Saved Queries

by Abdoulaye Kassoum Koné, Georges Diatta, Doumbo Safiatou Niare, Solimane Ag Atteynine, Maïmouna Coulibaly, Adama Zan Diarra, Issaka Sagara, Abdoulaye Djimdé, Ogobara K. Doumbo and Mahamadou Ali Thera

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(20), 9384; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14209384 (registering DOI) - 15 Oct 2024

Abstract

Background: Small rodents and insectivores are potential reservoirs of many pathogens transmissible to humans, such as bacteria, parasites and viruses responsible for epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in West Africa. Few studies on small mammal species in West Africa are available. Our previous findings from a study investigating emerging pathogens in two localities in Mali has determined the prevalence of pathogens in small mammals (rodents and insectivores). We used the data collected from this small mammal population with different eco-climatic characteristics to test hypothesis that small mammal distribution in different eco-climatic settings could explain the diversity and frequency of pathogens they carry. Methods: Sessions of trapping were carried out in December 2016 in Faladjè and Bougouni with “Besançon tous services” (BTS) wire mesh traps baited with peanut butter and/or onion. All animals captured were identified morphologically. Results: Out of 123 small rodents and insectivores captured over 674 trap-nights, 75 (60.97%) were from Faladjè and 48 (39.02%) from Bougouni. Of these, six species of small rodents belonged to the family Muridae (Mastomys erythroleucus, Mastomys natalensis, Rattus rattus, Praomys daltoni, Gerbilliscus gambianus, Taterillus gracilis) and two species of insectivores associated with the genus Crocidura spp. belonged to the family Soricidae and Erinaceidae (Crocidura cf olivieri and Atelerix cf albiventris), respectively. There is low species diversity within these two areas, but the variation in relative abundance is significant (binomial test, p ˂ 0.05) between Faladjè and Bougouni. Mastomys erythroleucus was the most dominant species (57.33%, 43/75) in Faladjè, while R. rattus dominated (37.5%,18/48) in Bougouni. Conclusions: These two species of small mammals potentially involved in the transmission of bacteria, parasites and pathogenic viruses to humans are differently present in two distinct eco-climatic areas in Mali. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ecology Science and Engineering)

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8 pages, 1688 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Severe Systemic Chromobacterium violaceum Infection: A Case Study of a German Long-Term Resident in French Guyana

by Caroline Klenk, Miriam Schnieders, Melina Heinemann, Christiane Wiegard, Henning Büttner, Michael Ramharter, Sabine Jordan and Maria Sophia Mackroth

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(10), 242; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9100242 (registering DOI) - 15 Oct 2024

Abstract

Chromobacterium violaceum is a Gram-negative, facultative anaerobe proteobacterium. Its natural habitat is water and soil in tropical and subtropical regions. Human infections are characterized by rapid dissemination that can lead to high fatality rates. Here, we describe the first case of a C. violaceum infection reported from Germany. A German national with permanent residence in French Guyana contracted a C. violaceum infection presumably while bathing in a barrier lake in Brazil. The patient presented with a high fever and a crusty, erythematous skin lesion at an emergency department in Hamburg, Germany. Ultrasound and a CT scan of the abdomen revealed multiple liver abscesses. C. violaceum was detected in blood and from aspirates of the liver abscesses, using traditional culture methods and modern molecular assays. Prolonged treatment with meropenem and ciprofloxacin led to full recovery. Rapid pathogen detection and treatment initiation are of high importance in C. violaceum infections as mortality rates are overall declining but have still tended to reach up to 25% in recent years in systemic infections. Due to its broad natural drug resistance, antibiotic treatment is challenging. Increased travel activities may lead to more frequent presentation of patients with environmental pathogens of the tropics such as C. violaceum. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Neglected and Emerging Tropical Diseases)

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30 pages, 1141 KiB

Open AccessReview

Gut Microbiota as an Endocrine Organ: Unveiling Its Role in Human Physiology and Health

by Lara Pires, Ana Maria Gonzalez-Paramás, Sandrina A. Heleno and Ricardo C. Calhelha

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(20), 9383; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14209383 (registering DOI) - 15 Oct 2024

Abstract

The gut microbiota, recognised for its vital functions in host health, operates as an endocrine organ, exerting systemic effects beyond the gastrointestinal tract. This “virtual organ” produces hormones that influence distal organs, including the brain. With its diverse microbial composition, the gut microbiota surpasses the biochemical complexity of traditional endocrine organs, generating neurotransmitters like GABA, dopamine, and serotonin. Despite challenges in culturing gut bacteria, advances in research methodologies have elucidated their role in behaviour, metabolism, appetite, and insulin resistance. As microbial endocrinology continues to evolve, further exploration of the intricate connections between hormones and the microbiome are anticipated, highlighting hormones’ pivotal role in the dynamic host–microbiota relationship. Full article

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21 pages, 7423 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nanotherapy for Cancer and Biological Activities of Green Synthesized AgNPs Using Aqueous Saussurea costus Leaves and Roots Extracts

by Mina A. Almayouf, Raihane Charguia, Manal A. Awad, Abir Ben Bacha and Imen Ben Abdelmalek

Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(10), 1371; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17101371 (registering DOI) - 15 Oct 2024

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Nanoparticles derived from medicinal plants are gaining attention for their diverse biological activities and potential therapeutic applications. Methods: This study explored the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumoral, and antimicrobial properties of green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the aqueous leaf and root extracts of Saussurea costus (S. costus). The physicochemical characterizations of both biosynthesized AgNPs using the aqueous leaf extract (L-AgNPs) and root extract (R-AgNPs) were examined using UV spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The antioxidant activity measured using ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays showed that AgNPs, particularly from roots, had higher activity than aqueous extracts, attributed to phenolic compounds acting as capping and antioxidant agents. Results: Enzyme inhibition studies indicated that AgNPs exhibited remarkable anti-inflammatory effects, inhibiting COX-1, 5-LOX, and secreted PLA₂ enzymes by over 99% at 120 µg/mL, comparable to standard drugs. The anti-tumoral effects were evaluated on the human cancer cell lines HCT-116, LoVo, and MDA-MB-231, with AgNPs inhibiting cell proliferation dose-dependently and IC₅₀ values between 42 and 60 µg/mL, demonstrating greater potency than extracts. The AgNPs also showed enhanced antimicrobial activities against various microbial strains, with IC₅₀ values as low as 14 µg/mL, which could be linked to nanoparticle interactions with microbial cell membranes, causing structural damage and cell death. Conclusions: These findings suggest that S. costus-derived AgNPs are promising natural, biodegradable agents for various biological applications and potential new therapeutic agents, necessitating further research to explore their mechanisms and applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Enzymes and Enzyme Inhibitors in Drug Research)

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23 pages, 5695 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Frequency-Dependent Antioxidant Responses in HT-1080 Human Fibrosarcoma Cells Exposed to Weak Radio Frequency Fields

by Hakki Gurhan and Frank Barnes

Antioxidants 2024, 13(10), 1237; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13101237 (registering DOI) - 15 Oct 2024

Abstract

This study explores the complex relationship between radio frequency (RF) exposure and cancer cells, focusing on the HT-1080 human fibrosarcoma cell line. We investigated the modulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and key antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase, and glutathione (GSH), as well as mitochondrial superoxide levels and cell viability. Exposure to RF fields in the 2–5 MHz range at very weak intensities (20 nT) over 4 days resulted in distinct, frequency-specific cellular effects. Significant increases in SOD and GSH levels were observed at 4 and 4.5 MHz, accompanied by reduced mitochondrial superoxide levels and enhanced cell viability, suggesting improved mitochondrial function. In contrast, lower frequencies like 2.5 MHz induced oxidative stress, evidenced by GSH depletion and increased mitochondrial superoxide levels. The findings demonstrate that cancer cells exhibit frequency-specific sensitivity to RF fields even at intensities significantly below current safety standards, highlighting the need to reassess exposure limits. Additionally, our analysis of the radical pair mechanism (RPM) offers deeper insight into RF-induced cellular responses. The modulation of ROS and antioxidant enzyme activities is significant for cancer treatment and has broader implications for age-related diseases, where oxidative stress is a central factor in cellular degeneration. The findings propose that RF fields may serve as a therapeutic tool to selectively modulate oxidative stress and mitochondrial function in cancer cells, with antioxidants playing a key role in mitigating potential adverse effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Free Radicals, Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress in Aging and Age-Related Diseases)

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10 pages, 2102 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assays for Assessing Mycobacterium avium Immunity and Evaluating the Effects of Therapeutics

by Getahun Abate, Krystal A. Meza, Chase G. Colbert and Christopher S. Eickhoff

Pathogens 2024, 13(10), 903; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13100903 (registering DOI) - 15 Oct 2024

Abstract

In Europe and North America, the prevalence of pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is increasing. Most pulmonary NTM infections are caused by the Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). Sadly, the treatment of pulmonary MAC is suboptimal with failure rates ranging from 37% to 58%. Therefore, there is a need to develop new therapeutics. Developing new immunotherapies and studying their interaction with standard or new drugs requires reliable assays. Four different assays including CFSE-based flow cytometry, in vitro protection assays, IFN-γ ELISPOT, and murine infection models were optimized using a reference strain of MAC (ATCC 700898) to help with the development of immunotherapies for MAC. Expansion of proliferating and IFN-γ producing human T cells is optimal after 7 days of stimulation with MAC at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 0.1, achieving a stimulation index of 26.5 ± 11.6 (mean ± SE). The in vitro protection assay for MAC works best by co-culturing T cells expanded for 7 days with MAC (MOI 1)-infected autologous macrophages. Aerosol MAC infection of mice allows measurement of the effects of the BCG vaccine and clarithromycin. IFN-γ ELISPOT assays with live MAC (MOI 3) stimulation of splenocytes from mice immunized with BCG help identify differences between unimmunized mice and mice immunized with BCG. In conclusion, multiple assays are available for use to identify MAC-specific effector T cells, which will help in the development of new therapeutics or vaccines against pulmonary MAC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM))

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91 pages, 23177 KiB

Open AccessReview

Pd-, Cu-, and Ni-Catalyzed Reactions: A Comprehensive Review of the Efficient Approaches towards the Synthesis of Antibacterial Molecules

by Almeera Zia, Shehla Khalid, Nasir Rasool, Nayab Mohsin, Muhammad Imran, Sebastian Ionut Toma, Catalin Misarca and Oana Andreescu

Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(10), 1370; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17101370 (registering DOI) - 15 Oct 2024

Abstract

A strong synthetic tool for many naturally occurring chemicals, polymers, and pharmaceutical substances is transition metal-catalyzed synthesis. A serious concern to human health is the emergence of bacterial resistance to a broad spectrum of antibacterial medications. The synthesis of chemical molecules that are potential antibacterial candidates is underway. The main contributions to medicine are found to be effective in transition metal catalysis and heterocyclic chemistry. This review underlines the use of heterocycles and certain effective transition metals (Pd, Cu, and Ni) as catalysts in chemical methods for the synthesis of antibacterial compounds. Pharmaceutical chemists might opt for clinical exploration of these techniques due to their potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Medicinal Chemistry)

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17 pages, 5696 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design of a Capacitive Tactile Sensor Array System for Human–Computer Interaction

by Fei Fei, Zhenkun Jia, Changcheng Wu, Xiong Lu and Zhi Li

Sensors 2024, 24(20), 6629; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24206629 (registering DOI) - 14 Oct 2024

Abstract

This paper introduces a novel capacitive sensor array designed for tactile perception applications. Utilizing an all-in-one inkjet deposition printing process, the sensor array exhibited exceptional flexibility and accuracy. With a resolution of up to 32.7 dpi, the sensor array was capable of capturing the fine details of touch inputs, making it suitable for applications requiring high spatial resolution. The design incorporates two multiplexers to achieve a scanning rate of 100 Hz, ensuring the rapid and responsive data acquisition that is essential for real-time feedback in interactive applications, such as gesture recognition and haptic interfaces. To evaluate the performance of the capacitive sensor array, an experiment that involved handwritten number recognition was conducted. The results demonstrated that the sensor accurately captured fingertip inputs with a high precision. When combined with an Auxiliary Classifier Generative Adversarial Network (ACGAN) algorithm, the sensor system achieved a recognition accuracy of 98% for various handwritten numbers from “0” to “9”. These results show the potential of the capacitive sensor array for advanced human–computer interaction applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sensors Development)

10 pages, 508 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Promptology: Enhancing Human–AI Interaction in Large Language Models

by Phillip Olla, Lauren Elliott, Mustafa Abumeeiz, Karen Mihelich and Joshua Olson

Information 2024, 15(10), 634; https://doi.org/10.3390/info15100634 (registering DOI) - 14 Oct 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the integration of generative AI in higher education and the development of the SPARRO framework, a structured approach to improving human–AI interaction in academic settings. This ethnographic study explores the integration of generative AI in healthcare and nursing education, detailing the development of the SPARRO framework based on observations of student and faculty interactions with AI tools across five courses. The study identifies key challenges such as AI hallucination, mistrust of AI-generated summaries, and the difficulty in formulating effective prompts. The SPARRO framework addresses these challenges, offering a step-by-step guide for planning, prompt design, reviewing, and refining AI outputs. While the framework shows promise in improving AI integration, future research is needed to validate its applicability across other academic disciplines and assess its long-term impact on critical thinking and academic integrity. This study contributes to the growing body of research on AI in education, offering practical solutions for ethically and effectively integrating AI tools in academic settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence)

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17 pages, 6263 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polo-like Kinase 1 Predicts Lymph Node Metastasis in Middle Eastern Colorectal Cancer Patients; Its Inhibition Reverses 5-Fu Resistance in Colorectal Cancer Cells

by Pratheesh Kumar Poyil, Abdul K. Siraj, Divya Padmaja, Sandeep Kumar Parvathareddy, Khadija Alobaisi, Saravanan Thangavel, Rafia Begum, Roxanne Diaz, Fouad Al-Dayel and Khawla S. Al-Kuraya

Cells 2024, 13(20), 1700; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13201700 (registering DOI) - 14 Oct 2024

Abstract

Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is a serine/threonine–protein kinase essential for regulating multiple stages of cell cycle progression in mammals. Aberrant regulation of PLK1 has been observed in numerous human cancers and is linked to poor prognoses. However, its role in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the Middle East remains unexplored. PLK1 overexpression was noted in 60.3% (693/1149) of CRC cases and was significantly associated with aggressive clinico-pathological parameters and p-ERK1/2 overexpression. Intriguingly, multivariate logistic regression analysis identified PLK1 as an independent predictor of lymph node metastasis. Our in vitro experiments demonstrated that CRC cells with high PLK1 levels were resistant to 5-Fu treatment, while those with low PLK1 expression were sensitive. To investigate PLK1′s role in chemoresistance, we used the specific inhibitor volasertib, which effectively reversed 5-Fu resistance. Interestingly, forced PLK1 expression activated the CRAF-MEK-ERK signaling cascade, while its inhibition suppressed this cascade. PLK1 knockdown reduced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression and stem cell-like traits in 5-Fu-resistant cells, implicating PLK1 in EMT induction and stemness in CRC. Moreover, silencing ERK1/2 significantly mitigated chemoresistance, EMT, and stemness properties in CRC cell lines that express PLK1. Furthermore, the knockdown of Zeb1 attenuated EMT and stemness, suggesting a possible link between EMT activation and the maintenance of stemness in CRC. Our findings underscore the pivotal role of PLK1 in mediating chemoresistance and suggest that PLK1 inhibition may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for the management of aggressive colorectal cancer subtypes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Therapeutic Targets and Approaches, Genetic Markers and Signaling Pathways in Neoplasms)

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16 pages, 4534 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Abnormal Behavior Monitoring in University Laboratories Based on Video Analysis Technology

by Yangwei Ying, Haotian Wang and Hong Zhou

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(20), 9374; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14209374 (registering DOI) - 14 Oct 2024

Abstract

The safety management of laboratories is of utmost importance in the construction and management of university laboratories. Abnormal behaviors such as smoking, incorrect wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) like lab coats, hats, masks, and gloves pose significant safety hazards. In this paper, in order to improve the level of laboratory safety management and effectively provide an alert in the case of unsafe behaviors, video analysis technology is employed to achieve abnormal behavior recognition and monitoring through steps such as human key point detection, posture estimation, and behavior recognition. Firstly, the human pose estimation algorithm YOLO is used for human detection, followed by the extraction of human key points after segmentation. Finally, spatiotemporal graph convolution is used for feature detection and classification of abnormal behaviors. The experimental results show that the accuracy of abnormal behavior detection and recognition based on human key points reaches over 85%, which is of great significance for safety management and behavior warning in university laboratories, and thus, improves the efficiency and level of laboratory safety management. Full article

24 pages, 1288 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of the Coupling Coordination Degree of Human Capital and Infrastructure on High-Quality Economic Development: Empirical Evidence from Chinese Cities

by Jinqi Chen and Lingying Pan

Sustainability 2024, 16(20), 8905; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16208905 (registering DOI) - 14 Oct 2024

Abstract

China’s economy is transitioning from high-speed to high-quality development, making coordination between economic factors increasingly important. Human capital (HC) and infrastructure (INFRA) are important elements of economic development, and the coupling coordination of the two can have a non-negligible impact on regional economies’ high-quality development. Therefore, this study measures the coupling coordination degree (CCD) of HC and INFRA based on data of 184 prefecture-level cities in China from 2011 to 2019, and comprehensively examines the impact effect and mechanism of the CCD on high-quality economic development (HQED). The relevant results are threefold. (1) Compared with single factors, the degree of HC-INFRA CCD can promote HQED more efficiently. (2) A significant single-threshold effect is evident in the promotion of HQED by the degree of HC-INFRA CCD, and a smaller city size and more extensive higher education institutions promote a stronger threshold effect. (3) Factor allocation and factor efficiency are significant transmission mechanisms of the HC-INFRA CCD affecting HQED, and the mediating effect of the capital-labor force allocation path accounts for 66.28% of the total indirect effect. The results provide empirical evidence verifying that HC-INFRA CCD promotes HQED, along with insightful reference suggestions for formulating relevant macro policies and promoting high-quality urban economic development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development Economics and Sustainable Economic Growth)

25 pages, 1258 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assess the Economic and Environmental Impacts of the Energy Transition in Selected Asian Economies

by Kexin Hou and Muhammad Waqas

Energies 2024, 17(20), 5103; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17205103 - 14 Oct 2024

Abstract

Energy transition and green innovation have appeared as new hopes for environmental impact due to human activity, which has destroyed biodiversity and increased environmental degradation. Therefore, developed and emerging economies are focusing on green innovation and energy transition to tackle the environmental impact. Thus, this study was initiated to provoke a meaningful relationship between energy transition, economic growth, trade, green innovation, and good governance to measure the role of concerning factors in achieving environmental sustainability. For this objective, dynamic econometric approaches such as cointegration, heteroskedastic OLS estimation using GMM (HOLS-GMM), AMG, and Driscoll–Kraay were implemented to estimate the Asian dataset between 1990 and 2022. The result indicates that concerning factors have a significant influence on environmental impact. The findings specify that a 1% rise in the energy transition and green innovation will influence the environment by 0.0517% and 3.051%, respectively. Further, AMG and Driscoll–Kraay validate the findings of HOLS-GMM. The robust tests indicate that the factors, which are concerning, significantly impact environmental sustainability. Consequently, the energy transition, trade, and green innovation significantly contribute to attaining ecological sustainability in the long term, and the Sustainable Development Theory prevails in the economy. Thus, innovative policy implications, including energy transition, green innovation, trade, and economic growth, are required to make Asia prominent in achieving environmental sustainability via implementing sustainable and green technologies and clean energy sources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Energy Economics and Sustainable Development)

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17 pages, 902 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pilot Study on the Effect of Patient Condition and Clinical Parameters on Hypoxia-Induced Factor Expression: HIF1A, EPAS1 and HIF3A in Human Colostrum Cells

by Julia Zarychta, Adrian Kowalczyk, Karolina Słowik, Dominika Przywara, Alicja Petniak, Adrianna Kondracka, Monika Wójtowicz-Marzec, Patrycja Słyk-Gulewska, Anna Kwaśniewska, Janusz Kocki and Paulina Gil-Kulik

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(20), 11042; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252011042 - 14 Oct 2024

Abstract

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) may play a role in mammary gland development, milk production and secretion in mammals. Due to the limited number of scientific reports on the expression of HIF genes in colostrum cells, it was decided to examine the expression of HIF1A, HIF3A and EPAS1 in the these cells, collected from 35 patients who voluntarily agreed to provide their biological material for research, were informed about the purpose of the study and signed a consent to participate in it. The expression of HIF genes was assessed using qPCR. Additionally, the influence of clinical parameters (method of delivery, occurrence of stillbirths in previous pregnancies, BMI level before pregnancy and at the moment of delivery, presence of hypertension during pregnancy, presence of Escherichia coli in vaginal culture, iron supplement and heparin intake during pregnancy) on the gene expression was assessed, revealing statistically significant correlations. The expression of HIF1A was 3.5-fold higher in the case of patients with the presence of E. coli in vaginal culture (p = 0.041) and 2.5 times higher (p = 0.031) in samples from women who used heparin during pregnancy. Approximately 1.7-fold higher expression of the EPAS1 was observed in women who did not supplement iron during pregnancy (p = 0.046). To our knowledge, these are the first studies showing the relationship between HIF expression in cells from breast milk and the method of delivery and health condition of women giving birth. The assessment of HIF expression requires deeper examination in a larger study group, and the results of further studies will allow to determine whether HIF can become biomarkers in pregnancy pathology states. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenesis of Pregnancy-Related Complication 2024)

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18 pages, 8643 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Mechanism of Street Spatial Form on Thermal Comfort from Urban Morphology and Human-Centered Perspectives: A Study Based on Multi-Source Data

by Fei Guo, Mingxuan Luo, Chenxi Zhang, Jun Cai, Xiang Zhang, Hongchi Zhang and Jing Dong

Buildings 2024, 14(10), 3253; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14103253 - 14 Oct 2024

Abstract

The influence of street spatial form on thermal comfort from urban morphology and human-centered perspectives has been underexplored. This study, utilizing multi-source data and focusing on urban central districts, establishes a refined index system for street spatial form and a thermal comfort prediction model based on extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and Shapley additive explanations (SHAP). The results reveal the following: (1) Thermal comfort levels display spatial heterogeneity, with areas of thermal discomfort concentrated in commercial zones and plaza spaces. (2) Compared to the human-centered perspective, urban morphology indicators correlate strongly with thermal comfort. (3) The key factors influencing thermal comfort, in descending order of importance, are distance from green and blue infrastructure (GBI), tree visibility factor (TVF), street aspect ratio (H/W), orientation, functional diversity indices, and sky view factor. All but the TVF negatively correlates with thermal comfort. (4) In local analyses, the primary factors affecting thermal comfort vary across streets with different heat-risk levels. In high heat-risk streets, thermal comfort is mainly influenced by distance from GBI, H/W, and orientation, whereas in low heat-risk streets, vegetation-related factors dominate. These findings provide a new methodological approach for optimizing urban thermal environments from both urban and human perspectives, offering theoretical insights for creating more comfortable cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Low-Carbon, Climate-Resilient, and Sustainable Built Environment)

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