of Portland cement consumed in comparison with ordinary concrete. The formation of external contours and partitions of thin-walled hollow blocks is ensured through the use of disposable formwork or cores used as void formers obtained by FDM 3D printing. This design solution makes it possible to obtain products based on high-strength concrete with higher structural and thermal insulation properties compared to now existing lightweight concrete-based blocks. Another area of application of this technology could be the production of wall structures of free configuration and cross-section due to their division, at the digital modeling stage, into individual element-blocks, manufactured in a factory environment.
Morphological Changes of the Pituitary Gland in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Abou Chaaya Jessica , Abou Chaaya Jennifer , Jaafar Batoul , Saab Lea , Abou Chaaya Jad , Al Ahmar Elie , Estephan Elias
Published: September 2024

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal functional disorder characterized by unclear underlying mechanisms. Several theories propose that hyperactivation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis leads to elevated cortisol levels and increased sensitivity of gut wall receptors. Given the absence of prior literature on this topic, our study aimed to investigate the potential for diagnosing IBS based on morphological changes in the pituitary gland, specifically its volume and grayscale intensity. Additionally, we aimed to assess whether factors such as gender, age, and body mass index influence these parameters. This retrospective study involved 60 patients, examining the volume and grayscale characteristics of their pituitary glands in the presence of IBS. Our findings revealed a positive correlation between pituitary gland volume and IBS diagnosis, although no significant correlation was observed with grayscale intensity. Due to the limited existing research and the small sample size of our study, further investigation with a larger cohort is warranted to validate these results.
Modeling the Impacts of Land Reclamation on Sediment Dynamics in a Semi-Enclosed Bay
Authors: Zhong Yi , Du Jun , Wang Yongzhi , Li Ping , Xu Guoqiang , Miu Hongbin , Zhang Peiyu , Jiang Shenghui , Gao Wei
Published: September 2024

Semi-enclosed bays are significantly influenced by the interactions between land and sea, as well as human activities. One notable human activity, land reclamation, impacts water exchange within these bays. However, the variability of sediment transport and cross-bay transport following reclamation remains poorly understood. This study aims to enhance the understanding of sediment dynamics and the responses of cross-bay transport to reclamation. A well-validated three-dimensional numerical model was developed in the Laizhou Bay (LB). Following reclamation, tidal currents suspended sediment concentration, and erosion increased seaward, while these factors decreased landward. In LB, surface and bottom subtidal currents flowed in opposite directions, with the direction of volume transport primarily determined by bottom currents. In the western LB, volume and sediment transport exhibited an anticyclonic pattern, with pronounced seasonal variations observed elsewhere. During summer, volume and sediment transport predominantly occurred from the northeast to the southwest. In winter, volume transport in northern LB was directed westward, while it was eastward in the southern part; sediment transport was primarily eastward. Advection played a significant role in sediment transport dynamics. The pathway of cross-bay sediment transport was primarily located in the central part of the bay. Notably, the cross-bay sediment transport flux in winter was approximately 3.5 times greater than in summer, with reclamation resulting in a reduction in cross-bay transport flux by about 22.17%.
Study on the Factors Influencing the Amplitude of Local Ice Pressure on Vertical Structures Based on Model Tests
Authors: Xu Ying , Zhang Dayong , Wu Kuankuan , Peng Xin , Jia Xunxiang , Wang Guojun
Published: September 2024

Local ice pressure refers to the ice pressure exerted on a very small area of a structure during ice failure. The existence of high-pressure zones may lead to local deformation and damage to ice-resistant structures, posing a serious threat to the overall structural stability. This study simulates the interaction between sea ice and structures through model tests, analyzing the timing of extreme local ice pressures. The results show that at low loading speeds, there is a 50% probability that the extreme local ice pressure occurs at the peak of the global ice force, while at high loading speeds, this probability drops to around 25%. Further investigation into the relationship between the global ice force peak, ice thickness, loading speed, and local area with local ice pressure amplitude reveals that the local ice pressure amplitude decreases with increasing loading speed and increases with ice thickness. Based on the area averaging method for square regions, the relationship between local ice pressure amplitude and local area is studied, showing that ice thickness, local width, and loading speed all influence the pressure–area relationship. Based on the square area averaging method, the relationship between the local ice pressure amplitude and the local area was studied. It was found that a linear relationship exists between the power function coefficient of local ice pressure–area and the thickness-to-width ratio. Compared to brittle failure, the local ice pressure amplitude under ductile failure of the ice sheet is more significantly affected by ice thickness. This study provides a foundation and reference for the analysis of ice-resistant performance and structural design of polar marine engineering structures.
Ship Optimization Based on Fully-Parametric Models for Hull, Propeller and Rudder
Authors: Cheng Xuankai , Huang Xinhui , Xu Detao , Zhao Zhengbin , Liu Hongbin , Kong Ming , Ji Renwei
Published: September 2024

The purpose of ship optimization is to reduce the resistance of the ship and improve the propulsive efficiency of the propeller. Taking the design of the hull, propeller and rudder as an example, the integration optimization of ship speed performance based on the fully-parametric model was described in detail. Based on the parent hull, stock propeller and flat plate rudder, the fully-parametric coupling models of ship, propeller and rudder were established. The fully-parametric optimization method was used to optimize the optimal combination of hull, propeller and rudder with low resistance, high efficiency and appropriate propeller light running margin. The models were tested in the towing tank to verify the speed performance of the two sets of hulls, propellers and rudders. It was found that the ship integration optimization method based on the fully-parametric model excavated the improvement space of the ship’s speed performance from the overall level and realized the integration optimization of the fully-parametric model. The design of hull, propeller and rudder achieved the best speed performance. Compared with the initial design, the speed performance was greatly improved. By analyzing the effects of the hull, propeller and rudder separately, it was found that these parts have different effects on speed performance improvement, and ultimately can maximize the overall comprehensive income; CFD calculation and model test results had a good agreement.
Characteristics of Higher Harmonic Forces on Submerged Horizontal Cylinders with Sharp and Round Corners
Authors: Mao Hongfei , Zeng Jinwen , Wu Guanglin , Chen Hanqing , Zhang Shuqin , Yang Yuanting , Yang Qinru
Published: September 2024

In this study, a two-phase flow numerical wave tank model based on the viscous flow theory was applied to conduct computational research on the interaction between waves and submerged horizontal cylinders. The research objective is to reveal the hydrodynamic characteristics of nonlinear loads on submerged horizontal cylinders with a focus on vortex effects. The influence of the sharp and round corners of cross-sections on the wave forces on cylinders was summarized. The reasons for the characteristics of the wave forces were explained by analyzing the flow field distribution around the cylinder and decomposing the wave forces into inertial and drag forces. This study found that under the various incident wave amplitudes, the section corner and aspect ratio have significant impacts on each frequency component of the horizontal and vertical wave forces. The distribution of the vorticity field shows that the vortex effects lead to the differences between the loads on the cylinder under different cross-sectional corners and aspect ratios. The characteristics of inertial forces and drag forces on the cylinders were given by comparing and analyzing the cases with different sectional sharp and round corners. The inertia and drag coefficients were obtained by solving Morison’s equation. Under various Kc and Re numbers, the maximum values of the inertia and drag coefficients obtained are significantly different from those for submerged cylinders under oscillatory flow action.
Typhoon Intensity Change in the Vicinity of the Semi-Enclosed Sea of Japan
Authors: Choi Soo-Min , Choi Hyo
Published: September 2024

The intensity change of Typhoon Songda (TY-0418) in the vicinity of the semi-enclosed Sea of Japan (SJ) was numerically investigated using 3D-WRF and UM-KMA models and GOES-IR satellite images on 4 to 8 September 2004. After the typhoon originated in the Western Pacific Ocean in August, it moved to the East China Sea. Following the north-eastward Kuroshio Warm Current, it developed with horizontal and vertical asymmetrical wind and moisture patterns until 5 September. On 7 September, closing to the Kyushu Island, it was divided into three wind fields near the surface due to the increased friction from the surrounding lands and shallower sea depth close to the land, but it still maintained its circular shape over 1 km in height. As it passed by the Korea Strait and entered the SJ, it became a smaller, deformed typhoon due to the SJ’s surrounding mountains, located between the East Korea and Tsushima Warm Currents inside the SJ. Its center matched a high equivalent potential temperature area, releasing significant latent heat through the condensation of water particles over warm currents. The latent heat converted to kinetic energy could be supplied into the typhoon circulation, causing its development. Moist flux and streamline at 1.5 km in height clearly showed the moisture transportation via the mutual interaction of the cyclonic circulation of the typhoon and the anti-cyclonic circulation of the North Pacific High Pressure from the typhoon’s tail toward both the center of the SJ and the Russian Sakhalin Island in the north of Japan, directly causing large clouds in its right quadrant. Simultaneously, the central pressure decrease with time could converge both transported moist air by the typhoon itself and water particles evaporated from the sea, causing them to rise and resulting in the formation of large clouds and the rapid development of the typhoon circulation. The strong downslope winds from the surrounding mountains of the SJ to its center also produced a cyclonic vortex due to the Coriolis force to the right, enhancing the typhoon’s circulation.
Identification of Floating Green Tide in High-Turbidity Water from Sentinel-2 MSI Images Employing NDVI and CIE Hue Angle Thresholds
Authors: Wang Lin , Meng Qinghui , Wang Xiang , Chen Yanlong , Wang Xinxin , Han Jie , Wang Bingqiang
Published: September 2024

Remote sensing technology is widely used to obtain information on floating green tides, and thresholding methods based on indices such as the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the floating algae index (FAI) play an important role in such studies. However, as the methods are influenced by many factors, the threshold values vary greatly; in particular, the error of data extraction clearly increases in situations of high-turbidity water (HTW) (NDVI > 0). In this study, high spatial resolution, multispectral images from the Sentinel-2 MSI mission were used as the data source. It was found that the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) hue angle calculated using remotely sensed equivalent multispectral reflectance data and the RGB method is extremely effective in distinguishing floating green tides from areas of HTW. Statistical analysis of Sentinel-2 MSI images showed that the threshold value of the hue angle that can effectively eliminate the effect of HTW is 218.94°. A test demonstration of the method for identifying the floating green tide in HTW in a Sentinel-2 MSI image was carried out using the identified threshold values of NDVI > 0 and CIE hue angle < 218.94°. The demonstration showed that the method effectively eliminates misidentification caused by HTW pixels (NDVI > 0), resulting in better consistency of the identification of the floating green tide and its distribution in the true color image. The method enables rapid and accurate extraction of information on floating green tide in HTW, and offers a new solution for the monitoring and tracking of green tides in coastal areas.
Offshore Ship Detection in Foggy Weather Based on Improved YOLOv8
Authors: Liang Shirui , Liu Xiuwen , Yang Zaifei , Liu Mingchen , Yin Yong
Published: September 2024

The detection and surveillance of ship targets in coastal waters is not only a crucial technology for the advancement of ship intelligence, but also holds great significance for the safety and economic development of coastal areas. However, due to poor visibility in foggy conditions, the effectiveness of ship detection in coastal waters during foggy weather is limited. In this paper, we propose an improved version of YOLOv8s, termed YOLOv8s-Fog, which provides a multi-target detection network specifically designed for nearshore scenes in foggy weather. This improvement involves adding coordinate attention to the neck of YOLOv8 and replacing the convolution in C2f with deformable convolution. Additionally, to expand the dataset, we construct and synthesize a collection of ship target images captured in coastal waters on days with varying degrees of fog, using the atmospheric scattering model and monocular depth estimation. We compare the improved model with the standard YOLOv8s model, as well as several other object detection models. The results demonstrate superior performance achieved by the improved model, achieving an average accuracy of 74.4% (mAP@0.5), which is 1.2% higher than that achieved by the standard YOLOv8s model.
Gaze-Assisted Prescribed Performance Controller for AUV Trajectory Tracking in Time-Varying Currents
Authors: Zhang Zhuoyu , Lin Mingwei , Li Dejun , Lin Ri
Published: September 2024

Trajectory tracking for underactuated autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) is challenging due to coupling dynamics, modeling inaccuracies, and unknown disturbances. To tackle this, we propose a decoupling gaze-assisted prescribed performance controller (GAPPC). We first use an error transformation approach to achieve the prescribed performance, incorporating the line-of-sight (LOS) algorithm and an event-triggering mechanism to handle the kinematic characteristics of underactuated AUVs. Next, we develop a control strategy for the transformed error that does not require knowledge of the model parameters, including fast dynamic compensation to reduce steady-state errors. Finally, we analyze the controller’s stability and present simulation results. Simulations, which account for modeling inaccuracies and unknown ocean currents, show that the GAPPC improves stability errors by 67.3% compared to the adaptive robust controller.
Evaluation of δ-Phase ZrH1.4 to ZrH1.7 Thermal Neutron Scattering Laws Using Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Mehta Vedant K. , Rehn Daniel A. , Olsson Pär A. T.
Published: September 2024

Zirconium hydride is commonly used for next-generation reactor designs due to its excellent hydrogen retention capacity at temperatures below 1000 K. These types of reactors operate at thermal neutron energies and require accurate representation of thermal scattering laws (TSLs) to optimize moderator performance and evaluate the safety indicators for reactor design. In this work, we present an atomic-scale representation of sub-stoichiometric ZrH2−x(0.3≤x≤0.6), which relies on ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) in tandem with velocity auto-correlation (VAC) analysis to generate phonon density of states (DOS) for TSL development. The novel NJOY+NCrystal tool, developed by the European Spallation Source community, was utilized to generate the TSL formulations in the A Compact ENDF (ACE) format for its utility in neutron transport software. First, stoichiometric zirconium hydride cross sections were benchmarked with experiments. Then sub-stoichiometric zirconium hydride TSLs were developed. Significant deviations were observed between the new δ-phase ZrH2−x TSLs and the TSLs in the current ENDF release. It was also observed that varying the hydrogen vacancy defect concentration and sites did not cause as significant a change in the TSLs (e.g., ZrH1.4 vs. ZrH1.7) as was caused by the lattice transformation from ϵ- to δ-phase.
Comparative Genomic Analyses of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum Pathotypes with Different Virulence Levels and Lifestyles
Authors: Morelos-Martínez Ma. , Cano-Camacho Horacio , Díaz-Tapia Karla , Simpson June , López-Romero Everardo , Zavala-Páramo María
Published: September 2024

Colletotrichum lindemuthianum is the most frequent pathogenic fungus of the common bean Phaseolus vulgaris. This filamentous fungus employs a hemibiotrophic nutrition/infection strategy, which is characteristic of many Colletotrichum species. Due to host–pathogen coevolution, C. lindemuthianum includes pathotypes with a diversity of virulence against differential common bean varieties. In this study, we performed comparative genomic analyses on three pathotypes with different virulence levels and a non-pathogenic pathotype, isolated from different geographical areas in Mexico. Our results revealed large genomes with high transposable element contents that have undergone expansions, generating intraspecific diversity. All the pathotypes exhibited a similar number of clusters of orthologous genes (COGs) and Gene Ontology (GO) terms. TFomes contain families that are typical in fungal genomes; however, they show different contents between pathotypes, mainly in transcription factors with the fungal-specific TF and Zn2Cys6 domains. Peptidase families mainly contain abundant serine peptidases, metallopeptidases, and cysteine peptidases. In the secretomes, the number of genes differed between the pathotypes, with a high percentage of candidate effectors. Both the virulence gene and CAZyme gene content for each pathotype was abundant and diverse, and the latter was enriched in hemicellulolytic enzymes. We provide new insights into the nature of intraspecific diversity among C. lindemuthianum pathotypes and the origin of their ability to rapidly adapt to genetic changes in its host and environmental conditions.
Characterization and Pathogenicity of Colletotrichum truncatum Causing Hylocereus undatus Anthracnose through the Changes of Cell Wall-Degrading Enzymes and Components in Fruits
Authors: Zhang Shuwu , Liu Yun , Liu Jia , Li Enchen , Xu Bingliang
Published: September 2024

Anthracnose is one of the destructive diseases of pitaya that seriously affects the plant growth and fruit quality and causes significant yield and economic losses worldwide. However, information regarding the species of pathogens that cause anthracnose in pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) fruits in Gansu Province, China, and its pathogenic mechanism is unknown. Thus, the purposes of our present study were to identify the species of pathogens causing H. undatus fruits anthracnose based on the morphological and molecular characteristics and determine its pathogenic mechanism by physiological and biochemical methods. In our present study, forty-six isolates were isolated from the collected samples of diseased H. undatus fruits and classified as three types (named as H-1, H-2, and H-3), according to the colony and conidium morphological characteristics. The isolation frequencies of H-1, H-2, and H-3 types were 63.04%, 21.74%, and 15.22%, respectively. The representative single-spore isolate of HLGTJ-1 in H-1 type has significant pathogenicity, and finally we identified Colletotrichum truncatum as the pathogen based on the morphological characteristics as well as multi-locus sequence analysis. Moreover, the H. undatus fruits inoculated with C. truncatum had a significantly increased activity of cell wall-degrading enzymes (CWDEs) cellulase (Cx), β-glucosidase (β-Glu), polygalacturonase (PG), and pectin methylgalacturonase (PMG), while having a decreased level of cell wall components of original pectin and cellulose in comparison to control. The average increased activities of Cx, β-Glu, PG, and PMG were 30.73%, 40.40%, 51.55%, and 32.23% from day 0 to 6 after inoculation, respectively. In contrast, the average decreased contents of original pectin and cellulose were 1.82% and 16.47%, respectively, whereas the average increased soluble pectin content was 38.31% in comparison to control. Our results indicate that C. truncatum infection increased the activities of CWDEs in H. undatus fruits to disassemble their cell wall components, finally leading to the fruits’ decay and deterioration. Thus, our findings will provide significant evidence in the controlling of pitaya anthracnose in the future.
Global Analysis of Natural Products Biosynthetic Diversity Encoded in Fungal Genomes
Authors: Zhang Shu , Shi Guohui , Xu Xinran , Guo Xu , Li Sijia , Li Zhiyuan , Wu Qi , Yin Wen-Bing
Published: September 2024

Fungal secondary metabolites (SMs) represent an invaluable source of therapeutic drugs. Genomics-based approaches to SM discovery have revealed a vast and largely untapped biosynthetic potential within fungal genomes. Here, we used the publicly available fungal genome sequences from the NCBI public database, as well as tools such as antiSMASH, BIG-SLiCE, etc., to analyze a total of 11,598 fungal genomes, identifying 293,926 biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), which were subsequently categorized into 26,825 gene cluster families (GCFs). It was discovered that only a tiny fraction, less than 1%, of these GCFs could be mapped to known natural products (NPs). Some GCFs that only contain a single BGC internally are crucial for the biodiversity of fungal biosynthesis. Evident patterns emerged from our analysis, revealing popular taxa as prominent sources of both actual and potential biosynthetic diversity. Our study also suggests that the genus rank distribution of GCF is generally consistent with NP diversity. It is noteworthy that genera Xylaria, Hypoxylon, Colletotrichum, Diaporthe, Nemania, and Calonectria appear to possess a higher potential for SM synthesis. In addition, 7213 BGCs match possible known compound structures, and homologous gene clusters of well-known drugs can be located in different genera, facilitating the development of derivatives that share structural similarity to these drugs and may potentially possess similar biological activity. Our study demonstrated the various types of fungi with mining potential, assisting researchers in prioritizing their research efforts and avoiding duplicate mining of known resources to further explore fungal NP producers.
Social Media for Investment Advice and Financial Satisfaction: Does Generation Matter?
Authors: Olajide Olamide , Pandey Sabina , Pandey Ichchha
Published: September 2024

This study explores the relationship between social media usage for investment advice and financial satisfaction across different generations. Ten ordered logit models were estimated using Stata to explore this relationship. Ordered logit analyses using data from the 2021 National Financial Capability Study State-by-State and Investor survey reveal that Generation X and millennials are less financially satisfied than baby boomers. While general social media use shows no statistically significant association, platform-specific analysis finds that Instagram and TikTok users report higher financial satisfaction, whereas YouTube users report lower satisfaction. Notably, millennials who use social media for investment advice are more financially satisfied than their peers. Detailed analyses reveal that Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter positively influence financial satisfaction across Gen Z, millennials, and Gen X, with more platform-specific associations observed for Facebook, LinkedIn, and Reddit among millennials and Gen X, respectively. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, financial professionals, and researchers, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to enhance financial well-being through social media.
Dynamics of the Oasis–Desert–Impervious Surface System and Its Mechanisms in the Northern Region of Egypt
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Ma Caihong , Ma Liya
Published: September 2024

Arid oasis ecosystems are susceptible and fragile ecosystems on Earth. Studying the interaction between deserts, oases, and impervious surfaces is an essential breakthrough for the harmonious and sustainable development of people and land in drylands. Based on gridded data such as land use and NDVI, this article analyzes the interaction characteristics between oases, deserts, and impervious surfaces in northern Egypt and examines their dynamics using modeling and geographic information mapping methods. The results show the following: In terms of the interaction between deserts and oases, the primary manifestation was the expansion of oases and the reduction of deserts. During the study period, the oases in the Nile Delta and Fayoum District increased significantly, with the area of oases in 2020 being 1.19 times the area in 2000, which shows a clear trend of advance of people and retreat of sand. The interaction between oases and impervious surfaces was mainly observed in the form of the spread of impervious surfaces on arable land into oases. During the study period, the area of impervious surfaces increased 2.32 times. The impervious surface expanded over 1903.70 km2 of arable land, accounting for 66.67% of the expanded area. The central phenomenon between the impervious surface and the desert was the encroachment of the covered area of the impervious surface into the desert, especially around the city of Cairo. Population growth and urbanization are the two central drivers between northern Egypt’s oases, deserts, and impervious surfaces. The need for increased food production due to population growth has forced oases to move deeper into the desert, and occupation of arable land due to urbanization has led to increasing pressure on arable land, creating a pressure-conducting dynamic mechanism. Finally, countermeasures for sustainable regional development are suggested.
Short-Term Artificial Revegetation with Herbaceous Species Can Prevent Soil Degradation in a Black Soil Erosion Gully of Northeast China
Authors: Liu Jielin , Zhu Yong , Li Jianye , Kong Xiaolei , Zhang Qiang , Wang Xueshan , Peng Daqing , Zhang Xingyi
Published: September 2024

Understanding the effects of short-term artificial revegetation on preventing soil degradation in erosion gullies of black soil areas is essential to choosing the most suitable species of vegetation for controlling the development of erosion gullies. A field experiment with short-term artificial revegetation with herbaceous species (Medicago sativa L., Glycyrrhiza pallidiflora Maxim., Elytrigia repens (L.) Desv. ex Nevski, Rheum palmatum L., Asparagus officinalis L., Trifolium repens L., Bromus inermis Leyss., Elymus dahuricus Turcz.) and a runoff scouring test were conducted in a typical erosion gully in a black soil area. Soil erosion, physicochemical characteristics, and shoot/root characteristics were measured to evaluate the effects of short-term artificial revegetation. Short-term artificial revegetation significantly decreased (p < 0.05) sediment yield by 91.1% ± 7.2% compared with that of bare soil. Soil total nitrogen (TN), total potassium (TP), available phosphorus (AP), cation exchange capacity (CEC), water-stable aggregates > 0.25 mm (WR0.25), and aggregate mean weight diameter (MWD) and mean geometric diameter (GWD) were significantly correlated with vegetated treatments, indicating they were factors sensitive to short-term artificial revegetation. Except for total potassium (TK), the other soil characteristics decreased in vegetated treatments. In addition to increasing TK, vegetated treatments also increased soil available nitrogen (AN)/TN ratios in the short term. The overall effects of different herbaceous species on soil and water conservation, soil quality, and vegetation growth were evaluated, and Trifolium repens L. is the most suitable for preventing soil degradation in an erosion gully. The results of this study will provide a reference for the restoration and protection of the ecological environment in black soil areas with gully erosion.