Although China’s grain production has reached nineteen consecutive harvests, the uncertainty of the current domestic and international environment has put more pressure on further increasing grain production in the future. For the past few years, agricultural socialization services have been crucial in boosting grain production and farmers’ revenue by addressing the issue of land cultivation and farming methods. In this regard, the question of whether and how agricultural socialized services may resolve the present grain production conundrum is extremely practical. Therefore, the study employs the China Rural Revitalization Survey data of 3709 households. Based on the 2SLS model, stepwise regression method, and moderated effects model, it creatively takes into account a variety of agricultural production segments, investigates the mechanism of services on grain production from the standpoint of improved production efficiency and plot concentration, and further examines the effects of aging populations and regional variations in grain production areas. The study found the following: (1) The average proportion of grain production area of farmers in the sample is 49%, and 42% of farmers have purchased agricultural socialization services. (2) Agricultural socialization services can significantly promote farmers’ grain cultivation behavior by facilitating connected transfers in and inhibiting connected transfers out to take advantage of plot concentration, and boosting the use of agricultural machines to enhance output efficiency. (3) The aging of the agricultural population will, to a certain extent, strengthen the promoting effect of agricultural socialization services on grain cultivation. Agricultural socialization services affect grain cultivation more in main grain-producing areas. Therefore, emphasizing the role of agricultural socialization services in accelerating the shift to moderate-scale operations, decreasing the non-grain component of the planting structure, and promoting the implementation of policies tailored to actual production needs are important steps to safeguard the production capacity of grain in different regions. Full article

The aim of this study was to show for the first time that low-frequency 3D-transmitted ultrasound tomography (3D UT, volography) can differentiate breast tissue types using tissue properties, accurately measure glandular and ductal volumes in vivo, and measure variation over time. Data were collected for 400 QT breast scans on 24 women (ages 18–71), including four (4) postmenopausal subjects, 6–10 times over 2+ months of observation. The date of onset of menopause was noted, and the cases were further subdivided into three (3) classes: pre-, post-, and peri-menopausal. The ducts and glands were segmented using breast speed of sound, attenuation, and reflectivity images and followed over several menstrual cycles. The coefficient of variation (CoV) for glandular tissue in premenopausal women was significantly larger than for postmenopausal women, whereas this is not true for the ductal CoV. The glandular standard deviation (SD) is significantly larger in premenopausal women vs. postmenopausal women, whereas this is not true for ductal tissue. We conclude that ducts do not appreciably change over the menstrual cycle in either pre- or post-menopausal subjects, whereas glands change significantly over the cycle in pre-menopausal women, and 3D UT can differentiate ducts from glands in vivo. Full article

The FDA has approved several drugs based on the fluorinated nucleoside pharmacophore, and numerous drugs are currently in clinical trials. Fluorine-containing nucleos(t)ides offer significant antiviral and anticancer activity. The insertion of a fluorine atom, either in the base or sugar of nucleos(t)ides, alters its electronic and steric parameters and transforms the lipophilicity, pharmacodynamic, and pharmacokinetic properties of these moieties. The fluorine atom restricts the oxidative metabolism of drugs and provides enzymatic metabolic stability towards the glycosidic bond of the nucleos(t)ide. The incorporation of fluorine also demonstrates additional hydrogen bonding interactions in receptors with enhanced biological profiles. The present article discusses the synthetic methodology and antiviral activities of FDA-approved drugs and ongoing fluoro-containing nucleos(t)ide drug candidates in clinical trials. Full article

This study examines the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on labor investment efficiency utilizing a sample of China’s listed companies. The empirical results demonstrate that CSR improves labor investment efficiency, and the effect is significant in terms of both overinvestment and underinvestment. Findings from cross-sectional tests indicate that CSR has a more significant effect on labor investment efficiency in non-state-owned firms and firms with more financing constraints or higher labor adjustment costs. The conclusion is robust after utilizing a 2SLS regression, replacing indicators for labor investment efficiency and accounting for the impact of non-labor investment. In general, the results support stakeholder theory and confirm that CSR can enhance external monitoring and improve firms’ investment behavior. Full article

CO₂ geosequestration is an important contributor to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13, i.e., Climate Action, which states a global Net-Zero CO₂ emissions by 2050. A potential impact of CO₂ geosequestration in depleted oil and gas reservoirs is the variations in induced pressure across the caprocks, which can lead to significant local variations in CO₂ saturation. A detailed understanding of the relationship between the pressure gradient across the caprock and local CO₂ concentration is of utmost importance for assessing the potential of CO₂ geosequestration. Achieving this through experimental techniques is extremely difficult, and thus, we employ a coupled Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Method (FEM) based solver to mimic sub-critical CO₂ injection in Opalinus Clay under various pressure gradients across the sample. The geomechanical and multiphase flow modelling utilising Darcy Law helps evaluate local variations in CO₂ concentration in Opalinus Clay. Well-validated numerical results indicate favourable sub-critical CO₂ geosequestration under a positive pressure gradient across Opalinus Clay. In the absence of a positive pressure gradient, a peak CO₂ concentration of 5% has been recorded, which increases substantially (above 90%) as the pressure gradient across the sample increases. Full article

(1) Background. Coeliac disease (CD) often co-occurs with autoimmune conditions or genetic syndromes, but there are few studies on the co-existence of CD and immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergies. The purpose of this study was to assess sensitization to food and aero-allergens in pediatric patients with CD. (2) Methods. A multiplex ALEX^®2 test was used to determine specific IgEs (sIgEs). (3) Results. The study included 108 children newly diagnosed with CD. Allergen extract- and/or allergen molecule-sIgEs were detected in 49.1% of children. Most children (41.5%) were sensitized to both inhalant and food allergens. The three most common aero-allergens (timothy pollen, ryegrass, silver birch) were molecules Phl p 1, Lol p 1, and Bet v 1. The most common food allergens (hazelnut, apple, and peanut) were Cor a 1, Mal d 1, and Ara h 8 molecules of the PR-10 subfamily. Patients were not sensitized to cereal allergens containing gluten. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis of sensitized patients showed a significant positive relationship (r = 0.31) between the patients’ age and the occurrence of positive sIgEs (≥0.3 kU_A/L) for inhalant allergen molecules (p = 0.045). In sensitized patients, mainly symptoms of inhalant allergy were observed, such as hay fever, conjunctivitis, and bronchial asthma. (4) Conclusions. The current study indicates the co-occurrence of IgE sensitization to food and inhalant allergens in children with CD. The study highlights the need to take a closer look at the diagnosis of IgE-mediated allergy in patients with CD, which may help in their care and lead to a better understanding of the relationship between CD and IgE-mediated allergy. Full article

As a major emitter of CO₂, China needs to take responsibility for slowing down global warming. In this paper, the potential carbon emission intensity of provinces is firstly calculated using the non-radial directional distance function under the group- and meta-frontier techniques, and then six scenarios based on two factors (economic development and carbon intensity) are set up to estimate the emission reduction potential of China and each province. Considering the goal of carbon neutrality, the calculation of CO₂ emission reduction potential quantifies the amount of emissions that can be reduced and the amount of emissions that should be balanced. Additionally, the degree of difficulty in achieving abatement potential is also calculated. The findings are as follows: First, assuming that the economic growth rate is reduced to 4.4% (achieving the second “100-year goal”) and each province adopts the most advanced low-carbon technologies, China could reduce carbon emissions by 5970.56 Mt compared to 2019 levels. To achieve net-zero emissions, the remaining 3824.2 Mt of carbon emissions should be removed by carbon reduction technologies. Second, the effect of slowing down economic growth and decreasing carbon intensity varies greatly among provinces. Hebei and Shandong should be prioritized as they have the greatest potential for emission reductions under both scenarios. Third, it is more difficult for Beijing, Shanghai, Hubei, Hunan, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Chongqing, and Sichuan to achieve the abatement potential and they require more effort to reduce the same amount of carbon emissions compared to other provinces. The study provides a reference for achieving carbon neutrality and helps provinces to develop differentiated emission reduction strategies. Full article

This paper presents the Sustainability Compass as an emerging innovative bottom-up framework that promotes social learning about overall sustainability—i.e., human wellbeing and prosperity within environmental boundaries—by mean of its practical implementation in the PlanWise4Blue geoportal. The Sustainability Compass aims to put the theoretical idea of sustainability into practice by a systemic approach that continuously generates, refines and updates appropriate themes and metrics, through bottom-up enlarged participatory learning involving all researchers, entrepreneurs, environmental managers, and anyone else with an interest. Such inclusiveness promotes a common understanding of sustainability, cultivates a collective vision and facilitates the assessment of sustainability levels in different contexts, including national and regional planning efforts. The Sustainability Compass operationalises the generic, top-down and differently interpretable UN SDGs into more practical and bottom-up practice. This article outlines the finalised structure of the Sustainability Compass and presents its first application through case studies of cross-border aquaculture in Finland and Estonia, and a collaborative initiative in Finnish wind energy. Through detailed analysis of interviews and workshops, the article explains the empirical findings and offers a comprehensive guide to the use of the Sustainability Compass. This is exemplified by its integration with the PlanWise4Blue geoportal, demonstrating its practicality and effectiveness in real-world applications. Full article

Understanding and addressing the implications of extreme temperature-related events are critical under climate change, as they directly impact public health and strain energy infrastructure. This study delved into the critical assessment of deadly heat stress and extreme cold events in the Upper Midwestern United States (UMUS), from 1979 to 2021, recognizing the substantial and disparate impact these phenomena have on socially vulnerable communities. In the current study, the modified Mann–Kendall method was applied to understand the temporal trend of extreme heat stress, as well as extreme cold events, from 1979 to 2021 in the UMUS. The results showed that the average annual frequency of daytime extreme heat stress events was comparatively lower in the northern parts of the UMUS compared to the southern parts from 1979 to 2021. Furthermore, a significant increasing trend in daytime extreme heat stress was found in parts of Michigan, Wisconsin (around the lake region), Ohio, and lower parts of Indiana and Kentucky from 1979 to 2021. In contrast, a decreasing trend was noticed in western parts of the UMUS (parts of Minnesota, Iowa, and Missouri). A significant decreasing trend in extreme cold events was found throughout the UMUS from 1979 to 2021. However, an increasing trend was also noticed in Iowa and northern parts of Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The results provide important insights for better understanding the unique risks posed by extreme temperature-related events, especially toward socially vulnerable communities in the UMUS, which is crucial for developing targeted interventions and fostering resilience in the face of escalating climate-related threats. Full article

This research was devoted to study the effect of the tacticity on the surface physicochemical properties of PMMA. (1) Background: The determination of the surface free energy of polymers is generally carried out by inverse gas chromatography (IGC) at infinite dilution. The dispersive, polar and surface acid-base properties of PMMA at different tacticities were obtained via IGC technique with the help of the net retention time and volume of adsorbed. (2) Methods: The London dispersion equation was used to quantify the polar free energy of adsorption, while the London dispersive surface energy ${\gamma }_s^d\left(T\right)$ of PMMAs was determined using the thermal model. (3) Results: The results showed non-linear variations of ${\gamma }_s^d\left(T\right)$ of atactic, isotactic, and syndiotactic PMMAs with three maxima characterizing the three transition temperatures of PMMAs. The obtained values of the enthalpic and entropic Lewis’s acid-base parameters showed that the basicity of the atactic PMMA was about four times larger than its acidity. (4) Conclusions: A large difference in the behavior of the various PMMAs was proven in the different values of the polar acid and base surface energies of the three PMMAs with an important effect of the tacticity of PMMA on its acid-base surface energies. Full article

The aim of the present study is to explore differences in personality traits and emotion regulation of people suffering from GD, substance-dependent gamblers (SDGs), and healthy controls (HCs). Additionally, the study proposes a new experimental task: the “Gambling Affective Task” (GAT) to investigate the influence of affective priming on risk-taking behaviors. Results: Our findings indicate that participants placed lower bets following positive priming. Additionally, SDGs wagered significantly higher amounts than HCs, regardless of priming type. In general, participants exhibited longer response times after positive priming trials, compared to negative and neutral priming trials. These findings suggest that experiencing positive emotions can act as a protective factor by delaying and lengthening gambling behaviors. By comparing gamblers with and without substance comorbidity, we can gain insight into the exclusive factors of GD and improve our understanding of this disorder. Conclusions: By elucidating the impact of emotional states on risk-taking, the research also provides new insights into the prevention and treatment of GD. Full article

Public bicycle systems (PBSs) serve as the ‘last mile’ of public transportation for urban residents, yet the problem of the difficulty in borrowing and returning bicycles during peak hours remains a major bottleneck restricting the intelligent and efficient operation of public bicycles. Previous studies have proposed reasonable models and efficient algorithms for optimizing public bicycle scheduling, but there is still a lack of consideration for actual road network distances between stations and the temporal characteristics of demand at rental points in the model construction process. Therefore, this paper aims to construct a public bicycle dispatch framework based on the spatiotemporal characteristics of borrowing and returning demands. Firstly, the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of borrowing and returning demands for public bicycles are explored, the origin–destination (OD) correlation coefficients are defined, and the intensity of connections between rental point areas is analyzed. Secondly, based on the temporal characteristics of rental point demands, a random forest prediction model is constructed with weather factors, time characteristics, and rental point locations as feature variables, and station bicycle-borrowing and -returning demands as the target variable. Finally, bicycle dispatch regions are delineated based on actual path distances between stations and OD correlation coefficients, and a public bicycle regional dispatch optimization method is established. Taking the PBS in Ningbo City as an example, the balancing optimization framework proposed in this paper is validated. The results show that the regional dispatch optimization method proposed in this paper can achieve optimized dispatch of public bicycles during peak hours. Additionally, compared with the Taboo search algorithm (TSA), the genetic algorithm (GA) exhibits a 11.1% reduction in rebalancing time and a 40.4% reduction in trip cost. Full article

A design method for an ultra-wideband coplanar-stripline-based vertical transition that can be used for ultra-high-speed digital interfaces is proposed. A conventional via structure, based on a differential line (DL), inherently possesses performance limitations (<10 GHz) due to difficulties in maintaining constant line impedance and smooth electric field transformation, in addition to the effects of signal skews, FR4 fiber weave, and unbalanced EM interferences. DL-based digital interfaces may not meet the demands of ultra-high-speed digital data transmission required for the upcoming 6G communications. The use of a coplanar stripline (CPS), a type of planar balanced line (BL), for the vertical transition, along with the ultra-wideband DL-to-CPS transition, mostly removes the inherent and unfavorable issues of the DL and enables ultra-high-speed digital data transmission. The design process of the transition is simplified using the analytical design formulas, derived using the conformal mapping method, of the transition. The characteristic line impedances of the transition are calculated and found to be in close agreement with the results obtained from EM simulations. Utilizing these results, the CPS-based vertical transition, maintaining the characteristic line impedance of 100 Ω, is designed and fabricated. The measured results confirm its ultra-wideband characteristics, with a maximum of 1.6 dB insertion loss and more than 10 dB return loss in the frequency range of DC to 30 GHz. Therefore, the proposed CPS-based vertical transition offers a significantly wider frequency bandwidth, i.e., more than three times that of conventional DL-based via structures. Full article

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a type of cardiomyopathy usually precipitated by either emotional or physical stress and potentially leading to reversible heart failure. There is emerging evidence indicating an interaction between the brain and the heart in patients with TTS. Nevertheless, these new insights are not reflected in the current clinical approach to TTS. The application of novel and existing imaging modalities for the evaluation of brain–heart interactions is an interesting approach that could potentially augment diagnostic and prognostic yield, as well as improve our pathophysiologic understanding in the context of TTS. In this opinion piece, we discuss the evidence supporting a brain–heart interaction in patients with TTS and discuss how a combined evaluation of brain–heart interactions could potentially be implemented. Full article

In this longitudinal retrospective image analysis, conducted on patients diagnosed with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and 5 years of follow-up imaging data, the study aimed to investigate the relationship between ellipsoid zone (EZ) integrity on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and visual acuity (VA). Using a machine learning-enabled feature extraction tool, quantitative EZ parameters were derived from SD-OCT images. The analysis revealed significant correlations between EZ integrity metrics and VA. Eyes with excellent VA (≥20/25 Snellen) exhibited higher EZ integrity, including less EZ attenuation, thicker ellipsoid zone-retinal pigment epithelium (EZ-RPE) thickness, and higher EZ intensity, in contrast to eyes with worse VA (≤20/40 Snellen). Additionally, eyes with geographic atrophy (GA) in the foveal region displayed compromised EZ integrity compared to those without GA. Notably, baseline EZ integrity metrics were predictive of future VA loss. These findings suggest that quantitative SD-OCT measurements of EZ integrity could potentially detect early changes in dry AMD and serve as valuable indicators for predicting future functional outcomes. Furthermore, these measurements hold promise for use in clinical trial screenings, offering insights into the progression of the disease and its impact on visual acuity. This study underscores the importance of EZ integrity assessment in understanding and managing dry AMD. Full article

Primary hyperhidrosis (PH) is a relatively common chronic disorder, characterized by significant and uncontrollable sweating. The predominant areas of occurrence are hands, feet, head and armpits, and it affects both men and women equally, with a false impression of increased prevalence in women. This study aims to determine the incidence of cases of hyperhidrosis, the gender of the patients and the environment of origin and to identify the most affected age groups and the distribution of hyperhidrosis, as well as creating a curve of cases within the time interval studied and their comparison with those in the specialized literature. Full article

The high-precision dynamic positioning of highway vehicles is the foundation and prerequisite for achieving intelligent connected transportation. To address the shortcomings of the GNSS/INS combination and GNSS/INS/OD combination in tunnel vehicle positioning, this paper proposes a tunnel vehicle positioning method for the GNSS/INS/OD combination based on lateral distance measurements and lane constraints. Firstly, a lateral distance measurement of vehicles inside the tunnel is conducted based on laser radar point cloud data. Secondly, map matching positioning is performed based on lateral distance measurements, odometer, and lane markings. Experimental results demonstrate that, for a 4.6 km tunnel, the average absolute error in the lateral positioning is 0.294 m, and the longitudinal positioning error is no more than 0.6 m, which can effectively meet practical operational requirements. Full article

The purpose of this study was to obtain a biodegradable film based on polyvinyl alcohol with reduced water vapor permeability. The hydrophobic character of the films was achieved by incorporating beeswax, vegetable bio-surfactant, citric acid as a cross-linking agent, and glycerol to provide elasticity, along with the application of thermal treatment. Water vapor permeability was determined gravimetrically. The results indicated that all films produced had lower water vapor permeability compared to unmodified or untreated polyvinyl alcohol films. The barrier to water vapor varied directly with the mass of beeswax used, and the homogeneous dispersion of beeswax in the polyvinyl alcohol matrix was essential for achieving an efficient hydrophobic film. The best performing-material exhibited a water vapor permeability 5.15 times lower than that of the neat polyvinyl alcohol and 15 times higher than that of polyethylene. Considering the fact that the water vapor barrier property of neat polyvinyl alcohol was 78 times lower than that of polyethylene, the combination of beeswax, citric acid, and vegetable bio-surfactant—along with thermal treatment—can be a viable solution to reduce the hygroscopicity of polyvinyl alcohol-based films. Full article

Type 3c diabetes mellitus (T3cDM), also known as pancreatogenic or pancreoprivic diabetes, is a specific type of DM that often develops as a result of diseases affecting the exocrine pancreas, exhibiting an array of hormonal and metabolic characteristics. Several pancreatic exocrine diseases and surgical procedures may cause T3cDM. Diagnosing T3cDM remains difficult as the disease characteristics frequently overlap with clinical presentations of type 1 DM (T1DM) or type 2 DM (T2DM). Managing T3cDM is likewise challenging due to numerous confounding metabolic dysfunctions, including pancreatic endocrine and exocrine insufficiencies and poor nutritional status. Treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency is of paramount importance when managing patients with T3cDM. This review aims to consolidate the latest information on surgical etiologies of T3cDM, focusing on partial pancreatic resections, total pancreatectomy, pancreatic cancer and trauma. Full article

Data mining technology is the process of extracting hidden knowledge and potentially useful information from a large number of incomplete, noisy, and random practical application data. The clustering algorithm based on multi-objective evolution has obvious advantages compared with the traditional single-objective method. In order to further improve the performance of evolutionary multi-objective clustering algorithms, this paper proposes a multi-objective automatic clustering model based on evolutionary multi-task optimization. Based on the multi-objective clustering algorithm that automatically determines the value of k, evolutionary multi-task optimization is introduced to deal with multiple clustering tasks simultaneously. A set of non-dominated solutions for clustering results is obtained by concurrently optimizing the overall deviation and connectivity index. Multi-task adjacency coding based on a locus adjacency graph was designed to encode the clustered data. Additionally, an evolutionary operator based on relevance learning was designed to facilitate the evolution of individuals within the population. It also facilitates information transfer between individuals with different tasks, effectively avoiding negative transfer. Finally, the proposed algorithm was applied to both artificial datasets and UCI datasets for testing. It was then compared with traditional clustering algorithms and other multi-objective clustering algorithms. The results verify the advantages of the proposed algorithm in clustering accuracy and algorithm convergence. Full article

The energy management system (EMS) of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is an algorithm that determines the power split between the electrical and thermal paths. It defines the operating state of the power sources, i.e., the electric motor (EM) and the internal combustion engine (ICE). It is therefore one of the main factors that can significantly influence the fuel consumption and performance of hybrid vehicles. In the transmission path, the power generated by the ICE is in part employed to accelerate the rotating components of the powertrain, such as the crankshaft, flywheel, gears, and shafts. The main inertial components are the crankshaft and the flywheel. This additional power is significant during high-intensity acceleration. Therefore, the actual engine operation is different from that required by the power split unit. This study focuses on exploring the influence of engine inertia on HEV fuel consumption by developing a controller based on an equivalent consumption minimisation strategy (ECMS) that considers crankshaft and flywheel inertia. The optimal solution obtained by the ECMS controller is refined by incorporating the inertia effect of the main rotating components of the engine into the cost function. This reduces the engine operation during high inertial torque transient phases, resulting in a decrease in vehicle CO${}_2$ emissions by 2.34, 2.22, and 1.13 g/km for the UDDS, US06, and WLTC driving cycles, respectively. Full article

Moving fast by high-speed planing craft (HSPC) is advantageous for some special missions, though it causes severe hull vibrations and shocks that can transfer to the human body and increase health and comfort risks. This study reviews the current safety standards to avoid human safety risks affected by whole-body vibrations (WBVs), as well as the safety status of HSPC occupants. In addition, the efficiency of motion-reduction devices (trim tab and interceptor) and shock/vibration-mitigation devices (shock-mitigation seat) in improving the safety of HSPC occupants is examined according to existing documents. The research methodology was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRIS-MA) method, and published papers in the Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were analyzed. Because most of these publications are academic research, issues of bias in the eligible publications were not of particular interest. During this systematic review, many gaps and challenges in current information on safety improvement devices were found that need to be addressed in future studies, such as a lack of information on motion-reduction devices and shock-mitigation seat performance in reducing lateral and fore-and-aft motions. Referring to these gaps and challenges can be valuable as a suggestion to improve current knowledge in research and reduce safety risks. Full article