bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can Information Consumption Promote the Digital Transformation of Enterprises? Empirical Evidence from China
Authors: Qian Jingjing , Zhang Xiaomin , Yan Xiang-Wu , Xu Ning
Published: December 2024

Information consumption (IC) has emerged as a critical driver of the digital transformation of enterprises (DTE) and sustainable corporate development, garnering significant attention in recent years. Nevertheless, research focused on the role of IC as a driving factor of the DTE remains relatively scarce. The information consumption pilot policy (ICPP), a key initiative aiming to foster the consumption of information products and services, plays an essential role in refining consumption systems and mechanisms, enhancing demand-side management, and facilitating the DTE. Using data from Chinese A-share listed companies, this study leverages the ICPP as a quasi-natural experiment and employs a difference-in-differences (DID) model to evaluate the effects and underlying mechanisms of IC on the DTE, with the objective of elucidating how IC drives the DTE. The findings indicate that IC significantly accelerates the DTE, a conclusion that remains robust across multiple validation tests. Further investigation reveals that IC has a stronger impact on digital transformation in non-state-owned enterprises, capital-intensive enterprises, technology-intensive enterprises, and growth-stage enterprises than in state-owned enterprises, labor-intensive enterprises, and enterprises in the maturity or decline stage. Similarly, IC demonstrates a more substantial influence on digital transformation in enterprises situated in southern cities, large-scale cities, and non-resource-dependent cities than in enterprises located in northern cities, small-scale cities, and resource-dependent cities. Mechanism analyses suggest that IC primarily drives the DTE through pathways such as technological innovation, the expansion of household consumption, and the advancement of financial digitization. Additionally, intellectual property protection is found to significantly enhance the impact of IC on the DTE. By investigating the drivers of the DTE from the perspective of digital consumption, this study not only provides a theoretical foundation for the advancement of China’s digital economy but also offers practical guidance and insights for fostering the DTE on a global scale.
Selected Factors Determining the Disposal of Stale Bread by Polish Consumers
Authors: Bilska Beata , Tomaszewska Marzena , Kołożyn-Krajewska Danuta
Published: December 2024

Bread is one of the most popular products consumed almost daily and, simultaneously, the most frequently wasted product in large quantities. The factors determining this phenomenon in a household must first be known in order to develop and implement effective programmes to combat consumers throwing away bread. Minimizing bread waste contributes to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 12 of “halting food waste by 2030”. The aim of the study was to examine the influence of selected sociodemographic, economic and behavioural characteristics of consumers on the methods of managing stale bread. The study was conducted on a nationwide, random, and representative group of 1115 adult respondents. Over 15% of respondents admitted throwing stale bread into the waste container. Statistical analysis showed that the highest percentage of younger people, residents of large cities, and working people declared throwing unused bread into the waste container. More than 1/3 of respondents declared that they process stale bread into breadcrumbs. A higher percentage of the oldest people, residents of rural areas, and families with more than four adults declared that they manage bread this way. There was no significant relationship between the frequency of bread purchase and all methods of managing stale bread (except for feeding animals). The place of purchase influenced four methods of handling stale bread.
Urban Spatial Pattern Optimization Based on “Double Evaluation”: A Case Study of Urban Agglomeration in Central Yunnan, China
Authors: Chen Guoping , Long Xiaohui , Wu Chuntong , Zhao Junsan
Published: December 2024

The evaluation of the carrying capacity of urban resources and the environment and the suitability of urban spatial development (referred to as “double evaluation”) is a fundamental prerequisite for territorial spatial planning. A scientifically planned urban spatial layout is key to balancing economic, social, and environmental benefits, which directly impacts urbanization levels and regional high-quality development. In this study, a double evaluation index system was established for the city cluster in central Yunnan based on the theories of “double evaluation” and main functional zones. The PLUS model was used to predict the distribution of future urban spatial patterns, considering factors like main function zones, and to optimize the spatial patterns of cities and towns in the study area. The findings are as follows. (1) The area of land suitable for urban construction in the study area is 25,107.51 km2, mainly distributed in the southern and central urban areas, as well as in the Zhanyi and Qilin districts to the east. (2) More than 76% of the land designated for urban construction is located in suitable areas, with an area of 680.51 km2, which represents only 2.71% of the total suitable land, indicating significant potential for further urban development. The PLUS simulation reveals that the urban area in the study area will reach 235.41 km2 by the future, with 83.67% of urban construction space concentrated in suitable areas. Additionally, 69.11% of urban construction space and 74.53% of suitable land for urban construction are located in the key development area, which covers 618.43 km2 and 18,713.28 km2, respectively. This highlights the key development area’s crucial role in urban expansion and its significant potential for further development. Despite the region’s high level of economic activity and urbanization, there remains considerable potential for the expansion of towns over a wide area. This study provides valuable insights for optimizing urban spatial layouts, the allocation of national land space functions, and promoting orderly development.
Integrating Symmetry in Attribute-Based Sentiment Modeling with Enhanced Hesitant Fuzzy Scoring for Personalized Online Product Recommendations
Authors: Wang Qi , Zhao Yuan , Xu Zi , Zhang Wen , Zhang Mingsi
Published: December 2024

Online product reviews provide valuable insights on user experiences and product qualities. However, issues such as information overload and the limited utilization of review features persist, particularly in personalized rankings for popular items like movies. To address these challenges—information overload in online reviews, limited review feature utilization, and personalized decision-making for high-demand products like movies—we introduce a personalized online decision-making framework that integrates a sentiment model for product attributes with an enhanced hesitant fuzzy scoring function. This framework incorporates the concept of symmetry in sentiment analysis. It employs feature words, sentiment terms, and modifiers to assess user sentiments within a hesitant fuzzy setting, utilizing symmetrical relationships between positive and negative sentiments. The improved fuzzy score function efficiently quantifies sentiment values for product features by considering the symmetrical balance of user opinions. Additionally, review quality assessment incorporates both content and reviewer characteristics, resulting in final attribute evaluations. An attribute weighting system, tailored to diverse product types, further captures product specifics and user inclinations, leveraging symmetry to balance varying user preferences. Validation through multi-genre movie sorting demonstrates the method’s capacity to handle review data across varied products and user tastes, offering a robust tool for enhancing online decision quality, especially for high-demand items.
Some Comments on the Superstability of a General Functional Equation
Authors: Brzdęk Janusz
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we prove a superstability theorem for a general functional equation ∑j=1∞ajf(γj(t,s))=h(t)g(s), with the unknown functions g:T→X, h:S→K and f:S→X, such that the series ∑j=1∞f(γj(t,s)) is convergent for every (s,t)∈S×T, where S and T are nonempty sets, and X is a Banach space over a field K, which is either the set of real numbers R or the set of complex numbers C. Namely, we show that if h is unbounded, and the difference ∑j=1∞ajf(γj(t,s))−h(t)g(s) is bounded, then h and g satisfy the equation ∑j=1∞ajg(γj(t,s))=h(t)g(s). Next, we show that the superstability of pexiderizations and radical versions of several well-known functional equations (e.g., of Cauchy, d’Alembert, Wilson, Reynolds, and homogeneity) is a consequence of this simple outcome. In this way, we generalize several classical superstability results and, in particular, the first superstability outcome of J. Baker, J. Lawrence, and F. Zorzitto, which states that every unbounded mapping f, from a real vector space X into the set of real numbers R, satisfying the inequality |f(x+y)−f(x)f(y)|≤δ for every x,y∈X, with some real δ>0, is an exponential function, i.e., satisfies the equality f(x+y)=f(x)f(y) for all x,y∈X. In order to make this publication more accessible to a wider range of readers, we limit various related information, avoid very abstract generalizations, and provide some simple examples.
A New Proof of Ramsey’s Theorem
Authors: Ludew Jakub Jan , Oliynyk Bogdana , Różański Michał , Samulewicz Alicja , Smuda Adrian , Szymura Monika , Wituła Roman
Published: December 2024

Ramsey’s theorem states that for any natural numbers n, m there exists a natural number N such that any red–blue coloring of the graph KN contains either a red Kn or blue Km as a subgraph. The smallest such N is called the Ramsey number, denoted as R(n,m). In this paper, we reformulate this theorem and present a proof of Ramsey’s theorem that is novel as far as we are aware.
Energy-Efficient Pathways in the Digital Revolution: Which Factors Influence Agricultural Product Consumers’ Adoption of Low-Carbon Supply Chains on E-Commerce Platforms?
Authors: Fan Xuemei , Zhang Yingdan , Xue Jiahui
Published: December 2024

E-commerce platform-based supply chains have emerged as efficient and widely used channels for the distribution of agricultural products, with low-carbon supply chains capable of reducing the carbon footprint of these products from the initial to the terminal stage, which has led to their increasing adoption by consumers. Based on major e-commerce platforms in China, combined with an extended technology acceptance model, this study examines the factors affecting low-carbon supply chain adoption by agricultural product consumers on e-commerce platforms. The results showed that consumers’ perceived risk, perceived usefulness, and adoption attitude all influence their adoption behavior, with the effect of adoption attitude being the greatest. Furthermore, the effect of perceived usefulness on adoption attitude is stronger than that of perceived risk. Moreover, perceived usefulness is affected mainly by the perceived price, technical utility, green behavior tendency, and subjective norms, whereas the perceived risk is affected mainly by technical utility, information display and dissemination, and green behavior tendency. This study provides valuable insights for e-commerce platforms to better understand the needs of agricultural product consumers, improve market competitiveness, and enhance consumers’ awareness and willingness of adopting low-carbon approaches, which can promote the low-carbon sustainable development of agricultural product supply chains.
Harnessing Digital Technologies for Rural Industrial Integration: A Pathway to Sustainable Growth
Authors: Zhang Jingkun , Zhang Wang
Published: December 2024

Data have become a virtual factor of production, and when integrated with the traditional factors of labor, capital, and land form digital labor, digital capital, and digital land, thereby generating a multiplier effect that contributes to the comprehensive revitalization of rural areas. This paper utilizes panel data from 30 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) in China from 2013 to 2023 and employs a double machine learning model to empirically test the impact mechanism of rural digitalization on the integration of rural industries. The results indicate that digital villages significantly promote the integrated development of rural industries through three direct pathways—digital industry development, digital information infrastructure, and digital service levels—with this conclusion remaining valid after a series of robustness tests. A mechanism analysis shows that digital villages facilitate the integration of rural industries through three indirect pathways—alleviating urban–rural factor mismatches, adjusting the agricultural–industrial structure, and promoting agricultural technological advancement—with this conclusion still valid after various robustness tests. The heterogeneity results show that there is significant variability in how digital villages promote the development of integrated rural industries, with the effects being more pronounced in major grain-producing and eastern regions compared to non-major grain-producing and central-western regions. Based on this, this paper proposes policy recommendations focused on accelerating digital village construction, formulating differentiated strategies, and alleviating factor mismatches, aiming to provide references for achieving rural revitalization. We mainly propose countermeasures and suggestions from three aspects: digital dividend, differentiation strategy, and element mismatch. Our main purpose in writing this article is to make up for the shortcomings of existing theories, enrich the theoretical system of digital rural construction, contribute Chinese solutions for digital rural construction around the world, and improve the word’s level of digital rural construction.
Modeling Passengers’ Reserved Time Before High-Speed Rail Departure
Authors: Zhang Zhenyu , Wang Jian
Published: December 2024

The pre-departure reserved time (PDRV) for high-speed railway (HSR) passengers, which encompasses all the time between passengers leaving their origin and the departure of the HSR train they are going to take, is a crucial factor in planning intercity travel. Understanding how passengers select their PDRV is not only important for developing effective strategies to improve HSR efficiency but also for optimizing the integration between HSR hubs and urban transportation networks. However, analyzing passenger choice behavior regarding PDRV is complex due to numerous influencing factors. Despite this, few studies have explored how HSR passengers make their PDRV choices. This paper, using Nanjingnan Railway Station as a case study, presents a novel investigation into the PDRV choice behavior of HSR passengers. An integrated latent class model (LCM) and ordered probit model (OPM) are applied to identify the factors affecting passengers’ PDRV choices. The sample data are segmented based on individual characteristics using the LCM, and OPM models are then constructed for each segment to analyze PDRV choice behavior. The results reveal that several factors—such as travel purpose, the number of times passengers used HSR at Nanjingnan Station in the previous year, the duration of HSR travel, the number of companions, feeder trip duration, and departure time—significantly impact PDRV choices. The integrated LCM and OPM approach also uncovers choice heterogeneity among different passenger groups. These insights can serve as a valuable reference for forecasting HSR passenger demand and for designing integrated HSR hubs and urban transport systems.
Numerical Design Structure Matrix–Genetic Algorithm-Based Optimization Method for Design Process of Complex Civil Aircraft Systems
Authors: Fan Qiucen , Han Yanlong , Zhang An , Bi Wenhao
Published: December 2024

In the requirement-driven forward design process of civil aircraft, the large number of design tasks of complex systems with varying difficulty and the complex relationships between design tasks lead to unnecessary repetitive design iterations. In order to solve the above problems, the concept of overlap coefficient is proposed to further sort out the forward and backward logical relationships between design tasks and the civil aircraft system design process optimization model based on a numerical design structure matrix. The algorithm NSGA-II is improved and verified with the flight control system design as a case study. The results show that the proposed method can effectively improve the efficiency of complex system design and provide technical support for the optimization of the design process of complex civil aircraft systems.
Research on Compliance Thresholds Based on Analysis of Driver Behavior Characteristics
Authors: Ma Mingyue , Wang Weiqing , Miao Zelin , Wang Tao , Zhao Guangming
Published: December 2024

Traffic regulations provide a solid foundation for the safety of all road users; however, the ambiguous provisions and unclear safety thresholds within these regulations pose significant challenges to compliance, particularly concerning the safe operation of autonomous vehicles. To address this issue, this paper conducts an in-depth analysis of vehicle emergency braking behavior based on the Aerial Dataset for China Congested Highway and Expressway (AD4CHE). The extraction method for the emergency braking risk scenario of natural driving data is proposed, and the correlation between safe distance, safe speed, and driving safety under the scenario of a slightly congested expressway is elaborated in detail. The safety threshold of ambiguous traffic rules obtained can be used for the digitalization of traffic rules that can support the functional development and traffic safety testing of automated driving systems.
Impact of 3D Digitising Technologies and Their Implementation
Authors: Triviño-Tarradas Paula , García-Molina Diego Francisco , Rojas-Sola José Ignacio
Published: December 2024

In recent years, 3D digitalisation has experienced significant growth, revolutionising the way we capture, process and use geometric data. Initially conceived for industrial applications, these technologies have expanded to multiple fields, offering unprecedented accuracy and versatility. Depending on the accuracy and efficiency to be achieved in a specific field of application, and on the analytical capacity, a specific 3D digitalisation technique or another will be used. This review aims to delve into the application of 3D scanning techniques, according to the implementation sector. The optimal geometry capturing and processing 3D data techniques for a specific case are studied as well as their limitations.
Normally-Off Trench-Gated AlGaN/GaN Current Aperture Vertical Electron Transistor with Double Superjunction
Authors: Kim Jong-Uk , Park Do-Yeon , Park Byeong-Jun , Hahm Sung-Ho
Published: December 2024

This study proposes an AlGaN/GaN current aperture vertical electron transistor (CAVET) featuring a double superjunction (SJ) to enhance breakdown voltage (BV) and investigates its electrical characteristics via technology computer-aided design (TCAD) Silvaco Atlas simulation. An additional p-pillar was formed beneath the gate current blocking layer to create a lateral depletion region that provided a high off-state breakdown voltage. To address the tradeoff between the drain current and off-state breakdown voltage, the key design parameters were carefully optimized. The proposed device exhibited a higher off-state breakdown voltage (2933 V) than the device with a single SJ (2786 V), although the specific on-resistance of the proposed method (1.29 mΩ·cm−2) was slightly higher than that of the single SJ device (1.17 mΩ·cm−2). In addition, the reverse transfer capacitance was improved by 15.6% in the proposed device.
Predictions for the Rare Kaon Decays KS,L → π0ℓ+ℓ− from QCD in the Limit of a Large Number of Colours
Authors: D’Ambrosio Giancarlo , Knecht Marc
Published: December 2024

The long-distance and non-local parts of the form factors describing the single-photon-mediated KS,L→π0γ*→π0ℓ+ℓ− (ℓ=e,μ) transitions in the standard model are addressed in QCD regarding the limit where the number Nc of colours becomes infinite. It is shown that this provides a suitable theoretical framework to study these decay modes and that it enables predicting the decay rates for KS→π0ℓ+ℓ−. It also unambiguously predicts that the interference between the direct and indirect CP-violating contributions to the decay rate for KL→π0ℓ+ℓ− is constructive.
Radiation-Induced Tumor-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Combined with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: An Effective and Safe Therapeutic Approach for Lung Adenocarcinoma with EGFR19Del
Authors: Li Yao , Long Yaping , Ge Xiangwei , Zhang Pengfei , Li Tao , Wu Liangliang , Fan Hao , Du Zhijuan , Liu Qiaowei , Hu Yi
Published: December 2024

Background: Combining radiotherapy with targeted therapy benefits patients with advanced epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (EGFRm NSCLC). However, the optimal strategy to combine EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) with radiotherapy for maximum efficacy and minimal toxicity is still uncertain. Notably, EVs, which serve as communication mediators among tumor cells, play a crucial role in the anti-tumor immune response. Methods To exploit the role of EVs in the delivery of tumor antigens, we formulated a therapeutic strategy that involves the use of radiation-induced tumor-derived EVs (TEXs) loaded onto dendritic cells (DCs) as a kind of vaccine in conjunction with EGFR TKIs and assessed the efficacy and safety of this approach in the treatment of EGFRm NSCLC. Results In our study, we characterized the release of immunogens as influenced by various modes of cell death, examining the impact of different levels of cell death under diverse irradiation modalities. Our results demonstrated that a radiation mode of 6Gy*3f exhibited the most promising potential to stimulate anti-tumor immune responses. This radiotherapy fraction, combined with TKIs, showed promising results in a tumor-bearing mouse model with an EGFR mutation, although there is a risk of radiation-associated pneumonitis. Furthermore, we found that 6Gy*3f-TEXs in vitro activate DCs and promote T cell proliferation as well as cytotoxic T lymphocyte-mediated tumor cell destruction. The administration of EGFR-TKIs combined DCs loaded with 6Gy*3f-TEXs exhibited the potential to inhibit tumor growth and mitigate the risk of pneumonitis. Together, the research shows that TEXs from high-dose fractionation radiation can mature DCs and boost the killing of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Combining these DC vaccines with Osimertinib offers a promising and safe treatment for EGFRm NSCLC.
Current Status and Significance of Additional Vaccination with COVID-19 Vaccine in Japan—Considerations from Antibody Levels from Hybrid Immunity and Public Perceptions
Authors: Kusunoki Hiroshi
Published: December 2024

This report examines the evolving role of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in Japan, especially in light of the reduced public concern following the reclassification of COVID-19 as a Category 5 infectious disease in May 2023. With over half the population estimated to have hybrid immunity from prior infections and vaccinations, this report evaluated the necessity and frequency of additional booster doses. Despite strong recommendations from Japanese medical societies to continue vaccination, public skepticism remains owing to financial burdens, adverse reactions, and the perceived limited benefits of frequent boosters. Studies on antibody responses have revealed that individuals with hybrid immunity maintain robust protection with significantly elevated antibody titers that persist over extended periods. Case studies have indicated durable immunity among individuals who have both been vaccinated and experienced breakthrough infections, raising questions about the need for uniform booster policies. This report also discusses the newly approved replicon-type (self-amplifying) vaccines currently available only in Japan, which have generated public and professional debates regarding their efficacy and safety. A more personalized approach to vaccination that takes into account the antibody titers, prior infection history, and individual choices is recommended. Finally, this report underscores the importance of aligning vaccination policies with scientific evidence and public sentiment to optimize COVID-19 countermeasures in Japan.
Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on the Perceived Value of Thermostable Vaccines to Relieve Program Barriers: A Case Study from Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Kahn Anna-Lea , Spasenoska Dijana , Ekra Kouadio Daniel , Coulibaly Soplé Ruth , Yao Kossia , Kouadio Sié Kabran , Sar Aminatou , Robertson Joanie
Published: December 2024

Background: Persistent inequities in access to vaccinations pose challenges for immunization programs worldwide. Innovations facilitating vaccine delivery, such as leveraging vaccine thermostability through a Controlled Temperature Chain (CTC), have emerged as a potential solution to increase coverage in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, reducing dependence on the cold chain and improving vaccine delivery efficiency. However, the added value of thermostable vaccines and their integration into national immunization programs is under-recognized by stakeholders. This consultation aimed to convene key immunization stakeholders in Côte d’Ivoire in order to examine their perceptions regarding the value of vaccine thermostability to address barriers to outreach and equity in immunization programs. Methods: A novel workshop model involving structured group discussions was used to document the viewpoints of national stakeholders representing different areas of the immunization program. They prioritized barriers undermining coverage and equity in their country and explored the potential impact of CTC on the immunization program in the context of thermostable vaccines. The vaccines discussed were for Hepatitis B, Human Papillomavirus, and Meningitis. Results: The workshop outcomes highlighted the context and vaccine-specific variation of the importance of certain barriers, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies. The barriers considered most likely to be alleviated by vaccine thermostability were under the categories of human resource management, vaccine supply and logistics, and services delivery. The least relevant category of barriers concerned demand generation. Conclusions: The consultation provided valuable insights into stakeholder perspectives, priorities, and conditions for the effective integration of thermostable vaccines, informing future product development and policy decisions to optimize vaccine delivery and address immunization challenges in LMICs.
Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programs in the Americas: A Platform for Sustainable Life-Course Immunization and Its Role for Pandemic Preparedness and Response
Authors: Nogareda Francisco , Ghiselli Margherita , Velandia-González Martha , de Mucio Bremen , Jara Jorge , Couto Paula , Rodriguez Angel , Rondy Marc , Vicari Andrea , Ozturk Murat Hakan , Goldin Shoshanna , Vilajeliu Alba , Leidman Eva , Patel Jaymin , Carlton Julie , Fowlkes Ashley L. , Azziz-Baumgartner Eduardo , Salas Peraza Daniel , Ropero Alba Maria
Published: December 2024

Background: Vaccination is one of the most effective measures to prevent influenza illness and its complications. Since the 1980s, countries and territories in the Americas have progressively implemented influenza vaccination operations in high-risk priority groups—such as older adults, pregnant persons, persons with comorbidities and health workers. Methods: In this review, we present the history and progress of the seasonal influenza program in the Americas, how the program contributed to the efficient and timely roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic, and how the program can be used to promote immunization operations across the life span for existing and future vaccines. Results: The influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 pandemic in 2009 and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020–2023 underscored the importance of having a robust seasonal influenza vaccination program for pandemic preparedness and response. Overall, countries with existing seasonal influenza vaccination programs were better prepared and rolled out the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines more quickly and effectively compared to other countries where the influenza vaccination platform was weak or non-existent. Conclusions: Traditionally, national immunization programs of developing countries have been predominately focused on newborns, children younger than five years and school-aged children while often limiting their investment in effective adult vaccination programs; these programs are typically isolated to high-income countries. Countries in Latin America have been the exception, with strong influenza vaccination programs for adults regardless of national income level. The presence of functional and effective adult influenza vaccination programs can also facilitate the acceptance and uptake of other adult vaccines targeting priority groups at higher risk for severe illness or complications.
A Cross-Sectional Serological Study to Assess the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Anaplasmosis in Dromedary Camels in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Abbas Muhammad Zaeem , Ghafoor Muzafar , Hussain Muhammad Hammad , Alvi Mughees Aizaz , Jamil Tariq , Sajid Muhammad Sohail , Aslam Munazza , Hassan Ali , Hussain Shujaat , Hafeez Mian Abdul , Ullah Muhammad Irfan , Khan Iahtasham , Ashfaq Khurram , Muhammad Ghulam , Mertens-Scholz Katja , Neubauer Heinrich , El-Adawy Hosny , Saqib Muhammad
Published: December 2024

Anaplasmosis is an infectious disease transmitted by ticks and caused by obligate intracellular pathogen of belonging to genus Anaplasma Infections of one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) and llamas (Lama glama) have been reported previously. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence and risk factors of anti-Anaplasma spp. antibodies in Camelus dromedarius of the Punjab, Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted during 2017–2018 to study the seroprevalence of anaplasmosis in Camelus dromedarius of 13 districts in Punjab province of Pakistan and to assess the associated risk factors including age, breed, gender, body condition score, tick infestation, location, season and management type. Serum samples from 728 camels (433 females and 295 males) were examined for anti-Anaplasma antibodies using a commercially available competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) test kit. A univariable analysis was conducted and extended to multivariate logistic regression to find potential risk factors associated with the disease. Overall, the seroprevalence of anti-Anaplasma antibodies was 8.5% (8.5%, CI 6.6–10.8) with 62 positives in 728 camels. The highest seroprevalence was recorded for camels of the Central Punjab districts (16.1%, CI 11.5–21.7) followed by those of the Northwestern (5.4%, 2.8–9.3) and Southern Punjab (5.2%, 2.9–8.4) districts (p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that location (Central Punjab: OR 2.78, p = 0.004), season (summer: OR 7.94, p = 0.009), body condition score (BCS 2: OR 14.81, p = 0.029) and tick infestation (OR 38.59, p < 0.001) are potential risk factors in the corresponding camel populations. The results showed that the camel population in Pakistan is seropositive for Anaplasma spp. The geographical zone, season, body condition and tick infestation were identified as significantly associated risk factors for seroprevalence of anaplasmosis in dromedary camels. To the best of our knowledge, the results of this current study provide the first evidence of exposure of camels to anaplasmosis in Pakistan. Molecular investigations in the future are highly recommended to determine the dynamics of the disease in camels.
Impact of Ovarian Suspensory Ligament Rupture on Surgical Stress in Elective Ovariohysterectomy in Bitches
Authors: dos Santos Pauline Silva , de Oliveira Victor Mendes , Oltramari Keli Cristina Corbellini , Guimarães Vitória Santos , Fernandes Sarah , Ferreira Carla Eduarda dos Santos , Malinski Agatha Costa , de Oliveira Vinícius Cardoso , Corrêa Jéssica , Moutinho Izabelle , Benvegnú Dalila Moter , Dalmolin Camila , Freitas Gabrielle Coelho , Dalmolin Fabíola
Published: December 2024

Ovariohysterectomy (OVH) is a common procedure in bitches, where ovarian suspensory ligament (OSL) rupture facilitates hemostasis but may also have adverse effects. Given the importance of minimizing the surgical stress response, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of OSL rupture in 20 healthy bitches undergoing elective open OVH; a celiotomy via the ventral midline was performed, and hemostasis achieved using bipolar coagulation, either with OSL rupture (OSL-R) or without (OSL-NR). Pain was assessed over 24 h post-surgery using the Visual Analogue Scale and the Short Form of the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale. The physical parameters, complete blood count, glucose levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and neutrophil oxidative and phagocytic functions were evaluated pre-surgery and at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h, as well as 10 days after. Oxidative metabolism was assessed through vitamin C and protein thiols, reduced glutathione, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. No differences in trans- and postoperative pain were observed between techniques, except for analgesic rescue rates. Differences were noted in the heart rate, total leukocyte count, segmented neutrophils, eosinophils, and monocytes. Both techniques resulted in low oxidative and phagocytic changes. Overall, OSL rupture appears to elicit a slightly more intense surgical stress response than the non-rupture technique.
A Numerical Study on Impact of Coal Mining Activity and Mine Water Drainage on Flow and Transport Behavior in Groundwater
Authors: Ahmat Kaisar , Lu Hao , Liu Huiquan
Published: December 2024

Under the dual carbon mission, more and more coal mines will face shutting down in the future and stop treating mine water drainage, which, if it escapes, may cause severe secondary damage to the local groundwater quality. Wudong Coal Mine is a currently active subsurface coal mine in Xinjiang, China, that shows high-salinity characteristics. To forecast and discuss future possible groundwater quality damages and potential solutions, we here introduce a model prediction study on the effects of water pollution by coal mine drainage. The study protocol first involves creating a calibrated 2D groundwater flow model by use of FEFLOW software, then designing several flow and solute transport prediction analyses under changing mine water drainage conditions, different pollution source areas and water treatment pumping wells to discuss future prominent flow and transport behavior, as well as water treatment-affecting factors. It has been shown that mine water drainage plays a critical role in maintaining the mine water solute distribution, as without mine draining, local flow and solute distribution change dramatically, altering the groundwater capture zone, and may change the plume-migrating direction from upstream to downstream. A larger pollution source could produce a higher concentration of pollutants and a larger pollution-coverage area. To reduce pollutant concentrations, mine water treatment pumping wells with higher pumping rates can be applied as a useful remedial measure to effectively prevent the pollutant plume front from reaching the important drinking and irrigation water source of the region, Urumqi River. The results of this study can give important suggestions and decision-making support for authorities focused on water treatment and environmental protection decision-making in the region.
Hydrogeochemistry, Water Quality, and Health Risk Analysis of Phreatic Groundwater in the Urban Area of Yibin City, Southwestern China
Authors: Wu Xiangchuan , Yu Jinhai , Yang Shiming , Zhang Yunhui , Hu Qili , Xu Xiaojun , Wang Ying , Wang Yangshuang , Luo Huan , Xie Zhan
Published: December 2024

With rapid urbanization, intensified agricultural activities, and industrialization, groundwater resources are increasingly threatened by pollution. Industrial wastewater discharge and the extensive use of agricultural fertilizers in particular, have had substantial impacts on groundwater quality. This study examines 18 groundwater samples collected from the main urban area of Yibin City to assess hydrochemical characteristics, spatial distribution, source attribution, water quality, and human health risks. Statistical analysis reveals significant exceedances in TDS, NO3−, Mn, and As levels in groundwater, with elevated concentrations of B as well. Isotopic analysis identifies atmospheric rainfall as the primary recharge source for groundwater in the area, with water–rock interactions and limestone dissolution playing key roles in shaping its chemical composition. Applying the Entropy-Weighted Water Quality Index (EWQI) for a comprehensive water quality assessment, the study found that 94.44% of groundwater samples were rated as “good”, indicating relatively high overall water quality. Deterministic health risk assessments indicate that 72.22% of the groundwater samples have non-carcinogenic health risks below the threshold of 1, while 66.67% have carcinogenic health risks below 1.00 × 10−4. Monte Carlo simulations produced similar results, reinforcing the reliability of the health risk assessment. Although the study area’s groundwater quality is generally good, a significant human health risk persists, underscoring the need to ensure the safety of drinking and household water for local residents. This study provides a valuable reference for the rational management and remediation of groundwater resources.
An Interpretable CatBoost Model Guided by Spectral Morphological Features for the Inversion of Coastal Water Quality Parameters
Authors: Chen Baofeng , Chen Yunzhi , Chen Hongmei
Published: December 2024

Chlorophyll-a (Chla) and total suspended solid (TSS) concentrations are important parameters for water quality assessment, and in recent years, machine learning has been shown to have great potential in this field. However, current water quality parameter inversion models lack interpretability and rarely consider the morphological characteristics of the spectrum. To address this limitation, we used Sentinel-3 OLCI data to construct an interpretable CatBoost model guided by spectral morphological characteristics for remote sensing monitoring of Chla and TSS along the coast of Fujian. The results show that the coastal waters of Fujian Province can be divided into five clusters, and the areas of different clusters will change with the alternation of seasons. Clusters 2 and 4 are the main types of coastal waters. The CatBoost model combined with spectral feature engineering has a high accuracy in predicting Chla and TSS, among which Chla is slightly better than TSS (R2 = 0.88, MSE = 8.21, MAPE = 1.10 for Chla predictions; R2 = 0.77, MSE = 380.49, MAPE = 2.48 for TSS predictions). We further conducted an interpretability analysis on the model output and found that the combination of BRI and TBI indexes composed of bands such as b8, b9, and b10 and the fluctuation of spectral curves will have a significant impact on the prediction of model output. The interpretable CatBoost model based on spectral morphological features proposed in this study can provide an effective technical means of estimating the chlorophyll-a and total suspended particulate matter concentrations in the coastal areas of Fujian.
Recent Progress on Surface Water Quality Models Utilizing Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: He Mengjie , Qian Qin , Liu Xinyu , Zhang Jing , Curry James
Published: December 2024

Surface waterbodies are heavily exposed to pollutants caused by natural disasters and human activities. Empowering sensor technologies in water quality monitoring, sufficient measurements have become available to develop machine learning (ML) models. Numerous ML models have quickly been adopted to predict water quality indicators in various surface waterbodies. This paper reviews 78 recent articles from 2022 to October 2024, categorizing water quality models utilizing ML into three groups: Point-to-Point (P2P), which estimates the current target value based on other measurements at the same time point; Sequence-to-Point (S2P), which utilizes previous time series data to predict the target value at one time point ahead; and Sequence-to-Sequence (S2S), which uses previous time series data to forecast sequential target values in the future. The ML models used in each group are classified and compared according to water quality indicators, data availability, and model performance. Widely used strategies for improving performance, including feature engineering, hyperparameter tuning, and transfer learning, are recognized and described to enhance model effectiveness. The interpretability limitations of ML applications are discussed. This review provides a perspective on emerging ML for surface water quality models.
Production, Toxicological Effects, and Control Technologies of Ochratoxin A Contamination: Addressing the Existing Challenges
Authors: Yang Yan , Li Mingtao , Zhao Junxiong , Li Jingxuan , Lao Kangwen , Fan Fuqiang
Published: December 2024

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin commonly found in food and feed. It presents a serious threat to human and animal health while also posing a risk as a potential aquatic contaminant. Although many research efforts have been placed on OTA contamination and detoxification, systematic and in-depth studies on summarizing its primary sources, formation mechanisms, toxicological effects, and control technologies remain essential. This review systematically analyzed the sources of OTA contamination, including the main toxin-producing strains and their specific colonization environments, in which the biosynthetic pathways and key regulatory factors of OTA were outlined. On this basis, the principle, merits, disadvantages, and application potential of OTA control technologies, including the physical, chemical, and biological detoxification techniques, were comparatively evaluated. The applications of genetic engineering with an emphasis on newly identified degradative enzymes and their potential in OTA removal were carefully elucidated. Considering the stringent global OTA regulatory standards and food safety handling requirements, this review highlights the necessity of comprehensive control measure development and emphasizes the importance of rigorous technical evaluation and regulatory approval. The aim is to provide theoretical support for effective OTA control and to guide future OTA contamination management in complex environments.
The Impact of Autonomous Vehicles on Safety, Economy, Society, and Environment
Authors: Gherardini Luca , Cabri Giacomo
Published: December 2024

Autonomous driving is a rising technology expected to revolutionize commuting. Even if the spread of autonomous vehicles is slower than expected some years ago, their progress will not stop and will become a reality shortly. Therefore, we must manage them both technologically and by considering their impact on other aspects such as safety, economy, society, and environment. Of these, trust in these vehicles by society is a crucial element that must be accounted for when designing the interaction between human passengers and autonomous vehicles. Economical and social impacts derived from the diffusion of autonomous vehicles hold both promises and challenges, as different sectors and professions might undergo considerable changes, along with our idea of transport infrastructure. This paper aims to analyze future developments and effects of this technology by starting with a review of the related work. For this purpose, we have analyzed several papers with contrasting perspectives and conclusions. This paper is not limited to summarizing them but also points out relevant research directions.
Bridging Cultures Through Subtitling: A Case Study of "Southland" and Romanian Subtitles
Authors: Fărcașiu Marcela Alina
Published: December 2024

With the rise of technology and globalisation, subtitling has become essential for accessibility and cross-cultural communication. This study explores the subtitling strategies employed by Romanian subtitlers in the crime drama series Southland, focusing on the translation of extralinguistic culture-bound references (ECRs). Using Jan Pedersen's model of translation strategies, the research analyses approximately 5,000 subtitles from different episodes, revealing how subtitlers navigate cultural differences between American and Romanian contexts. Findings indicate a strong reliance on source-language oriented strategies such as retention and specification to preserve cultural authenticity, alongside target-language oriented strategies such as generalisation and cultural substitution to adapt references for Romanian viewers. Paraphrase has also emerged as a key method for conveying cultural nuances. This research highlights the challenges of translating culture-bound items and emphasises the role of subtitlers as cultural mediators. By providing insights into Romanian subtitling practices, the study contributes to the understanding of audiovisual translation and sets the stage for future research in this evolving field.
Principio de proporcionalidad de las penas en los delitos de contrabando según la normativa ecuatoriana
Authors: Estévez Quiroz Evelyn Aracely , Alvarez Portilla Romel Mauricio , García Holger Geovanny , Alomoto Santana Ximena
Published: December 2024

Resumen:
El principio de proporcionalidad en las penas por delitos de contrabando, se considera de suma importancia, ya que si existe una vulneración del principio de proporcionalidad al crear las penas en delitos de contrabando, se transgredirían garantías constitucionales, mismas que garantizan los derechos de las personas, ya que si existe una mala creación de las penas, por ende, existiría una mala aplicación. El objetivo de este artículo es analizar el principio de proporcionalidad en las penas por delitos de contrabando, además dar una posible solución para garantizar los derechos de los procesados y que las penas sean proporcionales para que al momento de ser aplicadas concuerden con el acto cometido, y se desarrolle un equilibrio en la correcta administración de justicia. Se utiliza un enfoque cualitativo para analizar e interpretar la normativa ecuatoriana, facilitar la recogida de información y posteriormente interpretar distintos significados para buscar comprender este fenómeno social, ya que los legisladores al crear penas más severas no ayudan a prevenir el cometimiento de un delito, simplemente agravan el hacinamiento y otros fenómenos carcelarios, a su vez genera un incremento de corrupción y no una contribución directa al Estado que ayuden a contrarrestar el delito en general. Como resultado tenemos que sí existe una vulneración del principio de proporcionalidad dentro de los delitos de contrabando y se debería realizar una reforma de la normativa.