bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UAV-Based Phytoforensics: Hyperspectral Image Analysis to Remotely Detect Explosives Using Maize (Zea mays)
Authors: Manley Paul V. , Via Stephen M. , Burken Joel G.
Published: January 2025

Remnant explosive devices are a deadly nuisance to both military personnel and civilians. Traditional mine detection and clearing is dangerous, time-consuming, and expensive. And routine production and testing of explosives can create groundwater contamination issues. Remote detection methods could be rapidly deployed in vegetated areas containing explosives as they are known to cause stress in vegetation that is detectable with hyperspectral sensors. Hyperspectral imagery was employed in a mesocosm study comparing stress from a natural source (drought) to that of plants exposed to two different concentrations of Royal Demolition Explosive (RDX; 250 mg kg−1, 500 mg kg−1). Classification was accomplished with the machine learning algorithms Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), and Least Discriminant Analysis (LDA). Leaf-level plant data assisted in validating plant stress induced by the presence of explosives and was detectable. Vegetation indices (VIs) have historically been used for dimension reduction due to computational limitations; however, we measured improvements in model precision, recall, and accuracy when using the complete range of available wavelengths. In fact, almost all models applied to spectral data outperformed their index counterparts. While challenges exist in scaling research efforts from the greenhouse to the field (i.e., weather, solar lighting conditions, altitude when imaging from a UAV, runoff containment, etc.), this experiment is promising for subsequent research efforts at greater scale and complexity aimed at detecting emerging contaminants.
From Mountains to Basins: Asymmetric Ecosystem Vulnerability and Adaptation to Extreme Climate Events in Southwestern China
Authors: Lu Qingao , Zhang Yuandong , Sun Wei , Wei Jingxuan , Xu Kun
Published: January 2025

The increasing frequency of both singular and compound extreme climate events driven by global warming has profoundly impacted terrestrial ecosystems. Using machine learning-based Random Forest algorithms and moving correlation analysis, this study quantifies the impacts of extreme climate indices (ECIs) on two ecological indicators (EIs), the NDVI and GPP, from 1982 to 2019. The results reveal that singular extreme climate events exert a more pronounced influence on ecosystems across Southwestern China (SWC) than compound ones. Specifically, the NDVI and GPP exhibited strong correlations with summer days (SU) and diurnal temperature range (DTR), with SU contributing positively (weight = 0.275 for the GPP and 0.238 for the NDVI) and DTR negatively (weight = 0.107 for the GPP and 0.130 for the NDVI). Regional analyses highlighted distinct spatial patterns: in mid–high-altitude areas (>1 km), including the Hengduan Mountains (HDMs) and Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau (YGP), extreme temperatures and precipitation significantly promoted vegetation growth, with rainfall day index (RDI), frost days (FD), extreme temperature index (ETI), SU, and DTR all having a strong influence (>0.1) on the GPP and NDVI. These areas showed strong adaptability to extreme climate, benefiting overall vegetation health. In contrast, ecosystems in low-altitude areas (<1 km) showed more variable responses. The Guangxi Basin (GXB) exhibited strong resistance to ECIs, with vegetation being almost unaffected by extreme precipitation and benefiting from continuous warming. Only consecutive wet days (CWD) and FD were significantly negatively correlated with EIs (p < 0.05), and their correlation weights were low (weights = 0.043 and 0.013). However, the vegetation in the Sichuan Basin (SCB) is more susceptible to climate extremes, which have particularly strong effects on the NDVI. SU, tropical nights (TR), ETI, and growing season length (GSL), which have positive effects on EIs in mid–high-altitude areas, show extremely significant negative correlations in the SCB (p < 0.001), and their weights account for one-third of the total (weights = 0.15, 0.11, 0.061 and 0.012, respectively). These findings underscore the heterogeneous responses of ecosystems to ECIs and emphasize the need for region-specific strategies in ecosystem management and disaster prevention amid climate change.
The Potential of Wearable Sensors for Detecting Cognitive Rumination: A Scoping Review
Authors: Arnold Vitica X. , Young Sean D.
Published: January 2025

Cognitive rumination, a transdiagnostic symptom across mental health disorders, has traditionally been assessed through self-report measures. However, these measures are limited by their temporal nature and subjective bias. The rise in wearable technologies offers the potential for continuous, real-time monitoring of physiological indicators associated with rumination. This scoping review investigates the current state of research on using wearable technology to detect cognitive rumination. Specifically, we examine the sensors and wearable devices used, physiological biomarkers measured, standard measures of rumination used, and the comparative validity of specific biomarkers in identifying cognitive rumination. The review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines on IEEE, Scopus, PubMed, and PsycInfo databases. Studies that used wearable devices to measure rumination-related physiological responses and biomarkers were included (n = 9); seven studies assessed one biomarker, and two studies assessed two biomarkers. Electrodermal Activity (EDA) sensors capturing skin conductance activity emerged as both the most prevalent sensor (n = 5) and the most comparatively valid biomarker for detecting cognitive rumination via wearable devices. Other commonly investigated biomarkers included electrical brain activity measured through Electroencephalogram (EEG) sensors (n = 2), Heart Rate Variability (HRV) measured using Electrocardiogram (ECG) sensors and heart rate fitness monitors (n = 2), muscle response measured through Electromyography (EMG) sensors (n = 1) and movement measured through an accelerometer (n = 1). The Empatica E4 and Empatica Embrace 2 wrist-worn devices were the most frequently used wearable (n = 3). The Rumination Response Scale (RRS), was the most widely used standard scale for assessing rumination. Experimental induction protocols, often adapted from Nolen-Hoeksema and Morrow’s 1993 rumination induction paradigm, were also widely used. In conclusion, the findings suggest that wearable technology offers promise in capturing real-time physiological responses associated with rumination. However, the field is still developing, and further research is needed to validate these findings and explore the impact of individual traits and contextual factors on the accuracy of rumination detection.
Improving Diagnostic Yield for Analyzing Periodic Electrograms in the Remote Detection of Pacemaker Lead Issues
Authors: Quinonero Clement , Strik Marc , Catalan Pierre Antoine , Mondoly Pierre , Laborderie Julien , Haïssaguerre Michel , Eschalier Romain , Bordachar Pierre , Ploux Sylvain
Published: January 2025

Remote monitoring of pacemakers decreases patient complications and reduces public health expenses. The transmission of passive real-time electrograms (EGM) has been shown to increase the diagnostic yield, but this may add to the work burden. Passive EGMs provide snapshots without adjustments, while active EGMs modify pacemaker settings temporarily to encourage sensing and pacing, potentially revealing issues such as undersensing, oversensing, or loss of capture. The added value of active EGMs compared to the passive EGM remains to be shown. The objective of this multicenter observational study is to evaluate, in a large population of patients implanted with a pacemaker capable of transmitting both passive and active periodic EGMs, the added benefit of active periodic EGMs on diagnostic yield of pacemaker-related anomalies. In a retrospective analysis of 7068 EGMs from 2733 patients, active modes detected significantly more anomalies (6.7%) than passive alone (3.3%, p < 0.001), particularly for atrial leads. However, the extended duration of active EGMs (36 s versus 12 s) was the primary contributor to improved detection rates rather than the active pacing modes themselves. Our findings suggest that focusing on longer passive EGMs may enhance diagnostic yield, reducing the need for active pacing adjustments.
Trends in Snapshot Spectral Imaging: Systems, Processing, and Quality
Authors: Thomas Jean-Baptiste , Lapray Pierre-Jean , Le Moan Steven
Published: January 2025

Recent advances in spectral imaging have enabled snapshot acquisition, as a means to mitigate the impracticalities of spectral imaging, e.g., expert operators and cumbersome hardware. Snapshot spectral imaging, e.g., in technologies like spectral filter arrays, has also enabled higher temporal resolution at the expense of the spatio-spectral resolution, allowing for the observation of temporal events. Designing, realising, and deploying such technologies is yet challenging, particularly due to the lack of clear, user-meaningful quality criteria across diverse applications, sensor types, and workflows. Key research gaps include optimising raw image processing from snapshot spectral imagers and assessing spectral image and video quality in ways valuable to end-users, manufacturers, and developers. This paper identifies several challenges and current opportunities. It proposes considering them jointly and suggests creating a new unified snapshot spectral imaging paradigm that would combine new systems and standards, new algorithms, new cost functions, and quality indices.
Vernier Effect-Enhanced Temperature Sensing Based on On-Chip Spiral Resonant Cavities
Authors: Liu Changhao , Pan Ziwen , Yang Yi , Yang Xi , Tang Jun
Published: January 2025

The optical Vernier effect has been widely studied due to its remarkable effect in improving the sensitivity and resolution of optical sensors. This effect relies on the overlapping envelope of two signals with slightly detuned frequencies. In the application of on-chip optical waveguide resonant cavities with whispering gallery modes, due to the on-chip space limitations, the length of the resonant cavity is restricted, resulting in an increased free spectral range. In the case of a small Vernier effect detuning, the required large Vernier envelope period often exceeds the available wavelength range of the detection system. To address this issue, we propose a novel on-chip waveguide structure to optimize the detection range of the cascaded Vernier effect. The proposed spiral resonant cavity extends the cavity length to 7.50 m within a limited area. The free spectral width (27.46 MHz) is comparable in size to the resonant linewidth (9.41 MHz), shrinking the envelope free spectral width to 371.29 MHz, which greatly facilitates the reading of the Vernier effect. Finally, by connecting two resonant cavities with similar cavity lengths in series and utilizing the Vernier effect, temperature sensing was verified. The results show that compared with a single resonant cavity, the sensitivity was improved by a factor of 14.19. This achievement provides a new direction for the development of wide-range and high-sensitivity Vernier sensing technologies.
Gender Typing of Sports in Croatia
Authors: Marelić Marko , Đurković Tomislav , Antekolović Ljubomir
Published: January 2025

The aim of this study was to examine the perception and gender typing of sports among students at the University of Zagreb Faculty of Kinesiology. The study was conducted on a sample of 268 students, with respondents categorizing 19 sports as male, female, or equally male and female. Data processing included descriptive statistics in the form of frequencies and percentages and the chi-square test with Bonferroni correction to test differences between groups for categorical variables. Differences in gender typing (perception) between two groups of participants based on gender were tested using the t-test. Five sports (rugby, formula, boxing, water polo, and soccer) were predominantly categorized as “male”, three sports as “female” (rhythmic gymnastics, aerobics, and synchronized swimming), and as many as eleven as “neutral” (athletics, skiing, swimming, tennis, karate, beach volleyball, gymnastics, handball, volleyball, sailing, and basketball). Regardless of active participation in a particular sport, the perception of gender typing of sports remained constant. The results indicate that in Croatia there is still a separation in the perception of sports that are either suitable for men, for women, or for both genders.
Adherence to the Singapore Integrated 24 h Activity Guidelines for Pre-Primary School Children Before, During and After the COVID-19 Lockdown in Singapore
Authors: Low Seow Ting , Chua Terence Buan Kiong , Li Dan , Chia Michael
Published: January 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted the lives of pre-primary school children in Singapore where increased infection rates prompted lockdown measures that altered children’s daily routines. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the lifestyle behaviours and health quality of 3134 children aged 5 to 6 years across three periods: pre-COVID, COVID-19 lockdown, and COVID-19 endemicity. Data were collected using the Surveillance of Digital Media Habits in Early Childhood Questionnaire (SMALLQ®) to measure on- and off-screen media habits of children and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PaedQL) to assess children’s health quality. Adherence to physical activity (PA) guidelines dropped from 32.7% pre-COVID to 27.4% during lockdown but improved to 34.4% in endemicity (p < 0.05). Sleep (SL) adherence followed a similar pattern, decreasing from 33.4% to 27.9% before rising to 40.6% (p < 0.05). Screen time (ST) adherence significantly declined during lockdown (16.7% to 10.8%, p < 0.001). Weak positive correlations with all PaedQL metrics were observed across periods, except during endemicity (p < 0.05). Concerted efforts involving key stakeholders must be made to mitigate the negative effects of the pandemic on children’s lifestyle behaviours and QoL, ensuring they are better prepared for the transition to primary school.
Responses of Soil Aggregate Stability and SOC to Different Tillage Modes and Straw Input Level
Authors: Ren Xiaoyan , Zhang Xinyi , Cai Liqun , Wu Jun
Published: January 2025

Straw returning has an effective strategy for improving soil carbon sequestration and aggregate stability, as well as promoting sustainable agricultural development. Although in recent years, predecessors have conducted in-depth studies on the impact of tillage patterns and straw returning levels on soil organic carbon (SOC) and aggregate stability, we remain unclear on which tillage modes and straw return levels were the most suitable combinations in the study area. In view of this, we examined the influence of two tillage modes (tillage with straw returning, TS; no-tillage with straw mulching, NTS) and four straw addition levels (one-time treatment, 3500 kg/ha; two-time treatment, 7000 kg/ha; three-time treatment, 10,500 kg/ha; four-time treatment, 14,000 kg/ha) to soil aggregate size distribution, stability, SOC content, and carbon fractions content by split-plot experiment. The results showed that NTS3 enhanced the proportion of middle macro-aggregates fraction (MM) and unstable macro-aggregates fraction (UM), as well as SOC and hot-water extraction C (HWC) content with NTS mode. TS3 enhanced the proportion of MM, small macro-aggregates fraction (SM) with TS mode. Pearson correlation analysis suggested that the effect of straw input level on SOC and soil aggregates is greater for NTS than TS. In conclusion, considering the aspects of not affecting soil aggregate stability and improving SOC content, we think that NTS plays a significant role in promoting and enhancing the capacity of farmland soil to retain organic carbon in the research area; particularly, NTS3, HWC, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) serve as indicative indices for SOC changes.
Soft HRM Practices Fostering Service Innovations and Performance in Hospitality Firms
Authors: Tsou Hung-Tai , Chen Ja-Shen , Mai Thi Oanh , Jade Nguyen B. Ngoc
Published: January 2025

This study explores the connections between soft HRM practices and organizational performance through the lenses of incremental service innovation (ISI) and radical service innovation (RSI). Data were collected via an online survey involving 225 hospitality managers in Vietnam’s hospitality sector. We utilized Partial Least Squares (PLS) analysis through SmartPLS 4.0 to examine the data. The findings reveal that soft HRM practices significantly influence both ISI and RSI, thereby enhancing financial and market performance. Additionally, ISI and RSI serve as mediators in the relationship between soft HRM practices and organizational performance. Our results offer fresh perspectives on the innovation-driven performance effects of soft HRM practices and contribute to bridging the gap in modeling the relationship between soft HRM and organizational performance within the context of service innovations. This study provides valuable insights for managers, suggesting strategies to enhance and identify critical aspects of soft HRM implementation that enable organizations to be more strategically adaptable and to consistently develop new services.
Artificial Intelligence-Driven Interactive Experience for Intangible Cultural Heritage: Sustainable Innovation of Blue Clamp-Resist Dyeing
Authors: Wang Yidan , Zhou Yixuan
Published: January 2025

The sustainable development of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) faces multiple challenges, including societal structural transformations, intergenerational transmission gaps, and the loss of cultural memory. The rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies offers new possibilities for the digital preservation and innovation of ICH. This study leverages generative AI to develop a LoRA model embodying the Blue Clamp-Resist Dyeing style, enabling the digital preservation and innovative reinterpretation of traditional patterns. Additionally, the study integrates these technological achievements into an interactive experience project at the Wenzhou Blue Clamp-Resist Dyeing Museum. Through immersive experiences in pattern generation and dissemination, the project effectively enhances public engagement and cultural identity. The findings reveal that generative AI holds significant potential for promoting the digital transformation, innovative dissemination, and sustainable development of ICH. This study offers a practical approach to the preservation and innovation of intangible cultural heritage. By applying generative artificial intelligence, it further expands the potential for enhancing public engagement and promoting innovative cultural heritage transmission. Additionally, it provides new possibilities for leveraging digital technologies to support the sustainable development of intangible cultural heritage.
Integration of Vapor Compression and Thermoelectric Cooling Systems for Enhanced Refrigeration Performance
Authors: Wang Tianqi , Lv Mingjie , Jin Yingai , Alam Firoz
Published: January 2025

Refrigeration is vital in daily life and industries, traditionally relying on single-system cooling. The two predominant kinds of single-system cooling are vapor compression refrigeration (VCR) and thermoelectric cooling (TEC). Each of these two single systems has its own disadvantages, such as higher input energy requirements and lower efficiency. However, the effect of the integration of VCR and TEC for achieving higher cooling performance with lower energy input has not been well studied and reported in the existing literature. Therefore, the aim of this study is to conduct a thorough investigation into an integrated refrigeration system that combines VCR and TEC. This integration allows switching between systems based on specific requirements, leveraging the high coefficient of performance (COP) of VCR and the benefits of TEC. Three configurations have been studied, and each of them has three operating conditions: VCR alone, TEC alone, and TEC hybrid with VCR. Configuration I corresponds to the results from the individual refrigeration test. In Configuration II, the hot end of the thermoelectric cooling module is installed at the insulation layer between the TEC layer and the VCR compartment. In Configuration III, the cold end of the thermoelectric cooling module is positioned at the insulation layer between the TEC layer and the VCR compartment. Configuration III of the integrated system demonstrated good performance by reducing the time required to reach the target temperature. It took 40 min for TEC alone to reach a temperature of 11.1 °C, 13 min for VCR alone, and only 9.6 min for a hybrid system. The hybrid system shows increased versatility and potential for future applications, providing valuable insight into optimizing advanced cooling technologies. Furthermore, from an economic and sustainability standpoint, the proposed hybrid refrigeration system is advantageous and ambitious as it offers superior cooling capacity and greater efficiency than current refrigeration systems.
Looking for a Balance Between Memories, Patrimonialization, and Tourism: Sustainable Approaches to Industrial Heritage Regeneration in Northwestern Italy
Authors: Chiodi Carlo Angelo Maria , De Lucia Rossella , Giunchi Carlo , Molinari Paolo
Published: January 2025

Historically renowned for its industrialization, Northwestern Italy is undergoing significant economic transformations after the late 20th century deindustrialization, whose profound impacts present challenges for the development of sustainable approaches to the territory’s urban and rural memoryscapes revitalization. This paper critically analyzes three cases in Ponte Lambro, Sesto San Giovanni, and Genoa, whose industrial histories allow for studying how industrial heritage-making projects can promote socioeconomic opportunities and tourism, balancing community well-being, conservation needs, and social inclusion. The study focuses on what heritage is meant to achieve and how the past and its ties are retroactively “constructed” more than on the material constitution of heritage, examining the initiatives’ contribution to long-term social, cultural, and environmental sustainability. It also applies the analytical method proposed by Muzaini and Minca (2018) to evaluate the inhabitants’ involvement in the heritage-making process. Findings suggest heritage valorization contributes to the creation of complex collective identities and territorial regeneration, although management contradictions and challenges emerge, such as the absence of an integrated and participatory approach. This shows the complexity of heritage-making processes, fluctuating between new meanings, the risk of marginalizing relevant aspects of local memory, the need for sustainable preservation, and the challenges of its touristic and economic consumption.
A Framework of Life-Cycle Infrastructure Digitalization for Highway Asset Management
Authors: Huang Yeran , Gao Jian , Wang Lin , Zhu Jierui , Li Wanjun
Published: January 2025

With increased highway mileage, various types and quantities of infrastructure are equipped on the roadside to improve traffic safety and efficiency but also encounter difficulty in asset management. The collected data are separately stored with diverse formats, granularity and quality, causing repeated acquisitions and islands of information coherence. The life-cycle interoperability of infrastructure data are required to support life-cycle application scenarios in sustainable development. This paper analyzes 459 papers and 538 survey questionnaires to obtain the literature and practical digital requirements, including unified classification and standardized formats, linkage from separated data sources, support for data analysis across different scenarios, etc. To satisfy these requirements, an infrastructure digitalization framework is proposed, including road infrastructure and other data, data governance, life-cycle data integration, application scenarios, regulations and standards, and performance assessment. The application scenarios involve four categories—design and construction, maintenance, operation, and highway administration—each of which contains four or five scenarios. Then, the data integration approach is first developed with master data identification and determination of data elements for data interoperation between different application scenarios, using a modified data–process matrix, correlation matrix, and evaluation factors. A data relationship model is adopted to present static and dynamic correlations from the multi-source data. Numerical experiments are implemented with two practical highway administration and maintenance systems to demonstrate the effectiveness of the data integration approach. Master data identification and data element determination are applied to guide life-cycle data interoperation.
Cultural Factors Impacting Health and Safety (H&S) Practices in a Developing Construction Economy
Authors: Fayyaz Kashan , Shahzaib Muhammad , Aziz Arslan , Irfan Muhammad , Salah Alaloul Wesam , Musarat Muhammad Ali
Published: January 2025

The study investigated the influence of cultural factors on Health and Safety (H&S) practices in the construction industry of a developing economy using a quantitative approach. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey from industry professionals. The findings reveal varying perceptions of safety culture, communication, and practices, with mean scores ranging from 2.692 to 3.607. Safety training frequency showed high variability (mean = 2.692, CV = 43.13%, Skewness = 0.42, Z-score = −0.69, range = 1.531 to 3.853), while subcontractors’ safety compliance exhibited the least variability (mean = 3.589, CV = 26.50%, Skewness = −0.38, Z-score = 0.58, range = 2.638 to 4.540). Practices (mean = 3.327, CV = 25.69%, Skewness = −0.38), behaviors (mean = 3.234, CV = 27.40%, Skewness = −0.25), and norms (mean = 3.028, CV = 31.91%, Skewness = 0.10) also showed significant variations. Additionally, the key challenges with highest values include budget constraints (mean = 3.607, CV = 31.80%) and company rules (mean = 3.523, CV = 30.28%). Furthermore, Kruskal–Wallis’s test indicates statistically significant differences across variables, with medium to large effect sizes (η2). By addressing important cultural factors and challenges, the findings provide actionable insights to enhance worker safety, reduce accidents, and promote a safer working environment, thereby contributing to sustainable development and resilience in Pakistan’s construction sector.
Agrivoltaics Systems Potentials in Italy: State of the Art and SWOT–AHP Analysis
Authors: Di Domenico Giorgia , Colantoni Andrea , Bianchini Leonardo , Cecchini Massimo , Gallucci Francesco , Di Stefano Valerio
Published: January 2025

Agrivoltaics, the integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems with agricultural activities, is gaining attention as an innovative solution to improve land use efficiency and address climate challenges. This study investigates the potential and challenges of the Agri-PV in the Italian context using a bottom-up SWOT–AHP methodology, incorporating data from stakeholders across various sectors. Key findings highlight significant strengths, such as increased land use efficiency and technological innovation, as well as opportunities such as renewable energy production and local economic growth. However, barriers such as high installation costs, regulatory ambiguity, and potential impacts on biodiversity remain crucial issues. SWOT–AHP analysis reveals balanced global priorities, with leading opportunities (26.8%) and stakeholder-specific differences that offer valuable insights for inclusive strategies. The research also estimates the technical potential of Agri-PV in Italy, showing that using a fraction (1% or 5%) of “Unused Agricultural Land” could triple the energy targets outlined in the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC).
Green Economic Efficiency and Coordinated Development in the Bohai Rim Region: Addressing Regional Disparities for Sustainable Innovation and Economic Transformation
Authors: Xiao Kun , Chen Xiaolong , Zhang Hongfeng , Wong Cora Un In
Published: January 2025

The Bohai Rim Region plays a crucial role in the economy of northern China. Historically, the area’s development has been driven by resource-intensive industries, necessitating urgent structural transformation. In response, the government has actively promoted a green economic model. This study evaluates the efficiency of green economic performance and total factor productivity (TFP) across five provinces in the region, incorporating regional innovation capabilities and green innovation outputs into the green economy input–output system. The results show that green economic efficiency (GEE) has improved across regions, with higher technological advancement leading to greater improvements in green TFP. Additionally, the economic disparity between provinces and municipalities has been decreasing. This study indicates that, while inter-provincial differences are widening, intra-regional disparities are narrowing. Meanwhile, this study provides a foundation for regional economic integration and policymaking in the Bohai Rim, offering insights into balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.
An Approach Integrating Model-Based Systems Engineering, IoT, and Digital Twin for the Design of Electric Unmanned Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Ramirez Clara A. , Agrawal Priyanshu , Thompson Amy E.
Published: January 2025

This article proposes a novel methodology aimed at streamlining the system’s development process. By examining existing state-of-the-art approaches and the capabilities inherent in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools, the article introduces a methodology centered around transforming a descriptive Systems Modeling Language (SysML) model into a digital twin. This virtual representation of the physical asset leverages real-time data and simulations to mirror its behavior and characteristics. When integrated with MBSE, this synergy allows for a comprehensive and dynamic approach, enhancing innovation by providing a holistic and adaptable framework for designing, analyzing, and optimizing complex systems throughout their lifecycle. The practical application of this Real-Time Communication and Data Acquisition (RT-CDA) methodology is implemented in a context and operational scenario of an electric unmanned autonomous vehicle employing both Software-in-the-Loop (SITL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) approaches. The methodology empowers systems engineers to iteratively update and refine their system model’s fidelity based on real-world testing insights. The article specifically demonstrates the real-time communication capabilities achieved between an electric unmanned autonomous vehicle (a physical asset) and a descriptive (SysML) model, illustrating the real-time data aspect integral to the concept of a digital twin. This study serves as a foundation for future endeavors, envisioning real-time communication among virtual and physical models to construct comprehensive digital twins of complex systems to predict behavior and performance.
An Intelligent Technique for Android Malware Identification Using Fuzzy Rank-Based Fusion
Authors: Taha Altyeb , Osman Ahmed Hamza , Baguda Yakubu Suleiman
Published: January 2025

Android’s open-source nature, combined with its large market share, has made it a primary target for malware developers. Consequently, there is a dramatic need for effective Android malware detection methods. This paper suggests a novel fuzzy rank-based fusion approach for Android malware detection (ANDFRF). The suggested ANDFRF primarily consists of two steps: in the first step, five machine learning algorithms, comprising K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Logistic Regression (LR), XGbooost (XGB) and Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM), were utilized as base classifiers for the initial identification of Android Apps either as goodware or malware apps. Second, the fuzzy rank-based fusion approach was employed to adaptively integrate the classification results obtained from the base machine learning algorithms. By leveraging rankings instead of explicit class labels, the proposed ANDFRF method reduces the impact of anomalies and noisy predictions, leading to more accurate ensemble outcomes. Furthermore, the rankings reflect the relative importance or acceptance of each class across multiple classifiers, providing deeper insights into the ensemble’s decision-making process. The proposed framework was validated on two publicly accessible datasets, CICAndMal2020 and DREBIN, with a 5-fold cross-validation technique. The proposed ensemble framework achieves a classification accuracy of 95.51% and an AUC of 95.40% on the DREBIN dataset. On the CICAndMal2020 LBC dataset, it attains an accuracy of 95.31% and an AUC of 95.30%. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed scheme is both efficient and effective for Android malware detection.
Development of the Measurement Scale of Online Convention Service Quality (OCSQ)
Authors: Lee Jun , Lee Byeong-Cheol , Yang June-Hee
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to develop a scale for measuring the online convention service quality (OCSQ) for the effective management of conventions held online. This study followed three steps to develop the measurement scale of OCSQ. First, a literature review of existing research relating to convention service quality was conducted to generate initial OCSQ items. Next, the Delphi method was used to assess the suitability of items for the scale (from 7 May to 10 June 2021). Finally, a survey of attendees of online conventions was conducted (from 26 July to 6 August 2021) to prove the reliability and validity of the items. As a result, in this study, the dimension of security, initially in the category platform service, is separated from it. The results show that online convention service quality has five main components (human services, program services, platform services, security, and interaction services). In the conclusion, we propose the final measurement scale of online convention service quality, with five dimensions and 25 categories. This study has its own value for the initial exploration of online convention service quality, which has emerged as a significant area of convention research. It contributes to academic research and the management of online convention by addressing unique aspects.
Assessment of Natural Occurrence and Risk of the Emerging Mycotoxin Moniliformin in South Korea
Authors: Woo So Young , Lee Sang Yoo , Park Su Been , Kim Si Eun , Kang Young Woon , Chun Hyang Sook
Published: January 2025

Moniliformin (MON) is a highly polar, emerging Fusarium mycotoxin with a low molecular weight. It is known to exhibit potentially harmful effects on public and animal health. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the natural occurrence of MON in various foods marketed in South Korea and to perform a risk assessment. An analytical method for MON quantification using strong anion exchange clean-up combined with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was validated across four different food matrices (white rice, sorghum, corn oil, and baby food), exhibiting excellent accuracy, precision, and sensitivity. A total of six food categories, 33 food commodities, and 253 food samples were included in this study. Maize, sorghum, Job’s tears, and perilla seeds were identified as the major contributors to MON contamination. Estimated daily intake (EDI) was calculated for both mean and 95th percentile extreme dietary scenarios using upper and lower bound approaches. The highest EDI was observed in the 0–2-year and 3–6-year age groups, primarily for cereal grains. The margin of exposure (MOE) values for maize consumption ranged from 2544 to 7482. These results highlight the potential health concerns associated with MON, necessitating targeted risk management strategies.
Long Non-Coding RNA THRIL Promotes Influenza Virus Replication by Inhibiting the Antiviral Innate Immune Response
Authors: Chen Mengying , Hu Jingyun , Zhou Xinni , Gao Ming , Li Ning , Yang Guihong , Chi Xiaojuan , Wang Song
Published: January 2025

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been recognized for their crucial roles in the replication processes of various viruses. However, the specific functions and regulatory mechanisms of many lncRNAs in influenza A virus (IAV) pathogenesis remain poorly understood. In this study, we identified lncRNA THRIL and observed a significant reduction in its expression following IAV infection in A549 cells. The treatment of cells with the viral mimic poly (I:C), or with type I and type III interferons, resulted in a substantial decrease in THRIL expression. Furthermore, THRIL overexpression significantly enhanced IAV replication, while its silencing markedly reduced IAV replication. Additionally, IAV infection led to notable reductions in the expression levels of type I and type III interferons in cell lines overexpressing THRIL compared to control groups; conversely, cell lines with THRIL knockdown exhibited significantly higher interferon levels than control groups. Moreover, THRIL was found to inhibit the expression of several critical interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), which are essential for an effective antiviral response. Notably, our findings demonstrated that THRIL impaired the activation of IRF3, a key transcription factor in the interferon signaling pathway, thereby suppressing host innate immunity. These results highlight THRIL’s potential as a therapeutic target for antiviral strategies.
Comparison of Phenotypes of Headaches After COVID-19 Vaccinations Differentiated According to the Vaccine Used
Authors: Göbel Carl Hartmut , Heinze Axel , Heinze-Kuhn Katja , Karstedt Sarah , Morscheck Mascha , Tashiro Lilian , Cirkel Anna , Hamid Qutyaba , Halwani Rabih , Temsah Mohamad-Hani , Ziemann Malte , Görg Siegfried , Münte Thomas , Göbel Hartmut
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: In this ongoing, multicenter, global cohort observational study, phenotypes of headaches after COVID-19 vaccination were directly compared between different vaccines. Methods: Phenotypes of postvaccinal headache were recorded in 18,544 participants. The study was launched immediately after the start of the global COVID-19 vaccination campaign on 12 January 2021 and continued until 1 August 2023. Specific aspects of headaches and related variables were collected via an online questionnaire. The clinical headache characteristics of patients vaccinated with the Comirnaty (BioNTech), Jcovden (Johnson & Johnson), Sputnik V (Gamelaya), Covilo (Sinopharm), Spikevax (Moderna), Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca), and Convidecia (CanSino Biologics) vaccines were investigated. Results: Across all vaccines, the median and mean latency of headache onset after vaccine administration were 12 h and 23.3 h, respectively. The median and mean headache duration were 12 h and 23.3 h, respectively. When the nonreplicating viral vector vaccine Sputnik V was used, headaches occurred the fastest, with a latency of 17 h. The latencies for the Vaxzevria and Convidecia nonreplicating viral vector vaccines were 14.9 h and 19.1 h, respectively. The Covilo inactivated whole-virus vaccine had a latency of 20.5 h. The latencies of the mRNA-based Comirnaty and Spikevax vaccines were 26.0 h and 22.02 h, respectively. Analysis of variance revealed no significant differences in the mean duration of postvaccinal headache for the vaccines tested. Compared with the Comirnaty, Covilo, and Vaxzevria vaccines, the Spikevax vaccine induced significantly greater headache intensities. Vaxzevria was associated with a significantly higher frequency of concomitant symptoms than the other vaccines. Conclusions: The phenotype of postvaccinal headache can vary significantly between vaccines. These results have clinical implications for differentiating between postvaccinal headache and other primary and secondary headaches. This knowledge is clinically relevant in differentiating life-threatening vaccination complications, such as thrombotic syndromes, which are also associated with headaches. Based on these results, new diagnostic criteria for postvaccinal headaches can be developed.
Gut Barrier Dysfunction and Microbiota Variations in Cryptosporidiosis: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Ali Munwar , Xu Chang , Wang Mingyue , Hina Qazal , Ji Yaru , Anwar Subiha , Lu Sijia , He Qing , Qiu Yawei , Li Kun
Published: January 2025

Cryptosporidiosis is a zoonotic protozoan parasite-born disease, equally significant in both animals and humans, especially affecting immunocompromised individuals (e.g., AIDS patients) and neonates. The prime concerns of this review article are to demonstrate the disruption of the intestinal barrier and variations in the gut microbiome during cryptosporidiosis, and to explore host gut–parasite interactions that can lead to the development of novel therapeutics. The review concluded that the enteric barrier is particularly maintained by tight junction proteins (e.g., occludin, claudin, and ZO-1, etc.) and mucosal immunity, both of which are severely compromised during Cryptosporidium spp. infections, resulting in increased intestinal barrier permeability, inflammatory responses, diarrhea, and ultimately death in severe cases. Cryptosporidium-induced dysbiosis is characterized by reduced microbial diversity and richness, a shift from commensal to pathogenic bacteria, as evidenced by increased pro-inflammatory taxa like Proteobacteria, and reduced proportions of beneficial SCFAs producing bacteria, e.g., Firmicutes. Recent investigations have highlighted the interrelations between gut microbiota and epithelial barrier integrity, especially during cryptosporidiosis, demonstrating the modulations regarding tight junctions (TJs), immune reactions, and SCFA production, all of which are main players in alleviating this protozoal parasitic infection. This review comprehensively describes the fine details underlying these impairments, including autophagy-mediated TJs’ degradation, inflammasome activation, and gut microbiome-driven alterations in metabolic pathways, providing the latest relevant, and well-organized piece of knowledge regarding intestinal barrier alterations and microbial shifts during cryptosporidiosis. This work emphasizes the future need for longitudinal studies and advanced sequencing techniques to understand host gut microbiota–parasite interactions, aiming to formulate innovative strategies to mitigate cryptosporidiosis.
Differential Gene Expression Analysis of Whole Blood Transcriptome Between Young and Old Border Collie Dogs
Authors: Jónás Dávid , Tátrai Kitti , Rékasi Zsófia , Egyed Balázs , Kubinyi Eniko
Published: January 2025

Aging is the most significant risk factor for many diseases and increased mortality, and it is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. In this study, our primary goal was to investigate age-related gene expression changes in whole blood samples collected from dogs and identify potential biomarkers of healthy aging. We sequenced the mRNA fraction of whole blood samples from five young and five old border collie dogs and performed differential gene expression and differential transcript usage analyses. The raw sequencing data exhibited high quality. Multidimensional scaling analysis failed to differentiate age clusters. Moreover, we identified only a limited number of differentially expressed genes (n = 61) and 30 genes with differential transcript usage between the blood transcriptomes of young and old dogs. Our results align with publicly available data on dogs. However, studies on other species, such as wolves, have identified more significant age-related genes. In conclusion, while some of our findings are promising, further research is needed to standardize environmental factors affecting blood gene expression levels in dogs. Additionally, we recommend implementing pre-sequencing hemoglobin depletion to improve the analysis of whole blood in future studies.
Melatonin Modulates ZAP70 and CD40 Transcripts via Histone Modifications in Canine Ileum Epithelial Cells
Authors: Hong Jian , Adam Saber Y. , Wang Shiqi , Huang Hao , Kim In Ho , Ahmed Abdelkareem A. , Liu Hao-Yu , Cai Demin
Published: January 2025

Melatonin (MLT), produced by the pineal gland and other tissues, is known for its anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in regulating inflammatory markers and cytokines in intestinal cells. Our study aimed to investigate how MLT influences the expression of inflammatory genes through histone modification in canine ileum epithelial cells (cIECs). In our experiment, cIECs were cultured and divided into a control group (CON) and an MLT-treatment group. MLT did not significantly affect cell growth or death in cIECs compared to the CON. However, MLT treatment led to an upregulation of CD40, ZAP70, and IL7R and a downregulation of LCK, RPL37, TNFRSF13B, CD4, CD40LG, BLNK, and CIITA at the mRNA expression level. Moreover, MLT significantly altered the NF-kappa B signaling pathway by upregulating genes, such as CD40, ZAP70, TICAM1, VCAMI, GADD45B, IRAK1, TRADD, RELA, RIPK1, and RELB, and downregulating PRKCB, LY96, CD40LG, ILIB, BLNK, and TNFRSF11A. Using ChIP-qPCR, we discovered that MLT treatment enhanced histone acetylation marks H3K9ac, H3K18ac, H3K27ac, and methylation marks H3K4me1 and H3K4me3 at the ZAP70 and CD40 gene loci (p < 0.05). Additionally, the enrichment of RNA polymerase II and phosphorylated Ser5 pol-II at these loci was increased in MLT-treated cells (p < 0.05), indicating heightened transcriptional activity. In conclusion, our findings suggest that MLT mitigates inflammation in cIECs by modulating the transcription of ZAP70 and CD40 through histone modifications, offering potential therapeutic insights for inflammatory bowel diseases.
Tautinių bendruomenių žiniasklaidos poreikių legalizavimas Vilniuje 1903–1905 m.: lūkesčiai ir galimybės
Authors: Mastianica Olga
Published: January 2025

When the Vilnius supreme local government considered the issue of the periodical press in Polish, Lithuanian, Yiddish, and Hebrew, it took into account the influence of the latter on public opinion. On several occasions, the Vilnius Governor-General’s office, when discussing the issue of periodicals, recalled the times of the 1863–1864 uprising, when the multilingual press, defined by its mass appeal and readership, played a strong activist role. The Vilnius Governor-General’s office sought to limit the publishing initiatives of all ethnic groups (except Russians). It therefore delayed the resolution of the issue, especially when it came to periodicals in Yiddish, Hebrew and Polish. The only exception to this, in terms of the publishing situation in 1903–1905, was the case of Vilnius News. After the uprising of 1863–1864, it was the first periodical in Vilnius to be published in a language other than Russian. Moreover, it was granted permission surprisingly quickly. There were several reasons that could have led to this decision. It is not unreasonable to assume that the Vilnius Governor-General’s office had the intention of exploiting the press issue to increase and exacerbate conflicts between ethnic groups (primarily Lithuanians and Poles). The idea of the Lithuanian national movement as a counterbalance to the influence of the Poles is clearly expressed in the assessment of the candidacy of Kazimieras Prapuolenis. This is the only reference in bureaucratic correspondence (that is known so far). The idea of pitting Lithuanians against Poles by exploiting the press issue may have been expressed in private conversations. Especially since the person who was actively involved in the informal discussions on the suitability of editors for Lithuanian and Polish dailies was Andrei Stankevich, the head of the chancellery of the Vilnius Governor-General’s office, who was well aware of Piotr Sviatopolk-Mirsky’s views on the press issue and could have passed them on to Aleksandr fon Freze.