bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of the Perceptual Gap between Experts and Public for the Successful Implementation of New Policies: Evidence from the Educational Policy Development
Authors: Lee Jin Suk , Song Tae Ho
Published: March 2022

Understanding the difference between the viewpoints of experts and the public and communicating are very important processes to prevent wasteful conflicts and achieve successful implementation of new policies. This study compares the structures of perceptions representing the views of experts and the public as subjects in research papers and newspaper articles of national education policy using semantic network analysis and overlay mapping. Data are collected from the Korean education system, where it is convenient to collect national-level educational policy data. The results show the group of education experts showed great interest in the core concepts of the revised curriculum and its implementation, focusing on abstract theories, whereas the public showed greater interest in practical problems and the outcomes of the revision rather than the process of revision of the curriculum. It clearly highlights the differences in and causes of the reactions of experts and the views of the public to newly developed national education policies, thereby presenting implications for the successful design of important national programs that include education policies for the future.
Characterization of Emissions in Fab Labs: An Additive Manufacturing Environment Issue
Authors: Khaki Shirin , Rio Maud , Marin Philippe
Published: March 2022

The emergence of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, such as 3D printing and laser cutting, has created opportunities for new design practices covering a wide range of fields and a diversity of learning and teaching settings. The potential health impact of particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from AM technologies is, therefore, a growing concern for makers. The research behind this paper addresses this issue by applying an indoor air quality assessment protocol in an educational fabrication laboratory. The paper presents the evaluation of the particle emission rate of different AM technologies. Real-time monitoring of multiple three-dimensional Polylactic Acid (PLA), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE) printers and Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) laser cutters was performed in different usage scenarios. Non-contact electrical detectors and off-line gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were used to detect VOCs. The results show that the emitted particle surface area concentrations vary between 294 and 406.2 μm2/cm3 for three-dimensional printers, and between 55.06 and 92.3 μm2/cm3 for laser cutters. The experiments demonstrate that the emission concentrations were highly dependent on the filtration systems in place. The highest quantities of VOCs emitted included Cyclohexene and Benzyl Alcohol for PLA, ABS and TPE 3D printers, and formic acid and Xylene for PMMA laser cutters. The experiment concludes that signature emissions are detectable for a given material type and an AM technology pair. A suitable mitigation strategy can be specified for each signature detected. Finally, this paper outlines some guidelines for improving indoor air quality in such specific environments. The data provided, as well as the proposed indoor air quality protocol, can be used as a baseline for future studies, and thus help to determine whether the proposed strategies can enhance operator and bystander safety.
Analysis of Risk Factors Affecting Urban Truck Traffic Accident Severity in Korea
Authors: Chen Maowei , Zhou Lele , Choo Sangho , Lee Hyangsook
Published: March 2022

Due to increases in truck traffic, truck traffic safety has become an unavoidable societal issue in Korea. Truck traffic accidents were responsible for 24% of all traffic deaths in 2019, and the fatality rate was significantly higher than that of other forms of traffic. This study analyzes not only the driver and environmental factors, but also the traffic condition factors which are considered to contribute to the severity of truck traffic accidents, and presents practical truck safety solutions based on the findings. This study examines the fatal and serious injury truck traffic accidents in Incheon, which has large logistics facilities and the highest fatality rate (3.3) in Korea’s capital area. According to the regression analysis results, ‘Nighttime’, ‘Vehicle-single’, ‘Vehicle to Pedestrian’, ‘Lane violation’, and ‘Signal violation’ contribute to the severity of truck traffic accidents. Furthermore, truck traffic accidents in the logistics influencing area are more likely to be serious than in the non-influencing area. In terms of the traffic condition factors, the number of lanes, the maximum speed, and the number of road property-changing nodes were significant. The results of this study will provide useful data for establishing traffic safety policies in urban areas.
A Multicriteria Decision-Making Approach of “Tree” Meaning in the New Urban Context
Authors: Sturiale Luisa , Scuderi Alessandro , Timpanaro Giuseppe
Published: March 2022

Future cities will need to plan and design urban green spaces and woodlands to meet diverse interests and needs, provide ecosystem services required by an evolving urban society and improve continuity between urban and rural spaces. This future planning approach calls for more sustainable patterns of urban growth, where forests and green spaces can help create more sustainable, resilient and inclusive cities, and address the challenges of a growing urban population. Green areas are of strategic significance because in addition to absorbing harmful pollutants, improving temperatures, and mitigating the impacts of climate change, they have a positive effect on people’s health and well-being and help to create inclusive societies. The values considered are manifold and a multi-criteria assessment, including an evaluation of citizens’ perceived needs, allowing policy-makers to steer choices towards green-oriented urban planning tools, where green spaces and urban forests enable them to meet the challenges of future cities. The research presented here is part of this line of study in order to propose a tool to support stakeholders’ decisions on urban green planning. The objectives of the study are to find out about the perception of urban green spaces and examine what kind of relationship should be established between the local authority and the population with regard to information and participation in the planning of green areas. The results highlight that citizens recognise the importance of ecosystem services and perceive green areas as strategic elements of urban quality of life, in agreement with some previous studies conducted in Italy and other countries.
Cryosphere Microbiome Biobanks for Mountain Glaciers in China
Authors: Ma Anzhou , Zhang Jiejie , Liu Guohua , Zhuang Xuliang , Zhuang Guoqiang
Published: March 2022

The glaciers in China have an important role as one of the most climate-sensitive constituents of the Tibetan Plateau which is known as the Asian Water Tower. Although the cryosphere is one of the most extreme environments for organisms, the soils of the glacier foreland harbor surprisingly rich microbiomes. A large amount of accelerated glacier retreat accompanied by global warming will not only raise the sea level, but it will also lead to the massive release of a considerable amount of carbon stored in these glaciers. The responses of glacier microbiomes could alter the biogeochemical cycle of carbon and have a complex impact on climate change. Thus, understanding present-day and future glacier microbiome changes is crucial to assess the feedback on climate change and the impacts on ecosystems. To this end, we discuss here the diversity and biogeochemical functions of the microbiomes in Chinese mountain glacier ecosystems.
Ports Opening for Seafarer Change during the COVID-19: Models and Applications
Authors: Guo Yu , Yan Ran , Wu Yiwei , Wang Hans
Published: March 2022

Countries around the world have tightened their border controls in response to the spread of COVID-19. Consequently, seafarers are prohibited from boarding or leaving ships at most ports, with few exceptions. This situation means that seafarers are highly likely to serve onboard vessels beyond their contracted shifts. Most seafarers are prone to depression because they have to spend long periods at sea away from family and friends, and, thus, banning crew changes will put their mental health further at risk. This will increase the likelihood of maritime accidents, thus jeopardizing global supply chains and ultimately exacerbating current hardships. To tackle this emergency, the International Maritime Organization and the European Commission have called on governments to coordinate efforts to designate ports for crew changes during the pandemic. This study aims to solve the crew change problem by using an integer linear programming model. In the sensitivity analysis section, we find that the number of opening ports for crew changes and the cost of crew changes decrease when the cost of opening ports increases. The results show governments will not invest in opening more ports when the cost of opening ports increases. However, the penalty increases when the number of open ports decreases, and the cost of opening ports increases. As the number of crew changes is decreasing, this leads to the penalty increasing, when the number of open ports decreases.
Digital Tourism: An Alternative View on Cultural Intangible Heritage and Sustainability in Tavira, Portugal
Authors: Gonçalves Alexandra Rodrigues , Dorsch Laura Lou Peres , Figueiredo Mauro
Published: March 2022

The digitalization of cultural routes and virtual storytelling has emerged as a way of showcasing to individuals the heritage of different cultural universes. Regarding this fractional environment, and as a by-product of the international EU funded iHERITAGE project, (B_A.2.1_0056), the goal is to create, through an innovation-driven growth process and technological transfer, brand strategies for the affirmation and better knowledge of intangible realities in the Mediterranean region. The Sicilian Tourism Department in Italy is the project’s lead beneficiary, with representative partners throughout six Mediterranean countries (Italy, Egypt, Spain, Jordan, Lebanon, Portugal). The case study in Portugal is being developed in Tavira, through the intangible cultural heritage of the Mediterranean diet. The research based on the cultural experience, the history of the landscape and the sense of identity and continuity of knowledge is reassigned into a digital platform—the creation of apps and, within this, the design of a virtual route that navigates key geographical places. These apps will later revolve around one of the cultural elements of the Mediterranean, namely, the olive oil activity, with a detailed presentation of the manufacturing process, as well as its didactic interpretation and dissemination about the protection and conservation of Mediterranean research. The methodological approach is developed through the analysis and interpretation of a detailed list of references, fieldwork in a plurality of sites, contextual inquiries and interviews. As a powerful tool for internet marketing and research, these apps will reinforce identity, hospitality and tourism enterprises connected through the virtual itinerary, allowing a closer interaction between tourists and locals, endorsing the rise of technological development, as well as to drastically reduce environmental and ecological risks.
Digital Economy Development and Urban Green Innovation CA-Pability: Based on Panel Data of 274 Prefecture-Level Cities in China
Authors: Wang Xueyang , Sun Xiumei , Zhang Haotian , Xue Chaokai
Published: March 2022

The digital economy (DE) plays a crucial role in green innovation (GI) and green development as a new economic form. Based on the panel data of 274 Chinese prefecture-level cities from 2011 to 2019, this paper constructs a comprehensive DE index and conducts two-way fixed effect regression to explore its impact on GI capabilities and examines the mediating effect of industrial structure transformation and upgrading. The research results show that: (1) The development of the DE has significantly improved the GI capability of cities. (2) In terms of space, the development of DE and GI ability development in eastern cities outperform that in central and western regions. However, the development of eastern cities is almost saturated and slow, while the development of central and western cities is faster. (3) The DE has a significant role in promoting GI capabilities in the central and western regions. Although the eastern region has a positive impact, it is negligible. In terms of urban scale, the DE of the large, medium, and small cities positively affects GI capabilities to the effect. (4) The transformation and upgrading of the industrial structure mediate the relationship between the DE and GI. Based on the above conclusions, relevant suggestions for improving GI capabilities around the development of the DE and industrial transformation and upgrading must be devised.
The Sustainable Development of Intangible Cultural Heritage with AI: Cantonese Opera Singing Genre Classification Based on CoGCNet Model in China
Authors: Chen Qiao , Zhao Wenfeng , Wang Qin , Zhao Yawen
Published: March 2022

Chinese Cantonese opera, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity, has faced a series of development problems due to diversified entertainment and emerging cultures. While, the management on Cantonese opera data in a scientific manner is conducive to the sustainable development of ICH. Therefore, in this study, a scientific and standardized audio database dedicated to Cantonese opera is established, and a classification method for Cantonese opera singing genres based on the Cantonese opera Genre Classification Networks (CoGCNet) model is proposed given the similarity of the rhythm characteristics of different Cantonese opera singing genres. The original signal of Cantonese opera singing is pre-processed to obtain the Mel-Frequency Cepstrum as the input of the model. The cascade fusion CNN combines each segment’s shallow and deep features; the double-layer LSTM and CNN hybrid network enhance the contextual relevance between signals. This achieves intelligent classification management of Cantonese opera data, meanwhile effectively solving the problem that existing methods are difficult to classify accurately. Experimental results on the customized Cantonese opera dataset show that the method has high classification accuracy with 95.69% Precision, 95.58% Recall and 95.60% F1 value, and the overall performance is better than that of the commonly used neural network models. In addition, this method also provides a new feasible idea for the sustainable development of the study on the singing characteristics of the Cantonese opera genres.
Zeta/Flyback Hybrid Converter for Solar Power Applications
Authors: Tseng Sheng-Yu , Fan Jun-Hao
Published: March 2022

This paper presents a zeta/flyback hybrid converter with a PV array as its power source for an LED street light or digital signage application. When the PV array is used in a LED lighting system, it needs a battery charger and discharger. In order to increase the areas of application for different PV arrays, a zeta converter has been adopted as the battery charger. In addition, since a flyback converter has a simpler circuit, it is used as the battery discharger. Due to the leakage inductor of the transformer in the flyback converter, an active clamp circuit is used to recover the energy stored in leakage inductance. Zeta and flyback converters use switch integration techniques to form the proposed zeta/flyback hybrid converter. With this approach, the proposed system has less components, a lighter weight, a smaller size, and higher conversion efficiency. Finally, a prototype of the proposed hybrid converter with an output voltage of 12 V and output power of 50 W has been implemented to verify its feasibility. It is suitable for LED lighting system applications.
Different Ground Subsidence Contributions Revealed by Integrated Discussion of Sentinel-1 Datasets, Well Discharge, Stratigraphical and Geomorphological Data: The Case of the Gioia Tauro Coastal Plain (Southern Italy)
Authors: Cianflone Giuseppe , Vespasiano Giovanni , Tolomei Cristiano , De Rosa Rosanna , Dominici Rocco , Apollaro Carmine , Walraevens Kristine , Polemio Maurizio
Published: March 2022

Groundwater is the main water supply for agricultural and industrial needs in many coastal plains worldwide. Groundwater depletion often triggers land subsidence, which threatens manmade infrastructure and activities and aggravates other geohazards. We applied a multi-temporal interferometric synthetic aperture radar technique to Sentinel-1 datasets to detect ground motion in the Gioia Tauro plain (Calabria, Southern Italy) from 2018 to 2021. The InSAR data were analysed through the integrated use of groundwater head, stratigraphical and geomorphological data, and land use information to distinguish the potential subsidence divers. The results show that subsiding areas, with a mean rate of about 10 mm/yr, are in the middle of the plain, and their location is influenced by the spatial distribution of compressible sediments included in the shallow aquifer. Furthermore, the subsidence arrangement is spatially accordant with the main groundwater depression area, which can be ascribed to the ongoing and increasing water pumping for predominantly agricultural usage. We also observed that subsidence (up to 10 mm/yr) affects the western dock of the Gioia Tauro harbour, in front of which, in very shallow water, are two submarine canyon heads already affected by slides in the past.
Impact of Parasocial Interaction, Perceived Ad Message Authenticity, and Match-Up between Brand and Celebrity in Evaluation of Instagram Celebrity-Based Brand Endorsement
Authors: Um Namhyun
Published: March 2022

Within the context of Instagram celebrity-based brand endorsement, this study investigates the effects of parasocial interaction, perceived ad message authenticity, and the match-up between brand and celebrity. An online survey was administered to 253 college students taking introductory advertising or PR courses. Respondents, in return, received course credits. As hypothesized, study results reveal that parasocial interaction positively influences perceived ad message authenticity, the match-up between brand and celebrity, and attitude toward ads. In addition, perceived ad message authenticity and the match-up between brand and celebrity have a positive impact on consumers’ attitudes toward ads. The current study provides advertising practitioners with implications when it comes to creating advertising campaign messages and selecting celebrity endorsers.
How Does Environmental Protection Tax Affect Corporate Environmental Investment? Evidence from Chinese Listed Enterprises
Authors: Cheng Zhice , Chen Xinyuan , Wen Huwei
Published: March 2022

This study mainly investigates the nexus of environmental protection tax and corporate environmental investment using a quasi-natural experiment and the difference-in-difference method. On the basis of 422 Chinese listed enterprises from 2012 to 2020, empirical results show that environmental protection tax has significantly reduced corporate environmental investment in China. In terms of mechanism, environmental protection tax inhibits corporate environmental investment through the financing constraints and the substitution effect of innovation investment. In terms of heterogeneity, environmental protection tax has a significant inhibitory effect on environmental investment for large firms, state-owned firms, and firms located in cities with strict regulations and economically developed cities. Environmental protection tax has a negative effect on corporate environmental investment, mainly through direct effect, innovation substitution effect, and financing inhibition effect.
Response Surface Method to Calculate Energy Savings Associated with Thermal Comfort Improvement in Buildings
Authors: García-Cuadrado Juan , Conserva Andrea , Aranda Juan , Zambrana-Vasquez David , García-Armingol Tatiana , Millán Gema
Published: March 2022

In developed countries, a large part of the building stock in 2050 will consist of currently existing buildings. Consequently, in order to achieve the objectives in terms of energy efficiency in the building sector we must consider not only new infrastructures but also the old ones. A reduction in energy consumption for climate control of between 50 and 90% can be achieved by rehabilitation and the implementation of different energy efficiency measures. Currently, these measures to reduce energy consumption and associated CO2 emissions can be modelled using computer tools. However, high precision and detail of thermal behaviour models through simulations can mean a great computational cost for companies, which results in a blockage of servers and workers. In this paper, the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is presented as an innovative methodology for the simplification of models for calculation of the energy savings associated with thermal comfort improvement in buildings. A single-family house model, located in three different climates, is presented as a case study in order to validate the proposed methodology. Different scenarios were simulated, addressing heating and cooling temperature set points and external wall insulation represented by the transmittance (U-value). Results obtained from energy simulation using Design Builder were contrasted against those estimated from the simplified model extracted from the RSM analysis. The results revealed a deviation lower than 3% when comparing both methods. Therefore, the simplified mathematical prediction models are demonstrated to be suitable for the study of the energy performance of buildings, saving computational time, costs and associated human resources.
Impacts of Digital Technologies for the Provision of Energy Market Services on the Safety of Residents and Consumers
Authors: Strielkowski Wadim , Kovaleva Olga , Efimtseva Tatiana
Published: March 2022

Our paper tackles the topic of the digital technologies (represented by the information and communication technologies (ICT)) and the sustainable transformation and energy safety in households represented by the smart homes and the traditional households using smart appliances, gadgets, as well as smart meters connected to the Internet. The rapid growth and adoption of information and communication technologies, such as computers, mobile devices, sensors, and networks, can seriously affect the ways and amounts of energy used by society on its path toward sustainable development. There is a growing interest in characterizing the net energy impact of ICT as well as the Internet of Things (IoT) that arises from indirect effects that offset (or amplify) the energy directly consumed by ICT equipment. However, the society might need some time to build the trust in these new digital technologies and develop the wide social acceptance for their usage. In order to test these assumptions, we employ an empirical econometric model based on the data obtained from the online survey carried out with the randomly selected respondents (N = 523) from Russian Federation and the four European Union (EU) countries (Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, and Slovakia). Even with regard to the small size of the sample and thence the limitations stemming from that fact, our results demonstrate that familiarity with smart home technologies and the possibility to alter the tariffs and use flexible energy demand increase the safety of residents and consumers. In addition, it appears that energy efficiency is being rewarded, as energy consumption is sensitive to time constraints on supply. Furthermore, we find that respondents’ age (43% of the respondents belonged to the 36–55 age group), positive attitude to smart home technologies and the possibility to exploit the flexibility of demand offered by the variety of energy tariffs during and off-peaks all yield quite strong and positive relationships and correlations with the willingness to accept the smart home technology and the flexibility of demand. At the same time, concerns over personal security or sharing personal data related to energy consumption do not constitute major concerns for the respondents. Our results have some important impacts on the overall strategy for pursuing sustainable economic development and following the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that might be useful for stakeholders and policymakers as well as for the researchers in this field.
Nature Interpretation as an Environmental Educational Approach in Visitor Management; The Application Dilemma for Different Target Groups at Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Authors: Juma Leanard Otwori , Khademi-Vidra Anikó
Published: March 2022

Various scholars have endorsed contemporary visitor management strategies broadly categorized as hard or soft approaches. The hard strategies like area closure, penalties, patrols, or limiting access have been deemed punitive and restrictive to visitors seeking escape into natural environments. On the other hand, nature interpretation (NI) and general conservation information, christened as soft strategy, are pushed as complementary or alternative non-obstructive visitor management tactics. However, these arguments notwithstanding, questions linger about the choice of appropriate NI strategies, their application, and their effectiveness. This study sought to establish which NI and visitor information approaches can be used be to manage visitors by target group effectively at the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. Data was collected by surveying n = 570 respondents that constituted visitors (n = 413) and tour guides (n = 157) participating in wildlife tourism at MMNR over six months. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to present and analyze data with spearman’s correlation used for testing the relationships to answer the research question. Study results established mixed results with different NI attributes comprising a few weak, some very weak, and the majority no correlations with the respondents’ demographics. The month of the visit and type of vehicle used had very weak negative correlations with attributes of NI, generally implying inverse relationships. Nationality and gender had the least correlations, while the month of visit and the purpose of the visit had the highest number of correlations with, the latter having slightly stronger correlations. Display boards and orientation signage had the highest number of very weak and weak correlations with nearly all the respondents’ demographics except nationality and gender. Visitor codes/do’s and don’ts followed with tour guiding with no correlations with almost all the demographics. The study recommends continuous improvement of all NI approaches at the MMNR, with urgency being given to display boards and orientation signage followed by visitor codes and tour guiding, as evidenced from findings. The study further recommends research on contemporary trends in NI and conservation education and information dissemination.
A GCM Neural Network with Piecewise Logistic Chaotic Map
Authors: Jia Nuo , Wang Tao
Published: March 2022

In order to explore dynamic mechanisms and chaos control of globally coupled map (GCM) chaotic neural networks, a new GCM model, called the PL-GCM model is proposed, of which a piecewise logistic chaotic map is used instead of a logistic map. As a result of the strong chaotic features of the map, the neurons’ period and chaotic characteristics over a wide range of parameters are discussed, the dynamic mechanism is demonstrated in detail, and the numerical simulations such as state evolution, the largest Lyapunov exponent (LLE), contour map, and so on are exhibited. Furthermore, chaos control of the proposed PL-GCM model is investigated by adopting two chaos control methods. It is shown that the network with conventional coupling or delay coupling can be precisely controlled to any specified periodic orbit by feedback control, and its dynamic associative memory is realized by the variable threshold parameter control method with external information. The results of simulations and experiments suggest that the network is controlled successfully and can output period patterns with a specified period that contains the stored pattern closest to the initial pattern. All features suggest that the network is fit for pattern recognition and information processing.
Frontal Asymmetry as a Neural Correlate of Motivational Conflict
Authors: Lacey Micayla French , Gable Philip A.
Published: March 2022

Motivational systems of approach, avoidance, and inhibition are fundamental to human behavior. While past research has linked approach motivation with greater relative left frontal asymmetry, many attempts to link avoidance motivation with greater relative right frontal asymmetry have been mixed. These mixed effects could be due to coactivation of the avoidance and behavioral inhibition system (BIS). Much recent evidence indicates that the behavioral inhibition system may be associated with greater relative right frontal activation. The current review examines evidence linking traits associated with the behavioral inhibition system with resting right frontal asymmetry. Other research links individual differences associated with the behavioral inhibition system with state changes in relative right frontal asymmetry. Moreover, activation of the behavioral inhibition system, but not activation of withdrawal motivation, increases greater relative right frontal asymmetry. Together, this work highlights the role of relative frontal asymmetry as a neural correlate in motivational conflict and helps to disentangle behavioral inhibition from avoidance motivation.
Role of Power Converters in Inductive Power Transfer System for Public Transport—A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Varikkottil Sooraj , Lionel Febin Daya John , Srinivasan Mohan Krishna , Williamson Sheldon , Kannan Ramani , Izhar Lila Iznita
Published: March 2022

IPT (inductive power transfer) charging is a highly flexible concept that allows for charging at any possible opportunity and is highly versatile for vehicles of all sizes. IPT wireless charging technology employs high-power inductive energy transfer between the components embedded into streets and the receiving equipment mounted below the vehicle. When the vehicle moves over the charging point, the contactless charging process is initiated between the components and the vehicle. In this work, the role of power converter topologies in IPT systems are studied for electric vehicle (EV) charging applications. Further, the predominant topologies are compared and analyzed in detail. The contingency in misalignment, loading and frequency shift are discussed for various converter topologies. The tolerance in misalignment poses serious challenges for wireless chargers in EVs. Therefore, there is currently a need to design a symmetric IPT system with multiple decoupled receiving coils. The significance of power inverter topologies for achieving resonance, as well as the generation of high-frequency supply, has been studied in detail. Experimental waveforms that are related to the explanations in this work are provided to substantiate the advantages regarding the converters.
Finite Element Modeling of Quantitative Ultrasound Analysis of the Surgical Margin of Breast Tumor
Authors: Paul Koushik , Razmi Samuel , Pockaj Barbara A. , Ladani Leila , Stromer Jeremy
Published: March 2022

Ultrasound is commonly used as an imaging tool in the medical sector. Compared to standard ultrasound imaging, quantitative ultrasound analysis can provide more details about a material microstructure. In this study, quantitative ultrasound analysis was conducted through computational modeling to detect various breast duct pathologies in the surgical margin tissue. Both pulse-echo and pitch-catch methods were evaluated for a high-frequency (22–41 MHz) ultrasound analysis. The computational surgical margin modeling was based on various conditions of breast ducts, such as normal duct, ductal hyperplasia, DCIS, and calcification. In each model, ultrasound pressure magnitude variation in the frequency spectrum was analyzed through peak density and mean-peak-to-valley distance (MPVD) values. Furthermore, the spectral patterns of all the margin models were compared to extract more pathology-based information. For the pitch-catch mode, only peak density provided a trend in relation to different duct pathologies. For the pulse-echo mode, only the MPVD was able to do that. From the spectral comparison, it was found that overall pressure magnitude, spectral variation, peak pressure magnitude, and corresponding frequency level provided helpful information to differentiate various pathologies in the surgical margin.
Pre-Procedure Thrombocytopenia and Leukopenia Association with Risk for Infection in Image-Guided Tunneled Central Venous Catheter Placement
Authors: Luman Abigail , Quencer Keith B. , Kaufman Claire
Published: March 2022

Placement of image-guided tunneled and non-tunneled large-bore central venous catheters (CVCs) are common procedures in interventional radiology. Although leukopenia and/or thrombocytopenia are common at the time of placement, the roles these factors may have in subsequent catheter-related infection have yet to be investigated. A single-institution retrospective review was performed in patients who underwent CVC placement in interventional radiology between 11/2018–6/2019. The electronic medical record was used to obtain demographics, procedure details, pre-placement laboratory values, and the subsequent 90-day follow-up. A total of 178 tunneled and non-tunneled CVCs met inclusion criteria during this time period. White blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts were found to be significant risk factors for subsequent infection. Administration of pre-procedure antibiotics was not found to be a significant factor for subsequent infection (p = 0.075). Leukopenia and thrombocytopenia at the time of CVC placement are both risk factors of line infection for tunneled large-bore CVCs. This should lead to the consideration of using a non-tunneled CVC when clinically feasible, or the delayed placement of these catheters until counts recover.
Computerized Decision Support for Bladder Cancer Treatment Response Assessment in CT Urography: Effect on Diagnostic Accuracy in Multi-Institution Multi-Specialty Study
Authors: Sun Di , Hadjiiski Lubomir , Alva Ajjai , Zakharia Yousef , Joshi Monika , Chan Heang-Ping , Garje Rohan , Pomerantz Lauren , Elhag Dean , Cohan Richard H. , Caoili Elaine M. , Kerr Wesley T. , Cha Kenny H. , Kirova-Nedyalkova Galina , Davenport Matthew S. , Shankar Prasad R. , Francis Isaac R. , Shampain Kimberly , Meyer Nathaniel , Barkmeier Daniel , Woolen Sean , Palmbos Phillip L. , Weizer Alon Z. , Samala Ravi K. , Zhou Chuan , Matuszak Martha
Published: March 2022

This observer study investigates the effect of computerized artificial intelligence (AI)-based decision support system (CDSS-T) on physicians’ diagnostic accuracy in assessing bladder cancer treatment response. The performance of 17 observers was evaluated when assessing bladder cancer treatment response without and with CDSS-T using pre- and post-chemotherapy CTU scans in 123 patients having 157 pre- and post-treatment cancer pairs. The impact of cancer case difficulty, observers’ clinical experience, institution affiliation, specialty, and the assessment times on the observers’ diagnostic performance with and without using CDSS-T were analyzed. It was found that the average performance of the 17 observers was significantly improved (p = 0.002) when aided by the CDSS-T. The cancer case difficulty, institution affiliation, specialty, and the assessment times influenced the observers’ performance without CDSS-T. The AI-based decision support system has the potential to improve the diagnostic accuracy in assessing bladder cancer treatment response and result in more consistent performance among all physicians.
Exploring “Smart and Green” Concepts: A New Synergy for Irish Hospitality
Authors: Tan Yi Sheng , Wright Angela S.
Published: March 2022

The spotlight on “smart and green” has never been so bright and, within the hotel sector, emphasis on opportunities such as sustainability and digitisation are quickly shaping the agenda. This paper explores key components of the “smart and green” agenda among Irish hotels in the Republic of Ireland and how these concepts relate to their public customer image. While the multifaceted hybrid model of “smart and green” hotels is rapidly emerging as the new theme in the sustainable tourism industry, previous literature failed to address the issue in relation to a lack of uptake from Irish hoteliers. A post-positivistic paradigm was adopted for this study. Primary data indicates that most hoteliers were positively receptive towards “smart” and “green” despite many challenges. This research will interest policy makers, central government, tourism organisations and hotel practitioners.
A Rapid Method for Detecting Microplastics Based on Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Technology (FLIM)
Authors: Zhou Fang , Wang Xin , Wang Guangxin , Zuo Yanxia
Published: March 2022

With the increasing use and release of plastic products, microplastics have rapidly accumulated in ecological environments. When microplastics enter the food chain, they cause serious harm to organisms and humans. Microplastics pollution has become a growing concern worldwide; however, there is still no standardized method for rapidly and accurately detecting microplastics. In this work, we used fluorescence lifetime imaging technology to detect four kinds of Nile red-stained and unstained microplastics, and the unique phasor fingerprints of different microplastics were obtained by phasor analysis. Tracing the corresponding pixels of the “fingerprint” in the fluorescence lifetime image allowed for the quick and intuitive identification of different microplastics and their location distributions in a mixed sample. In our work, compared with staining the four microplastics with a fluorescent dye, using the phasor “fingerprint library” formed by the autofluorescence lifetimes of the microplastics was more easily distinguished than microplastics in the mixed samples. The feasibility of this method was further tested by adding three single substances—SiO2, chitin and decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), and surface sediments to simulate interferent in the environment, and the results providing potential applications for the identification and analysis of microplastics in complex environments.
Enhanced SARS-CoV-2-Specific CD4+ T Cell Activation and Multifunctionality in Late Convalescent COVID-19 Individuals
Authors: Pavan Kumar Nathella , Moideen Kadar , Nancy Arul , Selvaraj Nandhini , Renji Rachel Mariam , Munisankar Saravanan , Thangaraj Jeromie Wesley Vivian , Muthusamy Santhosh Kumar , Kumar C. P. Girish , Bhatnagar Tarun , Ponnaiah Manickam , Ramasamy Sabarinathan , Velusamy Saravanakumar , Murhekar Manoj Vasant , Babu Subash
Published: March 2022

Background: Examination of CD4+ T cell responses during the natural course of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection offers useful information for the improvement of vaccination strategies against this virus and the protective effect of these T cells. Methods: We characterized the SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4+ T cell activation marker, multifunctional cytokine and cytotoxic marker expression in recovered coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) individuals. Results: CD4+ T-cell responses in late convalescent (>6 months of diagnosis) individuals are characterized by elevated frequencies of activated as well as mono, dual- and multi-functional Th1 and Th17 CD4+ T cells in comparison to early convalescent (<1 month of diagnosis) individuals following stimulation with SARS-CoV-2-specific antigens. Similarly, the frequencies of cytotoxic marker expressing CD4+ T cells were also enhanced in late convalescent compared to early convalescent individuals. Conclusion: Our findings from a low-to middle-income country suggest protective adaptive immune responses following natural infection of SARS-CoV-2 are elevated even at six months following initial symptoms, indicating the CD4+ T cell mediated immune protection lasts for six months or more in natural infection.
A Novel Phage Infecting the Marine Photoheterotrophic Bacterium Citromicrobium bathyomarinum
Authors: Ma Ruijie , Shao Shuai , Wei Shuzhen , Ye Junlei , Yang Yahui , Jiao Nianzhi , Zhang Rui
Published: March 2022

This study isolated and characterized a new phage infecting the marine photoheterotrophic bacterium Citromicrobium bathyomarinum, which fills the gap in research on phages targeting this ecologically important species. The phage vB_CbaS-RXM (RXM) has a dsDNA genome with a length of 104,206 bp and G+C content of 61.64%. The taxonomic analysis found a close evolutionary relationship between RXM, Erythrobacter phage vB_EliS-L02, and Sphingobium phage Lacusarx, and we propose that RXM represents a new species of the Lacusarxvirus genus. A one-step growth curve revealed a burst size of 75 plaque-forming units (PFUs) per cell in a 3-hour infection cycle. The lysis profile of RXM showed an intraspecific lethal rate of 26.3% against 38 citromicrobial strains. RXM contains 15 auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) related to diverse cellular processes, such as putative metabolic innovation and hijacking of host nucleotide metabolism to enhance its biosynthetic capacity. An in-depth analysis showed that phage functional genes strongly rely on the host for translation, while the translation of unique phage genes with less host dependency may be complemented by phage tRNA. Overall, our study investigated the infection kinetics, genetic traits, taxonomy, and predicted roles of AMGs and tRNA genes of this new phage, which contributes to a better understanding of phage diversity and phage–bacterium interactions.
Development and Large-Scale Testing of a Novel One-Step Triplex RT-qPCR Assay for Simultaneous Detection of “Neurotropic” Porcine Sapeloviruses, Teschoviruses (Picornaviridae) and Type 3 Porcine Astroviruses (Astroviridae) in Various Samples including Nasal Swabs
Authors: László Zoltán , Pankovics Péter , Reuter Gábor , Cságola Attila , Bodó Kornélia , Gáspár Gábor , Albert Mihály , Bíró Hunor , Boros Ákos
Published: March 2022

Porcine sapeloviruses, teschoviruses of family Picornaviridae and type 3 porcine astroviruses of family Astroviridae are (re-)emerging enteric pathogens that could be associated with severe, disseminated infections in swine, affecting multiple organs including the central nervous system (CNS). Furthermore, small-scale pioneer studies indicate the presence of these viruses in porcine nasal samples to various extents. The laboratory diagnostics are predominantly based on the detection of the viral RNA from faecal and tissue samples using different nucleic-acid-based techniques such as RT-qPCR. In this study, a novel highly sensitive one-step triplex RT-qPCR assay was introduced which can detect all known types of neurotropic sapelo-, tescho- and type 3 astroviruses in multiple types of samples of swine. The assay was evaluated using in vitro synthesized RNA standards and a total of 142 archived RNA samples including known sapelo-, tescho- and type 3 astrovirus positive and negative CNS, enteric and nasal specimens. The results of a large-scale epidemiological investigation of these viruses on n = 473 nasal swab samples from n = 28 industrial-type swine farms in Hungary indicate that all three neurotropic viruses, especially type 3 astroviruses, are widespread and endemically present on most of the investigated farms.
Assessment of Attitudes, Main Concerns and Sources of Knowledge Regarding COVID-19 Vaccination in Poland in the Unvaccinated Individuals—A Nationwide Survey
Authors: Babicki Mateusz , Malchrzak Wojciech , Mastalerz-Migas Agnieszka
Published: March 2022

Vaccination is the most effective tool to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is ineffective without appropriate public acceptance. In Poland, 53% of the country’s population is vaccinated, which puts us in the last position among the EU countries. Therefore, this study aims to assess the main concerns regarding vaccination in the unvaccinated population of Poland. The study was based on an original questionnaire that was distributed online. There were three phases of the study: Phase 1—before the preventive vaccination plan, Phase 2—2 months after implementation of the programme, Phase 3—after 4 months when the immunisation rate in Poland was 42%. A total of 4459 individuals participated in the study. As many as 1943 participants were excluded from the analysis due to lack of consent (30 subjects) or COVID-19 vaccination (1913 subjects). Out of the remaining 2516 unvaccinated individuals, 463 were participants in the first phase of the study, 1137 in the second phase of the study, and 916 in the third phase. As the preventive vaccination plan in Poland continued, concerns about vaccine adverse events, safety and efficacy were raised. The only lower concern was that about the vaccine transportation rules. Moreover, as the vaccination programme continued, there was an increase in the percentage of individuals declaring their full reluctance towards vaccination against COVID-19. Conclusions: The Internet is the main source of knowledge about the COVID-19 vaccination, so it should be focused on during vaccination campaigns. The public is primarily concerned about adverse events of vaccines and the lack of appropriate tests of the products used. Therefore, it is advisable to popularise the current state of knowledge and promote reliable information concerning the COVID-19 vaccination.
Capacity and Allocation across Sensory and Short-Term Memories
Authors: Wang Shaoying , Tripathy Srimant P. , Öğmen Haluk
Published: March 2022

Human memory consists of sensory memory (SM), short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM). SM enables a large capacity, but decays rapidly. STM has limited capacity, but lasts longer. The traditional view of these memory systems resembles a leaky hourglass, the large top and bottom portions representing the large capacities of SM and LTM, whereas the narrow portion in the middle represents the limited capacity of STM. The “leak” in the top part of the hourglass depicts the rapid decay of the contents of SM. However, recently, it was shown that major bottlenecks for motion processing exist prior to STM, and the “leaky hourglass” model was replaced by a “leaky flask” model with a narrower top part to capture bottlenecks prior to STM. The leaky flask model was based on data from one study, and the first goal of the current paper was to test if the leaky flask model would generalize by using a different set of data. The second goal of the paper was to explore various block diagram models for memory systems and determine the one best supported by the data. We expressed these block diagram models in terms of statistical mixture models and, by using the Bayesian information criterion (BIC), found that a model with four components, viz., SM, attention, STM, and guessing, provided the best fit to our data. In summary, we generalized previous findings about early qualitative and quantitative bottlenecks, as expressed in the leaky flask model and showed that a four-process model can provide a good explanation for how visual information is processed and stored in memory.