bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comprehensive Clinicopathological Analysis of the First Wave of COVID-19 in Slovakia
Authors: Krivosikova Lucia , Palkovic Michal , Janega Pavol , Mikus Kuracinova Kristina , Janegova Andrea , Babal Pavel
Published: February 2025

The early introduction of strict measures during the first wave of COVID-19 in Slovakia resulted in a low number of fatal cases. Most of them (27/28) were autopsied with microscopic evaluation focusing on changes in the lungs. The average age of the patients was 79. The most common microscopic finding was diffuse alveolar damage in various stages. There were statistically significant relationships between microthrombi and neutrophil count, level of C-reactive protein, and immobility. Oxygen therapy, as a factor that might cause changes typical for diffuse alveolar damage, showed statistically significant relationships with perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate, alveolar capillaritis, alveolar bleeding, and pneumocyte hyperplasia. Hyaline membranes showed a statistically significant relationship with monocyte count, and borderline statistically significant relationships with platelet count and antimalarial therapy. The level of C-reactive protein and neutrophil count seemed to be useful for predicting microthrombi formation. Interestingly, there were no statistically significant relationships between microthrombosis and anticoagulant therapy, platelet count, or level of D-dimer.
Multi-Scale Numerical Simulation of Short Tungsten Fiber Reinforced Tungsten–Copper Composites: Influence Mechanisms of Fiber Parameters
Authors: Zhuo Longchao , Xie Yixing , Xu Hang , Luo Bin , Liu Nan , Chen Bingqing , Wang Hao
Published: February 2025

Tungsten fiber reinforced tungsten–copper (Wf/W-Cu) composites have broad application prospects in fields such as electronic packaging due to their excellent comprehensive properties. However, the correlation between fiber parameters (content, aspect ratio, orientation) and the mechanical behavior of the materials is not yet clear. In this study, a combination of numerical simulation and experimental research was employed to construct a three-dimensional microstructural mechanic model and systematically investigate the influence of fiber parameters on the tensile properties and mechanisms of Wf/W-Cu composites. The results show that: (1) The critical fiber aspect ratio is 7.6. When below this value, fiber pullout dominates, and when above this value, fiber tensile fracture is the main mechanism. (2) As the fiber content increases from 1% to 6%, the tensile strength of the composite increases by 9.6%, the yield strength increases by 10.2%, while the elongation after fracture decreases by 18.6%. (3) As the fiber orientation angle increases from 0° to 90°, the material strength first increases and then decreases, while the toughness first decreases and then increases. (4) Short fibers achieve interface toughening through fiber pullout, crack deflection, and fiber bridging, while long fibers improve the strength and toughness of the composite through load transfer and fiber bridging effects. (5) The damage evolution mechanism reveals the regulation effect of fiber parameters on the multi-scale mechanical behavior of the material. The research results can guide the composition and structure optimization design of Wf/W-Cu composites, provide new ideas for the research of high-performance fiber composites, and have important significance for their engineering applications in extreme environments.
Growth of Silver Nanoparticles Embedded in a Polyacrylamide—Alginate Hybrid Hydrogel
Authors: Calistri Sara , Ciantelli Chiara , Cuzzola Vincenzo , Strafella Alessandra , Cellamare Carmela Maria , Ubaldini Alberto
Published: February 2025

Hydrogels represent a versatile class of materials with remarkable potential as three-dimensional matrices for nanoparticle integration. This study explores the mechanism of silver nanoparticle formation within a polyacrylamide–alginate hybrid hydrogel, employing a controlled reduction–oxidation reaction between silver nitrate (AgNO3) and sodium borohydride (NaBH4) across a temperature gradient (5–70 °C). Characterization techniques, including Raman, infrared, and UV-Vis spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy, were employed to analyze the structural and optical properties of the nanoparticles and the hydrogel. The results show that, as the temperature rose, nanoparticle numbers decreased, while their size increased. Consistently octahedral in shape and averaging 100–120 nm, these nanoparticles revealed a temperature-dependent growth pattern, with rare larger crystals emerging more frequently at higher temperatures. The findings highlight the potential of hybrid hydrogels as effective matrices for the incorporation of metal nanoparticles, paving the way for applications in drug delivery, biosensing, and antimicrobial treatments.
Barriers and Facilitators to Initial and Ongoing Implementation of Community-Based Exercise Programs for Persons with Physical Disabilities: Qualitative Perspectives of Program Providers
Authors: Man Kristiann E. , Varkul Olivia , Konikoff Lauren , Bruno Natasha , Konikoff Marlee , Yehuala Yetnayet Sisay , Latimer-Cheung Amy E. , Tomasone Jennifer R.
Published: February 2025

Community-based exercise programs (CBEPs) designed for persons with physical disabilities can promote participation in physical activity (PA). Despite their importance, few CBEPs for persons with physical disabilities exist in Canada. Understanding successful CBEP implementation may provide exercise providers with a framework to support the development, implementation, and long-term sustainability of CBEPs. The purpose of this study was to explore CBEP providers’ perceptions of the barriers and facilitators surrounding the initial and ongoing implementation of CBEPs using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research 2.0 (CFIR 2.0). Fifteen eligible CBEPs were identified, of which nine program providers expressed interest in participating in semi-structured interviews. Transcripts were subject to inductive thematic analysis, and codes were deductively mapped onto domains of the CFIR 2.0. Barriers and facilitators were organized into six overarching themes and eighteen subthemes. Across themes, barriers and facilitators were present through initial and ongoing implementation and spanned all five domains of the CFIR 2.0, suggesting factors at all levels influence CBEP implementation. Ultimately, the barriers and facilitators to CBEP implementation may act as a roadmap to support the creation and sustainability of new and existing CBEPs, thereby increasing the number of programs that offer PA opportunities for persons with physical disabilities.
Can Systematic Justice Be Achieved for Parents with Intellectual Disabilities in Deprivation of Custody Cases?
Authors: Sigurjónsdóttir Hanna Björg , Rice James Gordon
Published: February 2025

This case report is a reflection on the cumulative results of a number of research projects conducted in Iceland in the field of parenting with a disability. The underlying research consisted primarily of an analysis of court case documents and interviews with parents, extended family members and relevant professionals. The contribution that follows emerged out of a question that we posed to our overall research findings and experiences—what does justice look like for parents with ID who have to contend with deprivation of custody orders? In the rare instances in which a parent ultimately prevailed over an unjust deprivation order, this was only accomplished after an extensive fight through the court system, after which, a great deal of harm to the family had already been caused. We offer for consideration a close look at one such case that we followed, the aftereffects of which are still ongoing. The other path to success appears to be that of early intervention, but this typically occurs through happenstance and requires the involvement of a network of progressive professionals and fortuitous timing. Our contribution is a call to discuss what justice looks like and how this may be transformed into something more systematic.
IVU-AutoNav: Integrated Visual and UWB Framework for Autonomous Navigation
Authors: Bu Shuhui , Zhang Jie , Li Xiaohan , Li Kun , Hu Boni
Published: February 2025

To address the inherent scale ambiguity and positioning drift in monocular visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM), this paper proposes a novel localization method that integrates monocular visual SLAM with Ultra-Wideband (UWB) ranging information. This method enables high-precision localization for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in complex environments without global navigation information. The proposed framework, IVU-AutoNav, relies solely on distance measurements between a fixed UWB anchor and the UAV’s UWB device. Initially, it jointly solves for the position of the UWB anchor and the scale factor of the SLAM system using the scale-ambiguous SLAM data and ranging information. Subsequently, a pose optimization equation is formulated, which integrates visual reprojection errors and ranging errors, to achieve precise localization with a metric scale. Furthermore, a global optimization process is applied to enhance the global consistency of the localization map and optimize the positions of the UWB anchors and scale factor. The proposed approach is validated through both simulation and experimental studies, demonstrating its effectiveness. Experimental results show a scale error of less than 1.8% and a root mean square error of 0.23 m, outperforming existing state-of-the-art visual SLAM systems. These findings underscore the potential and efficacy of the monocular visual-UWB coupled SLAM method in advancing UAV navigation and localization capabilities.
An Anti-Disturbance Attitude Control Method for Fixed-Wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Based on an Integral Sliding Mode Under Complex Disturbances During Sea Flight
Authors: Sui Shuaishuai , Yao Yiping , Zhu Feng
Published: February 2025

The increasing complexity of aerial acrobatics missions necessitates ever-higher levels of attitude control precision in fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Traditional control methods, such as feedback linearization and small disturbance derivation linear models, falter in maintaining attitude tracking accuracy, due to the presence of unanticipated disturbances—most notably, wave disturbances during low-altitude maritime flights—and model uncertainties introduced by factors like large-angle maneuvers, intricate aerodynamic characteristics, and fuel consumption. Consequently, these limitations impede the successful execution of intricate maneuvers, such as looping, the split-S, the Immelmann turn, and the Pougatcheff cobra maneuver. In response to these challenges, we propose an integral sliding mode control based on disturbance observer (ISMC-DO) system to achieve robust attitude angle tracking amidst model uncertainties and mitigate the effects of wave disturbances. Additionally, quaternion representations are adopted as a supplement to Euler angles, thereby resolving the singularity issues inherent in the latter. By using the Lyapunov function, the ISMC-DO-based control system is shown to be asymptotically stable. Simulation results further validate that ISMC-DO can achieve high-precision attitude tracking control of the UAV under wave disturbance.
Place-Based Approach to Rural Development: Ethiopia in Context
Authors: Wazza Melkamu Tadesse , Ayele Seife , Shano Berhanu Kuma
Published: February 2025

Place-specific socioeconomic features are unique and, unlike first-nature geography, are shaped and reshaped by human and institutional interactions. In Ethiopia, however, policy thinking has not progressed much beyond first-nature geography, overlooking the multidimensional socio-spatial formations of rural areas. This study, based on nationally representative socioeconomic panel data from 2018/19 and 2021/22, used a place-based framework to explore the complex nature of rural development and its relationship with multidimensional, place-specific key determinants, namely rurality and entrepreneurial ecosystems. Indices for the key variables were developed by reducing their dimensions using Principal Component Analysis to measure multidimensional variables, including rural development, and undertake subsequent examinations. The study examines the effects of the key determinants on rural development using the Fixed Effects Instrumental Variables–Two-Stage Least Squares regression model, owing to endogeneity concerns with the key determinants. The study shows significant effects of both rurality and entrepreneurial ecosystems on rural development. It offers insights into the complex socio-spatial formations and explanatory power of rural contexts and contributes to the understanding of a place-based approach to rural development. The study also contributes to national and sub-national strategies to address rural challenges in Ethiopia and beyond.
Overcoming the Challenges in Evaluating Educational Outcomes in Community Schools: A Rigorous Quasi-Experimental Approach
Authors: Provinzano Kathleen , May Toni , Rimkunas Naorah , Koskey Kristin
Published: February 2025

Community schools represent a transformative approach to addressing systemic inequities in public education by integrating academic, social, and health services to create equitable learning environments. This study investigated the long-term impact of community school programming at an urban elementary school on middle school academic outcomes and college readiness indicators. Utilizing a quasi-experimental design with rigorous inclusion criteria and propensity score matching, the researchers minimized the bias from baseline group differences to enhance the internal validity. The key findings indicate that students who attended the community school demonstrated significant increases in grade point average over time and were less likely to exhibit high school dropout risk factors compared to a demographically matched comparison group of students who did not attend a community school. A higher proportion of the community school students met college readiness benchmarks, underscoring the sustained impact of community school programming. These results align with the existing literature on the potential of community schools to mitigate academic disparities and highlight the importance of integrating holistic support into educational strategies. By demonstrating a robust methodological approach, this study contributes valuable evidence to guide policymakers and practitioners in scaling and optimizing community school models to advance educational equity and excellence.
School Leaders in Gifted Education: Their Perceptions of Involvement of and Interacting with Parents, Teachers, and Other School Leaders
Authors: Vergeer Jessica , van Weerdenburg Marjolijn , Schils Trudie , Bakx Anouke
Published: February 2025

Effective collaboration among various actors is essential to optimally support the educational needs of gifted students. School leaders play an essential role in creating an environment and policies that foster this collaboration. This exploratory mixed-methods study investigated school leaders’ perceptions of the involvement of and interactions with actor groups (parents, teachers, and other school leaders) in the system surrounding gifted students, while identifying key facilitators and barriers. 136 primary and secondary school leaders completed a questionnaire, of whom 18 participated in semi-structured interviews. Findings indicated varying levels of perceived involvement, with teachers being most involved, followed by parents, and other school leaders. This pattern was mirrored in interaction frequencies across most queried topics. Despite these varying levels, school leaders expressed similar satisfaction with the involvement of and interactions with all actor groups. A positive relationship was found between involvement and interaction levels and their corresponding satisfaction. Actors’ willingness to contribute to and/or communicate about gifted education was a key facilitator, while a lack of willingness was frequently mentioned as a barrier. This study provides an initial understanding of factors impacting involvement and interactions in gifted education from school leaders’ perspectives, offering a foundation for enhancing collaboration and support.
From Cadavers to Neural Networks: A Narrative Review on Artificial Intelligence Tools in Anatomy Teaching
Authors: Sirasanagandla Srinivasa Rao , Rajendran Sharmila Saran , Mogali Sreenivasulu Reddy , Bouchareb Yassine , Shaffi Noushath , Al-Rahbi Adham
Published: February 2025

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in anatomy teaching is gaining attention due to its potential to support personalized learning and its ability to provide customized, real-time feedback. While the potential impact of complete AI integration in medical education remains unclear, there is a suspicion that it could revolutionize pedagogical and assessment practices. Traditional anatomy teaching strategies that use donated human resources hinder continuous learning due to accessibility and ethical challenges. Existing resources, such as anatomy atlases, may not provide knowledge of spatial relationships. AI-powered applications enable students to access more flexible and accessible learning material beyond physical classrooms. This review critically evaluates current advances and the possible impacts of AI in learning anatomy based on the reported empirical original studies. Additionally, it recognizes the challenges and provides possible solutions for them. Most of the initiatives to integrate AI in anatomy teaching are directed towards the development of customized anatomy chatbots and their integration with virtual reality (VR). Although the crucial role of medical imaging in the anatomy curriculum is recognized, currently, no AI application has been developed to target this field. This review discusses the currently available AI tools for anatomy teaching. Additionally, the knowledge gaps and future directions of AI in medical education, especially anatomy education, are also discussed. With the present advances in AI technologies, their application in anatomical education is still deficient. This review paper provides an overview of recent tools used in anatomy teaching and learning.
On the Implementation of “Dead Time” in a Synchronous Step-Down Converter
Authors: Antchev Hristo , Borisov Dimitar
Published: February 2025

The paper investigates and addresses the “dead time” of a synchronous step-down converter implemented with P-channel and N-channel transistors. The transistors are controlled by a single driver, and “dead time” is implemented with external circuits and Schottky diodes. The influence of the Schottky diode capacitance on “dead time” is considered. Mathematical expressions were derived, showing the ratio of the value of this capacitance to the input capacitance of the transistor and the influence of this ratio on the shape of the leading edge of the pulse for switching on the transistor. The results of computer simulations are given for different ratios of the two capacitances. It was found that the capacitance of the Schottky diode must be much lower than the input capacitance of the transistor. The results of the mathematical description and computer simulations were used to select a suitable transistor and Schottky diode and are applied in the subsequent practical implementation. Conclusions and recommendations were made for a synchronous step-down converter, as well as for other cases of implementing “dead time” in the manner considered.
Day Ahead Operation Cost Optimization for Energy Communities
Authors: Fotopoulou Maria , Tsekouras George J. , Vlachos Andreas , Rakopoulos Dimitrios , Chatzigeorgiou Ioanna Myrto , Kanellos Fotios D. , Kontargyri Vassiliki
Published: February 2025

Energy communities constitute the main collective form for energy consumers to participate in the current energy transition. The purpose of this research paper is to present a tool that assists energy communities to achieve fair and sustainable daily operation. In this context, the proposed algorithm (i) assesses the day-ahead operation cost (or profit) of energy communities, taking into consideration photovoltaic (PV) production, battery energy storage system (BESS), and flexible loads, as well as the potential profit from selling energy to the power system, under the net billing scheme, and (ii) compares the derived cost for each member with the cost for non-cooperative operation, as single prosumers. Taking the aforementioned costs or profits into consideration, the developed algorithm then proposes three cost-sharing options for the members, peer-to-peer (P2P), so that their participation in the community is more beneficial than individual operation. The algorithm is tested on a hypothetical energy community in Greece, highlighting the importance of the cooperation amongst the members of the community for their mutual benefit; for the simulated case of different PV shares, the cooperation can result in a 24.5% cost decrease, while having a BESS can reduce the cost by 25.0%.
Numerical Investigation of Natural Light Transmission Through Fiber Optics
Authors: Maatallah Taher , Alzahrani Mussad , Almatar Ahmad , Wahab Faisal , Ali Sajid
Published: February 2025

Fiber optics is a cutting-edge technology with boundless potential for transmitting natural light inside buildings. Imaging Solar concentrators are very efficient in focusing light within the approximate numerical aperture of fiber optics. The proof-of-concept of fiber optics concentration daylight systems was investigated and elaborated for only single-mode step-index fibers, and none of the previous studies had explored the full sun spectrum meticulously, the overall transmission efficiency, and the luminous output of such a system. The present research elaborates a detailed and exclusive numerical investigation of multi-mode-indexed fiber optics daylight systems. The proposed design consists of subsequent optical stages that focus light into the fiber optic cable, filter unwanted infrared wavelength radiation, and uniformly collimate visible light onto the fiber optics. The ray path and ray power intensities were traced and computed using the ray tracing technique. The obtained simulation results demonstrated an overall optical transmission efficiency of 32% along a 10 m length. The luminous efficacy of visible light transmission was evaluated based on the average illuminance levels inside buildings, indicating a substantial indoor lighting enhancement of 92 lumens/watt. The proof-of-concept was validated by building a laboratory scale of the proposed system; the tests have shown the technical feasibility of the system and the effective material integrity for practical applications
Research on Reliability Improvement Method of Mountainous Power Grid Considering Electrified Railways Access
Authors: Pan Like , Zhao Yingxin , Xing Tong , Zhang Haibo , Dai Wenrui , Dong Zhanhao
Published: February 2025

The mountainous power grids exhibit significantly lower reliability compared to conventional urban grids due to inherent structural weaknesses, dispersed load distribution, and higher failure probabilities of power supply equipment. With the ongoing construction and commissioning of electrified railways in western China, it is crucial to analyze the impact of strong shocks and random fluctuations in traction loads on mountainous power grids, and to study the reliability enhancement of these grids considering electrified railways access, to ensure their safety and the reliable, continuous power supply for the railways. Therefore, this paper proposes a method to enhance the reliability of mountainous power grids considering electrified railways access. First, stochastic fluctuation characteristics of traction loads are simulated through train traction calculations. Subsequently, the reliability level of mountainous grids is quantitatively evaluated, with a novel line vulnerability index established to identify weak grid sections. Finally, two complementary enhancement strategies are proposed: dynamic line capacity expansion and optimized backup capacity allocation. Case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of the method through comparative analysis of reliability indices before and after implementation, confirming both technical validity and practical feasibility.
A Review on Catalytic Hydrolysis of Ammonia Borane for Hydrogen Production
Authors: Liu Qingqing , Ran Weizhao , Bao Wenfei , Li Yuzhong
Published: February 2025

Ammonia borane (NH3BH3, AB) is recognized as a promising hydrogen carrier due to its high hydrogen storage density (146 gL−1, mass fraction 19.6%), safety, non-toxicity, and high chemical stability. The hydrolysis of AB has also become a research hotspot in recent years and offers a viable route for hydrogen production. However, the practical application of AB hydrolysis encounters substantial challenges, including undefined catalytic mechanisms, suboptimal catalytic performance, and intricate issues in AB regeneration. Thus, elucidating catalytic mechanisms, developing highly efficient catalysts, and exploring effective regeneration methods for NH3BH3 are critical and urgent. This paper delves into the catalytic hydrolysis process of AB, detailing the mechanisms involved, and simplifies the steps that affect AB hydrolysis activity into the adsorption, activation, dissociation of reactants, and the formation and desorption of H2. It discusses the structural characteristics of metal catalysts used in recent studies, assessing their performance through metrics such as turnover frequency (TOF), activation energy (Ea), and reusability. On this basis, this paper conducts a relatively comprehensive analysis and summary of the strategies for optimizing the performance of AB hydrolysis catalysts, including three aspects, focusing on optimizing the number and dispersion of active centers, enhancing reactant adsorption and activation, and facilitating hydrogen desorption. In addition, it also addresses strategies for controlled hydrogen release during AB hydrolysis and methods for regenerating AB from spent solutions. Finally, corresponding conclusions and prospects are proposed, to provide a certain reference for the subsequent development of safe and efficient catalysts and research on the catalytic mechanism of AB hydrolysis.
Unlocking Sustainable Financing Practices for Energy Efficiency Projects: A Multi-Country Analysis
Authors: Karakosta Charikleia , Corovessi Alice , Vryzidis Isaak
Published: February 2025

Achieving the European Union’s (EU) energy efficiency targets is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing energy security, and ensuring sustainable investments in the building and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) sectors. However, stagnant investments hinder progress towards these goals. This study examines successful sustainable financing practices for energy efficiency projects, with a focus on replicable financing schemes and models across EU countries. By examining long-term, replicable initiatives, the paper identifies best practices that can be adapted across various EU Member States, despite differing regulatory frameworks. Key selection criteria include project scale, duration, results, and private financing attraction. The study also provides market updates, evaluates financial schemes and models, assesses barriers to private fund leveraging, and shares lessons learned in overcoming these challenges. This research contributes to understanding effective strategies for encouraging investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy across the EU by promoting large-scale communication campaigns and fostering greater public-private cooperation.
Modeling LiDAR-Derived 3D Structural Metric Estimates of Individual Tree Aboveground Biomass in Urban Forests: A Systematic Review of Empirical Studies
Authors: Li Ruonan , Wang Lei , Zhai Yalin , Huang Zishan , Jia Jia , Wang Hanyu , Ding Mengsi , Fang Jiyuan , Yao Yunlong , Ye Zhiwei , Hao Siqi , Fan Yuwen
Published: February 2025

The aboveground biomass (AGB) of individual trees is a critical indicator for assessing urban forest productivity and carbon storage. In the context of global warming, it plays a pivotal role in understanding urban forest carbon sequestration and regulating the global carbon cycle. Recent advances in light detection and ranging (LiDAR) have enabled the detailed characterization of three-dimensional (3D) structures, significantly enhancing the accuracy of individual tree AGB estimation. This review examines studies that use LiDAR-derived 3D structural metrics to model and estimate individual tree AGB, identifying key metrics that influence estimation accuracy. A bibliometric analysis of 795 relevant articles from the Web of Science Core Collection was conducted using R Studio (version 4.4.1) and VOSviewer 1.6.20 software, followed by an in-depth review of 80 papers focused on urban forests, published after 2010 and selected from the first and second quartiles of the Chinese Academy of Sciences journal ranking. The results show the following: (1) Dalponte2016 and watershed are more widely used among 2D raster-based algorithms, and 3D point cloud-based segmentation algorithms offer greater potential for innovation; (2) tree height and crown volume are important 3D structural metrics for individual tree AGB estimation, and biomass indices that integrate these parameters can further improve accuracy and applicability; (3) machine learning algorithms such as Random Forest and deep learning consistently outperform parametric methods, delivering stable AGB estimates; (4) LiDAR data sources, point cloud density, and forest types are important factors that significantly affect the accuracy of individual tree AGB estimation. Future research should emphasize deep learning applications for improving point cloud segmentation and 3D structure extraction accuracy in complex forest environments. Additionally, optimizing multi-sensor data fusion strategies to address data matching and resolution differences will be crucial for developing more accurate and widely applicable AGB estimation models.
The Impact of Forestry Management Participation on Rural Household Income and Inequality: Evidence from Guizhou Province, China
Authors: Yao Lei , Zhang Han , Ren Jie , Yang Jie , Ma Li , Wen Yali
Published: February 2025

With the transformation of the rural economy and the increasing national emphasis on forest resources, forestry management plays an increasingly important role in promoting household income growth and sustainable rural development. This study, based on a field survey of 1043 micro-level household data collected in Guizhou Province, China, empirically analyzes the impact of participation in forestry management on household income, income structure, and income inequality, as well as its underlying mechanisms. Using endogenous switching models, quantile regression models, and mediation effect models, the study reveals the following findings: First, participation in forestry management significantly enhances household income. Second, the impact of participation in forestry management on income structure varies, significantly increasing both forestry and non-forestry income, with the effect on forestry income being particularly pronounced. Third, participation in forestry management significantly alleviates income inequality, especially for low-income households. Fourth, forestry management indirectly increases household income and non-forestry income by promoting forest-based employment. Forest-based employment acts as a partial mediator in the effect of forestry management on household income and a full mediator in the increase in non-forestry income. The contribution of this study lies in its multidimensional approach to revealing the comprehensive impact of participation in forestry management on rural household income, providing important policy insights for increasing household income and achieving sustainable rural development.
Leakage Effects from Restrictions in Timber Supply: An Application to Sweden
Authors: Lundmark Robert
Published: February 2025

The interest in forests from a climate and biodiversity perspective is increasing. Several scientific scenarios and political narratives suggest that reduced timber harvest may facilitate these perspectives. However, reducing timber harvest in one location might result in an increased harvest elsewhere. A harvest leakage might occur. This study estimates the magnitude of leakage due to potential reductions in timber harvests in Sweden. The leakage is calculated using an empirical estimation model based on market responses. The results indicate that 24–77 percent of the reduced harvest will be offset by an opposing change in other countries, depending on timber assortment and time horizon. Thus, the magnitude of the leakage is case specific, but, in all cases, sizeable. Subsequently, the expected climate benefits of policies may be severely reduced if the leakage is left unaddressed in the policy design.
Physiological and Molecular Insights into the Development of Single and Double Flowers in Syringa vulgaris L.
Authors: Wang Zhaoning , Li Jing , Qi Yu , Ma Yuandong , Han Wenzhe , Tian Linping , Sun Peilin , Siqin Tuya , Li Chunming , Bai Hui
Published: February 2025

The double-flowering phenotype is crucial for improving the ornamental value of flowering plants; this trait substantially enhances the varieties of Syringa vulgaris L. To date, no studies have examined the transcriptomics and metabolomics of key nodes in the flower bud differentiation of the single and double flowers of Syringa. This study investigated both the single and double flowers of S. vulgaris using a comprehensive, multifaceted analytical approach, including physiological assessments, transcriptomics, and metabolomics. The floral bud differentiation process can be divided into six distinct stages. Compared with the single flowers, the double flowers of S. vulgaris presented significant developmental delays during floral bud differentiation. Although there was no significant difference in the soluble protein content between the two flower types during this process, the soluble sugar content varied during pistil primordium differentiation and as temperature increased. The antioxidant enzyme activity was significantly greater in the double flowers than in the single flowers during most differentiation stages, while the malondialdehyde (MDA) level gradually increased. The levels of endogenous hormones, such as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellin (GA3), and abscisic acid (ABA), differed between the two flower types. The transcriptomics and metabolomics results indicated that during pistil primordium differentiation and subsequent development, the double flowers exhibited increased antioxidant enzyme activity and secondary metabolite accumulation. These secondary metabolites not only contributed to the vibrant coloration of the double flowers but also increased their cellular metabolic stability and stress tolerance through their antioxidant properties. Conversely, the rapid differentiation mechanism of the single flowers of S. vulgaris relied more on efficient primary metabolism to meet simpler structural demands. These findings not only provide scientific guidance for S. vulgaris breeding programs but also expand its potential in horticultural and landscape applications, offering a new theoretical foundation for studies on floral organ development in Oleaceae species.
Unlocking the Potential of Sophora moorcroftiana (Fabaceae): The Overlooked Xizang Endemic
Authors: Mei Duozhuoga , Yu Sinong , Yu Shuangyuan , Cao Fuliang , Wang Guibin , Dai Tingting
Published: February 2025

Sophora moorcroftiana (Benth.) Baker is a drought- and sand-resistant endemic shrub species in the family Fabaceae, native to the Tibetan Plateau along the Yarlung Tsangpo River (elevation: 2800–4400 m). This study offers a comprehensive review of the latest research on S. moorcroftiana, with a focus on its ecological functions, medicinal potential, pest and disease management, and germplasm conservation. By synthesizing existing studies, the review sheds light on the mechanisms that enable this species to thrive in extreme environments, highlights its unique secondary metabolites, and explores its critical role in biodiversity maintenance. Additionally, the article examines the current conservation status of S. moorcroftiana, identifies the key threats to its survival, and suggests future research directions and strategies for sustainable utilization. The goal of this review is to fill existing knowledge gaps by providing a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for future scientific research, applied uses, and conservation initiatives related to S. moorcroftiana.
A Physicochemical and Biological Composite Environment for the Humification of Crop Straw in Compost
Authors: Zhao Xiangjun , Li Bin , Zhao Chao , Chandio Farman Ali
Published: February 2025

To examine the humification characteristics of crop residues, three types of crop residues—wheat, maize, and rice—were selected for experimentation. The latter two were subjected to steam explosion (SE) and nitrogen addition SE, respectively. Each of the three types of straw was inoculated in accordance with a specific microbial addition protocol. Furthermore, environmental controls, including the oxygen concentration and temperature type, were employed to enhance the variability of the samples. The results demonstrate statistically significant discrepancies in the concentrations of humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid (FA) between the three samples. Following a 96 h composting process, the highest concentrations of fulvic acid (FA) and humic acid (HA) in the samples were recorded at 10.4% and 15.8%, respectively. This result indicates the successful conversion of crop straw into a high-quality humic acid fertilizer product. Infrared spectroscopy data indicate that the breaking of carbon–carbon bonds and the ring opening, as well as the substitution of benzene rings, occurred during composting, and FA and HA substances were gradually formed. The results indicate that humus production is subject to raw materials, the pre-treatment of materials, the differentiation of strains, and methods of controlling environmental factors.
Tripeptides Featuring Dehydrophenylalanine and Homophenylalanine: Homo- Versus Hetero-Chirality and Sequence Effects on Self-Assembly and Gelation
Authors: Carvalho André F. , Pereira Teresa , Oliveira Carlos , Figueiredo Pedro , Carvalho Alexandra , Pereira David M. , Hilliou Loic , Bañobre-López Manuel , Xu Bing , Ferreira Paula M. T. , Martins José A.
Published: February 2025

Over the years, our research group developed dehydrodipeptides N-capped with aromatic moieties as protease-resistant efficacious hydrogelators, affording self-assembled hydrogels at low (critical) concentrations. Dehydrotripeptides, with different dipeptide sequences and (D,L) stereochemistry, open a wider chemical space for the development of self-assembled soft nanomaterials. In this work, a small library of N-succinylated dehydrotripeptides containing a C-terminal dehydrophenylalanine (∆Phe) residue and a scrambled dipeptide sequence with phenylalanine (Phe) and homophenylalanine (Hph) (L-Phe-L,D-Hph and L,D-Hph-L-Phe) was synthesized and characterized as a potential hydrogelator. Two pairs of diastereomeric tripeptides were synthesized, both as C-protected methyl esters and as deprotected dicarboxylic acids. Peptides with the sequence Hph-Phe-ΔPhe were obtained as a pair (D,L,Z)/(L,L,Z) of diastereomers. Their scrambled sequence analogues Phe-Hph-ΔPhe were obtained also as a diastereomeric (L,D,Z)/(L,L,Z) pair. The effect of stereochemistry (homo- vs. hetero-chirality) and sequence (Phe-∆Phe vs. Hph-∆Phe motif) on the self-assembly, biocompatibility, gelation and rheological properties of the hydrogels was studied in this work. Accessible, both as C-protected methyl esters and as dicarboxylic acids, N-succinylated dehydrotripeptides are interesting molecular architectures for the development of supramolecular nanomaterials. Interestingly, our results do not comply with the well-documented proposition that heterochiral peptides display much higher self-assembly propensity and gelation ability than their homochiral counterparts. Further studies will be necessary to fully understand the interplay between peptide sequence and homo- and hetero-chirality on peptide self-assembly and on the properties of their supramolecular materials.
The Relevance of the Accurate Annotation of Micro and Long Non-Coding RNA Interactions for the Development of Therapies
Authors: Panni Simona
Published: February 2025

A large fraction of the human genome is transcribed in RNA molecules that do not encode for proteins but that do have a crucial role in regulating almost every level of gene expression and, thus, define the specific phenotype of each cell. These non-coding RNAs include well-characterized microRNAs and thousands of less-defined longer transcripts, named long non-coding RNAs. Both types markedly affect the onset and the progression of numerous pathologies, ranging from cancer to vascular and neuro-degenerative diseases. In recent years, a substantial effort has been made to design drugs targeting ncRNAs, and promising advancements have been produced from micro-RNA mimics and inhibitors. Each ncRNA controls several targets, and the overall effect of its inhibition or overexpression depends on the function of the set of genes it regulates. Therefore, in selecting the most appropriate target, and predicting the final outcome of ncRNA-based therapies, it is crucial to have and utilize detailed and accurate knowledge of their functional interactions. In this review, I recapitulate the principal resources which collect information on microRNA and lncRNA networks, focusing on the non-homogeneity of the data that result from disparate approaches. I highlight the role of RNA identifiers and interaction evidence standardization in helping the user to filter and integrate data derived from different databases in a reliable functional web of regulative relations.
Romeo and Juliet in Korea: Love and the War
Authors: Ko Yu Jin
Published: February 2025

Romeo and Juliet remains one of the most frequently performed plays of Shakespeare in Korea, one reason for which is obvious: the feud between the Capulets and Montagues resonates with the continuing division of Korea into North and South. Indeed, many productions of the play in South Korea since the Korean War (1950–53) have made direct and indirect allusions to the political reality of division. Nothing defines Korea so much as division and the desire to overcome that division. With this context in mind, my essay will examine four representative but unique productions of the play from the War period to the twenty-first century: a women’s musical theater adaptation during the War that was a popular success; a production by the Mokwha Repertory Theatre from the early 2000s that alludes directly to the state of division into North and South, and which has toured the globe; a 2009 musical theater version by the National Changgeuk Company of Korea that emphasizes regional rivalries; and a 2022 production that sets the play in the DMZ. However, while exploring the depiction of division in these productions, I will focus in particular on how marriage is understood in relation to national division and the possibility of reconciliation. I will argue that the productions bring attention to the intersection of the social and political practices that sustain division.
“Conjoined Destinies”: The Poetics and Politics of Black Migrations in Jason Allen-Paisant’s Self-Portrait as Othello
Authors: Regis Hannah
Published: February 2025

Jason Allen-Paisant in Self-Portrait as Othello moves unflinchingly through complex histories and genealogies that widen to include Jamaica, Venice, Italy, France, and elsewhere and to locate the duppy manifestations of an unburied past in the pervasive precariousness of Black life. Across his poems, he tracks the chaotic reverberations of intergenerational traumas that persist across time, space and collective memory. This paper contends that the poet, through his use of allusion evident in his grafting and borrowings of other stories, literary syncretism, the symbolism of foreignness and its mysterious power, back and forth journeys through Europe and into homelands (Jamaica), procures an integrated circuit of Black meaning and kindred relations. This interconnectedness lays bare the sociohistorical conditions that have and continue to circumscribe and assault Black lives and deconstructs the perpetuity of anti-Black systems in the modern Western world. For all his worldly travels, the poet-narrator situates himself in an interstitial zone where each crossroad leads to new possibilities and affirmative energy. Allen-Paisant thus offers a way to reconcile a vicious history of Black xenophobia while procuring moments and processes to make peace with rupturous spaces, which necessitates a return to his homeland. However, homecoming complicates the search for self and the idea of return draws him into a dialogue with the fragmented inheritances of his past. He ultimately achieves coherence and fresh understandings through images of sterility and barrenness which he re-purposes as a foundation to make bold leaps of faith across uncertain chasms. This paper thus argues that for the poet of the African diaspora, who aspires to recover a long and complex spiritual history, the interface between domestic and international dramas highlights the luminous transcendence embodied in the journey along complicated routes and the steadfast pursuit of ideas that illuminate the deepest insights about identity, culture and the Black experience.
Construction of the Competency Index System for Nursing Staff in Tertiary General Hospitals to Respond to Emerging Infectious Diseases
Authors: Li Minye , Zhi Chen , Chen Dianjie , Ma Zhengwen , Zhu Min , Ma Yanlan , Ma Hui
Published: February 2025

Background: The outbreak of emerging infectious diseases represents a crisis event that poses a threat to human beings. Nursing staff in the tertiary hospital, especially clinical nurses and nursing managers, serve as the frontline personnel in combating this crisis. However, there is a lack of clarity regarding the specific competencies required of them to respond to these emerging infectious diseases. Methods: The literature review, semi-structured interviews, and group discussion were adopted to collect and analyze the competency index. The Delphi technique was used for the examination and construction of the index system. Results: The development of the competency index system was a collaborative effort that involved 18 experts from eight provinces and cities across China. The system includes competency indexes for two types of nursing staff: clinical nurses and clinical nursing managers. Specifically, the competency index system for clinical nurses and nursing managers in tertiary general hospitals to respond to emerging infectious diseases comprises three first-level indexes. For clinical nurses, there are 20 second-level indexes and 65 third-level indexes, while for clinical nursing managers, there are 21 second-level indexes and 68 third-level indexes. Conclusions: The constructed competency index system for nursing staff in tertiary general hospitals to respond to emerging infectious diseases is scientific, reliable, comprehensive, and specific and may provide reference for nursing leaders to develop competency training programs for nursing emerging infectious diseases.