Global Data Research Articles

Novel imported clades accelerated the RSV surge in Beijing, China, 2023-2024

ObjectivesDespite the optimisation of the zero-COVID policy in late 2022, there was a subsequent increase noted in the number of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases in Northern China. In this study, we investigated and characterised the dynamics of this surge at the genomic level in Beijing, China. MethodsPatients with acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) were enrolled from 35 sentinel hospitals in Beijing, China. Epidemiological investigations, G gene amplification, and whole-genome sequencing were performed, followed by epidemiological analysis, imported clade detection, and mutation identification. We also combined global data to illustrate the biological and epidemiological characteristics of the emerging clades. ResultsA total of 60,423 patients with ARTIs were recruited between January 2015 and January 2024. The RSV peak observed in the winter of 2023 was the highest in the past 9 years. Two novel imported clades, A.D.5.2 and B.D.E.1, were detected for the first time in China. This surge was mainly driven by B.D.E.1, which exhibited a significantly higher proportion of older individuals both in Beijing and globally. Seven non-synonymous mutations in B.D.E.1 were found in Beijing. B.D.E.1 had more sites suffering from positive selection than its parent. ConclusionsThe novel imported clade B.D.E.1 accelerated an unprecedented RSV surge in Beijing, presenting noteworthy epidemiological and biological characteristics. Continuous RSV genome monitoring has important implications for RSV outbreak identification, genetic diversity tracking, vaccine development, and strategy implementation.

Intercomparison of reanalysis and satellite precipitation products in endorheic and exorheic basins on the Tibetan Plateau

Study Region: Endorheic and exorheic basins of the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Study Focus: Reanalysis and satellite precipitation products provide alternatives for regions of sparse ground precipitation observation, but pose a tough task to select a suitable one for the TP. This study conducts a multi-scale evaluation of six reanalysis and satellite precipitation products in endorheic and exorheic basins using water balance and extended triple collocation (ETC) methods. The reanalysis precipitation products include ECMWF Re-Analysis version 5 (ERA5-Land), China Meteorological Forcing Dataset (CMFD), Global Land Data Assimilation Systems (GLDAS), and High-resolution Precipitation dataset for the Third Pole region (TPHiPr). The satellite precipitation data include Global Precipitation Measurements (GPM) and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) products. New Hydrological Insights for the Region: The precipitation products vary in accuracy from basin to basin, with better performance in exorheic than endorheic basins. Reanalysis-based ERA5-land, TPHiPr, and CMFD perform well in most basins at annual scale, among which TPHiPr performs best at daily scale. At regional scale, GPM performs well in endorheic region, and ERA5-land in exorheic region. While all the products increase significantly in accuracy from basin to regional scale in endorheic region, ERA5-land shows best performance at annual and multi-year scales in the entire region. Our findings provide valuable supports for precipitation product selection in the Tibetan endorheic and exorheic basins.

Enhancing groundwater management with GRACE-based groundwater estimates from GLDAS-2.2: a case study of the Almonte-Marismas aquifer, Spain

AbstractThe Almonte-Marismas aquifer, southwestern Spain, is a critical ecohydrogeological system that features extensive groundwater monitoring. This study investigates the utility of gravity recovery and climate experiment (GRACE) satellite data, specifically obtained from the global land data assimilation system (GLDAS) version 2.2, for assessing groundwater storage variations in the Almonte-Marismas aquifer. The presented research emphasizes the practical application of readily available GLDAS products that do not require data preprocessing. The study validates the GLDAS-2.2-based ready-to-use groundwater storage (GWS) time series by correlating it with precipitation and piezometric information, highlighting its effectiveness in medium-scale aquifers. The results reveal a strong agreement between GLDAS-2.2-derived GWS anomalies and in-situ measurements, confirming GLDAS-2.2’s potential for assessing aquifer depletion. The study discusses the consistency of seasonal variations in groundwater levels and GLDAS-2.2 data, emphasizing their close alignment with precipitation and pumping activities. Importantly, the study introduces GLDAS-2.2-derived volumetric groundwater storage (VGWS) as a valuable calibration parameter for numerical groundwater flow models, enhancing their accuracy over time. Moreover, the analysis reveals disparities in annual recharge values between GLDAS-2.2-derived data and the soil-water mass balance. These variations suggest the importance of additional inputs to precipitation, possibly related to subsurface or lateral connections. Overall, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse on the practical applications of GLDAS-2.2-derived GWS data in groundwater management, offering insights into its effectiveness in diverse hydrogeological settings, particularly in areas that lack monitoring infrastructure.

Effects of winter soil warming on crop biomass carbon loss from organic matter degradation

Global warming poses an unprecedented threat to agroecosystems. Although temperature increases are more pronounced during winter than in other seasons, the impact of winter warming on crop biomass carbon has not been elucidated. Here we integrate global observational data with a decade-long field experiment to uncover a significant negative correlation between winter soil temperature and crop biomass carbon. For every degree Celsius increase in winter soil temperature, straw and grain biomass carbon decreased by 6.6 ( ± 1.7) g kg-1 and 10.2 ( ± 2.3) g kg-1, respectively. This decline is primarily attributed to the loss of soil organic matter and micronutrients induced by warming. Ignoring the adverse effects of winter warming on crop biomass carbon could result in an overestimation of total food production by 4% to 19% under future warming scenarios. Our research highlights the critical need to incorporate winter warming into agricultural productivity models for more effective climate adaptation strategies.

Open-source software integration: A tutorial on species distribution mapping and ecological niche modelling

Over the last decade, access to global data has become increasingly critical for research, allowing insights into diverse biological, environmental and societal questions at a macro scale. Digitisation has greatly enhanced the use of herbarium data in the analysis of species distributions and ecological niche modelling. Yet, sources on modelling and mapping methodology using open-source software is greatly lacking for beginners. We have created a replicable and thorough tutorial to visualise species occurrence data and exploratory analysis that was developed by undergraduates with broad backgrounds and levels of experience. This tutorial integrates the open-source programmes QGIS, MaxEnt and R to develop distribution maps, using bryophytes as a case study, to promote the accessibility of open-source software and remote access learning. This tutorial has already set the foundation for further research into distribution modelling of rare Illinois bryophytes to better understand the potential impact of climate change.

Nitrogen input strategies impact fertilizer nitrogen saving by intercropping: A global meta-analysis

ContextSeveral meta-analyses have demonstrated that intercropping increases land use efficiency and fertilizer use efficiency of grain-producing crop species, but no overarching synthesis has been made on the effects of fertilizer management on fertilizer use efficiency. Research questionsHere we assess the relative N use efficiency of species mixtures compared to sole crops under different N input strategies using global data. MethodsWe built a global database of yield and fertilizer N input with 600 data records representing the results of 136 independent experiments from 80 publications with four main types of species functional combinations (SFCs), based on key traits that were found relevant in previous intercropping studies: C3-cereal/legume, maize/legume, C4-non-maize/legume and maize/C3-cereal. ResultsWe found that the literature reports results for four main N input strategies in the intercrop and sole crops: (1) zero fertilizer N input (Nic=N1=N2=0), (2) equal fertilizer N input (Nic=N1=N2>0), (3) intermediate fertilizer N input (N1≥Nic≥N2 and N1>N2), and (4) transgressive fertilizer N input (Nic>N1≥N2), where N1, N2 and Nic represent the N input in sole crop 1, sole crop 2 and the intercrop. With zero N input, high land equivalent ratio was found in cereal/legume intercrops but not in maize/C3-cereal intercrops. Intermediate N input (strategy 3) resulted in high LER (land equivalent ratio) and FNER (fertilizer N equivalent ratio) because of the high intercropping advantage of cereals in C3-cereal/legume, maize/legume, and C4-non-maize/legume intercrops and maize in maize/C3-cereal intercrops. Equal N input in the sole crops and the intercrops resulted in LER and FNER being equal and N saving was entirely due to land saving, regardless of SFCs. Transgressive N input resulted in high LER but low FNER. ConclusionsThe study confirms that cereal/legume intercropping increases LER at zero N input. Strategies that tailor N input in intercropping to species demand (strategy 3) pair high productivity and LER to high fertilizer N use efficiency. The transgressive N input strategy maximizes LER at the expense of FNER, thus potentially generating high N losses.

Alternative Splicing of the Last TKFC Intron Yields Transcripts Differentially Expressed in Human Tissues That Code In Vitro for a Protein Devoid of Triokinase and FMN Cyclase Activity.

The 18-exon human TKFC gene codes for dual-activity triokinase and FMN cyclase (TKFC) in an ORF, spanning from exon 2 to exon 18. In addition to TKFC-coding transcripts (classified as tkfc type by their intron-17 splice), databases contain evidence for alternative TKFC transcripts, but none of them has been expressed, studied, and reported in the literature. A novel full-ORF transcript was cloned from brain cDNA and sequenced (accession no. DQ344550). It results from an alternative 3' splice-site in intron 17. The cloned cDNA contains an ORF also spanning from exon 2 to exon 18 of the TKFC gene but with a 56-nt insertion between exons 17 and 18 (classified as tkfc_ins56 type). This insertion introduces an in-frame stop, and the resulting ORF codes for a shorter TKFC variant, which, after expression, is enzymatically inactive. TKFC intron-17 splicing was found to be differentially expressed in human tissues. In a multiple-tissue northern blot using oligonucleotide probes, the liver showed a strong expression of the tkfc-like splice of intron 17, and the heart preferentially expressed the tkfc_ins56-like splice. Through a comparison to global expression data from massive-expression studies of human tissues, it was inferred that the intestine preferentially expresses TKFC transcripts that contain neither of those splices. An analysis of transcript levels quantified by RNA-Seq in the GTEX database revealed an exception to this picture due to the occurrence of a non-coding short transcript with a tkfc-like splice. Altogether, the results support the occurrence of potentially relevant transcript variants of the TKFC gene, differentially expressed in human tissues. (This work is dedicated in memoriam to Professor Antonio Sillero, 1938-2024, for his lifelong mentoring and his pioneering work on triokinase).

Automatic High-Resolution Operational Modal Identification of Thin-Walled Structures Supported by High-Frequency Optical Dynamic Measurements.

High-frequency optical dynamic measurement can realize multiple measurement points covering the whole surface of the thin-walled structure, which is very useful for obtaining high-resolution spatial information for damage localization. However, the noise and low calculation efficiency seriously hinder its application to real-time, online structural health monitoring. To this end, this paper proposes a novel high-resolution frequency domain decomposition (HRFDD) modal identification method, combining an optical system with an accelerometer for measuring high-accuracy vibration response and introducing a clustering algorithm for automated identification to improve efficiency. The experiments on the cantilever aluminum plate were carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Natural frequency and damping ratios were obtained by the least-squares complex frequency domain (LSCF) method to process the acceleration responses; the high-resolution mode shapes were acquired by the singular value decomposition (SVD) processing of global displacement data collected by high-speed cameras. Finally, the complete set of the first nine order modal parameters for the plate within the frequency range of 0 to 500 Hz has been determined, which is closely consistent with the results obtained from both experimental modal analysis and finite element analysis; the modal parameters could be automatically picked up by the DBSCAN algorithm. It provides an effective method for applying optical dynamic technology to real-time, online structural health monitoring, especially for obtaining high-resolution mode shapes.

The Ice Cloud Imager: retrieval of frozen water column properties

Abstract. The Ice Cloud Imager (ICI) aboard the second generation of the EUMETSAT Polar System (EPS-SG) will provide novel measurements of ice hydrometeors. ICI is a passive conically scanning radiometer that will operate within a frequency range of 183 to 664 GHz, helping to cover the present wavelength gap between microwave and infrared observations. Reliable global data will be produced on a daily basis. This paper presents the retrieval database to be used operationally and performs a final pre-launch assessment of ICI retrievals. Simulations are performed within atmospheric states that are consistent with radar reflectivities and represent the three-dimensional (3D) variability of clouds. The radiative transfer calculations use empirically based hydrometeor models. Azimuthal orientation of particles is mimicked, allowing for the consideration of polarisation. The degrees of freedom (DoFs) of the ICI retrieval database are shown to vary according to cloud type. The simulations are considered to be the most detailed performed to this date. Simulated radiances are shown to be statistically consistent with real observations. Machine learning is applied to perform inversions of the simulated ICI observations. The method used allows for the estimation of non-Gaussian uncertainties for each retrieved case. Retrievals of ice water path (IWP), mean mass height (Zm), and mean mass diameter (Dm) are presented. Distributions and zonal means of both database and retrieved IWP show agreement with DARDAR. Retrieval tests indicate that ICI will be sensitive to IWP between 10−2 and 101 kg m−2. Retrieval performance is shown to vary with climatic region and surface type, with the best performance achieved over tropical regions and over ocean. As a consequence of this study, retrievals from real observations will be possible from day one of the ICI operational phase.

Estimating Risk of Debt Instruments Using the CreditMetrics<SUP>TM</SUP> Method: On the Example of JSCMB ‘Ipoteka-Bank’, Uzbekistan

In the article, credit risk assessment metric of a debt financial instrument, in particular a corporate Eurobond, is studied within the framework of the relevance of risk assessment in the financial sector due to the dangers and complexities of time. Joint-Stock Commercial Mortgage Bank ‘Ipoteka-Bank’, operating in the banking sector of the Republic of Uzbekistan, which is considered one of the important links of the financial sector of the Republic, was selected as the object of analysis. As input data for the analysis, statistical data of the bank provided in its official web-site’s open sources, in particular, data on Eurobonds issued and placed by the bank in London Stock Exchange, are used. At the same time, one of the advantages of the research is the described and disclosed in details and widely used global benchmarking data, published by Standard&Poor's rating agency, as part of the methodology requirement. According to the methodology, credit risk assessment analysis was performed following a strict and detailed calculation algorithm for debt instrument risk assessment. The calculation of credit risk assessment of one debt instrument, especially the Eurobond, according to this procedure followed with the authors’ discussion, conclusion and recommendation is also reflected in the article.

Liver Cancer Etiology: Old Issues and New Perspectives.

This review aims to synthesize the old issues and current understandings of the etiology of liver cancer, focusing on the diverse causative factors influenced by geographical, socioeconomic, and lifestyle variations across different regions. We highlight significant geographic disparities in liver cancer risk factors. While hepatitis B and C viruses, aflatoxin exposure, and alcohol consumption remain globally established contributors; metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and metabolic syndromes are increasingly prominent in the West. Chronic HBV and aflatoxin continue to dominate as risk factors in Asia and Africa. Dietary factors, metabolic diseases like diabetes and obesity, genetic predispositions, environmental risk factors and lifestyle choices such as smoking and alcohol use play substantial roles in specific populations. Protective factors like coffee and tea consumption, along with aspirin use, vegetables and fruits have shown potential in reducing HCC risk, although findings vary by population and dietary habits. Liver cancer etiology is influenced by various factors that differ by region. Established risk factors include hepatitis B and C, aflatoxin, and alcohol. Emerging risks, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, are more prevalent in Western countries, while aflatoxin and HBV remains significant in Asia and Africa. Diet, metabolic conditions like diabetes and obesity, genetic predispositions, and lifestyle choices also play crucial roles. Coffee, tea, aspirin, vegetables, and fruits may reduce HCC risk, but effectiveness varies. Future research should integrate epidemiology, genetics, and nutrition, with global cooperation and data sharing essential for effective cancer control strategies.

Overexpression of β-lactamase genes (blaKPC, blaSHV) and novel CirA deficiencies contribute to decreased cefiderocol susceptibility in carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae before its approval in China.

Cefiderocol (FDC) is an effective antibiotic that is used to treat severe infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP). The mechanisms underlying FDC resistance and molecular epidemiology in China remain unclear. We collected 477 non-duplicate CRKP clinical isolates in central China and characterized their susceptibility to FDC, virulence genes, and sequence typing. The overall FDC susceptibility rate of CRKP was 99.2% in central China, which was higher than that in North America and Europe (96.1%), with MIC50/90 values of 1/2 mg/L. The decrease in FDC susceptibility in central China was concentrated in the ST11 CRKP-carrying virulence plasmids. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) experiments showed that serine β-lactamases, especially highly expressed KPC and SHV, substantially decreased FDC susceptibility in four FDC non-susceptible isolates (two resistant and two intermediate isolates). Notably, different CirA deficiencies, p.E450GfsTer16 and p.E133Ter, were found in both of the resistant isolates. In contrast, global WGS data indicate that the resistance mechanisms in North America and Europe were primarily associated with NDM and KPC variants, predominantly found in ST307 and ST147. Overall, FDC exhibits excellent activity against CRKP in central China, with resistance mechanisms primarily related to high KPC and SHV expression, along with deficiencies in CirA, frequently observed in ST11. This is remarkably different from the situation in North America and Europe and will directly impact the choice of clinical interventions. Additionally, the surveillance of FDC resistance in China is imperative.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists improve outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes with and without heart failure

BackgroundThe effectiveness of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1Ras) for prevention of heart failure (HF) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) without HF and for risk of death in patients with T2DM with HF has not been fully elucidated in routine clinical practice. MethodsUsing the real-world global electronic medical record TriNetX database, individuals with T2DM and with or without HF who initiated either GLP1Ras or sitagliptin from 2017 to 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. In individuals with T2DM without HF, the primary outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality and a new diagnosis of HF within three years. In individuals with T2DM with HF, the primary outcome was all-cause mortality within three years. Propensity-score (PS) matching was used to adjust for over 100 baseline characteristics. ResultsA total of 65,598 individuals with T2DM without HF starting a GLP1Ras were PS matched with 65,598 starting sitagliptin. GLP1Ras were associated with a lower incidence of the composite endpoint (10.5 % versus 11.8 %, hazard ratio [HR] 0.82, [0.80–0.85], p < 0.001), mortality (HR 0.66 [0.63–0.69]) and new diagnosis of HF (HR 0.92 [0.88–0.96]). There were 6002 individuals in each group matched for T2DM and HF. Mortality was lower in the GLP1Ras group (17.6 % versus 22.8 %, HR 0.70 [0.65–0.76], p < 0.001). Results were consistent across subgroups. ConclusionsIn this global real-world data analysis, GLP1Ra use was associated with a lower risk of death and HF in individuals with T2DM without HF, and lower risk of death in those with HF.

A 17 MeV pseudoscalar and the LSND, MiniBooNE and ATOMKI anomalies

In the absence of any new physics signals at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), anomalous results at low energy experiments have become the subject of increased attention. We focus on three such results from the LSND, MiniBooNE (MB), and ATOMKI experiments. A 17 MeV pseudoscalar mediator (a′) can account for two (8Be and 4He) out of the three cases in which excess events have been seen in pair creation transitions in ATOMKI. We incorporate this mediator in a gauge invariant extension of the Standard Model (SM) with a second Higgs doublet and three singlet (seesaw) neutrinos (Ni, i = 1, 2, 3). N1,2 participate in an interaction in MB and LSND which, with a′ as mediator, leads to the production of e+e− pairs. The Ni also lead to mass-squared differences for SM neutrinos in agreement with global oscillation data. We first show that such a model offers a natural joint solution to the MB and LSND excesses, providing excellent fits to their data. Next, using the values of the couplings to the quarks and electrons which are required to explain pair creation nuclear transition data for 8Be and 4He in ATOMKI, we show that these values still lead to fits for MB and LSND data. However, once ATOMKI is incorporated, we find that strong constraints from the decays K+ → π+a′ (a′ → e+e−) and π+ → e+νee+e− come into play. While our solution is in conformity with the bounds on the former decay, it remains in tension with 90% CL bounds on the latter. We also discuss other constraints from both collider and non-collider experiments and from electroweak precision data, stability and unitarity. We compute the contributions to the electron and muon g – 2 up to two loops for our model. We discuss tests of the model in upcoming experiments.

Remote Sensing-Based Drought Monitoring in Iran’s Sistan and Balouchestan Province

Drought is a natural phenomenon that has adverse effects on agriculture, the economy, and human well-being. The primary objective of this research was to comprehensively understand the drought conditions in Sistan and Balouchestan Province from 2002 to 2017 from two perspectives: vegetation cover and hydrology. To achieve this goal, the study utilized MODIS satellite data in the first part to monitor vegetation cover as an indicator of agricultural drought. In the second part, GRACE satellite data were employed to analyze changes in groundwater resources as an indicator of hydrological drought. To assess vegetation drought, four indices were used: Vegetation Health Index (VHI), Vegetation Drought Index (VDI), Visible Infrared Drought Index (VSDI), and Temperature Vegetation Drought Index (TVDI). To validate vegetation drought indices, they were compared with Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) precipitation data. The vegetation indices showed a strong, statistically significant correlation with GLDAS precipitation data in most regions of the province. Among all indices, the VHI showed the highest correlation with precipitation (moderate (0.3–0.7) in 51.7% and strong (≥0.7) in 45.82% of lands). The output of vegetation indices revealed that the study province has experienced widespread drought in recent years. The results showed that the southern and central regions of the province have faced more severe drought classes. In the second part of this research, hydrological drought monitoring was conducted in fifty third-order sub-basins located within the study province using the Total Water Storage (TWS) deficit, Drought Severity, and Total Storage Deficit Index (TSDI Index). Annual average calculations of the TWS deficit over the period from April 2012 to 2016 indicated a substantial depletion of groundwater reserves in the province, amounting to a cumulative loss of 12.2 km3 Analysis results indicate that drought severity continuously increased in all study basins until the end of the study period. Studies have shown that all the studied basins are facing severe and prolonged water scarcity. Among the 50 studied basins, the Rahmatabad basin, located in the semi-arid northern regions of the province, has experienced the most severe drought. This basin has experienced five drought events, particularly one lasting 89 consecutive months and causing a reduction of more than 665.99 km3. of water in month 1, placing it in a critical condition. On the other hand, the Niskoofan Chabahar basin, located in the tropical southern part of the province near the Sea of Oman, has experienced the lowest reduction in water volume with 10 drought events and a decrease of approximately 111.214 km3. in month 1. However, even this basin has not been spared from prolonged droughts. Analysis of drought index graphs across different severity classes confirmed that all watersheds experienced drought conditions, particularly in the later years of this period. Data analysis revealed a severe water crisis in the province. Urgent and coordinated actions are needed to address this challenge. Transitioning to drought-resistant crops, enhancing irrigation efficiency, and securing water rights are essential steps towards a sustainable future.

Towards sustainable development goals: Leveraging multi-data remote sensing fusion for monitoring groundwater-induced bedrock subsidence dynamics in Egypt's Nile Valley

Egypt's Golden Triangle megaproject within Egypt's vision 2030, involving land reclamation in Qena Bend's densely populated governorate, develops sustainable land management strategies. Advanced technologies and low-cost remote sensing multi-data fusion are utilized to understand subsidence dynamics influenced by geologic structure, groundwater, climate change, and human activities in Egypt's Nile Valley. This approach identifies environmental hazards and provides a detailed explanation for groundwater-induced bedrock subsidence, aiding in informed decision-making and risk avoidance. Landsat images reveal 13% increased cultivation, 28.28% urban-growth, and decreased water by 8.46%, impacting groundwater resources and controlling the situation. The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment(GRACE) and Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) satellite observations reveal changes in water storage, impacting climate change, groundwater storage dynamics, and aquifer behavior. Historical data indicates a significant southwest-northeast gradient in precipitation from 5 to 60 mm. GLDAS shows soil moisture decline from 0.25 to 0.23 mm. GRACE (total water storage) depleting, then slightly increasing from 2020 to 2023 with an average value (−5 cm/yr). Groundwater storage increases in wet seasons, in 2015 showing (+3–4 mm), less than (+1 mm) in (2018), and (+6–8 mm) in (2020–2023). The NE-SW and NW-SE faults increase hydraulic connection and recharge from aquifers, causing groundwater circulation and karstification in Eocene limestone aquifers, posing risks to urban development and human safety. The InSAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) measures ground subsidence over time, revealing a range of (−0.04 to −0.07m) in the northwest to (+0.03m) in the southeast, with average subsidence (-4 cm), primarily associated with increased groundwater storage motivate the interaction between the carbonate and groundwater. The ArcGIS overlay model divides the region into three zones: northern, middle, and southern, each with varying degrees of displacement and groundwater storage. The findings emphasize the significance of remote sensing in hazard evaluation for development planning due to its cost-effectiveness and accuracy, applicable globally in hydrogeologically similar areas.

Prevalence and factors associated with the perpetration and victimization of teen dating violence: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

Dating violence is a global health problem that affects adolescents physically, psychologically and sexually. During adolescence, there is a high prevalence and negative consequences in both perpetration and victimization, which can vary according to culture, but maintain common characteristics in traditional societies. Factors associated with the perpetration and victimization of gender-based violence among adolescents include gender inequality, discrimination, substance use, parental neglect, peer influence and exposure to family violence. Despite modern criticisms of gender expectations, traditional views that legitimize violence persist. In this sense, the collection of global data on the prevalence and factors associated with dating violence among adolescents could favour comparative studies between Western and Eastern cultures and is fundamental for informing public policies in a globalized world. It is hoped that the results will contribute to expanding scientific knowledge in the area, as well as helping managers and the academic community to target resources, identify risk groups and promote gender equality from adolescence onwards. In this sense, this study aims to globally assess the prevalence and factors associated with the perpetration and victimization of dating violence among adolescents. It is hoped that the results will expand scientific knowledge in this area.

New intraoral digital impression with pneumatic gingival retraction used in the restoration of crown for posterior teeth: a case report

In fixed prosthodontics, clear exposure of the preparation margin is the prerequisite for obtaining accurate digital impressions and improving the marginal fit of restorations. To resolve the issues associated with the cord retraction technique, such as pain, acute injury, and prolonged procedural time, this study proposes a new technology for intraoral digital impression taking with pneumatic gingival retraction. The new scanning head blows a high-speed airflow that instantaneously separates the free gingiva, locally exposing the subgingival preparation margin. Combined with the farthest point preservation stitching algorithm based on the distance from the normal vector and high-speed laser scanning photography, it achieves global preparation edge data and gingival reconstruction, realizing painless, non-invasive, and efficient precise acquisition of the preparation margin. Using this new technique, a patient with a full porcelain crown restoration on a posterior tooth was treated. The digital impression revealed a clear margin of the preparation, and the crown made from this data has a good marginal fit.

Cicada minimum age tree: Cryptic speciation and exponentially increasing base substitution rates in recent geologic time

We developed a new time-calibrated tree incorporating primarily endemic along with some cryptic Ryukyu islands cicada data, following the recent publication of global cicada data by Marshall et al. (2018), Łukasik et al. (2018), Simon et al. (2019), Price et al. (2019), and Hill et al. (2021). A total of 352 specimens were analyzed using BEAST v1. X software with a relaxed clock model. Fossil calibrations as old as Triassic were adopted largely following Johnson et al. (2018) and Moulds (2018), and a Quaternary geological event calibration was adopted following Osozawa et al. (2012, 2021b) and input into BEAST v1. X. Our timetree suggests that Tettigarctidae had a cicada basal lineage as old as 200.63 Ma, with Derotettiginae the next oldest lineage at 99.2 Ma. Tibicininae is a sister of the remaining subfamilies of Tettigomyiinae, Cicadettinae, and Cicadidae, and their species level differentiation and radiation began at 40.57 Ma. The Cicadinae clade consists of specific tribes with paraphyletic relationship, and the vicariance and adaptive radiation generated many cryptic species in each tribe. We estimated base substitution rate as a function of age, and the result strongly indicates an exponential increase of base substitution rate in recent geologic time. The consequent increase in cicada biodiversity, including generation of cryptic species in the Ryukyu Islands and surroundings, may have been driven by the generation and spreading of C4 grasses and coeval Quaternary climate change.

Utilizing IoT and Cloud Computing for Weather-Health Monitoring Application

In an era defined by increasing climate changes and an increasing importance of accurate weather information, there is a need for a smart IoT- based weather monitoring system. This paper proposes an innovative system that uses Internet of Things (IoT) technology to advance weather monitoring and global data accessibility using Cloud computing. By seamlessly connecting multiple devices, such as sensors, electronic gadgets, and automotive electronics, to the internet, this system offers a complete solution for monitoring environmental conditions such as temperature, relative humidity, pressure, and rain levels. Specialized sensors collect data, which is then transformed into graphical interface using an app, enabling real-time weather information access worldwide. This technology has the ability to rethink how we convey and analyze environmental data with optimal efficiency and reach in industries including agriculture, urban planning, and environmental research.