bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathways to Achieving Low Energy-Poverty Problems in Central African Nations with Government Effectiveness, Technology, Natural Resources and Sustainable Economic Growth
Authors: Frnana Farouk M. , Kareem Ponle Henry
Published: January 2025

Central African nations, just like other African nations, have serious energy poverty problems, both in the rural and urban settings. With increased energy-accessibility problems, citizens have resorted to the use of conventional fuels, causing severe environmental degradation and affecting the health systems due to pollution. In this study, we address how energy poverty is alleviated with technology, natural resources and improved institutional quality. The interplay between these factors in improving energy accessibility is not widely understood; hence, key policies are lacking in the field. The data of Central African nations for the time period from 2004 to 2021 are utilized. The data are also analyzed with the ‘Methods of Moments Quantile Regression’ technique, ensuring the correction of ‘cross-sectional dependence’ and ‘heterogeneity’ that exists. The key findings depict that natural resource rent, government effectiveness and technology help in lowering energy poverty in Central African nations. Economic growth increases energy poverty, while green finance and foreign direct investment do not present a significant effect on energy poverty. Therefore, natural resources are a blessing in improving the accessibility of energy in this region, and this is also made possible with advancements in sustainable technology and proper institutional quality.
Evaluating the Position of Côte d’Ivoire’s Cocoa Industry on the Global Production Chain and the Influencing Factors
Authors: Dago Dogo Armand , Pei Yu
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the position of Côte d’Ivoire’s cocoa industry within the global production chain and identifies key influencing factors from 1960 to 2024. Using a Vector Error Correction Model (VECM), the research evaluates the effects of economic and climate variables—cocoa bean production, global cocoa prices, GDP contributions, domestic cocoa grindings, rainfall, and temperature—on cocoa exports. The findings reveal that a 1% increase in global cocoa prices decreases exports by 0.45%, indicating significant price sensitivity. Cocoa bean production accounts for 42.39% of export variance over the long term, while GDP contributions (0.88%) and domestic cocoa grindings (0.34%) enhance competitiveness and value addition. Rainfall negatively impacts productivity, underscoring vulnerabilities to climate variability, whereas temperature has a short-term positive effect on export performance (0.12%). Short-term dynamics demonstrate rapid adjustments toward equilibrium, with adjustment speeds of 41.23% for Côte d’Ivoire and 37.21% for Ghana. The study highlights Côte d’Ivoire’s dependence on raw cocoa exports and its susceptibility to price volatility and climate risks. By comparing Côte d’Ivoire with Ghana, the analysis underscores the advantages of robust domestic processing policies. To ensure long-term sustainability, the study recommends expanding domestic cocoa processing, adopting agroforestry practices to mitigate climate risks, and investing in infrastructure to boost competitiveness and resilience.
Estimating Hydrogen Price Based on Combined Machine Learning Models by 2060: Especially Comparing Regional Variations in China
Authors: Yin Can , Jin Lifu
Published: January 2025

Hydrogen energy’s economic efficiency is the key for China to obtain the goal of “carbon neutrality” by 2060. Different from the bottom-up methods and learning rate methods, this study estimates the hydrogen prices in China and typical regions by 2060 from the perspectives of economics and machine learning. The main factors influencing hydrogen price are determined from the perspectives of economics: hydrogen production, demand, and cost. A novel model is established based on combined machine learning models to predict hydrogen price. The hydrogen production is predicted based on the trained BP neural network model optimized by particle swarm optimization considering the uses of hydrogen. The hydrogen prices prediction model is built by applying a least squares support vector machine optimized by Bayesian optimization considering the hydrogen production, hydrogen demand, natural gas price, coal price, electricity price, and green hydrogen share. Moreover, the hydrogen prices in typical regions in China are compared with the average prices. The results show that the hydrogen price is estimated to decrease below CNY 12/kg and the hydrogen price in Northwest China will be lower than CNY 7.5/kg due to low electricity cost by 2060.
Public Opinion Evolution Based on the Two-Dimensional Theory of Emotion and Top2Vec-RoBERTa
Authors: Wang Shaowen , Liu Qingyang , Hu Yanrong , Liu Hongjiu
Published: January 2025

This paper applies the concept of symmetry to the design of a research methodology for public opinion evolution, emphasizing that both the construction and analysis processes of the method embody symmetrical principles. In today’s information age, dominated by social media, online platforms have become crucial venues for information dissemination. While the free flow of information promotes public participation, it also introduces certain challenges. Therefore, analyzing the evolution of public opinion and extracting public sentiment holds significant practical value for managing online public sentiment. This study takes the Zibo barbecue incident as a case study, utilizing the two-dimensional theory of emotion and Top2Vec for thematic analysis of public opinion comments. By combining sentiment dictionary methods with the RoBERTa model, we conduct a sentiment polarity analysis of public opinion comments. The results show that the RoBERTa model achieved an accuracy of 98.46% on the test set. The proposed method effectively uncovers public sentiment biases and the influencing factors on public emotions during the evolution of public opinion events, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the emotional dynamics throughout the development of public sentiment. This deeper insight aids in addressing issues related to public opinion more effectively.
Adaptive Terrain Modeling for Side-Slope Surfaces
Authors: Zhou Fangxiao
Published: January 2025

Three-dimensional site modeling is an important aspect of Building Information Modeling (BIM), especially in mountainous areas. Accurate site modeling is essential for efficient construction planning and resource allocation. A key issue in site modeling is how to accurately calculate the shape of side-slopes. It involves three sub-problems: geometric representation of side-slopes, determination of fill/cut types, and intersection of side-slopes surface with the terrain surface. To address this, a two-stage method for constructing side-slope models adaptive to terrain is proposed. In the first stage, a marching algorithm along polylines is used to calculate the intersection points of the site boundary polylines with the terrain surface. These intersection points are used to segment the boundary polylines. A rule-based approach is then applied to automatically determine the fill/cut type for each segment. Subsequently, the equations of the side-slopes passing through each segment are derived using geometric principles. In the second stage, a marching algorithm along the plane is used to trace the intersection lines of side-slopes with the terrain. Finally, the side-slopes are rendered with precision by integrating the equations of each segment with the determined intersection lines. The effectiveness of the method is verified through illustrative examples. Algorithm efficiency analysis and 3D modeling illustrations have demonstrated that this method not only boasts accuracy and swift computation but also excels in the level of automation achieved in the modeling process.
Exploring a Novel Approach to Deferred Nörlund Statistical Convergence
Authors: Ibrahim Ibrahim Sulaiman , He Ji-Huan , Chorfi Nejmeddine , Yousif Majeed Ahmad , Mohammed Pshtiwan Othman , Vivas-Cortez Miguel
Published: January 2025

This study introduces novel concepts of convergence and summability for numerical sequences, grounded in the newly formulated deferred Nörlund density, and explores their intrinsic connections to symmetry in mathematical structures. By leveraging symmetry principles inherent in sequence behavior and employing two distinct modulus functions under varying conditions, profound links between sequence convergence and summability are established. The study further incorporates lacunary refinements, enhancing the understanding of Nörlund statistical convergence and its symmetric properties. Key theorems, properties, and illustrative examples validate the proposed concepts, providing fresh insights into the role of symmetry in shaping broader convergence theories and advancing the understanding of sequence behavior across diverse mathematical frameworks.
Simulation Study on the Navigation Resistance and Shape Optimization of a New Type of Amphibious Vehicle
Authors: Fan Jiawen , Chang Ying , Zhu Hui , Wan Beibei , Ye Jian , Zhang Shanhu , Jin Changwei
Published: January 2025

Amphibious vehicles are important equipment used by emergency rescue teams to quickly pass through water networks. A numerical model of amphibious vehicle underwater navigation in the lower shell was established in this study using computational fluid dynamics, the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes model, and the volume-of-fluid method to investigate the navigation performance of a new all-terrain all-water amphibious emergency rescue vehicle. The navigation resistance was calculated at different speeds. The characteristics of the flow field around the vehicle body were analyzed, and optimization measures for drag reduction by installing a stern flap were proposed. The simulation results show that the existing vehicle body has a relatively high navigation resistance, and the flow field of the amphibious vehicle body is significantly improved after using stern flaps with larger angles and sizes. When the stern flap angle was 38°, the drag-reduction effect was 23%, which effectively improved the navigation performance of the amphibious vehicle.
Analysis of Mechanical Behavior of Symmetric Prefabricated Bodies and Metal Connecting Components During Hoisting and Overturning in Assembly Structures
Authors: Wang Kedong , Ma Min , Wang Jiabo , Yang Ran , Hu Liyu , Luo Zhaoxing
Published: January 2025

Prefabricated assembly structures play a pivotal role in modern building construction and underground transit developments, offering benefits such as ease of installation, rapid construction, and environmental sustainability. These prefabricated assembly structures are always symmetric and particularly prevalent in projects like subway station construction, where symmetry prefabricated blocks are commonly used. The hoisting and overturning of these blocks are crucial stages in the construction sequence. Given the substantial weight (tens of tons) and size (several meters) of these prefabricated elements, the materials and structural integrity of the metal components, including bolts and steel rods, must meet strict standards during these phases. To ensure stability during overturning and safety throughout hoisting, this paper utilizes a finite element model to analyze the hoisting and overturning of three prefabricated blocks used in subway station assembly. This paper investigates the mechanical behavior of embedded components, such as lifting lugs, steel liners, and hoisting steel rods, during these processes, analyzing their stress and strain. The selection methods of different steel bars (diameter, hollow, solid, etc.) in the hoisting process were obtained, and the operation speed in the hoisting and overturning process was determined, which guided the selection of the hoisting position when the common overturning action was known. The results offer valuable guidelines for the placement and spacing of lifting lugs, as well as the optimal hoisting speed, thereby informing the selection of embedded lifting lugs and the design of operational protocols in actual assembly construction.
PIC-GAN: Symmetry-Driven Underwater Image Enhancement with Partial Instance Normalisation and Colour Detail Modulation
Authors: You Kui , Li Xinghua , Yi Pengfei , Zhang Yihe , Xu Jingkang , Ren Jiajun , Bai Heyang , Ma Caihua
Published: January 2025

This model solves the problems of insufficient global feature attention, colour distortion, low contrast, and blurred details in previous methods by using a symmetric U-Net architecture and two new modules: the partial instance normalisation (PIN) module and the colour detail modulation (CDM) module. PIC-GAN effectively balances texture enhancement and feature retention while restoring colour details, ensuring excellent image quality. Experimental results on several publicly available underwater image datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of PIC-GAN, which improves PSNR by 3.23 dB and SSIM by 0.06 compared to WaterGAN, highlighting the potential of PIC-GAN as a powerful solution for underwater image enhancement tasks.
Design of an Effective sgRNA for CRISPR/Cas9 Knock-Ins and Full Mutant Segregation in Polyploid Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Nares-Rodriguez Maria Isabel , Karunakaran Esther
Published: January 2025

Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 is a highly promising organism for the production of diverse recombinant compounds, including biofuels. However, conventional genetic engineering in Synechocystis presents challenges due to its highly polyploid genome, which not only results in low product yields but also compromises the reliability of recombinant strains for biomanufacturing applications. The CRISPR/Cas9 system, renowned for its precision, efficiency, and versatility across a wide range of chassis, offers significant potential to address the limitations posed by polyploid genomes. In this study, we developed and optimized an effective sgRNA for the targeted knock-in of nucleotide sequences of varying lengths into the neutral locus slr0168 of polyploid Synechocystis using CRISPR/Cas9. The gene encoding di-geranylgeranylglycerophospholipid reductase from Sulfolobus acidocaldarius and the methyl ketone operon from Solanum habrochaites were chosen as the exemplar nucleotide sequences for incorporation into the chromosome of Synechocystis. Our results demonstrate that the designed sgRNA effectively facilitated both knock-in events and that CRISPR/Cas9 enabled complete mutant segregation in a single round of selection and induction.
Effects of Dietary Fiber Supplementation on Modulating Uremic Toxins and Inflammation in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Wathanavasin Wannasit , Cheungpasitporn Wisit , Thongprayoon Charat , Fülöp Tibor
Published: January 2025

Emerging evidence supports the beneficial effects of dietary fiber supplementation in alleviating gut dysbiosis, which leads to a reduction in uremic toxins and inflammatory markers in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. However, current evidence-based renal nutrition guidelines do not provide recommendations regarding dietary fiber intake. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate and highlight the effects of dietary fiber supplementation on modulating uremic toxins and inflammatory markers in individuals with CKD, with or without dialysis. The eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified from PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials until 27 November 2024. The results were synthesized using a random-effects model and presented as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 21 studies with 700 patients were included. When compared with the control group, dietary fiber supplementation ranging from 6 to 50 g/day, for typically more than 4 weeks, could significantly reduce the levels of serum uremic toxins, including p-cresyl sulfate, indoxyl sulfate, and blood urea nitrogen (SMD −0.22, −0.34, −0.25, respectively, with p-values < 0.05), as well as biomarkers of inflammation, including interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (SMD −0.44, −0.34, respectively, with p-values < 0.05). These beneficial effects were consistent across different types of fibers and CKD status (with or without dialysis). However, no significant reduction in serum trimethylamine N-oxide, uric acid, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels was observed with dietary fiber intervention. This study would pave the way for prioritizing dietary quality, particularly a fiber-rich diet, beyond the traditional focus on the quantities of protein, energy, and electrolyte restrictions among individuals with CKD.
Establishing Reference Genes for Accurate Gene Expression Profiling in Toxigenic Bacillus cereus
Authors: Edelbacher Tanja V. , Laimer-Digruber Astrid , Pfaffl Michael W. , Ehling-Schulz Monika
Published: January 2025

Bacillus cereus is a Gram-positive pathogen associated with foodborne illnesses and severe non-gastrointestinal infections. Robust tools for accurate gene transcription analysis are essential for studying toxin gene expression dynamics and deciphering the complex regulatory networks orchestrating the expression of toxin and virulence factors. This study aimed to identify reliable reference genes for normalizing reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) data in toxigenic B. cereus. An emetic and an enteropathogenic strain were used as model organisms to establish a suitable reference gene set to monitor the dynamics of toxin gene transcription. Ten candidate reference genes were evaluated for their expression stability using geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper and the ΔCq method, with the final rankings integrated via RefFinder. Among the tested genes, rho, rpoD and recA were identified as the most stable expressed reference genes across all tested conditions. As shown in this proof-of-principle study, the established reference gene set provides a suitable tool to investigate the influence of extrinsic and intrinsic factors on toxin gene transcription. In conclusion, our newly established reference gene set provides a robust basis for studying toxin gene expression in B. cereus and contributes to a better understanding of its pathogenicity and potential strategies to mitigate its harmful effects.
Constraining the Milky Way’s Dispersion Measure Using FRB and X-Ray Data
Authors: Wang Jiale , Zhou Zheng , Jiang Xiaochuan , Fang Taotao
Published: January 2025

The dispersion measures (DMs) of the fast radio bursts (FRBs) are a valuable tool to probe the baryonic content of the intergalactic medium and the circumgalactic medium of the intervening galaxies along the sightlines. However, interpreting the DMs is complicated by the contribution of the hot gas in and around our Milky Way. This study examines the relationship between DMMW, derived from localized FRBs, and the Galaxy’s hot gas, using X-ray absorption and emission data from O vii and O viii. We find evidence for a positive correlation between DMMW and O vii absorption, reflecting contributions from both the disk and halo components. This conclusion is supported by two lines of evidence: (1) no correlation between DMMW and O vii/O viii emission, which primarily traces dense disk regions; and (2) the comparison with electron density models, where DMMW aligns with models that incorporate both disk and halo components but significantly exceeds predictions from pure disk-only models, emphasizing the halo’s role. Furthermore, the lack of correlation with O viii absorption suggests that the primary temperature of the Galaxy’s hot gas is likely around 2×106 K or less, as traced by O vii absorption, while gas at higher temperatures (∼3–5 × 106 K) is present but less abundant. Our findings provide insights into the Milky Way’s gas distribution and improve DMMW estimates for future cosmological studies.
The Combination of GS-441524 (Remdesivir) and Ribavirin Results in a Potent Antiviral Effect Against Human Parainfluenza Virus 3 Infection in Human Airway Epithelial Cell Cultures and in a Mouse Infection Model
Authors: Lin Yuxia , Weynand Birgit , Zhang Xin , Laporte Manon , Jochmans Dirk , Neyts Johan
Published: January 2025

Human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV-3) can cause severe respiratory diseases, particularly in young children, the elderly and immunocompromised. There are no approved antiviral drugs against this virus. We report that the combination of ribavirin with either remdesivir or its parent nucleoside GS-441524 results in a pronounced antiviral effect against HPIV-3 in LLC-MK2 cells and in human airway epithelial cells grown at the air–liquid interface. In AG129 mice intranasally inoculated with HPIV-3, the combined treatment with ribavirin and GS-441524 decreased infectious viral lung titers by >2.5 log10 to undetectable levels in 4 out of 11 mice and by 1.6 log10 in the remaining 7 mice as compared with the vehicle. The lungs of all mice that received the combined treatment appeared histologically normal or virtually normal, whereas 8 of 11 vehicle-treated mice presented with bronchopneumonia. By contrast, ribavirin alone did not result in a reduction in infectious viral lung titers; GS-441524 alone reduced infectious viral lung titers by 1.2 log10. Moreover, several mice in the single-treatment groups exhibited severe lung pathology. These findings may warrant exploring this combination in patients with severe HPIV-3 infections and possibly also against infections with other viruses that are susceptible in vitro to these two drugs.
NAD+ Suppresses EV-D68 Infection by Enhancing Anti-Viral Effect of SIRT1
Authors: Wang Yue , Li Haiyu , Huang Xia , Huang Yan , Lv Mingqi , Tang Hong , Han Xinyue , Liu Juntong , Liang Yan , Zang Guangchao , Lu Nan , Zhang Guangyuan
Published: January 2025

Enterovirus 68 (EV-D68) is a non-enveloped virus with a positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome that causes respiratory diseases and acute flaccid myelitis, posing significant threats to human health. However, an effective vaccine remains undeveloped. SIRT1, a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent enzyme, plays a key role in cellular metabolism, but its interaction with NAD+ during viral infections is not well understood. In this study, through a metabolomics analysis, we demonstrate that EV-D68 infection influences cellular metabolism. Additionally, we show that NAD+ inhibits EV-D68 infection both in vivo and in vitro. EV-D68 reduces cellular NAD+ levels by regulating the expression of enzymes involved in NAD+ consumption and synthesis. Moreover, the infection increases the expression of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), which inhibits EV-D68 replication in turn. Mechanistically, SIRT1 suppresses EV-D68 5′UTR-mediated translation, and the antiviral effect of SIRT1 on EV-D68 replication is enhanced by NAD+. Collectively, our findings highlight the critical role of NAD+ metabolism in EV-D68 infection and reveal the antiviral potential of SIRT1, providing valuable insights for the development of antiviral strategies.
Crimean–Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Mimicking HELLP Syndrome in a Pregnant Woman and Her Infant in Kosovo: A Case Report
Authors: Ajazaj-Berisha Lindita , Halili Bahrije , Ndrejaj Vera , Sherifi Kurtesh , Jakupi Xhevat , Priesnitz Simone , Hemmer Christoph J. , Ahmeti Salih , Emmerich Petra
Published: January 2025

Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is fatal in 10 to 40% of cases. It is caused by CCHF virus (CCHFV). Symptoms include fever, headache, myalgia, and often hemorrhage and other complications. This report shows that CCHF may resemble HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets). We report CCHF in a pregnant mother with fever and suspected HELLP syndrome, who survived, and her infant (week 36), who died six days after C-section. The high CCHF viral load and bacterial sepsis may have jointly contributed to the death of the infant. CCHF should be considered as a differential diagnosis of HELLP syndrome in regions where this viral disease is endemic.
Insight into the Life Cycle of Enterovirus-A71
Authors: Liu Qi , Long Jian-Er
Published: January 2025

Human enterovirus 71 (EV-A71), a member of the Picornaviridae family, is predominantly associated with hand, foot, and mouth disease in infants and young children. Additionally, EV-A71 can cause severe neurological complications, including aseptic meningitis, brainstem encephalitis, and fatalities. The molecular mechanisms underlying these symptoms are complex and involve the viral tissue tropism, evasion from the host immune responses, induction of the programmed cell death, and cytokine storms. This review article delves into the EV-A71 life cycle, with a particular emphasis on recent advancements in understanding the virion structure, tissue tropism, and the interplay between the virus and host regulatory networks during replication. The comprehensive review is expected to contribute to our understanding of EV-A71 pathogenesis and inform the development of antiviral therapies and vaccines.
Editorial: Safety and Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccines on COVID-19 Infection and Its Long-Term Consequences
Authors: Junqueira-Kipnis Ana Paula
Published: January 2025

COVID-19 continues to affect people around the world, according to the genomic reports [...]
The Salmonella Paratyphi A O-Antigen Glycoconjugate Vaccine Is Able to Induce Antibodies with Bactericidal Activity Against a Panel of Clinical Isolates
Authors: Pinto Marika , Durante Salvatore , Carducci Martina , Massai Luisa , Alfini Renzo , Mylona Elli , Karkey Abhilasha , Baker Stephen , Micoli Francesca , Giannelli Carlo , Rossi Omar , Rondini Simona
Published: January 2025

Background: Typhoid and paratyphoid fevers represent a global health burden, especially in Southern Asia, exacerbated by the increase in antimicrobial resistance. While vaccines against Salmonella Typhi have been successfully introduced, a vaccine against S. Paratyphi A is not available, yet. Efforts to develop an effective vaccine targeting both Salmonella serovars are currently ongoing. GVGH is developing a bivalent vaccine constituted by the Vi-CRM197 typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV), and the Salmonella Paratyphi A O-antigen (O:2), also conjugated to the CRM197 carrier protein (O:2-CRM197). In this work we have characterized a panel of S. Paratyphi A clinical isolates from endemic regions, differing in terms of their O:2 structural features. Methods: Rabbits were immunized with the S. Paratyphi A component of the vaccine candidate and the resulting sera were tested for their ability to bind and kill the isolates using flow cytometry and luminescence-based serum bactericidal assay (L-SBA). Results: The O:2-CRM197 glycoconjugate induced a functional immune response in rabbits, effectively binding and killing a diverse panel of clinical isolates. The sera demonstrated bactericidal activity independent of the O:2 structural variations, including differences in O-acetylation and glucosylation levels. Additionally, the study found that the O:2-CRM197 conjugate’s adsorption to Alhydrogel did not significantly impact its immunogenicity or bactericidal efficacy. Conclusions: The O:2-CRM197 component of the bivalent vaccine candidate shows promise in providing broad protection against S. Paratyphi A isolates, regardless of their O-antigen structural variations. The ongoing clinical studies on human sera are expected to confirm these results.
A Novel Vaccine for Bovine Diarrhea Complex Utilizing Recombinant Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella Expressing Surface-Displayed Chimeric Antigens from Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7
Authors: Ramírez Hernán , Vilte Daniel A. , Hozbor Daniela , Zurita Eugenia , Bottero Daniela , Casabonne María C. , Cataldi Ángel A. , Wigdorovitz Andrés , Larzábal Mariano
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7, a zoonotic pathogen primarily found in cattle, causes Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) in humans, often through contaminated food. Its Type Three Secretion System (T3SS) facilitates gut colonization. In contrast, neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) is mainly caused by pathogens like enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), Salmonella spp., Bovine Coronavirus (BCoV), and Bovine Rotavirus type A (BRoVA). This study engineered a chimeric protein combining EspB and Int280γ, two T3SS components, expressed in the membranes of Salmonella Dublin and ETEC. Methods: Immune responses in vaccinated mice and guinea pigs were assessed through ELISA assays. Results: Successful membrane anchorage and stability of the chimera were confirmed. Immune evaluations showed no enhancement from combining recombinant bacteria, indicating either bacterium suffices in a single formulation. Chimeric expression yielded immunogenicity equivalent to 10 µg of recombinant protein, with similar antibody titers. IgG1/IgG2a levels and Th1, Th2, and Th17 markers indicated a mixed immune response, providing broad humoral and cellular protection. Responses to BCoV, BRoVA, ETEC, and Salmonella antigens remained strong and did not interfere with chimera-specific responses, potentially boosting NCD vaccine efficacy. Conclusions: The chimera demonstrated robust immunogenicity, supporting its potential as a viable vaccine candidate against EHEC O157:H7. This approach could enhance NCD vaccine valency by offering broader protection against calf diarrhea while reducing HUS transmission risks to humans.
Macrophytes and Phytoplankton, Two Primary Antithetical Producers in Degraded Water Systems
Authors: Sfriso Adriano , Buosi Alessandro , Silan Giulia , Mistri Michele , Munari Cristina , Sfriso Andrea Augusto
Published: January 2025

One year of monthly sampling in some lagoons of the Po Delta and a pond in the Comacchio Valleys helped fill a gap in the knowledge of the primary producers of these degraded environments, focusing on the competition between macrophytes and phytoplankton. Key water column and surface sediment parameters showed a strong association with the different primary producers, explaining the main factors influencing the dominance of one group over the other. Phytoplankton, recorded as Chlorophyll-a and Phaeophytin-a, and Chlorophyceae among the macrophytes, dominated in conditions of high water turbidity and elevated nutrient concentrations. In contrast, macrophytes, particularly Rhodophyceae, their abundance, total biomass, and number of taxa. prevailed in clear, oxygenated waters. Under optimal conditions, sensitive macroalgae and aquatic angiosperms were also present. Additionally, the current list of macroalgal taxa has been updated, highlighting the dominance of some nonindigenous species (NIS) that had not been recorded before the 2000s. Specifically, Gracilaria vermiculophylla and Ulva australis, native to the North West Pacific (Japan, Korea, China, and Vietnam) and to South Australia, as well as the Indo-West Pacific (India, South Africa, Japan, and Korea), respectively, are now the most frequent and abundant taxa in these lagoons.
Social Media Data-Based Rapid Hazard Assessment of Urban Waterlogging Event: A Case Study of Guilin 6.19 Waterlogging
Authors: Mo Guiquan , Xing Ziyao , Zhu Yueqin , Huang Lutong , Chen Wenting , Li Jian
Published: January 2025

Traditional methods for assessing urban waterlogging hazards lack real-time efficiency. This study develops a rapid hazard assessment method for urban waterlogging events using social media data and large language models, with the urban waterlogging event in Guilin in 2024 as a case study. We constructed a keyword database for urban waterlogging, combined with web crawling techniques to collect related data from social media platforms. This study applied the BERT-BILSTM-CRF model, the GPT-3.5-turbo model, and the ERNIE-3.5-128K model to extract waterlogging locations, comparing them with the official waterlogging location data to validate and select the optimal model. The model was then used for urban waterlogging hazard assessment at the township scale. The results indicate that the establishment of a keyword database facilitates access to more social media data. The GPT-3.5-turbo model demonstrates superior performance in waterlogging location identification, with a coverage of 93% compared with the actual waterlogging locations, and an F1 score of 0.8066. During the Guilin 6.19 waterlogging, areas with high hazard intensities mainly concentrated in the city center; meanwhile, the hazard intensities of some townships in the suburbs intensified from 17 June to 21 June. This study validates the effectiveness and timeliness of using social media data and large language models for rapid hazard assessment of urban waterlogging events through practical cases, which can provide reliable support for future urban disaster prevention and reduction efforts.
Co/Al–Layered Double Hydroxide-Modified Silicon Carbide Membrane Filters as Persulphate Activator for Aniline Degradation
Authors: Zhang Yunfei , Shen Hongmei , Zheng Wenzheng , Wu Tong , Pu Xianjuan , Zhou Diwen , Shen Senyuan , Lin Yingchao
Published: January 2025

Novel catalytic silicon carbide membrane filters (SCMFs) are synthesized with Co/Al–layered double hydroxide (Co/Al-LDH)-coated silicon carbide powder. After capsuled in a self-designed membrane shell, the SCMFs are utilized in activating persulphate for aniline degradation. Thermal analysis conducted via TG/DTG/DSC examination shows that the heating treatment is beneficial in elevating the activating ability of SCMFs, and the derived Co3O4 displays superior catalytical efficiency than Co/Al-LDHs precursor. The XRD patterns and SEM images indicate the sheet-like Co/Al-LDHs are uniformly coprecipitated throughout the surface of SCMFs. Within 20 min, around 95% of aniline is eliminated under 0.7 m of flow velocity and 8:1 of persulphate to aniline ratio. Three-dimensional fluorescence and GC chromatography reveal that distinct by-products exist in the early stage of the aniline degradation process between the sintered and non-sintered Co/Al-LDH-coated SCMFs. The integration strategy of Co/Al-LDH coatings and heating treatment endows traditional SCMFs with robust catalytic properties for engineering-oriented applications in wastewater treatment.
Predicting Post-Wildfire Stream Temperature and Turbidity: A Machine Learning Approach in Western U.S. Watersheds
Authors: Chen Junjie , Chang Heejun
Published: January 2025

Wildfires significantly impact water quality in the Western United States, posing challenges for water resource management. However, limited research quantifies post-wildfire stream temperature and turbidity changes across diverse climatic zones. This study addresses this gap by using Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Regression (SVR) models to predict post-wildfire stream temperature and turbidity based on climate, streamflow, and fire data from the Clackamas and Russian River Watersheds. We selected Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Regression (SVR) because they handle non-linear, high-dimensional data, balance accuracy with efficiency, and capture complex post-wildfire stream temperature and turbidity dynamics with minimal assumptions. The primary objectives were to evaluate model performance, conduct sensitivity analyses, and project mid-21st century water quality changes under Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios. Sensitivity analyses indicated that 7-day maximum air temperature and discharge were the most influential predictors. Results show that RF outperformed SVR, achieving an R2 of 0.98 and root mean square error of 0.88 °C for stream temperature predictions. Post-wildfire turbidity increased up to 70 NTU during storm events in highly burned subwatersheds. Under RCP 8.5, stream temperatures are projected to rise by 2.2 °C by 2050. RF’s ensemble approach captured non-linear relationships effectively, while SVR excelled in high-dimensional datasets but struggled with temporal variability. These findings underscore the importance of using machine learning for understanding complex post-fire hydrology. We recommend adaptive reservoir operations and targeted riparian restoration to mitigate warming trends. This research highlights machine learning’s utility for predicting post-wildfire impacts and informing climate-resilient water management strategies.
The role of a nurse in providing palliative care to elderly patients
Authors:   State Budgetary Healthcare Institution of the Sverdlovsk Region «Syzran Central City and District Hospital», Peganova V. E.
Published: January 2025

The article reflects the basic concepts of palliative medicine in Russia. The role of a nurse in
providing medical palliative care to elderly patients and the features of psychological communication
between medical workers are considered.
Digital educational content in land management design
Authors:   Land Management and Ecology Department, Sidorov A.A. ,   Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education Samara State University of Economics, Samara, Vasilieva D.I. ,   Construction mechanics, Engineering Geology, Bases and Foundations Department, Academy of Construction and Architecture, Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education Samara State Technical University, Samara
Published: January 2025

The article describes the features of using digital means of educational content in
land management design. The sources of information - public services, interactive topographic,
geological and hydrological maps, and also maps of manifestation of dangerous exogenous
geological processes, public cadastral maps, and functional territory zoning maps are shown
and verified in this paper.
Contexte et fonctionnement hydrogéologique d'un système karstique perte-résurgence (Wellin, Belgique). Résultats d'une crue artificielle
Authors: Lannoote Emilie , Kaufmann Olivier , Quinif Yves
Published: January 2025

Le système karstique de Wellin (Belgique) affecte une rivière épigénétique dans un relief de type appalachien. Ce système perte-résurgence a pu être équipé de sondes en vue d'une étude hydrogéologique quantitative commandée par la société des carrières du Fond des Vaulx en vue d'un approfondissement sous la surface piézométrique. Un équipement de la perte nous a permis de réaliser une crue artificielle et d'en étudier les modalités par les mesures de débits, de température et de conductivité, ainsi qu'une série d'analyses chimiques échelonnées au cours de l'expérience. Le traitement des hydrogrammes de crue positionne ce système comme un système de type II dans la classification de Mangin, avec un karst bien développé en aval. L'expérience de crue artificielle montre que l'effet piston suivant l'injection d'eau à la perte chasse l'eau du drain pour tendre vers la composition des eaux de surface mélangée à l'eau des systèmes annexes. Il est ainsi possible de calculer le volume du drain. L'arrêt de l'expérience marque le retour aux conditions de vidange de la zone saturée.
Balthasar Hacquet, pionnier de la karstologie
Authors: Kranjc Andrej , Gauchon Christophe
Published: January 2025

Balthasar Hacquet (1739/40-1815), the Pioneer of Karst Geomorphologists. Besides other sciences, B. Hacquet dedicated his research to geology and geomorphology fas we call them now). His most important work "Oryctographia Carniolica or Physical (= geological) description of Carniola..." (1778-1789) contains descriptions of rocks, ores, fossils, as well as surface and underground features. In Carniola (i.e. Slovenia), karst is prevailing and therefore there is a lengthy description of karst geology and geomorphology included. His classification of mountains specially mentions Montes secundarii formed by grey limestone. Of surface features dolines, glacio-karstic dolines on high plateaus (with temperature and vegetation inversion), and karst poljes are mentioned. Hacquet presumed the evolution from flooded polje (seasonal lake) to a dry one. To explain the weathering and dissolution of limestone Hacquet took into account the differences between the rock, the exposition and its element content. That is the reason why Gams regarded him as a precursor of a climatic geomorphology and the "father" of corrosion theory. Hacquet has also found the difference between limestone and dolomite. His description of dolomite as Lapis suillus preceded the one of D. Dolomieu for 13 years. Hacquet's statements were not based on observation only, but on the experiment too. When looking upon Hacquet's explanations and results we must not forget that Hacquet's time was still time of parapathetic logic, of four elements and of the principle of burning - the flogiston.
L'hydrosystème du Lez : une gestion active pour un karst à enjeux
Authors: Maréchal Jean-Christophe , Vestier Arnaud , Dörfliger Hervé , Dörfliger Nathalie
Published: January 2025

Une gestion multi-usages des aquifères karstiques est susceptible de répondre de manière intégrée à des problématiques en apparence antagonistes : besoins supplémentaires pour l'Alimentation en Eau Potable (AEP), réduction des risques d'inondation et contribution à la préservation des milieux aquatiques. L'hydrosystème du Lez fait l'objet depuis 1982 d'une «gestion active» de la ressource en eau, à savoir la sollicitation des réserves du karst pour le prélèvement de débits supérieurs aux débits d'étiage durant les périodes de fort stress hydrique. Elle fait suite à une première période d'exploitation de type gravitaire (gestion passive avant 1968) suivie d'une gestion active par pompage au sein de la vasque de la source (entre 1968 et 1982).

Cette exploitation du réservoir est rendue possible par un contexte hydrogéologique qui permet une bonne reconstitution des réserves de l'aquifère karstique lors des précipitations postérieures à la période estivale. Cette configuration générale de l'hydrosystème Lez soulève en conséquence un certain nombre de questions relatives aux processus hydrogéologiques et hydrologiques qui contrôlent l'évolution qualitative et quantitative de la ressource en eau souterraine au gré du cycle hydrologique, mais également sur de plus longues périodes de temps en fonction des changements globaux qui affecteront cet hydrosystème. Le projet Lez-Gestion Multi-Usages (Lez-GMU) a pour ambitions, à l'échelle de l'hydrosystème Lez, de 1) parfaire la connaissance du milieu karstique d'un point de vue géologique et hydrogéologique, 2) établir une cartographie de la vulnérabilité intrinsèque de l'aquifère du Lez, 3) évaluer les variations spatio-temporelles de la qualité des eaux souterraines 4) produire un inventaire et un état des lieux de la biodiversité souterraine, 5) caractériser le régime hydrologique du fleuve Lez ainsi que 6) la propagation de l'onde de crue à travers Montpellier, l'un des objectifs majeurs étant de 7) réévaluer la ressource en eau exploitable et vérifier le bon état quantitatif de la masse d'eau sous l'effet de différents scénarios d'exploitation, y compris issus de modèles climatiques pour le climat futur. Les résultats et réponses à ces questions scientifiques abordés dans ce projet sont présentés point par point dans la suite de ce numéro.
Évaluation de l'impact du changement global sur la ressource en eau souterraine du système karstique du Lez
Authors: Ladouche Bernard , Caballero Yvan , Maréchal Jean-Christophe
Published: January 2025

Dans cette étude, neuf projections climatiques issues de modèles climatiques forcés avec le scénario d'émission de gaz à effet de serre A1B, et désagrégées par la méthode «type de temps» développée au CERFACS ont été utilisées pour décrire et évaluer l'impact du changement climatique sur la ressource en eau du système karstique du Lez. Les projections climatiques choisies couvrent deux périodes temporelles, l'une pour le présent (1971-2000) et l'autre pour le futur (2045-2065). Ces projections, traduites en termes d'anomalies moyennes mensuelles, projettent une augmentation de la température moyenne mensuelle comprise entre +1,5°C et +2,3°C (±1°C) suivant la période de l'année, en moyenne multi-modèle. Pour la pluie, une tendance à la diminution des cumuls de pluie pourrait se dessiner à l'horizon 2046-2065 par rapport à la situation de référence (1971-2000), de l'ordre de 10 % (médiane multi-modèle) à l'échelle annuelle. Pour explorer l'impact du changement climatique sur les ressources en eau du Lez, le modèle hydrogéologique Tempo calibré et validé avec les données observées a été utilisé. Un scénario de pompage identique sur les deux périodes climatiques (temps présent et futur) a été considéré. La recharge par la pluie efficace calculée par le modèle hydrogéologique pourrait fortement diminuer dans le futur, pour atteindre -30 % du cumul annuel moyen de pluie efficace en valeur moyenne multi-modèle. Cette réduction s'observerait surtout lors des périodes automnales et printanières, et dans une moindre mesure en hiver. La diminution de la recharge se traduirait par une diminution de la piézométrie de la source du Lez, notamment lors des périodes estivales. Durant ces périodes, les niveaux piézométriques seraient plus fréquemment situés dans la tranche d'eau 45-35 m NGF (fréquence d'occurrence de 15 % au futur contre 9 % pour la période de référence). Elle se traduirait aussi par une augmentation de la durée des assecs de la source du Lez (+37 jours en moyenne par rapport à la période de référence), ainsi que par une diminution du débit moyen de débordement de la source, en période de hautes eaux. Toutefois, en maintenant le taux de pompage actuel, le niveau piézométrique retrouverait chaque année le niveau de débordement (seuil de la vasque).
Numérisation 3D in situ du squelette d’Australopithèque «Little Foot» à Sterkfontein, Afrique du Sud
Authors: Bruxelles Laurent , Subsol Gérard , Moreno Benjamin , Jessel Jean-pierre , Braga José , Thackeray Francis , Clarke Ron J.
Published: January 2025

Dans cet article, nous décrivons la méthodologie développée pour numériser un site de fouilles d’un très ancien fossile d’homininé (StW 573, Little Foot), découvert dans les grottes de Sterkfontein, en Afrique du Sud. Nous détaillons les aspects pratiques d’acquisition de vues 3D avec deux scanners 3D laser et la chaîne de traitement des données brutes nécessaire pour obtenir une représentation 3D précise. Ce travail a permis l’enregistrement détaillé de la stratigraphie dans laquelle le fossile était inclus, avant que celui-ci soit extrait de la cavité. Cette sauvegarde du contexte est très importante si l’on considère les enjeux pour la connaissance de l’évolution humaine que constituent l’étude et la datation de ce squelette unique. Nous concluons en présentant quelques applications, en particulier dans la recherche paléoanthropologique.