bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-Cost Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering for Bio-Probes
Authors: Adewumi Blessing , Feldman Martin , Biswas Debsmita , Cao Dongmei , Jiang Li , Korivi Naga
Published: April 2022

Raman Spectroscopy is a well-known method for identifying molecules by their spectroscopic “fingerprint”. In Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS), the presence of nanometallic surfaces in contact with the molecules enormously enhances the spectroscopic signal. Raman enhancing surfaces are often fabricated lithographically or chemically, but the throughput is low and the equipment is expensive. In this work a SERS layer was formed by the self-assembly of silver nanospheres from a hexane suspension onto an imprinted thermoplastic sheet (PET). In addition, the SERS layer was transferred and securely bonded to other surfaces. This is an important attribute for probes into solid specimen. Raman spectra were obtained with Rhodamine 6G (R6G) solution concentrations ranging from 1 mm to 1 nm. The methods described here produced robust and sensitive SERS surfaces with inexpensive equipment, readily available materials, and with no chemical or lithographic steps. These may be critical concerns to laboratories faced with diminishing funding resources.
Bond Behavior of Deformed Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) Embedded in Fly Ash Geopolymer Concrete
Authors: Awalluddin Dinie , Mohd Ariffin Mohd Azreen , Ahmad Yusof , Zamri Nor Fazlin , Abdullah Mohd Mustafa Al Bakri , Abd Razak Rafiza , Lee Han-Seung , Singh Jitendra Kumar
Published: April 2022

As the fastest growing plant with high tensile strength, bamboo provides an excellent alternative material to replace steel reinforcement in a concrete structure. However, the bond of bamboo embedded in concrete is very poor due to its surface properties and swell–shrink behaviors, especially when embedded in ordinary Portland cement concrete (OPCC). Thus, this paper presents the experimental investigation on the bond performance of deformed and undeformed bamboo species of Bambusa vulgaris strips embedded in fly ash geopolymer concrete (FAGC). Undeformed bamboo strips with and without nodes were compared to deformed bamboo strips in a corrugated and Galvanized Iron (G.I) rolled wired form in the pull-out test to study the mechanical interlocking effect on the bond performance of bamboo strips embedded in concrete. The groove on the corrugated bamboo strip was made using a router machine, while the wired bamboo was produced by wrapping the G.I wire along the bamboo strip. The difference in groove and wire spacing of the deformed bamboo strip on the bond strength was also observed. The result showed that the geometry of the bamboo strip had a significant effect on the bond performance, with the deformed bamboo strip outperforming the undeformed bamboo strip. In addition, the utilization of FAGC could also reduce the moisture absorption by the bamboo strip. Thus, these results showed that using bamboo strips in FAGC is feasible, contributing to a promising approach for full utilization of bamboo and industrial waste products such as fly ash as construction materials.
The Reception of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in China: A Historical Review
Authors: Zhou Ronghui (Kevin) , Lee Nick
Published: April 2022

This article reveals the changes that have taken place in the under-researched Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) discourse in China over the past three decades and presents new findings. The authors conducted discourse analysis to examine the changes of ESD discourse in official policy documents and compared them with the concept of ESD as it appears in the UNESCO framework. Findings suggest that ESD in China has been redefined by domestic discourse and interests. The concept of ‘Ecological Civilisation’ replaces the identity and function of ESD as it appears in China’s education policies, while ESD primarily targets the environmental sector. This redefining of ESD weakens the interconnection between ESD and sustainable development (SD) that exists within the UNESCO framework and presents an unstable approach to ESD in China. This research contributes to ESD development in China and updates its potential education challenges considering China’s 2030 Agenda.
Creating IoT-Enriched Learner-Centered Environments in Sports Science Higher Education during the Pandemic
Authors: Bucea-Manea-Țoniș Rocsana , Vasile Luciela , Stănescu Rareș , Moanță Alina
Published: April 2022

In the pandemic context, creating IoT-enriched learner-centered environments was not only a tendency but a requirement for sustainable teaching and learning in universities with sports science programs for theoretical classes and practical activities. Our study aims to assess both the extent to which the sports science academic environment has been prepared for online teaching and the key features of dedicated e-learning teaching and training in sports science to provide the highest-quality educational services in pandemic conditions. An online survey was administered to academic staff in the field of sports science from two Romanian universities. The results of the study reveal that online teaching has been associated with major changes in terms of methods and methodology, but also with a new dynamic of external and internal factors regarding teachers and their relationship with students. At the same time, it depends on a solid specific infrastructure and IoT facilities (MOOCs, VR/AR, mobile devices). As a mirror of the student-centered approach, universities in the field of sports science have experienced the same concerns about the outcomes of the educational process. In this regard, universities can become sustainable if they positively integrate e-learning into their teaching system and consolidate their quality standards from an e-learning perspective.
A Novel Hybrid Interval Rough SWARA–Interval Rough ARAS Model for Evaluation Strategies of Cleaner Production
Authors: Tanackov Ilija , Badi Ibrahim , Stević Željko , Pamučar Dragan , Zavadskas Edmundas Kazimieras , Bausys Romualdas
Published: April 2022

Cleaner production is certainly a challenge of our everyday life, and a lot of effort and energy is required to achieve it. This paper has created a model of five strategies for cleaner production in Libyan industry, which have been evaluated on the basis of eight criteria. In order to determine the significance of the criteria, a novel interval rough SWARA (step-wise weight assessment ratio analysis) method has been developed, which takes into account the preferences of decision-makers (DMs) by applying interval rough numbers. A novel interval rough ARAS (additive ratio assessment) method has been developed for the evaluation and selection of the most favorable strategy for cleaner production. The integration of the developed methods has yielded results showing that the first strategy, launching awareness-raising campaigns to publicize these policies, represents the most realistic and best current solution to achieve cleaner production in Libyan industry. A comparative analysis with some existing interval rough methodologies has been presented to verify the superiority of the proposed model. In addition, in a sensitivity analysis, the weight of the most significant criterion has been changed.
Forecasting the Effect of Migrants’ Remittances on Household Expenditure: COVID-19 Impact
Authors: Zhang Lei , Chen Yang , Lyulyov Oleksii , Pimonenko Tetyana
Published: April 2022

The unexpected pandemic has provoked changes in all economic sectors worldwide. COVID-19 has had a direct and indirect effect on countries’ development. Thus, the pandemic limits the movements of labour forces among countries, restricting migrants’ remittances. In addition, it provokes the reorientation of consumer behaviour and changes in household expenditure. For developing countries, migrant remittances are one of the core drivers for improving household wellbeing. Therefore, the paper aims to analyse how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected household expenditure in Ukraine, as being representative of a developing country. For this purpose, the data series were compiled for 2010 to the second quarter of 2021. The data sources were as follows: Ministry of Finance of Ukraine, The World Bank, and the State Statistics Service of Ukraine. The core variables were as follows: migrants’ remittances and expenditure of households by the types. The following methods were applied to achieve the paper’s aims: the Dickey–Fuller Test Unit Root and the ARIMA model. The findings confirmed that COVID-19 has changed the structure of household expenditure in Ukraine. Considering the forecast of household expenditure until 2026, it was shown that due to changes in migrants’ remittances, household expenditure in all categories tends to increase. The forecasted findings concluded that household expenditure on transport had the most significant growth due to changing migrants’ remittances.
Exploring How Organizational Capabilities Contribute to the Performance of Social Enterprises: Insights from China
Authors: Yu Xiao-Min , Chen Ke , Liu Jin-Tong
Published: April 2022

The impact of organizational capabilities on the performance of social enterprises (SEs) has not been examined in the context of China. This study addresses the research gap by conducting a hypothesis-testing quantitative study. The questionnaire survey data of 206 Chinese SEs were analyzed by performing Pearson correlation and hierarchical linear regression analyses. The research findings show that four types of organizational capabilities have divergent effects on the social and economic performance of Chinese SEs. Specifically, stakeholder engagement capabilities and business planning capabilities make positive contributions to SE performance in economic and social domains, while human resource management capabilities have positive effects on social performance but not economic performance, and there is no statistically positive relationship between marketing capabilities and SE performance in economic and social domains. Our study provides important practical implications to managers of SEs in China or in another similar context, who should give priority to enhancing stakeholder engagement capabilities and business planning capabilities rather than human resource management capabilities and marketing capabilities as a booster of economic and social performance of SEs.
Information Technology Ambidexterity-Driven Patient Agility, Patient Service- and Market Performance: A Variance and fsQCA Approach
Authors: van de Wetering Rogier , Bosua Rachelle , Boersma Cornelis , Dohmen Daan
Published: April 2022

Modern hospitals are on the brink of a monumental change. They are currently exploring their options to digitally transform their clinical procedures and overall patient engagement. This work thoroughly investigates how hospital departments in the Netherlands can simultaneously leverage their strategic exploration of new IT resources and practices and exploit their current IT practices, i.e., IT ambidexterity, to drive digital transformation. Specifically, we investigate IT ambidexterity’s role in shaping patient agility at the departmental level, i.e., the ability to sense patients’ needs and respond accordingly. In this study, we use the dynamic capability view as our theoretical lens to develop a theoretical model with associated hypotheses and test it using cross-sectional survey data from 90 clinical hospital departments in the Netherlands. We use partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modeling (SEM) and a Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) approach for our analyses. This study shows that IT ambidexterity positively influences patient agility, providing a foundation for the achievement of high patient service and market performance. Furthermore, this study’s outcomes show that IT ambidexterity is present in each configuration following the fsQCA analyses, showcasing the vital role of a dual strategic approach to IT practices. The study outcomes support the theorized model and the subsequently developed IT-driven patient agility framework and illuminate how to transform clinical practice and drive patient agility.
Identifying Connectivity Conservation Priorities among Protected Areas in Qinling-Daba Mountains, China
Authors: Yu Fuqin , Zhang Baiping , Yao Yonghui , Wang Jing , Zhang Xinghang , Liu Junjie , Li Jiayu
Published: April 2022

Mountain biodiversity is under unprecedented threat due to climate change and excessive human activity. Although protected areas (PAs) are the cornerstone of nature conservation, it is increasingly hard for isolated PAs to maintain the species and ecological processes they depend on in the long term. Linking nature reserves to form a large and connected conservation network is regarded as the optimal measure, but research in this field is lacking in China. We mapped PAs in the Qinling-Daba Mountains in China and identified corridors among PAs and the corridors’ key nodes using a least-cost analysis and circuit theory to model an ecological connectivity conservation network for the region. The results showed that this large ecological network has 46 habitat patches connected by 88 corridors, with 69 pinchpoints, 86 barriers and 37 stepping stones in and around the corridors. In this study, 34.86% of suitable habitats have little or no protection and, in the future, these areas should be developed with caution, with more emphasis on protecting their ecological connectivity. This study used connectivity analysis to construct large ecological corridors based on PAs, providing a framework for connectivity conservation at the biogeographic scale and a scientific reference for further, subsequent conservation actions.
Innovative Sustainable Tourism Development and Entrepreneurship through Sports Events
Authors: Tsekouropoulos Georgios , Gkouna Ourania , Theocharis Dimitrios , Gounas Athanasios
Published: April 2022

Innovation and the development of new services are important strategic features to ensure the growth and sustainable wealth for industries where customers have many choices, as is the case in tourism sector. In this context, the present research comes to connect the local sustainable tourism development with the sporting events, and to come up with relevant proposals for the reference area, but also for their generalization in the whole tourist areas. Based on the research purpose, a quantitative research was conducted on a sample of 448 residents, randomly selected from a sampling frame. Several scales from previous studies were used to collect primary data, and they were adapted according to the research purpose. Research findings indicate that the acceptance of sustainable tourism development through sports can be predicted by several variables, such as the economic impact (b = 0.343), residents’ attitude towards sports events (b = 0.287), and citizens’ tendency to entrepreneurship (b = 0.113). Additionally, sports events affect the tendency of citizens towards entrepreneurship (r = 0.519, p < 0.01). In conclusion, the impact of sports events is multiple, and it affects many aspects of a tourism destination, and the effect of sports events on the destination is connected with the tendency of citizens towards entrepreneurship related to sports events.
Influence of Reclaimed Water Quality on Infiltration Characteristics of Typical Subtropical Zone Soils: A Case Study in South China
Authors: Wu Yun , Wang Hui , Zhu Jinbin
Published: April 2022

Irrigation with reclaimed water (RW) can alleviate water scarcity and improve the environmental and economic benefits. However, RW contains a large number of salts, suspended particles, organic matter, etc., which can affect soil infiltration. Previous studies focused on the examination of this effect in alkaline soils, but the infiltration change of acidic soils has seldom been investigated. This study selects four typical types of soil in the subtropical area in the south of China and designs experiments using different concentrations of RW to examine the influence of RW on the infiltration of various acid soils. The short-term impact is examined based on a one-dimensional horizontal method, and the long-term infiltration characteristics are measured by a Mini Disk infiltration meter with one year’s RW irrigation. Results show that RW irrigation can restrain the short-term infiltration of red soil while accelerating that of purple soil, aquic soil and paddy soil. Regarding the long-term effect, the cumulative infiltration of red soil increases with the decline of the concentration of RW, while there is no unique trend for the other soils. After one year’s RW irrigation, physical properties such as soil particle size distribution, texture and EC have changed. For red soil, EC increased significantly with RW irrigation, from 46.7 µS/cm to 101.07 µS/cm. However, regarding aquic soil, EC decreased from 157.05 µS/cm to 123.20 µS/cm. Moreover, the infiltration rate coefficient of red soil and aquic soil exhibits a significant positive correlation with RW concentration (p < 0.01), while the silt content shows a significantly negative correlation (p < 0.01). Furthermore, soil infiltration parameters c and S value of the purple soil, paddy soil, is significantly negative correlated with pH value (p < 0.01). The results reflected that appropriate RW quality for irrigation is different among various soil types, which will influence the sustainable application of RW. It can shed insights into solving the water scarcity issue and improving water sustainability in subtropical regions.
Impact of Government Stability and Investment Profile on Forest Area: The Role of Natural Protected Areas
Authors: Qiao Sha , Zhang Caihong , Cuesta Lizeth , Alvarado Rafael , Pinzón Stefania , Bravo-Benavides Diana
Published: April 2022

Forest area plays a fundamental role in air and water quality and directly impacts agricultural productivity. This research aims to examine the impact of government stability and investment profiles on forest cover in countries within the ASEAN region. Specifically, the research includes Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. In the research development, we examine the role which protected natural areas play in the conservation of forests. We employ second-generation cointegration methods of cross-section dependence and slope heterogeneity. The results suggest that forest cover has been significantly reduced in this region, while government stability and the investment profile have a volatile behavior. The second-generation cointegration test results suggest there is no long-term relationship between the three series. Likewise, the short- and long-term elasticities highlight the importance of environmental protection policies to conserve forests.
Sustainability Management Model Based on Risk Analysis and Implementation of the Model
Authors: Coşkun Semih , Akgül Elif
Published: April 2022

In modern business management, the effective management of organizational structures based on goals within the scope of modern management concepts, as well as the continuous improvement of processes for increasing competitiveness, are critical. The purpose of this study is to discuss the matter of risk identification and analysis, practices that are seen in many different fields within the scope of the notion of sustainable management. It aimed to add the dimensions of targets and risk analysis to the scope of process analysis and development, within this study. The stages, starting with the definition of the processes in the process model through the targets based on the risk analysis, are transformed into a quality assurance cycle and completed with the determination, monitoring, and evaluation of the sustainable process development activities. The performance indicators of the business processes in a textile business were determined, and the identification of a model structure with systematic traceability was provided, in practice. The opportunities and threats encountered in achieving the determined goals were identified. The defined factors were examined within the scope of the failure mode and effects analysis and risk analysis methods. The risk evaluations were performed using fuzzy numbers. The results obtained by fuzzy failure mode effects analysis were evaluated through the MATLAB Fuzzy Logic Design Toolbox model. Risks were ranked as a result of the evaluation, and process development activities were chosen.
Development of Bus Routes Reorganization Support Software Using the Naïve Bayes Classification Method
Authors: Suh Min-ho , Jeong Minjoong
Published: April 2022

Reorganizing city bus routes is generally accomplished by designing bus supply methods to meet passenger demand. The bus supply method involves establishing bus routes and planning their schedules. The actual bus route reorganization decisions are not determined simply by balancing passenger demand and bus supply, but are based on other complex interests, such as bus routes that must exist for welfare but where profits are low. Machine learned prediction models could be helpful when considering such factors in the decision-making process. Here, the Naïve Bayes algorithm was applied to develop the classifier model because of its applicability, even with a limited amount of training data. As the input characteristics for the Naïve Bayes algorithm, data for each individual bus route were featured and cleansed with the actual route improvement decisions. A number of classification models were created by changing training sets and then compared in terms of classification performance such as accuracy, precision, and recall. Modeling and tests were conducted to show how Naïve Bayes classifiers learned in the form of supervised learning can help the route reorganization work. Results from a local governments’ actual route reorganization study were used to train and test the proposed machine learning classification model. As the main contribution of this study, a prediction model was developed to support shortening decision-making for each route, using machine learning algorithms and actual route reorganization research case data. Results verified that such an automatic classifier, or initial route decision proposal software, can provide intuitive support in actual route reorganization research.
Promoting Sustainability through Next-Generation Biologics Drug Development
Authors: Paulick Katharina , Seidel Simon , Lange Christoph , Kemmer Annina , Cruz-Bournazou Mariano Nicolas , Baier André , Haehn Daniel
Published: April 2022

The fourth industrial revolution in 2011 aimed to transform the traditional manufacturing processes. As part of this revolution, disruptive innovations in drug development and data science approaches have the potential to optimize CMC (chemistry, manufacture, and control). The real-time simulation of processes using “digital twins” can maximize efficiency while improving sustainability. As part of this review, we investigate how the World Health Organization’s 17 sustainability goals can apply toward next-generation drug development. We analyze the state-of-the-art laboratory leadership, inclusive personnel recruiting, the latest therapy approaches, and intelligent process automation. We also outline how modern data science techniques and machine tools for CMC help to shorten drug development time, reduce failure rates, and minimize resource usage. Finally, we systematically analyze and compare existing approaches to our experiences with the high-throughput laboratory KIWI-biolab at the TU Berlin. We describe a sustainable business model that accelerates scientific innovations and supports global action toward a sustainable future.
Categorical Evaluation of Scientific Research Efficiency in Chinese Universities: Basic and Applied Research
Authors: Shi Yukun , Wang Duchun , Zhang Zimeng
Published: April 2022

The categorical evaluation of scientific research efficiency is of great significance to technological innovation and research management. It is also helpful to promote the sustainable development of basic research and applied research in universities. In this study, 32 “Double First-Class” universities directly under the Ministry of Education in China were evaluated with the research efficiency evaluation system of basic research and applied research used, which is constructed based on the “research efficiency classification evaluation”. The empirical results show that the efficiency of basic research is low but total factor productivity grows faster, while the efficiency of applied research is high but total factor productivity grows slowly, and the gap between the two will be further reduced in the future. At the same time, scientific research efficiency depends on the type of university and disciplinary strengths: Comprehensive and normal universities are good at basic research while scientific and agricultural and forestry universities are more efficient in applied research. Universities should consolidate their strengths while making key breakthroughs on their shortcomings, optimize the structure of research inputs and outputs, and improve the efficiency of research resources utilization to actively promote the national innovation system and the construction of a powerful nation of science and technology.
Electrical and Mechanical Characteristics Assessment of Wind Turbine System Employing Acoustic Sensors and Matrix Converter
Authors: Rameshkumar Thiyagarajan , Chandrasekar Perumal , Kannadasan Raju , Thiyagarajan Venkatraman , Alsharif Mohammed H. , Kim James Hyungkwan
Published: April 2022

Permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG)-based wind turbine systems have a wide range of applications, notably, for higher-rated wind energy conversion systems (WECS). A WECS involves integrating several components to generate electrical power effectively on a large scale due to the advanced wind turbine model. However, it offers several glitches during operation due to various factors, notably, mechanical and electrical stresses. This work focuses on evaluating the mechanical and electrical characteristics of the WECS using two individual schemes. Firstly, wind turbines were examined to assess the vibrational signatures of the drive train components for different wind speed profiles. To apply this need, acoustic sensors were employed that record the vibration signals. However, due to substantial environmental impacts, several noises are logged with the observed signal from sensors. Therefore, this work adapted the acoustic signal and empirical wavelet transform (EWT) to assess the vibration frequency and magnitude to avoid mechanical failures. Further, a matrix converter (MC) with input filters was employed to enhance the efficiency of the system with reduced harmonic contents injected into the grid. The simulated results reveal that the efficiency of the matrix converter with input filter attained a significant scale of about 95.75% and outperformed the other existing converting techniques. Moreover, the total harmonic distortion (THD) for voltage and current were examined and found to be at least about 8.24% and 3.16%, respectively. Furthermore, the frequency and magnitude of the vibration signals show a minimum scale for low wind speed profile and higher range for medium wind profile rather than higher wind profile. Consolidating these results from both mechanical and electrical characteristics, it can be perceived that the combination of these schemes improves the efficiency and quality of generated power with pre-estimation of mechanical failures using acoustic signal and EWT.
Using Forest Compensation Funds to Reverse Biodiversity Loss: A Case Study of Turin–Lyon High-Speed Railway Line
Authors: Piccini Irene , Pittarello Marco , Gili Fabrizio , Dotta Alberto , Lorizzo Riccardo , Magnani Cristina , Grieco Pia , Lonati Michele , Bertolino Sandro , Bonelli Simona
Published: April 2022

Megaprojects radically change the landscape due to their large-scale and high investments. Forests are often one of the most affected habitats, as they are frequently included in megaproject construction sites. These habitats support rich animal communities that the new settlement may threaten. Among all species present in any construction site, those listed in the Habitats Directive (92/43/CEE) deserve particular attention as they are protected throughout Europe. Here, we present a case study related to the expansion of an industrial site, part of the megaproject Turin–Lyon high-speed railway, where forest compensations were used to reverse biodiversity loss. The site expansion scheduled for 2020 included mature forests and clearings that used to host a butterfly species and at least 15 bat species protected by the Habitats Directive and other taxa of conservation concern. Forest compensations are usually used to finance tree plantations and forest improvements. In this case study, for the first time, we used them to maintain local biodiversity, which otherwise would have been severely compromised by the site expansion. Indeed, our approach has made it possible to allocate forest compensation funding to restore or improve habitats to favor biodiversity. This approach may be exported to other megaprojects to support local biodiversity.
Unified Theory of Unsteady Planar Laminar Flow in the Presence of Arbitrary Pressure Gradients and Boundary Movement
Authors: Daidzic Nihad E.
Published: April 2022

A general unified solution of the plane Couette–Poiseuille–Stokes–Womersley incompressible linear fluid flow in a slit in the presence of oscillatory pressure gradients with periodic synchronous vibrating boundaries is presented. Oscillatory flow remains stable and laminar with no-slip boundary conditions applied. Eigenfunction expansion method is used to obtain the exact analytical solution of the general linear inhomogeneous boundary value problem. Fourier expansion of arbitrary harmonic pressure gradient and non-harmonic wall oscillations was used to calculate arbitrary driving of the fluid. In-house developed optimized computational fluid dynamics marching-in-time finite-volume method was used to test and verify all analytical results. A number of particular transients, steady-state and combined flows were obtained from the general analytical result. Generalized Stokes and Womersley flows were solved using the analytical computations and numerical experiments. The combined effects of periodic non-harmonic wall movements with oscillatory pressure gradients offers rich and interesting flow patterns even for a linear Newtonian fluid and may be particularly interesting for pumping-assist microfluidic devices. The main motivation for developing a unified solution of the unsteady laminar planar Couette–Stokes–Poiseuille–Womersley flow originates in a need for, but is not limited to, in-depth exploration of flow patterns in hemodynamic and microfluidic pumping applications.
The Unique Solution for Sequential Fractional Differential Equations with Integral Multi-Point and Anti-Periodic Type Boundary Conditions
Authors: Hao Zhaocai , Chen Beibei
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we obtain the existence of the unique solution of anti-periodic type (anti-symmetry) integral multi-point boundary conditions for sequential fractional differential equations. We apply the Banach contraction mapping principle to get the desired results. Our results specialize and extend some existing results.
Overview: State-of-the-Art in the Energy Harvesting Based on Piezoelectric Devices for Last Decade
Authors: Parinov Ivan A. , Cherpakov Alexander V.
Published: April 2022

Technologies of energy harvesting have been developed intensively since the beginning of the twenty-first century, presenting themselves as alternatives to traditional energy sources (for instance, batteries) for small-dimensional and low-power electronics. Batteries have numerous shortcomings connected, for example, with restricted service life and the necessity of periodic recharging/replacement that create significant problems for portative and remote devices and for power equipment. Environmental energy covers solar, thermal, and oscillation energy. By this, the vibration energy exists continuously around us due to the operation of numerous artificial structures and mechanisms. Different materials (including piezoelectrics) and conversion mechanisms can transform oscillation energy into electrical energy for use in many devices of energy harvesting. Piezoelectric transducers possessing electric mechanical coupling and demonstrating a high density of power in comparison with electromagnetic and electrostatic sensors are broadly applied for the generation of energy from different oscillation energy sources. For the last decade, novel piezoelectric materials, transformation mechanisms, electrical circuits, and experimental and theoretical approaches with results of computer simulation have been developed for improving different piezoelectric devices of energy harvesting. This overview presents results, obtained in the area of piezoelectric energy harvesting for the last decade, including a wide spectrum of experimental, analytical, and computer simulation investigations.
Modern Method to Analyze the Heat Transfer in a Symmetric Metallic Beam with Hole
Authors: Șova Daniela , Száva Renata Ildiko , Jármai Károly , Száva Ioan , Vlase Sorin
Published: April 2022

The paper aims to use Modern Dimensional Analysis to study the heat transmission through a rectangular bar with a hole. The problem is very important for monitoring a structure, made of such bars, to protect it from fire. The original part of the work is represented by the application of this nonconventional method in the field of heat transfer in bars of rectangular-tubular section. During system heating, the properties of the material change dramatically at high temperatures, which can lead to the collapse of the entire system. The Laws of the Model, further applied to the two sets of independent variables, provide the complete sets of dimensionless variables, which cannot be offered by any of the classical methods (such as Geometric Analogy, Theory of Similarity, and Classical Dimensional Analysis). The validation of the method was made experimental on both unprotected structural elements and those thermally protected with layers of intumescent paints, widely used in the field of fire protection. Finite Element Method was too applied to obtain the field of temperature in order to validate the model.
18F-FES PET/CT Improves the Detection of Intraorbital Metastases in Estrogen-Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer: Two Representative Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Bodapati Sandhya , Abraham Peter , Chen Angela , Guilbault Denise , McDonald Marin , Matro Jennifer , Shatsky Rebecca , Obrzut Sebastian
Published: April 2022

Orbital metastases are a rare but life-altering complication in cancer. Most commonly seen in breast cancer, metastases to the optic nerves or extraocular muscles can have a devastating impact on visual acuity and quality of life. Hormone receptor status plays a central role in metastatic breast cancer treatment, with endocrine therapy often representing first-line therapy in hormone-receptor-positive cancers. Staging and treatment response evaluation with positron emission tomography (PET) computed tomography (CT) imaging with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) is limited by high physiologic uptake in the intracranial and intraorbital compartments. Thus, traditional staging scans with 18F-FDG PET/CT may under-detect intraorbital and intracranial metastatic disease and inaccurately evaluate active metastatic disease burden. In comparison, 18F-fluoroestradiol (18F-FES) is a novel estrogen-receptor-specific PET radiotracer, which more accurately assesses the intracranial and intraorbital compartments in patients with estrogen-receptor-positive (ER+) cancers than 18F-FDG, due to lack of physiologic background activity in these regions. We present two cases of breast cancer patients with orbital metastases confirmed on MR imaging who underwent PET/CT imaging with 18F-FES and 18F-FDG. Multimodality imaging with 18F-FES PET/CT offers higher detection sensitivity of orbital metastases, compared with traditional 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging, and can improve the assessment of treatment response in patients with estrogen-receptor-positive (ER+) cancers.
Ultrasound-Guided Compression Method Effectively Counteracts Russell’s Viper Bite-Induced Pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Senthilkumaran Subramanian , Miller Stephen W. , Williams Harry F. , Vaiyapuri Rajendran , Savania Ravi , Elangovan Namasivayam , Thirumalaikolundusubramanian Ponniah , Patel Ketan , Vaiyapuri Sakthivel
Published: April 2022

Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii), one of the ‘Big Four’ venomous snakes in India, is responsible for the majority of snakebite-induced deaths and permanent disabilities. Russell’s viper bites are known to induce bleeding/clotting abnormalities, as well as myotoxic, nephrotoxic, cytotoxic and neurotoxic envenomation effects. In addition, they have been reported to induce rare envenomation effects such as priapism, sialolithiasis and splenic rupture. However, Russell’s viper bite-induced pseudoaneurysm (PA) has not been previously reported. PA or false aneurysm is a rare phenomenon that occurs in arteries following traumatic injuries including some animal bites, and it can become a life-threatening condition if not treated promptly. Here, we document two clinical cases of Russell’s viper bites where PA has developed, despite antivenom treatment. Notably, a non-surgical procedure, ultrasound-guided compression (USGC), either alone, or in combination with thrombin was effectively used in both the cases to treat the PA. Following this procedure and additional measures, the patients made complete recoveries without the recurrence of PA which were confirmed by subsequent examination and ultrasound scans. These data demonstrate the development of PA as a rare complication following Russell’s viper bites and the effective use of a simple, non-surgical procedure, USGC for the successful treatment of PA. These results will create awareness among healthcare professionals on the development of PA and the use of USGC in snakebite victims following bites from Russell’s vipers, as well as other viper bites.
Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Trichinellosis and T. Solium Cysticercosis in Indigenous Pigs in Hoa Binh Province, Vietnam
Authors: Le Trang Thi-Huyen , Vu-Thi Nga , Dang-Xuan Sinh , Nguyen-Viet Hung , Pham-Duc Phuc , Nguyen-Thanh Luong , Pham-Thi Ngoc , Noh John , Mayer-Scholl Anne , Baumann Maximilian , Meemken Diana , Unger Fred
Published: April 2022

Trichinellosis and cysticercosis remain challenges to human health and animal productivity worldwide, especially in developing countries. While information on the occurrence of both diseases is infrequent, they are endemic in parts of Vietnam and mainly related to indigenous pigs kept by ethnic minorities. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of both diseases in indigenous pigs and explore the perception and awareness of both human and pig trichinellosis and cysticercosis of pig farmers. A total of 352 pig sera samples from 131 holdings were collected and analyzed using ELISA antibody tests in six communes in the Da Bac districts of Hoa Binh province, Vietnam. A survey was conducted with representatives from these households to understand the knowledge and perspective on food-borne parasitic diseases. Overall, the seroprevalence of trichinellosis and T. solium cysticercosis was 13.6% (95% CI 10.2–17.7) and 1.7% (95% CI 0.6–3.7), respectively. The seroprevalence of trichinellosis was significantly higher in female and older pigs. Risk perception and knowledge of interviewed people on both human and pig trichinellosis and cysticercosis of pig farmers was poor. Risky practices, including free roaming of pigs and eating undercooked or fermented pork, were observed. Educational and awareness campaigns aligned with further research on feasible practice changes are critical to addressing these issues.
Short-Term and Long-Term COVID-19 Pandemic Forecasting Revisited with the Emergence of OMICRON Variant in Jordan
Authors: Hussein Tareq , Hammad Mahmoud H. , Surakhi Ola , AlKhanafseh Mohammed , Fung Pak Lun , Zaidan Martha A. , Wraith Darren , Ershaidat Nidal
Published: April 2022

Three simple approaches to forecast the COVID-19 epidemic in Jordan were previously proposed by Hussein, et al.: a short-term forecast (STF) based on a linear forecast model with a learning database on the reported cases in the previous 5–40 days, a long-term forecast (LTF) based on a mathematical formula that describes the COVID-19 pandemic situation, and a hybrid forecast (HF), which merges the STF and the LTF models. With the emergence of the OMICRON variant, the LTF failed to forecast the pandemic due to vital reasons related to the infection rate and the speed of the OMICRON variant, which is faster than the previous variants. However, the STF remained suitable for the sudden changes in epi curves because these simple models learn for the previous data of reported cases. In this study, we revisited these models by introducing a simple modification for the LTF and the HF model in order to better forecast the COVID-19 pandemic by considering the OMICRON variant. As another approach, we also tested a time-delay neural network (TDNN) to model the dataset. Interestingly, the new modification was to reuse the same function previously used in the LTF model after changing some parameters related to shift and time-lag. Surprisingly, the mathematical function type was still valid, suggesting this is the best one to be used for such pandemic situations of the same virus family. The TDNN was data-driven, and it was robust and successful in capturing the sudden change in +qPCR cases before and after of emergence of the OMICRON variant.
Dynamics and Drivers of Water Clarity Derived from Landsat and In-Situ Measurement Data in Hulun Lake from 2010 to 2020
Authors: Zhao Chuanwu , Zhang Yuhuan , Guo Wei , Fahad Baqa Muhammad
Published: April 2022

Water clarity (Secchi disk depth, SDD), as a proxy of water transparency, provides important information on the light availability to the lake ecosystem, making it one of the key indicators for evaluating the water ecological environment, particularly in nutrient-rich inland lakes. Hulun Lake, the fifth largest lake in China, has faced severe water quality challenges in the past few decades, e.g., high levels of phosphorus and nitrogen, leading to lake eutrophication. However, under such a serious context, the temporal and spatial dynamics of SDD in Hulun Lake are still unclear. In this paper, we obtained the best model input parameters by using stepwise linear regression models to test field measurements against remote sensing band information, and then developed the SDD satellite algorithm suitable for Hulun Lake by comparing six models (i.e., linear, quadratic, cubic, exponential, power, and logarithmic). The results showed that (1) B3/(B1 + B4) [red/(blue-near-infrared)] was the most sensitive parameter for transparency (R = 0.84) and the exponential model was the most suitable transparency inversion model for Hulun Lake (RMSE = 0.055 m, MAE = 0.003 m), (2) The annual mean SDD of Hulun Lake was higher in summer than in autumn, the summer SDD decreased from 2010 (0.23 m) to 2020 (0.17 m), and the autumn SDD increased from 2010 (0.06 m) to 2020 (0.16 m). The SDD in the littoral zones of Hulun Lake was less than that in the central part; (3) meteorological conditions (i.e., precipitation and wind speed) were highly correlated with the variation of SDD. Cropland expansion was the possible reason for the low SDD at the entrance of Hulun Lake flow. The findings of this study have important implications for the development and implementation of ecological protection and restoration strategies in the Hulun Lake basin.
Aspek Biopolitik Dalam Sekuritisasi COVID-19 Oleh WHO (World Health Organization)
Authors: Nashuhah Nur
Published: April 2022

Artikel ini secara kritis terlibat dengan upaya baru-baru ini untuk membingkai pandemi global COVID-19 sebagai masalah keamanan internasional. Sekuritisasi COVID-19 itu penting, menurut artikel itu, bukan hanya karena itu adalah cara baru untuk mengkonseptualisasikan pandemi COVID-19 global, tetapi juga karena menandai situs kontemporer yang penting untuk penyebaran global ekonomi biopolitik kekuasaan yang berputar. seputar pemerintahan 'kehidupan'. Dimensi biopolitik pada sekuritisasi COVID-19 oleh WHO (World Health Organization ini memainkan serangkaian praktik sosial yang berpotensi memunculkan normalisasi atau new normal yang menurut artikel tersebut, harus dihindari oleh aktor politik internasional dalam upaya mereka untuk menemukan tanggapan yang tepat dan efektif terhadap pandemi global COVID- 19 pandemi. Cara meminimalkan bahaya ini dieksplorasi dalam kesimpulan artikel ini.       
Kata kunci: Covid-19, biopolitik, biopower, Foucault, normalization securitization, security
PERAN PMDN DAN PMA TERHADAP PENURUNAN ANGKA KEMISKINAN DI INDONESIA
Authors: S Suryatno Wiganepdo , Soegoto Herman S
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this study is to find out the role of Domestic Investment (PMDN) and Foreign Investment (PMA) to reduce poverty in Indonesia. This study uses quantitative methods by processing data on the number of PMDN and PMA and the magnitude of poverty rates issued by the Central Bureau of Statistics, Bank Indonesia and the Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration. The analysis uses the method of panel least square dummy variables by conducting a combination analysis of time series data and cross section data by taking samples in 33 provinces in Indonesia. The amount of data used is a ten-year span, i.e., from 2010 to 2019. The results of the study prove that when there is an increase in domestic investment in thirty provinces in Indonesia, the poverty rate in Indonesia will decrease. The same result also occurred that foreign investment has a significant effect on the poverty rate in Indonesia.  Although in general PMDN and PMA have a positive and significant effect in helping accelerate the reduction of poverty in Indonesia, based on the results of the analysis there are one to two provinces where PMDN or PMA do not have a positive effect and significant to reduce poverty in the province. Based on the results of this analysis, it is expected that the government can continue to encourage and create rules and policies that help increase the amount of investment through PMDN and PMA in all provinces, especially provinces that have a positive impact with the PMDN and PMA to improve people's welfare while reducing poverty in all provinces in Indonesia.
PID 1: BACOREHUIS F2015, NUEVA VARIEDAD DE TRIGO HARINERO PARA ÁREAS DE RIEGO EN MÉXICO
Authors: Rosales-Serna Rigoberto , Flores-Gallardo Hilario
Published: April 2022

La superficie promedio anual sembrada con frijol en el estado de Durango, México, fue de 223 mil hectáreas entre los años 2016 y 2020, con una producción anual promedio de 89 mil toneladas de grano en siembras de temporal (secano) y con un rendimiento promedio de 408 kg ha-1 para dicho período (SIAP, 2021). Durante el año agrícola 2020, el rendimiento promedio obtenido en temporal fue de 210 kg ha-1, mientras que en riego se obtuvieron 1462 kg ha-1, aunque en esta condición se sembraron únicamente 1368 ha (SIAP, 2021).