bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Silico Evaluation of Potential NDM-1 Inhibitors: An Integrated Docking and Molecular Dynamics Approach
Authors: Valencia Eduvan , Galvis Mauricio , Nisperuza Jorge , Ballesteros Vladimir , Mesa Fredy
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Non-fermenting Gram-negative bacteria are resistant to most antibiotics, due to the production of enzymes such as NDM-1. Faced with this challenge, computational methods have become essential for the design of NDM-1 carbapenemase inhibitors, optimizing both the time and cost of the development of new lead molecules. Methods: In this study, molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed in order to identify effective inhibitors against the NDM-1 enzyme. Protein preparation was carried out using UCSF Chimera and AutoDockTools 1.5.7, while ligands were prepared with MarvinSketch, Avogadro, and AutoDockTools 1.5.7. Molecular docking was run with AutoDock4 and AutoDock4Zn, determining that molecules M26 (−13.23 kcal/mol with AutoDock4 and −13.11 kcal/mol with AutoDockZn) and M25 (−10.61 kcal/mol with AutoDock4 and −11.18 kcal/mol with AutoDockZn) presented the best binding energy affinities with NDM-1. The M26 molecule formed six hydrogen bonds with the enzyme. Results: MD simulations, performed with GROMACS, indicated that the NDM-1-M26, NDM-1-M35, and NDM-1-M37 complexes showed conformational stability and flexibility. Conclusions: These results suggest that the M26, M37, and M35 ligands have significant potential as leading candidates in the development of new NDM-1 inhibitors, outperforming the antibiotic Meropenem in some respects.
Boric Acid Protects the Uterus and Fallopian Tubes from Cyclophosphamide-Induced Toxicity in a Rat Model
Authors: Karaman Enes , Yavuz Adem
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Cyclophosphamide (CP) is widely used for treating various cancers and autoimmune diseases, but it causes damage to reproductive organs due to oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation. Boric acid (BA) has antioxidant properties that may help reduce OS, which is critical for preserving uterine functionality, particularly for cancer patients considering pregnancy after cryopreservation. This study aimed to determine whether BA could diminish CP-induced toxicity in the uterus and fallopian tubes (FT) using CP-induced toxicity in a rat model. Methods: Forty female Wistar rats, aged 18–20 weeks, were divided into four groups as follows: control, oral BA (OBR), CP, and CP plus OBR (CP + OBR). The toxicity was induced in the CP and CP + OBR groups with an initial dose of 200 mg/kg CP, followed by 8 mg/kg daily for 14 days. Rats in the OBR and CP + OBR groups received 20 mg/kg/day of BA. After the 16-day experiment, tissues were collected for analysis. Results: Histopathological and immunohistochemical assessments of IL-6 and HIF-1α expressions were used to evaluate inflammation and OS. The control, OBR, and CP + OBR groups maintained normal tissue features, while the CP group showed epithelial cell shedding, vacuolization, degenerative endometrial glands, lymphocyte infiltration, and reduced collagen fiber density. Elevated HIF-1α and IL-6 expressions in the uterus and FT indicated significant OS and inflammation. Conclusions: The study concluded that BA supplementation in CP-treated rats effectively reduced CP-induced uterine and FT damage, suggesting the potential protective role of BA in managing CP-associated toxicity.
Time-Resolved Chemiluminescence of Luminol Formed by 355 nm Laser-Irradiated BiVO4 Photocatalysis: Effects of the Addition of Alcohols and Ag Ions
Authors: Yamazaki Tatsuya , Murakami Yoshinori
Published: December 2024

A time-resolved chemiluminescence study of luminol formed by 355 nm laser-irradiated BiVO4 photocatalysts is reported. It was found that the addition of alcohol to 355 nm laser-irradiated BiVO4 photocatalysts enhanced the luminol chemiluminescent, but the addition of Ag ions to 355 nm laser-irradiated BiVO4 photocatalysts reduced the luminol chemiluminescent. The plausible mechanism for the present experimental results is discussed based on the generation and lifetime of active oxygen species formed by 355 nm laser-irradiated BiVO4 photocatalysts.
A Motion Compensation Method for Terahertz SAR Imaging with a Large Squint
Authors: Li Yuanfeng , Yang Qi , Hua Xiaoqiang , Wang Hongqiang
Published: December 2024

Terahertz-band squint synthetic aperture radars (SARs) can obtain high-resolution images and have application potential in airborne radar systems. However, airborne radars usually have a large squint, which has led to traditional SAR algorithms no longer being applicable to airborne SARs. Additionally, terahertz radar imaging systems are more susceptible to the error induced by the platform’s motion. This paper proposes a motion compensation method for terahertz SAR imaging with a large squint angle. First, the signal model of motion compensation is derived, and the processing flow of imaging and motion compensation is detailed. Second, some simulations and experiments are conducted, and the results are reported. The results indicate that the proposed method can effectively correct the motion errors, and the signal model and processing flow are verified.
Effects of Selenite on Growth and Selenium Accumulation in Three Terrestrial Microalgae with Application Potential in Food and Agriculture
Authors: Li Jiahong , Gao Xiang , Zhou Shucheng , Zeng Qiao , Liu Kai , Li Zhengke
Published: December 2024

Selenium (Se)-enriched microalgae are emerging as new food or agricultural resources. Thus far, the microalgae tested for Se accumulation or biofortification are still very limited. Here, we investigated the effects of selenite on the growth of three terrestrial microalgae (Vischeria sp. WL1, Chlorella sp. WL1, and Nostoc flagelliforme) and their total Se accumulation levels. The three microalgae were previously collected at the same location and show great application potential but differ in classification and growth speed. Three concentrations (10, 20, and 40 mg/L) of selenite were used for treatment. The former two species could resist 40 mg/L selenite but the last one could not. At the relatively optimal concentration (20 mg/L selenite), their specific growth rates were 0.09, 0.10, and 0.05 μ day−1, respectively. Vischeria sp. WL1 could accumulate 3.3 mg/g dry weight (DW) Se after 16 days of cultivation; N. flagelliforme could accumulate 5.6 mg/g DW Se after 24 days of cultivation. Chlorella sp. WL1 accumulated a relatively lower amount of Se, being 0.74 mg/L DW after 18 days of cultivation, but its more rapid growth would be beneficial to saving production costs. These results indicate that three microalgae are capable of functioning as excellent carriers for Se nutrients. This study will contribute to enriching the microalgal resource pool for Se biofortification in food and agricultural areas.
Computational and Experimental Studies on the Behavior of Sprays with Different Orifice Characteristics and Fuel Properties of Biodiesel Crude Palm Oil (CPO) on a Premix Injector—A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Didane Djamal Hissein , Chin Ronny Yii Shi , Khalid Amir
Published: December 2024

Large-scale industrial burners are essential components in various industries including power generation and chemical processing. Enhancing their energy efficiency and reducing emissions, particularly nitrogen oxides (NOx), requires a combination of experimental research and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. While there exist numerous emission control techniques, the main focus of the present review study was the passive control technique. The result of this review indicates that biodiesel fuel crude palm oil (CPO) was found to reduce emission components, particularly carbon components and particulate matter (PM). Moreover, it also mitigates cavitation within the injector’s orifice, reducing wear and tear. Although cavitation enhances spray atomization and creates finer droplets for improved combustion, it can damage injector orifices. Optimizing the orifice design, such as by adopting conical orifices over cylindrical ones, can significantly reduce cavitation and its adverse effects. Furthermore, innovations such as swirling fuel–air premixing within injectors enhance combustion efficiency and lower emissions by improving fuel–air mixing. However, spray characteristics, particularly the Sauter mean diameter (SMD), remain critical for predicting combustion performance. Further investigations into spray fineness and its impact on combustion dynamics are essential for advancing emission control and performance optimization.
Optimal Fractional-Order Controller for Fast Torque Response of an Asynchronous Motor
Authors: Alatawi Khaled S. , Zaid Sherif A. , El-Shimy Mohamed E.
Published: December 2024

As high-performance drives, asynchronous motor (AM) drives find extensive use in electric cars, elevators, and machine tools. For these applications, AM drives with direct torque control (DTC) are typically chosen over AM drives with field-oriented control because of their simplicity and quick torque control. Direct torque control of AM drives is frequently achieved using proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controllers. With variable set points and AM parameter ambiguity, these controllers perform poorly. New controllers called fractional-order controllers (FOCs) offer notable improvements over traditional PID controllers due to their enhanced flexibility, robustness, and fine control. In order to provide fast torque performance, this research suggests an AM drive that is regulated by direct torque control theory; nevertheless, the inverter control is optimized for fast response. On the other hand, by employing an optimized fractional-order PI (FOPI) controller, the AM drive speed response is enhanced. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is used to optimize the FOPI’s parameters. The MATLAB/Simulink platform was used to model every part of the AM drive with the optimized control system. Three distinct controllers—optimized FOPI, standard PI, and optimized PI—were used to compare the performances of the introduced drive. According to the simulation results, the optimum response in terms of torque and speed was offered by the optimized FOPI controller. The average improvement in the settling time is about 84.4%, and that in the steady-state error is almost killed for all disturbances using the proposed optimized FOPI controller. Furthermore, under parameter uncertainties, the AM’s performance using the suggested optimized FOPI was examined. The outcomes of the simulation demonstrated how resilient the optimized FOPI controller was to changes in the parameters.
Assessment of Post-Fire Impacts on Vegetation Regeneration and Hydrological Processes in a Mediterranean Peri-Urban Catchment
Authors: Koltsida Evgenia , Mamassis Nikos , Baltas Evangelos , Andronis Vassilis , Kallioras Andreas
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a wildfire on vegetation recovery and hydrological processes in a Mediterranean peri-urban system, using remote sensing and hydrological modeling. NDVI and MSAVI2 time series extracted from burned areas, control plots, and VAR-modeled plots were used to analyze vegetation regeneration. The SWAT model, calibrated for pre-fire conditions due to data limitations, was used to evaluate subbasin-scale hydrological impacts. Results showed limited recovery in the first post-fire year, with vegetation indices remaining lower in burned areas compared to control plots. High- and moderate-burn-severity areas presented the most significant NDVI and MSAVI2 increases. The SWAT model showed increased water yield, percolation, and surface runoff with reduced evapotranspiration in post-fire conditions. Peak discharges were notably higher during wet periods. Modified land use and soil properties affected the catchment’s hydrological balance, emphasizing the complexities of post-fire catchment dynamics.
Review on Portable-Powered Lower Limb Exoskeletons
Authors: Jiang Chunyu , Xiao Junlong , Wei Haochen , Wang Michael Yu , Chen Chao
Published: December 2024

Advancements in science and technology have driven the growing use of robots in daily life, with Portable-Powered Lower Limb Exoskeletons (PPLLEs) emerging as a key innovation. The selection of mechanisms, control strategies, and sensors directly influences the overall performance of the exoskeletons, making it a crucial consideration for research and development. This review examines the current state of PPLLE research, focusing on the aspects of mechanisms, control strategies, and sensors. We discuss the current research status of various technologies, their technological compatibility, and respective benefits comprehensively. Key findings highlight effective designs and strategies, as well as future challenges and opportunities. Finally, we summarize the overall status of PPLLE research and attempt to shed light on the future potential directions of research and development.
Multi-Granularity Temporal Embedding Transformer Network for Traffic Flow Forecasting
Authors: Huang Jiani , Yan He , Chen Qixiu , Liu Yingan
Published: December 2024

Traffic flow forecasting is integral to transportation to avoid traffic accidents and congestion. Due to the heterogeneous and nonlinear nature of the data, traffic flow prediction is facing challenges. Existing models only utilize plain historical data for prediction. Inadequate use of temporal information has become a key problem in current forecasting. To address the problem, we must effectively analyze the influence of time periods while integrating the distinct characteristics of traffic flow across various time granularities. This paper proposed a multi-granularity temporal embedding Transformer network, namely MGTEFormer. An embedding input adeptly merges complex temporal embeddings, a temporal encoder to consolidate rich temporal information, and a spatial encoder to discern inherent spatial characteristics between different sensors. The combined embeddings are fed into the attention mechanism’s encoder, culminating in prediction results obtained through a linear regression layer. Temporal embedding can help by fussing the period and various temporal granularities into plain historical traffic flow that can be learned adequately, reducing the loss of time information. Experimental analyses and ablation studies conducted on real traffic datasets consistently attest to the superior performance of the MGTEFormer. Our approach reduces the mean absolute error of the original models by less than 1.7%. Extensive experiments demonstrate the superiority of the proposed MGTEFormer over existing benchmarks.
Development of a Collision-Free Path Planning Method for a 6-DoF Orchard Harvesting Manipulator Using RGB-D Camera and Bi-RRT Algorithm
Authors: Liu Zifu , Sampurno Rizky Mulya , Abeyrathna R. M. Rasika D. , Nakaguchi Victor Massaki , Ahamed Tofael
Published: December 2024

With the decreasing and aging agricultural workforce, fruit harvesting robots equipped with higher degrees of freedom (DoF) manipulators are seen as a promising solution for performing harvesting operations in unstructured and complex orchard environments. In such a complex environment, guiding the end-effector from its starting position to the target fruit while avoiding obstacles poses a significant challenge for path planning in automatic harvesting. However, existing studies often rely on manually constructed environmental map models and face limitations in planning efficiency and computational cost. Therefore, in this study, we introduced a collision-free path planning method for a 6-DoF orchard harvesting manipulator using an RGB-D camera and the Bi-RRT algorithm. First, by transforming the RGB-D camera’s point cloud data into collision geometries, we achieved 3D obstacle map reconstruction, allowing the harvesting robot to detect obstacles within its workspace. Second, by adopting the URDF format, we built the manipulator’s simulation model to be inserted with the reconstructed 3D obstacle map environment. Third, the Bi-RRT algorithm was introduced for path planning, which performs bidirectional expansion simultaneously from the start and targets configurations based on the principles of the RRT algorithm, thereby effectively shortening the time required to reach the target. Subsequently, a validation and comparison experiment were conducted in an artificial orchard. The experimental results validated our method, with the Bi-RRT algorithm achieving reliable collision-free path planning across all experimental sets. On average, it required just 0.806 s and generated 12.9 nodes per path, showing greater efficiency in path generation compared to the Sparse Bayesian Learning (SBL) algorithm, which required 0.870 s and generated 15.1 nodes per path. This method proved to be both effective and fast, providing meaningful guidance for implementing path planning for a 6-DoF manipulator in orchard harvesting tasks.
Flexible Piezoresistive Film Pressure Sensor Based on Double-Sided Microstructure Sensing Layer
Authors: Sun Rong , Xiao Peng , Sun Lei , Guo Dongliang , Wang Ye
Published: December 2024

Flexible thin-film pressure sensors have garnered significant attention due to their applications in industrial inspection and human–computer interactions. However, due to their ultra-thin structure, these sensors often exhibit lower performance, including a narrow pressure response range and low sensitivity, which constrains their further application. The most commonly used microstructure fabrication methods are challenging to apply to ultra-thin functional layers and may compromise the structural stability of the sensors. In this study, we present a novel design of a film pressure sensor with a double-sided microstructure sensing layer by adopting the template method. By incorporating the double-sided microstructures, the proposed thin-film pressure sensor can simultaneously achieve a high sensitivity value of 5.5 kPa−1 and a wide range of 140 kPa, while maintaining a short response time of 120 ms and a low detection limit. This flexible film pressure sensor demonstrates considerable potential for distributed pressure sensing and industrial pressure monitoring applications.
CabbageNet: Deep Learning for High-Precision Cabbage Segmentation in Complex Settings for Autonomous Harvesting Robotics
Authors: Tian Yongqiang , Cao Xinyu , Zhang Taihong , Wu Huarui , Zhao Chunjiang , Zhao Yunjie
Published: December 2024

Reducing damage and missed harvest rates is essential for improving efficiency in unmanned cabbage harvesting. Accurate real-time segmentation of cabbage heads can significantly alleviate these issues and enhance overall harvesting performance. However, the complexity of the growing environment and the morphological variability of field-grown cabbage present major challenges to achieving precise segmentation. This study proposes an improved YOLOv8n-seg network to address these challenges effectively. Key improvements include modifying the baseline model’s final C2f module and integrating deformable attention with dynamic sampling points to enhance segmentation performance. Additionally, an ADown module minimizes detail loss from excessive downsampling by using depthwise separable convolutions to reduce parameter count and computational load. To improve the detection of small cabbage heads, a Small Object Enhance Pyramid based on the PAFPN architecture is introduced, significantly boosting performance for small targets. The experimental results show that the proposed model achieves a Mask Precision of 92.2%, Mask Recall of 87.2%, and Mask mAP50 of 95.1%, while maintaining a compact model size of only 6.46 MB. These metrics indicate superior accuracy and efficiency over mainstream instance segmentation models, facilitating real-time, precise cabbage harvesting in complex environments.
Thermal Cameras for Continuous and Contactless Respiration Monitoring
Authors: Alves Raquel , van Meulen Fokke , Overeem Sebastiaan , Zinger Svitlana , Stuijk Sander
Published: December 2024

Continuous respiration monitoring is an important tool in assessing the patient’s health and diagnosing pulmonary, cardiovascular, and sleep-related breathing disorders. Various techniques and devices, both contact and contactless, can be used to monitor respiration. Each of these techniques can provide different types of information with varying accuracy. Thermal cameras have become a focal point in research due to their contactless nature, affordability, and the type of data they provide, i.e., information on respiration motion and respiration flow. Several studies have demonstrated the feasibility of this technology and developed robust algorithms to extract important information from thermal camera videos. This paper describes the current state-of-the-art in respiration monitoring using thermal cameras, dividing the system into acquiring data, defining and tracking the region of interest, and extracting the breathing signal and respiration rate. The approaches taken to address the various challenges, the limitations of these methods, and possible applications are discussed.
Accurate Arrhythmia Classification with Multi-Branch, Multi-Head Attention Temporal Convolutional Networks
Authors: Bi Suzhao , Lu Rongjian , Xu Qiang , Zhang Peiwen
Published: December 2024

Electrocardiogram (ECG) signals contain complex and diverse features, serving as a crucial basis for arrhythmia diagnosis. The subtle differences in characteristics among various types of arrhythmias, coupled with class imbalance issues in datasets, often hinder existing models from effectively capturing key information within these complex signals, leading to a bias towards normal classes. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a method for arrhythmia classification based on a multi-branch, multi-head attention temporal convolutional network (MB-MHA-TCN). The model integrates three convolutional branch layers with different kernel sizes and dilation rates to capture features across varying temporal scales. A multi-head self-attention mechanism dynamically allocates weights, integrating features and correlations from different branches to enhance the recognition capability for difficult-to-classify samples. Additionally, the temporal convolutional network employs multi-layer dilated convolutions to progressively expand the receptive field for extracting long-term dependencies. To tackle data imbalance, a novel data augmentation strategy is implemented, and focal loss is utilized to increase the weight of minority classes, while Bayesian optimization is employed to fine-tune the model’s hyperparameters. The results from five-fold cross-validation on the MIT-BIH Arrhythmia Database demonstrate that the proposed method achieves an overall accuracy of 98.75%, precision of 96.60%, sensitivity of 97.21%, and F1 score of 96.89% across five categories of ECG signals. Compared to other studies, this method exhibits superior performance in arrhythmia classification, significantly improving the recognition rate of minority classes.
Prevalence of Lower Back Pain and Risk Factors in Equestrians: A Systematic Review
Authors: Duarte Carlota Rico , Raimundo Armando , Sousa João Paulo , Fernandes Orlando , Santos Rute
Published: December 2024

This systematic review aimed to determine the prevalence of lower back pain (LBP) in equestrian athletes (EAs) and identify associated risk factors. Following the PRISMA guidelines, observational studies published between 2004 and 2024 in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and German were included. The review identified relevant studies through the Web of Science, EBSCO, MEDLINE, and SCOPUS (last search performed on 30 October 2024), yielding 14 studies with a total of 4527 participants. The question format for the included studies specified the population as equestrian athletes, the exposure as equestrian sports, and the outcome as lower back pain. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Observation Study Quality Evaluation tool, and six studies were deemed high-quality. LBP prevalence in EAs was higher than in the general and athlete population, with point prevalence ranging from 27.9% to 87.9%. Sport-specific factors, including workload and stable duties, were significant risk factors. Methodological inconsistencies, such as varying definitions of LBP and a lack of standardized exposure assessment, and the overall low quality of studies limited the comparability of findings. This review underscores the need for more high-quality research and tailored interventions addressing both riding and off-horse activities in EAs.
Analysis of Spatiotemporal Variation in Precipitation on the Loess Plateau from 1961 to 2016
Authors: Wu Jiahui , Deng Hongbing , Sun Ran
Published: December 2024

This study utilized annual precipitation data collected from 76 meteorological stations located on the Loess Plateau and its adjacent regions. It employed empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis, the Mann–Kendall trend test (M-K), and continuous wavelet transform (CWT) to investigate the spatial distribution patterns, temporal trends, and periodicity of annual precipitation from 1961 to 2016. The results showed the following: (1) The long-term averages of annual rainfall on the Loess Plateau exhibited a general decline from the southeast to the northwest, with certain areas demonstrating a trend of reduction radiating outward from the central region. This precipitation regime was fundamentally governed by the interplay between geographic coordinates and topo-graphical characteristics. Nevertheless, this spatial distribution pattern is expected to undergo changes in the future. (2) Annual precipitation in the southern and eastern parts decreased significantly, while the western part reported the greatest increase, and thus the spatial variability of precipitation will decrease in the future. (3) Annual precipitation on the Loess Plateau generally has a period of about 4 years. The wavelet coherence analysis reveals that El Niño events, occurring over a brief 4-year interval, correlate with diminished precipitation patterns across the eastern and southern sectors of the Loess Plateau, consequently attenuating the precipitation’s spatial variability throughout the entire geographical domain. Therefore, in the future, when El Niño occurs, it is necessary to prevent droughts in the eastern and southern regions of the Loess Plateau.
Electricity Generation and Plastic Waste Reduction Using the Fungus Paecilomyces as a Biodegrader in Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Segundo Rojas-Flores , Magaly De La Cruz-Noriega , Otiniano Nélida Milly , Luis Cabanillas-Chirinos , Angelats-Silva Luis M.
Published: December 2024

The great utility that plastics generate for society has generated a large amount of waste, producing tons of garbage from this material that damages the ecosystem, human health, and farmland. Likewise, the issue of the absence of electricity in low-income areas is critical for society. This research proposes a novel solution to simultaneously solve these two problems, which, through single-chamber microbial fuel cells, introduce plastic waste and the fungus Paecilomyces. The microbial fuel cells (MFCs) showed a maximum electric current of 0.547 ± 0.185 mA with a peak voltage of 0.575 ± 0.106 V on day 36; on this day, the MFCs operated with a pH of 6.524 ± 0.360 and electrical conductivity of 264.847 ± 6.395 mS/cm. These results demonstrate the potential of this system to generate electricity from plastic waste, addressing the issue of electricity scarcity in low-income areas. The chemical oxygen demand was also reduced by 85.47%, indicating the system’s ability to degrade plastic waste. The power density calculated on day 36 was 0.0624 ± 0.0053 mW/cm2 at a current density of 0.0052 mA/cm2 and an internal resistance of 55.254 ± 7.583 Ω. The reducing action of the fungus on the plastic was demonstrated in the FTIR transmittance spectrum because the characteristic peaks (3378, 2854–2911, 1642, 1472, and 720 cm−1) of the plastic suffered reductions in the final state, and the micrographs of the plastic surfaces showed the lifting of layers and the formation of irregular structures and a decrease in the thickness of the plastic sample of 139.66 ± 4.19 µm.
Tides of Change for a Sustainable Blue Economy: A Systematic Literature Review of Innovation in Maritime Activities
Authors: Elston Jennifer , Pinto Hugo , Nogueira Carla
Published: December 2024

The Blue Economy, a dynamic field intertwining ocean sustainability, innovation, and economic progress, stands as a beacon of hope for fostering inclusive growth while advancing sustainable practices. This systematic literature review embarks on a journey to unravel the intricate relationship between innovation and sustainable practices within the Blue Economy, to uncover how innovation transforms and promotes sustainability, and to pinpoint barriers to adoption of innovative technologies and processes. By delving into the multifaceted landscape of sustainability and innovation studies within the Blue Economy, this study illuminates the potential of innovative approaches to drive sustainability in coastal and marine areas. With global attention shifting toward ocean sustainability due to survival risks and resource scarcity, this study addresses two central questions: how does innovation drive sustainable practices within the Blue Economy, and what barriers prevent the widespread adoption of these innovations? Using this interrogation as a compass to navigate the existing literature, and through a comprehensive analysis of the role of innovation in promoting sustainable practices, this review aims to provide hints for the main directions for a sustainable Blue Economy.
Incentive or Barrier: Evidence from Environmental Policy and Corporate Sustainability in China
Authors: Li Yuanxin , Zhou Xinmiao , Liu Huihong , Wu Jia
Published: December 2024

The green transition of polluting firms is critical for achieving sustainable economic development. While previous research has explored the relationship between environmental policy and corporate pollution, it has often neglected the sustainability challenges faced by firms. Drawing on data from listed companies in China from 2008 to 2022, this paper empirically examines the impact of environmental policy on the risk-taking behavior of polluting firms. Building on this analysis, we assess the ecological impact, characteristics, and underlying mechanisms of a specific policy, while proposing solutions to promote sustainability in polluting firms. The findings indicate that, although environmental policy reduces the risk-taking levels of polluting firms, it has not been effective in curbing pollution emissions. This effect is particularly pronounced in firms exhibiting characteristics such as low-quality environmental information disclosure, industry resource crowding, and stringent regional assessments. The policy heightens financing constraints and investment costs for polluting firms and diminishes their expectations for future growth, ultimately suppressing both their capacity and willingness to take risks. Further analysis suggests that environmental coordination regulations and green transition guidance can encourage risk-taking behavior among polluting firms. These findings offer empirical evidence from the perspective of polluting firms, providing valuable insights into addressing the sustainability dilemma.
Monopole and Seniority Truncations in the Large-Scale Configuration Interaction Shell Model Approach
Authors: Choudhary Priyanka , Qi Chong
Published: December 2024

This paper addresses the challenges of solving the quantum many-body problem, particularly within nuclear physics, through the configuration interaction (CI) method. Large-scale shell model calculations often become computationally infeasible for systems with a large number of valence particles, requiring truncation techniques. We propose truncation methods for the nuclear shell model, in which angular momentum is conserved and rotational symmetry is restored. We introduce the monopole-interaction-based truncation and seniority truncation strategies, designed to reduce the dimension of the calculations. These truncations can be established by considering certain partitions based on their importance and selecting physically meaningful states. We examine these truncations for Sn, Xe, and Pb isotopes, demonstrating their effectiveness in overcoming computational limits. These truncations work well for systems with either a single type of valence nucleon or with both types. With these truncations, we are able to achieve good convergence for the energy at a very small portion of the total dimension.
Analysis of Measurements of the Magnetic Flux Density in Steel Blocks of the Compact Muon Solenoid Magnet Yoke with Solenoid Coil Fast Discharges
Authors: Klyukhin Vyacheslav , Curé Benoit , Gaddi Andrea , Kehrli Antoine , Ostrega Maciej , Pons Xavier
Published: December 2024

The general-purpose Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) detector at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN is used to study the production of new particles in proton–proton collisions at an LHC center of mass energy of 13.6 TeV. The detector includes a magnet based on a 6 m diameter superconducting solenoid coil operating at a current of 18.164 kA. This current creates a central magnetic flux density of 3.8 T that allows for the high-precision measurement of the momenta of the produced charged particles using tracking and muon subdetectors. The CMS magnet contains a 10,000 ton flux-return yoke of dodecagonal shape made from the assembly of construction steel blocks distributed in several layers. These steel blocks are magnetized with the solenoid returned magnetic flux and wrap the muons escaping the hadronic calorimeters of total absorption. To reconstruct the muon trajectories, and thus to measure the muon momenta, the drift tube and cathode strip chambers are located between the layers of the steel blocks. To describe the distribution of the magnetic flux in the magnet yoke layers, a three-dimensional computer model of the CMS magnet is used. To validate the calculations, special measurements are performed, with the flux loops wound in 22 cross-sections of the flux-return yoke blocks. The measured voltages induced in the flux loops during the CMS magnet ramp-ups and -downs, as well as during the superconducting coil fast discharges, are integrated over time to obtain the initial magnetic flux densities in the flux loop cross-sections. The measurements obtained during the seven standard ramp-downs of the magnet were analyzed in 2018. From that time, three fast discharges occurred during the standard ramp-downs of the magnet. This allows us to single out the contributions of the eddy currents, induced in steel, to the flux loop voltages registered during the fast discharges of the coil. Accounting for these contributions to the flux loop measurements during intentionally triggered fast discharges in 2006 allows us to perform the validation of the CMS magnet computer model with better precision. The technique for the flux loop measurements and the obtained results are presented and discussed. The method for measuring magnetic flux density in steel blocks described in this study is innovative. The experience of 3D modeling and measuring the magnetic field in steel blocks of the magnet yoke, as part of a muon detector system, has good prospects for use in the construction and operation of particle detectors for the Future Circular Electron–Positron Collider and the Circular Electron–Positron Collider.
Interobserver Variability in Manual Versus Semi-Automatic CT Assessments of Small Lung Nodule Diameter and Volume
Authors: Zacharias Frida , Svahn Tony Martin
Published: December 2024

Background: This study aimed to assess the interobserver variability of semi-automatic diameter and volumetric measurements versus manual diameter measurements for small lung nodules identified on computed tomography scans. Methods: The radiological patient database was searched for CT thorax examinations with at least one noncalcified solid nodule (∼3–10 mm). Three radiologists with four to six years of experience evaluated each nodule in accordance with the Fleischner Society guidelines using standard diameter measurements, semi-automatic lesion diameter measurements, and volumetric assessments. Spearman’s correlation coefficient measured intermeasurement agreement. We used descriptive Bland–Altman plots to visualize agreement in the measured data. Potential discrepancies were analyzed. Results: We studied a total of twenty-six nodules. Spearman’s test showed that there was a much stronger relationship (p < 0.05) between reviewers for the semi-automatic diameter and volume measurements (avg. r = 0.97 ± 0.017 and 0.99 ± 0.005, respectively) than for the manual method (avg. r = 0.91 ± 0.017). In the Bland–Altman test, the semi-automatic diameter measure outperformed the manual method for all comparisons, while the volumetric method had better results in two out of three comparisons. The incidence of reviewers modifying the software’s automatic outline varied between 62% and 92%. Conclusions: Semi-automatic techniques significantly reduced interobserver variability for small solid nodules, which has important implications for diagnostic assessments and screening. Both the semi-automatic diameter and semi-automatic volume measurements showed improvements over the manual measurement approach. Training could further diminish observer variability, given the considerable diversity in the number of adjustments among reviewers.
Resuspended Nano-Minerals in Coal Ash: A Potential Factor in Elevated Lung Cancer Rates in Xuanwei and Fuyuan, Yunnan, China
Authors: Wang Wenhua , Wang Mengyang , Shao Longyi , Shao Jiajia , Liu Pengju
Published: December 2024

Xuanwei and the neighboring Fuyuan (XF) counties in Yunnan Province have the highest lung cancer incidence rates in China. Previous studies suggest that the nano-minerals released during the combustion of locally sourced “smoky” (bituminous) coal are the primary contributors to these elevated cancer rates. The coal ash generated during combustion predominantly consists of nano-minerals, which can be resuspended into the atmosphere during routine ash-handling activities. In this study, coal ash samples from XF counties and four additional provinces with lower lung cancer incidence rates were resuspended to simulate ash-handling activities and subsequently collected using a cascade PM2.5 sampler. Individual particles were analyzed using a high-resolution scanning electron microscope coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Based on their morphology and elemental composition, the particles were categorized into five major types: quartz, Si- and Al-rich (SiAl-rich), Ca-rich, Ca- and Mg-rich (CaMg-rich), and Fe-rich particles. The relative abundance of crystalline quartz particles was significantly higher in Xuanwei (22.2%) and Fuyuan (13.7%) compared to the other provinces, where quartz was also detected in lower concentrations. Similarly, the proportion of Fe-rich particles was notably higher in Xuanwei (10.9%) and Fuyuan (5.1%) than in other regions. These findings highlight the potential role of quartz and Fe-rich particles in contributing to the high lung cancer rates observed in XF counties. Further research is warranted to elucidate the toxicological mechanisms underlying the health effects of these particle types.
Predicted Potential for Aquatic Exposure Effects of Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS) in Pennsylvania’s Statewide Network of Streams
Authors: Breitmeyer Sara E. , Williams Amy M. , Conlon Matthew D. , Wertz Timothy A. , Heflin Brian C. , Shull Dustin R. , Duris Joseph W.
Published: December 2024

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are contaminants that can lead to adverse health effects in aquatic organisms, including reproductive toxicity and developmental abnormalities. To assess the ecological health risk of PFAS in Pennsylvania stream surface water, we conducted a comprehensive analysis that included both measured and predicted estimates. The potential combined exposure effects of 14 individual PFAS to aquatic biota were estimated using the sum of exposure-activity ratios (ΣEARs) in 280 streams. Additionally, machine learning techniques were utilized to predict potential PFAS exposure effects in unmonitored stream reaches, considering factors such as land use, climate, and geology. Leveraging a tailored convolutional neural network (CNN), a validation accuracy of 78% was achieved, directly outperforming traditional methods that were also used, such as logistic regression and gradient boosting (accuracies of ~65%). Feature importance analysis highlighted key variables that contributed to the CNN’s predictive power. The most influential features highlighted the complex interplay of anthropogenic and environmental factors contributing to PFAS contamination in surface waters. Industrial and urban land cover, rainfall intensity, underlying geology, agricultural factors, and their interactions emerged as key determinants. These findings may help to inform biotic sampling strategies, water quality monitoring efforts, and policy decisions aimed to mitigate the ecological impacts of PFAS in surface waters.
Exploring the Mechanisms for Virus Invasion at the Barrier of Host Defense Involving Signaling Pathways
Authors: Hahm Bumsuk
Published: December 2024

Pathogenic viruses trigger or disrupt multiple signaling networks to establish an environment optimized for their own replication and productive infection [...]
Tracing the Dispersal Pathway of HIV-1 Subtype C to Bahia: Phylogenetic Connections to Southern Brazil
Authors: Polita Daniel , de Moraes Laise , Giovanetti Marta , de Almeida Rego Filipe Ferreira , Santos Luciane Amorim , Junqueira Dennis Maletich , Khouri Ricardo
Published: December 2024

The HIV-1 epidemic in Brazil is predominantly characterized by subtype B, except in the southern states, where subtype C (HIV-1C) is more prevalent. Continuous monitoring of this profile is essential to maintain an accurate understanding of the molecular landscape of the HIV epidemic in Brazil. In this study, we isolated and sequenced seven new HIV-1C strains from the state of Bahia, located in the Northeast region of Brazil. To reconstruct the phylogenetic history of HIV-1C in the Northeast and investigate its connections with other regions of the country and globally, we first compiled a dataset of 3631 HIV-1C sequences from Brazil, Africa, and Europe. As expected, most of the new HIV-1C sequences from Bahia (n = 6) clustered within the well-known Brazilian clade. However, one sequence from Bahia clustered within the African clade, suggesting a possible new introduction of HIV-1C into Brazil. Furthermore, our findings indicate that the HIV-1C cases in Bahia likely originated from southern states, particularly Santa Catarina. This study provides valuable insights into the molecular profile of the HIV epidemic in Brazil, expanding our understanding of HIV-1C beyond the Southern region.
Human Melanoma and Glioblastoma Cells Express Cathepsins Supporting Reovirus Moscow Strain Infection
Authors: Ammour Yulia , Nikolaeva Eugenia , Sagimbaeva Olesya , Shamsutdinov Pavel , Astapenko Anastasia , Zhelaeva Yulia , Gavrilova Marina , Susova Olga , Mitrofanov Aleksey , Bekyashev Ali , Nasedkina Tatiana , Svitich Oxana , Faizuloev Evgeny , Zverev Vitaly
Published: December 2024

This study evaluates the oncolytic potential of the Moscow strain of reovirus against human metastatic melanoma and glioblastoma cells. The Moscow strain effectively infects and replicates within human melanoma cell lines and primary glioblastoma cells, while sparing non-malignant human cells. Infection leads to the selective destruction of neoplastic cells, mediated by functional viral replication. A positive correlation was identified between viral RNA accumulation and tumor cell death, with no replication observed in non-malignant cells. This study highlights the critical roles of cathepsins B, L, and S as mediators of the oncolytic process. The pharmacological inhibition of these enzymes significantly attenuated reovirus-induced cytotoxicity in melanoma and glioblastoma cells. Conversely, PKR production analysis revealed minimal activation in reovirus-infected tumor cells, suggesting that the hyperactivation of the RAS-signaling pathway and subsequent PKR inhibition do not directly contribute to the selective efficacy of reovirus. Moreover, infected tumor cells exhibited features of both apoptotic and non-apoptotic death, emphasizing the intricate mechanisms of reovirus-mediated oncolysis. These findings underscore the therapeutic promise of the Moscow strain of reovirus as a selective and potent oncolytic agent for targeting melanoma and glioblastoma cells.
Improving Childhood Immunization Service Delivery in Cameroon: A Synthesis of Caregiver Experiences and Recommendations
Authors: Saidu Yauba , Gu Jessica , Michael Ngenge Budzi , Nchinjoh Sangwe Clovis , Adidja Amani , Edwidge Nnang , Muteh Nkwain , Mbanga Clarence , Ousmane Diaby , Njoh Andreas , Flegere Junie , Diack Demba , Montomoli Emanuele , Clemens Sue Ann Costa
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: A “people-centered” approach is one of the core principles of the Immunization Agenda (IA) 2030 and emphasizes the need for services to be organized around the needs and expectations of individuals and the community. A better understanding of the immunization experience from the client’s perspective is key to guiding the design of policies and interventions aimed at improving immunization delivery and coverage. This study provides a synthesis of the immunization experiences of children’s caregivers in Cameroon, highlighting potential barriers for timely and complete immunization. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, targeting caregivers of children brought to selected health facilities for immunization in all ten regions of Cameroon. Using structured questionnaires, data were collected from caregivers and analyzed using STATA version 13. Results: In total, 1230 caregivers were interviewed in 265 health facilities. The median age of participants was 27 years and the median number of children per caregiver was two children. Most (87%) of the study participants reported to be satisfied with immunization service delivery. The median waiting time for vaccination was 1 h 48 min, with regional median waiting times ranging from 18 min in the South region to 4 h 6 min in the North region. About a quarter (24%) of surveyed participants reported to have presented to a health facility for immunization services and were turned away without achieving the purpose for which they came at least once. About half (48%) of the caregivers had never heard about planned vaccination activities in their communities. Conclusion: While most caregivers appeared to be satisfied with immunization service delivery in Cameroon, our study highlights some notable caregiver concerns (long waiting times, unproductive immunization visits and inadequate information about outreach activities) which, if addressed, may go a long way to enhance the immunization experience of caregivers in Cameroon, build trust in immunization services and thus improve vaccination uptake.