bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Effective Somatic-Cell Regeneration and Genetic Transformation Method Mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens for Portulaca oleracea L.
Authors: Xu Mengyun , Zhao Xinyu , Fang Jiahui , Yang Qinwen , Li Ping , Yan Jian
Published: August 2024

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is highly valued for its nutritional, medicinal, and ecological significance. Genetic transformation in plants provides a powerful tool for gene manipulation, allowing for the investigation of important phenotypes and agronomic traits at the genetic level. To develop an effective genetic transformation method for purslane, various organ tissues were used as explants for callus induction and shoot regeneration. Leaf tissue exhibited the highest dedifferentiation and regeneration ability, making it the optimal explant for tissue culture. By culturing on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with varying concentrations of 6-benzyleaminopurine (6-BA) and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), somatic cells from leaf explants could be developed into calli, shoots, and roots. The shoot induction results of 27 different purslane accessions elucidated the impact of genotype on somatic-cell regeneration capacity and further confirmed the effectiveness of the culture medium in promoting shoot regeneration. On this basis, a total of 17 transgenic plants were obtained utilizing the genetic transformation method mediated by Agrobacterium. The assessment of GUS staining, hygromycin selection, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the transgenic plants as well as their progeny lines indicated that the method established could effectively introduce foreign DNA into the purslane nucleus genome, and that integration was found to be stably inherited by offspring plants. Overall, the present study demonstrates the feasibility and reliability of the Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation method for introducing and integrating foreign DNA into the purslane genome, paving the way for further research and applications in purslane genetic modification.
Molecular Insights into the Role of Sterols in Microtuber Development of Potato Solanum tuberosum L.
Authors: Herrera-Isidron Lisset , Valencia-Lozano Eliana , Uribe-Lopez Braulio , Délano-Frier John Paul , Barraza Aarón , Cabrera-Ponce José Luis
Published: August 2024

Potato tubers are reproductive and storage organs, enabling their survival. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms that regulate tuberization is crucial for understanding how potatorespond to environmental stress situations and for potato breeding. Previously, we did a transcriptomic analysis of potato microtuberization without light. This showed that important cellular processes like ribosomal proteins, cell cycle, carbon metabolism, oxidative stress, fatty acids, and phytosterols (PS) biosynthesis were closely connected in a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. Research on PS function during potato tuberization has been scarce. PS plays a critical role in regulating membrane permeability and fluidity, and they are biosynthetic precursors of brassinosteroids (BRs) in plants, which are critical in regulating gene expression, cell division, differentiation, and reproductive biology. Within a PPI network, we found a module of 15 genes involved in the PS biosynthetic process. Darkness, as expected, activated the mevalonate (MVA) pathway. There was a tight interaction between three coding gene products for HMGR3, MVD2, and FPS1, and the gene products that synthetize PS, including CAS1, SMO1, BETAHSD, CPI1, CYP51, FACKEL, HYDRA1, SMT2, SMO2, STE1, and SSR1. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) confirmed the expression analysis of ten specific genes involved in the biosynthesis of PS. This manuscript discusses the potential role of genes involved in PS biosynthesis during microtuber development.
Ecotones as Windows into Organismal-to-Biome Scale Responses across Neotropical Forests
Authors: Ortiz-Colin Perla , Hulshof Catherine M.
Published: August 2024

Tropical forests are incredibly diverse in structure and function. Despite, or perhaps because of, this diversity, tropical biologists often conduct research exclusively in one or perhaps a few forest types. Rarely do we study the ecotone—the interstitial region between forest types. Ecotones are hyper-diverse, dynamic systems that control the flow of energy and organisms between adjacent ecosystems, with their locations determined by species’ physiological limits. In this review, we describe how studying ecotones can provide key indicators for monitoring the state of Neotropical forests from organisms to ecosystems. We first describe how ecotones have been studied in the past and summarize our current understanding of tropical ecotones. Next, we provide three example lines of research focusing on the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of the ecotone between tropical dry forests and desert; between tropical dry and rainforests; and between Cerrado and Atlantic rainforests, with the latter being a particularly well-studied ecotone. Lastly, we outline methods and tools for studying ecotones that combine remote sensing, new statistical techniques, and field-based forest dynamics plot data, among others, for understanding these important systems.
Contemporary Uses of Vilca (Anadenanthera colubrina var cebil): A Major Ritual Plant in the Andes
Authors: Lema Verónica S.
Published: August 2024

Vilca or cebil (Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil) is a species known for its psychoactive properties and its widespread use among the pre-Hispanic peoples who inhabited the southern Andean area (southern Peru, Bolivia, northern Chile and northwest Argentina). Studies on this species, as well as on medicinal, psychoactive, or magical plants in general, tend to consider its use in post-Spanish conquest times to be scarce or irrelevant in the Andes of South America. However, based on an in-depth review of the existing literature and on ethnobotanical research conducted in markets in Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru, this paper provides an updated overview affirming the continuity of the use of this species. The results indicate a significant diversity in terms of usage types, plant parts used, treatments, and conditions in which it is applied, along with new records of vernacular names. This paper also offers an interpretation from the perspective of Andean logics, highlighting the current therapeutic effectiveness of the seeds of this plant, facilitated through a series of “movements” that aim to restore the affected person’s health.
Generalized N-Dimensional Effective Temperature for Cryogenic Systems in Accelerator Physics
Authors: Kim Heetae , Park Chang-Soo
Published: August 2024

Investigations into the properties of generalized effective temperature are conducted across arbitrary dimensions. Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution is displayed for one, two, and three dimensions, with effective temperatures expressed for each dimension. The energy density of blackbody radiation is examined as a function of dimensionality. Effective temperatures for non-uniform temperature distributions in one, two, three, and higher dimensions are presented, with generalizations extended to arbitrary dimensions. Furthermore, the application of generalized effective temperature is explored not only for linearly non-uniform temperature distributions but also for scenarios involving the volume fraction of two distinct temperature distributions. The effective temperature is determined for a cryogenic system supplied with both liquid nitrogen and liquid helium. This effective temperature is applied to the Coefficient of Performance (COP) in cryogenic systems and can also be applied to high-energy accelerator physics, including high-dimensional physics.
Deep-Seated Landslide and Rockfalls Threatening the Village of Pietracamela in Central Italy: Deciphering Phenomena from Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar and Point Cloud Analysis
Authors: Francioni Mirko , Calcaterra Domenico , Di Martire Diego , Guerriero Luigi , Scarascia Mugnozza Gabriele , Sciarra Nicola
Published: August 2024

Landslides represent a major problem in human activities, especially in the proximity of cities or infrastructure. In this paper, we present the peculiar case of Pietracamela, Italy. Pietracamela is a small village located in the Central Apennines, a few kilometers north of the Gran Sasso Mountain. The peculiarity of the case study is the fact that the village is simultaneously affected by two different types of slope instabilities. The southwest sector, representing the historical part of the village, has been affected by large rockfalls generated from the “Capo le Vene” cliff located in the south of the village. The northeastern sector of the village represents the most recent urbanized area and is involved in a deep-seated landslide that, in the last decades, has damaged buildings and infrastructure. In this context, we have used two different types of remote sensing techniques to study the two phenomena. The rockfall area has been surveyed through the use of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) that allowed the definition of main joint sets and the volume of blocks associated with the most recent (2011) rockfall event. Three main joint sets have been highlighted, which are responsible for the failure of the “Capo le Vene” cliff. The volume of blocks that failed during the last rock failure in 2011 ranged from a few to 1500 m3. The deep-seated landslide has been studied by analyzing borehole data and 20 years of InSAR data from ERS1/2, ENVISAT, COSMO-SkyMed, and SENTINEL-1. It has been highlighted by InSAR analysis that the northeast sector of the village shows a perfectly linear displacement trend that generates movements up to about 230 mm (about 1 cm/year).
Microscale Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) Distribution Estimated at the City Scale: A Case Study in Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Iizuka Kotaro , Akiyama Yuki , Takase Minaho , Fukuba Toshikazu , Yachida Osamu
Published: August 2024

Global warming and climate change are significantly impacting local climates, causing more intense heat during the summer season, which poses risks to individuals with pre-existing health conditions and negatively affects overall human health. While various studies have examined the Surface Urban Heat Island (SUHI) phenomenon, these studies often focus on small to large geographic regions using low-to-moderate-resolution data, highlighting general thermal trends across large administrative areas. However, there is a growing need for methods that can detect microscale thermal patterns in environments familiar to urban residents, such as streets and alleys. The temperature-humidity index (THI), which incorporates both temperature and humidity data, serves as a critical measure of human-perceived heat. However, few studies have explored microscale THI variations within urban settings and identified potential THI hotspots at a local level where SUHI effects are pronounced. This research aims to address this gap by estimating THI at a finer resolution scale using data from multiple sensor platforms. We developed a model with the random forest algorithm to assess THI trends at a resolution of 0.5 m, utilizing various variables from different sources, including Landsat 8 land surface temperature (LST), unmanned aerial system (UAS)-derived LST, Sentinel-2 NDVI and NDMI, a wind exposure index, solar radiation modeled from aircraft and UAS-derived Digital Surface Models, and vehicle density and building floor area from social big data. Two models were constructed with different variables: Modelnatural, which includes variables related to only natural factors, and Modelmix, which includes all variables, including anthropogenic factors. The two models were compared to reveal how each source contributes to the model development and SUHI effects. The results show significant improvements, as Modelnatural had a fitting R2 = 0.5846, a root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.5936 and a mean absolute error (MAE) = 0.4294. Moreover, when anthropogenic factors were introduced, Modelmix performed even better, with R2 = 0.9638, RMSE = 0.1751, and MAE = 0.1065 (n = 923). This study contributes to the future of microscale SUHI analysis and offers important insights into urban planning and smart city development.
Study on Soil Moisture Status of Soybean and Corn across the Whole Growth Period Based on UAV Multimodal Remote Sensing
Authors: Zhang Yaling , Yang Xueyi , Tian Fei
Published: August 2024

Accurate estimation of soil moisture content (SMC) in the field is a critical aspect of precise irrigation management. The development of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms has provided an economically efficient means for field-scale SMC measurements. However, previous studies have mostly focused on single-sensor estimates of SMC. Additionally, the lack of differentiation between various crops and their growth stages has resulted in an unclear understanding of how crop types and growth stages affect the accuracy of SMC estimation at different soil depths. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to use UAV multimodal remote sensing and a machine learning algorithm to estimate the SMC in agricultural fields and investigate estimation’s effectiveness under different scenarios. The results indicated the following: (1) The multispectral remote sensing method provided higher accuracy in SMC estimation compared to thermal infrared remote sensing. Moreover, the integration of multimodal data improved the accuracy of SMC estimation, enhancing the coefficient of determination (R2) by approximately 14% over that achieved through the use of multispectral data alone and 39% over that of thermal infrared data alone. (2) Across the entire growth period, the optimal soil depths of SMC estimation for soybean were 10 cm and 20 cm (average R2 were 0.81 and 0.82, respectively), while for corn, they were 10 cm, 20 cm, and 40 cm (average R2 were 0.59, 0.60, and 0.55, respectively). (3) The SMC estimation model performed better for both crops during the first three growth stages, with accuracy declining in the maturity stage. These results demonstrate that this approach can provide relatively accurate root zone SMC estimates for different crops throughout their main growth periods. Thus, it can be employed for SMC monitoring and precision irrigation system design.
Material Inspection of Historical Built Heritage with Multi-Band Images: A Case Study of the Serranos Towers in Valencia
Authors: Alicandro Maria , Mileto Camilla , Lerma José Luis
Published: August 2024

Built heritage materials assessment is an important task for planning and managing future conservation works. The uniqueness of each historical building makes reconnaissance operations more complex and specific for every single building. In the past, visual inspection and invasive techniques were widely used to investigate surface materials. Non-destructive techniques (NDTs) such as multi-band photogrammetry and remote sensing can help to assess the buildings without any contact with the investigated objects, restricting the disruptive tests on limited areas and reducing the testing time and costs of the surveys. This paper presents the results obtained using multi-band images acquired with a low-cost imaging solution after interchanging several filters, and the application of the principal components analysis (PCA) to recognize different materials of a significant historical monument. The Serranos Towers, built between 1392 and 1398, suffered several interventions in the past that affected their state of conservation with the replacement of different materials. The results of the study show the usefulness of applying PCA to distinguish different surface materials, often similar to the original ones, in a fast and efficient way to investigate and analyze our heritage legacy.
Development of an IoT-Based Device for Data Collection on Sheep and Goat Herding in Silvopastoral Systems
Authors: Araujo Mateus , Leitão Paulo , Castro Marina , Castro José , Bernuy Miguel
Published: August 2024

To evaluate the ecosystem services of silvopastoral systems through grazing activities, an advanced Internet of Things (IoT) framework is introduced for capturing extensive data on the spatial dynamics of sheep and goat grazing. The methodology employed an innovative IoT system, integrating a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) tracker and environmental sensors mounted on the animals to accurately monitor the extent, intensity, and frequency of grazing. The experimental results demonstrated the high performance and robustness of the IoT system, with minimal data loss and significant battery efficiency, validating its suitability for long-term field evaluations. Long Range (LoRa) technology ensured consistent communication over long distances, covering the entire grazing zone and a range of 6 km in open areas. The superior battery performance, enhanced by a solar panel, allowed uninterrupted operation for up to 37 days with 5-min interval acquisitions. The GNSS module provided high-resolution data on movement patterns, with an accuracy of up to 10 m after firmware adjustments. The two-part division of the device ensured it did not rotate on the animals’ necks. The system demonstrated adaptability and resilience in various terrains and animal conditions, confirming the viability of IoT-based systems for pasture monitoring and highlighting their potential to improve silvopastoral management, promoting sustainable practices and conservation strategies. This work uniquely focuses on documenting the shepherd’s role in the ecosystem, providing a low-cost solution that distinguishes itself from commercial alternatives aimed primarily at real-time flock tracking.
Risk Assessment of Roundabout Scenarios in Virtual Testing Based on an Improved Driving Safety Field
Authors: Chen Wentao , Li Aoxue , Jiang Haobin
Published: August 2024

With the advancement of autonomous driving technology, scenario-based testing has become the mainstream testing method for intelligent vehicles. However, traditional risk indicators often fail in roundabout scenarios and cannot accurately define dangerous situations. To accurately quantify driving risks in roundabout scenarios, an improved driving safety field model is proposed in this paper. First, considering the unique traffic flow characteristics of roundabouts, the dynamic characteristics of vehicles during diverging or merging were taken into account, and the driving safety field model was improved to accurately quantify the driving risks in roundabout scenarios. Second, based on data from the rounD dataset, the model parameters were calibrated using the social force model. Finally, a DENCLUE-like method was used to extract collision systems, calculate vehicle risk degree, and analyze these risks for both the temporal and the spatial dimensions, providing guidance for virtual testing. The proposed method significantly improves detection efficiency, increasing the number of identified dangerous scenarios by 175% compared to the Time to Collision (TTC) method. Moreover, this method can more accurately quantify driving risks in roundabout scenarios and enhance the efficiency of generating dangerous scenarios, contributing to promoting the safety of autonomous vehicles.
Development of a MEMS Piezoresistive High-g Accelerometer with a Cross-Center Block Structure and Reliable Electrode
Authors: Li Cun , Zhang Ran , Hao Le , Zhao Yulong
Published: August 2024

A MEMS piezoresistive sensor for measuring accelerations greater than 100,000 g (about 106 m/s2) is described in this work. To enhance the performance of the sensor, specifically widening its measurement range and natural frequency, a cross-beam construction with a center block was devised, and a Wheatstone bridge was formed by placing four piezoresistors at the ends of the fixed beams to convert acceleration into electricity. The location of the varistor was determined using the finite element approach, which yielded the optimal sensitivity. Additionally, a reliable Pt-Ti-Pt-Au electrode was designed to solve the issue of the electrode failing under high impact and enhancing the stability of the ohmic contact. The accelerometer was fabricated using MEMS technology, and the experiment with a Hopkinson pressure bar and hammering was conducted, and the bias stability was measured. It had a sensitivity of 1.06 μV/g with good linearity. The simulated natural frequency was 633 kHz The test result revealed that the accelerometer can successfully measure an acceleration of 100,000 g.
Pressure-Relieving Effect of Different Insole Top Covers in People with Diabetes at High Risk of Foot Ulceration
Authors: Bus Sicco A. , Busch-Westbroek Tessa E. , Pulles Jan , van Dun Tim , Szabo Ghizella , Lacorte Dario H. , Luckson Dannick , van Netten Jaap J.
Published: August 2024

Pressure-relieving footwear helps prevent foot ulcers in people with diabetes. The footwear design contributes to this effect and includes the insole top cover. We aimed to assess the offloading effect of materials commonly used as insole top cover. We measured 20 participants with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy for in-shoe peak pressures while walking in their prescribed footwear with the insole covered with eight different materials, tested in randomized order. Top covers were a 3 mm or 6 mm thick open or closed-cell foam or a 6 mm thick combination of open- and closed-cell foams. We re-assessed pressures after one month of using the top cover. Peak pressures were assessed per anatomical foot region and a region of interest (i.e., previous ulceration or high barefoot pressure). Walking comfort was assessed using a 10-point Likert scale. Mean peak pressure at the region of interest varied between 167 (SD:56) and 186 (SD:65) kPa across top covers (p < 0.001) and was significantly higher for the 3 mm thick PPT than for four of the seven 6 mm thick top covers. Across 6 mm thick top covers, only two showed a significant peak pressure difference between them. Over time, peak pressures changed non-significantly from −2.7 to +47.8 kPa across top cover conditions. Comfort ratings were 8.0 to 8.4 across top covers (p = 0.863). The 6 mm thick foams provided more pressure relief than the 3 mm thick foam during walking in high-risk people with diabetes. Between the 6 mm thick foams and over time, only small differences exist. The choice of which 6 mm thick insole top cover to use may be determined more by availability, durability, ease of use, costs, or hygienic properties than by superiority in pressure-relief capacity.
Scoring Individual Moral Inclination for the CNI Test
Authors: Chen Yi , Lugu Benjamin , Ma Wenchao , Han Hyemin
Published: August 2024

Item response theory (IRT) is a modern psychometric framework for estimating respondents’ latent traits (e.g., ability, attitude, and personality) based on their responses to a set of questions in psychological tests. The current study adopted an item response tree (IRTree) method, which combines the tree model with IRT models for handling the sequential process of responding to a test item, to score individual moral inclination for the CNI test—a broadly adopted model for examining humans’ moral decision-making with three parameters generated: sensitivity to moral norms, sensitivity to consequences, and inaction preference. Compared to previous models for the CNI test, the resulting EIRTree-CNI Model is able to generate individual scores without increasing the number of items (thus, less subject fatigue or compromised response quality) or employing a post hoc approach that is deemed statistically suboptimal. The model fits the data well, and the subsequent test also supported the concurrent validity and the predictive validity of the model. Limitations are discussed further.
Distribution of Carbon-Sequestering Microbes in Different Habitats and the Interaction with Habitat Factors in a Natural Karst Cave
Authors: Xu Wei , Liao Lei , Liao Dongliang , Li Fuli , Qin Aimiao , Mo Shengpeng , Zhou Xiaobin , Fan Yinming
Published: August 2024

The distributional characteristics of microorganisms in karst cave ecosystems have been widely studied. However, in such a dark, humid, and oligotrophic habitat, studies on the differences in carbon-sequestering bacteria in multiple habitats are limited. Therefore, to learn the distribution characteristics of carbon-sequestering colonies in cave habitats and their correlation with habitat factors (e.g., pH, Ca2+, Mg2+, etc.), samples from five cave habitats (weathered rock walls, underground river water, drips, sediments, and air) were collected from the twilight and dark zones of Shiziyan Cave (CO2 concentration 5385 ppm). The results of high-throughput sequencing and statistical analyses showed that there were significant differences in the distribution of communities in different habitats, with higher abundance in sediments habitat and underground river water habitat, and the dominant phyla of Pseudomonadota (30.53%) and Cyanobacteria (75.11%) in these two habitats. The microbial diversity of the carbon-sequestering microbial community was higher in sediments than in underground river water. The pH, and Ca2+, SO42−, and NO3− concentrations can alter the diversity of carbon-sequestering microbes, thereby affecting carbon cycling in caves. Carbon metabolism analyses suggest that microbes in the habitat can cooperate and coexist by participating in different carbon metabolic pathways. These results expanded our understanding of carbon-sequestering microbial communities in cave systems and their responses to the environment.
Green Promotion Service Allocation and Information Sharing Strategy in a Dual-Channel Circumstance
Authors: Yang Man
Published: August 2024

Credit purchase enables the manufacturers in the e-commerce environment to provide pre-sales service that consumers can experience first and pay later. This paper considers demand associated with price and green promotion service level and builds four decentralized game models to study two green promotion service allocation strategies and demand forecasting information sharing strategies in a dual-channel environment. The effects of the degree of dual-channel competition and free-riding on the perfect Bayesian Nash equilibrium are studied. The results show that the retailer should actively cooperate with the manufacturer and share private forecasting information if the coefficient of channel substitution is relatively high. Sharing information will aggravate double marginalization and hurt the retailer. In addition, the retailer’s profit is positively influenced by the forecasting accuracy in four models. When the manufacturer invests in the green promotion service, the prediction accuracy hurts the manufacturer’s profit without information sharing and there is a positive impact with information sharing. In particular, when a retailer provides service, we take the consumer’s free-riding behavior into account, and we find that free-riding hurts both parties and the whole supply chain. In addition, the manufacturer’s profit is irrelevant to the prediction accuracy without information sharing and positively influenced by the accuracy with information sharing.
Non-Destructive Monitoring of Hydration Characteristics in Alternative Materials and Seawater-Based Cementitious Pastes Using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Gao Fangsheng , Cheng Lei , Liu Jun , Zhu Jihua
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the hydration behavior of cementitious materials incorporating fly ash, limestone and calcined clay (LC2), and seawater, aiming to understand the individual and synergistic effects of these components on hydration kinetics. The motivation behind this research lies in the growing interest in enhancing the performance and sustainability of cement-based materials by incorporating supplementary materials and utilizing seawater. To achieve this, the hydration process was meticulously examined using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). An innovative equivalent circuit model was developed to analyze the results. The experimental data indicated that, with ongoing hydration, the diameter of the impedance arc in the high-frequency range gradually increases. A noteworthy observation is that increasing the proportion of fly ash and LC2 in the cement paste leads to a corresponding enlargement of the high-frequency arc, indicating a significant influence of these supplementary materials on the hydration process. Additionally, LC2 was found to be more effective in accelerating the hydration process compared to fly ash.
Nonlinear Enhanced Control for Wind Energy Generation System-Based Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator
Authors: Errami Youssef , Obbadi Abdellatif , Sahnoun Smail , Aoutoul Mohssin
Published: August 2024

This paper proposes a Nonlinear Backstepping Approach (NBA) to improve the control performance of a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG)-based Wind Energy Generation System (WEGS) under parameter uncertainties and short circuits with fluctuations in the grid voltage. Both the rectifier and the three-phase inverter are controlled using the NBA scheme; this method ensures Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), which is a very appealing control objective with unpredictable scenarios of wind speed, and regulates the active and reactive power flows to the electrical network under varying wind speeds. Also, an inverter was employed to control voltage of the DC bus and the powers. The regulator’s stability is achieving using the Lyapunov approach. Simulation results with Matlab/Simulink confirm the efficiency of the presented scheme. The comparative analysis of the NBA with conventional Vector Controllers (VCs), under parameter deviations and for low voltage drop conditions, demonstrates the efficiency of the studied method.
Comprehensive Analysis of Land Use Change and Carbon Sequestration in Nepal from 2000 to 2050 Using Markov Chain and InVEST Models
Authors: Chaulagain Deepak , Ray Ram Lakhan , Yakub Abdulfatai Olatunji , Same Noel Ngando , Park Jaebum , Suh Dongjun , Lim Jeong-Ok , Huh Jeung-Soo
Published: August 2024

The escalating pace of migration and urbanization in Nepal has triggered profound alterations in land use practices. This event has resulted in a considerable diminution of ecological diversity and a substantial decline in the potential for carbon sequestration and other ecosystem services, thereby impeding climate change mitigation efforts. To address this, a comprehensive assessment of land use change and carbon storage was conducted from 2000 to 2019 and forecasted to 2050 in Nepal. Employing the Markov chain and InVEST models, this study evaluated the loss and gain of carbon, elucidating its economic value and spatial distribution. The findings revealed that carbon storage in 2000 and 2019 were 1.237 and 1.271 billion tons, respectively, with a projected increase to 1.347 million tons by 2050. Carbon sequestration between 2000 and 2019 amounted to 34.141 million tons, which is anticipated to surge to 76.07 million tons from 2019 to 2050, translating to economic valuations of 110.909 and 378.645 million USD, respectively. Forests emerged as pivotal in carbon storage, exhibiting higher carbon pooling than other land use types, expanding from 37% to 42% of the total land area from 2000 to the predicted year 2050. Notably, carbon distribution was concentrated in parts of the terai and mountain regions, alongside significant portions of the hilly terrain. The findings from this study offer valuable insights for governing Nepal and REDD+ in developing and implementing forest management policies. The results emphasize the importance of providing incentives to local communities judiciously to promote effective conservation measures.
Dynamic Evaluation of Road Network Resilience to Traffic Accidents: An Emergency Management Perspective for Sustainable Cities in China
Authors: Yu Gang , Xie Jiayi , Sugumaran Vijayan
Published: August 2024

When assessing road network resilience, emergency management behavior should be considered, as this represents the road network’s capacity to adapt to and recover from traffic accidents. Given the timeliness and variability of emergency management behavior, deterministic approaches seem inadequate to represent real road network performance. Thus, this paper innovatively designs an emergency management perspective-based dynamic evaluation method of road network resilience to traffic accidents. Firstly, based on four stages of emergency management, a road network resilience evaluation index system encompassing resilience capabilities, resilience attributes and traffic accident emergency management ability indicators is constructed. Afterwards, the gray relational technique for order preference by similarity to the ideal solution (GRA-TOPSIS) evaluation method based on combination weighting, which integrates factor analysis with hesitant intuitionistic fuzzy expert scoring, is designed to quantify resilience. Finally, the obstacle degree model is utilized for identifying resilience constraints as the input of a long short-term memory (LSTM) model to predict the resilience variation trend. The fast road network of Shanghai in China is adopted as a case study, and the results indicate that road network resilience embodies significant spatial distribution characteristics. Road length, number of tractors, perception and response and disposal time of traffic accidents cast notable effects on resilience. Additionally, some roads are forecast to show descending resilience. The proposed method is valuable for helping policymakers identify current and potential vulnerable roads and to formulate proposals to effectively improve the resilience of urban agglomerations and promote sustainable cities.
Evolutionary Game-Based New Energy Vehicle Supply Chain Strategies That Consider Carbon Reduction and Consumers’ Low-Carbon Preferences
Authors: Xu Yuanda , Han Lian , Li Xing , Zhu Wenxing , Ren Haiping
Published: August 2024

The rapid development of the new energy industry has intensified the competition among companies. Finding solutions to achieve technological innovation, carbon reduction, and to earn consumers’ confidence has become a pressing challenge. In this research, we aim to develop a four-party evolutionary game model involving government, manufacturers, dealers, and consumers to examine the strategic decisions made by these parties in order to accomplish carbon emission reduction goals. We will perform numerical simulations to analyze the strategic choices of each party and the relevant influencing factors. The results suggest the following: (1) The tax hike on traditional car production is less than the innovation expenses for new energy vehicles, leading manufacturers to lean towards manufacturing traditional vehicles. (2) The rise in taxes resulting from the manufacture of conventional vehicles will influence manufacturers’ strategic decisions, whereas the expenses related to technological advancements will have a more significant effect on manufacturers’ strategic choices. (3) Compared to dealers, manufacturers’ strategic choices are more significantly influenced by consumers’ awareness of low-carbon preferences. (4) In the early stages of technological innovation, the government typically offers incentive subsidies to manufacturers to boost technological innovation activities. Whereas, in the later stages of technological innovation, the government usually provides direct subsidies to consumers to encourage the market acceptance and widespread use of innovative products.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging and 99Tc WBC-SPECT/CT Scanning in Differential Diagnosis between Osteomyelitis and Charcot Neuroarthropathy: A Case Series
Authors: Cecchini Sara , Gatti Cristina , Fornarelli Daniela , Fantechi Lorenzo , Romagnolo Cinzia , Tortato Elena , Bonfigli Anna Rita , Galeazzi Roberta , Olivieri Fabiola , Bronte Giuseppe , Paci Enrico
Published: August 2024

Background: Distinguishing between Charcot Neuroarthropathy (CN), osteomyelitis (OM), and CN complicated with superimposed OM in diabetic patients is crucial for the treatment choice. Given that current diagnostic methods lack specificity, advanced techniques, e.g., magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 99mTc-HMPAO–WBC Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT/CT), are needed. This study addresses the challenges in distinguishing OM and CN. Methods: We included diabetic patients with CN and soft tissue ulceration. MRI and 99mTc-HMPAO–WBC SPECT/CT were used for the diagnosis. The patients were classified into three probability levels for OM (i.e., Definite, Probable, and Unlikely) according to the Consensus Criteria for Diabetic Foot Osteomyelitis (CC-DFO). Results: Eight patients met the eligibility criteria. MRI, supported by SPECT-CT and CC-DFO, showed consistency with the OM diagnosis in three cases. The key diagnostic features included the location of signal abnormalities and secondary features such as skin ulcers, sinus tracts, and abscesses. Notably, cases with inconclusive MRI were clarified by SPECT/CT, emphasizing its efficacy in challenging scenarios. Conclusions: The primary objective of this study was to compare the results of MRI and 99mTc-HMPAO–WBC SPECT/CT with the CC-DFO score in the diabetic foot with CN and suspected OM. Advanced imaging offers a complementary approach to distinguish between CN and OM. This can help delineate the limits of the disease for presurgical planning. While MRI is valuable, 99mTc-HMPAO–WBC SPECT/CT provides additional clarity, especially in challenging cases or when metallic implants affect MRI accuracy.
Bactofection, Bacterial-Mediated Vaccination, and Cancer Therapy: Current Applications and Future Perspectives
Authors: Renteria-Flores Francisco Israel , García-Chagollán Mariel , Jave-Suárez Luis Felipe
Published: August 2024

From the first report in 1891 by Dr. Coley of the effective treatment of tumors in 1000 patients with Streptococcus and the first successful use of bacterial vectors for transferring therapeutic genes in 1980 by Dr. Schnaffer, bactofection has been shown to be a promising strategy in the fields of vaccination, gene therapy, and cancer therapy. This review describes the general theory of bactofection and its advantages, disadvantages, challenges, and expectations, compiling the most notable advances in 14 vaccination studies, 27 cancer therapy studies, and 13 clinical trials. It also describes the current scope of bactofection and promising results. The extensive knowledge of Salmonella biology, as well as the multiple adequacies of the Ty21a vaccination platform, has allowed notable developments worldwide that have mainly been reflected in therapeutic efforts against cancer. In this regard, we strongly recommend the creation of a recombinant Ty21a model that constitutively expresses the GtgE protease from S. typhimurium, allowing this vector to be used in animal trials, thus enhancing the likelihood of favorable results that could quickly transition to clinical trials. From the current perspective, it is necessary to explore a greater diversity of bacterial vectors and find the best combination of implemented attenuations, generating personalized models that guarantee the maximum effectiveness in cancer therapy and vaccination.
The Potential of Anti-Inflammatory DC Immunotherapy in Improving Proteinuria in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Jonny Jonny , Sitepu Enda Cindylosa , Lister I Nyoman Ehrich , Chiuman Linda , Putranto Terawan Agus
Published: August 2024

A typical consequence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a significant risk factor for end-stage renal disease. The pathophysiology of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is mainly associated with the immune system, which involves adhesion molecules and growth factors disruption, excessive expression of inflammatory mediators, decreased levels of anti-inflammatory mediators, and immune cell infiltration in the kidney. Dendritic cells are professional antigen-presenting cells acting as a bridge connecting innate and adaptive immune responses. The anti-inflammatory subset of DCs is also capable of modulating inflammation. Autologous anti-inflammatory dendritic cells can be made by in vitro differentiation of peripheral blood monocytes and utilized as a cell-based therapy. Treatment with anti-inflammatory cytokines, immunosuppressants, and substances derived from pathogens can induce tolerogenic or anti-inflammatory features in ex vivo–generated DCs. It has been established that targeting inflammation can alleviate the progression of DKD. Recent studies have focused on the potential of dendritic cell–based therapies to modulate immune responses favorably. By inducing a tolerogenic phenotype in dendritic cells, it is possible to decrease the inflammatory response and subsequent kidney damage. This article highlights the possibility of using anti-inflammatory DCs as a cell-based therapy for DKD through its role in controlling inflammation.
One Health Ethics and the Ethics of Zoonoses: A Silent Call for Global Action
Authors: Rodriguez Jeyver
Published: August 2024

This paper presents a critical review of key issues related to the emergence of new networks for the spread of zoonotic diseases amid the mass extinction of species. Zoonotic and infectious diseases account for approximately 70% of new and existing diseases affecting humans and animals. The initial section argues that the term “zoonoses” should not be confined to single-cause events within veterinary medicine. Instead, zoonoses should be viewed as complex, systemic phenomena shaped by interrelated factors, including environmental, sociocultural, and economic elements, influenced by anthropogenic climate change. The second section presents bioethical principles and potential strategies for those engaged in zoonotic disease prevention. The third section uses the slaughter of animals in disaster settings as a case study to illustrate the need for further clarification of normative and interspecies justice conflicts in One Health ethics. This section concludes with an outlook on “zoonoethics”. Section four develops the analysis of the interlinked elements that trigger zoonoses and examines antimicrobial resistance (AMR) from an ethical and political standpoint, concluding with policy recommendations for addressing AMR. Section five offers a critical reflection, integrating contributions from zoonoethics, human ecology, and the ecotheological turn. Finally, section six concludes with a call to action and policy recommendations for an inclusive, intercultural, and gender-sensitive One Health approach.
The Pleth Variability Index as a Guide to Fluid Therapy in Dogs Undergoing General Anesthesia: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Vicenti Caterina , Romagnoli Noemi , Stabile Marzia , Lambertini Carlotta , Piemontese Claudia , Spaccini Francesca , Foglia Armando , Lacitignola Luca , Crovace Antonio , Staffieri Francesco
Published: August 2024

The aim of this prospective, randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the use of the pleth variability index (PVi) to guide the rate of intraoperative fluid therapy compared to a traditional fixed-fluid-rate approach in ASA 1–2 dogs undergoing surgery. Twenty-seven dogs met the inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to the conventional fluid management group (CFM, n = 12) or the PVi-guided group (PVi, n = 15). The CFM group received a fixed rate of 5 mL kg−1 h−1 of crystalloid solution, while in the PVi group the rate was continuously adjusted based on the PVi: PVi < 14% = 3 mL kg−1 h−1; 14% ≤ PVi ≥ 20% = 10 mL kg−1 h−1; and PVi > 20% = 15 mL kg−1 h−1. Hypotension (MAP < 65 mmHg) in the CFM was treated with a maximum of two fluid boluses (5 mL kg−1 in 10 min) and in the case of no response, dobutamine (1–3 mcg kg−1 min−1) was administered. In the PVi group, the treatment of hypotension was similar, except when the PVi > 14%, when dobutamine was started directly. Total fluid volume was significantly lower in the PVI group (0.056 ± 0.027 mL kg−1 min−1) compared to the CFM group (0.132 ± 0.115 mL kg−1 min−1), and the incidence of hypotension was lower (p = 0.023) in the PVi group (0%) compared to the CFM group (41%). The mean arterial pressure (MAP) was significantly higher in the PVi group during surgery. Dobutamine was never administered in either group. Preliminary data suggest that the PVi may be considered as a potential target to guide fluid therapy in dogs; larger studies are needed, especially in cases of cardiovascular instability.
Analysis of the Water Quality Status and Its Historical Evolution Trend in the Mainstream and Major Tributaries of the Yellow River Basin
Authors: Yu Zhenzhen , Sun Xiaojuan , Yan Li , Yu Shengde , Li Yong , Jin Huijiao
Published: August 2024

The Yellow River basin, an area of extreme water scarcity, has faced significant challenges in water quality management due to rapid economic and social development since the 1980s. This study analyzes the water quality evolution over nearly 40 years, focusing on primary pollutants like chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), and permanganate index (CODMn). In the 1990s, sections of the river were severely polluted, with some areas failing to meet the lowest national standards. In 2000, 32% of the river water was classified as inferior Class V. However, enhanced water resource management and stricter pollutant regulations introduced after 2000 have significantly improved water quality. By 2010, water quality reached its nadir, with 16% of water classified as inferior Class V and 25% as Class IV–V. By 2020, water quality showed marked improvement, with a significant reduction in segments classified as inferior Class V and Class IV–V. Recent years have seen water quality stabilize, with COD meeting Class I standards and NH3-N and CODMn meeting Class II standards based on national criteria. The study also highlights discrepancies in water quality between the mainstream and tributaries of the Yellow River. While the mainstream generally maintains good water quality, many tributaries remain severely polluted. In 2022, 85% of the water in tributaries was classified as Class I to III, 12.3% as Class IV to V, and only 2.7% as Class V. However, all water in the mainstream reached Class I–III, with 86% achieving Class II and 14% achieving Class I. A detailed analysis of the Huayuankou section over the past three decades shows a general decline in pollution indicators. Seasonal water quality fluctuations, correlated with flow rates and temperatures, were observed, often exhibiting normal distribution patterns. These findings underscore the effectiveness of sustained pollution control and the need for continuous, adaptive management strategies to improve and maintain water quality in the Yellow River basin.
Fine-Resolution Wetland Mapping in the Yellow River Basin Using Sentinel-1/2 Data via Zoning-Based Random Forest with Remote Sensing Feature Preferences
Authors: Huo Xuanlin , Niu Zhenguo
Published: August 2024

Accurate wetland classification in the Yellow River Basin (YRB) is crucial for China’s ecological security, sustainable development, and wetland resource management. This calls for more sustained research on regional variations and studies on remote sensing features, especially with temporal considerations. To address this and the optimization of feature extraction as well as ranking, Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 images were used. Additionally, to achieve more precise wetland classification, the YRB was subdivided into four regions for random forest classification. The results show that different remote sensing indices effectively distinguish various wetland types and that key percentiles play a significant role in distinguishing wetland types. The 10 m refined wetland classification map for 2020, with an overall accuracy of 85%, demonstrates that this framework can meet the needs of conventional large-scale wetland analysis and management. The total area of wetlands in the YRB in 2020 was 33,554.67 km2, mainly distributed in the upper reaches of the YRB (71%), with seasonal marshes being predominant. The total water area reached 8538.64 km2, primarily distributed in the upper reaches of the YRB (57.40%). This high-resolution wetland map offers crucial insights and tools for monitoring, protecting wetland resources, and shaping policies, advancing regional sustainable development goals.