Search Results (17,352)

The Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) aboard the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission provides valuable three-dimensional precipitation structure data on a global scale and has been widely used in hydrometeorological research. However, due to its spatial resolution limitations and inherent algorithmic assumptions, the accuracy of GPM precipitation estimates can exhibit systematic biases, especially under complex terrain conditions or in the presence of variable precipitation structures, such as light stratiform rain or intense convective storms. In this study, we evaluated the near-surface precipitation rate estimates from the GPM-DPR Level 2A product using over 1440 min of disdrometer observations collected across China from 2021 to 2023. Based on three years of stable stratiform precipitation data from the Jinghe station, we developed a least squares linear correction model for radar reflectivity. Independent validation using national disdrometer data from 2023 demonstrated that the corrected reflectivity significantly improved rainfall estimates under light precipitation conditions, although improvements were limited for convective events or in complex terrain. To further enhance retrieval accuracy, we introduced a regionally adaptive R–Z relationship scheme stratified by precipitation type and terrain category. Applying these localized relationships to the corrected reflectivity yielded more consistent rainfall estimates across diverse conditions, highlighting the importance of incorporating regional microphysical characteristics into satellite retrieval algorithms. The results indicate that the accuracy of GPM precipitation retrievals is more significantly influenced by precipitation type than by terrain complexity. Under stratiform precipitation conditions, the GPM-estimated precipitation data demonstrate the highest reliability. The correction framework proposed in this study is grounded on ground-based observations and integrates regional precipitation types with terrain characteristics. It effectively enhances the applicability of GPM-DPR products across diverse environmental conditions in China and offers a methodological reference for correcting satellite precipitation biases in other regions. Full article

Backfilling materials are commonly employed materials in mines for filling mining waste, and the strength of the consolidated backfill formed by the binding material directly influences the stability of the surrounding rock and production safety in mines. The traditional approach to obtaining the strength of the backfill demands a considerable amount of manpower and time. The rapid and precise acquisition and optimization of backfill strength parameters hold utmost significance for mining safety. In this research, the authors carried out a backfill strength experiment with five experimental parameters, namely concentration, cement–sand ratio, waste rock–tailing ratio, curing time, and curing temperature, using an orthogonal design. They collected 174 sets of backfill strength parameters and employed six population optimization algorithms, including the Artificial Ecosystem-based Optimization (AEO) algorithm, Aquila Optimization (AO) algorithm, Germinal Center Optimization (GCO), Sand Cat Swarm Optimization (SCSO), Sparrow Search Algorithm (SSA), and Walrus Optimization Algorithm (WaOA), in combination with the CatBoost algorithm to conduct a prediction study of backfill strength. The study also utilized the Shapley Additive explanatory (SHAP) method to analyze the influence of different parameters on the prediction of backfill strength. The results demonstrate that when the population size was 60, the AEO-CatBoost algorithm model exhibited a favorable fitting effect (R² = 0.947, VAF = 93.614), and the prediction error was minimal (RMSE = 0.606, MAE = 0.465), enabling the accurate and rapid prediction of the strength parameters of the backfill under different ratios and curing conditions. Additionally, an increase in curing temperature and curing time enhanced the strength of the backfill, and the influence of the waste rock–tailing ratio on the strength of the backfill was negative at a curing temperature of 50 °C, which is attributed to the change in the pore structure at the microscopic level leading to macroscopic mechanical alterations. When the curing conditions are adequate and the parameter ratios are reasonable, the smaller the porosity rate in the backfill, the greater the backfill strength will be. This study offers a reliable and accurate method for the rapid acquisition of backfill strength and provides new technical support for the development of filling mining technology. Full article

Background: Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare histiocytic hematological disorder that frequently involves the lungs. Due to a lack of data about sex-related differences in LCH, the aim of this study is to evaluate sex-related differences in pulmonary function in a cohort of patients with LCH. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 79 adult patients diagnosed with LCH. Demographic, clinical, and spirometric data were collected and compared by sex. Continuous variables were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney test and categorical variables were analyzed with the Chi-square test. Results: Out of 79 patients, 47 (59.5%) were females and 32 (40.5%) were males. Women showed significantly lower diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO%) and lower diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide per unit of alveolar volume (DLCO/VA%) compared to men. Females showed a trend toward lower small airway indices, including maximal expiratory flow at 25 (MEF₂₅%) and forced expiratory flow at 25–75% (FEF_25–75%), though this was not statistically significant, while the residual volume-to-total lung capacity (RV/TLC) ratio was significantly higher in women. Among the functional parameters, DLCO% showed the highest accuracy (AUC 0.70) in the identification of lung involvement after multivariate regression analysis. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the combination of lower gas exchange efficiency and increased peripheral air trapping secondary to small airway involvement in female patients may reflect the presence of a distinct functional LCH phenotype in women characterized by early small airway involvement and altered ventilation–perfusion dynamics, which may influence the clinical management of these patients. Furthermore, the moderate predictive value of DLCO% for lung involvement at baseline in LCH women suggests that DLCO may contribute to the detection of LCH women with lung involvement, although it should not be considered a definitive diagnostic test without a prospective and independent external validation. Full article

To evaluate water pollution status and sustainable development potential in the Huai River Basin, this study focused on the spatiotemporal evolution and influencing factors of the grey water footprint (GWF) across 35 cities in the basin from 2005 to 2020. This study quantifies the GWF from agricultural, industrial, and domestic perspectives and analyzes its spatial disparities by incorporating spatial autocorrelation analysis. The Tapio decoupling model was applied to explore the relationship between pollution and economic growth, and geographic detectors along with the STIRPAT model were utilized to identify driving factors. The results revealed no significant global spatial clustering of GWF in the basin, but a pattern of “high in the east and west, low in the north and south” emerged, with high-value areas concentrated in southern Henan and northern Jiangsu. By 2020, 85.7% of cities achieved strong decoupling, indicating improved coordination between the environment and economy. Key driving factors included primary industry output, crop sown area, and grey water footprint intensity, with a notable interaction between agricultural output and grey water footprint intensity. The quantitative analysis based on the STIRPAT model demonstrated that seven factors, including grey water footprint intensity and total crop sown area, exhibited significant contributions to influencing variations. Ranked by importance, these factors were grey water footprint intensity > total crop sown area > urbanization rate > population size > secondary industry output > primary industry output > industrial wastewater discharge, collectively explaining 90.2% of the variability in GWF. The study provides a robust scientific basis for water pollution control and differentiated management in the river basin and holds significant importance for promoting sustainable development of the basin. Full article

Metabolic syndrome comprises a constellation of comorbidities, including obesity, hypertension, and disorders in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular mortality. Obesity is regarded as the principal cause of metabolic syndrome (both collectively and in relation to its components), frequently linked in previous scientific studies with a deficiency of magnesium, one of the most important cations found in the human body. Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of hypomagnesemia in patients with metabolic syndrome and to determine the most significant risk factor among its components for this nutritional deficiency. Methods: Retrospective medical data from 403 patients admitted to the hospital for conditions unrelated to magnesium levels from 2015 to 2019 were evaluated, encompassing serum magnesemia and specific data about components of metabolic syndrome. Data underwent statistical analysis, including linear and logistic regression, to assess the principal risk variables of hypomagnesemia. Results: Hypomagnesemia was observed in 14.89% of the patients with metabolic syndrome, exhibiting a 2.42-fold greater risk of this deficiency (95%CI: 1.40–3.40). Among the components of metabolic syndrome, hyperglycemia emerged as the most significant determinant affecting both the incidence and severity of hypomagnesemia, elevating the risk by a ratio of 2.72 (95%CI: 1.52–4.87). In the multivariate regression model, hyperglycemia was the sole factor independently influencing magnesium concentration (β = −0.145; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients presenting signs of metabolic syndrome are at heightened risk for hypomagnesemia. Hyperglycemia appears to be the most important variable affecting the risk of magnesium insufficiency; however, additional research is needed in this area. Full article

Background and Objectives: Exclusive breastfeeding offers optimal nutrition and health benefits for infants, yet many mothers face challenges that impact their ability to breastfeed. This study aimed to explore breastfeeding practices among Romanian mothers and identify factors associated with successful exclusive breastfeeding. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from February to March 2025, targeting Romanian mothers via social media platforms. The questionnaire, developed specifically for this study, collected data on sociodemographics, birth and neonatal variables, hospital practices, feeding intentions, community influences, and breastfeeding outcomes. A total of 874 valid responses were analyzed using Fisher’s exact tests and multivariable logistic regression. Results: While 87.2% of mothers intended to breastfeed, only 56.1% reported exclusive breastfeeding. Factors significantly associated with reduced likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding included maternal age ≥ 30 years (OR = 1.40, p = 0.042), Cesarean delivery (OR = 1.78, p < 0.001), absence of rooming-in (OR = 2.32, p < 0.001), and pacifier use (OR > 4.7, p < 0.001). Protective factors included non-smoking status (OR = 0.52, p < 0.001) and encouragement to breastfeed by medical staff (OR = 1.60, p = 0.004). Despite external advice to use formula, many mothers continued breastfeeding. Conclusions: Although breastfeeding intention was high, exclusive breastfeeding remains suboptimal in Romania. Targeted support—particularly in maternity hospitals and for mothers recovering from Cesarean sections—alongside prenatal education and consistent postnatal guidance are essential to bridge the gap between intention and practice. Full article

With rapid global urbanization development, impermeable surface increase, urban population growth, building area expansion, and rising energy consumption, the urban heat island (UHI) effect is becoming increasingly serious. However, the spatial distribution of the UHI cannot be accurately extracted. Therefore, we focused on Luoyang City as the research area and combined the Getis-Ord-Gi* statistic and the greenest image to extract the UHI based on the Google Earth Engine using land surface temperature–spatial autocorrelation characteristics and seasonal changes in vegetation. As bare land considerably influenced the UHI extraction results, we combined the greenest image with the initial extraction results and applied the maximum normalized difference vegetation index threshold method to remove this effect on UHI distribution extraction, thereby achieving improved UHI extraction accuracy. Our results showed that the UHI of Luoyang continuously expanded outward, increasing from 361.69 km² in 2000 to 912.58 km² in 2023, with a continuous expansion rate of 22.95 km²/year. Furthermore, the urban area had a higher UHI area growth rate than the county area. Analysis indicates that the UHI effect in Luoyang has increased in parallel with the expansion of the building area. Intensive urban construction is a primary driver of this growth, directly exacerbating the UHI effect. Additionally, rising temperatures, population growth, and gross domestic product accumulation have collectively contributed to the ongoing expansion of this phenomenon. This study provides scientific guidance for future urban planning through the accurate extraction of the UHI effect, which promotes the development of sustainable human settlements. Full article

With the rapid adoption of automated driving systems, ensuring safe and efficient driver takeover has become a crucial challenge for road safety. This study introduces a novel psychological framework for understanding and predicting takeover behavior in conditionally automated vehicles, leveraging an extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model enriched by real-world driver experience. Drawing on survey data from 385 automated driving system users recruited in Shaoguan City, China, through face-to-face questionnaire administration covering various ADS types (ACC, lane-keeping, automatic parking), we demonstrate that driver attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms are significant determinants of takeover intention, collectively explaining nearly half of its variance (R² = 48.7%). Importantly, our analysis uncovers that both intention and perceived behavioral control have robust, direct effects on actual takeover behavior. Crucially, this work is among the first to reveal that individual user characteristics—such as driving experience and ADS (automated driving system) usage frequency—substantially moderate these psychological pathways: experienced or frequent users rely more on perceived control and attitude, while less experienced drivers are more susceptible to social influences. By advancing a multi-dimensional psychological model that integrates personal, social, and experiential moderators, our findings deliver actionable insights for the design of adaptive human–machine interfaces, tailored driver training, and targeted safety interventions in the context of automated driving. Using structural equation modeling with maximum likelihood estimation (χ²/df = 2.25, CFI = 0.941, RMSEA = 0.057), this psychological approach complements traditional engineering models by revealing that takeover behavior variance is explained at 58.3%. Full article

Tau protein is essential for the structural stability of neurons, particularly through its role in microtubule assembly and axonal transport. However, when abnormally hyperphosphorylated or cleaved, Tau can aggregate into insoluble forms that disrupt neuronal function, contributing to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Emerging evidence suggests that similar Tau-related alterations may occur in individuals with chronic exposure to psychoactive substances. This review compiles experimental, clinical, and postmortem findings that collectively indicate a substance-specific influence on Tau dynamics. Alcohol and opioids, for instance, promote Tau hyperphosphorylation and fragmentation through the activation of kinases such as GSK-3β and CDK5, as well as proteases like caspase-3, leading to neuroinflammation and microglial activation. Stimulants and dissociatives disrupt insulin signaling, increase oxidative stress, and impair endosomal trafficking, all of which can exacerbate Tau pathology. In contrast, cannabinoids and psychedelics may exert protective effects by modulating kinase activity, reducing inflammation, or enhancing neuroplasticity. Psychedelic compounds such as psilocybin and harmine have been demonstrated to decrease Tau phosphorylation and facilitate cognitive restoration in animal models. Although the molecular mechanisms differ across substances, Tau consistently emerges as a convergent target altered in substance-related cognitive disorders. Understanding these pathways may provide not only mechanistic insights into drug-induced neurotoxicity but also identify Tau as a valuable biomarker and potential therapeutic target for the prevention or treatment of cognitive decline associated with substance use. Full article

Background: The medial (MG) and lateral gastrocnemius (LG) muscles exhibit differential activation patterns during plantar flexion tasks. However, the influence of range of motion (ROM), exercise type (unilateral vs. bilateral), and limb dominance on muscle activity during heel raise exercises (HREs) remains unclear. Methods: Nineteen physically active adults performed unilateral and bilateral HREs under two ankle ROM conditions: neutral (NROM) and full (FROM). Surface electromyography (EMG) was collected from both legs during each condition and normalized to peak values recorded during overground sprinting. Results: MG activity was significantly higher during the FROM than the NROM, in both the dominant leg (F = 11.55, p < 0.01, η² = 0.47) and the non-dominant leg (F = 6.63, p < 0.05, η² = 0.31), and was not affected by exercise type. In contrast, LG activity increased significantly during unilateral versus bilateral HREs, especially in the dominant leg during the FROM (F = 17.47, p < 0.01, η² = 0.52) and in the non-dominant leg (F = 5.44, p < 0.05, η² = 0.25). Activation ratios (MG:LG) differed significantly between dominant and non-dominant legs only in the unilateral FROM (p = 0.03). MG activation during the unilateral FROM was comparable to sprinting values, highlighting its high neuromuscular demand. Conclusion: The MG and LG respond differently to exercise parameters. The MG is primarily influenced by ROM, whereas the LG is sensitive to both exercise type and limb dominance. These findings emphasize the importance of ROM manipulation and unilateral training to target specific gastrocnemius regions. FROM and unilateral execution optimize gastrocnemius activation, with implications for rehabilitation and performance programs targeting calf musculature. Full article

Helicobacter pylori is a well-established causative agent of gastritis, peptic ulcers, gastric adenocarcinoma, and primary gastric lymphoma. It colonizes the human stomach and expresses numerous virulent factors that influence disease progression. Among these factors is the cytotoxin vacA gene, which encodes the vacuolating capacity of the cytotoxin and plays a key role in the bacterium’s pathogenic potential. This study investigated the allelic diversity of the vacA among H. pylori strains infecting patients in Jordan with various gastric conditions and examined potential associations between vacA s-and m- genotypes, histopathological and endoscopic findings, and the development of gastric diseases. Gastric biopsies were collected from 106 patients at two hospitals in Jordan who underwent endoscopic examination. The collected biopsies for each patient were subjected to histopathological assessment, urease detection using the Rapid Urease Test (RUT), a diagnostic test for H. pylori, and molecular detection of the vacA gene and its s and m alleles. The histopathology reports indicated that 83 of 106 patients exhibited gastric disorders, of which 81 samples showed features associated with H. pylori infection. The RUT was positive in 76 of 106 with an accuracy of 93.8%. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) targeting the 16S rRNA gene confirmed the presence of H. pylori in 79 of 81 histologically diagnosed cases as infected (97.5%), while the vacA gene was detected only in 75 samples (~95%). To explore genetic diversity, PCR-amplified fragments underwent sequence analysis of the vacA gene. The m-allele was detected in 58 samples (73%), the s-allele was detected in 45 (57%), while both alleles were not detected in 13% of samples. The predominant genotype combination among Jordanians was vacA s2/m2 (50%), significantly linked to mild chronic gastritis, followed by s1/m2 (35%) and s1/m1 (11.8%) which are linked to severe gastric conditions including malignancies. Age-and gender-related differences in vacA genotype were observed with less virulent s2m2 and s1m2 genotypes predominating in younger adults specially males, while the more virulent m1 genotypes were found exclusively in females and middle-aged patients. Genomic sequencing revealed extensive diversity within H. pylori, likely reflecting its long-standing co-evolution with human hosts in Jordan. This genetic variability plays a key role in modulating virulence and influencing clinical outcomes. Comprehensive characterization of vacA genotypic variations through whole-genome sequencing is essential to enhance diagnostic precision, strengthen epidemiological surveillance, and inform targeted therapeutic strategies. While this study highlights the significance of the vacA m and s alleles, future research is recommended in order to investigate the other vacA allelic variations, such as the i, d, and c alleles, to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of H. pylori pathogenicity and associated disease severity across different strains. These investigations will be crucial for improving diagnostic accuracy and guiding the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. Full article

Small lakes (<10 km²) provide a range of ecosystem services but are often overlooked in both monitoring efforts and limnological studies. Remote sensing has been increasingly used to complement in situ monitoring or to provide water colour data for unmonitored inland water bodies. However, due to spatial, radiometric, and spectral constraints, it has been heavily focused on large lakes. Sentinel-2 MSI is the first sensor with the capability to consistently retrieve a wide range of essential water quality variables, such as chlorophyll-a concentration (chl-a) and water transparency, in small water bodies, and to provide long time series. Here, we provide and validate a framework for retrieving two variables, chl-a and turbidity, over lakes with diverse optical characteristics using Sentinel-2 imagery. It is based on GRS for atmospheric and sun glint correction, WaterDetect for water detection, and inversion models that were automatically selected based on two different sets of optical water types (OWTs)—one for each variable; for chl-a, we produced a blended product for improved spatial representation. To validate the approach, we compared the products with more than 600 in situ data from 108 lakes located in the Adour–Garonne river basins, ranging from 3 to ∼5000 ha, as well as remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) data collected during 10 field campaigns during the summer and spring seasons. Rrs retrieval (n = 65) was robust for bands 2 to 5, with MAPE varying from 15 to 32% and achieving correlation from 0.74 up to 0.92. For bands 6 to 8A, the Rrs retrieval was much less accurate, being influenced by adjacency effects. Glint removal significantly enhanced Rrs accuracy, with RMSE improving from 0.0067 to 0.0021 sr⁻¹ for band 4, for example. Water quality retrieval showed consistent results, with an MAPE of 56%, an RMSE of 11.4 mg m⁻³, and an r of 0.76 for chl-a, and an MAPE of 47%, an RMSE of 9.7 NTU, and an r of 0.87 for turbidity, and no significant effect of lake area or lake depth on retrieval errors. The temporal and spatial representations of the selected parameters were also shown to be consistent, demonstrating that the framework is robust and can be applied over lakes as small as 3 ha. The validated methods can be applied to retrieve time series of chl-a and turbidity starting from 2016 and with a frequency of up to 5 days, largely expanding the database collected by water agencies. This dataset will be extremely useful for studying the dynamics of these small freshwater ecosystems. Full article

Sex-based immunological differences significantly influence the outcome of vaccination, yet the molecular mediators underpinning these differences remain largely elusive. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), key post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, have emerged as critical modulators of innate and adaptive immune responses. In this study, we investigated the expression profile of selected circulating miRNAs as potential biomarkers of sex-specific humoral responses to the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in a cohort of health care workers. Plasma samples were collected longitudinally at a defined time point (average 71 days) post-vaccination and analyzed using RT-qPCR to quantify a panel of immune-relevant miRNAs. Anti-spike (anti-S) IgG titers were measured by chemiluminescent immunoassays. Our results revealed sex-dependent differences in miRNA expression dynamics, with miR-221-3p and miR-148a-3p significantly overexpressed in vaccinated female HCWs and miR-155-5p overexpressed in vaccinated males. MiR-148a-3p showed a significant association with anti-S/RBD (RBD: receptor binding domain) IgG levels in a sex-specific manner. Bioinformatic analysis for miRNA targets indicated distinct regulatory networks and pathways involved in innate and adaptive immune responses, potentially underlying the differential immune activation observed between males and females. These findings support the utility of circulating miRNAs as minimally invasive biomarkers for monitoring and predicting sex-specific vaccine-induced immune responses and provide mechanistic insights that may inform tailored vaccination strategies. Full article

Since its first appearance as a human pathogen in 1976, Legionella pneumophila has been identified as a causative agent of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). It survives in rivers, bays, lakes, and water reservoirs, and it is categorized as the fourth most common causative agent of CAP leading to hospitalization. We aimed to investigate patterns in which environmental, seasonal and regional factors may affect the prevalence of Legionnaires’ disease in Crete during the last two decades (2000–2022).The data used originated from the national surveillance database and included any person reported with travel-associated Legionnaires’ disease (TALD) between January 2000 and December 2022. Meteorological data were collected from the National Weather Service. The meteorological variables included (max) temperature (in °C), cloudiness (in octas), wind speed (in knots), and relative humidity (RH) (%). The statistical analysis was based on a case-crossover design with 1:1 matching characteristic. We revealed both seasonal and regional effects on the incidence of Legionnaires’ disease. Cases are significantly more frequent in autumn, in comparison to the other three seasons, while Rethymnon is the prefecture with fewer cases in comparison to Chania or Heraklion. In addition, our research showed that the majority of cases occurred during the years 2017–2018. TALD in Crete is significantly associated with temperature in °C and wind speed in knots. Our research suggests that temporal and spatial factors significantly influence disease cases. These results are in line with studies from foreign countries. The study results aspire to expand our knowledge regarding the epidemiological characteristics of Legionnaires’ disease in relation to local, geographical and meteorological factors on the island of Crete. Full article

In the context of both domestic and international economic landscapes, regional policy has emerged as an increasingly influential factor shaping the developmental trajectories of Chinese enterprises. Despite its growing significance, the extant literature lacks a comprehensive and systematically visualized synthesis that encapsulates the scope and trends of research in this domain. This study addresses this critical gap by conducting an integrative bibliometric and qualitative review of the academic output related to regional policy and Chinese firm growth. Drawing on a final dataset comprising 3428 validated academic publications—selected from an initial pool of 3604 records retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection between 1991 and 2022, the research employs a two-stage methodological framework. In the first phase, advanced bibliometric tools, and software applications, including RStudio, Bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and CitNetExplorer, are utilized to implement techniques such as keyword co-occurrence analysis, thematic clustering, and the tracing of thematic evolution over time. These methods facilitate rigorous data cleansing, breakpoint identification, and the visualization of intellectual structures and emerging research patterns. In the second phase, a targeted qualitative review is conducted to evaluate the influence of regional policies on Chinese firms across three critical stages of business development: start-up, expansion, and maturity. The findings reveal that regional policy interventions generally exert a positive influence on firm performance throughout all stages of development. Notably, a significant concentration of citation activity occurred prior to 2017; however, post-2017, the volume of scholarly publications, journal-level impact (as measured by h-index), and author-level influence experienced a marked increase. Among the 3428 analyzed publications, a substantial portion—2259 articles—originated from Chinese academic institutions, highlighting the strong domestic research interest in the subject. Furthermore, since 2015, there has been a discernible shift in keyword co-occurrence trends, with increasing scholarly attention directed towards sustainable development issues, particularly those related to carbon dioxide emissions and green innovation, reflecting evolving policy priorities and environmental imperatives. Full article